Young Adult (YA) Paranormal Romance
Author Kristin Groulx
About the Author (yoinked from my writer's net profile:)
Goddess of the quill and notoriously dangerous writer of first person prose...
AuthorKristin Groulxwrites paranormal young adult romances, chick-lit and paranormal thrillers. With a flare for the mysterious, a fascination with magic, and a passion for discovering love in its many forms, Kristin knew it was only natural to write fiction. She is also no stranger to traveling, having lived and explored the United States, Asia and Canada.
Her real life ghostly encounters are incorporated into her novels, and present a direct look at uncommon paranormal experiences. For the past decade, Kristin has dug up extensive genealogical research, ranging from tiptoeing around cemeteries and rummaging betwixt pages of census records. Her direct lineage includes several writers, journalists and editors, and perhaps even a few cauldron-brewing witches. But that last part we’ll let you decide.
Her latest adventure in writing is perfect for a teen audience of ages 13-18. The Alyson Bell series deals with some pretty dark topics, and although set in a magical setting, readers will have no trouble identifying personal situations they can relate to.
Here you can find answers to some of the questions asked by YOU.
Q: Where were you born?
A: Los Angeles, California, USA ... in the same hospital room as my mother was born, only twenty-one years later.
Q: Where have you lived? Where is your favourite?
A: I've bounced all over the map. It's been an adventure of a lifetime. Hard to pick a favourite, as they're all my favourite. However, living on the coast takes precidence over inland. The ocean always has the same view... beautiful.
Canada: Ontario
USA: California (mostly Southern), Illinois, Missouri, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia
Asia: Japan
Q: With a last name of "Groulx", you must be french?
A: Actually, no, hardly at all. It is my married name, but I love it! It translates to something like "hungry wolf". I was born with maiden name of "Carter". My family heritage is very European, with a mix of Swedish, Scots-Irish, English, German and Dutch. Genealogy is something my father has done for many years now, tracing our lineages back to the early 1500's. A few interesting tidbits we found: One of the many unique professions my ancestors had were blacksmiths and "cart-ers". In our Dutch family lineage of Van DeGrift, we are linked with author Robert Louis Stevenson. Our Swedish lineage settled and pioneered Forks, WA (home of the famous Edward Cullen ... vampire!)
Q: Is it true you went to high school in 日本国 Japan?!
A:Yep. Graduated there. Class of '89... there were 12 of us in my Senior class, and I ranked 4th. I played basketball, and was on the yearbook staff, and in the french and drama clubs. I was also a member of the National Honour Society with a GPA of 3.8. I was my Senior Class President, took correspondence courses to graduate 6 months early from the University of Nebraska and won a $500 scholarship from the Smithsonian Institute. I didn't get to see my own graduation (they mailed my diploma to me), and missed prom :( But that's okay. High School in Japan for me was very fun. I enjoyed being in a different culture from where I had grown up (mostly in Virginia). And yes, I learned only a small amount of Japanese and still remember it. I love to look back on my pictures. Let me rummage to find a picture to post.... I've got shoeboxes full ;)
Oct 2009: I have sent copies of this book series to my old high school in Japan, Ernest J. King in Sasebo. Would love to re-visit someday, along with my editor, also a former student, Eric. D. Goodman.
Q: Did you play sports in high school?
A:Yes. I was 'center' for our basketball team, King Cobras. Played for two years. I didn't think I was very good at it, but had a lot of fun trying. However, I'm excellent at 3-pointers and can still do them on a whim to this day.
We did several tournaments including traveling to Tokyo and Korea.
I also enjoyed softball and racquetball (but not so good at tennis), but swimming is my all-time favourite sport.
<-- yours truly ;)
Q: Where did you attend college/university?
A:I attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, also known as MIZZOU in Columbia, Missouri from 1989-1993 and majored in Fine Arts and Theatre, minoring in Psychology. I worked with the student government of Bingham Group (Schurz & Hatch Hall Dorms) and served as President of a service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) in 1991. I also returned to school to work with the Theatre dept. at Portland State University from 1996-1998.
Q: Where do you live now?
A: A small country village south of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada with my husband and three children and myriad of pets. The house I live in was built in 1907.
Q: So... You do the writing, the graphics and the webdesign?
A: Without sounding too egotistical, the quick answer is 'yes' ;) I've been working with graphic and webdesign for over 15 years now. Writing has always been a hobby, including writing screenplays and dialogue for video games, rpgs. It was my idea to combine my two passions and let my art and writing speak for themselves.
For years I was known for my drawings, mainly my tigers. I love working with pencil. Graphic design is my second favourite. Maybe someday I'll do a pencil drawing of "Seamus ~ the lion with eagle wings".
Want to see more of my artwork? Visit the gallery.
Lastly, Moonspinner Designs is the name of my graphics and webdesign company I manage. I've been around for a long while having various clientelle around the world, including Toronto artist Biljana. I am the webmistress for kristingroulx.com, and most recently RunGoose.com, which announces the arrival of my editor and friend's new children's book, Flightless Goose.
Q: You are an advocate for teens and teen literacy programs. What other programs are you involved with?
A:I strive to increase literacy for all countries, especially with teens. AdLit.org is one organization (Adolescent Literacy) that I am interested in working with, as well as getting more books into public and school libraries. Reading and writing are so important! Everyone should be able to learn and have availability of resources to teach them. I will work with any school, regardless of size or location.
I also believe many teens are reaching out to be heard, especially when the weight of the world is on their shoulders. Raise Your Voice (raiseyourvoice.ca) and Kids Help Phone (kidshelpphone.ca) are two excellent resources for teens to have a sounding board.
10% of all book sales from this series go to benefit Kids Help Phone. I make an annual donation at the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone, held in May in various locations including downtown Ottawa. In previous years, I have donated nearly $400 annually.
About the mis-adventures of Alyson Bell series:
Q: What was the inspiration behind the Alyson Bell series?
A: Alyson Bell is a character I created based loosely on my own experiences as a teenager, and incorporates paranormal encounters, mundane idiosyncrasies, and spiritual epiphanies all under the same roof. She is a strong heroine, a role model for young teens as they mature into young adults, and a friend people can confide in and tell their secrets to. She is discovering her own path as she comes of age. She doesn't fit into any particular clique or size or race or creed. She is smart, funny, fearless and insecure all at the same time. She is someone majority of teens will easily identify with.
I created Alyson Bell as a character teens could identify with, but don't be surprised if you see your Mom reading your book! It's a little known fact that I have many adult fans who follow the series and buy the books for their daughters, but read it first for themselves!
Q: Where do you get your ideas? They are so creative. Your work is art.
A: First of all, thank you. As for my ideas, they've come through from dreams I've had (many so vivid that I've written them down on paper just after the dream, and I've used them in stories). I keep a dream journal. Upon waking, I recall as much as possible from the dreams and write them down, add pictures, etc. and interpret them later. I also find when I meditate that I have visionary experiences that come to me either through pictoral visions or clairaudiency. When I write, as most writer's do... I go into what they call a "writer's trance" and it literally feels like a 5D experience. In this mode, I do speak with my higher self, my guides, possibly angels, etc. and record any messages that need to be told. Is this art? It is a divine experience for me nonetheless.
Q: Is the character Ethan Reilly based on any particular true love?
A: The name Ethan I picked after one of my favourite actors, Ethan Hawke. Reilly is the last name of the boy I had a crush on in 3rd grade. The character Ethan Reilly is an amalgamation of all those awkward teen moments and emotions that churned through my very being in high school/college. Seriously, what are butterflies doing in my stomach? I was *actually* very shy around boys in high school, and it was through the pitfalls of my friends heartaches that I learned just what power love and crushes actually hold. In 2008, a gentleman approached me and revealed tha Ethan Reilly is an anagram for "really thine"... I found this pretty interesting :)
Q: How many Alyson Bell books will there be?
A: The mis-adventures of Alyson Bell series will consist of at least 5 books, with one coming out each year until 2011.
Q: What is the title for book two?
A:The Curse of the Moonless Knight was released Fall 2008, just in time for Autumn and Hallowe'en. Book three has a winter theme, and four takes place in early spring. The books follow the seasons, as with each season brings new changes around and within us.
Q: What is the title for book three?
A:The Oracle of the Missing Dryad was released Late Fall 2009. Book three has a winter theme, taking place over the winter holiday of Alyson and Ethan's school.
Q: What is the title for book four (and why is it white)?
A:The Door of the Thousand Keys will be released in Early Winter 2010. Book four takes place in early Spring. The book cover is white, as it symbolizes "a new dawn" ... the new light after the cold winter's darkness has emerged. It breaks through the shadows and shines light where there was none.
Q: Is the character Alyson Bell a witch?
A: Spoiler alert ... highlight the text if you want to see it:Yes ... sort of ;) Well, she was "at one time or another" but she quickly learns that she is more than that, and something else entirely ~ I can't tell you or that would give the whole storyline away! (and you wouldn't want me to do that too soon, would you?)
I have always found humour in the mis-haps of those attempting love spells and consequences of magic wands gone awry. For Alyson, she learns that some things just "come naturally" from within, and the spell books aren't necessary.
I wanted to combine a mundane world and a magical one, as I do not see magic as happening in "some far off fantasy land" but instead right here in our own world, in our own every day lives.
Although I do keep the "hocus pocus" in the books. I find it fun and amusing to write the spells (and I do write the spells... everything is original).
Q: Who is Hremm Nevar? A:Spoiler alert ... highlight the text if you want to see it: Hremm Nevar isn't so much of a person as he/it is a thing. Anything that takes you away from the good in life or the heart of who you are and what you want to be can be considered an evil force. This could be drugs, promiscuity, abuse, negative and/or suicidal thoughts, victim consciousness ... it could be a person... it is anyone or anything that takes a part of YOU away. That is the whole of Hremm Nevar. As I have used references to angels in the series, I wanted Hremm Nevar to be the epitomy of demons... a soul stealing vampire. He or it steals a part of you... keeps you from being whole and keeps you from ascending as a soul.
What if I told you that YOU were a ghost? Would you believe me? You would if you understood why we are here on Earth. We are only fragments of who we are in the universe, in the grand spectrum. Once we have completed our task here, we can move on and ascend. We will no longer be "Earthbound" ghosts. We will be multi-dimensional selves.
Q: Can we talk about sex?
A: In a word... 'no'... ask your parents. The rule of thumb I have for my books is that it will be no more risque than your average soap opera. There are intense kissing scenes, but that is about the height of it. I do not feel adding a "sex scene" will encourage more readers, nor will it add to a storyline about teens. The books are not about having sex. If anything, they are about being emotionally ready to accept the idea and responsibility when it presents itself.
Q: Can we talk about 2012?
A: I do not believe in the "Doomsday" scenario, nor do I put energy into such negative thoughts. It is a metamorphosis. The caterpillar does not worry about becoming a butterfly, and nor should you have worry. 2012 is about to bring a huge shift of consciousness, one that revolves around LOVE and peace, and merging from a 3-dimensional, dualistic and separate way of thinking into a multi-dimensional being of oneness. What life has taught me, is that thoughts become reality. What kind of reality do you choose? What do you want 2012 and after to be like? I don't know about you, but I look forward to a life filled with love and laughter and happiness, the way a playful inner child should be. It's time to wake up. We've been asleep for far too long. Time to play ;)
Q: What is your opinion about eBooks or electronic book readers such as Kindle?
A: I think eBooks and electronic readers are a great idea for those that are interested in them. Personally, eBooks remind me of a painting that you can't touch and see all textures of. Anything electronic puts off a different energy than that of a book made of paper from trees. Books have a smell, especially old books. I'm rather fond of that smell. I decided in the early stages of Ghost of Colby Drive to create a book that would only be "print-on-demand" thus reducing the chances of extra stock being stuck in storage and trees wasted uselessly. This was my solution to not going the eBook route and still being environmentally conscious. eBooks still need to use electricity or batteries. A print book only uses human energy. That's how I see it.
Q: Will "The Ghost of Colby Drive" become a movie?
A: After watching my cast do such a wonderful job of re-enacting one of the scenes, I've been toying with the idea of making it into a screenplay, for the stage. I love live theatre (probably something deep rooted from the days of Shakespeare and his globe theatre... I can only imagine being there), and the storyline of this book doesn't rely on CGI and SFX effects to promote the story. It could easily be done through good acting, good direction, scenery changes and music, including thunderstorms. Some things are better left to the imagination..... ;) However, I would not totally shoot the idea down. There are some brilliant visionaries I would work with.
A few other random (and personal) questions about Kristin Groulx:
Q: Have you ever been in film or theatre?
A:Yes. I was a theatre major at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon and specialized in improvisational comedy (of all things). I have been in two small independent films, small roles in plays such as "Marvin's Room" and Albee's "Delicate Balance" and most recently cast as an extra for the TV movie "Dead at 17" directed by Douglas Jackson and starring Barbara Niven, which premiered May 31, 2008 on Lifetime TV. The very first play I was in, I starred as the character Pepper in "Annie" at age 10.
Recently I've had the priviledge of working with director Kendrick de Lepper of Shadowyn Films on his Youtube series "Cornwyth". My character, Tamora the sorceress, can be seen below in episode 8.
Additionally, I reprise the role in "Tales from the Staff" ~ and thus, Tamora becomes a regular character. Expect to see much more!
Q: I heard you had a link to the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Meyer...
A: My family's Swedish heritage is from Forks, WA. They settled there upon immigrating from Skone, Sweden. It's a tiny little town in the Pacific Northwest and my great-grandmother Minnie Peterson pioneered it ... she has a State Park named after her on the Hoh River. My grandfather is buried in the Forks Cemetery. I haven't been back in years. I'm happy Stephanie chose it for her locale for her series, beautiful area ... although I don't remember any vampires ;)
On a side note, the homestead that belonged to my gg-Minnie was used in the movie "New Moon" as the Edward Cullen house. Presently it is a B&B, and many of the tall trees behind and around the house were planted by my grandfather.
Q: In your bio it says you're related to other writers, etc. Who are you related to?
A: My great-grandmother, Helen Josephine Vandegrift graduated from Central High School, Akron OH (c. 1912) and Buchtel (now Akron) University (1915-19). She taught music at home for two years and then became the society page editor for the Akron Beacon Journal in 1920. During this time she also wrote several plays and stories. In 1922, she won an amateur playwright competition entitling her to enter Harvard Workshop. Instead, she became a writer for Newspaper Enterprise Association in New York City. Among the best of her many stories was an account of a trip to Florida in which she interviewed John D Rockefeller. She returned to Akron in 1924 and became a writer for The Beacon Journal. In May 1925, she married William H. Rigby, a local book store owner. (Contemporary accounts state she was his first customer). She then wrote a syndicated column for the newspaper titled "Demitasse and Mrs Grundy" which included, among other things, references to her family life at 320 Fairy Street.
Growing up under the wings of a writer, my grandmother also took to writing, but never published her work. It has also been discovered that far back on our family tree, through the VanDeGrift family, we are related to Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island, Kidnapped, Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde and a Children's Garden of Verses (poems).
Q: What did you want 'to be' when you grow up ... career?
A: When I was about 8 years old, I wanted to be a Solid Gold dancer... it was a TV show in the 70's, and I wanted to dance on it. By age 13, I dreamed of working with animals (my mother's profession) and training dolphins. During high school, I became more interested in the various fine and performing arts. I originally began college with a Fine Arts Major, which branched into Theare. I discovered how much I enjoyed reading the screenplays, and began writing them on my own, which is probably why the Chapters in my novels read more like "Acts and Scenes"... it's how I visualize them happening.
Q: What other jobs did you have while growing up?
A: As a teen, I did the usual babysitting jobs. While in Japan, I also taught English to Japanese 5th grade students. That was fun. I modeled a little. Found it boring. I've done the usual fast food chain work (never in the kitchen part... always cashier). I stayed with the food business for awhile (to pay bills... not my career choice). I was a caterer for a five star restaurant for a long while. Within that same restaurant, I did coat checking, waitressing, bartending, and then finally nestled in as their hostess for many years. Hostess was my job of choice for many restaurants to follow. I also worked in bookstores, shelved books at the public library, helped rescue animals with my mother, and a myriad of other little odd jobs even housekeeping for a high scale retirement center which was haunted! I tried retail, but I'm awful at selling clothes... I care very little for fashion and labels... not my thing. My favourite jobs were doing accounting work for Coca Cola company and working in reception as well as administrative assistant jobs for many different companies. I even worked at a church for a few years, which has always been my favourite job. This was my niche. I used many of these great word processing and marketing skills to launch my career as an author and graphic designer.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I listen to many types of music. Music comes in many forms and languages. I am fond of African Drumming and own my own Djembe drum (and play it too!). I've tried piano and guitar and am still trying. I play by ear and have never been able to read notes on sheet music... and I love to sing, which is an instrument all its own.
I walk A LOT... I love to explore. I also like to meditate, yoga, read, crochet, photography, gardening, hiking, camping ... just to name a few things.
I have three... yes >3<... children that keep me very busy when I'm not writing :)
Q: What are your favourite books?
A: A few that held my interest:
Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg
Interview with a Vampire & Angel Time by Anne Rice
It by Stephen King
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Other authors I really enjoy are V.C. Andrews, Holly Black, Katie Maxwell, Christine Feehan, Kelly McClymer, Stephanie Hale, Sophie Kinsella, Meg Cabot, Madelyn Alt, Cynthia Leitich Smith, JK Rowling, and many more in the genres of Chick-Lit, Paranormal Romance and Gothic Horror.
Non-fiction interests include Eckhart Tolle, Barbara Marciniak, Julia Cameron to name a few. I love to read different perspectives on theology and spirituality. My current reading list is available on Goodreads.com.
Q: Who is your favourite literary fictional character?
A: I'm very fond of the character, Idgie Threadgoode from Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. I fell in love with her free spirit and caring heart. The movie based on the book is superb! Mary Stuart Masterson did an excellent job of portraying Idgie in her youth, as well as a memorable performance by actress Jessica Tandy.
Other characters I like are Ophelia and Portia (both from Shakespeare), Estella and Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, and Scout/Jem/Boo from To Kill a Mockingbird. Of course, Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter? I like her and Hermoine too.
Q: What other genres do you write and where else have I seen your work?
A: I mostly write short fiction and some poetry. My writer's net profile has some of my older works. Currently, when I can, I volunteer to guest copy-edit for WynterGreene magazine out of Montreal. I have been doing that for about 3 years and enjoy the different perspectives and insights shared within.
I am also a 2004 winner of NaNoWriMo for a little 50k word story called "The Ghost of Colby Drive", which since has been rebuffed and polished for your amusement.
Q: Have you recovered fully from the surgery you had in March 2009?
A:Yes. It was a very scary experience. To recap briefly, I woke up to my arm and leg being totally numb, followed by severe pain. This pain was worse than the pain of childbirth. My arm had a purple tint to it and seemed to be spreading. I was rushed to the ER and operated on immediately. They removed 10% of my arm tissue/muscle, but did not have to amputate. I spent 10 days in the hospital with IV's in my feet, as my arm had been used for surgery. Upon release, I recovered at home with an IV of anti-biotics for an additional three weeks.
This would not have bothered me ordinarily, however I had recently given birth to a newborn only three months prior. I was not allowed to lift or hold him for a solid month's time. It was hell, but I got through it and have my battle wound that will be a part of me, but not all of me. I have dubbed it my "phoenix" feather, for in it, I have been reborn. The disease was called "necrotizing fasciitis" and was caused by the Strep A virus ... the one that gives you a sore throat. It is rare, deadly fatal within 24 hours if not treated. I have survived it.
Thank you to all who kept my spirits up through this time, and accept that my third book was shorter because of the recovery. I promise to make a whopper of a fourth and consecutive ones in the series! :)
Q: What is your most embarrasing moment?
A: In a word... tic tacs ~ the breath mint candy ;) I don't hold a grudge. It wasn't their fault! :) It was during my sophomore year at PSU in theatre class (dialects class if I remember). I went to pop a tic tac candy into my mouth and I missed. It fell right between my cleavage and into my bra! What's worse is the whole class was watching my reaction, including a cute boy I had a crush on! Colour me red in the face!! So what did I do? Well, I tactfully retrieved said tic tac, discarded it and then got another. I think I broke the ice by offering one to the boy! It was pretty embarassing.
Q: Do you have any recurring dreams or interesting dreams you remember?
A: I have. I have had a recurring dream since I was very little. We were always very active in the church (we grew up Catholic), so my faith was always held very high in my heart. But somethings never jived with me about religion and still don't. I daydreamed a lot in church. I think that carried over into my dreams. I used to have a recurring dream where I was standing at the podium, ready to speak to the masses and instead I turn into a dove and fly up to the ceiling and then over the crowds and out the door. I'm pretty sure this is a symbolic dream of my interpretation of being filled with the holy spirit and also my own rebellion of wanting to be my own spirit and be free.
Q: Do you believe in ghosts? A: Tough question, considering I never really was given another option ;) Ghosts can be perceived as many things to and by many different people. I have included some of my own perceptions to aid in the storyline of my novels. The novels are works of fiction, however several of the ghost experiences are based on real perceptions of interacting with a ghost.
But, as ghost interactions are mostly fleeting, I have elaborated in the books to create the ambience of being surrounded by entities that are not of the physical world any longer. I've used mythology and demonology imagery for some characters. Not all ghosts are malevolent, and it is possible for a benevolent ghost to "aid" in helping solve crimes or mysteries, especially if the ghost was previously involved somehow during their life. Most ghosts feel "stuck" in time, can't find their way home to the source, etc. until some event is finalized or finished on the physical plane we call Earth. A ghost is just a lost and lingering soul. Many ghosts can be helped to cross over, but most have to want to do so.These wounded souls need healing.
It is possible for the living to also leave what is known as a "psychic imprint" on a building or place, or even an item, which can be confused to some as a haunting. I am an avid Paranormal Researcher, and continue to find interest in unexplained phenomenon.
Q: Do you believe in aliens? A:Absolutely, but not in the way that is shaped by the media. I don't like the word extra-terrestrial or ET as that applies something separate from us, and I don't believe they are. I think they are very similar to us in appearance, although made of light. Star beings. We have many star brothers and sisters, watching over us perhaps to be revealed in due time. Those who connect with the other side, and can communicate with their guides will reveal that they have spoken or had contact with star beings. Some might call them angels. It is all inter-connected.
I feel I have a connection with the Pleiades, Sirians and Arcturians. This has been mentioned several times to me by various people. If so, upon my departure from this Earth, I look forward to meeting with my ancient star ancestors.
Starships have always come at various times of our evolution. One important event was documented in a fourteen century fresco painting called "The Madonna with Saint Giovannino". It was painted in the 15th century by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449-1494) and hangs as part of the Loeser collection in the Palazzo Vecchio. It is of the Madonna and Child. Clearly in the background there is a man and his dog looking up towards the sky and pointing. He is pointing at a starship. For something so "make believe" to be in such an important fresco... makes one wonder, doesn't it?
As a child, I always have looked out to the stars and felt them as home. But I knew I had a purpose here on Earth at this time. A Disney movie came out when I was very young, called "Escape to Witch Mountain". I found so many similarities in the way I think with both Tony and Tia. The starmap and starship at the end of the movie seemed completely normal.
NASA's Deep Space Hubble technology tells us that over 100 Billion galaxies exist in the Universe. 100 Billion! At one time we thought the Earth was flat. At one time we thought the Sun was the biggest star in our galaxy. Amazing how we've been proven wrong. 100 Billion galaxies and Earth is one very small, but very special planet. We're not alone. I'm fairly confident in saying that.
I think we have a lot yet to learn about where we come from and what we think we believe. 'What the Bleep do we know?' is a great series to wrap your head around.
Q: Do you believe in angels? A:Absolutely! I have studied angelology. Several characters in the storyline are angels or have angelic powers. Just as I have had experiences with ghosts, there are other entities that cross the veil or have made themselves known to me over my lifetime. This is part of what being a Spiritualist is... communication with "the other side" takes on many different forms.
There is one experience in particular I have only shared with a handful of people. It involves a spiraling blue light and a miraculous prayer. When the time is right, I'll tell the tale.
Q: Are you a witch?
A: Hmmm maybe. This one makes me laugh (or should I say, cackle) ;)
Depending on whom you're talking to, the interpretation of who and what a witch is and isn't will be just as ecclectic of an answer. Some wear the title proudly, some run from it, and some just are by nature's sake... wise women of the earth, green witches, hedge witches, white witches and the like. Some remember a past life as a witch, real or accused, the title is recognized by that particular soul. Some have a history in the Sisterhood of Avalon or roots with Druidry. This is a long topic.
To be a woman, and to be a witch, is an understanding and celebration of the divine Goddess, the feminine aspect. In some traditions, women are celebrated by the "Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother, Crone" which is also represented by the ever-changing cycles of the moon, just as the masculine "God" is represented by the sun.
Do I do magic? Of sorts. I offer energy healing, prayers, communications with spirit guides, star beings/angels and animal oracles. Chakras? Yes - balance is everything. Working with crystals and stones? The Earth and Universe provide these (copper comes from star cores from the cluster Omega Centauri and falls to Earth). Knowledge of how certain metals and crystals interact with our own energy isn't just witchcraft.... it's science. Spells and rituals? Hardly at all. If I am a witch, I'm a very lazy one. Respect of the elements is essential. This is found in many traditions, including Native Spirituality and Shamanism. Nature calls to me very strongly. I make a "Witches Garden" with healing herbs and homeopathic remedies. I am a creator of blessings; a mother of nature. I don't do black magic or involve myself in curses. Want to know more? Read below about my personal path.
I believe every act we do is a "magical" one, for we all do magic... we all create the reality that we live in. Thoughts manifest into reality. When we blow out the candles on a birthday cake and "make a wish" ... we are doing magic.
I really only wear the pointy hat on Halloween ;)
Am I a wicked witch? LOL... ummm no!
Q: What is your personal path? What religion are you?
A:My personal path is that of a Spiritualist, with specific interest in Ascension, Metaphysics and Cosmic (Christed/Galactic) Consciousness. I'm awakened and living as a multi-faceted Crystal here on Earth. I've been called a starseed before, and agree with this. I value "old ways" mixed with "new thought", as we are constantly evolving (fluid as many of the elements of nature are), so for me, my spirituality is also. I also have one foot still in my Christian roots and one foot in Druidry. I walk with both. I have a great respect for the Earth and those who live here, great and small. Native Spirituality and Shamanism are also interests of mine.
I also enjoy philosophy and the teachings of Plato (to teach of The One or The All is described in Neoplatonism). He had as much fascination about the soul as I do. Aristotle. Socrates. Albert Einstein. John Lennon. Great thinkers; great teachers.
There is a strong connection between the universe, and the date we were born that guides us on our path here on Earth. My starchart ~
As an open minded (and open hearted) person, I choose to honour that which calls to me, and invite and encourage everyone to follow their own path :) I'm not interested in pushing my own ideals onto you. Religion is a very personal choice. If you want to walk with me on my path, that's great... if you want to walk on your own path and I can still see you, I'll wave and walk beside you. I think that's what makes this world so special... our unique differences that are able to bring us together. Blessings to you and yours! There is joy in seeing divinity everywhere and in everything, every person you meet. It makes life beautiful and colourful... and very special to be in. If you approach me with an open heart, I will open mine right back.
~ breathe ~
A recurring theme in my books is "breath"... based on the words for the Holy Spirit, Ruach Elohim ... the spirit of God within us and all around us and is perceived as "Goddess Energy". It is said to be a feminine energy taking several different forms including breath or wind, fire, oil, water, clouds, light, and of course, the dove. With every breath, you intake not just air, but energy - spirit. It can impart wisdom. It can heal. Breath is magical.
Namaste and Peace be with you always
We do not go round a circle of existence.
That is an illusion, just as the cycling of
the planets and the stars is an illusion.
We move along a spiral track.
It is not quite the same journey from
the cradle to the grave each time.
Sometimes the differences are small.
Sometimes they are very important.
We set out each time on the same road
but along that road we have a choice of adventures.
~ J. B. Priestley ~ I Have Been Here Before
We have learned much, Siddhartha.
There still remains much to learn.
We are not going in circles, we are going upwards.
The path is spiral: we have already climbed many steps.
~ Hermann Hesse ~ Siddhartha
Q: Where DO you stand on the whole starseed thing?
A: Starseeds... I think it's a beautiful term for a person like me :) Absolutely beautiful. A relatively new word, I do identify with starseeds, indigos, crystals, wayshowers, and the like... we're all connected with a common purpose of helping to awaken the people here when the time is right... which is now... I like the term as it doesn't single one person out as "the chosen one" but rather acting as a whole towards a goal. It's why I chose Alyson (my heroine) to be one of seven sisters, which she later will find out that they have to bind as one in order to fulfill destiny (and yes, that even includes the dark side... it must be united and healed, and incorporated within).
On an even deeper spiritual note, there are some that identify themselves as Indigos, Starseeds, Wayshowers, Crystals, Lightworkers, Metaphysicists and the like. I have enjoyed speaking with many on this experience as we move into a new age and flow through it and not against it. We are entering a Golden Age - a new dawn. It has to do with DNA activation, evolution and a change of consciousness. More information is available to those who seek it, but I advise to meditate for it and not just do a websearch. The truth always comes forward, and some info you just can't get out of a book.
Thanks to all of my readers for their interesting and insightful questions.
I've enjoyed given a candid, but accurate answer for the most relevantly asked questions.
If you have something specific you want to ask or talk about, email me.
Copyright 2011 by Kristin Groulx.
All rights reserved.
