Somewhere around 8:30-9, students are given a short break. Their first assignment is to talk to a stranger and find something in common. Easy, right?

For some reason, some people have a tough time with this. Maybe they're shy. Maybe they are just too busy socializing.

But when we give you an assignment, we expect it to be done! We want to know what you had in common, not what you talked about.

Lots of students are from out of town (Las Vegas/Henderson is the fastest growing city in the nation). Lots of dog lovers, animal lovers, musicians, etc.

Many have been studying the Craft on their own and are now here,(Are they ready to learn what we have to teach?) and are looking for a group.

All these things that we have in common are good. We are all equals in the craft.

What this lesson points out, on a different aspect, is that we all are human, we all have lives, and we all have problems!

We've all been there. We've all lost jobs. We've all had broken hearts, illnesses, money problems, demanding bosses, bills, etc., etc.

Are you going to let these problems (that we've all gone through) get in the way of your classes? Are you going to let life kick your ass?

Or will you tough it out, make a commitment, and do what needs doing?

You know, the universe is jealous of her secrets - and when you ring the bell, saying you are on a new path, you are going to change your life for the better. All manner of misfortunes (some big, some small) will jump in your way, trying to keep you from your class, your Sabbats, and your commitments.

It will take talent to keep that commitment you made to yourself. It will take inner strength to persevere.

On the other hand, it takes no talent to be a quitter.