Sylvan Circle

Aurora is a High Priestess with over fifteen years as an initiate in Traditional Craft. Her training is in the Celtic Tradition with lineage from Lady Alexandria.

It was Sage who opened up the world of magick to Aurora, back when they were students together in 1985 at American University, and we have him to blame for leading her to the Wiccan path.

Aurora is married to Aldwyn and they live in Columbia, MD with two cats, a dog, and a Triumph TR6.

Aurora loves teaching. Her favorite teachings involve Nature. She often reminds that if we can't find an example in Nature, it might not be the best rule of thumb to follow. She stresses finding your own connection to Deity, through altar work, and through finding personal "sacred woods" to retreat to for guidance, perspective and grounding. Listening is her recommended method for growing wise. Listening to the trees, listening to the stones, listening to your altar, listening to your guides, listening to the gods, and listening to your gut and higher Self. She believes that there is no better teacher than experience-- though she tries to equal it.

Aurora is a bit of a perfectionist. Everyday she aspires to be her best, do her best and give her best. Another weakness is that she cares very intensely about others, and Nature, and the big web of life. (Bleeding heart Cancerian.) The rest of her weaknesses you will have to discover for yourself.

You may uncover more information about Aurora by visiting her blog at: www.myspace.com/auroraofsylvancircle.

Favorite Stones

amethyst, moss agate, garnet, emerald, apophyllite, fluorite

Favorite Trees

sycamore, Norway maple, oak, sweetgum

Favorite Deities

Kuan Yin, Coyolxuahqui, Tlaloc, Ganesh, Bast, Hermes, Janus, Yemaya, Poseidon, Sun Lord, Rhiannon

Favorite Flowers

daisy (for its simplicity and humility), freesia (for its delicious scent), and small white flowers which remind her of her love, Aldwyn

What Will Get Aurora to Roll Her Eyes

lack of humility (in particular, people who are not "real" with her), people who insist on being called "Lord" or "Lady" and conversely, those who have no formal training but see fit to disrespect the training of others, blind following of others, teachers who give false, woefully misleading or disorganized information, and people who falsely represent themselves or credentials to the Craft community. (FYI, all of Aurora's degree certificates are available for viewing by anyone upon request.)

What Will Make Aurora Light Up (and Ramble On and On)

talk about gems, trees, theology, Wiccan philosophy and ethics, ghost stories, past lives, what makes people tick/psychology

Aurora's List of Recommended Reading

Favorite Book on Wicca

"Book of Shadows" by Phyllis Curott. This book is an autobiography of a woman's path to Wicca and her initiation into the religion. It is well-written with a captivating plot that accurately reflects the experience of finding this hidden religion and the feelings its pathwork evokes. It is not a book for learning the basics of Wicca; it is a book for understanding the heartfelt aspects of Wicca, how it inspires, how it guides, why it is so personally meaningful for so many.

Other Recommended Books

Two elders Aurora knows, Lady Morganna and Lady Aradia, have written a book called "Keepers of the Flame". It contains interviews with other wonderful Wiccan elders: Lord Starspawn, Lady Ayeisha (now deceased), Lady Anitgone and Lady Trivia of KAM, and Lady Alexandria (now deceased), who initiated Aurora into the Craft. The book is available for ordering at the above link.

"Wicca" by Vivianne Crowley is an excellent book on the Craft.

"When God Was a Woman" by Merlin Stone (historical evidence of matriarchal societies in the past; crunchy with facts; controversial theory of the rise of patriarchy)

"llusions" by Richard Bach (about being open to possibilities, a magick philosophy primer)

"Behaving As If The God In All Life Mattered" by Machaelle Small Wright (about respecting Nature)

"Going to Pieces Without Falling Apart" by Mark Epstein, M.D. (written by a therapist who uses spiritual truths to assist in finding better mental and emotional well-being; EXCELLENT)

"Peace is Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hanh (how to find peace and spiritual perspective; a balance to our western left-brained habits)

"Fear No Evil" by Eva Pierrakos (a must-read for those studying for second degree; warning-- it is intense in its meanings, be prepared to grow; and be prepared to bleep over the occasional Christian terminology)

And if you simply MUST read a general Wiccan book, then Aurora recommends "Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham. Another good book is "To Ride a Silver Broomstick" by Silver RavenWolf. If there was a general informational Wiccan book that was "IT", Aurora would not teach a class, and merely send people to that book.

"The Wheel of the Year" by Pauline Campanelli is also a good Wiccan read, focussing on the holidays and seasons, with good ideas for holiday activities.