Pagan Eye: Celtic Goddesses Epona and Brigantia

These two statues are of the goddesses Epona and Brigantia. There are part of the Celts: Art and Identity exhibition, which is on at the British Museum at the moment. I went to see it last week and this was among the photos I took while I was there.

Both statues show a mixture of Celtic and Roman influence. The description next to the image of Epona said: "Epona was an ancient goddess of horses whose name comes from the Celtic word for horse. She was first shown in human form in the Roman period. Epona became extremely popular with the Roman cavalry, whose horses could mean life or death to them in battle."

The statue of Brigantia came from an altar at a Roman fort north of Hadrian's Wall. Although Brigantia was a goddess worshipped by the Brigantes, people living in northern England, the style of the statue is more classical Roman than Celtic.

Celts: Art and Identity runs until 31 January 2016 at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tickets normally cost £16.50. Booking is online at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/celts.aspx

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/2015/09/equinox-at-british-museum-celts.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/12/pagan-eye-three-celtic-goddesses.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/08/pagan-eye-ballycrovane-ogham-stone.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/01/reading-matter_02.html

Review: Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards

A new deck of divination cards, called Wisdom of the Oracleby Colette Baron-Reid, has totally surprised me - in a good way.

I love oracle decks – I’ve got quite a few of them - but I’ve never before found one that had the depth of symbolism I find in most tarot decks, and tarot has always been what I’ve turned to in the past when I've wanted a serious reading. On the other hand, tarot decks often lack the focus on a specific topic that oracle decks can have. The Wisdom of the Oracle seems to have it all – as well as beautiful artwork.

The past couple of weeks have been a tough time for me. I was first faced with some financial and legal problems, then I had to make a difficult decision when I was offered a four-month work contract that would have paid well, but meant giving up other work that I love. While all that was happening, my cat became seriously ill and passed away.

The Wisdom of the Oracleguided me through it. On the legal matter I drew a card called By the Book, telling me to abide by the law even though what was happening felt very unfair. On the work issue, I got All That Glitters, suggesting that it would be best to avoid the job that seemed to offer good money as it would not turn out to be as great as it seemed. When my cat died, a card entitled A Leg Up recommended turning to friends for support in difficult times, while other cards reminded me that rebirth and regeneration follow loss.

Quite apart from giving me helpful and accurate readings, what really blew me away about this new deck is that it absolutely resonates with symbolism.

As publisher Hay House says on its website: "Colette Baron-Reid has expertly blended elements of the I-Ching, Norse runes, traditional tarot, and other ancient divination tools into a sacred communication system: Wisdom of the Oracle."

It is a 52-card deck, but the guidebook that comes with it offers multiple interpretations for each card depending on whether a specific question is being asked - and you are encouraged to ask questions before doing a reading. As well as a general meaning, there is an oracle's message, a relationship message, a prosperity message and a protection message to use if the card is drawn reversed. This means there are more than 250 independent meanings that can offer insight into most circumstances.

No deck of cards is going to solve all life's problems for you, but I have to say I found this deck helpful when times were quite grim - not fluffy, but supportive while giving me plenty to think about. I also really love the artwork with its beautiful, surreal images that are full of symbolism.

Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards: Ask and Knowcan be ordered via Amazon.  Please note I earn commission from some links.

Links and previous related posts
Wisdom of the Oracle Divination Cards: Ask and Know
http://www.hayhouse.co.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/09/review-guardian-angel-tarot-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/fools-wisdom-oracle-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/08/review-soul-coaching-oracle-cards-by.html

Pagan Eye: Last Night's Blood Supermoon

Here's a photo of Blood Supermoon taken at 3.30am this morning from my kitchen window. I decided to set my alarm to see it, but then also woke up just before 2am, just as the eclipse was starting too.  I had a look and then went back to bed to get a bit more sleep.

Very pleased to have witnessed this rare astronomical event even if my photo of it is a little blurry.

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/2014/08/pagan-eye-last-weekends-supermoon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/pagan-eye-solar-eclipse.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/04/pagan-eye-blood-moon-at-easters-lunar.html

September 28: Blood Supermoon, Eclipse and Magic

If you stay up late tonight you will have a chance to witness a supermoon and a lunar eclipse. It is a particularly rare astronomical event as there have only been five supermoon lunar eclipses before this one since 1900 - in 1910, 1928, 1946, 1964 and 1982.

A supermoon happens when the Moon is closer to the Earth than usual, and tonight it is the closest it will be all year. When it rises in the night sky it will appear 14 per cent larger than usual, which should be pretty spectacular on its own. However, later that night – or rather very early the next morning – there will also be a lunar eclipse. The eclipse will begin at 2.07am in the morning of 28 September in London and last until 5.27am. The maximum effect will be at 3.47am. This event is also called a Blood Moon, because the moon will appear to turn blood red.

It should be really spectacular to watch – and the good news is that if the sky is clear, London is one of the places to get a perfect view. It will also be a great time for witchery. Spells work best when the moon is full, and the power of the moon will be particularly potent tonight. Eclipses are also the perfect time to work for change and for divination and introspection.

Of course the question a lot of people ask is, is a bloodmoon an omen of doom and gloom? Well, the time of the equinox always brings high tides and a supermoon can bring higher tides than usual, so I would say beware of flood warnings if you live near the coast. Apart from that, supermoons and eclipses are not to be feared.

One book on how to do eclipse magic is the Eclipse Magic Workbook by Mani Navasothy. It gives lots of ideas on how to use the power of eclipses to work magic for personal change and development.

Here are links to current news stories and articles about tonight's blood supermoon eclipse:
"Supermoon Lunar Eclipse: Paris, London and Lisbon Among Best Sites in Europe to View Rare Celestial Event" at acuweather.com: http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/europe-lunar-eclipse-paris-lon/52577847

"Preparing for the Supermoon Eclipse" at Patheos: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/naturespath/2015/9/preparing-for-the-supermoon-eclipse/

"Blood supermoon: Why do people still associate astronomical phenomena with the apocalypse?" - at International Business Times: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/blood-supermoon-why-do-people-still-associate-astronomical-phenomena-apocalypse-1520272

"Supermoon lunar eclipse or “blood moon” to wow UK" at The Weather Network: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/uk/news/articles/climate-and-environment/supermoon-lunar-eclipse-blood-moon-to-wow-uk/57559/

"Sunday treat in store as supermoon meets total eclipse" at The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/sep/24/supermoon-meets-total-eclipse-sunday?CMP=share_btn_fb

The above photo is copyright James C. Wallace II.

News: Witchfest, Witchcraft, Paganism, History

"WitchFest returns to Croydon's Fairfield Halls" - story at the Wimbledon Guardian: http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/leisure/latest/13784072.What_happens_when_thousands_of_witches_gather_in_Croydon__We_find_out___/

"Michael Howard: Witch (1948-2015)" - Obituary at Patheos: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/throughthegrapevine/2015/09/michael-howard-witch-1948-2015/

"The Astronomer and the Witch: Johannes Kepler’s Fight for his Mother" - review of a new book by Ulinka Rublack at Publishers Weekly: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-19-873677-6

"Pagan Pride Day: Earth-based religions celebrate unique identity (PHOTOS)" - Photos and story at Religion News Service: http://www.religionnews.com/2015/09/22/pagan-pride-day-earth-based-religions-celebrate-unique-identity-photos/

"Hartlepool’s own cast of Hogwarts characters" - story at Hartlepool Mail: http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/nostalgia/hartlepool-s-own-cast-of-hogwarts-characters-1-7468321

"The voice of the so-called witches" - extract from the book My Half of the Sky: 12 Life Stories of Courageby Indrani Raimedhi at BLink: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/meet/the-voice-of-the-socalled-witches/article7685652.ece

"Today in History: English lawyer Cecil Chubb snagged Stonehenge for just 6600 pounds" - story at The Advertiser: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/english-lawyer-cecil-chubb-snagged-stonehenge-for-just-6600-pounds/story-fnpoi7d1-1227533526557

"4 Ways To Embrace Your Inner Crone This Equinox" - story at The Frisky: http://www.thefrisky.com/2015-09-23/4-ways-to-embrace-your-inner-crone-this-equinox/

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.

Thursday 24 September 2015 – 31 January 2016; Celts: Art and Identity Exhibition. Venue: Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery (Room 30), British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tickets £16.50, children under 16 free. Booking online at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/celts.aspx and by phone: 020 7323 8181

Friday 25 September; The Simplicity of Stillness.Book signing and talk by Marlise Karlin at Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Friday 25 September; Angels and the Seven Governors. Lecture by Joseph (Patrick) MacDermott at Rilko (Research Into Lost Knowledge). Unlike other RILKO Lectures in the series, this meeting is open to RILKO Members ONLY. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 6pm - 9pm (earlier than usual start for this meeting.). Entrance: £8/£6. http://www.rilko.net/EZ/rilko/rilko/home.php

Friday 25 September; Sticks, Stones and the Zodiac. Lecture by Crichton Miller. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 25 September; The Fairies of Deptford Creek as part of Deptford X. Venue: a secret location near Deptford. Time: 7pm. Tickets £3, booking essential, email vanessa@londondreamtime.com. For more details, visit http://londondreamtime.com/calendar/ or http://www.deptfordx.org/programmes/13/events/267

Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 September; Plant Consciousness 2015 conference. Venue: Regent's University Conference Centre, Tuke Hall, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS. Standard Ticket £139, 1-day £89. Details and tickets: http://plantconsciousness.com/

Saturday 26 September; Altared States: Magical Altars. Workshop with Julian Vayne. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 11am-5.30pm. £55 (£30 deposit, balance due on the day). Advance booking required. Call 0207 419 8507. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 26 September; Woodland Wicca - Full Moon Ritual and Magical social in Wimbledon Common, suitable for those wanting to learn about Wicca and Witchcraft. Meet by the old Fountain Bus Stop S, Parkside Avenue, London SW19, London between 4pm to 4.15pm to walk to the ritual site. Wear suitable clothing and bring food and drink to share after the rite. For details and to reserve a place: http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/events/222441907/

Saturday 26 September; The Crick Crack Club Presents Morgana Le Fey - Performance Storytelling by Xanthe Gresham and Nick Hennessey. Venue: Rich Mix (Theatre) 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: Tickets: £9/£7 concessions. For tickets, contact Rich Mix Box Office: 020 7613 7498. Website: http://www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-crick-crack-club-presents-morgana-le-fay/

Sunday 27 September; Meditation at Russell Brands Trew Era Cafe, 30 Whitmore Road, London N1 5QA. Starts 10.15am. Free event. Details: http://www.meetup.com/londonspiritualcommunity

Sunday 27 September; Intuitive Reading Free Workshop with Sensing Energy and Intuition Development. Venue: Down To Earth Cafe, 240-242 Kensington High Street, London. Time: noon. http://www.meetup.com/Sensing-Energy-and-Intuition-Development/

Sunday 27 September; Alban Elued / Autumn Equinox on Primrose Hill with the Loose Association of Druids. Open ritual hosted by Jeremy Morgan, the Druid of Wormwood Scrubbs. Venue: The Hawthorne Grove, Primrose Hill, Regents Park, London NW1. Starts at 12.45pm, ends at around 2.30pm. Nearest tube: Chalk Farm.

Sunday 27 September; The Kith of the Tree and the Well Heathen Moot. Upstairs at The Horseshoe Inn, Melior St, London SE1 3QP. Time: 2pm.

Sunday, 27 September; Harvest Supermoon Eclipse Ritual for Earth Healing with the Global Wicca Earth Healing Temple. Venue: St James Park London. Meet at the Bali Memorial at St James Park and look for our sign. SW1A 2BJ. Time: 2.45pm. London free attendence. For more details and to reserve a place: http://www.meetup.com/Global-Wicca-Earth-Healing-Temple-London/

Sunday, 27 September; Ganesh in the Water Ceremony (Ganesh Chathurthi) with Mani of London Woodland Wiccans Meet-up group. Location: Terrace Gardens, Richmond, London. Time: 3pm. More details and to reserve a place: http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Sunday, 27 September; Workshop : Karmic Balancing (Super Full Moon and Eclipse) with Aang of the London College of Spirituality. Venue: Latvian House, 72 Queensborough Terrace, London, W2 3SH, Time: 6pm to 7.30pm. Tickets £30. Details: http://www.meetup.com/londonspirituality/events/225140518/

Monday 28 September; The Stress Cure. Lecture by Patrick Holford, author of The 10 Secrets Of 100% Healthy People.Venue: Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm. Tickets £12/£8 online. For more details and to book tickets: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 28 September; Tarot Archetypes: The Death Card, with Marysia Kay. Mini workshop at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10. Advance booking required. Call 0207 419 8507. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday 29 September; Sound Meditation. Venue: Goose Green Clinic, 57 East Dulwich Road, London SE22 9AP. Time: 10.45am. Cost:£12/£10. More information and booking: http://www.meetup.com/Holistic-SoundBath-Meditation-Summoning-The-Sacred-Dulwich/

Tuesday 29 September; Children of Artemis Central London Monthly Moot Meeting. Venue: Counting House, 50 Cornhill, London. Time: 6pm. Gathering meeting up on the last Tuesday of the month, venue permitting. https://www.facebook.com/pages/CoA-Central-London-Gathering/505714086232636?

Tuesday 29 September; The Improbability Principle: Why coincidences, miracles, and rare events happen every day. Lecture by Professor David Hand. Venue: LG01, Professor Stuart Hall Building, Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW. Time: 6.10pm. Attendance is free and there is no need to book in advance. For further information, visit http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/apru/speakers or contact Duncan Colvin (email: d.colvin@gold.ac.uk).

Tuesday 29 September;You Can Heal Your Pet.Lecture by Elizabeth Whiter and Dr. Rohini Sathish. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday 29 September; Chertsey Moot. A social moot held on the last Tuesday of the month at the Golden Grove pub, Ruxbury Road, St Annes Hill, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9EN. All welcome. From 8pm to 11pm. For more details, email: sian_ap_pysgotwr@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday 30 September; Gallery talk - How Much Do Object Tell Us About Ancient Britain. Venue: Room 51, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 1.15pm-2pm. Free event, just drop in. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Throughout October to All Souls Day; London Month of the Dead organised by Curious Invitation and Antique Beat in conjunction with Brompton and Kensal Green cemeteries. Tours, talks, workshops and entertainment on the theme of death. For a full list of the events and to book tickets, visit the London Month of the Dead website: http://londonmonthofthedead.com/index.html

Thursday 1 October; Curator's Introduction to Celts: Art and Identity. Venue: BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm. Free event, but advance booking essential. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Thursday 1 October; Inconsistencies in survival evidence. Talk by Dr. Zofia Weaver at the Society for Psychical Research. Venue: Lecture Hall of the Kensington Central Library, Campden Hill Road, Kensington, London, W8 7RX. Time: 7pm to 10pm. Phone: 020 7937 8984 or visit: http://www.spr.ac.uk/

Thursday 1 October; Fortnightly 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: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Price: £5 on the door. For more details, visit http://thedruidorder.org/druidorder/Meetings.html

Friday 2 October; Enlightening Evening of Mediumship with Tony Stockwell and John Holland. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-9pm. Cost: £40 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 2 October; Celebrating Jack Parsons on his birthday with talks and cake. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Tickets £8. Advance booking required. Call 0207 419 8507. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 3 October; Folk Song in England: Level 1 with Steve Roud. Venue: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent's Park Road, London NW1 7AY. Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm. Fees: £40 (£32 concessions). Enrolment: Download an enrolment form from http://www.cecilsharphouse.org/ and return it to to Imogen, Education Administrator, on education@efdss.org. You can pay by credit card, contact Imogen on 020 7241 8953.

Saturday 3 October; The Canterbury Mystical Market. Venue: The Westgate Hall, Canterbury in Canterbury, Kent. Time: 11am-5pm. Tickets £2.50, Details: http://www.mysticalarts.co.uk/

Saturday 3 October; Hendon Heathens Moot, Venue: Greyhound Pub, Church End, Hendon, London, NW4 4JT. Time: 6pm. Hendon Heathens meets at this pub the first Saturday of every month.

Sunday 4 October; Meditation at Russell Brands Trew Era Cafe, 30 Whitmore Road, London N1 5QA. Starts 10.15am. Free event. Details: http://www.meetup.com/londonspiritualcommunity

Sunday 4 October; Sigil Magic Workshop with Mark Vincent. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 12.45pm arrival for 1pm start. Finishes 5.30pm. Tickets £30. Call 0207 419 8507. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

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

Events: The Art of Witchcraft and The Sinister Side

The National Gallery in London has two events coming up of interest to witches and pagans:

Art of Witchcraft
From shrieking hags to seductive sorceresses, witches have cast a powerful spell upon the imagination, unleashing the creativity of artists such as Goya and Salvator Rosa.

Artist Lachlan Goudie leads a very personal and ghoulish tour of the collection. Enjoy some close looking at paintings, and find out about Lachlan's own father, the Scottish artist Alexander Goudie, who believed he was possessed by a witch, prompting him to paint many images of his demon at the helm of a gruesome tribe of hags, warlocks, and resuscitated corpses.

Date and time: Friday 30 October, 6.30–8pm
Tickets: £26/£24 concessions/£22 Members
For more details and to book tickets, visit: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/calendar/friday-lates-social-30-october-2015-18-30

The Sinister Side
Why do bad things such as death, disease, and the Devil so often come from the left-hand side of paintings? Why is Christ often depicted raising his right hand in blessing, or leaning to the left in paintings of the Crucifixion?

Left-right symbolism has played a vital and varied role in Western culture and features in works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian, Velázquez, and Rembrandt. In almost every culture and religion, the left side has been regarded as inferior - evil, weak, worldly, feminine - while the right side has been seen as good, strong, spiritual, and male. During the Renaissance however, there was a 'left turn' revolution when the left side or 'heart side' came to be associated with beauty and fine feeling.

This discussion tour explores the largely forgotten and misunderstood meanings of left-right symbolism in a range of paintings from the collection.

Date and time: Friday 27 November, 6.30–8pm
Tickets: £26/£24 concessions/£22 Members
For more details and to book tickets, visit: http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/calendar/friday-lates-social-27-november-2015-18-30

Images: Francisco de Goya, A Scene from El Hechizado por Fuerza (The Forcibly Bewitched), 1798 © The National Gallery, London, and Jan van Eyck, The Arnolfini Portrait, 1434 © The National Gallery, London

Equinox at the British Museum Celts Exhibition

I think I've had the most perfect Autumn Equinox morning I could imagine - at a press preview of the Celts: Art and Identity exhibition at the British Museum.

It officially opens to the public tomorrow, 24 September, but I was really delighted to get to see it a bit early so I could write about it. And I can say the exhibition is something you don't want to miss. For a start there is a chance to see amazing things including the Gundestrup Cauldron, which has never been on show in the UK before. Added to that, the exhibition examines in close detail one of the subjects modern Pagans frequently argue about - who really were the Celts?

At the press preview, curator Julia Farley gave a talk that she described as a "whistlestop tour" of two-and-a-half thousand years of European history, starting by saying "Celt can be slippery term". She explained that the exhibition covers not the story of a people, but the story of a label and a name that has been reinvented over thousands of years.

The Greeks first used the term Keltoi (meaning Celt) to describe barbarians from various parts of Europe, although not from the areas that are now Britain, Scotland or Ireland. The Celts were groups of people who used styles of abstract art that were a counterpoint to classical Greek and later Roman art. In that way, people in northern Scotland used abstract designs to demonstrate that they weren't Romans, but they didn't call themselves Celts either.

The name "Celtic cross" to describe a cross with a circle around the top really only came into being in Victorian times.

In between the end of the Roman era and the Victorian Celtic Revival, in the 1400s people started to publish books about their own local and national history. They used the word "Celtic" for Pre-Roman European languages, and since then the word has stuck to describe linguistic traditions.

In the past few centuries, various "Celtic revival" movement led to the creation of a re-imagined, romanticised Celtic past, often expressed in art and literature, but also connected to Pagan revivals and influential in the revival of druidry.

The exhibition is a celebration of the various ways in which the word "Celt" has been used throughout history - often associated with great flowerings of art, literature and spirituality. There might be many different types of Celt, but all of their stories are fascinating.

Celts: Art and Identity runs from 24 September 2015 – 31 January 2016 at the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery (Room 30), British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tickets normally cost £16.50. Booking is online at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/celts.aspx and by phone: +44 (0)20 7323 8181. There is a catalogue to go with the exhibition, also called Celts: Art and Identity

The picture on this page show photos I took at the Celts exhibition

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/07/british-museum-exhibition-celts-art-and.html
Celts: Art and Identity
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/06/scotland-holiday-brough-of-birsay-tidal.html

Event: Mind Body Soul Experience Moves To Ally Pally

London's Mind Body Soul Experience has a new venue - Alexandra Palace.

I'm really quite excited about this move. I've been going to the Mind Body Soul Experience for several years - since it began, I think. While I've always very much enjoyed going there, the venue in recent years has been Olympia, in West London, which was a bit bland and also noisy. In fact, I had heard a few great pagan teachers say they weren't going to return there to give talks or workshops because the general noise levels were intrusive.

Hopefully this move will sort all those issues out. Alexandra Palace is a lovely north London venue, set in 196 acres of parkland and full of history and natural beauty. The interior is very nice as well. I think it is the perfect setting for a show that helps people balance hectic lives by developing a healthy mind, body and soul.

The organisers say the new venue means the chance to introduce some new ideas, and the 2015 show will see the introduction of the Therapy Zone. This designated area of the exhibition will be full of experts offering one-to-one hands-on therapy including reiki, massage, acupuncture and reflexology. The Experience Zone offers workshops to get you up and moving and, as well as talks and readings, there is also marketplace of stands selling books, tarot cards, crystals, soaps, aromatherapy oils, jewellery, food, and much more.

By the way don't get the Mind Body Soul Experience confused with the Mind Body Spirit events. I know the names are similar, but Mind Body Spirit is more focused on the New Age side of things, while the Mind Body Soul Experience has pagan and witchy stuff too.

Tickets for the Mind Body Soul Experience ticket will also gain you free access into the OM Yoga Show, which is in an adjoining hall.

The Mind Body Soul Experience is on 23, 24 and 25 October 2015 at Alexandra Palace, London N22 7AY. Opening Times: are Friday 11am - 6pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Online admission costs: Adults £10, concessions £8. On the door: Adults: £12, concessions £10
For more details, a free show guide and to book tickets, visit www.mbsevents.co.uk

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/10/an-afternoon-at-mind-body-soul.html
www.mbsevents.co.uk

News Stories About the Autumn Equinox

Happy Autumn Equinox everybody!

Although many pagans celebrated this festival last weekend, this year the autumn or September equinox actually takes place at precisely 8.21am today, September 23. Here is a roundup of news stories about the Autumn Equinox:

"What is the September or autumn equinox?" - story at The Weather Network: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/uk/news/articles/climate-and-environment/what-is-the-september-or-autumn-equinox/57541/

"The Autumn Equinox is Here! Wait, What's the Autumn Equinox?" - story at National Geographic: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/09/150922-equinox-autumn-seasons-sun-moon-space-science/

"Autumn in the UK: share your photos and reflections" - call for photos and thoughts at The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/22/autumn-in-the-uk-share-your-photos-and-reflections

"Mabon Outrage (And Why We Love the Autumnal Equinox)" - blog post at Patheos: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2015/09/mabon-outrage-and-why-we-love-the-autumnal-equinox/

Jerry Cat, Safe Journey to the Summerlands

My cat Jerry died on Sunday. He had had been unwell for about a week and I had taken him to the vet, who gave him antibiotics. Jerry improved a little, but then deteriorated very rapidly and despite an emergency vet appointment, passed away on Sunday morning. He follows his brother, Frank, who died less than a year ago. The pair were always so alike in everything.

This is one of the last photos I took of Jerry, in early summer. He loved a sunny spot and every morning would sleep in this windowsill next to the desk where I work at home. I will miss him very much.

He was a very friendly, intelligent cat; good-natured and peaceful.

After he died, when a friend on Facebook said: "May Jerry have good mouse hunting in the Summerlands."

I replied: "Luckily, I suspect the Summerlands mice will be as safe with Jerry as the Earth mice were - he was never a great hunter, but he was a very affectionate cat who loved a sunny spot to doze in. I am sure he will find plenty of them in the Summerlands, while his brother Frank - who went to the Summerlands less than a year ago - does any hunting. I know they will be happy to be together again."

Here are links to some of my earlier posts about my beloved cats, Frank and Jerry:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/11/a-requiem-for-my-feline-friend.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/10/pagan-eye-cat-in-witchs-halloween-hat.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2007/12/work-of-witchs-cat.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/familiars-sharing-gossip-outside.html

Green London: Tibetan Peace Garden in SE1

Today is the International Day of Peace, better known as World Peace Day. It is observed every year on 21 September – and I say observed rather than celebrated as there is so much conflict in the world at the moment.

The day is dedicated to world peace – specifically the absence of war and violence, even temporary ceasefires in a battle zones for humanitarian aid. The day was inaugurated in 1982 and is now honoured by nations, political groups, military groups and people all over the world.

The pictures on this post show the Tibetan Peace Garden, in Southwark, South East London. The garden was opened by the Dalai Lama in 1999. The website for the garden says: "The Tibetan Peace Garden honours one of the principal teachings of His Holiness – the need to create understanding between different cultures and to establish places of peace and harmony in the world."

The garden reflects Buddhist beliefs about peace – which feel to me quite in keeping with many pagans’ views on peace too.

As well as being full of scented herbs and beautiful climbing flowers, at the centre of the garden is a huge mandala, known as the Kalachakra Mandala, which is a symbol of transformation intended to help bring peace to those who gaze upon it. At the quarters – or directional points of north, south, east and west – are sculptures representing the four elements of earth, air, fire and water. There are benches on which to sit and meditate and a pillar with a message from the 14th Dalai Lama, which reads:

We human beings are passing through a crucial period in our development.
Conflicts and mistrust have plagued the past century, which has brought immeasurable human suffering and environmental destruction. It is in the interests of all of us on this planet that we make a joint effort to turn the next century into an era of peace and harmony.
May this peace garden become a monument to the courage of the Tibetan people and their commitment to peace.
May it remain as a symbol to remind us that human survival depends on living in harmony and always choosing the path of non-violence in resolving our differences.

For me, the location of the garden carries a stronger message than all the flowers, mandalas, sculptures and messages. It is right next to the Imperial War Museum.

When you walk through the garden and emerge from its protective circles of paths and hedges, you are immediately faced with two huge guns outside the museum. The effect is jolting, even shocking. Yet the guns are silent – and, although I have never been inside the museum, I am told it is more about honouring the lives – and deaths – of those who fought in wars that are now ceased than it is a celebration of all things martial.

May the guns fall silent in the world today.

The Tibetan Peace Garden is at Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, St George's Road, London SE1 6ER. You can find out more here: http://www.tibet-foundation.org/page/peace_garden

Here are details of two pagan events taking place in London for World Peace Day on Monday, 21 September, 2015:

World Peace Day Picnic and Ceremony in Hyde Park with London Woodland Witches Magicians and Outdoor Pagans. Meet at the Italian Gardens, Hyde Park, London. Once gathered, the group will go to a slightly quieter place for the ritual. Time: 1pm-4pm. For more details and to sign up to this event: http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Meditate in Trafalgar Square on World Peace Day. Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. Time: 6.30pm to 7pm. Free event. Details: http://www.meetup.com/londonspirituality/events/225088025/

Links
http://www.peaceoneday.org/welcome
http://www.tibet-foundation.org/page/peace_garden
http://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans
http://www.meetup.com/londonspirituality/events/225088025/