Even before I chose to be Wiccan, I always had a soft spot for Halloween.  I used to tell ghost stories to some friends during the month of October, I'd try to get together with people, and  I loved watching every special on tv, especially The Great Pumpkin-- it was a classic in my house growing up.

Well, now it's my job to pass on tradition and it's been so much fun these past few weeks getting everything decorated and making tons of cookies.  My oldest daughter (who will be 8 next month) and I started baking last night.  I love the aroma they make.  But my favorite is the pumpkin bread-- I can't wait to start making that.

Tradition is fun, but it can also teach you something.  In this case, tradition is teaching me the importance of closeness and getting together with the ones you love.  I hope my daughters and I can have more traditions during this joyous season.

How does one define themselves when they practice a certain path?  What if they are studying a few of them at a time?  What if they've mastered a few?  What if they are solitary on some and join a coven for others?  It's a hard thing to describe sometimes, so I generally rattle off what I've done or are doing when I'm asked the question.

But am I missing something when I do this?  Could I be turning people off because of this?  Maybe true, but I found that isn't always the case.  Am I looked at differently because of this?  Well, maybe I am.  I've had a few friends look at me funny and told me what I should or shouldn't be reading/practicing.  And yet, I've had a few friends thank me for being so open and honest with them about what I read/practice. 

I think what I've learned the most about defining your path is that it should be your path to define and not someone else's.  People can be well meaninged and all, but in the end, it is you and only you that needs to follow your heart.   I think that is the best way to get to God and Goddess.