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.

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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