The Kindred

Gabriel Diaz
​​Kindred Goði

Gabe is three years into his heathen journey, and exploring religious practice over religious belief has been a key theme. One reason he loves being in the Kindred is that it's a community of religious practice and knowledge sharing, not one where everyone has to believe the same things. Like all heathens, he is always trying to find more sources and learn the lore, runes, and history better. That said, he wouldn't describe himself as a reconstructionist; in fact, he's joked that he's a 'deconstructionist.' Being in the moment, making connections with friends and community, and finding spiritual connection are at the core of his practice. 

When not finding his place in the world of heathens, Gabe lives in Brooklyn, works in technology, and revels in personal finance.

Stephanie Sugars
​​Kindred Gyðja

Stephanie found paganry and began identifying as a heathen after attending her first Yule celebration when she was 13-or-so years old living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. While a grad student, she attended New York City's Pagan Pride festivities where she met several members of our Kindred and joined as one of its first members in 2018.

Her passion for documentary photography has gifted the Kindred amazing photographs, many of which are found throughout this website and our Facebook page. She's constantly working on crafts and reading through her (honestly too many) shelves of books.

Alex Carbajal

Alex is our friendly neighborhood meme goblin who grew up in Manhattan. He likes photography, hockey, skateboarding, and bright primary colors because he can't see colors that well. He also likes League of Legends and cats. He doesn't know what's happening/can't hear anything most of the time, but he's glad to be here.

Paul Mercurio

Paul is affectionately known as the Kindred's Hearth Bear and is known for his excellent hugs. He grew up on the shores of the Hudson River (i.e., the North River) and is one of the founding members of the North River Kindred. He has been a member of The Troth for over a decade, serving as the NYC Area Steward, and is the current Workshop Chairperson for the Northeast Thing, an annual regional gathering for inclusive heathens. Paul has developed and led rituals, moderated monthly lore chats for the Troth and given workshops on a range of topics from singing and history to runes. His writing has also been published as part of The Troth's publications.

Paul has a strong interest in Urglaawe and is well known for both his honoring of and research in Zisa, an obscure Continental Germanic deity. Paul has also traveled to Lithuania to learn sutartine, a style of traditional folk music that is heavily animist/pagan in nature. A personal highlight of Paul's is when he carved runes into a 5' tall stone and installed it in a park.

Jai Mohan

Actor, playwright, and singer-songwriter, Jai Mohan (he/him/his, ze/zem/zir, xe/xem/xir) moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. Ze is disabled, ill, mad, and a creator of music, art, plays, and runes (among other things.) A syncretic polytheist, he began attending rituals with NRK in 2021 and joined as a member in 2022.

Jai, sometimes known as Magpie, has released several albums and is currently working on an album of songs in honor of various gods. His music can be found most places. Except Alonetone. Xe hasn't gotten around to that one yet.

No longer in our kindred, but always our family: 

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