Casting a spell on you

I had come to this witchy little store called Earth Central to interview the resident witch, Deborah Luna, who is also known as the Witch of Loomis. I had a couple of minutes before the interview began so I thought I’d peruse a bit. I found boas, body oils, costumes, crystals, scepters, a statue of the three graces, and books on spells, Wicca, and goddess culture to name a few. A bumper sticker in the window read “Witches Heal.”

As it turned out the interview was not to take place there but in an adjacent room filled with altars, a spinning wheel, a throne, and yes, a cauldron and a broom. As we settled in to talk, I began to notice that I was feeling a bit bewitched.

What does it mean to be a witch?

It means someone who is a wise-woman and healer. I am an elder in the worldwide Wicca tradition and a Druid priestess. My position is to be of service as a priestess to the goddess traditions. I take it very seriously. The definition of a witch is that I’m available. I counsel, I help to deliver babies, do baby blessings, go to funerals and organize moon circles for each full moon. We also do many rituals.

What sort of rituals?

Samhain (All Hallows Eve), Yule (Winter Solstice), Imbolc (Candlemas), Ostara (Spring Equinox), Beltane (May Eve), Litha (Summer Solstice), Luchnassad (August Eve), and Mabon (Fall Equinox). Samhain is coming up on October 31. It’s the day that the veil is most thin, and it’s the day that we honor our ancestors that have passed. It’s like the Day of the Dead in Mexico. We’ve lost a lot of spirits this year.

How did you become a witch?

It was a process for me because I didn’t know there was anything called a witch or Wicca or anything like that. I just knew how I was. That was long ago when I was a young girl. But I was always interested in astrology, numerology, tarot. I was always very spiritual but I wasn’t raised in a religious family at all. Then one day, about 15 years ago, my son said, “Mom, I think you should look into the tradition of Wicca.” So I picked up a book and I thought, he’s right, this is my thing. I started a coven right away. It was housewives, PTA moms, and women like that as well as lots of other types of people. Then I decided that I needed to open a place here and it was life-changing. The shop has grown to exactly what it’s meant to be.

Do you cast spells?

Yes. Every time I have a thought or a vision I cast spells. Absolutely. There’s nothing like casting with your sisters. That’s something I would do with my sisters, the women who I practice with. And I tried to teach them that the tools of a witch don’t have to be all of this outer stuff. It comes from a thought or vision. All I need is a finger and the spell is cast. I did one for you actually. I cast a glamory spell for this interview.

A glamory spell?

A glamory spell is really just a glamor spell, you know, for the interview. I did a glamory spell because there was no way that I was going to come and talk to you without one.

What are your powers?

The power to empower, that’s what I like to call it. I am here to empower women. To empower and inspire them. I think that’s the gift I have because I can tap in and inspire those that forgot they had it, information left inside them. So I kind of like being a muse.

What’s it like to be a witch in Sac?

Excuse me, I have a throne. I collect crowns. No really, it’s great. I’m surrounded by magical people everyday. I’m always shocked and amazed when people in the Wiccan traditions are treated badly. I put on my witch boots every day and walk down the street and put my money in the bank. I have a hat too.

Do you have a witch community here?

Yes. We have a huge community that includes all types of people; it’s an amazing community. The people who are involved in this tradition are very educated, articulate, amazing people. I feel like I’ve surrounded myself with the most beautiful people in the world, and I can only hope that they reflect a little bit on me.

Anything else you’d like to add?

That I’m a person first, a humanitarian, and someone who is here for the community. I’ve created a spot for myself and it’s been a wonderful experience.