thea gaia

Born Dorothy Ivy Wacker, thea Gaia (stylised as thea) was the first female ordained as a Minister of Religion within the Congregational Church of Australia in Queensland. She has been described as the 'midwife' of Goddess spirituality in Australia.

Early life Gaia was the eldest of four children born to Anne and George Wacker of Gatton, Queensland.

She finished high school in 1947 and studied primary teaching at Queensland Teacher's College.

Writing Gaia published in various women centred theology journals including Magdalene and Women-Church Journal. She also contributed the chapter Goddess/Witch/Womon in Practising the Witch's Craft: Real Magic Under a Southern Sky by Douglas Ezzy.

Women's groups Gaia was pivotal in the development of The Rainbow Circle - one of Australia's first feminist women's communities, Woman's Spirit Rising - a Canberra Goddess community, Gaia womanspace - a women's connective, Sisters of Gaia.

Death Gaia died on May 15, 2016, at 85 years of age.