The Aspen Tradition

In 1997, when I was 17 years old, I met other witches for the first time.

It was after hours in a New Age bookstore. A coven (covenant) gathered there on the Monday closest to the full moon for a monthly esbat ritual. At that time, finding such gatherings wasn’t easy. Fortunately, my brother was dating a Wiccan who knew about the gathering and helped get my foot in the door.

I met the owners during business hours, introduced myself and gave them a little history. I told them that I was new to all this and what books I had read. A little Scott Cunningham, and a little Amber K. I told them I had performed a self-dedication ritual a month or two back and that considered myself a witch. I wanted to meet others and had been told by a friend of a member that they had meetings there. I wanted very much to attend.

The woman was very kind and asked a few questions: Did I know what an esbat was? Which elemental energy did I most resonate with and why? Would I be prepared to call that corner next Monday?

Water or Air I said. I was Gemini / Cancer cusp. I felt that I had a lot of creative air energy. I was a dreamer and an idealist. I also strongly felt a call to study the healing arts. Not medicine, really, I was more interested in healing the mind or the spirit. I either wanted to be a priest or a social worker.

She then asked me if I was able to stand without my crutches at all. I was born with Spina Bifida, and I used them to get around. My heart sank. I wasn’t going to be able to attend because of my physical limitations.

I wanted to attend so badly, and I didn’t want my physical handicap to stop me. I thought about lying. I knew even if that got me in the door, it wouldn’t keep me there. “Not for very long.” I said.

“I only ask because part of our esbat includes some movement. We hold hands and chant as we dance the spiral. I didn’t know if you’d be more comfortable dancing, or if you would prefer to sit and drum.”

She wasn’t trying to exclude me, she was trying to include me! And she wasn’t putting limitations on me, she was asking me where I was most comfortable. “I may not be able to dance, but if I can hold hands I think I can do it. I’d like to try?”

She smiled warmly and said “We’ll see you next Monday then.” I asked if I could give her a hug and she said she’d like that very much. That hug gave me such a sense of welcoming and belonging, I can feel it still 30 years later.

The next Monday, I attended my first esbat with others. I was welcomed by all and got many more hugs. Each felt just as warm and inviting. People were quite curious about me, but very respectful. There didn’t seem to be any trepidation about my inclusion.

One of the members who called himself Willow was especially friendly towards me. He was big and broad, very muscular, and I told him he looked more like an Oak to me. “Do you know the story of the Oak and the Willow?” He asked. I didn’t. “The willow survives the storm that splits the oak, because Willow knows that there is strength in bending.”

“What’s your name?” He asked me, and I told him. “No, your circle name.” I didn’t have one, I said. “Close your eyes.” I did. He didn’t touch me but I felt heat radiating from his big hands. “How do you feel about Aspen?” he asked. “I like it.”

I held the chalice and called Water that day. I danced the spiral. And I have been Aspen ever since.