Doreen worked with the late Gerald Gardner in producing some of the Craft's first published books and is credited with writing much of the poetry and prose about the God and Goddess used by many practitioners today, including "The Charge of the Goddess." Her books, which introduced thousands to the Goddess, include An ABC of Witchcraft and Witchcraft for Tomorrow, among others.
In an interview with Fireheart in 1991, Doreen said, "Why the Craft came out into the open in the 1950s was not really due to the efforts of any one individual, but simply because it was an idea whose time had come.... This is a historic movement that's going on.... I'm too old now to do much more except watch. But I do watch with great interest, I can tell you."
Valiente influenced me in my budding explorations of the modern Craft. Of all of the Craft founders, Doreen seemed to me particularly to have a sense of humor and humility and a bird's eye view of the bigger picture, but always staying close to the Craft's roots in the earth. Though I never met her in person, she always inspired me to be a finer witch and better writer myself.
Janet and Stewart Farrar and Gavin Bone, themselves noted authors on witchcraft, wrote in an obituary for Valiente: "There are few who had met her who did not find her unassuming, modest and unpretentious.... 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 (the Craft's) growth, its poetry and beauty in its ritual."
The Farrars and Bone note Doreen requested anyone wishing to send flowers should instead send a donation to the Centre for Pagan Studies, of which she was patron. A list of those who send money will be published, and a book of commemorative letters will be displayed.
Also, John Belham-Payne will organize a requiem service either at the Centre or in London. Those who'd like to attend "A Day For Doreen" should send a stamped addressed envelope to the Centre For Pagan Studies, c/o The Old Oast, Underhill, Maresfield, East Sussex. TN22 3AY England. Checks and international money orders should be made payable to CFPS. Please respect the privacy of those she has left behind.
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