In 1973, I see the book "Real Magic" by Isaac Bonewits in a card catalog. I search for it, only to find it’s in the restricted section of the library. I can check it out, but only for a week at a time. After checking it out five times, my grandmother buys me a copy. From this book, I learn that magic can be approached analytically and artistically.
In 1979, I write an article on using the Laws of Magic in role-playing games; the article is published in some small gaming magazine. I receive a letter from Isaac Bonewits, letting me know of Authentic Thaumaturgy. I’m stunned; I thought that someone as important as the author of a book on magic would not know about gaming. Isaac is not offended by my stepping on his toes; in fact, he mentions my name in the second printing of AT. I learn my first lesson about communicating with grace (though it would take another decade for that lesson to sink in).
In 1991, I find a group with which to being my Wiccan education. To my surprise, Isaac is the High Priest and co-teacher of the group; I meet him face-to-face for the first time. I learn the beginnings of what it means to be a Wiccan and a pagan.
Over the next 19 years, through lectures, he teaches me about ritual design, the ethics of magic, the practice of magical excellence. Through action, he teaches me about being raising a pagan child, about community, about magical action against intolerance.
In the last couple of years he teaches me about the value of friendship, as I become one of his best friends mainly because I invite him to games of Munchkin at my house.
In the last few months, he teaches me about dealing with illness and pain, and facing the end with dignity and acceptance… while refusing to go gently into that good night.
Today he taught me about the ending of pain, and dealing with death, as I help to carry his body out of his home.
Brother, wherever you are now, may the embraces be warm, may the booze be flowing, may the music be lovely, and may the discussions be stimulating… not necessarily in that order, of course.
And in reading all that, finding out he played Munchkin (which I’ve only recently started playing, now my kids come over to my mate’s and my house to play with us all the time) has me crying again. I’ve been trying to write my “memories of Isaac” post for weeks. I wanted to visit when we went through NY on our way to Vermont this spring, but when I asked him about it during the planning stages he told me “Let’s wait until I’m feeling better…” Dammit.
Thank you for sharing your memories with us. He will be sorely missed. I’m glad for him (I’m sure he’s embracing this new adventure and having a blast), but my heart hurts for the rest of us.
{{{you are so beautiful, crytolos}}}
I’ve read a lot of tributes from those who had met him and those, like me, who knew him only through writings, music and an occasional appearance on tv, but none who knew him like you. Thank you so much for sharing this.