Diane is a gatherer of goddesswomen. I met her more than a decade ago when we were both original members of a Dianic coven. The purple streak she put in her raven hair convinced me wild hair colors were not just for my daughter’s generation. Her roadtrips that began after the death of her husband added to my inspiration for this trip. 

Diane has and will always be a gatherer of women seeking their path. She began a Facebook group of goddesswomen to meet on full moons and as inspired to do so. That group now numbers about 100. She is always available to perform a hand fasting and to introduce the elements to children using Beanie Babies at festivals.

Along with answering the questions below, she told the following story about herself.

It's a surprise when you find out that you are a witch. At least it was for me. But the feeling was powerful and I knew it was going to change my world. However with these big changes there have to be explanations. I was disappearing two or three evenings and bringing strange things into the house. I felt that I owed my husband an explanation. I was very new at this and when I look back I knew that I was going to be powerful. I found a place where two streams met and there were crossroads in the woods. 

After some false starts I finally blurted out to my husband, “Honey, I think I'm a witch.” He took it quite well and after a very interesting discussion he made an extremely astute observation. He wondered if I had noticed that many church steeples look like witches hats. I had not. And of course now when I look at a church steeple I do see witches hats.

The other concern that he had was for my safety.We talked about cults and he made me promise  I would always be cautious and keep myself safe. I promised him I would. I have never once felt like I have been in a dangerous situation. 

1. Do you have a magical name you’re willing to share? 
The magickal name that I had for 21 years no longer suits me. My new magickal name has yet to reveal itself.

2. In what state do you reside? 
Connecticut 

3. How do you make your living? 
I am retired. I am a Justice of the Peace for the State of Connecticut.

4. Are you out of the closet? / Have you felt threatened.
I quietly allowed my path to be noticed. My first public declaration was at a Board of Education meeting in my town.

5. When did you first know you were a witch? How long have you been practicing?
1998. Ever since.

6. How do you define your practice? Do you follow a specific tradition?
Goddess focused – Dianic 

7. What one object must be on your altar for it to be an altar?
A rock.

8. Do you have a daily practice?
I connect somehow with water. When I am home I go to the Connecticut River.

9. How do you respond when someone asks, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”
Bite my tongue.

10. Do you have a familiar?
No.

11. What gifts, skills or powers to you share? 
I am a foundation for people who are just beginning on their path. My favorite thing to do is to work with little kids about Mother Nature, elements and colors.

12. What was your most magical experience?
Dancing in the moonlight and I turned to face the Moon and she spoke and danced with me and told me her name.

13. What is your favorite::
  • Sabbat:  Samhein
     • Element:  Water
     • God:  none
     • Goddess:  Oya
     • Animal or other totem:  Owl 
     • Tool:  Wooden Spoon
     • Book:.“The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft” is seriously a good place to start. 
  • Tarot deck or card:  Daughters of the Moon  
     • Gemstone:  Citrine
   • Ritual garb:  Bare feet
     • Fictional witch:  None
• Music / performer:  Kellianna
     • Spell or ritual:  Yearly self dedication
     • Piece of wisdom:  Be very careful how you use your words.