Pictures from the Mind Body Spirit London Festival

Yesterday, I went to the Mind Body Spirit London Festival at its new venue in Earl's Court - and I really think it is an improvement. There is so much more space and more to see and do, including free yoga sessions and several chill-out areas.

Here you can see some photos I took. Above is an overview of part of the exhibition hall showing the stage and some of the stands, right is a gorgeous dress and coat on a stall run by The Goddess Within that I was very tempted to buy, left is the largest gong in the world (apparently) being played during the opening ceremony by either Peter or Bear (sorry, I forgot which one) of Sounds of Love, below is the outside of Brompton Hall.

The Mind Body Spirit London Festival is on every day until Monday 4 June at Brompton Hall, Earls Court, London SW5 9TA, from 11am to 6pm weekday, 10am to 7pm at the weekend and from 10am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Tickets cost £10 on the door, and £8 advance. Some of the workshops cost extra, but there is a free mantra lounge, free yoga area and free entertainment and talks on the main stage throughout the day.

For more information or to buy advance tickets, call the ticket hotline: 020 7371 9191 or visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk

A Daisy Spell for Overcoming Indecision

Know the game where you pick a daisy and then say "He loves me" then "He loves me not" alternately as you pluck off one petal at a time? The idea is that the final petal will give you the true answer to your question about love.

Well here is a little spell that adapts the daisy game to help you make up your mind when faced with all sorts of dilemmas. Perhaps you've been invited to two parties on the same night and can't decide which you'd enjoy most, perhaps you've had two job offers that both seem equally attractive, or maybe you just can't decide what to do over the long Bank Holiday weekend.

For the spell, I've combined the daisy game with words adapted from another little rhyme - the old music hall song that goes:

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do,
I'm half crazy all for the love of you.
It won't be a stylish marriage -
I can't afford a carriage,
But you'd look sweet on the seat
Of a bicycle built for two.

Here's what you do for the Daisy Spell for Overcoming Indecision.

First, pick a daisy. Then think about the matter you are in a dilemma about and say:

"Daisy, daisy, give me your answer, do
I'm half crazy not knowing what to choose"

Then, pulling one petal off at a time, asking "Should I do this?" as you pluck one petal, then "Should I do that?" as you pluck the next. Do this slowly and alternately visualise each of your two options as clearly as you can.

When you get to the last petal, you should have the answer to your question.

In the traditional game, whatever the last petal represents is the correct answer but, for this spell, you will  know the answer more correctly by how you feel about it. The daisy is simply helping you tap into your own intuition. It is quite possible that you will just know that the answer the daisy gave you is the right one - but if you have a very strong feeling that the daisy's answer is not right for you at this time, then trust that your intuition is giving you good advice.

Links and previous related posts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisy_Bell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_loves_me..._he_loves_me_not
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/wildflowers-and-wildlife.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/11/review-ask-and-it-will-happen.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/easy-candle-wishing-spell.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/04/bubbly-spell-for-happiness.html

TV: Harlots, Housewives and Heroines - and Witches

The persecution of witches in 17th century Britain was examined in last night's BBC 4 documentary series Harlots, Housewives and Heroines: A 17th Century History for Girls, with historian Lucy Worsley. The TV programme also looked at some of the folk magic people used to protect themselves from witchcraft. I thought it was very interesting.

Programmes on BBC TV Channels are usually available to watch on iPlayer for at least a week after they are shown: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/03/review-witchcraft-very-short.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/07/history-of-pendle-witches-their-magic.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/review-history-of-witchcraft.html

Review: Angel Tarot Cards by Doreen Virtue

Whenever I get a new tarot deck the first thing I do is glance through the cards to get an overall impression of the deck, then shuffle and pick one. I do that before reading the book that comes with them or even the blurb on the back of the box. I trust my instincts to tell me whether a deck will work for me far more than what anyone else has to say about it.

I instantly knew I'd be using my new deck of Angel Tarot Cardsa lot. And that slightly surprised me.

The Angel Tarotis the latest divination set by Doreen Virtue, with co-creator Radleigh Valentine. Doreen Virtue is best known as an angel expert. She is the author of numerous books and divination sets on mind-body-spirit themes, including Healing With The Angelsand The Angel Therapy Handbook.

I've enjoyed using some of Doreen Virtue's earlier divination decks - including reviewing her Archangel Raphael's Healing Oracle Cardsfor Magical Times- but generally found them a bit too light and fluffy for in-depth readings. I normally use a traditional tarot set that can show me the troubles that lie ahead rather than concentrating on the positive aspects of life - if there's a wasp in the room, I like to know where it is before it stings me.

But there's an exception to every rule and, for me, that exception is the Angel Tarot. It manages to keep the full power of a traditional tarot deck but transforms potentially scary cards - such as the Devil or the Tower - into forms that are less frightening, but which lose none of their underlying meaning For example, the Devil becomes Ego in the Angel Tarot and represents being entrapped by unnecessary anxieties and attachment to material things; while the Tower becomes Life Experience and indicates a wake-up call that a situation can no longer be ignored. Frankly, these are the interpretations I have always given to these cards - renaming them makes their meaning clearer.

Publisher Hay House says on its website: "Tarot has long been revered for giving detailed and accurate forecasts. Doreen Virtue and Radleigh Valentine have created the first deck of tarot cards that is 100 percent gentle, safe and trustworthy! All of the words in this deck, as well as the artwork by Steve A. Roberts, are positive and beautiful, while still retaining the magical effectiveness of traditional tarot."

In the Angel Tarot, the Major Arcana are represented by one of the 15 principle archangels as well as mostly having recognisable tarot names such as the Magician and the Lovers. All the cards also have a single sentence description of what the card means. The minor arcana, instead of being called Coins, Swords, Wands and Cups, are named after the elements they represent - Earth, Air, Fire and Water. These are depicted with paintings of  fairies for Earth, unicorns for Air, mermaids for Water and dragons for Fire. The artwork, by fantasy artist Steve A. Robert is gorgeous and really makes you want to use the deck if only to see the lovely images.

But the main reason I know I'll be using this deck a lot in future, is the accuracy of that first reading I did for myself with the first card I drew from the pack. It was the 10 of Fire (pictured left) and it told me I am working too hard. I need to get a better work life balance. Spot on. And almost identical to the reading I got a month ago when I reviewed The Fool's Wisdom Oracle Cards. Time to book a holiday, I think, but I'll definitely be packing the Angel Tarot in my suitcase when I set off to relax on sunny shores.

The Angel Tarot Cardsboxed set was published this month by Hay House and can also be ordered through Amazon.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.hayhouse.co.uk/
Angel Tarot Cards
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/review-fools-wisdom-oracle-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/08/constipation-and-chakra-clearing.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/review-fallen-angel-oracle-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/soul-centred-transform-your-life-with.html
http://themagicaltimes.com/
http://www.angeltherapy.com/
http://www.magicalthings.com/
http://www.fantasy-graphic.com/
http://www.HayHouseRadio.com

This Week's Pagan Events in London and Elsewhere

Monday, 28 May; The Four Desires. Talk by Rod Stryker at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 9.30pm. Tickets £10/5 concs. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/EventDescription.aspx?EventID=1016

Tuesday 29 May; 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

Tuesday 29 May; The Psychology of Clutter. Talk by Davina Mackail at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm. Cost: £5/8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 29 May; Resist Nothing. Lecture by David Manning at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm. Cost: £5/8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Wednesday 30 May; The Triple Goddess. Talk by Prudence Jones at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7. Reserve a place by emailing info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Wednesday 30 May; Atlantis Bookshops Presents The Moot With No Name. Talk on Marchesa Casati by Geraldine Beskin at Milfords, 1 Milford Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2R 3LL. Milford Lane is the street parallel to Essex Street. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8pm. Admission £5. Visit http://www.theatlantisbookshopevents.com//

Wednesday 30 May to Bank Holiday Monday 4 June; Mind Body Spirit London Festival (pictured at the top). Venue: Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London SW5 9TA. Time: from 11am to 6pm weekdays, 10am to 7pm at the weekend and from 10am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets cost £10 on the door, £8 advance. For full programme details or to buy advance tickets, call the ticket hotline: 020 7371 9191 or visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk

Thursday 31 May; Druid Order Open Introductory Evening. A chance to learn more about at The Druid Order (A.D.U.B.) Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm start. Price: £5. No need to book in advance. For more details, call Druid Order on 020 8659 4879.

Thursday, 31 May; Mermaid Uncovered. Paolo Viscardi (Horniman Museum) and Ross MacFarlane (Wellcome Library) offer an evening exploring the history, cultural context and scientific probing of mermaids at London Fortean Society, upstairs at the Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. 7.30pm for 8pm start. £3/£2 concessions. Society meets on the last Thursday of each month. For more details, visit http://forteanlondon.blogspot.co.uk/

Thursday, 31 May; Shamanic Journeying And Channeling With Your Spiritual Teacher. Workshop with Anthea, Location: Helios Centre, 116, Judd Street, London WC1H 9NS. Time: 7.15pm. Cost £15. Please bring a quartz crystal, pen and paper and a rattle if you have one. For more details and to reserve a place visit the Meetups website: http://www.meetup.com/Shamanism-and-Healing-Ceremony/events/65018562/

Friday 1 June; The Angel Whisperer. Lecture by Kyle Gray at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Cost: £8/12. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Friday 1 June - Sunday 3 June; The Magical Faerie Festival 2012. The Magical Faerie Festival 2012 celebrates colour, light and everything magical with a weekend of live music, workshops, a large faery market, camping and more. Location: Findon, near Worthing, West Sussex. Adult weekend tickets are £50 and day tickets are £20. For more details visit http://www.magicalfestivals.co.uk/. This event is organised by The Magical Times Magazine - http://www.themagicaltimes.com/

Sunday 3 June; Open House at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: Noon to 7pm. Free social event, but please book your place in advance. Readings from books at 2pm and 4pm - this week Orphic Hymns. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

News: UFO Could Be Hovering Over Primrose Hill

People walking on Primrose Hill, in North London, have reported hearing a strange humming sound coming from the sky and from all directions. Some people have speculated that it might be a UFO. You can read the full story on the London 24 website: http://www.london24.com/news/health/ministry_of_defence_expert_probes_new_primrose_hill_ufo_hum_reports_1_1388450

Soul-Centred: Transform Your Life With Meditation

The book I've just finished reading is Soul-Centred: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditationby meditation teacher Sarah McLean. I picked it up because it was my birthday - a time when I often think about the transformations I would like in my life for the year ahead.

In particular, I could do with less stress - and meditation is supposed to be good for that. The blurb promoting this bookalso claims that meditation can help you to look and feel younger. It says: "Meditation is scientifically proven to slow down the aging process; according to researchers at the University of California-Davis, meditators show improved psychological wellbeing, and these improvements lead to biochemical changes associated with resistance to ageing at the cellular level."

I'm normally a bit sceptical about promises of miracle youth cures, but I can see that being more relaxed could stave off the frown lines.

In Soul-Centred: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation,Sarah explains simple techniques to learn to meditate. According to the blurb, these are based on the lessons she has taught to thousands of students over the past 20 years. They are set out in the form of an eight-week course, beginning with very simple breath awareness and body awareness exercises to do for 15 minutes every morning and evening.

Week two offers meditations to reduce stress - just what I was looking for. Week three is about learning to live in the moment and avoid preconceived judgements, week four teaches that we need to have love for ourselves in order to be happy, while week five turns to the core concept of the book - how to be soul-centred. This is a shift in perspective that involves not looking to the outside world or to others for a sense of our worth, but instead listening to our own inner wisdom to guide us through life and to make the right choices.

The next two chapters are about learning to communicate with honesty, recognising our heart's desires and allowing ourselves to try find what we want. The eighth chapter draws on the exercises of the earlier lessons to help us to create a personal meditation retreat in our own home.

To give you an idea of how easy and gentle this book is, here are Sarah's simple tips to help anyone adopt a regular meditation regime:

1. It's okay to have thoughts
2. Don't try too hard
3. Let go of expectations
4. Be kind to yourself
5. Stick with it

Although I've read the book - and tried out some of the early meditations - I haven't worked my way through the entire eight weeks yet. To be honest, I'm not sure if I will, but I do feel I've learnt more about what meditation is all about and the benefits it offers. I can see that if you want to learn meditation from a book, this would be a good one to buy.

Soul-Centred: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation is published by Hay House.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.hayhouse.co.uk/
Soul-Centred: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/08/constipation-and-chakra-clearing.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/06/review-meditation-experience.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/review-medidating-for-fearless-romance.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/solar-eclipse-this-sunday-may-20-my.html

Occult London: A Walk for Occultists

View Larger Map

This summer, folklorist and writer Paula Dempsey will be conducting walking tours of Central London to explore the capital's magical history.

Occult London: A Walk for Occultists is aimed at those who already know a thing or two about the main characters of British magic, such as Aleister Crowley, John Dee, Harry Price, the Golden Dawn and the Freemasons, but want to find out more tales and intriguing anecdotes about their London adventures.

Paula knows the locations of their incense-fogged sitting rooms and secret temple chambers as well as their favourite pubs and even what they liked to drink! On this guided tour she shares her knowledge and offers a fascinating glimpse into London's rich and varied occult heritage.

I went on Occult London: A Walk for Occultists last summer, and can thoroughly recommend the tour. You can read my review here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/06/occult-london-walk-for-occultists.html

Paula Dempsey is also the author of the Investigator's Guide to Occult London - written as a sourcebook for players of Lovecraftian roleplaying games, but full of well-researched information about the city's mysterious past.

The walks are being run through Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. The cost of tickets is £8, advance booking is essential. Tel: 020 7240 8906 or email: info@treadwells-london.com.

Dates for Occult London: A Walk for Occultists in 2012 are: Wednesday 18 July (7.15pm), Saturday 28 July (2pm) and Thursday 2 August (7pm).

The map at the top shows the location of Treadwells, the picture top right shows Freemasons Hall, in London.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/06/occult-london-walk-for-occultists.html
http://www.treadwells-london.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/london-walks-curiocity-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/07/on-this-day-john-dees-birthday.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/melissa-harrington-on-aleister-crowley.html

Pagan Eye: Solar Eclipse

The amazing photo above shows last Sunday's solar eclipse. It was taken by astronomer James C Wallace II, who has previously shot loads of lovely photos of the moon, planets and sun and kindly allowed me to post them on my blog.

James said about his eclipse photo: "This was taken about 8 minutes before horizon contact. It looks black and white because of the cloud cover and solar filter."

As well as being a great photographer and astronomer, James has written several novels set in the fictional world of Oz. His latest book is The Ozian Adventure of Pickleless and Blu: 4

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.

Some previous Pagan Eye posts with photos by James:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/pagan-eye-saturn.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/07/pagan-eye-beautiful-moon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/pagan-eye-beautiful-moon-ii.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/pagan-eye-beautiful-moon-iii_24.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/another-picture-of-supermoon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/12/pagan-eye-sun-pillar.html

National Trust Green Spaces Photography Competition

For any nature-worshippers, pagans and environmentalists in the UK who like taking photos, a new photography competition by the National Trust could be one to enter.

The National Trust has launched the amateur photography competition called 'Your Space' to celebrate green spaces as well as the life of Octavia Hill (pictured right), who was the founder of the National Trust.

Run in conjunction with National Trust Magazine, the competition runs from May until August and asks people to capture what green spaces mean to them and why they matter.

Four internationally-acclaimed photographers, Mary McCartney, Joe Cornish, Arnhel de Serra and Charlie Waite, have helped launch the 'Your Space' competition with a collection of pictures at National Trust places that capture the relationship between people and green places.

Octavia Hill was a leading environmental campaigner in Victorian Britain. She campaigned to save green spaces in and around London, such as Parliament Hill, and, years ahead of her time, saw the benefit of spending time in the outdoors and closer to nature.

As one of three founders of the National Trust, Octavia Hill, set about acquiring green places and built heritage to be looked after by the charity for the benefit of the nation until she died in August 1912.

The competition is based around her writings on green space: "We all need space; unless we have it we cannot reach that sense of quiet in which whispers of better things come to us gently [and we need] places to sit in, places to play in, places to stroll in, and places to spend a day in…"

The competition includes all green space in the UK, not just National Trust places, and hopes to capture images of everyday green places.

These could include pictures from the local park, where people play with their kids or walk their dogs, or favourite strolls in the countryside.

What is important is that the images capture what these places mean to the photographer and why they matter.

Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust, said: "This competition is all about using photography to reflect on why green spaces matter to us as a nation. We're looking for powerful and inspiring images that celebrate this special relationship that we have with our parks and countryside."

There are four categories in the competition: ten and under, 11-16-year-olds, over 16s and smartphones. Entries need to be submitted by 31 August 2012 and the full terms and conditions can be found on the website.

The prize for the overall winner, worth £1,500, will include a bespoke one-to-one day long workshop with award winning landscape photographer Charlie Waite, a special landscape print and up to two nights stay in a National Trust holiday cottage.

The three runners-up will join Charlie at a National Trust property for day which includes lunch and behind-the-scenes tour.

A panel of judges, including Mary McCartney, Joe Cornish, Arnhel de Serra, Charlie Waite, Sue Herdman (Editor of National Trust Magazine) and Chris Lacey (National Trust Photographic Manager), will decide on the winners for the four categories. One of the category winners will then go on to be the overall winner of the competition.

Entries for the competition can be uploaded at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/yourspace and shared via Facebook and twitter.

The photo at the top shows a view of the Severn Valley that I took on holiday last autumn. The picture top right shows a portrait of Octavia Hill from a painting by John Singer Sargent.

This Week's Pagan Events in London and Elsewhere

Now to Sunday 9 September; Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids. Free exhibition, coinciding with the publication of the book of the same name, bringing together 50 photographs of regional rituals performed throughout the year from Cornwall to Northumberland to mark the changing seasons and celebrate nature's bounty. Location: Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ.For more details, visit http://www.horniman.ac.uk/

Now to Sat 27 Apr 2013; Signs, Symbols, Secrets: An Illustrated Guide to Alchemy. Free exhibition of images and writings about the quest for the philosophers’ stone. Venue: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD. For more details visit: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/galleries/signs_symbols_secrets_alchemy.aspx

Monday, 21 May; Croydon Crows. PF moot held every 3rd Monday of each month at the Skylark pub, South End, South Croydon from 8pm onwards.

Monday, 21 May; The Dynamics and Consequences of Working With Demonic Beings. Talk by Josephine McCarthy, podcaster and author of The Exorcist's Handbook,at pagan forum Secret Chiefs. Venue: Devereux public house, 20 Devereux Court, off Essex Street, London WC2R 3JJ. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8.30pm. Admission £2. http://secretchiefslondon.wordpress.com/

Monday, 21 May; Your Journey To Enlightenment. Talk by Richard Lawrence at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 9.30pm. Tickets £10/5 concs. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/EventDescription.aspx?EventID=1022

Tuesday 22 May; The Power of Breath. Lecture by Swami Saradananda, author of The Power of Breath: The Art of Breathing Well for Harmony, Happiness and Health, at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm. Cost: £5/8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 22 May; Energy Management and Avoiding Burnout. Lecture by Davina Mackail, author of The Dream Whisperer: Unlock the Power of Your Dreams,at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm. Cost: £5/8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Wednesday 23 May; Atlantis Bookshops Presents The Moot With No Name. Talk on King Arthur's Camlan by Lawrence Main at Milfords, 1 Milford Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2R 3LL. Milford Lane is the street parallel to Essex Street. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8pm. Admission £5. Visit http://www.theatlantisbookshopevents.com//

Wednesday 23 May; Ceremony to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard. Gather from 6.45pm in Redcross Way outside the Memorial Gates, SE1, opposite the Boot and Flogger, just north of the junction with Union Street. Nearest tubes Borough or London Bridge, 5 minutes walk away. The event is free. http://www.crossbones.org.uk/

Friday 25 May; Spiritual Cinema Evening at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Cost: £8/12. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Saturday 26 May; Touch The Earth, a Tribal Folk Band who draw their inspiration from the Mother Earth, will be playing live at The Basildon Lower Academy, Timberlog Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1UX. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets: £9 per person / £7 concessions. For tickets and more information, call: 0759 795 4367 or email: tribalunityuk@gmail.com. http://www.wix.com/tteband/touch-the-earth#

If you want an event mentioned on A Bad Witch's Blog, email the details to badwitch1234@gmail.com

News: Brit Arrested over Foetuses for Black Magic

A British man has been arrested in Thailand after he was found to be carrying roasted foetuses. News reports suggest that the man may have been intending to sell them for use in black magic rituals.

You can read reports on the International Business Times website: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/342793/20120518/what-kuman-thong-roasted-foetus-thailand.htm
and the Digital Journal website: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/325108

Solar Eclipse this Sunday, May 20 - My Birthday

The solar eclipse this Sunday, May 20, is one that has special significance for me - it is on my birthday. For those living in England, this isn't a particularly important eclipse because it won't be visible from any part of the UK. Also, it isn't a total eclipse. It is what is called an annular eclipse, when the moon appears slightly smaller than the sun so doesn't cover it entirely - a ring of light appears to shine around a black sphere.

Nevertheless, when I realised there'd be a solar eclipse actually on my birthday in 2012, I felt I ought to do something exceptional to mark the occasion. I checked where the eclipse would be visible from; places including China, Japan, Canada, the USA and Mexico.

Wow, I thought, Mexico! I could take a holiday to Mexico and watch the eclipse over the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. That really would be the birthday experience of a lifetime. I had time to plan the holiday. I could do it if I emptied out all my savings and borrowed a bit on plastic.

But I'm not going - and that was a conscious decision. Money has been tight ever since I took redundancy last summer and have been trying to make a living from freelance writing. I'm getting paid work, but not enough to afford a second foreign holiday after going to see the Northern Lights this spring. I decided to be sensible. But with the eclipse taking place in just couple of days time, I'm wondering if it was the right decision. Maybe I should have just booked an eclipse tour and paid the bills later.

But it doesn't serve any useful purpose to spend time getting depressed over regrets for what might have been. It is better to concentrate on what I'll be doing instead - apart from having a birthday party with my lovely friends in a London pub, that is.

Solar eclipses always happen at the time of the new moon, which I have found to be a good time for scrying using a dark mirror or other forms of divination. An eclipse is generally a better time for inner journeying than for travelling somewhere in the real world - unless that somewhere is a good place to watch the eclipse, I guess.

This eclipse occurs when the sun is in Gemini, which has to do with communication - words, writing, discussion and, nowadays, the internet. Maybe this eclipse, on my birthday, is a time for me to take a good look at what I really want to do as a writer; and use a birthday wish to make my dreams come true.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/book-of-magic-eclipse-magic-workbook.html
http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/html/about_mani.html
http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_May_20,_2012
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/eclipse-new-moon-and-dark-mirrors.html 
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/solar-eclipse-myths-and-meanings.html 
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/01/solar-eclipse-god-time-for-change.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/01/pictures-of-northern-lights.html

Pagan Eye: Fowlers Troop Jack in the Green

This picture shows Fowlers Troop and the Deptford Jack in the Green crossing the Millennium Bridge, in London, on May Day, 1st May 2012.

Jack in the Green, dressed in foliage and accompanied by musicians and Morris dancers, is a familiar sight these days in May Day celebrations, thanks in part to The Blackheath Morris Men, who revived the historic tradition and now take Jack to the streets of London every year on May 1.

The photo was taken by Sarah Crofts and you can read more about the day here: http://www.deptford-jack.org.uk/mayday2012.htm

I'm always delighted to be sent photos to post on my blog. On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. The pictures can be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event or something of historic interests.

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 and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/04/may-day-and-jack-in-green.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/review-mummers-maypoles-and-milkmaids.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/pagan-eye-old-photo-shows-medium-and.html

London Walks, Curiocity and Psychogeography

Last Thursday evening I was invited to an event called London on Foot: A Curious Evening of Conversation and Film. It was the official launch of Curiocity's second issue, which you can see pictured above.

When I got the invite it was too late to blog about it in advance. I didn't really have much idea what it was going to be about anyway, but it turned out the be one of the most fascinating evenings I've had in a long while.

The venue itself was delightfully unusual - the upstairs rooms at Seven at Brixton. This is a  tapas bar tucked away in Brixton's labyrinthine indoor market with five interconnecting rooms upstairs that serve as an art gallery and function space. It has the kind of urban decor that makes you feel like you've entered some sort of post-apocalyptic safe house for underground graffiti artists. Go have a look for yourself next time you're in south London - and try the Spanish cider while you're there - it's well worth it.

The first talk of the evening - that guests sat down to hear mostly on upturned beer crates or on the floor - was by Tom Jones, author of the blog Tired of London, Tired of Life, which offers an interesting idea for something to do in London every day of the year. He has also just published a book called Tired of London, Tired of Life: One Thing A Day To Do in London.Tom offered useful tips for walking in London - including the good advice that pubs are better than cafes if you want to rest your feet while on a long walk and that even the scariest parts of London seem safe on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Tom Bolton, author of London's Lost Rivers: A Walker's Guide,followed on with a slideshow of places where you can still spot rivers that once flowed above ground and are now covered by the capital's streets and buildings.

The highlight of the evening was a screening of the film The London Perambulator. This is an odd documentary about London psychogeographer Nick Papadimitriou. It follows Nick as he walks through some of London's overlooked and derelict areas and talks about his theories on "deep topography". The film includes interviews with Iain Sinclair, Will Self and Russell Brand.

While I was there I bought a copy of Curiocity. This is a magazine and a map, together with a web community, aimed at Londoners. It offers unusual ideas for journeys around the capital and things worth seeing. This issue is all about animals and one side is a map showing creatures of the city, while the other offers interesting facts and suggestions of places to visit. It includes a few things I've already blogged about, such as the dinosaurs at Crystal Palace Park and an animal graveyard in Greenwich. But it also mentions many things I didn't know about and will now make a point of looking for, including a llama farm in London's docklands!

You can find out more about Curiocity here: http://www.curiocity.org.uk/

Links and previous related posts
http://www.curiocity.org.uk/
http://www.greatlittleplace.com/reviews/seven-brixton-market/
http://www.tiredoflondontiredoflife.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNGskCNrBHY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnW1XDo7usI
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/psychogeography-by-merlin-coverley.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/london-solstice-psychogeography.html

Witches and Pagans in the News

A teenage boy has been convicted for harassing a pagan employee at a fast food restaurant over her religion. You can read the full story on the Telegraph website: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9243455/PLS-PIC-Teenager-convicted-for-harassing-Pagan.html

Iceland's pagans have donated money to the Icelandic Coast Guard, which names all its vessels after Norse gods and goddesses. You can read the full story on the Iceland Review website: http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/daily_news/Pagans_in_Iceland_Make_Donations_to_Coast_Guard_0_389943.news.aspx

Plans to create giant hillside artwork in Pendle to commemorate the historic witch trials have been rejected amid controversy. You can read the full story on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-18034300

A Book of Magic: Eclipse Magic Workbook

A friend of mine has just published a book called the Eclipse Magic Workbook - particularly well timed as there will be a solar eclipse this Sunday, May 20.

The book's author, Mani Navasothy, is a very experienced Wiccan teacher and astrologer who has been been doing magical rituals to work with the energy of both solar and lunar eclipses for some time.

He said: "The power of the esoteric eclipse forces are far stronger than anything I have ever worked with in my 15-year magical world - and has changed my life deeply!"

He added: "If you ever want to work on any aspect of yourself or your dreams, the fastest, easiest and least costly way of accelerating it in to your life is to use the model of someone who has already gone through the journey himself or herself and take out the pain, mistakes or time wasted ... so you can create the mindful manifestations you truly want to bring into your life."

Mani says he has put everything he knows about working with eclipse magic into his Eclipse Magic Workbook. It is a 71-page step-by-step instructional book packed with exercises to get you up to speed.

He said: "If you have ever thought about working with life-transforming astronomical and astrological eclipse forces, then now is the time to do it.. decide quickly so you are in time to catch the solar eclipse energies at 11.47pm (BST) on the 20th of May."

I haven't read a copy of the book yet myself, but I'm very much looking forward to seeing a copy. You can find out more about the Eclipse Magic Workbook and order copies here: http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/html/about_mani.html
http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_May_20,_2012
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/eclipse-new-moon-and-dark-mirrors.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/solar-eclipse-myths-and-meanings.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/01/solar-eclipse-god-time-for-change.html

This Week's Pagan Events In And Near London

Tuesday 15 May; Scrying - What Can You See?. Lecture by Michelle Hawcroft at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm. Cost: £5/8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 15 May; Deep Memory Process. Gwen Tate Lecture by Juanita Puddifoot at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm. Cost: £8/12. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Wednesday 16 May; Hygromanteia:An Important Byzantine Grimoire. Talk by Ioannis Marathakis at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7. Reserve a place by emailing info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Wednesday 16 May; Introduction to Wicca and Witchcraft - one-day evening course in central London. Time: 7pm-9.30pm followed by 30 minutes of questions and answers. Fees: £10 payable on the day. Please contact Mani on: 077689 41373 to verbally book a place. Alternatively e-mail info@WitchcraftAndMagic.org

Wednesday 16 May; Atlantis Bookshops Presents The Moot with No Name. Talk at Milfords, 1 Milford Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2R 3LL. Milford Lane is the street parallel to Essex Street. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8pm. Admission £5. Visit http://www.theatlantisbookshopevents.com//

Thursday 17 May; Croydon CoA Witches Gathering with talks and social activities at the The Green Dragon, High St, Croydon. For more details visit: http://www.witchfest.net/

Thursday 17 May; Druid Order Open Introductory Evening. A chance to learn more about at The Druid Order (A.D.U.B.) Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm start. Price: £5. No need to book in advance. For more details, call Druid Order on 020 8659 4879.

Friday 18 May; 2012 - A Demonstration of Psychic Art by Andie Hudson at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm start. Cost: £5/£8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Saturday 19 May; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot on the third Sunday of each month. Venue: Upstairs at The Castle, 34-35 Cowcross Road, Farringdon, London EC1M 6DB (near Farringdon tube). Time: 3pm-6pm.

Sunday 20 May; Female-only workshop with discussion, meditation, arts and crafts and empowering belly dancing run by The Goddess Foundation in Southwick, near Brighton, East Sussex. Time: 10.30am-4pm, bring food for lunch to share. The Goddess Foundation is a not for profit group run by volunteers, our only income being donations and fund raising. We offer these workshops at cost only, so ask for a donation of £10-£15. For more details and to reserve places visit the website www.goddessfoundation.org.uk

Sunday 20 May; Open House at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: Noon to 7pm. Free social event, turn up any time. Readings from books at 2pm and 4pm. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

News: Heard the One About the Vicar and the Witch?

Two stories in the news about Christian ministers taking a positive stance about witchcraft.

Well, one's actually a blog post on the Guardian website rather than a news story, but very interesting. Andrew Brown blogs about a conversation he had with a vicar who is dating a witch and who thinks Christianity should embrace its pagan past (and presumably embrace modern-day pagans) to attract more people into churches. You can read the post here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/andrewbrown/2012/may/10/english-heritage-christianity-vicar?newsfeed=true

The second news story is about the Bishop of Burnley saying  he is concerned that plans for hillside art to commemorate the historic Pendle Witch Trails is celebrating "unjust" and "oppressive" trails. The story quotes him as saying: "Do we want the area to be known for the injustice and oppression of perhaps elderly, perhaps deformed, women? Some may see it as fun... but there is a fear in my mind we can become immune to dreadful things that happen in history if we allow them to be treated too light-heartedly." You can read the story on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-18020101

Witches and Pagans in the News

Why shouldn't paganism have a place in RE lessons?
The Guardian has published a response to criticisms of the suggestion that Cornish schools should study paganism in religious education. You can read the feature, by pagan writer Liz Williams, here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2012/may/08/paganism-cornish-schools-religious-education

Macbeth Meets With Real Witchcraft History
The Chiltern Shakespeare Company has cast the descendant of Pendle witch Alice Nutter in the role of one of the three witches in the play Macbeth. You can read the full story on the Beaconsfield Community website: http://beaconsfield.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/2012/05/family-witch-inspires-macbeth.html

Pendle Witches Bused to Manchester
Pendle Council has linked up with The Witch Way bus company to bring the story of the Pendle Witches to Manchester. You can read the story on Lancashire Telegraph website: http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/burnleypendlerossendale/9695844.Pendle_witches_hope_to_cast_spell_on_city_folk/

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/04/news-pendle-witch-anniversary-features.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/04/news-controversial-views-of-paganism.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/04/news-paganism-in-schools-and-holy-thorn.html

News: Fisherman Blames Horse Killings on the Occult

Two horses have been killed in horrendous attacks and a fisherman who found the decapitated head of one of the horses said that looked as though a black magic ceremony had taken place. And, again, newspapers have grasped this sensationalist theory with headlines reading such things as Horse Beheaded in Occult Offering.

The idea of horses being attacked horrifies me - and horrifies every pagan, witch and occultist I know. It also upsets me that magical practises are being blamed for these attacks, without any good evidence. After all, the opinion of a fisherman is probably just based on other inaccurate reports he read in the press. I doubt he was any sort of genuine expert on the occult.

I do hope the people who committed this crime get caught. You can read the news story about the fisherman and the dead horse here: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/horse-beheaded-in-occult-offering/story-fn6s850w-1226352583974

Review: The Gray Witch's Grimoire

"Are you a good witch or a bad witch?" asks the introduction to "The Gray Witch's Grimoire", a new book of witchcraft and spells both dark and light. To that question, author Amythyst Raine replies: "I’m both and I’m neither."

She is, as the title suggests, a gray witch, and she goes on to say: "In our society ‘dark’ is automatically viewed as ‘evil’; and ‘light’ is automatically viewed as ‘good’. We’re expected to live completely within one realm and to totally avoid the other." But the traditional wise woman wasn't always a fluffy bunny. She knew how to heal and how to protect, but she also knew how to use her magic to catch a thief or see that someone who deserved it got their comeuppance. The wise woman knew the world wasn't all black or white, it was shades of grey - and so was she.

Amythyst adds: "The gray witch abhors violence, hatred, and conflict as much as the next person; but she’s not afraid to face these issues using the power she possesses to right a situation and reinstate balance."

The Gray Witch's Grimoire has the subtitle "A magickal formularia to guide you through the mysteries of witchcraft in the spirit of the ancient wise-woman". It contains spells from a variety of sources -  including hoodoo, traditional folk magic and modern Wicca - that could be classified as white magic, black magic and somewhere in between. However, the book is more than just a list of spells and how to cast them.

The first section is a complete introduction to an eclectic style of witchcraft including a code of ethics for the gray witch, the principles of magic, the necessary knowledge of magical techniques and tools, and the practicalities of how to put it all together. It also explains that, traditionally, a witch did far more than just cast spells.

Blessings, being able to communicate with spirits and animals, weather control, healing, divination, herb lore, knowledge of stones and crystals, shapeshifting and seeing visions were all within the traditional wise woman's purview. And, of course, the wise woman was also meant to be wise - and offer good advice that would solve problems.

The second section is about magical rituals. It starts with basic details of how to cast a circle and goes on to cover ceremonies such as handfastings and words to say after someone has died. The third section includes all those naughty spells. It starts with a number of love spells - spells to get the attention of the person you fancy, to stir up lust and to make yourself more attractive. There are also spells to make a person do what you want them to do, to help you win a legal battle or court case, to attract money, to find out the truth when you think someone is lying to you and, of course, a few choice curses to be used if the situation really deserves it. There are plenty of "nice" spells, too, for healing and protection.

To be honest, I hope I never need to curse anyone. I am of the opinion that what goes around, comes around, and that curses can rebound on the caster. But I also believe it is important that a witch knows how to curse, even if she chooses not to use that knowledge.

Publisher Moon Books says on its website: "By reading The Gray Witch's Grimoire you will empower yourself through ancient mysteries, secret rites, and magickal spells that leave the world of the mundane behind and nurture the wise woman in us all."

I would agree that this is an empowering book, and a useful addition to any witch's bookshelf. I was lucky enough to read an early version of it before it went to press and I am glad it is now published and due to hit the bookshelves this month.

Author Amythyst Raine is a professional psychic/clairvoyant practising her own brand of witchcraft in the American mid-west. She is an eclectic witch who has developed her own spiritual path over the years, a combination of hoodoo, Dianic Wicca, and green witchcraft.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.moon-books.net
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/02/review-mean-streets-witchcraft.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/review-traditional-witchcraft-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/01/good-witch-bad-witch-by-gillian-kemp.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/review-green-wiccan-book-of-shadows.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/bad-witchs-guide-to-bad-witches.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/06/review-planetary-spells-rituals.html

Working With the Sacred Bee – Sussex Workshop

A one-day workshop for those interested in deepening their relationship to honeybees is taking place in Polegate, Sussex, on Sunday 3rd June (Please note this is a day later than I originally posted as the organisers have rescheduled the date of the workshop).

Run by beekeepers, the workshop will cover practical ways of working with bees in a natural, respectful and sacred way. This will include handling and connecting with bees, spiritual bee traditions and practical spiritual techniques for working with bees. There will be an opportunity to engage with the bees.

This workshop will have a spiritual focus and is suited to those interested in taking up natural beekeeping, beekeepers who are interested in connecting more deeply with the spirit of the honeybee and also those interested and wishing to connect with bees in general.

Soup, salad and refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring other food to share if they wish to.

The event is being run by Clive and Philippa Hedger, who are beekeepers exploring a spiritual approach to beekeeping.

The workshop runs from 11am – 3pm and costs £16. Prior booking essential. For more information and to reserve a place, call 01323 489172 / 07905743272.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/06/taste-of-honey.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/bees-and-hollyhocks.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/09/buddleia-for-bees-butterflies-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/08/festival-of-week-mead-day.html

Pagan Eye: Old Photo of Medium & Ghostly Form

The picture above shows a vintage photograph dating from the 1920s that shows a medium with a ghost-like figure floating above them.

It comes from Helen in Staffordshire, who said: "This is my g.grandmother's sister with her 'control' as they may have said in 1922 or so! This photo was in my gran's things and I have another. Interesting isn't it?"

It certainly is interesting. How wonderful to have had a relative who was a medium and to have photographic records of what she did.

I'm always delighted to be sent photos to post on my blog. On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. The pictures can be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or something of historic interest like this photo of a medium from the 1920s.

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 and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/ghostly-image.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/07/bad-witch-goes-ghost-hunting.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/spooks-and-spectres-at-michelham-priory.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/pagan-eye-druid-oak.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/12/pagan-eye-where-witches-walked.html

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Monday 7 May; Brentwood Mind Body Soul Experience. Huge show with 150 exhibitors as well as experience sessions in things such as yoga and belly dancing. The Brentwood Centre, Brentwood, Essex. Tickets cost £6. For more details, visit: http://www.mbsevents.co.uk/

Monday May 7: Final day of week-long Jack in the Green festival in Hastings, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Events including Morris dancing, music and processions are taking place all over Hastings, Sussex. For more details, visit: http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk/prog.html

Monday 7 May; Robert Kirk and the Secret Commonwealth of FairiesTalk by by Caroline Westbury at Romford Sacred Hart Moot. This pagan moot meets on the 1st Monday of every month, from 7pm to 10.30pm at Edge Nightclub, by Romford Market, Romford. Entry £3 or £2 for PF members. More details on www.sacredhart.350.com

Wednesday 9 May; Madame Blavatsky: Magician, Radical, Feminist. Talk by Gary Lachman at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7. Reserve a place by emailing info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Wednesday 9 May; Atlantis Bookshops Presents The Moot with No Name. Talk at Milfords, 1 Milford Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2R 3LL. Milford Lane is the street parallel to Essex Street. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8pm. Admission £5. Visit http://www.theatlantisbookshopevents.com//

Thursday 10 May; Lecture about William Lilly, author of Christian Astrologyand one of the foremost astrologers or the 17th century. Talk by Nigel Hoyle. Venue: South East London Folklore Society (SELFS). Venue: The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St, London SE1 1NA. Entry: £2.50 / £1.50 concessions. No need to book in advance. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month. http://www.selfs.org.uk/

Saturday 12 May; You Too Can Heal. Workshop  at the Aetherius Society Meetup. Venue: Inner Potential Centre, 36 Kelvedon Road, Fulham, London SW6 5BW. From 10am - 5pm. Cost: £50. Light refreshments included. For more details and to book places, visit http://www.meetup.com/The-Aetherius-Society-London/

Sunday 13 May; Pagan Belly Dance Workshop to celebrate Beltane. Explore the ritual aspect of this ancient dance and work with elemental energies to create a group dance for the season. Workshops facilitated by experienced dancer, teacher and co-founder of Norse Belly Dance, Polly Hallam and Clare Wood (South East London Folklore Society and former local PF co-coordinator). All levels of ability / experience. Time: 1.15pm-3.15pm Venue: Bellenden Therapy Rooms, 147a Bellenden Road, Peckham, London SE15 4DH. Peckham Rye rail or bus 12, 37, 63, P13. Suggested donation £6 - £9. Bring soft shoes or sticky socks, wear loose comfortable clothing, bring a small natural object for the seasonal altar. Advance booking advised: contact Polly: mrsmiggins13@hotmail.com or Clare: cgbwood@gmail.com to reserve your place. www.facebook.com/shimmyaroundtheseasons