Greetings to all members of The Little Rock Pagan and Witches Meetup Group!

My name is Michael. I was one of meetup members selected by Karin, the previous organizer, to be a co-organizer. Karin recently stepped down as organizer. Without a replacement, our Meetup group would be closed in 14 days. After days of consideration, and discussion with friends, I paid the $45 fee to the website, and took over as organizer of this meetup group.

My immediate concern was to ensure that group would continue online, and it will. It is paid up for three months. That seemed like an adequate time for us to learn whether I would be a good "fit" for the group as its organizer.  


To answer the question of why I made this decision, I have to share a bit. I was raised christian, and despite 38 years of trying, that religion never fit with my true beliefs. It wasn't until 2006 that I finally abandoned all that and began to follow my heart. It then took me 5 days to find my true Path as a Pagan, and the experience was like coming home. Since then it has been a joy to me to explore many traditions: Wicca, Buddhism, Voodoo, and many others. And what I consistently find is how much that those belief systems and their practitioners have in common.  

It took me 38 years to realize that although I was raised in only one belief system, I did have other spiritual options. Other ways of thinking were possible. And now that I have discovered my spiritual freedom, I find that I want to do my part to help others to know that they too have options. I don't mean to discourage anyone from one belief or another, not even christianity. I simply want to encourage people to freely follow their heart.

And so I took on the role of organizer to try and do my part to preserve this wonderfully diverse collection of members, and this online site that provides a place where we can share, learn, and explore the beliefs of others as well as our own.


Karin has invested much time, money, and effort into this group over the years, and I personally want to thank her for all that she has done. She is a part of my own spiritual history, since it was in her store, "The Broom Closet", where first saw the clay plaque of the Green Man on the wall, recognized him, and then knew which way to go.

Karin's store, and Karin herself, have always impressed me with the loving, and giving nature of her spirit. I feel that this, along with her investment of time and energy over the years, earned her a special reputation and position of leadership in Little Rock's Pagan community. I won't attempt to duplicate this. Instead, I simply want to work with you all to ensure the group continues to be what you want it to be, both online, and in meetings.


Our next group meeting is "The House Gastropub" on 722 North Palm Street, Tuesday July 10th, at 7pm. I do hope to see you all there. And for those members who are strictly online, we always welcome new topics of discussion. Many members join with questions to ask. Many, too, look for opportunities to share. 

Please take a moment to consider what events, rituals, classes, or discussions you would like to be a part of, and we'll work together to try and make those happen.

Have a great day.
Michael