In Memory of Marion Weinstein

Before the 1980s, most of the books on Wicca and Witchcraft talked about things you do. You go to a ritual. You do some magick. But in 1978, a sweet and for the time rather revolutionary book, Positive Magic, was published. Written by Marion Weinstein, it helped change the attitude of Witchcraft being something you do into being something you are every day of your life. It certainly influenced me and was one of the sources that led me to the conclusion that magick isn’t something you do, magick is something you are.

Positive Magic blended concepts of psychology, ethics, magick, divination, self-transformation and more. It’s been through several editions and is still useful as both an introduction to modern Witchcraft and as part of the history of Wicca.

Weinstein, herself, became something of a Pagan star. She produced and hosted a radio show in New York for many years. She travelled and lectured and was always humorous (she had a background in stand-up comedy).

And now she’s gone. She left us July 1, 2009, at the age of 70. There are beginning to be all sorts of memorials to her on the internet. I’m sure that as news of her passing filters through the Pagan blogosphere there will be much more said about her, words that are far more eloquent than I could ever produce.

All I will say is that the world is a little less without her. I hope she is finding peace and restoration with her ancestors before she blesses us with her presence again.