Dayonis, also known as Thelma Capel. In the 1950s, Dayonis started working with the Bricket Wood Coven. She gained prominence in the coven following the departure of Doreen Valiente, a significant figure in Wicca. Dayonis took over as the Bricket Wood Coven’s High Priestess in January 1958, replacing Valiente. Gerald Gardner supported her throughout her term in office to initiate suitable people into the Craft without the customary year and a day of waiting, which changed the coven’s strategy for growing its membership.
Dayonis moved to Canada later in life and became a prominent member of the Wiccan community there. She was recognised for her services to the development and advancement of the religion, having discussed her experiences in the Craft in presentations.
Her work with the Bricket Wood Coven helped to fortify the tenets of Gardnerian Wicca and guarantee its survival across time, particularly during a period of transition.
