D.J. Conway passes through the veil

D.J. Conway, widely known metaphysical author, born 1939, died on February 1, 2019. Her body of works served many newcomers to the world of Paganism, primarily Wicca-esque, as the first path stones to a new world. For some of us, the materials she generated were as integral to our awakenings as our first spell.

My first memories of the bookstore wars of the 1990’s are strongly of running my fingers over the glossy spines of D.J. Conway’s books on the dark wooden shelves of a certain noble bookseller.  In 1998, saw her voted Wiccan and New Age author by the  Silver Chalice magazine, a Pagan publication. Other honors include the Prolific Pagans Award for Excellence, and Earthsongs” Reader’s Choice Award. She was also a member of the Black Hat and the  Silver and Gold Crown Societies.

I learned the moon, danced with dragons, and honored Warrior goddesses, all from the comfort of my basement. Jimmy Page and Prince filled the air as I devoured each page. In my backyard, I practiced candle magic while sipping Faygo with one hand, and holding her book in the other.

(Yes, I use music in my magical practices. And yes, I had a record player.)

“Moon Magic” was one of the very first core books in my library that was from an author that was female other than Starhawk. Her writings really took me there. Though in the hindsight of time, we can look back and see some thing that we no longer hold as written in alabaster, it is part of the landscape of the 90’s. Here is an actual review.

The work she provided in “Falcon Feather, Valkyrie Sword” gave me the tools and inspiration to circle with sisters to avenge a wrong. Powerfully effective, it served as a turning point in my walk as a Witch without a home. Female voices in magic matter when connecting to the Goddesses for me. Her prolific works allowed me to discover other writers and delve into places I might never explore without that nudge.

Here is a list of her works:

Non-fiction

• Advanced Celtic Shamanism (2000) Crossing Press

• The Ancient and Shining Ones (1995) Llewellyn Publications

• The Ancient Art of Faery Magick (2005) Crossing Press

• Animal Magick: The Art of Recognizing and Working with Familiars (1995) Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd

• Astral Love: Romance, Ecstasy & Higher Consciousness (Llewellyn’s Tantra & Sexual Arts Series) (1995) Llewellyn Publications

• By Oak, Ash & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism (2002) Llewellyn Publications

• The Celtic Book of Names: Traditional Names From Ireland, Scotland and Wales (2000) Citadel

• The Celtic Dragon Tarot (1999) Llewellyn Publications

• Celtic Magic (1990) Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd

• Crystal Enchantments: A Complete Guide to Stones (1999) Crossing Press

• Dancing with Dragons: Invoke Their Ageless Wisdom and Power (1994) Llewellyn Publications

• Elemental Magick: Meditations, Exercises, Spells And Rituals to Help You Connect With Nature (2005) New Page Books

• Falcon Feather, Valkyrie Sword (1996) Llewellyn Publications

• The Fantastical Creatures Tarot (2007) U.S. Games Systems

• Feminine Shamanism, Witchcraft and Magick: Invoking Woman’s Power with Kimberly Nightingale (2000) Llewellyn  (2000)

• Flying Without a Broom: Astral Projection & the Astral World (2002) Llewellyn Publications

• Guides, Guardians and Angels (2009) Llewellyn

• Laying On Of Stones (1999) Crossing Press

• A Little Book of Altar Magic (2001) Crossing Press

• A Little Book of Candle Magic (2000) Crossing Press

• A Little Book of Healing Magic (2002) Crossing Press

• The Little Book of Pendulum Magic (2000) Crossing Press

• Lord of Light and Shadow: The Many Faces of the God (1997) Llewellyn Publications

• Magick of the Gods and Goddesses: How to Invoke Their Powers (1997) Llewellyn Publications

• Magickal Mermaids and Water Creatures (2004) New Page Books

• Magickal Mystical Creatures: Invite Their Powers Into Your Life (2001) Llewellyn Publications

• Magickal, Mythical, Mystical Beasts: How to Invite Them Into Your Life (1996) Llewellyn Publications

• Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Myth & Reality of the Triple Goddess (1995) Llewellyn Publications

• Moon Magick: Myth & Magic, Crafts & Recipes, Rituals & Spells (2002) Llewellyn Publications

• The Mysterious, Magickal Cat: The Magick of Claw & Whisker (1998) Llewellyn Publications ) Llewellyn Publications

• Norse Magick (1990) Llewellyn Publications

• Perfect Love: Finding Intimacy on the Astral Plane (1998) Llewellyn Publications

• Wicca: The Complete Craft (2001) Crossing Press

• Standing on the Edge (true story of NDE with her husband) (2013) ebook or print on demand on Amazon.

Fiction

• The Dream Warrior (Book I of the Dream Warrior Trilogy) (1997) Llewellyn Publications

• Soothslayer: A Magical Fantasy (Book II of the Dream Warrior Trilogy) (1997) Llewellyn Publications

• Warrior of Shadows: The Final Battle (Book III of The Dream Warrior Trilogy) (2002) Llewellyn Publications

The Broken Spell (2013) print on demand or ebook from Amazon.

Tarot Decks

• Celtic Dragon Tarot – D.J. Conway & Lisa Hunt: Llewellyn Publications (October 1, 1999)

• Shapeshifter Tarot – D.J. Conway, Sirona Knight & Lisa Hunt: Llewellyn Publications (September 1, 2002)

• Mystical Creatures Tarot with Lisa Hunt; U. S. Games.

Tonight, I will add another name to the Remembered Dead. I shall honor her, and speak her name. I shall read the names of her works aloud, and listen to the good memories of her friends and readers. The world is just a little lesser now, let us shine brightly to light her way home to a Summer Land …. until we may meet again.