What happend to The Wiccan Grove? Back in 1996, I decided to it was time to give something back to the Pagan community. I wasn't too sure what it was I wanted to share or how I wanted to go about it, I just knew I needed to return some of the knowledge, understanding and encouragement that I had received. At the time I was beginning to learn HTML and Web Page building, so I thought I'd try my hand at designing a website. It seemed a good way of fulfilling my desire to contribute something, and it also gave me a reason to learn how to create an Internet website. So, I scoured around the Internet looking for a free webhosting service and found one I liked. Originally, I began on another server, but then found my way here. My first foray into cyberspace was "Web of Shadows", a very small but intense page with some simplified rituals, prayers and meditations. I was happy with the site, but, in time, it seemed to lack the "essence" of what I was looking to provide. So, I expanded my technical knowledge and added a submission form that enabled visitors to my site to send me their own rituals, magickal recipes, and later, their personal experiences. Within a few weeks of adding the form, I started receiving messages from other Pagans and began posting them to the website. I was actually astonished to find that some of these "strangers" were not just from my own community but from countries around the world. I realized I was having an effect on a global scale. Yes, I was a little naive back then. And so the site grew, and in turn, I began adding other sections I thought would help someone just starting out in Paganism. Everything steadily progressed, until finally came the catalyst. "Web of Shadows" disappeared! A server crash on the webhost service resulted in all my files (the pages, images, etc.) being scattered into the cyber-ether. I was horrified. At the time I didn't have my own computer, so there were no back-up files. It seemed my work in the Pagan Internet community was not meant to be, but with a little patience and alot of resolve, I decided to rebuild what was lost and moved ahead with starting the website anew. Afterall, change is good. So, I moved to a new service, set-up a new page and, in time, renamed the site "The Wiccan Grove". The site began to grow, not only with the content I was providing, but with the submissions from those who were visiting and revisiting. In time, "The Wiccan Grove" grew from a sapling to a tall oak. The rest, I suppose, is history. So what happened? Well, my original vision of giving back remains. I believe we should never stop returning that which we have received. But now the method is different. I had begun this journey looking to share what I had and what I had learnt, and I feel I have accomplished that. "The Wiccan Grove" gave me alot of satisfaction. What started out as a single page grew into a mutli-sectioned, interactive website. My expectations had certainly been exceeded. But what really mattered was the feedback I received. For the most part it was from people like you who took the time to go through the site and appreciate it for what it was; a place where knowledge and ideas were shared in hopes of broadening our spiritual horizons. I know now I have contributed something of value afterall. But with all things there must come a time for change. I mentioned before that I believe we should always give what we receive. Well, I feel I have built the site to where it has no more room left to grow. So like a unruly briar patch, I have cut back the old thorny branches to bring to light the flowers and fruit buried inside. The seeds planted by others are seeking to flourish and I feel it is time to provide a place for them to do so. So, the old pages and sections are gone, but what remains is the "essence" I spoke of before. But in this case, it is no longer my own but those of others who are "Walking The Path". I believe what makes us Pagan is not the rituals we perform or the magick we work, but the lives we lead. Our thoughts, our feelings, our experiences are what is important. We are all unique, and we should share that uniqueness with others, for in doing so we will all grow stronger and closer together. Blessed Be, Scout An Sionnach