About Our Queen

by Orion Foxwood

Lady Circe's influence upon the Craft of the Wise extended far beyond the boundaries of her home in Toledo, Ohio to daughter and granddaughter covens across the United States. In many states, including Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Utah, and Virginia, her tradition has carried the seeds of the Craft to seekers of all ages and races. Age never stopped her absolute devotion to the Craft and the Gods of the Old Religion. In her late 70s and early 80s, she traveled extensively with Orion Foxwood to Pagan gatherings and magical congresses in the Midwest, New England, and the Northeastern states to assure the new generations of Pagans that our ways have deep abiding roots, true Eldership, tradition, and dignity.

In all ways, in all places, Lady Circe exemplified these traits. She demonstrated the strength and spiritual potency of the Craft and the constancy of a living tradition. Her Craft roots draw from a family folk magic tradition that, at a minimum, extends over a hundred years in the United States alone. Ever growing and ever seeking, she brought her own revelations to these teachings and the shared knowledge and lore from her own teachings and other Craft Elders from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, which were years of the Pagan and Witchcraft renaissance in America and in Europe.

Lady Circe also taught us through and about the blessings of laughter, hope, and purity of spirit. Many of her teachings came in the form of family sayings, such as, "If you would walk the witch's way, observe with care the child at play." To many of the "old guard" (early Craft and Pagan leaders in America) she was affectionately known as the "Grand Dame" of the Craft. Those of us who knew her well, we understood from her example that we must never lose our faith in the Gods. In her words, "Your first step backwards is your last."

In the late 1990s, after several years of working and studying with Lady Circe, it was clear to me that her wisdom reflected a depth and simplicity that was a timeless treasure that needed to be preserved and archived for the many generations of Witches to come. This awareness fueled the vision and creation of the Alliance of the Old Religion (AOTOR), a network of covens and Elders in the Craft that draw lineage from Lady Circe and who are dedicated to carrying forth her teachings. Other traditional Elders from other Craft lines who were concerned about the preservation of traditional Craft and who have also been welcomed as sisters and brothers of the line are honorary member of the AOTOR. To date, the Alliance membership consists of Elders from more than eight different states and is guided by the three mantle carriers designated by Lady Circe: Lady Meshalamthea of Toledo, Ohio; Lord Malachi of Kewadin, Michigan; and Lord Orion of Hyattsville, Maryland. Together with the Elders of the AOTOR, the heritage of Lady Circe lives on more vital and strong than ever before.

In 2004, Lady Circe crossed over. Although her physical presence is missed, her spirit lives on and is honored in the rites, practices, and teachings of the individuals and covens who she touched deeply.

Lady Circe was, and forever will be, the Queen Mother of my Craft lineage and the AOTOR. Anyone who met her will attest that she was a Witch Elder and Queen to the highest degree without any doubt. Her beauty, magic, wisdom, fierce devotion to the Craft, and legacy will live in the hearts and tradition of her spiritual children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beyond. Her humor and wisdom shall inspire many seekers for years to come. She has touched my life and the lives of so many in ways that are beyond words. I shall cherish her always! The Lady Meshlamthea, Lord Malachi, myself, and all of the covens of the AOTOR shall carry her legacy on to the future generations. I pray that all who were touched by her will reflect on her wisdom and carry these gems to all who seek the light. As Lady Circe often said, "We, the witches, are here to lead humanity to the light and to bring back the glory of the Goddess." Let us carry that light!

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