Meet the author is a series of articles intended to introduce you to our wonderful authors. Learn about the books they’ve written, the spiritual pathways they’ve traversed and some fun little tidbits… introducing Fiona Tinker!

Fiona Tinker was born in and grew up in Scotland. Life took her through three countries, where she met many interesting people on the way. She taught English at Secondary School level in both Scotland and England for the majority of her working life. Fiona served as Depute Presiding Officer for the Scottish Pagan Federation for two terms. She was also an SPF Legal Celebrant and the SPF’s Education Officer.  Now retired, Fiona lives in the North of Scotland and is enjoying reconnecting with her early Pagan roots and teachings.

What books have you written?

Pagan Portals: Pathworking Through Poetry and Pagan Portals: Stories for the Songs of the Year. I’ve also contributed to several Moon Book collaborations, edited by Trevor Greenfield.

How would you describe your spiritual pathway?

Celtic Paganism: as a peaceful, fulfilling and personal path taught through story and practise from those who walked these paths before me.  It is a path rooted in the Celtic Gods, folklore and beliefs of my ancestors and lands.

What is something fun and quirky about yourself?

The best back-handed compliment my somewhat short self ever received was from a lad I’d taught for five years: “You don’t realise how short she actually is because she’s got a very tall voice.”

I have a very tall voice. (He meant my voice projection skills.)

Where can people find you?

Either https://fionatinker.wordpress.com/  or through The Pooka Pages for Pagan Kids on FB. I’d taken a step back from social media for a while for various reasons, but hopefully, I’ll be more attentive to this going forward. I now have the time.

What tips do you have for folk beginning their spiritual journey?

Choose wisely those you listen to. Ask many questions. Believe your gut. Anyone who makes you uncomfortable is to be avoided.

Paganism is something learned over years. It takes time, practise and patience to develop a deep understanding of the aspects that call to you. You’ll meander down many byways before you find your path. Accept you’ll never finish learning, and that is the beauty of it all: The more you know, the more there is to learn and explore.

Listen to your inner voice and be guided to that which attracts you: herbalism, Ceremonial Magic, Wicca, Celtic Paganism, etc. Explore the writings of Pagans on these paths, both current and historical. Never underestimate the learning of the people who came before you.

Learn all you can about your own locality – the folklore, the etymology of the names, the features of the land, sea and sky you are surrounded by. If you pay attention and listen, you’ll find that you will be listened to in return.

Which deity or deities would you love to have dinner with?

That’s an easy one – Angus Óg, Bride and The Cailleach Bheur. I’d also invite Meg, the cat with half a tail. He’s not a deity, but he’s been hanging around with these three in stories for so long now, he’d just assume he, too is a God, therefore automatically included.

What magical items would you take with you if you had to live on an island for a year?

My 130-year-old handmade ceremonial knife (inherited from an early teacher), staff, big soup pot and ladle, journals, some hag stones, shells, my heavy woollen cloak and all the fiddly little bits in the wooden box where I’ve gathered ‘things that might come in handy for spell-work’ over the years.  There’d be time to explore them, assuming the island was remote and not too populated.

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/fiona-tinker