Beltane 1999 Newsletter Hail and Farewell Doreen Valiente

On Wednesday 1st September 1999, Doreen Valiente passed into the summer lands in her home town of Brighton. There are a few who had met her who did not find her unassuming, modest and unpretentious. There were many reasons for her to be the opposite though. She was (and still is) the mother of one of the fastest growing religions in the later 20th Century - Wicca. Her books have introduced thousands to the concept of the Goddess for the first time, as well as the joys of a fresh spirituality. While many who had done far less had donned titles, her humility prevented her from ever using a title such as ‘Queen of the Witches’; but she more than anyone was responsible for it’s growth, it’s poetry and beauty in it’s ritual. And in her own words (From the Charge of the Goddess):

"I am the gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, I give knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give freedom and reunion with those who have gone before."

May the great Goddess indeed welcome her with open arms. May she be reunited with those she has loved. She will be sadly missed by all who practice the old religion.

(Written by Janet and Stewart Farrar and Gavin Bone)

Dorren requested that anyone who wanted to send flowers, could instead send a donation to the Centre for Pagan Studies of which she was a patron, and that a list of those kind enough to send money should have their names published and a book of commemorative letters should be displayed at the centre. The Centre for Pagan Studies address is: c/o The Old Oast, Underhill, Maresfield, East Sussex TN223AY, England. Cheques and international money orders should be made payable to CFPS.

Some of Doreen’s books included: Witchcraft for Tomorrow, Natural Magic, The Rebirth of Witchcraft, A Tradition renewed and An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present.