Interview with a witch, part one

Luna lives on Milwaukee's West Side. She is a 33-year-old business owner and hair designer. She likes to garden; she is writing a cookbook. And she's a witch.

OMC: What does it mean to be a witch?

L: A witch is one who follows nature's seasons, cycles of the moon and works with the earth's elements (earth, air, fire, water) as well as their own spirit (self), to shape their lives.

OMC: What is Wicca?

L: Wicca is the name of a nature and goddess-based spiritual path. "Wicca" actually means "witch" and therefore, if you're a Wiccan, you're a witch who practices witchcraft. Witchcraft is a contemporary Pagan religion and witchcraft (with a lowercase w) means folk magic. There are both good and bad witches and witchcraft, and most of us are good. The Wiccan rede is "An‚ it harm none, do what ye will."

OMC: How does one become a witch?

L: Other witches initiate you, usually after studying for one year and one day. Then, there is a ceremony and a celebration.

OMC: What do you mean by celebration?

L: (Laughing) Well, no one gets naked or anything. It's mostly good food, wine and chatting, just like any other celebration.

OMC: How did you become a witch?

L: When I was 23 years old I owned my first business, a salon, and the other owner and I got readings from this woman. We both liked her a lot, and asked her to come to our salon to do a day of readings. Instead of asking for money, we just asked for another reading. At the end of the day, during my reading, she told me that because I touch people's hands during manicures, that I could be in tune with their energy, and I should learn palmistry. She said she would teach me. So, I eventually moved upstairs from her and became her apprentice. She taught me palmistry, astrology, tarot, numerology, cooking and gardening, and I am forever grateful to her for that.

OMC: Why are witches so misunderstood?

L: Mostly due to fear and lack of knowledge. Some people have seen our religion as a threat to Christianity, but it's not. I was raised Catholic, and it provided me with a good spiritual base, but this religion is more for me because it's woman-based. We worship goddesses and it revolves around nature.

OMC: What does the word "witch" mean?

L: Wise one.

OMC: Where do witches worship?

L: The prime spot is outside, but in the winter, we worship indoors, usually in the high priest or priestesses home.

OMC: What constitutes a coven? Are you in one?

L: A coven is a group of two or more witches practicing together. I am in a coven that is made up of four men and four women. It has revolving participation. We're really flexible, because life is too busy not to be. And we like to informally involve our friends in celebrations, even though they aren't part of the coven.

OMC: Do you really cast spells?

L: Yes, we cast spells for special occasions, protections, prosperity, to get a new job, to attract love, etc. You can follow books or make up your own spells, but the most important thing is to have good intent.

OMC: So you never put bad spells on people?

L: Never. That's not to say you can't protect yourself with magic. For instance, if you need someone to leave you alone, to stop calling you or something, you can put their picture in the freezer and this will make them stop trying to contact you. But it doesn't cause any harm to the person.