Hi all. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I've been lurking for a while & finally decided to make a proper intro. I am a 43 y/o female & live near Cleveland, Ohio. I'm hoping to make some local friends, so if you live nearby, feel free to PM me.

I initially logged on with the name "Samarobryn", but changed it to "Etheleona" because this is the name I use most places on the web.

I am a Suitheist & I follow the Inner Path, which I define as looking within for answers, being my own ultimate authority, seeking knowledge & power through meditation, dreams, intuition & inspiration. The written material which I chiefly find useful includes some channeled teachings, especially those of Seth & Elias, plus the Romantic, Idealist & Transcendentalist philosophers. I've also been developing a concept called Design Magick which is a synthesis of Pattern Magick & Chaos Magick.

My core belief is that we all create our own reality, which is equivalent to doing magick all the time -- but, for the most part, unconsciously. Elias says a great deal about "noticing self", becoming consciously aware of what you are doing on a subtle level & how it shapes the reality you experience. With awareness, one can direct & fashion this process. I'm in the process of learning how to do this in the course of daily life.

One of my related interests is reading fiction, particularly occult-related fiction like fantasy, dark fantasy, Gothic, magic realism, etc., & writing literary criticism from an occult viewpoint.

I've been reading some posts here & am quite impressed with the quality & variety of ideas.

Etheleona