When I was (a lot) younger, exploring the realms of paganism, witchcraft, crystals, herbalism and aromatherapy, trying to make sense of being “witchy” without a coven, the internet wasn’t a massive help. Parts of it were still in their infancy (yes I am that old) and sources couldn’t necessarily be trusted. So like the good little bookworm I am, I dove into lots and lots of books.
One name more than any other spoke to me, let me explore the more solitary aspects of my nature, my relationship with nature, witchcraft, and realistically, the world itself. The words of Scott Cunningham became my teacher and he became my hero in many ways. I collected as many of his books as I could, and devoured them all. Unfortunately some of these were lost in a breakup, but I have been able to replace most. And when my niece started getting interested in crystals, it was Scott’s book I loaned out.
The world is a wonderful place of coincidental meetings, and a few years ago, I met a wonderful lady at NWTS who fast became a treasured friend, a writing peer, a supportive critic and someone who will gently chide me to look after myself if I don’t appear to be doing so.
Christine Ashworth is family, I would do anything for her and the fact I even met her at all is surreal to me, because she is also Scott’s sister.
That I respect her viewpoint greatly with my own writing and am always excited to read her own writing is entirely less surprising.
Just as I devoured Scott's books, I'm now devouring her own biography of Scott, which is beautifully written, heart-felt and I'm so very very proud of Christine for bringing it into the world. I will always remember our chats where she told me it was going to be published, the joy and pride, and the warmth of this secret I wanted to shout to the world.
I have always tried very hard not to fangirl too much about her brother, knowing for every ounce of my respect and admiration for him, her feelings are love, and loss.
But she sees me anyway. And when I saw her at the U.K. Tarot conference in October, when she gave me a bracelet designed to honour Scott, I was deeply moved. This gift, like our friendship will be treasured forever - I wear it all the time, except when it could be damaged.
My only regret about the weekend is that I couldn’t introduce Christine to my son, but I will another time - I know he will love her as much as I do.