Wiccan groups near me are spiritual communities that practice and follow the beliefs and traditions of Wicca. Wicca is a modern pagan religion that emphasizes a connection with nature and the worship of the divine in both male and female forms. Wiccan groups often gather for rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations throughout the year, particularly during the Wiccan holidays known as "sabbats." These groups can vary in size and structure, ranging from informal circles of friends to more organized covens. Covens are small, close-knit groups that meet regularly to practice Wiccan rituals and work together in their spiritual journeys. Joining a Wiccan group can be a way to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experienced practitioners, and deepen one's understanding of Wicca.
“The Jukebox Series” focuses on the 80 records that inhabit my 1963 Seeburg LPC1 jukebox. I’ve had my jukebox (or as I like to call it “the prehistoric iPod”) for a little over twelve years and in that time I’d like to think that I’ve perfected the mix of 45s within.
I ve had my jukebox or as I like to call it the prehistoric iPod for a little over twelve years and in that time I d like to think that I ve perfected the mix of 45s within. With the passage of time, the record took on a different meaning, especially to the many African American troops who were stationed overseas in Viet Nam.
Joining a Wiccan group can be a way to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experienced practitioners, and deepen one's understanding of Wicca. Finding Wiccan groups near me might involve some research and inquiry within the local pagan community. Many cities and towns have pagan and metaphysical shops, which can be a good starting point for connecting with local Wiccan groups.
Song Of The Day by Eric Berman – The Jukebox Series #23 – Martha Reeves And The Vandellas: “Jimmy Mack” b/w “I’m Ready For Love” – Motown Yesteryear Series 45 RPM Single Y 455F (E3/F3)
“The Jukebox Series” focuses on the 80 records that inhabit my 1963 Seeburg LPC1 jukebox. I’ve had my jukebox (or as I like to call it “the prehistoric iPod”) for a little over twelve years and in that time I’d like to think that I’ve perfected the mix of 45s within.
I first discovered today’s jukebox classic not in its original guise by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas’, but from a cover performed by Laura Nyro and LaBelle on their classic 1971 album called Gonna Take A Miracle. When I first heard Nyro’s version, I didn’t make the connection between the song and all of the other great Vandellas hits I already knew from the radio. It wasn’t until my older sister picked up a copy of Martha and the Vandellas’ Greatest Hits album in 1972 that I finally came to fully appreciate the magic of, in my estimation, Motown’s finest girl group.
Martha and the Vandellas was one of the most successful girl groups to come out of Motown. Unlike The Supremes, the Vandellas’ sound was far grittier and more danceable than the sugary pop that catapulted The Supremes to fame. Their list of classic hits includes “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run,” “Come And Get These Memories,” “Quicksand,” “Live Wire,” “Wild One,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “You’ve Been In Love Too Long,” and their signature single “Dancing in the Street.”
The song was written and produced by the team of Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland and it was the group’s last American top-ten hit reaching #10 on the pop charts in 1967, and #1 R&B. It was also from the last batch of Martha and the Vandellas recordings featuring input from Holland-Dozier-Holland before they left the Motown fold. Not coincidentally, their departure from Motown aligned with the waning of The Vandellas’ popularity.
The impetus for the song came out of an industry awards dinner that Lamont Dozier attended. At the awards, Ronnie Mack won a posthumous award for composing the song “He’s So Fine.” His mother came up to accept the award on his behalf and Dozier decided he’d write the song in tribute to Ronnie Mack.
Lamont Dozier: “‘Jimmy Mack’ was about a kid who had written a song that was quite popular. When they called out his name there was something, along with the way his mother picked up the award, that kind of moved me and the name stuck with me. So when a melody came about that name seemed to spring up and fit well with the music we were writing at the time.” (NME 1984 via Songfacts)
Martha and the Vandellas originally recorded the song in 1964 as a typical teen anthem about lost love, but Motown’s quality control team rejected the recording leaving it unreleased in the Motown vaults. Three years later, Berry Gordy became aware of the recording and hearing a surefire hit made sure the song was released as a single. With the passage of time, the record took on a different meaning, especially to the many African American troops who were stationed overseas in Viet Nam.
The song was included in The Vandellas’ ballad-heavy 1967 album Watchout!, however the single version of this song opens with a drum intro that is not featured on the album cut. Personnel on the track included Martha Reeves on lead vocals, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard on background vocals, The Andantes: Marlene Barrow, Jackie Hicks and Louvain Demps on additional background vocals and instrumentation by various members of Motown’s session group The Funk Brothers, including Richard “Pistol” Allen on drums, Jack Ashford on vibes, Bob Babbitt on bass, Benny Benjamin on drums, Eddie “Bongo” Brown on percussion, Johnny Griffith on keyboards, Joe Hunter on keyboards, James Jamerson on bass, Uriel Jones on drums, Joe Messina on guitar, Earl Van Dyke on keyboards, Marvin Tarplin on guitar, Robert White on guitar and Eddie Willis.
The song was also covered by the likes of Karen Carpenter, Phil Collins, Sheena Easton (who scored a #65 chart hit with it in1986) and Bonnie Pointer. It was also cut by The Temptations for their 1967 album In A Mellow Mood.
The flip of today’s double A-sided single climbed up to the #9 position on the pop charts and rose to #2 on the R&B charts in 1966. The song was also written by Holland-Dozier-Holland and is a dead ringer for The Supremes hit “You Can’t Hurry Love” which they also wrote.
The track was also on The Vandellas’ Watchout! album and featured pretty much the same musicians as “Jimmy Mack,” except Betty Kelly sings background vocals instead of Annette Beard. The group also cut a Spanish version of the song under the title “Yo Necesito De Tu Amor.”
The song was included in The Vandellas’ ballad-heavy 1967 album Watchout!, however the single version of this song opens with a drum intro that is not featured on the album cut. Personnel on the track included Martha Reeves on lead vocals, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard on background vocals, The Andantes: Marlene Barrow, Jackie Hicks and Louvain Demps on additional background vocals and instrumentation by various members of Motown’s session group The Funk Brothers, including Richard “Pistol” Allen on drums, Jack Ashford on vibes, Bob Babbitt on bass, Benny Benjamin on drums, Eddie “Bongo” Brown on percussion, Johnny Griffith on keyboards, Joe Hunter on keyboards, James Jamerson on bass, Uriel Jones on drums, Joe Messina on guitar, Earl Van Dyke on keyboards, Marvin Tarplin on guitar, Robert White on guitar and Eddie Willis.
These shops often host events, workshops, and classes related to Wicca and pagan spirituality, where one can meet and network with other practitioners. Online platforms and forums dedicated to Wicca and paganism can also be helpful for finding local groups. Websites and social media groups specifically focused on Wicca in your area might have information about meetings, gatherings, and events that are open to newcomers. Additionally, attending pagan and Wiccan festivals or conferences can provide opportunities to meet practitioners and learn about local Wiccan groups. When joining a Wiccan group, it is important to approach with an open mind and respect for the group's established practices and beliefs. It is also important to be aware that not all Wiccan groups may be suitable for everyone, as each group may have its own specific focus, rituals, and requirements for membership. Connecting with a Wiccan group near me can provide a supportive and enriching environment for those interested in exploring Wicca and practicing its rituals and traditions. Through shared experiences and the guidance of experienced practitioners, one can deepen their spiritual connection with nature and the divine while building a sense of community within the Wiccan path..
Reviews for "Finding Your Spiritual Path: Joining a Local Wiccan Group"
1. John - 2 stars - I recently attended a Wiccan group near me, and I have to admit, I was disappointed. The meeting lacked structure, and there was a lack of direction. The members seemed more interested in socializing than in actually practicing Wiccan rituals or discussing spiritual topics. I was hoping to learn more about Wicca and connect with like-minded individuals, but unfortunately, this group didn't provide the educational and spiritual experience I was seeking.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I joined a Wiccan group in my area, but it was a complete waste of time. The members were cliquey and unwelcoming to newcomers. Their discussions were shallow and lacked depth. I was hoping to explore the magical aspects of Wicca and expand my knowledge, but this group seemed more focused on drama and gossip. I left feeling disillusioned and disheartened, with no desire to return.
3. Michael - 2 stars - As someone who is genuinely interested in Wicca, I was excited to find a Wiccan group near me. However, my experience with this particular group was disappointing. The meetings were disorganized and lacked any real structure. It felt more like a casual get-together than a serious spiritual practice. I was hoping to find guidance and learn from experienced practitioners, but the group seemed more interested in talking about their personal lives than in discussing Wiccan practices and philosophies. Overall, it didn't meet my expectations and left me feeling unsatisfied.