Historical Fiction Extract: Witches of Fawsetwood

Here's an extract from a new novel called Witches of Fawsetwood by Dorothy L. Abrams. It is set in 12th century Cumberland, Northern England, where witches grow wary as they try to avoid Church arrest.

“[Me old lass will] no’ teach me. She says a girl has little choice in her fates if she take th’ Goddess ta her, an’ she’ll no’ have me do it. Yer may gar ta th’ Goddess an’ fly on her back, but me old lass will no’ let me cross ta th’ worlds beyond this. She says I be too young an’ will be all me life."  Els sounded bitter.

“I trow yer mistook her meanin’,” Margot joined in. “Yer well marked fer service ta Thems that gather with us at th’ Stones. By yer birth an’ by yer lineage. Elisabeth cannae stop th’ world from turnin’. Your time will come, lassie. Tis no’ now, but twill come. An’ if yer old lass cannae bring hersell ta walk yer ta th’ threshold then I will."  

“Then teach me now!"  Els demanded. Margot laughed.

“Yer but a wee lass. Enjoy yer work before th’ hearth an’ play in th’ woods. There be time enow ta be a grown girl.”

“Nae, teach me summat. How magic works. Tell me how it works!”

Margot grew serious. She measured us both and read our lights before she answered.

“Tis no’ a simple thing ta say, how magic works. It works because we share our power with th’ flame or wind or rock or sea. Because we ken our hearts an’ weave their yearnin’ t’gether ta make our magic strong. Because we stand in a circle with th’ stars an’ moon an’ sun at appointed times of power. Th’ magic of th’ season or of th’ full moon becomes ours by contagion. What yer take ta your body or your soul changes yer an’ that’s th’ magic. But tellin’ yer th’ truth of it makes yer no wiser ‘less yer can feel th’ powers running through yer.”

“I feel th’ powers in th’ room or in th’ garden when I come back from th’ leather shop. Yer leave wisps of magic behind when yer circle,"  Elspet confided.

“Yer do? Well, tis a good girl yer be ta sense it."  Margot looked at her with wide eyes. Very little surprised her, but this confession did. 

“I do. An’ I ken it changes me, like yer said. It tingles in me blood an’ spins me heart inside.”

“Do yer sense it too, Alain?"  Margot asked. I was embarrassed to confess I did not. “Then tis likely no’ our failin’ ta release th’ powers. Tis yer gift Elspet, ta sense th’ slightest eddy in the air about yer. Let this be yer first lesson in th’ magic. Trust what yer feel an’ follow it when yer feel it, ta understand its source. Each thing, be it fish or fowl, rock or tree, has a power of its own. Our sacred tools remember how they’re made an’ used. I’d think th’ hands they’re tuned to sense them best, but if yer feel it too, tis useful to yer. Fer now, keep it ta yourself an’ watch."  Margot laid her finger along side her nose to seal the secret. Els mimicked her and nodded. It was a bond between them. She did not even tell her brother.

Witches of Fawsetwood is published by Eastman Books and Publishing. You can view copies on Amazon. Author Dorothy L. Abrams previously wrote Identity and the Quartered Circle.  

Please note I earn commission from some links.

Links to posts with other exciting book extracts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/04/sea-magic-extract-from-erosion-my.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/02/extract-from-you-let-me-in-by-camilla.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/book-extract-magic-of-seal.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/06/books-fairy-herbs-for-fairy-magic.html

Shopping Issues: Practical Magic as a Home Trend

Practical Magic is the latest must-have interior decor theme, or so I've been told. Admittedly, my info came from an agency that promotes homeware shops, but I'm happy to accept what they said in this instance:

"With autumn just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to infuse your home with a touch of enchantment. Inspired by the cult classic 90s movie "Practical Magic," this product round-up captures the whimsigothic charm and mystical allure of the Owens' iconic home. Think Victorian gothic elegance meets whimsical touches: antique furniture, rich textiles, and a palette of deep, moody hues. Imagine ornate candle holders casting a magical glow, botanical prints bringing the outdoors in, and eclectic vintage pieces adding timeless character." 

There's always a dilemma about buying new witchy stuff for my home. I try to live by the reduce, reuse, recycle ethic, which means I prefer to buy secondhand rather than new items. However, when Halloween and autumnal things reach high street shops I'm often tempted. I think the trick is to only buy things I need, make sure they are well-made and will last a long time. The little table with tree-like legs made by Koket rather appeals. I also try to rehome anything I no longer need or want. 

What do you think about the dilemma of buying new stuff? Please leave a comment

The image at the top contains pictures of the following objects: Eichholtz Tortoise Hurricane by Sweetpea and Willow, Angel Cushion by Jan Constantine, Mindthegap Wallpaper, Chase And Wonder Fine China, Amy Sofa by Darlings of Chelsea, Rustic Amethyst Pillar Candle by The Wisteria Tree, Divine Savages Fringed Lampshade, Chantilly Whitewashed Chest, Moderne Kuckucksuhr aus Deutschland "My Dark Forest Kuckoo", Wild Swimming No.100 by Victory Colours, Enchanted Side Table by KOKET, Mindthegap Wallpaper.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/07/witch-room-tales-instrument-to-call.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/04/tales-from-witch-room-pointy-hats.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/03/tales-from-witch-room-cauldrons-big-and.html

Magical Online & London Events in the Next Weeks

Here's a list of events for pagans, witches and those with similar interests over Lammas and the next couple of weeks. There are online things you can do anywhere plus in-person talks and workshops in or near London, and some rituals and festivals further afield.

Now to 30 July; Seeing Beyond the Veil: Exhibition of Artworks by Clare Ormerod. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Starts: 11am. Free entry. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Now to September; Let Me Be Mad! Absinthe Exhibition. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/let-me-be-mad-launch-party-for-londons-first-absinthe-exhibition-tickets-904344748487?

Now – 26 July; Ithell Colquhoun. Elemental art exhibition. Venue:   44 Duke Street St James, London SW1Y 6DD, Open weekdays 1am-5pm.   https://www.artrabbit.com/events/ithell-colquhoun-elemental

Now - Friday 20 December. Lusthus—Swedenborg's Lusthus: Objects of Memory and Imagination exhibition. Venue:  Swedenborg House, The Swedenborg Society, 20/21 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2TH. Time: 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Free entry https://www.swedenborg.org.uk/

Now until 30 July; College of Psychic Studies doors are open on weekdays. Venue: 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. 11am-5pm. Free, just pop in. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Wednesday 24 July; Bibi's Circle - Witchy Wednesdays. Venue: Ron's Coffee House, Holdrons Arcade, 135a Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST. Time: 6pm. Tickets: £4.50. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bibis-circle-56277271483

Wednesday, 24 July (every Wednesday); Sound Bath. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Wednesday, 24 July - Fri, 26 July; Besse: Water, Rye, and Hops. Operatic performance about women, beer and witchcraft. Venue: Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, Blackhorse Lane, Unit 15, London E17 5QJ. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £22.38. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/besse-water-rye-and-hops-tickets-899998308167

Wednesday, 24 July; Full Moon Lunar Magic - Sound Bath with Nicole Bettencourt Coelho.  Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Cost: £30 per person.  https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Wednesday, 24 July (monthly event); Midweek Meditation. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £22. https://crystalwicca.co.uk/shop-events-1

Wednesday 24 July; Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation - online meditation class with Spiritual Tiik. Time: 8.30pm. Tickets from £11.11. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/spiritual-tiik-29294295627

Thursday 25 July; Theosophy. In-person study group. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Rd, London · NW1 6XT. Time: 10.30am. Tickets £3 https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/events/

Thursday 25 July (and other dates); Psychic Development Workshop - part of series of classes. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London, SE9 6SH. Time: noon. Tickets: £15 per class. https://www.facebook.com/events/1014032267002954/1014032317002949/

Thursday 25 July; Midweek Meditation with the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 3pm. Tickets: free for members/£7.50 non members. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Thursday, 25 July (and other days); The London Witches and History Magical Walking Tour. meet at: Southwark View Point, Minerva Square, London SE1 9DF. Time: 4pm. Tickets: £15.87. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-london-witches-history-magical-walking-tour-tickets-945086096957?

Thursday 25 July; Intro to Essential Oils with Kasia Davies. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Time 5pm. Tickets: £25. https://crystalwicca.co.uk/shop-events-1

Thursday 25 July; Book Launch - Radical Self-Care by Rebecca Moore. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP Time: 6pm. Tickets: £36.46. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Thursday 25 July; Left-Hand Path in Western Occultism – Lecture and Soirée with Phil Hine. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Cost: £10 per person.  https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Thursday 25 July; The Illumination Code: Unlock the Magic of your Quantum Intelligence. Free online talk by Kim Chestney via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 7pm.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 25 July; Traditional Andean Concert with Yaku and Kuntur rganised by Aho Studio. Venue: Akasa in Hackney Wick. 5 Prince Edward Rd, E9 5LX.  Time: 7pm Tickets: £30. www.aho.community 

Thursday 25 July (usually every Thursday); Crimson Circles. Livestream by Halo Quin, author of Crimson Craft. Time: 8pm. Tickets: various options including Patreon membership. https://www.facebook.com/HaloquinAuthor

Friday 26 July (every Friday); Live Chat hosted by Rachel Patterson, author of the Gods and Goddesses of England and the Kitchen Witch series of books. Time: 9am. Free. https://www.facebook.com/RachelPattersonbooks/ 

Friday, 26 July;  The Occult Stanley Kubrick. Webinare with Nathan Abrams via Watkins Bookshop. Time: 5.30pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Friday 26 July (weekly until 30 September); Practical Druidry online class. Time: 6pm. Tickets: £5. https://www.meetup.com/alchemy-of-sound/events/301942321/

Friday, 26 July; Aphrodite Legend of the Sea. Musical cabaret. Venue: Piano Smithfield, 14 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN. Time: 8pm. Tickets:  £15 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aphrodite-legend-of-the-sea-tickets-916236677567

Saturday, 27 July; Grandfather Ceremony hosted by Yaku and Kuntur organised by Aho Studio. In-person event. Venue: farm in Hainault, on the Central Line near London. Time: 10am-7pm Tickets: £180. www.aho.community 

Saturday, 27 July; Tarot and Tea: The Wheel of Fortune with Avril Price. Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 10am-5pm Tickets:  £125. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Saturday, 27 July; Transforming Ties that Bind. Workshop with Joan Osborne. Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am-5pm Tickets:  £115. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Saturday, 27 July; Seeing Spirit: Clairvoyance. Online workshop with Hernan Cotroneo via the College of Psychic Studies. Time: 11am-5pm Tickets:  £105. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Saturday 27 July; Sacred Sweat Lodge for Lughnasad. Venue: Shamanic Centre Caer Corhrain Kent. Run by Lynn Gosney. Time: 11.30am. Tickets tbc, email lynn.gosney@hotmail.com for info and to book. https://www.facebook.com/shamaniccentrecaercorhrain/

Saturday 27 July;  Lammas celebration with Mani via Woodland Witches. Venue: Meet at Queen's Wood Road, Highgate,· London to walk to the woods. Time: 2pm Tickets: £7. https://www.meetup.com/londonwoodlandwitches/events/

Saturday 27 July; EIisabeth Brooke - Goddess Astrology Book Signing. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 2pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Saturday 27 July; Intuitive Tarot Reading Workshop with Emma Hewitt of Salamay Tarot and Healing Arts. Venue: Neter Maat Centre, Effra Road, London. Time: 4pm. Tickets  £38.62. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/emma-hewitt-salamay-tarot-healing-arts-38061527643

Saturday 27 July; Unleash Your Sensual Expression | Reconnect With Your Sensual Nature. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP Time: 6.30pm. Tickets from: £33,22. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Sunday 28 July; Strengthening Your Intuition With Psychic Medium Casey Mackey. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Two sessions 9am and 2.30pm  Tickets: £80. https://crystalwicca.co.uk/shop-events-1

Sunday 28 July; New Moon Circle Unleashing your Inner-Goddess with Joana Leão. Venue: Italian Gardens by the Ice Cream Truck, London W2 2UD. Time: 9.30am. Tickets: £33. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-moon-circle-unleashing-your-inner-goddess-with-joana-leao-tickets-943160607767?

Sunday 28 July (and other times and dates); Soul Restore Sound Healing. Venue: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG. Time: 11am. Tickets: £35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-mandrake-17825575648

Sunday 28 July (usually last Sunday every 2 months);  Hampstead Heath Spiritual Gathering and Walk with Spiritual Creatives. Meet at Hampstead Heath Railway Station, 4 South End Road, · London. Time: 11am. Tickets: Free. https://www.meetup.com/spiritualcreatives/

Sunday 28 July; Wisdom and Wellbeing Fair in Caterham - stalls, readings, workshops and talks. I will be giving a talk on Summer Magic and Harvest Folklore at 2.45pm. Venue: Soperhall, Harestone Valley, Road Caterham,  CR3 6HY. Doors open 11am. Entry £2. https://www.facebook.com/events/856634529815758

Sunday, 28 July; Women's Parkbathe In South Norwood Lake and Grounds. Venue: South Norwood Lake and Grounds, Sylvan Road, London, SE25 4AN. Time: 1pm. Free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/parkbathe-34393467709

Sunday 28 July (last Sunday every 2 months); Meeting of Kith of the Tree and the Well. Venue: The Horseshoe Inn, 26 Melior St, London SE1 3QP. Time: 2pm. Entry £2. https://www.meetup.com/the-kith-of-the-tree-and-the-well/events/

Sunday 28 July; Psychic Mediumship - The First Steps - With Psychic Medium Casey Mackey. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Time: 2.30pm  Tickets: £80. https://crystalwicca.co.uk/shop-events-1

Sunday 28 July; Lammas Celebration and Games with Enchanted Moon. Family friendly celebration. Bring your own picnic. Maiden Erlegh Lake and Local Nature Reserve

42 Lakeside, Reading, RG6 7PQ. Time: 4pm. Tickets by donation. https://www.facebook.com/events/494740242985214?

Sunday 28 July; Live Music and Meditation. Venue: Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3, 1NG. Time: 7pm. Free, but donations welcome. https://www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk

Monday 29 July; Riding the Rhythms of the Sacred Drum: Relax, Rest and Reset with Heather McDonald. Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 6.30pm Tickets: £40. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Monday 29 July; Taking Nature's Hand: August. What has nature in mind for you this month? Online event with Jeremy Rye.  Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jeremy-rye-31055883021

Monday 29 July; Working with the Ancestors. Talk by Dr Rebecca Beattie, author of Nature Mystics, Wheel of the Year and Planetary Magic, via Treadwells Online, delayed viewing available. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £10. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Monday 29 July (tbc but usually every Monday); Tea With a Druid. Free online event by the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Time 8pm. https://druidry.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/druidry

Tuesday 30 July; Fortnightly Men's Circle. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £11.55. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Tuesday 30 July;  The Legacy of the Wicker Man. Talk presented by: London Fortean Society. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Tickets: £5.50/£3.30. https://www.wegottickets.com/event/626252/

Tuesday 30 July; I will be talking about The Folklore of Summer and Harvest Time at So Moot It Be Pagan Moot. Venue: The Rising Sun, King Street, Rochester, Kent. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Entry £2. https://www.facebook.com/events/1251975882650059/

Tuesday 30 July; Bad Humored: humoral theory and its influence on medicine. Talk by Cat Irving on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.72. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Wednesday 31 July; Workshop in the Summer You series. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Time 5pm. Tickets: £31. https://crystalwicca.co.uk/shop-events-1

Wednesday 31 July; Evening with The Spirits a Séance with Wicca Moon. Venue: Tudor Barn, Eltham, SE9 6SH. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £25. https://www.wiccamoonuk.com/shop/

Wednesday 31 July; Yawanawá rapé and singing circle via Aho community. Venue: 3/5 Prince Edward Road, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets £55/£35. https://www.facebook.com/events/498595199212155

Wednesday 31 July; Chasing Empowerment: The Hidden Cost of Wellness. Talk by Dr Alice HowarthDr Callum Cooper at Greenwich Skeptics in the Pub. Venue: The Star of Greenwich, 60 Old Woolwich Road, Greenwich. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: donations of £3 welcome.  https://sitp.online/sitp/greenwich

Wednesday 31 July;  Storytime with the Faery Doctor, Halo Quin. Free online event. Time: 8pm. https://www.facebook.com/HaloquinAuthor

Wednesday 31 July; All Gods are One God? Talk at Hertford Pagan Moot. Venue: White Horse Pub, 33 Castle Street, Hertford, Herts SG14 1HH (45 mins from central London). Time: 8pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/104788436218047

Thursday 1 - 31 August; Henry Lincoln Exhibition. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. Free entry during shop hours  https://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Thursday 1 August; Soul: A Modern Guide to Evolving in a Conscious Universe with Lara Van Zuydam. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 5pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Thursday 1 August; 9D Breathwork - Letting Go. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £62.46. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Thursday 1 August;  Tarot Magic For Amulets and Talismans. Workshop as part of a series with Suzanne Corbie via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £15. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Thursday 1 August; New Moon Circle. Venue: The Lodge Space, 120a Lower Road London SE16 2UB. Time: 8pm. Tickets:   £22.38. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-lodge-space-18313710842

Thursday 1 August;  Womb Healing. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Thursday 1 August; PF London Lammas Open Ritual via Pagan Federation London. Venue: Pirate Castle, Gilbey's Wharf Oval Road NW1 7EA London, UK Time: 7.15pm. Entry £8 for PF members, £10 for non-members (cash only). https://www.facebook.com/PaganFederationLondon

Thursday, 1 August; Sacred Seasonal Celebration Circle - Lammas - celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year with The Spiritual Healing Temple. Venue: 24 The Green Twickenham TW2 5AB. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £20.20. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sacred-seasonal-celebration-circle-lammas-tickets-947075607637

Friday 2 August (1st and 3rd Friday each month); The Pagan Portal Podcast by Moon Books. Time: noon (or listen to recording later). Free event. https://open.spotify.com/show/11N4kNj65tTz9NFUcZTMa7?

Friday 2 - 4 August; Land Under The Waves Camp. Venue: Hawkinge, Kent.  2nd Tickets £55 for the weekend or Saturday tickets for £20. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1182691968950042/

Friday 2 August; Lammas Energy Blessing. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Friday 2 August; Strumpets and Harlots Walking Tour with Maria Beadell's organised by Treadwell's Bookshop. Meet at Covent Garden Tube Station, Long Acre, London WC2E 9JT. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £18.50. https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 3 August; Wise Women Conference organised by Atlantis Bookshop. Venue: Swedenborg Hall, Barter Street (off Bloomsbury Way), London WC1A 2TH. Doors open 9.30am for registration. Talks 10.30am-5pm. Tickets £75, refreshments included. https://theatlantisbookshop.com/events/event/the-atlantis-bookshop-presents-wise-women-conference/

 

Saturday 3 August; Walking in the Footsteps of Your Year, at this Lughnasdah Solar Festival. Sacred walk. Starts at: London Stone (TBC prior to the walk), 111 Cannon Street London EC4N 5AR. Time: 10am. Tickets: £25. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jeremy-rye-31055883021

Saturday 3 August; Introduction to Runes. Venue: Shamanic Centre Caer Corhrain, Minster, Kent. Starts 11am. Tickets £35. https://www.facebook.com/shamaniccentrecaercorhrain

Saturday 3 August;  Healing Through Soul Connection. Workshop with Claire Broad. Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am-5pm Tickets:  £115. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk 

Saturday 3 August; Introduction to Tarot - parts 1 and 2. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Two sessions noon and 3pm  Tickets: £30/£35. https://crystalwicca.co.uk/shop-events-1

Saturday 3 August;  New Moon Healing and Manifesting Prayer Circle with Cacao and Rose. In-person Circle. Venue: Tooting, South London. Time: 1.30pm. Tickets:  £35. https://www.meetup.com/south-london-womens-circles/events/

Saturday 3 August; How to Connect with Your Spirit Guides. Online workshop with Maria Antoniou via the College of Psychic Studies. Time: 2pm Tickets:  £75. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Saturday 3 August; Taking Nature's Hand on a Sacred Guided Walk with Jeremy Rye. Meet at: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 2pm Tickets:  £75. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk 

Saturday 3 August; New Moon Cacao and Sound Ceremony. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £49.46. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Saturday 3 August; London Witches Walking Tour with Maria Beadell's organised by Treadwell's Bookshop. Meet outside Farringdon tube Station, London EC1M 6BY. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £18.50. https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday, 3 August; Hex and the City theatrical walking tour. Meet at  Farringdon Underground, 39 Cowcross Street, London EC1M.  Time: 8pm. Tickets: £20.21. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hex-and-the-city-theatrical-walking-tour-tickets-876633102207

Sunday 4 August; Online New Moon Sound Bath and Meditation with Spiritual Tiik. Time: 8.30am. Tickets free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/spiritual-tiik-29294295627

Sunday 4 August; Unlocking the Spiritual Canvas. Online workshop with Maria Antoniou via the College of Psychic Studies. Time: 11am Tickets:  £105. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Sunday 4 August; Transform Your Abundance Workshop and Powerful Meditation. Venue: Charing Cross Library, 4-6 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0HF. Time: noon. Free event but book a ticket. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transform-your-abundance-workshop-and-powerful-meditation-tickets-952687944287?

Sunday, 4 August; Lammas Mini Outdoor Retreat with Cacao and Fire Ceremony and Gong Bath. Venue: Private Location near Wandsworth Town/Clapham Junction, London. Time: noon.  Tickets from £48.38. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lammas-mini-outdoor-retreat-with-cacao-fire-ceremony-gong-bath-tickets-943688085467

Sunday 4 August; Explore the Subtle Energies of Colour. Workshop with Hanelle Levine. Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 1pm Tickets:  £80. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk 

Sunday 4 August;  Druidic Ritual to celebrate Lammas on Primrose Hill with the Loose Association of Druids. Gather in the Hawthorne Grove at Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8YH, at 12.30pm to prepare the site for the ritual at 1pm. Nearest tube: Chalk Farm. Bring a small contribution of food and drink to share. https://www.facebook.com/LooseAssociationOfDruidsOfPrimroseHill

Sunday 4 August; Anderida Gorsedd Lughnasadh open ritual. Venue: Long Man of Wilmington, Wilmington, near Eastbourne, East Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm, walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards, the Giants Rest pub. https://www.facebook.com/groups/227609495203/

Sunday 4 August; Past Life Regression - Journey to Ancient Egypt. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP. Time: 2.30pm. Tickets from: £49.46. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Sunday, 4 August; Lammas Ceremony with the New Witches Club. Venue: Hampstead Heath, London. Time: 4pm. Tickets from £28.88 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-new-witches-club-beginners-witchcraft-circle-lammas-ceremony-tickets-952680070737?

Sunday 4 August; Gong Bath - Sound Meditation in Brockley. Venue: Andosteo, 179 Brockley Road, London SE4 2RS. Time: 6pm. Tickets: £25. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/theresa-royle-18442369190

Sunday 4 August; Avebury Moot Lammas ritual at Avebury stone circle in Wiltshire. Meet at the Red Lion pub from noon for druidic ceremony at 6pm. Free event, just turn up. https://www.facebook.com/groups/49080749624/

Sunday 4 August; New Moon Intention Setting and Yoga. Venue: Fire and Alchemy Spiritual Sanctuary, 52 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3EP. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets from: £33.22. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fire-alchemy-58665271283

Sunday 4 August; Leo New Moon Session. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Sunday 4 August (every full and new moon); Moon Space online ritual with Tree Carr via She's Lost Control. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Sunday 4 August; Tales of the Amazons in Antiquity. Talk by Connie Skibinski on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.72. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

For activities after these dates please visit my events page. 

Please note that I am not responsible for the content of these events except my own talks and workshops. Contact organisers directly if you have questions or to check ticket availability. Where a practitioner is offering information about magical healing, this is *not* medical advice. If you're running an event you want included, please email me at badwitch1234@gmail.com Also please note I earn commission from advertisers for some links.

Green London: A Community Garden in South London

Community gardens are springing up all over London. The one in the photo is in my home patch of south east London. It's on a housing estate behind a shopping centre in SE20. I've been blogging about green London over the past year to show the city and suburbs are places where nature thrives as well as where people live and work. I started doing this after several conversations with fellow pagans who believe  London is all concrete. It most certainly isn't.

This summer I've been focussing on my local area, showing the a mixture of gardens, parks, and road verges allowed to grow wild. I was particularly pleased to see the community garden develop because it proves there's more desire for such things than in the past. About 15 years ago people on the same estate tried to create a community garden but the council forced them to go through so much red-tape that it never materialised. Now it seems everyone involved has been more supportive. Local businesses even donated the soil, plants, and material for upcycled tubs.

Are there any green spaces near where you live that you'd like given a mention on this blog. If so, please leave a comment or email a photo and details to badwitch1234@gmail.com

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/green-london-smelling-roses-at-winsford.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/green-london-bee-friendly-flowers.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/06/green-london-south-norwood-country-park.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/green-london-riverview-walk-river-pool.html

Review: The Witching Hour at Bridewell Theatre

The Witching Hour is a ghost story about a haunted woodland house. It turns the theme of The Blair Witch Project on its head, showing patriarchal oppression as the real monster. I went to see the play at Bridewell Theatre earlier this week and found it suitably scary. At points I genuinely jumped out of my seat. It has a great set and is well acted, but what I liked most is the way it tackles the theme of witchcraft accusations

The setting is Torhill Wood, a remote spot in the English countryside with a history of paranormal sightings and missing persons. Twenty-first century psychologist Erin Bailey goes on a research trip to uncover the plight of Elspeth Langford, a young woman from the 1600s. Central to Elspeth’s story is the moment she is tried and killed for being a witch, a scene spectrally re-enacted at the time mentioned in the title. As the press release explains: "Erin and [brother] Sam soon realise their trip to these eerie woods will not pass without their fair share of witchcraft – and murder. Their trip will become a haunting fight for survival."

Why I think modern witches will like The Witching Hour is that it shows how problems prevalent in today’s society reflect those in the historic times of England’s witch trials. Themes include feminism, disbelieved and forgotten women, torture, familial abuse, sexual assault, and bias against certain groups within the justice system.

The Witching Hour is on until Saturday 20 July at Bridewell Theatre, 14 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8EQ. There's an evening performances on Thursday, with two performances on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are £22.50-£29.50 https://www.thewitchinghourlive.com/

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/03/pagan-eye-plaque-to-those-accused-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/10/pagan-eye-witches-wicked-bodies.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/10/review-penguin-book-of-witches.html