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My sojourn in Salem continues. I have spent these first several days at the Witch School booth at the Festival of the Dead, where I have met many delightful people. A number of those stopping by the…

My sojourn in Salem continues. I have spent these first several days at the Witch School booth at the Festival of the Dead, where I have met many delightful people. A number of those stopping by the booth have been Witch School students, which has been a special pleasure. It has also been very nice meeting the psychics at the Festival of the Dead –many of whom have been interviewed on Magick TV in years past. Terry Brady the Stone Lady with her table full of colorful stones has one of the most unique reading styles I have ever seen. I have also greatly enjoyed talking to Debra Hueselbusch and Marion Hedger, as well as Reagh Greenleaf who showed me his excellent and intricate leatherworking skills. I am also very happy to have met Vincent Russo of Arsenic and Old Lace, and the charming Snowfire.

I have had the surpassing pleasure of meeting Lori Bruno, leader of the Trinacrian Rose Tradition and heir of the celebrated Dr. Leo Martello. The Trinacrian Rose is one of the fastest growing Traditions here in Salem, and it is no wonder why –for its redoubtable matriarch is a truly remarkable person. A highly skilled Strega of long experience, Lady Lori is also a most gracious individual –as indeed, the best leaders always are.

Most remarkable to me however is the number of refugees from the CNCI who have sought me out in the short time I have been here. It’s only been about half a dozen –but I have only been here two days! Truly we knew that the Warlock Davron had hurt many people with his lies and deception, but to actually meet his victims –some people we know from before the conspiracy was revealed, others we are meeting for the first time- is truly heart rending. In all these years our single goal has been to help others –to build a stronger community, to give people the tools of self development and growth. To see a person such as the Warlock abuse so many so cavalierly makes me truly sad. The only redeeming factor is that CNCI has now wholly collapsed so hopefully those it took so much advantage of will now be free to seek a better path.

But enough of unpleasant matters –let me return to the adventure at hand.

Friday Ed, Tony, and I went to Salem Cinema for a charity presentation of “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog” staring noted Horror star Neil Patrick Harris, followed by that immortal classic the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with stage show by the Teseracte Players of Boston. The show was for the benefit of Equality Now, a charity dedicated to advancing the rights of women and children around the world. Not only did this benefit a truly worthy charity, but it was a most exciting show. Dr. Horrible was unexpectedly good, and who would expect Doogie Howser in a musical supervillain? But we really enjoyed it.

Tags: Halloween, Lewis, Salem, Samhain, Season, Wicca, Witch

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Comment by Carolann White on October 21, 2009 at 9:57am: Merry meet
I was in Salem last Sunday and visited Don & Ed at the school. I sat in on a class on ghost & spirits. I enjoyed my time there very much and would like to be included in any activities they plan for the future.
blessed be mamacarol.

Comment by Kaban Mathias on October 20, 2009 at 5:39am: I agree that I will have to experience many of these things for myself just as you have done. Thank you so much for speaking with me about these things and wish you all the best Herr Wolf!

Comment by Tony Jenkins on October 19, 2009 at 9:46pm: The Cabbot/Day situation I won't touch, nor cloud Rev. Don's blog with such things, but let me say that simply being a Wiccan doesn't make one on good terms with all Wiccans or even other Wiccan traditions. Just look at British traditionals and how they view others, especially those outside Gardnerian Wicca. But of course, there's much that can be said against that as well. For example, modern Gardnerian "secrecy" opposed to Gardner and him being a bit of a media hound and being public with his books.

The real world versus the perceived world will never cease to amaze me. Some things you just have to experience and learn for yourselves. Fortunately Witch School is providing me with several opportunities to do just this.

Comment by Kaban Mathias on October 19, 2009 at 4:34pm: Herr Wolf,

Wow, that is so much not what I expected and I would say that after reading what you have wrote agree completely about being stuck in a loop. I had no idea things, or more so views, were that way there. I guess I fell victim to the whole "Laurie Cabot" thing and thinking that Wicca was widely accepted in that area. I am glad to hear that you all are working on that as I really do want to visit Salem as a sort of pilgrimage. Thanks for your insight on this!

Comment by Karla(Moonlight Meadow) on October 19, 2009 at 12:11pm: Rev. Don,
It sounds like your are having such a wonderful time that it makes me wish I was there so I could meet all those wonderful people. I listen to Lady Lori on blog talk radio and she does seem like a wonderful lady.

Thank you for sharing with us your 2009 Salem visit. See you when you come back to Chicago!
Blessed Be!

Comment by Tony Jenkins on October 19, 2009 at 8:32am: Actually Kaban, it's a little bit of the opposite. Wicca is not as widely accepted in Salem as many would think. At least not within its own Salem witch community. Where Wicca is looked upon favorably, it's generally held in hands by a tradition, and usually of one that may not operate in a manner similar to the Correllian Wiccan Tradition. In other words, depending on your tradition, or even lack thereof, you may not be looked upon with favor.

In my experience here, the Salem witches seem to stick to their own and operate in such a way that they are a bit stuck in a loop, and thinking Salem is the "end all" of the witch world. There are a few faults in this scene, but at least for this month of October Ed Hubbard and Don Lewis can hope to rectify the problem.

Comment by Kaban Mathias on October 18, 2009 at 6:33pm: Rev. Don,

I have always dreamed of going to Salem and hope to one day arrive there and see just a wonderful place where Wicca is so widely accepted. I know this is a random question, but where would you say the best place is to eat there?!

Bright blessings as you continue your adventure there and wish you all the best!

Comment by Rev.Theresa Helton (Moonraven) on October 18, 2009 at 1:31pm: Thank you for taking time to share your experiences in Salem with us, Rev.Don! They are truly enjoyable and exciting. What wonderful adventures!