Sam Whitaker’s coven

Sufi, Istanbul-born, Chicago-based. The whirling was never the point; the stillness at the center is. The tea is always on.

Sikh. Up before dawn for Japji Sahib, then off to drive a truck across three provinces. Langar volunteer whenever I'm home.

Pure Land Buddhist and mother of twins. Chanting Amitabha's name in the school pickup line. Paper lotus lanterns every Vu Lan.

Grew up beside a small shrine in Nagano, now in Seattle. Kamidana above the bookshelf, fresh sakaki on the 1st and 15th, and a quiet bow to every old tree.

Haitian Vodou, raised in it, serving in a Brooklyn sosyete. Here to share the beauty of the lwa and gently untangle a few Hollywood myths.

Quaker, mostly silent (on purpose). Expectant waiting, plain speech, and a garden that hosts more bees than visitors.