Goodbye to All This

editorial

by Melanie Fire Salamander

This issue marks my last as Widdershins editor-in-chief. It's been a good nine-year run as the paper's top editor, but it's time for me to move on.

I leave you in good hands. Thea will be your new editor-in-chief. Along with Sylvana, she'll chart the paper's course for the next seasons. Freya, a frequent writer for and friend of the paper, will join as managing editor, which means she'll be the one pleading with, persuading and pushing our dedicated writers to fork over copy. A double Aries with Leo rising, she'll be a good fiery advocate for deadlines! With two Pisces witches at the helm, it'll be good to have some fire energy on board.

I know I'll miss the paper sometimes -- though ten days before the Sabbat I'll be soaking at home in the tub, or going out dancing, and not poring over the last hot pages to slide from the printer. (I'm not laughing at the staff remaining, really.) I will miss working with our writers, and I will miss speaking to you, our dear, mysterious reader, casual or dedicated pagan or nonpagan, whoever you might be. Maybe I'll return later in another guise (as obnoxious writer, say). But for the next year and a day, my focus will be on my own writing and life and on serving my coven as high priestess.

It's been more than a pleasure, though, being Widdershins editor. It's been a gift of the gods.

But what about this paper before you? This Lammas, we bring you a harvest of articles on teaching. Freya tells us about the teachers within; Willow Moon talks about finding a teacher without, in what people call "the real world." Sylvana discusses what might call you to become a teacher. We have also some seasonal offerings: a short story by Bestia about two who meet, god-touched, at this first harvest, and an article by Mark about recent and earlier Oracle Gatherings. Genevieve likewise gives us a wrap-up of summer music.

Besides mine, this paper notes two other significant farewells. Lisa posts an open letter in this issue saying goodbye to her work as leader of Gaia's Grove at CUUPS in Tacoma. I know already she will be much missed.

This will also be Thea's last "Between Heaven and Earth" astrology column for the paper, since we inveigled her into becoming editor-in-chief. I for one have really enjoyed her thoughtful roundups of what the heavens can do for your magickal workings, written in a style the astrological layperson can grasp. We're looking for a new astrology columnist, but no one can ever exactly fill the Thea-shaped gap left open. There's only one Thea.

But, on the bright side, now you'll have her as editor-in-chief!

All my blessings to you, dear reader, for this season of first harvest, and all the seasons to come.