Doreen Valiente

Date of Birth: 01/04/1922 | Date of Passing: 01/09/1969 | Date of Funeral: 12/31/1969

Though I never met the great Doreen Valiente, I could say that from reading her work, as well as reading about her life, I feel as though I did know her. She is referred by many as ‘the mother of modern Witchcraft’, for it is with her influence that many people on the Pagan path can proudly call themselves by such titles as ‘Witch’, ‘Wiccan’, or even ‘Pagan’ openly. Doreen worked with Gerald Gardner himself, and helped write much of the Wiccan liturgy that can be quoted by many who walk this Path. She lived in a time when ‘Witch’ was still associated with ‘Devil Worshiper’, and was faced with many trials in her life. Through her courage and bravery, she stood against all opposition and never would let the ignorance of others dictate how she should live life or worship. On her own journey of spiritual enlightenment, Doreen longed to be able to find texts that talked about the religion of Witchcraft, and to ‘come home’ to the faith that she felt she belonged to. With her works, she was able to give to the world such resources that she herself didn’t have when she started on this Path. So whenever you pick up a book on Wicca, Witchcraft, or on any subject of the Occult, take a moment and appreciate that you at least are able to in this day and age without the fear of ridicule, persecution, or confrontation from the ignorant. Doreen Valiente wasn’t just a gift to the world of the Occult, but to the world itself, and it is a one that is a little bit better because she lived upon it. Forever shall she be missed, and forever shall she be in my heart. Blessed Be the soul of she who made it possible for me to proudly wear the title of ‘Witch’, and to give me the courage to thrive.