Laura Tempest Schmidt (Bio)
Associate Editor / Creative Director,
Crescent Magazine

Laura serves as the Associate Editor as well as the Creative Director of Crescent Magazine. She joined the publication in 1997.

Laura began her spiritual quest very young in life, working from the base that her parents provided (Italian Catholic and Reformed Jew). She found inspiration in the beliefs and practices of her multi-cultural ancestors, and sought out a common ground through family-based Traditional Witchcraft. She has been a practicing Witch of the Modern Tradition for over a decade, and actively works with her family Houses, and as a community guide.

While living in Rhode Island, Laura strove to bring together the Pagan community throughpath circle events. In 1998, she founded the Cauldron of Annwyn Pagan Society, which became the largest collective of solitary Pagans in the area (now RIPagansCircle) She also co-founded PYRAA: the Pagan Youth Religion & Art Alliance with Khristine Annwn Page. In 2000, She and Khristine were the youngest members to attend the first national Pagan Summit in Bloomington, Indiana.

Laura graduated from Rhode Island School of Design [www.risd.edu] with a BFA in Printmaking. She has won numerous state and national awards for her work, and has received international recognition from art collectors. She works as a fine artist, writer, and freelance designer through the small business she founded with her husband Keith, MedDevi Ink [www.meddevi.com]. Laura is also a member of NorthWind Studios [www.northwindstudios.com].

Besides visual art, Laura’s other passion is Middle Eastern dancing, more commonly known as belly dancing. She began dancing in 2000, and regularly performs in the Bay Area. She finds this form of dance extremely rewarding physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Laura currently resides in the Bay Area, and travels the coast participating in festivals, faires, and other events. She regularly teaches metaphysical classes at the San Jose Metaphysical Bookshop, 1231 Kentwood Dr, San Jose, CA, and is also available for Tarot sessions.