In early 2001, OnMilwaukee.com ran an article entitled "Interview with a witch" that explored the life of Luna, a Milwaukee witch. Because of the popularity of that piece, this article will delve a little deeper into her intriguing lifestyle. June 21 is the Summer Solstice, one of the eight High Holidays of Wicca, and an important day for Luna.
OMC: How will you celebrate the Summer Solstice?
Luna: To celebrate the longest day of the year, I will host a gathering on Mid-Summer's Eve, the Thursday night before the actual solstice on Friday. We will honor Litha, goddess of abundance, fertility and power. Hopefully we will have a night without rain so that we can gather outside. It will be a small gathering with fruit, bread, cheese, wine, music and dancing barefoot on the grass. We will each write a wish for the summer season on a scrap of paper, fold it, and then throw it into a small bonfire to activate it. Sometimes we jump over the fire for protection in the coming year. We usually end with a drum circle dedicated to the moon. Summer Solstice is also a very magical time for conceiving a child, and long ago, witches would actually have sex during the ritual- right on the ground to connect with the fertile earth. No one actually does this during my gatherings. They wait until they are in the privacy of their own homes!
OMC: What is the difference between being a solitary witch and a witch who belongs to a coven, and which do you prefer?
Luna: Being a solitary witch is about practicing alone. Being part of a coven includes you in a certain group that has formed between two or more people. I am part of a coven, but a lot of the time I practice as a solitary. My coven is very loose and we gather as often as we can, but not necessarily on a regular basis. Practicing as a solitary is an excellent way to do inner spiritual work like meditating, cast spells to invoke positive things such as inner-power or personal protection, and a great way to gather information through reading. Practicing with coven members can also be very rewarding both spiritually and intellectually. It is important to share ideas with others and to exchange and share energy. Practicing with a group offers a strong feeling of closeness and connection. I enjoy both very much.
OMC: How can someone find out more about being a witch?
Luna: Locally, there is a store that carries supplies and books called House of Magick. Also, there are Internet sites and message boards where you can connect with other witches, but I personally do not do this. I would recommend studying through books. The "New Age" section at any major bookstore has a plethora of information. Some of my favorite authors are Scott Cunningham, Al Manning, Zsuzsanna Budapest, Starhawk, Gerina Dunwich and Diane Stein.
Another subtle way of becoming more involved is to ask the universe to connect you with someone who is already a witch and see what happens. To do this, sit quietly where you won't be disturbed. Close your eyes and say your request out loud or focus on your wish silently. Give it a few minutes, and then open your eyes. A good place for this might be outside, basking in the moon's light.
OMC: How is the moon significant in your practice?
Luna: I follow all of the moon's phases on a daily basis. The moon resides in each sign of the zodiac for about two and a half days. As it passes through each sign, I believe that the moon affects us in different ways, curiously linked to each sign and their characteristics. For example, I find that people are headstrong during an Aries moon, emotional during a Pisces moon, picky and perfectionist on a Virgo moon, active and conversational during a Gemini moon, etc.
Also, the new moon is a time for renewal spells: starting new projects, planting seeds and starting over. As the moon gets closer to full, it is considered "waxing." This is a good time to build momentum, gather information, or work spells to increase love, wealth and good luck. (Remember that most witches only cast good spells!)
During the full moon, it is a strong and intense energy time so you should be cautious, meditate, focus on good health and have fun! As the moon goes from full to crescent, it's called a "waning" moon. This is a good time to finish existing projects, take time to relax or tie up loose ends. The moon can also be useful to "recharge" oneself, especially during a full moon.
To gather the moon's energy, I stand in the moon's glow, arms outstretched with palms upwards, and imagine my palms absorbing the moon's rays. I acknowledge the goddess Diana (one of the moon goddesses) and ask to be rejuvenated by her essence. This is called "drawing down the moon."
OMC: Do you worship gods and/or goddesses?
Luna: I believe in only one, called the Higher Power, the Great Spirit, or My Creator. I also believe that this Being has a feminine as well as a masculine side -- much like the yin-yang principle. I use the names of gods and goddesses in my worship as a representation of this one Great Spirit. So, during a ritual, I will choose an appropriate god and goddess to worship who represents the season or time of year.
OMC: Does being a witch have anything to do with Satan?
Luna: No, absolutely not. In fact, most witches do not even believe that such a character exists.
OMC: In the last OnMilwaukee.com article ("Interview with a witch," Part 1), many readers suggested that your beliefs and practices were not true for all witches, and they were concerned that you were trying to speak for all of them. Were you?
{INSERT_RELATED}Luna: No. This is the way that I live my life and these are the things that I've learned through my studies. There are many different types of witches and many different aspects of this religion. These are just my own personal beliefs and practices. I don't believe that anyone could ever speak for all people of any one group.
OMC: Is there anything you would like to say to other Wisconsin witches?
Luna: Peace and prosperity to all of you. Blessed be times three times three times three!
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
