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.