1960’s
Doreen had always conducted her magical activities with complete discretion, avoiding publicity and the media, unlike her mentor Gerald Gardner. One reason for this rather circumspect attitude was out of consideration for her mother who did not know her daughter was a practicing Witch.
In 1964 after the death of both her mother and Gerald Gardner in the same year, Doreen cast off her Gardnerian mantle and was initiated by Robert Cochrane into a traditional, hereditary branch of Witchcraft. The 1960’s brought fresh public perceptions. The sexual revolution, contraception, peace movements and social upheaval led to old-fashioned ideals being swept away. Witchcraft was no exception.
Suddenly Witches, in particular Sybil Leek and Alex and Maxine Saunders, became media personalities and actively courted the publicity. The Old Guard of Wicca still refused to yield and come forward, shunning all contact with anyone outside the Craft.
Doreen was one of the few who managed to find a middle-ground; never denying paganism or fearing to speak out in its defence, yet still maintaining the traditional low-key approach to Wicca. The Cochrane initiation only strengthened this position and allowed Doreen to move away from internal politics which were beginning to emerge within Gardnerianism.
However, Doreen soon became disillusioned by Cochrane and noted his obsession with ‘witch potions’ that nearly led to some unfortunate consequences. Cochrane later died at Midsummer, 1966.