This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Here are events in London and other parts of the UK that could be of interest to pagans. If you know of an event that you want listed, please email the details to me at badwitch1234@gmail.com.

Now until Thursday 6 June; Spiritual Landscapes, a multi-media art installation. Venue: Degreeart.com gallery, 12a Vyner Street, London, E2 9DG. The gallery is normally open until 6pm each day but for full details and opening times visit. http://www.degreeart.com/events

Saturday 1 June; Pagan Federation London Conference. One-day event with a theme exploring rites of passage. Venue: The London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8UE Doors open 10.30am. Tickets £12/£15 on the door, but cheaper if booked in advance: http://london.paganfed.org/?ai1ec_event=2013-pf-london-conference&instance_id=5347

Saturday 1 June; Intermediate Tarot Workshop with Sue Merlyn Farebrother at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £45 advance booking required. Time: 10.45pm-5.30pm.  info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 1 June; Hendon Heathens Moot. The Greyhound, Church End, Hendon, London NW4 4JT. 6pm until 9pm (then over the road at a blues and rock club until the early hours). This moot meets on the first Saturday each month.

Sunday 2 June; Incense Making Workshop with Christina Oakley Harrington at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £25 advance booking essential as places very limited. Time: 1pm-5.30pm.  info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 June; 16th Pagan Pride March in London, Start at Red Lion Square, Holborn, at noon, ending at Russel Square at the fountain. Free event but bring a picnic and suitable clothes and a towel if you are intending to paddle in the fountain. If you have them, please bring drums, masks, banners and flower crowns.

Monday 3 June; Waking Up in the Matrix. Talk by Dr Richard Bartlett, author of Matrix Energetics: The Science and Art of Transformationand Melissa Joy at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £10/£5 concs. Advance booking required. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Monday 3 June; Open Circle with Ellie and Lisa. Ritual for those with some experience of paganism. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking essential. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday 4 June, The Pagan Munch - a friendly social event for pagans interested in exploring their kinks and fetishes including BDSM. Venue: The Old Nick, 20-22 Sandland Street, London WC1R 4PZ. Time: 6pm-11.30pm.

Wednesday 5 June; The Hero Maker. Talk by Will Storr. Greenwich Skeptics in the Pub, The Star and Garter, 60 Old Woolwich Road, Greenwich, London SE10 9NY. 7.30pm. http://greenwich.skepticsinthepub.org/

Wednesday 5 June, Cobwebs and Cauldrons Moot. Talk on Graphology (handwriting analysis). Venue: The Sun Pub, 47 London Road, Romford RM7 9QA. 7pm start. Entry £3.

Thursday 6 June; Elen of The Ways. Talk by Caroline Wise. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10. http://www.rsh.anth.org.uk/

Thursday 6 June; Reception Party for Spiritual Landscapes, a multi-media art installation. Venue: Degreeart.com gallery, 12a Vyner Street, London, E2 9DG. Time: 6pm-9pm. The exhibition itself runs until 16 June. http://www.degreeart.com/events

Thursday 6 June; Evan Morgan and Aleister Crowley. Talk by Will Dart and Monty Cross. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 8 June; Home Herbal Apothecary. One-day workshop at Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Chalton, Hants. Tickets: £60. For more details and to book tickets call 02392 598838 or visit http://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/

Review: The Animal Wisdom Tarot Boxed Set

I'm a big collector of tarot and oracle cards and own quite a lot of sets. The ones I've found myself using most often in the past are the classic Rider-Waite or very similar Robin Wood decks, and the Druid Animal Oracle. Recently, however, I got a lovely new set of cards that combines both traditional tarot with the symbolism of animals. It is called the The Animal Wisdom Tarot.

This boxed set is by Dawn Brunke, a specialist in animal communication and the author of several books on the subject including Animal Teachings. The animals she picked for the tarot come from all over the world and include such beasts as the Jaguar, the Scarab Beetle, the Polar Bear and the Eagle.

The more I use this deck, the more I am delighted at how appropriate the animals are that have been chosen for each tarot card. For example, the Coyote - shown on the front of the box - is the Trickster; the Raven is the The Magician, the Bat is the Hanged Man and the Rooster is the Sun. Some are the same as the animals in Rider-Waite images - the Lion for Strength and the Goat for the Devil, for example. Some are not the same - The Animal Wisdom Tarot shows the Rabbit gazing at the Moon rather than a dog and a wolf - but the changes feel right to me.

The artwork, by Ola Liola, is delightful too - colourful and unpretentious yet evocative and full of the right symbolism for each card.

Publisher Cico Books says on its website: "Using tarot cards is a time-honoured way to see the patterns of the past, explore the potential of what is to come and predict your future. The Animal Wisdom Tarot contains an inspirational book and a complete deck of 78 tarot cards. Every card in the deck has been assigned its own suit. In the accompanying book Dawn Brunke gives an interpretation for each card, both on its own and in combination with others. For more inspiration, there are messages and guidance on how to read and interpret the cards."

It might be about animals and have cute artwork, but The Animal Wisdom Tarot certainly isn't fluffy. I've been using it every day this past week, and I suspect I'll be using it more in future. It is very affordable either as a treat for yourself a gift for a friend.

Please note I earn commission from some links

Links and previous related posts
The Animal Wisdom Tarot - Book and Cards Box Set
http://www.rylandpeters.com/ourshop/the-animal-wisdom-tarot
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/04/review-animal-spirit-guides.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/10/review-crystal-tarot.html

TV: The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England

The first in a three-part documentary series on BBC2 on Friday evening called The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England examines witchcraft in the 16th century as well as looking at how common people lived.

The description in the Radio Times says: "And could it be that witchcraft is legal, with the church employing witches?" I'm going to watch and find out.

The programme is on at 9pm on BBC2 on Friday 31 May. Presenter Dr Ian Mortimer is also the author of a book of the same title.

Links
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p018400g
The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England

Familiars: Sharing The Gossip Outside the Covenstead

Only one of these is probably a real witch's cat (mine, the ginge in the middle), but this photo so looked like it needed a caption. If you can think of one, do leave a comment!

Previous posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/04/bargain-hunting-cat-wisdom-oracle-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/09/joanna-lumley-catwoman-on-tv.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2007/12/work-of-witchs-cat.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/02/review-grimalkyn-witchs-cat-power.html

Online Event: Hay House World Summit

Hay House is putting on its first Global Online World Summit from June 1- to June 10, which is a free event that you can take part in wherever you can connect to the internet.

The Hay House World Summit will offer free access to more than 100 hours of conversations with Mind Body Spirit teachers via the Hay House website. The summit promises a wide range of topics providing insight and practical advice designed to appeal to Hay House readers and anyone interested in spiritual and personal development topics. Speakers include Louise Hay, Doreen Virtue and Deeprak Chopra and over a hundred other well-known authors and MBS celebrities.

The programme will be available in three languages: English, German, and Spanish!

You can sign up now, for free, here: http://www.hayhouseworldsummit.com/

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/review-angel-tarot-cards-by-doreen.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/04/review-power-of-then-sages-of-past.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/review-wire-yourself-for-wealth.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/review-fools-wisdom-oracle-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/02/review-mystic-cookbook-secret-alchemy.html

Review: Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch

If the word ‘grimoire’ makes you think of a book of dark rites to perform, maybe involving conjuring up the devil, think again. The Grimoire of a Kitchen Witchis more a book of brilliant spells you could do, maybe while conjuring up the odd cake.

Actually, Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch is a lot more than just a book of spells. It is really a complete handbook of witchcraft and magic, but with an emphasis on things that can be done in the kitchen or at least while sitting at your kitchen table. If you are a complete beginner looking for a big book on how to do magic, then this will serve you very well. If you are an experienced witch wanting to widen your expertise, you are bound to find something new to try out in this nearly 300-page tome.

Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch starts with the basics – explaining what a witch is: “...someone who is in tune with the Earth, with the changing of the seasons, someone who connects with the elements and works with all the energies around them.” As a kitchen witch, author Rachel Patterson says that her magic is centred around her home and garden, while the big oak kitchen table “is where everyone ends up sitting with cups of tea and slices of cake…”

Rachel goes on to describe the importance of her kitchen when creating sacred space for doing magic. For her, that room is the heart of the home and also the place where most of her magical tools are kept – from herbs hanging to dry, to knives to cut them, to bottles and jars for potions, to the cooker for stirring up a bubbling brew and even the freezer for some chilled-out enchantments.

Those new to witchcraft can learn how to raise energy, how to celebrate the seasonal Wheel of the Year and work with the phases of the moon as well how to use herbs and crystals. The book then moves on to explaining how to work with animal spirit guides, fairy magic, astral travel and even a bit of hoodoo. As you would expect, it includes a large selection of spells as well as recipes for potions, oils, incense, candles and witch bottles. Thrown into the mix are numerous guided visualisations and projects for things to do and make over the seasons.

Rachel’s enthusiasm for kitchen witchcraft shines through the entire book. As you read it, you feel you might just be sitting at Rachel’s kitchen table with her as she tells you the secrets of her spellcraft and magic.

As publisher Moon Books says on its website, Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch is: "A personal and all encompassing guide to what it is to be a Witch, how to live and work within the Craft... essentially a Book of Shadows."

Rachel Patterson is also the author of Pagan Portals - Kitchen Witchcraft. 

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Links and previous related posts
Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch: An essential guide to Witchcraft
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/02/review-pagan-portals-kitchen-witchcraft.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/review-deep-heart-of-witchcraft-magical.html
http://www.moon-books.net/home.html
www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
www.kitchenwitchhearth.com
www.kitchenwitchuk.blogspot.co.uk
www.facebook.com/kitchenwitchuk
www.kitchenwitchhearth.wix.com/coven
www.tansyfiredragon.blogspot.co.uk
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/02/review-mystic-cookbook-secret-alchemy.html

Pagan Eye: Full Moon Over the Bahamas

This amazing view of the moon was taken by Sarah Honaker, in the Bahamas.

Sarah said: "I enjoy your blog and love your recent pics of the full moon. I thought I'd send you a pic that we took from the Exumas in the Bahamas. Full Moon Blessings."

Thanks very much Sarah, I think your photo of the moon is much more professional looking than mine! Full Moon Blessing to you too!

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.

Previous posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/pagan-eye-moonrise-over-country-road.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/moonrise-by-martello-tower.html

The Rochester Catalpa Tree

This wonderful tree stands between Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral. I saw it when I visited Rochester recently.

Although the towering ruins of the Norman castle and the vast cathedral are impressive, this tree appealed to the me more than either of them. Maybe that's just because I'm a tree-hugging hippy pagan, but I do think this tree is really something special.

The tree is a catalpa, which is extremely rare in the UK as it is native to warmer temperate regions of North America, the Caribbean and East Asia. As you can see, the Rochester Catalpa hasn't got leaves yet - which I hope is because it is a late bloomer and the weather is cold rather than because it has died! Catalpas normally have large, heart-shaped leaves, showy white or yellow flowers and, in the autumn, long fruits that look like bean pods.

However, even if the Rochester Catalpa is still alive, there is was a notice pinned to the fencing around it saying that money was needed to help save it, as it is extremely old and in danger of toppling over. It has also outgrown the fencing. There is a campaign to raise cash for new supports for the branches and funds for a tree surgeon to minister to it. You can find out more at the Rochester Catalpa Tree Appeal website http://www.rochestercatalpatree.com/home

I knew very little about catalpas before I visited Rochester, and in fact still know next to nothing about the folklore, herbal or magical properties associated with them. A web search came up with a book called The Catalpa Bow: A Study of Shamanistic Practices in Japan.I haven't read it, but the reviews on Amazon seem interesting.

Rochester itself is an charming old town in Kent on the River Medway. As well as having a really impressive castle, it was once the home to Charles Dickens and has some interesting shops. But the best thing about it for me is its lovely catalpa tree and I hope it is blooming and thriving when I go back there.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.rochestercatalpatree.com/what-needs-doing
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa

The Moot With No Name at the Devereux 29 May

The Moot With No Name is returning to its old venue, the Devereux pub, in Devereux Court (opposite the Royal Courts of Justice), London WC2R 3JJ, this Wednesday, 29 May.

Organiser Steve Wilson said: "Due to short notice this will be a social meet-up, free of charge, though with a few possible events to interrupt the drinking! Be prepared for a pub quiz, though for a change this will only have ONE occult section."

Steve also asked those who are coming to the moot to think about the following:

• What was the most influential adult book you read that stimulated your interest in the Occult?
• What was your favourite magical book as a child and why?
• What do you think is the best occult or pagan film ever?
• And what was the best TV show.

The time for the event is 7:30pm for 8 pm, and the moot is back every other Wednesday as before.

Moonrise by the Martello Tower

The moon rising this evening by a Martello Tower on a Sussex beach. Those colours are as I took them - no tweaking with Photoshop at all. Had to post!

Pagan Eye: Moonrise Over a Country Road

I made my husband stop the car last night when I saw the moon rise over the country road we were driving along. He wasn't particularly keen to stop, as we were late for where we were going already, but he kindly found somewhere to pull over and I quickly took this photo.

I hope you enjoy the full moon energy this weekend, wherever you are!

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.

Links
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/11/pagan-eye-ring-around-moon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/12/spells-magic-short-ritual-to-honour-moon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/01/guided-visualisation-for-full-moon.html

Pictures from the Mind Body Spirit Festival in London

The Mind Body Spirit Festival in London is one of the highlights of the year for me because I always have such a good time there. It has a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and there are so many things to see and try out - as well as lots of tempting things to buy on the stalls. I was there today and here are a few of the pictures I took.

The photo at the top shows an overview of the hall - although it stretches much further than that. The main stage has free talks, demonstrations and entertainment all day long. Henry Cumming is in the picture on the right on the main stage, doing a demonstration of mediumship. He seemed to pick up on a few spirits that were recognised by members of the audience, and took it in his stride when no one claimed the ghost of a young man who died in a motor accident. Maybe the spirit was just there to watch the show.

The picture on the left shows at tarot deck that I really wish I had bought. The annoying thing is that I can't remember what it was called or the name of the trade stand I saw it on. Neither can I read the name of the deck in my photo and although I know I picked up a leaflet from the stall, I can't seem to find it now I'm back home. If anyone recognises the deck, do leave a comment below!

The photos of candle (right) and fairies (at the bottom) are just a few other lovely things I saw on stalls.Two yurts were set up in the foyer outside the main exhibition area - one was called the Love Dome and the other was the Mantra Lounge. These were also offering free activities all day long.

I went to three different guided meditation sessions, which were all very different. One was run by an NLP practitioner, another was a shamanic journey using the aid of Egyptian scents run by Barbara Meiklejohn-Free and the third was a love meditation in the Love Dome with Cate Mackenzie's Love Fairies (who you can see in the small picture below left). The subtitle of this year's Mind Body Spirit Festival London is The Summer of Love - and that theme seemed to run throughout the show.

Now, I'm old enough to remember the original Summer of Love in 1967 (just) and I'm not really sure Summer 2013 is quite going to live up to that. But there is definitely a very loving atmosphere in Earl's Court this weekend. If you are in London and looking for somewhere to go out of the rain, a trip to the Mind Body Spirit Festival could just get the sun shining in your heart, even if it isn't visible in the sky over London right now.

The Mind Body Spirit London Festival is on until Monday 27 May, from 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets cost £10 on the door, For more details, visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk.

Previous post: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/save-date-for-mind-body-spirit-london.html

News: Paganism in the Press and Other Stories

"Senior Tory warns over pagan weddings"
A senior Tory is quoted as saying that voters would think MPs had "lost the plot" if they allowed pagans, Freemasons and spiritualists to conduct marriages. From the Evening Standard: "http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/senior-tory-warns-over-pagan-weddings-8625934.html

"Wackypedia admits pagan purge"
Wikipedia has admitted that one of its editors has been systematically purging the encyclopedia of references to the occult and modern pagans. From Techeye.net: http://news.techeye.net/internet/wackypedia-admits-pagan-purge

"Cheese maker warned against supplying Gloucester cheese rolling"
Health and safety goes mad as police tell a cheese maker she may be liable for legal action if she supplies Gloucester's famous annual cheese rolling event, in case anyone gets hurt by her dairy products. From BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-22639675

"IMAGE: The Occult Factor An inaugural exhibition of Esoteric Artists"
Review of the occult art exhibition that is currently on at Store Street Gallery, 32 Store Street, London WC1E. From artlyst: http://www.artlyst.com/articles/image-the-occult-factor-an-inaugural-exhibition-of-esoteric-artists

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Friday 24 - Monday 27 May; Mind Body Spirit London Festival. Stalls, entertainment, talks and workshops. Some of the talks and workshops cost extra. Venue: Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London SW5 9TA. Time: from 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 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

Friday 24 May; Prediction Awards Event. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10. Website: http://www.predictionmagazine.co.uk/

Saturday 25 May; Lunar Eclipse Energy Meditation on Primrose Hill, London NW3 3NA. Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm. Free event. Meet at the top of the hill, on the grassy area on the west side by a group of trees.

Saturday 25 May; Abraxas Journal Party hosted by Treadwells and Fulgur. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS and Fulgar at 32 Store Street. Time: 4pm to 10pm. Tickets free but advance booking required. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 25 May; Ecstatic Dance London Full Moon Saturday Night DJ Session with Gong Bath. Rules: no alcohol, no smoking, no drugs, no talking in the dance area. Venue: St. Peter's Church, 310 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY. Time: Doors open 7.30pm, opening circle at 8pm, dancing until 10.30pm. Tickets £15 on the door/£10 if reserved on meetup at http://www.meetup.com/london-ecstatic-dance

Sunday 26 May; Mythic London. One-day Workshop with Caroline Wise, who contributed to the classic book The Aquarian Guide to Legendary London.Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 10.45am until 5.30pm Tickets £45, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 26 May; The Kith London Heathen Moot. Venue: The Horseshoe Inn, Melior St, London SE1. Time: 2pm-5pm.

Tuesday 28 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 28 May; The Crystal Palace Moot. A social moot held on the last Tuesday of the month at the basement bar, Lucius Italian Bar/Kitchen, 128 Gipsy Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1PL. Time: from 6.30pm. Free event. For more details, email tangaschants@gmail.com

Tuesday 28 May; Crystals and Sacred Sites. Talk by Judy Hall, author of the Crystal Bible series of books and the recent Life-Changing Crystals: Using Crystals to Manifest Abundance, Wellbeing and Happiness.Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking essential. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. For further details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Thursday 30 May; Druid Order Open Introductory Evening. A chance to learn more about at The Druid Order (A.D.U.B.) at an evening with talks and a meditation. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Price: £7. For more details, call Druid Order on 020 8659 4879.

Thursday 30 May; The World's Strangest Deaths. Talk at the London Fortean Society, upstairs at the Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. 7.30pm for 8pm start. £3/£2 concessions - advance booking essential for this talk. Society meets on the last Thursday of each month. For more details, visit http://forteanlondon.blogspot.co.uk/

Friday 31 May; Self Healing Through Movement. Talk by Meir Scheider. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking essential. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. For further details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Friday 31 May; Personal and Planetary Transitions. Event organised by London Spiritual Movement. Time: 6pm – 8pm. Venue: Conference Room, Canterbury Hall, 11 – 18 Cartwright Gardens, London WC1H 9EE. Donation: £10 if you can afford it. For more details and to book your place: http://www.meetup.com/londonspirituality/events/117111562/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1

Friday 31 May; Holistic Meditation Evening with Simon Tarry. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm start. Price: £10 to the organisers on the night. For more details and to register, email: mcarlinsweeney@yahoo.co.uk.

Saturday 1 June; Pagan Federation London Conference. One-day event with a theme exploring rites of passage. Venue: The London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8UE Doors open 10.30am. Tickets £12/£15 on the door, but cheaper if booked in advance: http://london.paganfed.org/?ai1ec_event=2013-pf-london-conference&instance_id=5347

Saturday 1 June; Intermediate Tarot Workshop with Sue Merlyn Farebrother, author of Astrology Decoded: a step by step guide to learning astrologyat Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £45 advance booking required. Time: 10.45pm-5.30pm.  info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 1 June; Hendon Heathens Moot. The Greyhound, Church End, Hendon, London NW4 4JT. 6pm until 9pm (then over the road at a blues and rock club until the early hours). This moot meets on the first Saturday each month.

Sunday 2 June; Incense Making Workshop with Christina Oakley Harrington at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £25 advance booking essential as places very limited. Time: 1pm-5.30pm.  info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 June; 16th Pagan Pride March in London, Start at Red Lion Square, Holborn, at noon, ending at Russel Square at the fountain. Free event but bring a picnic and suitable clothes and a towel if you are intending to paddle in the fountain. If you have them, please bring drums, masks, banners and flower crowns.

Event: Lunar Eclipse Meditation, Primrose Hill, 25 May

There is both a Super Moon and a lunar eclipse this Saturday 25 May. Although the eclipse will not be visible to the naked eye in the UK, you can still make the most of its magical energy. If you want to take part in an eclipse meditation, then go along to Primrose Hill, in North London,

Here's a message about the event that I was asked to share:

"We are in a unique and powerful Triad of Eclipses that are incredibly charged. On 25th May there is a Super Moon Lunar Eclipse - the third of three eclipses in a row. It is the Good Will Festival of Humanity and the time of Wesak, which is a period of spiritual blessing for humanity and an outpouring of light for the entire planet. It is the ideal time to take the destiny of our world in our own hands!

"We will meet at Primrose Hill in London at 1:30 in the afternoon. We will join in with our intention with many groups large and small, that are getting together at the time of full moon this May around the world. These Light Energies effect the Collective Consciousness on Earth, raising all to A Higher State of Consciousness. We will gather and visualise the liberation of our planet of the negative energy grid so that we will have the chance to create our own destiny and fully empower ourselves to our Ascension process. We will use invocations, chanting and meditation."

If you want to take part, please arrive at the top of Primrose Hill  by 1.30pm on 25 May. The group will be meeting on the west side of the crown of the hill, in a grassy area next to a small grove of trees. For anyone who has never been to this lovely little park it is easy spot and to locate. The organiser is Michelle.

Primrose Hill is on the north side of Regent's Park, London. The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm.

The photo at the top shows the view from the top of Primrose Hill and the picture right shows a lunar eclipse and the picture at the bottom is a map of Regent's Park.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.space.com/15689-lunar-eclipses.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/book-of-magic-eclipse-magic-workbook.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_2013_lunar_eclipse
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/pictures-of-supermoon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/08/lunar-eclipse-and-full-moon.html

Event: London Pagan Pride Parade on Sunday 2 June

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This year's London Pagan Pride Parade is taking place on Sunday, 2 June, starting at noon in Red Lion Square, Holborn.

Pagan Pride Parade is a free street-based public event for pagans and their friends to meet and celebrate paganism. You can turn up wear pagan robes or fancy costumes if you want, or you can just as you are. Bring drums or banners if you want to. Bring a picnic to enjoy afterwards. Spread the word and share this message with all your friends - this is a free event and the more people who turn up the merrier!

For the third year running this is being organised by Atlantis Bookshop. Meet at noon outside the entrance of Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn. From there the procession will take to the streets. It normally ends at Russell Square Park. For further information, call Atlantis Bookshop on 0207 405 2120.  The map at the top shows Red Lion Square.

Sacred Landscape: St Nectan's Glen and Waterfall

One of the places I meant to visit when I was on holiday in Cornwall last summer was St Nectan's Glen.

I was told it was a beautiful and magical place - the kind of area of natural beauty where you might just glimpse a Piskie frolicking in the ferns. It takes its name from a 6th century Christian saint who lived in a hermitage at the site and gained fame for ringing a bell in stormy weather to warn ships about dangerous rocks nearby. However, the glen and waterfall could well have been considered a sacred place back in ancient pagan times.

The current owner bought St Nectan's Glen waterfall and hermitage in 2012, said at the time that he wanted the site to be "a place of inward reflection and self-realisation for everyone to enjoy".

Sadly I didn't get  to visit St Nectan's Glen during the week of my holiday, but I have now been sent these lovely photos taken by Denise Hockin, who visited at Easter.

She said: "St Nectan's Glen is between Tintagel and Boscastle and is a spiritual place for nature lovers and pagans. Legend has it that the early Christian, Saint Nectan, lived and was murdered there, though there seem to be many versions of that story. But whatever you believe, there is no question that the walk from the road through the Glen is beautiful, as is the waterfall itself. People have tied literally hundreds of ribbons to the trees surrounding the pool, which to some people makes it seem magical, though some feel they detract from the natural beauty of the waterfall. Hope you and others find them [the pictures] interesting."

Thanks very much indeed Denise. I think the photos are beautiful and they have made me want to go back to Cornwall again and visit St Nectan's.

The photos are copyright Denise Hockin.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.st-nectansglen.co.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/boscastle-and-museum-of-witchcraft_3235.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/tintagel-castle-and-legacy-of-king.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/the-blisland-inn-pub-full-of-witches.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/dozmary-pool-and-death-of-dragons.html
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/New-owner-vows-sacred-site-St-Nectan-s-Glen-open/story-15516560-detail/story.html#axzz2Tw0t5d7X

News and TV: Branded a Witch, BBC3

I've just read an article on the Independent website about a programme called Branded a Witch that was shown on BBC3 last night. It is about one African woman's experiences of being persecuted as a child because her family believed she was a witch. The feature says:

"Kanda ... endured years of abuse before being taken into care. Now 23, and with two young sons of her own, she set out to examine a lethal new twist to the widespread African belief in witchcraft, which has increasingly come to be associated with the abuse and even murder of children."

I didn't see the documentary about this tragic modern form of persecution over witchcraft beliefs, but I'll look out for it on catch-up. The BBC normally keeps documentaries for about a week on BBC iPlayer.

You can read the article here: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/last-nights-viewing--branded-a-witch-bbc3-the-somme-secret-tunnel-wars-bbc4-8624434.html

News: BBC Highlights English Ritual Year Photographs

The BBC News England website is featuring a slideshow of pictures by folklore photographer Sara Hannant, under the title: In pictures: A journey through the English ritual year

Sara Hannant, the author of the book Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids, has become famous for travelling around England photographing seasonal celebrations old and new. The pictures on the BBC website show such events as the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, Hastings Jack-in-the-Green parade, Eastbourne Lammas Festival, London's Twelfth Night celebrations on Bankside and the Mazey Day midsummer festival in Penzance, Cornwall.

As Sara is quoted as saying, "Many of these customs have a distinct pagan element." They do indeed.

You can see the slideshow of her photos here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22528184

An exhibition of photographs from Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids is on until 28 July at the Oxfordshire Museum, County Hall, New Road, Oxford OX1 1ND.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22528184
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/event-folklore-in-photography-exhibition.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/review-mummers-maypoles-and-milkmaids.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/days-out-english-ritual-year-exhibition.html
http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/exhibitions-events-and-talks-oxfordshire-museum

Pagan Eye: Falling Apple Blossom

I looked out of my window and saw a shower of apple blossom falling from my apple tree. By the time I got my camera ready, what looked like a snowfall had lessened to a just a few white petals drifting to the ground. Oh, and I do realise my garden seriously needs weeding - but it does look rather fairyland-like with the bluebells, forget-me-nots, blue alkanet flowers and long grass. It would have looked even better if the sun had been shining!

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.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/04/pagan-eye-apple-blossom.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/10/godfdess-of-week.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/07/apple-seeds.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/02/magical-uses-for-apple-wood.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/09/pagan-eye-fallen-apples.html

Survey on Pagan Responses to the UK Census 2011

Vivianne Crowley is asking pagans to help her with some research by filling in a short questionnaire. She said:

"I’ve been invited by the British Sociological Association’s Sociology of Religion group to give a paper next month on Pagan responses to the UK Census 2011. 

"There is a big difference of course between the survey numbers and those quote for number of Pagans in the UK and I’m trying to tease out some of the reasons. One might be that numbers have been inflated of course. The other might be that Pagans for various reasons were under-reported. 

"I wonder if you’d be kind enough, if you completed the Census, to answer the survey by clicking this link. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UK2011Census 

"All responses are anonymous. 

"I'd to get as many responses from different parts of the Pagan community as I can, so if there are any Pagan mailing lists/e-groups that you're involved with, it would be great if you could post the link."

This sounds like very useful research that could help pagans gain more recognition for our chosen spiritual path.

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/pagandash-be-counted-on-2011-census.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/12/news-pagan-census-results-and-witches.html

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Saturday 18 May; Chaos Magick: Divining the Future. Afternoon workshop with Nikki Wyrd. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 12.45pm for 1pm start. Tickets £25, advance booking essential. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 18 May; Shaking Things Up - Socrates V the Establishment. Debate and discussion with philosopher Rick Lewis. Venue: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH. Time: 2.30pm. Free entry and no booking required but limited places. http://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/event/330/Shaking-things-up!---Socrates-vs-the-Establishment?&Keyword=&TypeID=

Saturday 18 May; Tribal Unity presents Touch the Earth Live! Pagan folk band Touch the Earth performing live with a light show and guests the belly dance group Tribal Unity. Venue: The Basildon Lower Academy, Timberlog Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1UX. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £9, concessions £7. http://www.tribalunity.co.uk/

Sunday 19 May - Sunday 26 May; I:MAGE Esoteric Art Exhibition. This is taking place in the art gallery at 32 Store Street, next door to Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. It is being hosted by Fulgur Fine art and Treadwell's. There is an opening reception on Sunday 19 May from noon. For full details, visit the website: http://fulgur.co.uk/

Sunday 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 19 May; Film: Conjuration to Beelzebub - NOKO Order 41. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 5.45pm for 6pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 20 May; The Shaman in Stilettos.Talk by author Anna Hunt at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £10/£5 concs. Advance booking required. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Monday 20 May; An Almost Forgotten History. Talk by Ken Rees 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 20 May; Croydon Crows. PF moot held every 3rd Monday of each month at the Skylark pub, South End, South Croydon from 8pm onwards.

Monday 20 May; Building the Fourth Pyramid: An Occult Art Installation in Galverston. Lecture by Jesse Bransford (NYU). Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday 21 May; An Evening of Soul Portraits and Clairvoyance with Dr Angela Watkins and June Elleni-Laine. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking essential. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. For further details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Wednesday 22 May; Being a Cathar Today. Talk and book signing by Colum Hayward at Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 5.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Thursday 23 May; Crossbones Vigil 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/

Thursday 23 May; Ithell Colquhoun: Cornwall, Landscape and the Goddess. Lecture by Dr Any Hale. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Friday 24 May; 'Spare': A One-Man Play by John Constable. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Friday 24 - Monday 27 May; Mind Body Spirit London Festival. Stalls, entertainment, talks and workshops. Some of the talks and workshops cost extra. Venue: Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London SW5 9TA. Time: from 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 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

Friday 24 May; Prediction Awards Event. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10. Website: http://www.predictionmagazine.co.uk/

Saturday 25 May; Abraxas Journal Party hosted by Treadwell's and Fulgur. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS and Fulgar at 32 Store Street. Time: 4pm to 10pm. Tickets free but advance booking required. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 26 May; Mythic London. One-day Workshop with Caroline Wise. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 10.45am until 5.30pm Tickets £45, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

If you want an event listed on A Bad Witches Blog, please email the details to badwitch1234@gmail.com