Debbie Guite's endeavors were instrumental in influencing the shift that brought paganism into the public awareness of our community. Her introduction into the craft came through a period of self-discovery, and though her roots were that of an eclectic solitary practitioner, Debbie, High Priestess and founder of Sisters of the Willow Moon, started teaching in small groups at her home in Hilton in the early 90’s. Her home was always open to anyone in need and was also enjoyed by the many that attended the open rituals and Saturday night fires she hosted with her husband Glenn. Several of today’s prominent pagan leaders and elders in the community began their spiritual journeys with Debbie as their High Priestess, who initiated them into the ways.

Debbie soon began to reaching out further into the community, and began using her talents more visibly by bringing her Tarot readings, “ghost-busting”, and herbalism wares as Willow Moon Apothecary to the few existing and newly established metaphysical shops in the area. During this time, the importance of educating the public on paganism became her focus. Debbie could often be seen presenting lectures in book stores and giving media interviews, developing the area’s first comprehensive Wicca 101 course, and founding Northeast Council of W.I.C.C.A. (Wiccans Interested in Creating Community Awareness), an idea that she had been loosely forming since the early years, providing information about paganism to both the general community and resources for seekers and newcomers to the craft.

Debbie moved to Deland, Florida in 1999 and left us with our local legacy, but continued on her path. She quickly immersed herself in the local pagan community, again opening her home to seekers hosting rituals and fires, becoming involved in readings, classes in metaphysical shops, and selling her wares. She also became involved with D.A.W.N. (Daytona Area Wiccan Network) and the coordination of local Pagan Pride Day events. In addition, she had become a certified Law Guardian in her local court system, and was initiating the incorporation of Dionna’s Gate, a fundraising organization for SIDS Research after experiencing the tragic loss of her newborn grand-daughter, Dionna, to sudden infant death.

Throughout these many years of accomplishments, Debbie suffered from sarcoidosis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting her lungs and her ability to breathe. Despite numerous hospitalizations and in need of oxygen to breathe – she never missed a beat, often carrying portable tanks as she carried on her work. Debbie’s condition worsened over the past several years, and she had to be hospitalized and in a respiratory rehab facility for over a year during 2006 – 2007. She continued a courageous battle to recover at home over the last few years, amassing high doses of steroids that eventually broke her body down, but not her spirit. She was a fighter to the end. The God and Goddess welcomed High Priestess Debbie Guite to the Summerland on Saturday, August 1, 2009. She is whole again, and may she rest and be refreshed knowing that she left us richer for her knowledge, her love and her support. Rest peacefully until we meet again, our sister, our mentor, our friend…