Wicca is a modern pagan religion that originated in the mid-20th century. It is based on pre-Christian traditions and beliefs, particularly those of ancient Celtic and Norse cultures. Wicca is centered around the worship of a god and goddess, who are believed to govern the cycles of life and nature. Wicca can be practiced in a group or as a solitary practitioner. While group work can be beneficial and provide a sense of community, many Wiccans choose to practice alone. Being a solitary practitioner allows for more flexibility and personalization in one's spiritual practice.
The best sandwich I have ever had. Such good people that work there I love this place.
You know their sandwiches are good when my 11 year old and my 14 year old daughters both look forward to going there especially whenever we mention the name MSM Deli. MSM magic sandwich makers is a Tacoma Institution and should be on your go-to list of places when you visit Tacoma or you have family in from out of town.
Being a solitary practitioner allows for more flexibility and personalization in one's spiritual practice. For the solitary practitioner, Wicca offers a unique and individualized spiritual experience. They have the freedom to create their own rituals, beliefs, and practices, tailoring them to their own needs and preferences.
MSM Deli
It is a goal of this blog to document the unique and unknown in Tacoma. It is however inevitable that we will showcase the diners, dives, delis, and taco trucks that make this gritty city great. MSM Grocery & Deli on 6th and South Trafton is certainly one of those places.
MSM Deli (or Magical Sandwich Makers to those not so keen on brevity, or Magical Sandwich Makers Grocery II & Deli to any Ents in our reading audience) is as unassuming as they come: a rectangular white box of a building stacked with refrigerator banks and minimart-esque wire racks filled with assorted snacks and grocery items; however, a jampacked parking lot and steady stream of hungry sandwich enthusiasts betray the sleepy exterior. A well known Tacoma fact is this place makes a mean sandwich. So mean, you’ll likely find yourself standing in line for some time while some creepy lady with a Disneyland sweater makes gooey eyes at you. MSM is so accessible, and so reasonably priced (sandwiches start under $5), it isn’t uncommon to see a suit diving mouth-first into a club sandwich seated next to a crack head (partially based on assumption….ok, largely based on assumption). This last bit of info surely won’t scare the typical Gritty Tacoman, but this does help to repel the Bluetooths and Beamers. Douchebag repellant.
The sandwich selection is impressive, but not overwhelming. 11 different sandwiches including a build-your-own option, East Coast style subs, pita wraps and soups make up the menu. Of course it is a grocery too, so pick up some Jalepeno chips, Funyons, a loaf of bread, or whatever the hell you want. And in addition to serving totally solid sandwiches, MSM easily has one of the best craft beer selections in town. Bizarre right?
This most recent jaunt to MSM has definitely reaffirmed my love with the reuben. It’s so good, dressed up nice just for you. How could you deny that crispy sauerkraut, the decadent corned beef with 1000 Island dressing just oozing from the warmed dark rye? That’s right. You can’t. The only competition in T Town comes from The Swiss, and that’s a battle for another day.
The Mike’s Deluxe was another big hit at our table. Piled high with deli meats and veggies, it’s definitely standard deli fare done right. The sandwich roll today was on the dry side, but this has proven to be a bit of a gamble here at MSM – sometimes the rolls are fresh and crisp, sometimes not. Perhaps their trips to their distributor are a touch too far between.
The Italian Sub again leaned toward this side of typical deli fare, but was definitely a tasty little guy. I’m a sucker for Pepperoncinis though. Throw a few on a toilet brush and I’d strongly consider eating it. The meats were fresh, and definitely a far cry from any chain sub shop. The bread here too was a touch on the dry side. This place needs a bakery to move in next door bad. Does anyone actually go to that little lawnmower repair shop anyway? I see a business opportunity! I only ask a mere 10% of your yearly profits as a consulting fee.
One evident lack here at MSM is vegetarian fare. My wife Elizabeth enjoyed her DIY veggie, but felt a bit hemmed in choice-wise. I must admit I empathized with her that her silly meat-free morals yet again got in the way of deliciousness. Sorry PETA. No hard feelings.
The Verdict:
All things said, the food was good to really good. The front of the store is a lunchtime feeding frenzy (they may as well install a long trough filled with sandwiches) and it is really important to call your order in ahead of time. Then you can walk over to the right side of the counter, bob and weave the evil stares from those in line, and pick up your order. If you want to improve your grit and eat in, I suggest the back room, although it is more reminiscent of a bingo hall than a restaurant – the few artful bicycle pictures aren’t fooling anyone. Think of it as a foil for the food, something plain to dress up what’s on your plate in your basket. Just watch out for that creepy lady in the Disneyland sweater, she’ll get ya.
Mention us and get….nothing! But please do enjoy your magical regularly priced sandwich.
Solitary practice allows for a deeper connection with nature and the divine, as one can spend more time in quiet contemplation and communion with the elements. There are many resources available for those interested in practicing Wicca as a solitary practitioner. Books, websites, and online communities provide guidance and support for developing one's own spiritual path. Many solitary practitioners also keep a personal Book of Shadows, which is a journal for recording their rituals, spells, and experiences. As a solitary practitioner, one can explore various aspects of Wicca at their own pace. They may choose to focus on divination, spellwork, herbalism, or any other specific area of interest. They can also celebrate the Wheel of the Year, which consists of eight festivals that mark the changing seasons and honor the cycles of life. In addition to individual practice, solitary Wiccans can also participate in larger community events and gatherings. These gatherings provide an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals, learn from experienced practitioners, and celebrate the Sabbats and Esbats together. Being a solitary practitioner does not mean being isolated or disconnected from others. Many solitary Wiccans find community and support through online forums, social media groups, and local pagan meet-ups. They can also form spiritual connections with the divine through meditation, visualization, and ritual, even without the presence of others. In conclusion, Wicca for the solitary practitioner offers a unique and personalized spiritual experience. It allows for individual exploration, freedom, and creativity in developing one's own spiritual practice. While practicing alone, solitary Wiccans can still find community and support through various resources and gatherings. Whether practiced in a group or alone, Wicca offers a path of connection with nature, divinity, and personal growth..
Reviews for "Balancing Solitude and Community in Wiccan Practice"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - Although I was excited to delve into the world of Wicca as a solitary practitioner, this book fell short of my expectations. The author's explanations and instructions were often vague and difficult to follow, leaving me confused and frustrated. Additionally, I found the book to be quite repetitive, with the same concepts and rituals being discussed repeatedly. Overall, I felt that this book lacked depth and clarity, and did not provide a comprehensive guide for a beginner like myself.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner." The book seemed more focused on promoting the author's personal beliefs rather than providing useful information for someone interested in Wicca. Moreover, the writing style was dry and lacked enthusiasm, making it difficult to stay engaged while reading. I found myself flipping through the pages, hoping to find something insightful, but was met with repetitive and uninteresting content. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine and informative guide to Wicca.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - As someone who was hoping to find guidance on how to practice Wicca as a solitary individual, I found this book to be lacking in practical advice. The author spent a significant portion of the book discussing their personal experiences and beliefs, which may be interesting to some, but did not provide much value for someone looking to learn and embrace Wicca independently. Moreover, I felt that the rituals and instructions provided were oversimplified and left out crucial details, leaving me feeling uncertain about how to proceed. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for solitary practitioners who want to explore Wicca in a more practical and comprehensive manner.