OMC: What type of person becomes a witch?

L: Anyone. There are people of all professions who are witches. It's just about having an interest in the sun, moon, stars, nature, and wanting magic in your life.

OMC: What kinds of rituals do you perform?

L: You can do a ritual anywhere, you just need to create a sacred circle. Then, to do that, we sprinkle salt around the circle, and say "We cast a circle of salt to keep all the good within and all the bad without." We acknowledge all the elements: earth, air, fire and water and call their earthbound symbols. (Gnomes for earth; fairies for air; dragons for fire; mermaids for water) Then we call up a god or goddess, depending on what we are celebrating, followed by a spiritual discussion, a little eating and drinking, an energy exercise and finally we thank the elements and the god and goddess for their energy and close the circle.

OMC: What is a bad witch?

L: A bad witch is anyone who practices black magic. (A good witch practices white or green magic.) Black magic has malicious intent. This magic usually works faster than white or green magic, but the consequences are far worse. Witches believe that when you cast a spell, you get back nine times what you send out. It's like karma.

OMC: What shops in Milwaukee offer witch-related stuff?

L: House of Magick (1210 E. Oklahoma Ave.); 7th Ray Books (58th & National); Planet Bead (714 N. Broadway); Stempers (1125 E. Potter St.); or online at www.handofglory.com (Note: These businesses sell some or all of the following: incense, candles, oils, crystals, books, tarot cards and herbs.)

OMC: Why are brooms associated with witches?

L: Traditionally, most witches were female and the broom is a common tool of domestics. Women would prop a broom outside their door or up a chimney to let people know they were away. They would also "ride brooms" in the field because they believed it would make their crops grow. Many witches have an upside-down broom hanging in their house because it brings good luck.

OMC: What holidays do witches celebrate?

L: Holidays are called Sabbats or High Holidays. We celebrate Yule, Dec. 20-23, honoring the sun king and the return of the sun. Candelmas, Feb. 2, celebrates Brigid, the goddess of inspiration and healing, because the days are visibly longer. The Spring Equinox, March 20-23, celebrates Eostre meaning rebirth, and that the days and nights are equal. Beltane, the eve of May 1, celebrates fertility and seed sowing. The Summer Solstice, June 20-23, celebrates the goddess Litha, the longest day of the year, and abundance. Lammas, August 1, celebrates Lugh and the harvest. Mabon/Fall equinox, September 20-23, is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest, and celebrates the equality of days and nights. Samhain/All Hallow's Eve, October 31, is the New Year and a time for honoring our passed loved ones. It's also a time when the veil is the thinnest between the material and the spirit worlds.

OMC: What does being a witch offer you personally?

L: It fulfills my life. I feel like I'm living everyday for a purpose. And, watching the seasons makes life so much more fun. My mentor told me "once you live your life this way, you live the ordinary life in a non-ordinary way" and she was right.

For part two of this interview, click here.

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