Elaine Lockhart is one of very few hereditary witches I've met, and she is grateful to have had the opportunity to embrace all that is magical from an early age. Her family has been practicing the Old Ways for six consecutive generations. Elaine is the fourth generation of this oral tradition that stretches from her great-grandmother to her grandchildren. "We have our own moral and ethical codes," she said. Yearly celebrations revolve around the cyclical nature of raising cattle (mating, birthing, changing pastures, etc.). In addition, she has her own practice with Celtic deities. In 1993 she founded the Mentorship Circle for Witches, and for more than twenty years supported, guided, and taught witches who wanted to learn the Craft. Her answers will give you some insight into her magical life.

1. Do you have a magical name you’re willing to share?
No. My family does not use magical names, mostly because we know each other.

2. In what state do you reside?
Washington state

3. How do you make your living?
I am retired. I used to make my living by teaching classes and workshops in witchcraft and the esoteric arts. I was an Oracle reader for 30 years.

4. Are you out of the closet? / Have you felt threatened?
I am out of the closet, but not all my family members are. No, I have never really felt threatened and maybe that is due to a sense of humor and a thick skin. Also, I don’t draw that kind of energy to me.

5. When did you first know you were a witch? How long have you been practicing?
I was born into a family that practices the Old Ways. My training began at four years old, so sixty-one years.

6. How do you define your practice? Do you follow a specific tradition?
I would say the practice in organic, using what is available. I only know it as our family tradition.

7. What one object must be on your altar for it to be an altar?
The Hearthstone connects all of the Hearth Steads, individual family homes, to the Homestead, where our current Elder resides.

8. Do you have a daily practice?
Yes. I have a morning practice which begins with opening my curtains to greet the day. Then I check in with the energy of the house and my surrounding property to make sure there are no disturbances. Next, I light candles, check in with my energy, meditate, bless those in my life, and attend to any spell work I have going.

9. How do you respond when someone asks, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that before. I often get asked straight out if I am a witch, to which I reply by asking what their definition of a witch is. This gives me insight to better answer their question.

10. Do you have a familiar?
I have had many pets, but only one was a familiar spirit. He was an orange Tabby, and he was amazing to be in a ritual with. He aided in my healing work and spell work.

11. What gifts, skills or powers do you share?
I am clairsentient and clairaudient, though the clairaudience comes and goes. I am an earthquake sensitive and a past-life viewer.

12. What was your most magical experience?
Most are personal to my spiritual growth, but there was the time I took some grumbly students out in the rain for a ritual at a park. As I started casting the circle the rain stopped. At the close of the ritual, when I opened the circle, the rain began again.

13. What is your favorite:
Sabbat:  Samhain
Element:  Fire
God:  Spirits of Place & Guardians of the Land
Goddess:  Spirits of Place & Guardians of the Land
​ Animal or other totem:  Bear
Tool:  Hearthstone
Book:  I don’t have one.
​ Tarot deck or Card:  Queen of Swords
Gemstone:  Obsidian
Ritual garb:  Everyday clothes or long dresses
​ Fictional Witch:  Franny Owens
​ Music/Performer:  Loreena McKennitt
Spell or Ritual:  A money spell for lean times at the end of the month
​ Piece of Wisdom:  Witchcraft is messy; don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.