About Onyx Ponders
Welcome, seekers, wanderers, and ponderers!
I like to think of myself as a bit of a wordsmith—not necessarily a great one, but someone who loves to spin thoughts into words. Whether it’s writing, talking, or simply pondering life’s mysteries, I’ve always been drawn to sharing ideas and sparking dialogue.
My journey into the world of connection began long before the internet as we know it. Back in the days of bulletin board systems (BBS), I was a SysOp and an active participant on PODS Net, carving out spaces for the exchange of ideas and stories. That early spark eventually led me to internet radio over a decade ago, where I found new ways to connect with others through shows, podcasts, blogs, essays, and discussions.
This website, Onyx Ponders, is my way of bringing all those threads together in one place—a hearthfire for reflection, learning, and sharing.
The Path: A Journey Through Wandering
The road to Paganism was anything but straight. I spent years searching, wandering through libraries, churches, synagogues, and holy houses, seeking something that resonated with the light I sensed within and around me.
Eventually, my wandering brought me to Texas, where a seemingly random moment became a turning point. It started with a single sheet of paper—a humble printout from a dot matrix printer—and a conversation with the owner of an antique shop. That exchange of questions and answers opened a door I hadn’t known was there, guiding me to my first coven.
Though the finer details of that time are best left wrapped in sacred mystery, it taught me a valuable lesson: the Divine often works in subtle, unexpected ways. The key is to listen, to ask, and to follow where the questions lead.
The Role: Balancing Reverence and Mirth
As Papa Onyx, I strive to embody a balance of reverence and mirth—not just for those I share with, but as a lesson and reminder to myself. In my early days, I treated learning the Craft with the intensity of a mission, diving headfirst into study, practice, and memorization. My Craft Mom, with endless patience, tried to nudge me to relax and enjoy the journey, but I was determined to push full tilt.
Eventually, life caught up with me, and I learned one of the most valuable lessons: the journey is the destination. It’s not just about the knowledge we gather or the rituals we perform; it’s about finding joy along the way. This balance of reverence and mirth is something I still strive for, both in my personal practice and in the way I teach and share.
It’s why I use my magical and mundane names interchangeably—to remind myself and others that there’s no separation between the sacred and the everyday. “As Above, So Below” isn’t just a concept; it’s a way of being.
Challenges: Shaped by the Journey
The road hasn’t always been easy. Several years ago, surgeons in Winston-Salem worked to keep me on this side of the veil. I still remember the angelic face of a woman inches from mine, her voice a calming balm as I was intubated without sedation for emergency surgery.
More recently, a seizure during a nap left me waking up in the ER with my back broken in four places. That moment turned my world upside down, but time, effort, and a bit of numinous grace saw me through to recovery.
But these are just a couple of the physical challenges. Along the way, I’ve faced emotional, psychological, and spiritual trials that tested every part of me. And yet, even in the harshest places—the crucibles of life—I found lessons that shaped who I am today.
It’s not the easy moments that teach us the most; it’s the ones that challenge and refine us. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the mountain doesn’t move to meet you; it waits for you to climb, knowing the view is worth the struggle.
Vision for the Future of Onyx Ponders
This site feels like the first step on a long and evolving journey. While podcasts aren’t part of the initial launch, I look forward to weaving them into the fabric of Onyx Ponders soon. I also hope to expand the Topics section, creating more opportunities for exploration and reflection on myths, symbols, gratitude, deities, and more.
Occasionally, I’d like to dive into more academic-style research—pieces that challenge us to think critically and see new connections. And as always, I leave room for mystery, trusting in my muse, Luniea, to guide me where this journey needs to go.
Ultimately, I envision this site as a hearthfire for dialogue, stories, and connection. Together, I hope we can create a space that inspires, challenges, and grows with us all.
A Call to Community
This isn’t just my space—it’s ours. Onyx Ponders is a sacred circle where ideas, questions, and stories are shared. Here, we don’t just read and move on—we engage, we ponder, we discuss.
I invite you to pull up a chair and join the conversation. Leave a comment, share your perspective, or ask that burning question. This isn’t about agreeing on everything; it’s about learning from one another, honoring the sacred dance of dialogue, and seeing what sparks fly.
The hearthfire is lit, and the circle is open. All that’s missing is your voice. Let’s talk, laugh, question, and grow—together.
An Invitation to Explore
The site is full of ponderings, symbols, stories, and maybe even a spark of magic. I hope you’ll find something here that resonates and inspires you. Thank you for walking this path with me—your presence makes this space what it is.
