Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Born: July 12
Residence: Montreal, Quebec

Arin Murphy-Hiscock is a Montreal, Quebec based author, researcher, and Wiccan Priestess.

Life and Times

Research for a creative writing project over a decade ago led Arin Murphy-Hiscock to discover what is now called alternative spirituality, or New Age and occult studies. What began as character research quickly gained greater depth, and inspired an eight year odyssey of self-discovery, difficult decision-making, a re-evaluation of religion, and, ultimately, a new spiritual path. That path has since led her through clergy study, spiritual counselling, and teaching.

Arin is a third-degree Wiccan High Priestess in the Black Forest Clan. This path is linked both by lineage and practice to several other branches of Wiccan thought and philosophy, including the Caledonii Tradition, Druidic Wicca, Gardnerian practice, Seax-Wicca, general Celtic Wicca, and German Witchcraft, and is specifically for those with an interest in becoming trained clergy. In August 2003, after four years of intensive study and practice, Arin was granted legal clergy status under the charter of the Black Forest Circle and Seminary, based in Pennsylvania.

A true academic, Arin has completed a B.A. with an Honours in English Literature and a Major in Liberal Arts, which focuses on Western religion, art, science, philosophy and literature; and an M.A. in English Literature (1995 and 2000, Concordia University, Montreal). Independent study has also led her to read tremendous amounts of material throughout the New Age spectrum. She is well-versed in European mythology and folk traditions (including Celtic and Germanic), hearth and home magic, the Goddess Spirituality movement, Tarot, runes, shamanism, herbal magic, spellcraft, green witchcraft, the history of alternative spirituality, divination, and witchcraft.

Research alone does not an expert make; hands-on experience is required for a fuller understanding of the world. Arin has worked within the book industry for over seventeen years, specifically within niche markets such as children's literature, speculative fiction, and esotericism. These experiences give her a unique insight into the publishing business. Over the five years she spent working with Le Melange Magique, Canada's largest metaphysical and occult store, Arin gained an even more specialised understanding of the current New Age market and its clientele. As of 2002 she has focused on her career as a freelance editor and writer, and apart from her books she has published a number of articles in Montreal periodicals on several subjects, as well as creating educational material for her own classes and workshops.

Currently a resident of Montreal, Canada, Arin is on extended sabbatical from her duties as a core teacher with Crescent Moon Spiritual Learning Centre, which incorporates a four-level general program of Neo-Pagan studies. She continues the series of workshops she has developed and presented since 2001 for Le Melange Magique. These workshops introduce people to a variety of topics such as designing rituals, methods of divination, the history and foundations of modern Paganism, and the art of spell-crafting. She is consulted on a regular basis by the Montreal media and North American publishers on such topics as Goddess spirituality, Neo-Pagan practice, and folk traditions.

Arin currently works as a freelance author and editor, and served as the consultant for Provenance Press, a New Age imprint published by Adams Media, for five years. Her first book, Power Spellcraft for Life: The Art of Crafting and Casting for Positive Change, was released by Provenance Press in May 2005. Arin's second book, Solitary Wicca for Life: A Complete Guide to Mastering the Craft on Your Own, was published in September 2005. Her third book, The Way of the Green Witch, was released in May 2006. Her latest book, The Way of the Hedge Witch, is scheduled for release in April 2009.

Published Works:

On the Web:

Biographical information predominantly copied from Arin Murphy-Hiscock's Homepage.