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Ancient Light:
A window or other opening that has been used 20 or more
years without interruption and is therefore protected at common law
against obstruction by an adjoining holder.
– British common law
 There is something lovely to me in the concept that light itself has a
value. Light gives us security from those menaces that hide in the
darkness. Of all the forms of illumination in our universe, surely none has
greater power than the Light of knowledge, holding away the shadows of
ignorance and misery. It is my goal to seek out skills and wisdom, to
encourage their development and dissemination throughout my corner of
our world.
– Anja, Ancient Light
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[Click on most images for larger view]
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At the age 3, in desperation at my wiggliness, my Czech grandmother taught me to embroider.
I’ve been hooked on all kinds of crafts since then and have taught them, too, since my teen years.
I spent 15 years as an SCA merchant (Society for Creative Anachronism) selling my blackwork embroidery
patterns (Mab's Creations) and other products, such as period toys and music.
My first training in magic was from my Slavic shaman grandfather, but I didn’t become Wiccan until my mid-20’s,
going on 25 years now. I got my 2nd degree in 1985 and have practiced steadily since, both as a solitary and in circles.
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Me (Anja) |
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Grandma
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Grandma, as she prefers to be known by everyone, is 85 and still going strong. She spent 35 years teaching English in
the Baltimore City Public Schools and at Johns Hopkins University, where she has an M.A. She does a lot of the packing
and sorting as well as checking my grammar from back in her "corner" in the shop. See Grandma's Album for stories from her life.
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My name is Aradian (ah – ROD – ian). I'm a First Degree Witch and Wiccan Priest by initiation, a student of the Feri Tradition, and a natural born Strega. I work with Anja at Ancient Light, and have done so since I met her in 2005. Other than helping out with inventory, I am the maker of Waterstarr Bath Salts, as well as the compounder of most of our incense, and I work as a psychic on our Psychic Fair Weekends. I am also one of the primary teachers of our group, Rose of the Sea. I teach Wicca, ritual, animal magicks, potions (no, I’m *not* as mean as Professor Snape) and various other magickal wonders.
[Anja's note – He just keeps threatening to assign 100 page papers in class!]
In my free time (when I get any) I can be found either reading or writing, however that is only when I’m not in school or working with Anja. I also write book reviews, for our website, and for Amazon.com.
Why do I have the name I do? Aradia is the daughter of the Goddess Diana and God Lucifer (God of Light).... Diana sent Aradia to Earth in the 14th Century to be the first Witch and to teach the Arts, the Craft, to the oppressed peoples. Aradia came to me very early, and placed her claim on me, and has since pushed me to teach, just as she did. So, when the time came for my initiation, I was told that I would take her name (but with a "n" added since I’m not female)... It is pronounced ah-rod-ian although many people say it ah-raid-ian. However I am sorry to say that I hate math, and the latter makes me sound like a geometry problem.
"Who is this flower above me,
And what is this work of this God?
I would know myself in all my parts." – Feri Prayer
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Aradian
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See photos from setting up shop in Seal Rock. |
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