I met Roberto Vargas about six years ago through a pagan discussion group. He and his husband, Norman, are one of the nicest couples you’d want to meet and we’ve remained friends. Both have their sun in Cancer. The three of us connected with three other friends and committed to planning a public ritual for all eight sabbats during one turn of the wheel. He was unflappable. I learned a lot about how wonderful things turn out even if you feel like you’re flying by the seat of you pants. The best advice he gives – to peers as well as novices – is to be easy on yourself. “There really is no right or wrong when it comes to your craft. Spirituality and magick are so deeply personal, that I don’t think it really needs to be this dogmatic process that can only be learned from books and formal ritual. Commune with spirit in a way that comes natural to you. Stay grateful!” Learn more about my friend Roberto from his answers.  

1. Do you have a magical name you’re willing to share?
    No.
2. In what state do you reside?  
    Connecticut   
3. How do you make your living?
    I am a mental health therapist, but I am currently taking some time off to pursue some other opportunities. Specifically, meteorite hunting and sales. 
4. Are you out of the broom closet? / Have you felt threatened?
Yes, I am out of the “broom closet” and I cannot remember a time when I felt threatened.
5. When did you first know you were a witch? How long have you been practicing?
    I probably knew I was a witch around the age of seven or eight. I remember, my parents had a set of the twenty-six Encyclopedia Britannicas and I remember briefly reading about the history of  witches there. When I learned that “witches and witchcraft” were real, it clicked. I didn’t get my first book on witchcraft until middle school, seventh or eighth grade. The town I lived in had a little witchy shop where I got all my material.
6. How do you define your practice? Do you follow a specific tradition? 
    I’ve always considered myself an Eclectic Wiccan. I very seldom do formal rituals or spell work, unless I feel especially moved to do so. However, a few years ago, I had a chance to partake in a wheel of the year, year and a day, group with a few friends. We met up and planned a ritual for every sabbat. It was a cool experience.
7. What one object must be on your altar for it to be an altar?
    I have a wire-wrapped necklace that I had made. It has a 20 Francs gold angel coin from 1892. Those coins have a long history of being thought to be lucky. The wire wrapping is done in sterling silver and also holds an 8-gram fragment of Moldavite. I’ve had the necklace for about 10 years and never take it off, except when I do ritual work at an altar and the one time I had to have it re-wrapped. 
8. Do you have a daily practice?
    At least once a day, I try to think of all the things I’ve been blessed with. When times get hard, I get grateful. No matter what’s going on, I’ve been through and gotten through worse.  
9. How do you respond when someone asks, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”
Neither? Both? Depends on the day and the situation.
10. Do you have a familiar?
      I wouldn’t say I have a familiar, but my Yorkie, Lily, is my baby. She’s my companion and she’s been with me through thick and thin.
11. What gifts, skills or powers do you share?
    Hard to say, I really like making poppets and sigils, and If asked, I would definitely cook up a spell. Spider molts and snake sheds are free to anyone who asks. I think you also have to be a little empathic to be a good therapist. 
12. What was your most magical experience?
      My friend Lynn Woike used to take me to a Yule celebration that was really special. Great meditative space.
13. What is your favorite:
•Sabbat: It’s a ie between Samhain and Yule.
•Element: Water
•God: Ganesh
•Goddess: Fortuna  
•Tool: Ouija boards, coins
•Animal or other totem: Spiders and snakes. They are always growing. They shed their entire skin and exoskeletons as they grow. Really representative of growth and transformation.
•Book: “Simple Wicca” by Michelle Morgan.
•Tarot deck or card: Rider–Waite tarot deck
•Gemstone: Ruby, moldavite 
•Ritual garb: My necklace 
•Fictional witch: Willow from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
•Piece of wisdom: When it rains, it pours, but no storm lasts forever.