Friday 31 January 2020

Lighting a Candle for Harmony, Peace and Kindness

Tonight the UK leaves the EU, and I am sad. But I've decided I'm not going to blog about why I voted to remain - that's pretty irrelevant now. It is in the past. What we need to do is look to the future.

What need to try to heal the rifts that have driven us apart, that have caused countless arguments and have broken up friendships. We need to work together to bring harmony, peace and kindness into the world.

Accepting that others might have different opinions from our own, we need to put disagreements behind us and do what we can to find what we have in common rather than what divides us. We need to look with compassion on those who are upset or suffering; to try to help where we can or at least offer sympathy and understanding.

Tonight I will be lighting a candle and making a wish for all those things. Join me by sparking a flame too, if you want to, and let our wishes go out into the universe together.

Thursday 30 January 2020

News: Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism and the Occult

Here is a round-up of recent news stories about paganism, witchcraft and the occult as well as links to post about Wicca, witchcraft and the supernatural on TV, in art and in a library:

"St. Brigid offers healing for today’s divided world: How an ancient Irish saint confronts injustice, teaches peace, and offers hope for today’s troubled times" - an article on a Catholic site about a sacred figure that Christians and Pagans both honour, at US Catholic: https://www.uscatholic.org/articles/202001/st-brigid-offers-healing-todays-divided-world-31944

"Man arrested over 'occult' attacks on farm animals" - story at FarmersWeekly. A police organisation has also confirmed that the man arrested in not a member of the pagan community. Story at: https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/crime/man-arrested-over-occult-attacks-on-farm-animals

"'Satanists' repeatedly break in to Lincolnshire church to perform animal sacrifice rituals" - story at LincolnshireLive: https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/satanists-repeatedly-break-lincolnshire-church-3781834

"'Blue moon' murder case: State rests, defense calls ordained Wiccan minister to testify" - story at Pensacola News Journal: https://eu.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2020/01/28/pensacola-blue-moon-murder-trial-wiccan-minister-testifies-defense-donald-hartung/4596883002/

"'Witch bottle' found in Virginia dates to the Civil War" - story at Livescience.com: https://www.livescience.com/witch-bottle-civil-war.html

"A Modern Witch’s Guide to Paris: Where to Find the Occult and Esoteric" - Travel feature at Frenchly: https://frenchly.us/where-to-find-the-occult-and-esoteric-in-paris/

"The Art Angle Podcast: How the Art World Fell Under the Spell of the Occult" - details about a podcast, at artnet News: https://news.artnet.com/the-art-angle/the-art-angle-podcast-spiritual-1762221

"Double, double toil and trouble – help a witch escape Selby library" - Details of a witch-themed escape room at North Yorkshire County: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/article/double-double-toil-and-trouble-help-witch-escape-selby-library

"Here's What CAOS Is Teaching Us About Pagans… and What Pagans Actually Did" - story about the TV series Sabrina at Refinery29: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/01/9295820/pagans-green-man-history-chilling-adventures-of-sabrina#

The picture at the top shows the crypt chapel at St Bride's Church in London.

Wednesday 29 January 2020

Imbolc Pagan Events In and Near London


Imbolc - the festival of the first stirrings of spring - is this weekend and there's lots going on to celebrate in London. I've also listed general pagan events and a few things taking place in other parts of southern England. If you know of an event that you want listed, please email the details to me at badwitch1234@gmail.com.

Now - 2 February 2020; William Blake exhibition. Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Entry: £18/£17/Free for members. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/william-blake-artist?

Now - March 2020; Ithell Colquhoun exhibition. Venue: The Last Tuesday Society and the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RS. http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/

Now - 8 March 2020; Troy: Myth and Reality exhibition. Venue: The Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. You need to prebook tickets unless you are a British Museum member. Standard tickets: £20. https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/troy-myth-and-reality

Now - 23 May 2020; Gods and goddesses of Roman Britain eye-opener tour - daily gallery talk. Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 11.15am-11.55am. Free, just turn up. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/events/gods-and-goddesses-roman-britain-eye-opener-tour

Wednesday, 29 January - 8 March; Exhibition - The Bard: William Blake at Flat Time House. This exhibition opens on 29 January at 6pm with a reading from William Blake's Jerusalem by poet Chris McCabe. Venue: Flat Time House, 210 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4BW. http://flattimeho.org.uk/exhibitions/bard/?

Wednesday 29 January; Time to Meditate - group meditation (usually every Wednesday). Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.buddhaonabicycle.com/

Wednesday, 29 January; A Skeptic's Guide to Aliens. Talk at London Fortean Society. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Time: 7.45pm. Tickets: £4/£2. http://forteanlondon.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, 29 January; Hertford and Ware Moot Moot. (Usually the last Wednesday of each month.) Venue: The White Horse, 33 Castle Street, SG14 1HH Hertford, Hertfordshire. Time: 8pm. Entry: £3. https://www.facebook.com/groups/104788436218047/

Thursday 30 January; Behind the Scenes Tour of London's Oldest Occult Bookshop with talk about London's esoteric history. Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 2pm. Tickets £10, reserve a place on this link: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/1360488.

Thursday 30 January; Hedge Shamansim Class - working with ancient wisdom for healing and personal change. Hosted by Sarah Fox. Venue: Clearly Destiny, 12 Woburn Walk · North London (Every week on Thursday until February 27). Time:· 6.30pm. Tickets: £15. https://www.meetup.com/Hedge-Shamanism/

Thursday 30 January; The Living Wisdom of Trees. Talk and book signing with Fred Hageneder. Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm. Free event. For more details visit the websites http://www.watkinsbooks.com/  or https://www.meetup.com/WatkinsBooks/

Thursday 30 January; Lucid Dreaming and Mugwort Introduction with Ricardo Goni. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £33. www.aho.community

Thursday 30 January; Shamanic Journeying with Eddy Elsey. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £25. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Thursday 30 January; First Steps in Thelema. Workshop with Marco Visconti. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20. You can book by visiting the shop or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday 30 January; PFL Imbolc Ritual. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Entry: £6/£5 (PF members and concessions). https://www.facebook.com/groups/pflondon/

Friday 31 January; Meditation and Om Healing. (Weekly, usually on Friday). Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 7pm. Entry free. http://theosophicalsociety.org.uk/

Friday 31 January; Imbolc Goddess Circle with Lucy North. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Friday 31 January; Reading Group: Enriching our Spiritual Lives - Seminar. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7pm.  Entry: £5. http://www.rsh.anth.org.uk/ and https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiners-spiritual-science/

Friday 31 January; What the Dead are Dying to Teach Us. Talk on Spirit Communication by author Claire Broad. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, · London. Time: 7pm. Free entry. Details: https://www.facebook.com/MediumClaireBroad/

Friday 31 January; Greet the Returning Light - Gong Bath with Diana Vernon. Two days before the Sabbat of Imbolc or Festival of Candlemas, this is a traditional time for reflection and setting intentions. Greet the quickening life energy of spring and in a candle-lit hall and let the resonance of the gongs renew your energy for the year ahead.Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensbury Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Members £22/non-members £25. Call 0207 589 3292 or visit www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Friday 31 January; The Gong Father - Quantum Sound Journey. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £18. www.aho.community

Friday 31 January; January 2020 Alexandrian Witchcraft Soiree. Venue in London. Time: 8pm. Newcomers should call 07767496936 to confirm attendance. More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2610947272364398/

Friday 31 January - Saturday 1 February; Aphrodite's Monthly Festival, usually on the last to first day of each month, hosted by Aphrodite's Flame. Everyone around the world is invited to light Aphrodite's Flame in honour of her monthly festival. Keep a candle lit for as long or as short a time as you wish from dusk on the date listed to dusk the following day. https://www.facebook.com/aphroditesflame/

Saturday, 1 February; Wheel of the Year Meditation - First Stirrings, gather at the well head for meditation at noon, followed by conversation on the lower lawn. Venue: Chalice Well World Peace Garden, in Glastonbury. Free admission to the gardens from 10am to noon. Refreshments on sale. For more details, visit the website http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/

Saturday, 1 February; AnderidaFest 2020. Hosted by Damh the Bard. Venue: Southwick Community Centre, 24 Southwick St, Southwick, West Sussex, BN42 4TE. Time: 10.30am-10pm. Tickets: £22.15. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anderidafest-2020-tickets-69728936125?

Saturday, 1 February; Spaces and their Spirits. One-day workshop with  Julian Vayne. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 11am-5.30pm. Tickets: £75. Deposit £40. Balance of £35 due on the the day. You can book by visiting the shop or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday, 1 February; London Goddess Pilgrimage: Imbolc edition with Out of the Norm Tours. Meet at The Crypt at St Paul's, Warwick Lane, London, EC4M 8AD. Time: 11am. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance and donations welcome. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-goddess-pilgrimage-tickets-86773731567?

Saturday, 1 February; Imbolc with the Goddess Bridget and Tara, organised by Wicca Moon. Women only celebration of the Divine mother of 10,000 names in her aspects of Bridget and Tara in a day of circle and ritual. Venue: Tudor Barn, Well Hall Pleasaunce, Well Hall Rd, London SE9 6SZ
Time: 11.30am - 4.15pm. Tickets: £25. Reserve a space book on https://www.wiccamoon.co.uk or call wicca moon on 0208 8507803.

Saturday, 1 February; AnderidaFest 2020. Venue: Southwick Community Centre, 24 Southwick Street, Southwick, BN42 4TE. Time: 10.30am-10pm. Tickets: £22.15. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anderidafest-2020-tickets-69728936125?

Saturday, 1 February; Imbolc Meetup with the London Witches Meetup Group. Venue: Meet at Waterstones, 51 Greenwich Church St, London SE10 9BL at 1pm for a chat, then go to Greenwich Park for a short ritual ending at 4pm. Tickets: £5. https://www.meetup.com/London-Witches-Meetup-Group/

Saturday, 1 February; Imbolc Ceremony with Watchers of the Old Ways. Venue: Rollright Stones, Little Rollright, Warwickshire, OX7 5. Time: 2pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/577024602842937/

Saturday, 1 February; Dark Ages to Druids London Walking Tour with Out of the Norm Tours. Meet at Lady Abercorn's pub, 40 Liverpool Street, London, EC2M 7QN. Time: 3pm. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance and donations welcome. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dark-ages-to-druids-london-walking-tour-tickets-86773805789?

Saturday, 1 February; Imbolc 2020 - Seasonal Ceremony with London Woodland Witches. Venue: Queen's Woods, Near Highgate Station, · London. Meet outside the Woodman's Pub by 4pm to be led to the woodland. Fee: £5. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Saturday, 1 February;  Dance Temple and Cacao Ceremony. Venue: 42 Acres, 66 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LW. Time: 6pm. Tickets:  £11.37. For more details visit: https://www.42acresshoreditch.com/events/

Saturday, 1 February;  Imbolc: Celebrating the light within - Mindful Singing and Celebration. Venue: Cambrian Community Centre, 1 Grove Rd,· Richmond. Time: 6pm. https://www.meetup.com/mindfulsingingrichmond/

Saturday, 1 February; The Gnome Manuscript by Wilmar Tal book launch. Venue:  Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, · London. Time: 7pm. Free, but you must reserve a place by emailing info@troybooks.co.uk

Sunday 2 February; Mythic London: Walking the Talk with Caroline Wise, organised through Treadwell's. Meet at Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet St, Holborn, London EC4Y 1AA. Come prepared for all weather. Price: £22, advance booking essential. Time: 11.45am prompt start. You can book by visiting the shop at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS, or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 February;  Loose Association of Druids Imbolc ritual. Venue: The hawthorn grove, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8YH (about 200m behind the viewing platform). Time: 12:30pm for a 1 o’clock start. Cost: £2 towards expenses, please also bring picnic food to share and something to drink.

Sunday 2 February; Space for Me retreat - Embracing 2020. Gentle yoga, meditation and nature therapy. Venue: Jacksons Lane Arts Centre, 269A Archway Rd, North · London. Time: 2pm to 5.45pm,  Price: £50. https://www.meetup.com/London-Forest-Bathing-Nature-Connection-Meetup/

Sunday 2 February; Anderida Gorsedd Imbolc open ritual at the Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm for a walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards back to the Giants Rest pub in Wilmington for a social drink together. https://www.facebook.com/groups/anderidagorsedd/

Sunday 2 February; Dancing the Goddess Workshop - Embodiment. Venue: Siobhan Davies Dance, 85 St Georges Road, London SE1 6ER. Time: 2pm-5pm. Tickets: advance £30, £40 on the door. Payment to: https://www.paypal.me/ShaktiSundariLove/30 More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/629142907893570/

Sunday 2 February; Celebration of Imbolc or Candlemas. Wheel of the Year ritual at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3 1NG. Time: 7pm. Tel: 020 7433 3267. http://www.rosslynhillchapel.com/

Monday 3 February; Free Beginners Astrology Class by Astrological Lodge of London. (Every Monday evening). Venue: 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA, Time: 6pm-6.50pm. Tickets: Free. https://astrolodge.co.uk/

Monday 3 February; Mantra – Sounds into Silence: Film Screening, Directors Q and A and Live Kirtan with Nikki Slade. Run by Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets £15/£20. http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 3 February; Reading Group: The Temple Legend. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7pm.  Entry: £3. http://www.rsh.anth.org.uk/ and https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiners-spiritual-science/

Monday 3 February; Pagan Pathfinders. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Cost: £10 per person. You can book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Monday 3 February; What Witches Do - a series of five evening classes teaching the basics of Wicca and other forms of modern witchcraft.  Venue in Islington, London N1. It runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm with a 10-minute break. The cost of the course is £60 for all five sessions. You can find the details here: www.whatwitchesdo.co.uk

Tuesday 4 February; Talk on the Haunted East End at  by Penny Rafter at Romford Pagan Moot. Venue: The Golden Lion, 2 High Street, Romford RM1 1HR. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: £4 and raffle in aid of Essex wildlife £1. https://www.facebook.com/Romford-Pagan-Moote-634178063700381/

Tuesday 4 February; A Demonstration of Tarot with a Difference. Lecture by Avril Price. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £13/£15.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday 4 February; Talk on Kitchen Witchery at The Witches' Inn. Venue: The Hatch Public House, 44, Hatchlands Road, Redhill, RH1 6AT. Time: 8pm. Free pagan moot, just turn up. https://www.facebook.com/The-Witches-Inn-1568424150049437/

Wednesday 5 February; Forest Bathing. Meet in the cabin behind Queen's Wood Cafe, near Highgate station, north London. Time:  9.30am-noon. Price: £25. https://www.meetup.com/London-Forest-Bathing-Nature-Connection-Meetup/

Wednesday 5 February; Psychedelics, Ego Death and the Afterlife. Talk by Darren Springer, hosted by Breaking Convention. Venue: University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £12/£10/£7.50. https://helmtickets.com/events/5501/psychedelics-ego-death-and-the-afterlife--darren-springer

Wednesday 5 February; The Psychic Repair of Broken Hearts with Francesca Rossetti. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, · London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £12.50. You must a place by paying in advance. Call 020 7405 2120 or pay by Paypal, details here: http://theatlantisbookshop.com/atlantis-events/

Thursday 6 February; Overcoming the Robotic Mind. Talk and book signing with Julian Rose. Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm. Free event. For more details visit the websites http://www.watkinsbooks.com/  or https://www.meetup.com/WatkinsBooks/

Thursday 6 February; The Unicorn through History. Lecture by art historian Ruth Clydesdale. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm. Cost: £10 per person. You can book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Thursday 6 February; Full Moon Ceremony and Magical Work by the Thames with London Woodland Witches. Meet under the Millennium Bridge, South Bank near Tate Community Gardens, SE1 9JE at 7.30pm. Fee: £5/£3. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Friday, 7 February; Gong Bath - Super Snow Moon. Venue: Lauren Baker Art, Unit 1, Stonemasons Yard, Hepscott Rd, Hackney Wick · London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15. https://www.meetup.com/Meditational-Sound-Healing-Gong-Bath/

Friday, 7 February;  Two Mediums - One Evening - Messages from the Spirit World with Anthony Kesner and Daniel Pitt. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £13/£15.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 8, 15 and 22 February. Basic techniques of witchcraft and the Western Mystery Tradition. Three-Saturday course with Len Roberts. Venue:  Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, · London. Time: 2pm-5pm. Each workshop costs £20. You must a place by paying in advance. Call 020 7405 2120 or pay by Paypal, details here: http://theatlantisbookshop.com/atlantis-events/

Saturday 8 February; Nature - Intuitions Wisest Teacher. One-day workshop with Wiccan High Priestess, author and therapist Teresa Dellbridge. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 10am - 5pm. Tickets: £85/£105.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 8 February; An Introduction to Shamanic Journeying with Shamanic Walks of Consciousness. Venue: Shamanic Space, 11 Hilly Fields Crescent, Brockley, · south London. Time: 10am start. Tickets £97.50. https://www.meetup.com/Shamanic-Walks-of-Consciousness/

Saturday 8 February; Northern Myth, Runes and Magic. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm-4pm. Cost: £30 per person. You can book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Saturday 8 February; Imbolc Workshop with Liz Gale. Venue: Friends Meeting House, Hemnall Street, Epping, CM16 4LL. Time: 1.30pm to 5.30pm. The cost is £20, which includes tea or coffee and a cake, but do bring your own packed lunch if you want one. To reserve a place in advance text 07927 288904 or email rainbowhealingsanctuary@outlook.com More details: https://artfromtheheart1.blogspot.com/

Saturday 8 February; Heart Beat - Monthly Drumming Collective with Gong Master Olaf Nixon. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 6pm. Tickets: £21/£23.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 9 February; Full Moon Event with Peace Fires. Light a candle or fire for peace wherever you are in the world, for just for 10 minutes or an hour or longer and state the intention: “Let there be peace on earth and love for one another.” Details: http://peacefires.org/

Sunday 9 February; Behind the Scenes Tour of London's Oldest Occult Bookshop with talk about London's esoteric history. Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 2pm. Tickets £10, reserve a place on this link: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/experiences/1360488.

Sunday 9 February; Witch Hunts Today. Talk by author Syd Moore and Kirsty Brimelow QC, hosted by London Fortean Society. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL. Time: 3pm. Tickets: £8/£5. https://conwayhall.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173599932

Sunday 9 February; Rite at Luna Iter for Pagan and Wiccan Seekers (normally on a Sunday close to the full moon each month). Venue: meet at Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road,London  E8 1JH from 5pm, moving on to a historic site in East London for the ritual at 6pm prompt. Fee: £7/£4. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1230392930656154/

Sunday 9 February; Full Snow Moon Meditation. Venue: Hitchin Lavender, Cadwell Farm, Arlesey Rd, Ickleford, Hitchin, SG5 3UA. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £18. https://johnharrigan.bigcartel.com/product/fullmoon?

Please note: I do not organise any of these events. I try to make sure my listings are accurate, but do contact the organiser before turning up to anything.

Tuesday 28 January 2020

Another Chance to Hear Me on Pure Paranormal Radio

A week ago I was interviewed live on the Pure Paranormal Radio Show, hosted by Tom Warrington and Barry Frankish. If you missed it last Tuesday evening, you can listen to a recording here: https://www.mixcloud.com/tomo-warrington/the-pure-paranormal-radio-show-with-special-guest-lucya-starza/

I was nervous before the start of the interview, as the show lasts an hour and I wasn't sure I'd find enough to talk about. As it happened, the hour seemed to go by really quickly. Tom and Barry are lovely interviewers. They put me at ease and asked me plenty of questions that were - mostly - easy to answer. Coming from a paranormal investigation background, rather than a pagan or magical tradition, they wanted to know about the basics of modern pagan witchcraft, and about my life experiences and the books I've written on candle magic, poppets and other esoteric subjects.

There's another Pure Paranormal Radio Show this evening and tonight's guest will be horror writer Jenny Ashford, from Florida. The programme starts at 7pm and you can find it here: https://www.pulsetalkradio.com/

The photo shows me at a book signing session at The Henge Shop in Avebury

Monday 27 January 2020

Magic School: The Basic Techniques of Witchcraft


For anyone wanting to learn the basics of witchcraft, here are details of two courses running in and near London. One is a short course at a central London venue, the other is a self-study course, sent by email, that you can do in your own home:

School of Witchery

Dates: Nine-month self-study course consisting of a pdf booklet sent every month
Venue: Study in your own home at your own pace
Run by: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Rd, Eltham, London SE9 6SH
Tutor: Shirlee Moon
Cost: £150 with discount code WITCH if booked before the end of February

This is a new course devised by experienced witch Shirlee Moon created this distance-learning course to share her vast knowledge and insights with those who seek to learn about the Craft. Each month, for nine months, students will receive a pdf booklet of course work via email. Each module should take about four weeks to complete, although you can do it at your own pace. The modules are a combination of informative reading and practical exercises. These are the modules:

Module One - What Is Magick? The Wheel Of The Year, You and Your Senses
Module Two - The Art of Colour, Magickal Glamoury, Moon Phases and Planets
Module Three - The Psychic Witch, Divination
Module Four - Oils and Herbs
Module Five - Magickal Charms, Amulets and Talismans
Module Six - Wand Crafting
Module Seven - Elemental Magick, Sun Magick
Module Eight - Kitchen Witchery and Poppet Magick
Module Nine - Bringing it all Together, Initiation

The standard cost of the course is £199, but as an introductory offer, if you enter the discount code WITCH until the end of Feb, you will get a £49 discount. To book visit https://www.wiccamoon.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6496929-Complete-School-Of-Witchery-9-Modules-Self-Study.html

Basic Techniques of Witchcraft and the Western Mystery Tradition

Dates: Three-Saturday course on 8, 15 and 22 February from 2pm-5pm
Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, Holborn, London WC1A 1LY
Tutor: Len Roberts
Cost: Each workshop costs £20

Len Roberts is an Alexandrian witch with 50 years experience of practising witchcraft and magic in the Western Mystery Tradition. The course will include all aspects of the craft including preparation of self and place, the construction of the circle or temple, symbols, ritual, power, clear sight and other related subjects.

You must reserve a place in advance. Call 020 7405 2120 or visit http://theatlantisbookshop.com/atlantis-events/

Friday 24 January 2020

My Newest Book: Pagan Portals Guided Visualisations

Here's an announcement I am so excited about making - my next book, Pagan Portals: Guided Visualisations, will be published this year.

I finished writing it a couple of months ago and it has been going through editing and having the cover designed. Just this week I got a message from my publisher, Moon Books, that it will reach shops at the end of this year. The official publication date is 11 December 2020, but I expect copies will be in specialist bookshops, including Treadwell's, a bit before that and I will be arranging signing events.

You can see what the front cover looks like in the picture to the right. The description on the back cover says:
The journeys in this book are all ones using the mind – guided visualisations of doorways to go through, paths to follow, places to explore and encounters to experience. Guided visualisations use an interactive story to help people know themselves better, find solutions to problems and get ideas for creative projects. They can also be used as a well-being tool using relaxation techniques. Many guided visualisations also have spiritual aspects. Within this book are visualisations created for those on the paths of paganism, witchcraft and earth-based spirituality. They were written to follow the Wheel of the Year, embrace the power of the moon and the elements, and develop magical wisdom. Through the pages of this book you will be guided to amazing places. It will be an adventure...
I will let you know when I have more news, including dates of events and when copies can be pre-ordered.

You can see the details of my earlier books, including Pagan Portals - Candle Magic and Pagan Portals - Poppets and Magical Dolls on my author page at Moon Books.

Thursday 23 January 2020

News & Culture: Witches, Witchcraft & Witch Hunts


Here is a round-up of recent stories about witches, witchcraft and witch hunts in the news, books and history:

"My mother-in-law is a witch and put a curse on me (and other bizarre excuses for not filing a tax return" - story at Bridport and Lyme Regis News: https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/18177720.mother-in-law-witch-put-curse-bizarre-excuses-not-filing-tax-return/

"Trump knows nothing of witch hunts" - story at Otago Daily Times: https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/trump-knows-nothing-witch-hunts

"Old woman branded a witch, severely beaten up in Bengal" - story at Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/old-woman-branded-a-witch-severely-beaten-up-in-bengal/1714296

"Susan A. Penta's New Book 'Suzy and the Witch' is a Heartwarming Tale That Shares the Newfound Friendship Between Suzy and a Witch" - Press release at Digital Journal: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4561628

"Step Into The Land Of Dark Magic In India" - Travel feature at Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/70184/step-into-the-land-of-dark-magic-in-mayong-assam

"How mum's 'white witch' brew of chicken feet and pigs' trotters led to £10m business in just three years" - story at https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/how-mums-white-witch-brew-3743861

"There's a folk horror occult escape room talking over a subterranean Glasgow pub" - story at Glasgow Live: https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/whats-on/theres-folk-horror-occult-escape-17579570

"WEIRD NORFOLK: A village row in Runhall which became a witch hunt" - story at Eastern Daily Press: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/weird-norfolk-runhall-witch-1-6471305

"How to Tell Your Fortune by Reading Tea Leaves, According to a Real Witch" - story at StyleCaster: https://stylecaster.com/how-to-read-tea-leaves/

Wednesday 22 January 2020

Pagan Events In & Near London at Chinese New Year


Here is a listing of events in London over Chinese New Year and Imbolc that could interest pagans, plus a few things taking place not too far away. If you know of an event that you want listed, please email the details to me at badwitch1234@gmail.com.

Now – 26 January 2020; The front of the Tate Britain has been transformed into a winter temple in an immersive art exhibition by Anne Hardy, combining light and sound to explore the natural rhythms of the earth, the tides of the Thames and the winter solstice. Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Entry: free. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/anne-hardy?

Now - 2 February 2020; William Blake exhibition. Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Entry: £18/£17/Free for members. https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/william-blake-artist?

Now - March 2020; Ithell Colquhoun exhibition. Venue: The Last Tuesday Society and the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RS. http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/

Now - 23 May 2020; Gods and goddesses of Roman Britain eye-opener tour - daily gallery talk. Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 11.15am-11.55am. Free, just turn up. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/events/gods-and-goddesses-roman-britain-eye-opener-tour

Now - 8 March 2020; Troy: Myth and Reality exhibition. Venue: The Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. You need to prebook tickets unless you are a British Museum member. Standard tickets: £20. https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/troy-myth-and-reality

Wednesday 22 January; The Seasonal Self - Winter Session with Forest Bathing Nature Connection. Meet near Highgate station. Time:  9.30am-noon. Price: £35. https://www.meetup.com/London-Forest-Bathing-Nature-Connection-Meetup/

Wednesday 22 January; Time to Meditate - group meditation (usually every Wednesday). Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.buddhaonabicycle.com/

Wednesday 22 January; There's Method in the Magic. Library Lecture by Tabitha Stanmore. Venue: Cecil Sharp House, north London. Doors open 7pm. Tickets £8. https://www.vwml.org/events/6591-library-lecture-there-s-method-in-the-magic-2

Wednesday 22 January; Introduction to Essential Oils. Venue: Wakefield Gardens, Crystal Palace,
London, SE19 2NR. Time: 7pm. Tickets: Free but you must reservea place in advance via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/introduction-to-essential-oils-class-tickets-88495030017?  More details: https://www.facebook.com/summoningthesacredsound/

Wednesday 22 January; Spellcraft workshop for Beginners with London Woodland Witches. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, · London. Time: 7pm. Fee: £20. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Wednesday 22 January; Aquarius New Moon Gong Bath with Welford Wellbeing. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Two sessions: Time: 7pm and 8.30pm. Tickets: £20. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Thursday 23 January; Imbolc Drum Ceremony. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20. www.aho.community

Thursday 23 January; Sacred Singing. Open your heart and voice through chanting (every 2nd and 4th Thursday). Venue in London N16. Time: 7.30pm. https://www.facebook.com/Sacred-Singing-107030010683454/

Thursday 23 January; Vigil for the Outcast at Crossbones Graveyard. Gather from 6.45pm for a 7pm start in Redcross Way outside the Memorial Gates, London SE1 1TA. For more details, visit  http://crossbones.org.uk/cross-bones-vigil-portal-to-imbolc/

Thursday 23 January; Wicca on Film: the Early Seventies. Talk by Gary Parsons. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10. Book by visiting the shop or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Friday 24 January; Meditation and Om Healing. (Weekly, usually on Friday). Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 7pm. Entry free. http://theosophicalsociety.org.uk/

Friday 24 January; Gerrie March Presents her Students. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £13/£15.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 24 January - Sunday 26 January; Reiki Level I course. Venue: The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary, Pea Lane, Upminster, Havering, RM142XH. Starts at 7pm on Friday and ends 1pm on Sunday. Weekend costs £200. For details call 07786328908; email rain.mcmanus@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/453304905533278/.

Saturday 25 January; Awaken the Goddess Festival. Venue: Exhibition Hall, Fulham Library, 598 Fulham Road, London SW6 5NX. Time: 9.45am – 7pm. Tickets: £26. http://www.awakenthegoddess.co.uk/

Saturday 25 January; Underworld Journeys: Myth, Psyche and Initiation, 2nd part of course by pagan tutor Kenneth Rees. Venue: The Mary Ward Centre, Queen Square, London WC1 (nearest tube stations – Holborn, Russell Square). Time: 10.15am – 5.30pm. Fees: £57/£20. Enrolment: 0207 269 6000 or online at: www.marywardcentre.ac.uk

Saturday 25 January; Gong Bath with Guru Ben. Venue: The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary, Pea Lane, Upminster, Havering, RM142XH. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £20. https://www.healingandteaching.co.uk/course/gong-bath-with-guru-ben/2020-01-25/?

Sunday 26 January (tbc); Meditation class with Lisabetta (almost) every Sunday. Drop-in class suitable for beginners and more experienced meditators. Venue: The Little Escape Therapy Centre, 4 Paxton Mews, off Westow St, London SE19 3RW. Time: 10am-11am. Cost: £12 per class, £30 for 3 classes. https://harmonious-healing.com/

Sunday 26 January; NWK Pagans Moot. Venue: Chislehurst Caves, Bromley, London BR7. Time: 11am. https://www.facebook.com/events/1059503357736417/

Sunday 26 January; Candle Magic Workshop. Afternoon workshop based on my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm. Cost: £20 per person. You can book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Sunday 26 January; London's Chinese New Year Festival to celebrate the start of the Year of the Rat. Performances in and around Trafalgar Square and China Town from noon. Free, public event. https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london

Sunday 26 January; Kith of the Tree and the Well Moot hosted by Philip John Parkyn and Hendon Heathens. Venue: The Horseshoe Inn, 26 Melior street, London, SE1 3QP. The meeting opens at 2pm, short talk at 3pm, seasonal ceremony starting at 3.45pm. Entry: £2. https://www.facebook.com/events/311076146505819/

Sunday 26 January; London Goddess Pilgrimage with Out of the Norm Tours. Guided walk through sites in London sacred to the Goddess. Meet at The Crypt at St Paul's, Warwick Lane, London, EC4M 8AD. Time: 2.30pm. Free event, but donations welcome and you must reserve a place. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-goddess-pilgrimage-tickets-86769980347?

Monday 27 January; Free Beginners Astrology Class by Astrological Lodge of London. (Every Monday evening). Venue: 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA, Time: 6pm-6.50pm. Tickets: Free. https://astrolodge.co.uk/

Monday 27 January; Reiki and Past Lives. Talk by Torsten Lange. Run by Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm. Tickets £15/£20. http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 27 January; Imbolc Witchcraft. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Cost: £20 per person. You can book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Tuesday, 28 January, Frieda Harris, Aleister Crowley and the Thoth Tarot. Talk by Deja Whitehouse. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10. You can book by visiting the shop or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday, 28 January, 2020; Children of Circe first moot. Introduction by Richard Levy, then talk by High Priestess Petra Wingert. Venue: The Devereux, Holborn, London, WC2. Room booked from 7pm, talks starting at 7.30pm.  https://www.facebook.com/events/1253853031470544/

Tuesday, 28 January; So Moot It Bee pagan moot hosted by May Draper. Venue: The Good Intent 3 John Street Rochester, Kent, ME1 1YL. Time: 7.30pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/2552670485009042/

Tuesday, 28 January; The Living Wisdom of Trees. Talk by Fred Hageneder. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £13/£15.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday, 29 January - 8 March; Exhibition - The Bard: William Blake at Flat Time House. This exhibition opens on 29 January at 6pm with a reading from William Blake's Jerusalem by poet Chris McCabe. Venue: Flat Time House, 210 Bellenden Road, London, SE15 4BW. http://flattimeho.org.uk/exhibitions/bard/?

Wednesday, 29 January; A Skeptic's Guide to Aliens. Talk at London Fortean Society. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Time: 7.45pm. Tickets: £4/£2. http://forteanlondon.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, 29 January; Hertford and Ware Moot Moot. (Usually the last Wednesday of each month.) Venue: The White Horse, 33 Castle Street, SG14 1HH Hertford, Hertfordshire. Time: 8pm. Entry: £3. https://www.facebook.com/groups/104788436218047/

Thursday 30 January; The Living Wisdom of Trees. Talk and book signing with Fred Hageneder. Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm. Free event. For more details visit the websites http://www.watkinsbooks.com/  or https://www.meetup.com/WatkinsBooks/

Thursday 30 January; Lucid Dreaming and Mugwort Introduction with Ricardo Goni. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £33. www.aho.community

Thursday 30 January; Shamanic Journeying with Eddy Elsey. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £25. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Thursday 30 January; First Steps in Thelema. Workshop with Marco Visconti. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20. You can book by visiting the shop or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday 30 January; PFL Imbolc Ritual. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Entry: £6/£5 (PF members and concessions). https://www.facebook.com/groups/pflondon/

Friday 31 January; Greet the Returning Light - Gong Bath with Diana Vernon. Two days before the Sabbat of Imbolc or Festival of Candlemas, this is a traditional time for reflection and setting intentions. Greet the quickening life energy of spring and in a candle-lit hall and let the resonance of the gongs renew your energy for the year ahead.Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensbury Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Members £22/non-members £25. Call 0207 589 3292 or visit www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Friday 31 January; Imbolc Goddess Circle with Lucy North. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Friday 31 January;  Talk on Spirit Communication by author Claire Broad. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, · London. Time: 7pm. Free entry. Details: https://www.facebook.com/MediumClaireBroad/

Friday 31 January; January 2020 Alexandrian Witchcraft Soiree. Venue in London. Time: 8pm. Newcomers should call 07767496936 to confirm attendance. More details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2610947272364398/

Friday 31 January - Saturday 1 February (tbc); Aphrodite's Monthly Festival, hosted by Aphrodite's Flame. Everyone around the world is invited to light Aphrodite's Flame in honour of her monthly festival. Keep a candle lit for as long or as short a time as you wish from dusk on the date listed to dusk the following day. https://www.facebook.com/aphroditesflame/

Saturday, 1 February; Wheel of the Year Meditation - First Stirrings, gather at the well head for meditation at noon, followed by conversation on the lower lawn. Venue: Chalice Well World Peace Garden, in Glastonbury. Free admission to the gardens from 10am to noon. Refreshments on sale. For more details, visit the website http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/

Saturday, 1 February; Spaces and their Spirits. One-day workshop with  Julian Vayne. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 11am-5.30pm. Tickets: £75. Deposit £40. Balance of £35 due on the the day. You can book by visiting the shop or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday, 1 February; London Goddess Pilgrimage: Imbolc edition with Out of the Norm Tours. Meet at the café at St.Paul's, St Paul's Church Yard,  London, EC4M. Time: 11am. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance and donations welcome. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-goddess-pilgrimage-tickets-86773731567?

Saturday, 1 February; Imbolc with the Goddess Bridget and Tara, organised by Wicca Moon. Women only celebration of the Divine mother of 10,000 names in her aspects of Bridget and Tara in a day of circle and ritual. Venue: Tudor Barn, Well Hall Pleasaunce, Well Hall Rd, London SE9 6SZ
Time: 11.30am - 4.15pm. Tickets: £25. Reserve a space book on https://www.wiccamoon.co.uk or call wicca moon on 0208 8507803.

Saturday, 1 February 2020; AnderidaFest 2020. Venue: Southwick Community Centre, 24 Southwick Street, Southwick, BN42 4TE. Time: 10.30am-10pm. Tickets: £22.15. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/anderidafest-2020-tickets-69728936125?

Saturday, 1 February; Imbolc 2020 - Seasonal Ceremony with London Woodland Witches. Venue: Queen's Woods, Near Highgate Station, · London. Meet outside the Woodman's Pub by 4pm to be led to the woodland. Fee: £5. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Saturday, 1 February;  Dance Temple and Cacao Ceremony. Venue: 42 Acres, 66 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LW. Time: 6pm. Tickets:  £11.37. For more details visit: https://www.42acresshoreditch.com/events/

Saturday, 1 February;  Imbolc: Celebrating the light within - Mindful Singing and Celebration. Venue: Cambrian Community Centre, 1 Grove Rd,· Richmond. Time: 6pm. https://www.meetup.com/mindfulsingingrichmond/

Sunday 2 February; Mythic London: Walking the Talk with Caroline Wise, organised through Treadwell's. Meet at Ye Olde Cock Tavern, 22 Fleet St, Holborn, London EC4Y 1AA. Come prepared for all weather. Price: £22, advance booking essential. Time: 11.45am prompt start. You can book by visiting the shop at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS, or online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 February; Aphrodite’s Herbal Workshop with Suburban Herbalist. Venue: The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary, Pea lane, Upminster, Havering, RM14 2XH. Time: 10am. Tickets: £25. https://www.healingandteaching.co.uk/course/aphrodites-herbal-workshop-with-jane-ward/

Sunday 2 February; Space for Me retreat - Embracing 2020. Gentle yoga, meditation and nature therapy. Venue: Jacksons Lane Arts Centre, 269A Archway Rd, North · London. Time: 2pm to 5.45pm,  Price: £50. https://www.meetup.com/London-Forest-Bathing-Nature-Connection-Meetup/

Sunday 2 February; Anderida Gorsedd Imbolc open ritual at the Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm for a walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards back to the Giants Rest pub in Wilmington for a social drink together. https://www.facebook.com/groups/anderidagorsedd/

Please note: I do not organise any of these events except my candle magic workshop at Treadwell's. I try to make sure my listings are accurate, but am not always aware of late changes and ticket availability. If you spot anything that needs changing, please email me at badwitch1234@gmail.com