1990’s
Ron Cooke
With the passing of Ron (Cookie) Cooke in 1997, Doreen found herself alone in the world once again. Her grief was great and close friends noticed the sadness that came over her. Yet Doreen still made time for the Pagan community despite her bereavement. Her beloved partner, nicknamed ´Dusio´, had passed over to the Summerlands.
Her contribution in terms of personal guidance, research, writing, poetry, public speaking and ritual, must be viewed as part of a prolific wave that firmly established not only Wicca, but Aquarian values as a whole. It was this sheer volume of output that helped make Wicca the fastest growing religion in the Western world.
One issue that did concern Doreen was the ethical and educational standards of the Craft. As seekers increased, so too did charlatans and spurious teachings, imparting distorted or degenerate practices. It was something she detested and was firmly opposed to. When the Centre For Pagan Studies opened in 1995, offering a facility for learned research and a non commercial environment, Doreen welcomed the initiative and became the Patron. She gave her last talk there. 1999 was beset by increased physical illness, but at no time did her mental agility nor command of magic desert her. She continued to remain a very powerful, resolute individual until her final breath on this Earth.
In her last days, Doreen was moved to a nursing home. She was suffering from a multitude of conditions – cancer being one of them. Friends kept vigil by her bedside (some coming from as far a field as London) and kept her company in the last days. On the day of her death on 1st September 1999, John remained with her – the man she had chosen to pass on her magical legacy (Dagda). At precisely 6.55 a.m. Doreen (Rachael) Edith Valiente shook off her mortal coil and took a new form in the Otherworld.
One of her last wishes was that the poetry she had written over the years be published. Only time will tell whether her mystical verse and ritual rhyme is recognised for its spiritual value as well as its literary merits. Her latest work, Charge of the Goddess, most of it designed for practical use in Witchcraft, may possibly become the template for a new generation of Wiccans. To those who have finally arrived in a new era, new millennium and new age, and require fresh inspiration and contemporary rites, Charge of the Goddess could provide a 21st Century Book of Shadows.1999 was beset by increased physical illness, but at no time did her mental agility nor command of magic desert her. She continued to remain a very powerful, resolute individual until her final breath on this Earth. In her last days, Doreen was moved to a nursing home. She was suffering from a multitude of conditions – cancer being one of them. Friends kept vigil by her bedside (some coming from as far a field as London) and kept her company in the last days. On the day of her death on 1st September 1999, John remained with her – the man she had chosen to pass on her magical legacy (Dagda). At precisely 6.55 a.m. Doreen (Rachael) Edith Valiente shook off her mortal coil and took a new form in the Otherworld.
To view Doreen’s funeral rite – Click here
One of her last wishes was that the poetry she had written over the years be published. Only time will tell whether her mystical verse and ritual rhyme is recognised for its spiritual value as well as its literary merits. Her latest work, Charge of the Goddess, most of it designed for practical use in Witchcraft, may possibly become the template for a new generation of Wiccans. To those who have finally arrived in a new era, new millennium and new age, and require fresh inspiration and contemporary rites, Charge of the Goddess could provide a 21st Century Book of Shadows.