Learn Candle Magic in Penge and Beckenham

There are two candle magic events taking place in Penge and Beckenham in the next fortnight. One of them is being run by myself at Penge Library and the other by Helen of Greyvisions at Venue 28, Beckenham Road.

Helen's class is the first. It is called Candle Magic Workshop With Mother Mary and it is being run as part of The Body and Soul Wellbeing Fayre at The Venue, 28 Beckenham Road, on Friday, September 30, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. The cost to attend is £10.  I should add that I do not know Helen personally and am not involved with the running of this event, but here are the details about it that I was sent:

Nurturer, protector, guide, and caring spirit; Mother Mary conveys each of these roles and energies upon us. By connecting to her graceful, loving essence, you can fill yourself with the same support and love. In this workshop you will create a candle spell to help bless an area of your life (love, work, family, home). Revel in her unequalled love and soak in the magic of her grace. Through the light of your candle, connect with the divinity and immense emotion of the Divine Mother’s energy.
In this workshop you are taught how to create a personal candle spell for yourself and everything you need will be provided including a 7-day burning glass candle jar.

You can book for the Candle Magic Workshop With Mother Mary here.

A week later, on Friday 7 October, I am giving a coffee morning talk on candle magic at Penge Library, starting at 11am and lasting an hour.

My talk is completely free, and even includes free tea or coffee and a biccie. It is being run as part of the library's regular coffee morning events. I will be explaining how to do easy candle spells and relaxing candle meditations as well as talking about my book, Pagan Portals - Candle Magic.

Although there is absolutely no charge for the coffee morning candle magic talk, you must book a place in advance. To do that, pop in to Penge Library at 46 Green Lane, London SE20 7JX or call 020 8313 4036.

News: Temples, Shrines, Witchcraft, Satanism, Magic

"Scots pagan loses battle to create shrine to forest god Herne" - story at the Scotsman: http://www.scotsman.com/regions/dumfries-borders/scots-pagan-loses-battle-to-create-shrine-to-forest-god-herne-1-4238042

"Satanic Temple finds home at site of former Massachusetts witch trials" - story at Malay Mail Online: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/satanic-temple-finds-home-at-site-of-former-massachusetts-witch-trials

"Oregon Town Concerned Astrology Class Could Lead to Baby Sacrifice" - story at Sputnik International: https://sputniknews.com/us/20160923/1045611744/oregon-town-astrology-satan.html

"Witches Allegedly Stole Penises and Kept Them as Pets in the Middle Ages" - story at Broadly: https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/witches-allegedly-stole-penises-and-kept-them-as-pets-in-the-middle-ages

"Autumnal Equinox Doodle And Magic You Can Do For The Changing Season" - story at The Inquisitr: http://www.inquisitr.com/3533116/autumnal-equinox-doodle-and-magic-you-can-do-for-the-changing-season/

Pagan Eye: My Two New Quartz Crystal Balls

Earlier this week, my hubby bought me these two crystal balls at The Litlington Crystal Store, in Sussex. He took me there to let me choose a wedding anniversary gift for him to buy me. I couldn't decide between the two quartz balls, so he bought me both. Aren't I lucky!

I'll be bringing both of them along to the afternoon workshop, Scrying by Candlelight, that I'm running at The Atlantis Bookshop on Saturday 22nd October. The workshop will teach the techniques of scrying using crystal and glass balls, dark mirrors, candles and water.

The workshop is a practical afternoon with lots of opportunity to develop your psychic senses to see the past, the future and the answers to questions in reflective surfaces, flames and smoke. If you are interested in coming along, the cost is £20 per person. To book a place, email atlantis@theatlantisbookshop.com, phone 020 7405 2120 or pop in to the shop at 49A Museum St, London WC1A 1LY. The shop is in between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn tube stations.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself.

The photo at the top was taken by myself, Lucya Starza. Please credit my name if you use the photo.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/shopping-at-litlington-crystal-store-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/talks-and-workshops-on-candle-magic-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/07/on-this-day-john-dees-birthday.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-austin-osman-spares-scrying.html
https://www.facebook.com/litlingtoncrystals

News: Equinox, Stonehenge, Occult Ban, Witch Hunts

"Hundreds of druids and pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the Equinox" - story at the Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3801868/Hundreds-druids-pagans-descend-Stonehenge-celebrate-Equinox-marks-official-start-autumn.html

"Here's When A Full Moon On The Autumnal Equinox Is Happening Next" - story at Bustle: http://www.bustle.com/articles/185339-heres-when-a-full-moon-on-the-autumnal-equinox-is-happening-next

"Occult arts still illegal in Canyonville" - story at NRToday.com: http://www.nrtoday.com/news/local/south_county/canyonville/occult-arts-still-illegal-in-canyonville/article_c354bed9-9928-5604-90f8-f92db7bcb63d.html

"Parents Jailed for Attempting To Exorcise 15-Year-Old 'Witch'" Story at VICE: https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/parents-jailed-for-attempting-to-exorcise-15-year-old-witch

"Woman, 79, is beaten up for being a 'witch'" - story at Independent Online: http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/woman-79-is-beaten-up-for-being-a-witch-2071433

Autumn Equinox Pagan Events In and Near London

Here are events in London and other parts of the UK for the Autumn Equinox and the week ahead that could be of interest to pagans. 

Now to 27 November; Folklore, Magic and Mysteries: Modern Witchcraft and Folk Culture in Britain - exhibition of artefacts, manuscripts and documents from the Doreen Valiente Foundation. Venue: Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD. Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 2-5pm until 30 September, then at weekends and some Fridays in October and November. Free entry to exhibition with Preston Manor admission (adult £5.85, child (5-15) £3.15). Details: http://brightonmuseums.org.uk/prestonmanor/

Now to 27 November, Sunken Cities - Egypt’s Lost Worlds. Major exhibition at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tickets £16.50. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Now - 20 November; The Asahi Shimbun Displays: Rock art power and symbolism in southern Africa. Exhibition in Room 3, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Free, just drop in. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Thursday 22 September; Wheel of the Year Festival - Autumn Equinox Meditation at Chalice Well World Peace Garden, in Glastonbury. Gather at the Well Head at noon for celebration and meditation until 12.30pm, followed by a chance to chat on the lower lawn. Free admission to the gardens from 10am to noon. http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/

Thursday 22 September; Equinox Reiki Drum and Tree Meditation. Venue: The Cabin, Queen's Woods Cafe, 42 Muswell Hill Road, London. Time: 6.45pm-7.45pm. Cost: £11.21. Tickets and bookings: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/equinox-reiki-drum-and-tree-meditation-tickets-27154763629

Friday 23 September; Food Yoga for Humans, Animals, Earth and Spirit. Talk by Andrew Tailor with London Woodland Witches Wiccans Ritual Magicians and Pagans. Venue: Tree House Yoga Studio, London, SW18 5BH. Time: 6pm. Cost: £15. You must reserve a place in advance. Details: http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Friday 23 September; Crossbones Vigil to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard. Bring a flower, a ribbon, a totem or memento to tie to the shrine. Gather from 6.45pm for a 7pm start in Redcross Way outside the Memorial Gates, London SE1 1TA. For more details, visit http://www.crossbones.org.uk/ The new website is: http://crossbones.org.uk/

Friday 23 September; Enchantment - An Evening of Chant and Mantra with Stewart Pearce. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £14/£18. Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 24 September; Pagan Federation Harvest Moon Conference 2016 in Norwich. Venue: 47 St Giles, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2. Time: 10am-6pm. Tickets £10/£8. Details: http://www.harvestmoonconference.co.uk/

Saturday 24 September; Rite of Passage Ceremony - Into the Womanhood. Ceremony for mothers and daughters, women only. Organised through Behind The Veil - Shamanism. Venue: Organic Down to Earth Cafe, 240-242 High Street Kensington, London W8 6ND. Time: 11am. Tickets £50. Details: http://www.meetup.com/Behind-The-Veil-Shamanism/

Saturday 24 September; “Mud and Magic” for adults and kids. - storytelling with Vanessa Woolf of London Dreamtime . Venue: Secret Foreshore Location near Bermondsey Tube. Starts 12.30pm. Tickets: £3. Booking essential. For details email vanessa@londondreamtime.com or visit http://londondreamtime.com/calendar/

Saturday 24 September; Hern's Tribe - Autumn Equinox 2016 Woodland Ritual. Meet at Coombe Lane tram stop, Croydon, at 4pm. Ritual lasts until 10pm. You must reserve a place in advance. Details and bookings: http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/events/231094537/

Saturday 24 September; Tarot and the Autumn Equinox - 3 Secrets to a Synchronistic Life with Tiffany Crosara and the London College of Spirituality. Venue: Latvian House, 72 Queensborough Terrace, London, W2 3SH. Time: 5pm. £13. Details and reservations: http://www.meetup.com/londonspirituality/

Sunday 25 September; Meditation at Russell Brands Trew Era Cafe, 30 Whitmore Road, London N1 5QA. Starts 10.15am. Free event. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Sunday 25 September; Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls one-day event in the City of London. Venue: The Light Centre, Moorgate, London. Tickets for the entire day are £100, but you can book for individual sessions. The lunchtime gallery viewing is free to attend. For more details, email: info@crystal-singing-bowls.co.uk

Sunday 25 September; Online Autumn Equinox Festival hosted by the Pagan Federation Disabilities Team. This is being run on Facebook, so you can access it wherever you have internet use. Time: 10am-7pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/561306420723090/

Sunday 25 September; Alban Elued / Autumn Equinox on Primrose Hill with the Loose Association of Druids. Open ritual hosted by Jeremy Morgan, the Druid of Wormwood Scrubbs. Venue: The Hawthorne Grove, Primrose Hill, Regents Park, London NW1. Starts at 12.45pm, ends at around 2.30pm. Nearest tube: Chalk Farm.

Sunday 25 September; Anderida Gorsedd Autumn Equinox open ritual at the Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm for a walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards back to the Giants Rest pub in Wilmington for a social drink together.

Sunday 25 September; September Kith of the Tree and Well Moot. Venue: The Horseshoe Inn, 26 Melior Street, London SE1. Time: 2pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/600808716758745/

Sunday 25 September; Celebrating World Rivers Day by the Thames, with London Woodland Witches and Outdoor Pagans. Exact location to be confirmed. Time 3.30pm. You must reserve a place in advance. Details and bookings: http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/events/231094537/

Sunday 25 September; Open House Book Launch for Natural Born Shamans. Organised through Behind The Veil - Shamanism. Private venue in London, address on booking. Time: 4pm. Details: http://www.meetup.com/Behind-The-Veil-Shamanism/

Sunday 25 September; The Craft - Open air screening b: The Floating Cinema. Venue: Mile End Park, Clinton Road, London, E3 4QY. Time: 8.30pm. Free event. Details and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-craft-open-air-screening-tickets-27198090220?

Monday 26 September; Secrets of the Inner Smile. Talk by William Bloom organised by Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL, Doors open 6.30pm. Talk starts: 7pm. Book signings at the end. Tickets £8/£12 online. For more details and to book tickets: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 26 September; Witches Gathering (was Croydon Children of Artemis Gathering). Usually meets on the last Monday of each month. Venue: downstairs in the cellar of the Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BS. Starting for 7.30pm. onwards. For any questions email coacentral@witchcraft.org or visit http://www.witchfest.net/

Monday 26 September; Crick Crack Club Autumn Storytelling for Adults: Arctic Stories. Venue: Soho Upstairs, Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions. Tickets: 0207 478 0100 or www.sohotheatre.com

Tuesday 27 September; Shamanic Circle, elements - water. No experience necessary. Organised through Behind The Veil - Shamanism. Private venue in London, address on booking. Time: 7pm. Suggested donation £10-£25. Details: http://www.meetup.com/Behind-The-Veil-Shamanism/

Tuesday 27 September; Chertsey Moot. A social moot held on the last Tuesday of the month at the Golden Grove pub, Ruxbury Road, St Annes Hill, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9EN. All welcome. From 8pm to 11pm. For more details, email: sian_ap_pysgotwr@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday 28 September; Using Astrology and the Elements for Magical Healing. Lecture by Debra Silverman. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £14/£18. Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday 28 September; Hertford Pagan Moot. Venue: White Horse Pub, 33 Castle Street, Hertford, Herts SG14 1HH (45 mins from central London). The pub does not have disabled access. This moot meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 8pm. contact via Facebook page Hertford Pagan Moot.

Thursday 29 September; The Death of Gregory Akerman. Comedy show hosted by the London Fortean Society. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Tickets £4/£2. http://forteanlondon.blogspot.co.uk/

Thursday 29 September; PF-London Autumn Equinox Open Ritual run by Facilitated by The Goddess Temple of London. Venue: Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn London. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Ritual ends around 9pm followed by feasting until 10pm. Entrance: £6/£5 PF members. Please bring seasonal food and drinks to share at feast after ritual. For more details, visit http://london.paganfed.org/

Thursday 29 September; Shakespeare’s Cymbeline – Finding a New Vision for Britain. A presentation by Annette Armstrong hosted by Earthstars Sacred Space. Public lecture. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7.30pm. Entrance: £12. https://www.facebook.com/Earthstars-Sacred-Space-104790729559515/

Thursday 29 September; The Death of Gregory Akerman. Comedy show hosted by the London Fortean Society. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Tickets £4/£2. Time 7.45pm Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/608911159269067/

Friday 30 September; The Body and Soul Wellbeing Fayre. Psychic readings, holistic practitioners, therapists, organic body care products, natural products, lifestyle and nutritional advisers plus stalls selling items relating to mind, body and spirit. Venue: Venue28, 28 Beckenham Road, Beckenham BR3 4LS. Time: 6pm-10pm. Tickets £1.50 in advance, £3 on the door: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ed2egh1k6ee554ab&llr=ocadipwab

Friday 30 September; Our Journey From Naivety To Wisdom. Lecture by Thomas Saunders, author of The Authentic Tarot – Discovering Your Inner Self. Venue: Rilko (Research Into Lost Knowledge). Public lecture. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 6.45pm, lecture starts 7.15pm. Entrance: £8/£6. http://www.rilko.net/EZ/rilko/rilko/home.php

Friday 30 September; Voices From The Shadows. Talk by Clive Jackson on Crystals and Human Energy Centres, organised through the London Pagan Community Meetup Group. Venue: A public venue in Central London near an Underground station. Details will be e-mailed to those who sign up. Time: 7pm. Website: http://www.meetup.com/Londonpagancommunity/

Friday 30 September; Best of Both Worlds - An Evening of Spirit Communication with Gordon Smith. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £20/£25. Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 1 October; The 52nd Wiccan Rede Gathering, A social meeting to eat and drink with a short talk about Doreen Valiente and the Wiccan Rede. Venue: The Plough, 27 Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1A 1LH,. Time: 7pm. For details and to book a place visit: http://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wicca-Meetup-Group/

Saturday 1 October; Hendon Heathens Moot, Venue: Greyhound Pub, Church End, Hendon, London, NW4 4JT. Time: 6pm. Hendon Heathens meets at this pub the first Saturday of every month.

Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 October, Plant Consciousness Conference. Venue: Regent's University, Regent's Park, Inner Cir, London NW1 4NS. Tickets: £144 for 2 days, £89 for 1 day. Details: http://www.plantconsciousness.com/

Sunday 2 October; Open New Moon Sabbat with the South London Wicca Meetup Group. Venue: A Private House near Clapham South tube station, London. Time: 2pm. You must be a member of the group to sign up to this event: http://www.meetup.com/South-London-Wicca-Meetup/

I try to ensure my listing is accurate, but I do not organise any of these events. Please check the details with the organiser before attending to avoid disappointment. If you know of an event that you want listed, please email the details to me at badwitch1234@gmail.com.

News Stories about the Autumn Equinox

Autumn Equinox is tomorrow, Thursday 22 September, and here is a round-up of news stories about the changing season and the time when the day and night are once more in balance, and several ways to celebrate the equinox:

"When is the autumn equinox 2016? The days are about to start to getting shorter" - story at the Metro: http://metro.co.uk/2016/09/20/when-is-the-autumn-equinox-2016-the-days-are-about-to-start-to-getting-shorter-6140814/

"When is the Autumn Equinox 2016?" - story at The Herald: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/when-is-the-autumn-equinox-2016/story-29732243-detail/story.html

"Autumn equinox: When is it and what does it mean?" - story at International Business Times: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/autumn-equinox-when-it-what-does-it-mean-1582102

"How To Celebrate The Autumnal Equinox In 2016, Because Winter Is Most Definitely Coming" - story at Bustle: http://www.bustle.com/articles/184762-how-to-celebrate-the-autumnal-equinox-in-2016-because-winter-is-most-definitely-coming

Abundant Goddess and Yoga Retreats Barbados

I like to share interesting press releases when I get sent them and here are the details of a wonderful looking holiday in Barbados. Wish I had enough money to go:

Goddess Acumen has launched Abundant Goddess and Yoga Retreats in Barbados, seven-day escapes which incorporate meditation, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) within a programme of daily workshops, activities and yoga classes to give women the space to re-connect with their inner goddess. Goddess Acumen is led by Dr Helen Johnson. 

Dr Helen Johnson said: "The six goddess archetypes are Athena (career and your potential), Artemis (your wild side), Aphrodite (love and pampering), Hera (your power), Persephone (letting go) and Demeter (taking care of you). The archetypes are metaphors for how we live our lives but we may only be tapping into one source, like Athena with our focus on work, or struggling to tap into another, like Demeter, as we experience a loss or a significant life change."

Helen added: "Each day at the retreats is dedicated to a different goddess, utilising the luscious surroundings of Barbados." 

In addition to daily yoga, participants will take part in activities such as surfing, exploring the island, and enjoy a visit to the Oistins for their legendary Friday fish fry. Accommodation during the retreat is at The Legend Garden Condos set on the shores of idyllic Mullins Beach on the island’s west coast, known as the platinum coast for its profusion of beautiful beaches.

The package which include flights from the UK, most meals and accommodation costs £3,599pp or £3,249pp when booked by the 1st January 2017, payable in one, two or three instalments. The package also includes 3 months of coaching with Dr Helen Johnson.

You  can find out more details here: http://www.goddessacumen.com/

News: Ancient Find, Witch Hunts, Ducking Stool

"Fisherman almost threw back 4200-year-old pagan statue he caught - but then took it to local museum where staff ‘literally jumped for joy’" - story at Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3796301/Fisherman-threw-4-200-year-old-pagan-statue-caught-took-local-museum-staff-literally-jumped-joy.html

"The Hull witch trials and where they built the ducking stool" - story at Hull Daily Mail: http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/the-hull-witch-trials-and-where-they-built-the-ducking-stool/story-29725553-detail/story.html

"Is Blair Witch real? The truth behind the horror story that still haunts its actors" - story at Mirror.co.uk: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/blair-witch-real-truth-behind-8844017