PATERSON, N.J. -- A self-proclaimed witch donned a white gown and shiny gold cape Thursday and cast a 'tax-cut spell' on the city of Paterson.
Joyce Luciano, known as the 'official witch of Paterson,' was joined in her noon incantation by about 100 city residents and employees.
The audience gathered around a table that Ms. Luciano set up in the city's public safety complex and lustily chanted 'Peace, Prosperity and Love,' at the urging of the blond witch.
'The louder you say it, the higher the vibes,' she told the crowd as white candles burned on the table. 'It's a tax-cut spell.
Taking into account Paterson's size, she asked for the help of residents in her effort to lower the city tax rate, currently $8.66 per $100 assessment.
For seven days, beginning Thursday residents on the west side of Main Street were asked to burn a gold candle from 8 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Residents who live east of Main Street were told to burn a green candle.
Ms. Luciano planned to simultaneously recite tax cut incantations.
Paterson residents and officials pronounced themselves in favor of the witchcraft.
Ms. Luciano said a similar spell lowered taxes in 1974.
City officials confirmed taxes had indeed dropped in that year but could not dig up a record of Ms. Luciano's input.
The witch, who accepted a bouquet of flowers from Mayor Frank Graves Jr., said she had been born a witch in line with her mother and grandmother. She explained it was impossible to simply 'become' a witch.
