A bad witch's blog: February 2025

Friday, 28 February 2025

Craft: Comfort or Izzy Dolls & Poppet-Making

One of my resolutions this year was to continue to blog about about crafting every month. Last week I was inspired to knit this little doll after seeing social media page devoted to making ones like them. I followed a free pattern from Ravelry called Pretty Izzy Dolls, which you can find here. It's really simple, but I think looks great.

The website shows ways of customising the pattern to create many different types using the same basic form. The social media page I looked at included versions that were animals and even little witches with point hats.

The name “Izzy” comes from dolls of this type knitted to commemmorate Mark Isfeld, who was killed in Kakma, Croatia, on June 21st 1994, while removing landmines serving with One Combat Engineer Regiment, United Nations Protection Force. However, the name "comfort doll" has also been used in the past and I've seen examples of patterns like this dating back to the mid 20th century. Mine is more a comfort doll, and I have attached her to my handbag.

I think this kind of doll would be wonderful to use as a poppet, which are are dolls used for sympathetic magic. They are designed in the likeness of individuals in order to represent them in spells. While the popular view of poppets is that they are stuck with pins as curses, I use them for more helpful purposes!

One of my Pagan Portals books, Poppets and Magical Dolls, explores the history of poppets and offers a practical guide to making and using them in modern witchcraft.

In-person workshop on poppets

On Sunday 16 March I'm teaching a Poppets and Magical Doll-Making workshop at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. It starts at noon. Tickets are from £31.94 and include a drink. You can find details here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poppets-magical-doll-making-workshop-with-lucya-starza-live-tickets-692548169217

Thursday, 27 February 2025

Book Review: The Practical Guide to Dowsing

When I visited my local newly refurbished library earlier this month I borrowed The Practical Guide to Dowsing by Dr Patrick MacManaway. My dad taught me to dowse when I was young, but it never hurts to have a refresher or read other people's views on a topic. What's more, I recently bought a new pendulum so thought this book would prompt me to use it more. I also thought I'd review the book on my blog.

The Practical Guide to Dowsing was published by Lorenz Books in 2013, so it's relatively old. That doesn't matter because it's still worth borrowing from a library, especially if you're looking for a book that teaches the basics. There's nothing wrong with reading a good older title.

I should start by saying the book focuses on using dowsing to benefit health and wellbeing from an MBS perspective, touching less on witchy aspects until the end.

Dr Patrick MacManaway explains that dowsing helps us use our "sixth sense", bridging the gap between the rational and the intuitive. He writes: "This book is an invitation to explore a uniquely personal...path to...health. It will guide you in opening and cultivating a dialogue with your inner self."

He uses the word "health" to mean mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing as well as physically being fit. This he describes as a holistic approach, and emphasises the importance of learning to trust our inner self and its wisdom.

The book goes on to explain: "The basic process of dowsing involves asking a question and is generally used to discover information." Often this is stuff we're not consciously aware of or don't know. Dowsing is most frequently used for questions that require a yes or no answer, unlike Tarot, for example. The book states that we also need to remain alert and exercise reason, rather than using a pendulum to make all of our decisions for us.

The most popular dowsing tools these days are pendulums, but I was pleased to see that the book includes the use of rods, forked twigs, and bendy wands. Pretty much anything attached to a string or chain can be used as a pendulum, including rings and keys as well as crystal pendants or specially created devices.

You start by holding a pendulum chain between your thumb and first finger, then ask "what motion means yes", then "what motion means no". After that, ask any question that can be answered by yes, no, maybe, or unknown. L-shaped rods are best for searching for things, traditionally including earth energy at sacred sites. The book explains how to do this, and brought back memories for me of dowsing for ley-lines with my dad on holidays in my youth.

A small section discusses divining or water-witching. This is the practice of using dowsing equipment to find undergrounds sources of water. This technique has been used historically to find wells, but can also be used to search for other things buried underground. At the end, the book includes ways of using the cyclic chart of the Wheel of the Year and the cycle of life to ask questions about where an issue we are dealing with might be stuck. Personally, this was the part that interested me most and I'll be using my new pendulum to try that out.

You can view an newer edition of The Practical Guide to Dowsing on Amazon as well as possibly borrow a copy from your local library.

Please note: I earn commission from some links.

The picture at the top is a photo of The Practical Guide to Dowsing with the pendulum I bought at the College of Psychic Studies

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/10/using-pendulum-as-divination-to-make.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/04/craft-making-divining-rods-from-twigs.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/10/divination-dowsing-rods-that-found.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/04/spells-and-divining-to-find-lost-things.html

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Magical Online & London Events in the Next Weeks

Here's a list of events for pagans, witches and those with similar interests over the next couple of weeks. I mainly include in-person things in or near London, because that's where I'm based, as well as online talks and workshops you can do anywhere, and festivals further afield.

Now - 30 April; Tarot: Origins and Afterlives Exhibition. Venue: The Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB. Free entry with prebooked timed tickets https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/

Now - March; 4 Witches and a Warlock Exhibition. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. https://thelasttuesdaysociety.org/museum/

Now - 31 May; Hereafter Exhibition. Venue: Swedenborg House, The Swedenborg Society, 20/21 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2TH. Time: 10.30am-5pm Mon-Fri. Free but book a ticket https://www.swedenborg.org.uk/

Every Wednesday and Friday; College of Psychic Studies - pop in to have a look around the lovely building. Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am-5pm weekdays. Free entry. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co

Wednesday 26 February (and other days this week); The London Witches Bankside Walking Tour. Meet at: Southwark View Point, Minerva Square, London SE1 9DF. Times: 4pm/6pm. Tickets: £15.87. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-witches-history-bankside-walking-tour-tickets-945086096957?

Wednesday 26 February; Making Simples and Potions. Workshop with Hannah Sanders via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £15. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Wednesday 26 February; Full Moon Lunar Magic in Leo - Sound Bath with Nicole Bettencourt Coelho. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Cost: £30 per person. https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Wednesday 26 February (every Wednesday); Sound Bath. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Wednesday, 26 February (last Wednesday of every month); Spring! Talk at Hertford Pagan Moot. Venue: The White Horse Pub, 33 Castle Street, Hertford, Herts SG14 1HH) (45 mins from central London). Time: 8pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/104788436218047

Wednesday 26 February (every Wednesday); Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation online with Spiritual Tiik. Time: 8.30pm. Tickets £12.74. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/spiritual-tiik-29294295627

Thursday 27 February; Midweek Meditation with the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 3pm. Tickets: free for members/£7.50 non members. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Thursday 27 February; Meetings with Remarkable Magicians: Life in the Occult Underground. Talk and signing by Carl Abrahamsson. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 5pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Thursday 27 February (every full and new moon); Moon Space online ritual with Tree Carr via She's Lost Control. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Thursday 27 February; Pussy Portal With Melissa Maya. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £35. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Thursday 27 February (tbc but usually every fortnight); Inquisitive Spirit open circle. Learn Mediumship and Psychic development with a group. Venue: Bretons Manor, 411 Rainham Road, South Hornchurch RM13 7LP. Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm. Cost £10 per session Text 07549 638276 for details.

Thursday 27 February; Feral Children and understanding the human being. Talk by Dr Michael Newton on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Friday 28 February (every Friday); Live Chat hosted by Rachel Patterson, author of Gods and Goddesses of England and the Kitchen Witch series of books. Time: 9am. Free. https://www.facebook.com/RachelPattersonbooks/

Friday 28 February; RILKO Lecture by Patrice Chaplin - Girona: City of Secrets. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT. Time: 6.45p.m. for 7p.m. Members £8 Non-Members £10 https://www.facebook.com/events/1084596357011369/?

Friday 28 February; Zoom Seminar - What Can We Gain From Reviewing Our Life's Journey ? Online discussion group via Rudolf Steiner House. Time: 7pm. Tickets free https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/events/

Friday 28 February and 1 March; An Evening of Mediumship with TJ Higgs. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20 https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 28 February (4th Friday of the month); The Wild Wood Tarot- study group. Free online event. Time: 7pm. https://www.meetup.com/astrotarotkitchen/events/

Friday 28 February; Online New Moon Sound Bath and Meditation with Spiritual Tiik. Time: 8pm. Tickets free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/spiritual-tiik-29294295627

Saturday 1 March; Creating Change with the Moon. Workshop with Frances Billinghurst online via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 10.30am. Tickets £85. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 1 March; Healing the Ancestral Line. In-person class with Joan Osborne. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am. Tickets: £125 https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 1 March; I'm running an in-person workshop on Amulets, Talismans and Charms at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm. Cost: £22 per person. https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Saturday 1 March (tbc but usually first Saturday each month); Gong Bath. Venue: Upminster Sanctuary Pea Lane, Upminster, RM142XH. Time: 7pm. Tickets: tbc. https://upminstersanctuary.com/

Saturday 1 March; Embodied Kabbalah, Falling Through The Tree of Life. Start of 11-part online course by Jane Meredith. Time: 9pm. Tickets: Cost in Australian dollars: $950 AUD (full price), $825 AUD (mid-price), $550 AUD (concession). https://www.facebook.com/events/419240884557945/?

Sunday 2 March; Esssex Pagan and Alternative Fayre. Venue: Parish Hall, Marks Tey Market, Colchester, CO6 1EJ. Time: 10.30am. Entrance £3. https://www.facebook.com/events/993043831872252/?

Sunday 2 March (and other times and dates); Soul Restore Sound Healing. Venue: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG. Time: 11am. Tickets: £35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-mandrake-17825575648

Sunday 2 March; Parkbathe. Venue: Crystal Palace Park Road London SE26 6UF. Time: 1pm. Free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/parkbathe-34393467709

Sundays 2 March; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: Transforming Stress and Cultivating Wellbeing. Start of 2-part online workshop by Dr Lisa Langer via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 2pm. Tickets £170. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 2 March (tbc but usually first Sunday of the month); Woodspirits. Venue: meet at Cheshunt station, EN8. Time: 2pm. Free in-person event for members of Woodspirits group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/4032235040150960

Sunday 2 March; Goddess Isis Blessing of the Fleet Ritual and Wealth Magic with London Woodland Witches and Pagans. Meet at: Hollyhock Cafe, Terrace Gardens, Petersham Road, TW10 6UX. . Time: 2pm. Tickets: £7. https://www.meetup.com/londonwoodlandwitches/

Sundays 2 March; The Labyrinth: Understand Your Life’s Journey Through Magic and Mythology. Online workshop by Andreas Kornevall via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 2pm. Tickets £85. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 2 March (tbc); Mindfulness Meditation. Venue: Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3, 1NG. Time: 6pm. Free, but donations welcome. https://www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk

Sunday 2 March; The Cretan Labyrinth – myth, history, and afterlife. Talk by Dr Katy Soar on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Monday 3 March (usually Mondays each week); Astrology talks/events. 7pm: New Stars for a New Era. Talk by Alan Clay; 8.30pm: Chart discussion. Online via the Astrological Lodge of London. Tickets £9 for non members/£6 members. https://astrolodge.co.uk/

Monday 3 March; Taking Nature's Hand: March. What has nature in mind for you this month? Online event with Jeremy Rye. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/jeremy-rye-31055883021

Monday 3 March; Occult Magic for Beginners. Class with Rebecca Beattie, author of Planetary Magic, via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £10. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Monday 3 March; Theosophy. Online discussion group via Rudolf Steiner House. Time: 7pm. Tickets free https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/events/

Monday 3 March (tbc but usually every Monday); Tea With a Druid. Free online event by the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Time 8pm. https://druidry.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/druidry

Tuesday 4 March; Where Do I Start? Start of 6-part online workshop by Anthony Kesner via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 5.15pmpm. Tickets £160. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday, 4 March; Yoga for Mind, Breath and Body. Venue: Beckenham Place Mansion, Place Park, The Mansion, Beckenham BR3 1SY. Time: 6.15pm. Tickets: £12. https://www.beckenhamplace.org/whatson/

Tuesday 4 March; Intermediate Tarot (Reading Spreads). 2-part workshop with Delphine Leblanc. Venue Treadwells, London, 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm start. Tickets: £60. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Tuesday 4 March; Creating a Magical Servitor. 2-part workshop with Mark Vincent via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £50. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Tuesday 4 March; Astro Club Align with Pisces. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15-£20. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Tuesday 4 March (first Tuesday each month); Introduction to Reflexology. Talk at Romford Pagan Moot. Venue: The Golden Lion, 2 High Street, Romford. Time: 7.30pm. Entry £4. https://www.facebook.com/Romford-Pagan-Moote-634178063700381.

Tuesday 4 March; The Sun Machine is Coming Down. Talk by Nicholas Royle on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Wednesday, 5 March (and other dates); Tea with a medium. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 2.30pm Cost £55 https://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Wednesday, 5 March; Consciousness Is All There Is. Talk and signing by Dr. Tony Nader. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 5.30pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Wednesday, 5 March (tbc but usually first Wednesday of the month); Drumming and Meditation online with Taz Thornton. Time: 7pm. Free https://www.facebook.com/TazThorntonOfficial

Wednesday 5 March; Gong Bath. Venue: Akasa, 5a Prince Edward Rd, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: from £20.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sunita-kaur-34415293427

Wednesday, 5 March; Start of 25-week Thoth Tarot Reading Course with Gareth Hughes. Hybrid event. In-person address tbc but should be near London. Tickets: £30. https://www.aho.community/

Wednesday, 5 March; Full Immersion Magick. Start of 6-week online course by Marco Visconti. Time: 8pm. Tickets from £200. https://www.facebook.com/events/9100186126733549/

Wednesday, 5 March; Follow Me, And I Will Be Thy Guide: Dante’s Inferno. Talk by Daniel Pietersen on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Thursday, 6 March; Elements: Chaos, order and the five elemental forces. Talk and signing by Stephen Ellcock. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 5pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Thursday 6 March; The Power of Planetary Magick. Talk by Pixie P Carney via The College of Psychic Studies. Online. Time: 7pm. Tickets free. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday, 6 March; Curators' In Conversation about Tarot – Origins and Afterlives. Venue: The Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB.Time: 7pm. Tickets: free. https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/

Thursday, 6 March; The terrifying Female Demons of Antiquity. Talk by Prof Marguerite Johnson on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Friday 7 March (1st and 3rd Friday each month); The Pagan Portal Podcast by Moon Books. Time: noon (or listen to recording later). Free event. https://open.spotify.com/show/11N4kNj65tTz9NFUcZTMa7?

Friday 7 March; Paul McKenna on Power Manifesting via by Mind Body Spirit. Venue: Conway Hall,
25 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets from £50.64. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mind-body-spirit-6186126875

Friday, 7 March (and other dates); Holistic Sound Bath Meditation - Summoning The Sacred. Venue: Training Points Fitness and Therapy, 5-6 Cooper's Yard, London SE19 1TN. Time 7.30pm. Tickets £25. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/holistic-sound-bath-meditation-summoning-the-sacred-tickets-223970159777

Saturday 8 March; The Feminine Spirit in the World. Day of talks celebrating International Women's Day 2025. Venue: Temple Lodge, 51 Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9QL . Time: 10am - 5pm. Free. https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/events/305670860/

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March; Experience Braco's Gaze: Small Intimate Sessions. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Various times from 10am. Tickets: from £30. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 8 March; Create You Own Gris Gris Bag. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9. Time: 2pm. Tickets: £20. https://www.wiccamoonuk.com/shop/events-and-workshops/an-evening-with-venus-and-eros/

Saturday 8 March; Mudras: Hand Movements for Spiritual Growth and Health. Workshop with Pixie P Carney online via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 2pm. Tickets £85. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 8 March; International Women Day Special - Witches and Bitches. Talk by Lena Heide-Brennand on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Sunday 9 March; Goddesses, Gals and Rat Queens – Walking Tour with Maria Beadell organised by Treadwells. Meet at Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London SE1 9DA. Time: 10.50am. Tickets: £20. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Sunday 9 March; Chislehurst Alternative Market. Venue: Chislehurst Caves, Old Hill, Chislehurst BR7 5NL. Time: 11am. Free entry. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1335736923852705/

Sunday 9 March; North West Kent Pagans Moot. Organised by NWK Pagans for members of the group. Venue: Chislehurst Caves, NW Kent. Time: 11.30am. https://www.facebook.com/groups/445487428816887

Sunday 9 March; Mythic London Walking Tour with with Caroline Wise, organised through Treadwells. Meet outside St Clement Danes Church, Strand, London, WC2R 1DH (nearest tube: Temple). Time: 11.50am. Tickets: £35. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Sunday 9 March (tbc but usually second Sunday of the month); Ritual in the Tower (Luna Iter). In-person ritual in Hackney, East London for members of the group, guests and seekers on the path. Meet at the Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Rd, London, from 4.30pm, moving on to a historic site to start the ritual at 6pm. Entry: £8. https://www.hildegardmaier.co.uk/luna-iter or https://www.facebook.com/groups/1230392930656154

Sunday 9 March; Spirit Lounge with Psychic Medium David Petrusich. Online event via She's Lost Control. Time: 6pm. Tickets: £25. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Sunday 9 March; “‘Women still die? What did I get myself into?!’. Talk by Sarah Shultz on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

For activities after these dates please visit my events page.

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

Tuesday, 25 February 2025

My Home: Preserving Memories & Accepting Change

The photo above shows the place on the street where I used to live. It's in south London - Penge, SE20 - an area famous for wonderful street art. I still live in SE20, but not in the house I grew up in. The photo at the bottom shows what my childhood home looked like. That was knocked down in the 1970s and a factory built where it used to be. Now that factory is being demolished and the latest open-air gallery covers hoardings around the demolition site. I'm not sure what will be built there next.

I went for a walk around the outside of the site yesterday to admire the paintings, and to explore my feelings about how my home patch has changed. I was reminded of a blog post I wrote back in 2016, after reading a book called Finding Your Way Home. Author Michael Neill made the point that our memories can always take us back to places we felt secure, such as the homes of our childhood, and that home can be where the heart is.

Of course I realise not all children, or people, live in places of safety. I also realise many in this world are experiencing losses far greater than I have. I know I'm lucky in both those respects. I'm writing this post about my own reflections, although I hope most of us can recall somewhere we were happy, and that those memories can help give us strength to search for comfort in the future even if we don't have it at the moment.

Since 2016 I think I've come to realise change is inevitable. I will never get my old home back, even though there were times I wished I could. I've grown to be proud of what Penge is like now, and I love the new street art even though that in itself is ephemeral. The hoardings will go when the new construction is finished. I've taken photographs, including the one above, and my memories will remain.

This is a moment in the passage of time. I'm trying to appreciate each day for whatever small good things happen, rather than mourn too much the loss of the past. That lives still in my memories, and is preserved in pictures. The future is yet to be revealed.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/06/green-london-betts-park-tales-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/rounding-year-hollyhocks-with-minds-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/green-london-community-garden-in-south.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/07/street-art-empowering-women-on-south.html

Monday, 24 February 2025

My Events: Goddesses, Women of Power, Witchraft

Here are details of the witchy events I'm involved with from now until early April. There are workshops on the Divine Feminine and Women of Power, charms, poppets, candle magic, and scrying.

March

In-Person Workshop at Treadwell's on Amulets, Talismans and Charms

On Saturday 1 March I'm running an in-person workshop on Amulets, Talismans and Charms at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. It begins at 1pm and tickets are £22 per person. You can find out more at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

~~In-Person Day on the Divine Feminine and Women of Power at the College of Psychic Studies~~

On Sunday 2 March I'm offering a a one-day workshop called The Divine Feminine and Women of Power. It will take place at the gorgeous building of The College of Psychic Studies at 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. The day runs from 11am - 5pm. Tickets are £125/£105. Find out more and book here: https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/workshops/divine-feminine/the-divine-feminine-and-women-of-power/

Sadly the above event has had to be cancelled for personal reasons. I hope to run it another time.

In-Person Poppets Workshop at Viktor Wynd

On Sunday 16 March I'm running my popular workshop on Poppets and Magical Doll-Making at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. It starts at noon. Tickets are from £31.94, which includes a cocktail with Devil’s Botany. Find out more and book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poppets-magical-doll-making-workshop-with-lucya-starza-live-tickets-692548169217

In-Person Candle Magic Workshop at Treadwell's

On Saturday 22 March I'm running a Candle magic workshop based on my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic. The venue is Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. It starts at 1pm and tickets are £22 per person. To find out more and reserve a place visit: https://www.treadwells-london.com/.

April

Scrying at Viktor Wynd

On Sunday, 6 April, I'm, running an in-peson scrying workshop at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. The price includes a cocktail with Devil’s Botany. It starts at noon. Tickets are from £32.21. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scrying-workshop-with-lucya-starza-live-tickets-692559011647.

I'm Lucya Starza and as well as writing A Bad Witch's Blog I'm the author of books in the Pagan Portals series on Candle Magic, Guided Visualisations, Poppets and Magical Dolls, Scrying, and Rounding the Wheel of the Year. My Gothic novel Erosion is also published by Moon Books.

You can buy my books at Treadwell's Bookshop, via Amazon, at the College of Psychic Studies in London and at other bookshops. You can find more about me at my author page at publisher Moon Books, and on my Amazon author page. Please note I earn commission from advertisers for some links.

Friday, 21 February 2025

Happy Birthday to 2 of my Pagan Portals Books!

Two of my books have their anniversaries this month. I'll probably have a little birthday celebration for them with a drink and a cake with a candle on top.

Candle Magic

Pagan Portals - Candle Magic, which is about using candles in spells, seasonal rituals and craft techniques, was officially published on February 26, 2016, by Moon Books.

You might have got a paperback copy a bit earlier than that, however, as some went on sale at a launch party at Treadwell's in London a few weeks before the official release date. The esoteric bookshop still always has copies on the shelves, as well as stocking my other titles. You can visit the shop at 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS.

Candle Magic was my first book on witchcraft and magic, and I've been delighted at how well it has sold. It's on Moon Books' best-seller list and has been for some years. People regularly tell me how useful they find it as a reference book as well as teaching basic magical principles.

Scrying

Pagan Portals - Scrying came out on February 25, 2022. It teaches the techniques of crystal ball reading, mirror gazing and divining with the elements. This book is also published by Moon Books, and copies are available on the Moon website linked to above, or at Treadwell's, and can be viewed on Amazon - as can my other books.

Thanks very much to everyone who has bought any of my books over the years or supported me in other ways such as leaving reviews or sharing my blog posts.

(Please note, I get commission from some links.)

Thursday, 20 February 2025

Charity Shop Finds: Amethyst and Amber Jewellery

I thought I'd share this picture of jewellery I've recently bought in charity shops.

First I found an amethyst pendant for £1.50. It would work well as a dowsing pendulum as well as something to wear. Then I noticed a pair of amber and silver earrings for £7.50.

What might be more of a bargain is the necklace with amber-coloured beads for £2.50. I'm not sure if it's real amber or just resin, but I intend to find out.

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Magical Online & London Events in the Next Weeks

Now - Sunday 23 February; 2025 Jorvik Viking Festival. Locations in York including March through the streets of Coppergate on Saturday 22 February. https://jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk/

Now - March; 4 Witches and a Warlock Exhibition. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. https://thelasttuesdaysociety.org/museum/

Now - 30 April; Tarot: Origins and Afterlives Exhibition. Venue: The Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB. Free entry with prebooked timed tickets https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/

Wednesday, 19 February; 'The Basildon Witch Walk'. Talk Under The Moon by author and folklorist Syd Moore. Venue: Saint Martins Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DX. Time: noon. Tickets: Free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-basildon-witch-walk-talk-under-the-moon-tickets-1230508045689

Wednesday 19 February; College of Psychic Studies Guided Tour with Curator and Archivist Jacqui McIntosh. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 2pm. Tickets: £12. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday 19 February (and other dates); Tea with a medium. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 2.30pm Cost £55 https://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Wednesday 19 February (and other days this week); The London Witches Bankside Walking Tour. Meet at: Southwark View Point, Minerva Square, London SE1 9DF. Times: 4pm/6pm. Tickets: £15.87. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-witches-history-bankside-walking-tour-tickets-945086096957?

Wednesday 19 February; The Return of the Horned God. Hybrid talk by Professor Ronald Hutton, author of Triumph of the Moon, via Gresham College. In-person venue Gresham College, Barnard's Inn Hall, Holborn, London EC1N 2HH. Time: 6pm. Free to register for online viewing. https://www.gresham.ac.uk/

Wednesday 19 February; Space for Storytelling. Venue: The Bridge St John, Waterloo. Time: 6.30pm. Free (crowdfunded) workshops guest-hosted by others with London Dreamtime. https://www.londondreamtime.com/calendar/

Wednesday 19 February (every Wednesday); Sound Bath. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Wednesday 19 February; Gong Bath. Venue: Akasa, 5a Prince Edward Rd, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: from £20.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sunita-kaur-34415293427

Wednesday 19 February (3rd Wednesday each month); The More Mead Moot. Venue: The Hope pub, Carshalton, Surrey. Time: 7pm. Free. https://www.facebook.com/Pagan-FutureFests-352385661439366/

Wednesday 19 February; Life in The Age of Practical Magic. Talk by Dr Tabitha Stanmore on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Wednesday 19 February (every Wednesday); Tibetan Sound Bowl Meditation online with Spiritual Tiik. Time: 8.30pm. Tickets £12.74. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/spiritual-tiik-29294295627

Thursday 20 February; Midweek Meditation with the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 3pm. Tickets: free for members/£7.50 non members. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Thursday 20 February; Sigils: Types and Styles. Talk by Mark B Jackson. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 5pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Thursdays 20 February; Ignite Your Inner Magic: Experience the Power of Quantum Intuition. Start of 2-part online workshop by Kim Chestney via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 6.30m. Tickets £115. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 20 February; Turn up the Frequency. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15-£30. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Thursday 20 February; British Folk Magic. Workshop with Julian Vayne via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £15. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Thursday 20 February; Medieval Torture Devices. Talk by Lena Heide Brennand on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Thursday 20 February; The Medieval and Historic Graffiti in the Churches of St John and St Nicholas. Illustrated talk by W. Perkins (BA), ACIfA. Venue: Henley in Arden Baptist Church Hall, Hainault Road, London, E11. Time: 8pm. Tickets ·tbc https://www.facebook.com/events/596634306411290

Friday 21 February (every Friday); Live Chat hosted by Rachel Patterson, author of Gods and Goddesses of England and the Kitchen Witch series of books. Time: 9am. Free. https://www.facebook.com/RachelPattersonbooks/

Friday 21 February (1st and 3rd Friday each month); The Pagan Portal Podcast by Moon Books. Time: noon (or listen to recording later). Free event. https://open.spotify.com/show/11N4kNj65tTz9NFUcZTMa7?

Friday 21 February; Mavericks. Talk and signing by Jenny Draper. Venue: Watkins Bookshop, London, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK. Time: 5pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Friday, 21 February; Queering history with DeptFOLK. Venue: The Library at Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin Street, London SE8 4RH. Time: 5.30pm. Tickets: free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/queering-history-with-deptfolk-tickets-1145369193089?

Friday 21 February; London Witches Walking Tour with Maria Beadell's organised by Treadwell's Bookshop. Meet Meet outside Farringdon tube Station, London EC1M 6BY, UK. Time: 7.50pm. Tickets: £20. https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 22 February; 35-min Iridology Consultations with Lauren. Venue: Crystal Wicca, 4a Station Buildings, Station Approach, Hayes BR2 7EN. Sessions from 10am. Tickets: £40. https://www.crystalwicca.co.uk/

Saturday 22 February; Explore the Dynamics of your Love Life and Relationships with the Guidance of Numerology and Tarot. A Workshop with Christina Tumino. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 11am Cost £30 https://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Saturday 22 February; The Magical Body. Seeing Spirit: Clairvoyance. Workshop with Hernan Cotroneo online via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 11am. Tickets £115. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 22 February; Unlock Success in the Year of the Wood Snake in-person class with Vicky Sweetlove. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am. Tickets: £125 https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 22 February (and other dates); New Moon, Full Moon or Divine Union Cacao Ceremony, Heart Ritual and Gong Bath. Venue: Private Location near Wandsworth Town/Clapham Junction, London. Time: 11.45am. Tickets: From £32.93 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-moon-full-moon-or-divine-union-cacao-ceremonyheart-ritual-gong-bath-tickets-169545022727

Saturday 22 February; Discover Your Soul and Spirit Guides for Inner Guidance and Connection. Workshop with Sarah Tyler-Walters online via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 1pm. Tickets £90. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 22 February; Make Insightful Inner Portraits Inspired by Photographs in-person class with Melissa Alley. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 1pm. Tickets: £90 https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 22 February; Wassail. Beddington Park, Grange Lodge, London Road, Wallington, SM6. Time: 2pm. Tickets: tbc https://www.facebook.com/events/1284152942840567/?

Saturday 22 February; Drum Circle with Emma Hewitt of Salamay Tarot and Healing Arts. Venue: Forest Hill Friends Meeting House, 34 Sunderland Road, London SE23 2QA. Time: 2pm. Tickets £20. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/emma-hewitt-salamay-tarot-healing-arts-38061527643

Saturday 22 February; Magical Moon Workings Workshop. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9. Time: 2pm. Tickets: £15. https://www.wiccamoonuk.com/shop/events-and-workshops/magical-moon-workings-workshop/

Saturday 22 February; Psychedelic Sound Meditation. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 2pm. Tickets: £35. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Saturday, 22 February (monthly event). Wellness drama - The High Priestess. Experimental drama workshop exploring tarot cards through theatre games, movement, vocal skills and creativity. Venue: The Little Escape Studio #3, London, SE19 3RW. Time: 3:30pm. Tickets £11.55 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wellness-drama-the-high-priestess-tickets-1245037934979?

Saturday 22 February; A Queer Shamanic Journey - Beyond the Prism of Spirit - LGBT History month by Indigo Earth. Venue: The Twelfth House, 1 Chingford Road, London E17 4PW. Time: 4pm. Tickets £16.96. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/priest-of-indigo-earth-joseph-atiase-35528479563

Saturday, 22 February; Rebecca Campbell: Your Soul Had A Dream, Your Life Is It. Venue: Tuke Hall, Regent's University London, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW14NS Time: 7.30pm. Tickets From £48.51 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mind-body-spirit-6186126875

Sunday 23 February; Shamanic Group with Les Fuller. All welcome Venue: Woodford Church at 9 Grove Crescent, South Woodford, London E18 2JR. Time 11am-3pm. Tickets: £10. http://woodfordchurch.com/

Sunday 23 February; Herbal Astrology: Enchanted Candle-Making Workshop and Cocktails. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. Time: 11am. Tickets from £31.94. Price includes a Cocktail with Devil’s Botany. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-last-tuesday-society-viktor-wynd-museum-33776720489

Sunday 23 February; Work with Your Guides in-person class with Maria Antoniou. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am.Tickets: £125 https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 23 February (and other times and dates); Soul Restore Sound Healing. Venue: The Mandrake, 20-21 Newman Street, London W1T 1PG. Time: 11am. Tickets: £35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-mandrake-17825575648

Sunday 23 February; Women's Parkbathe in South Norwood Lake and Grounds. Venue: South Norwood Lake and Grounds, Sylvan Road, London, SE25 4AN. Time: 1pm. Free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/parkbathe-34393467709

Sunday 23 February; Storytelling Sunday: Baba Yaga, The Witch by Cunning Folk. Venue: Love Shack, 299 Cambridge Heath Road #Arch 298, London E2 9HA. Time: 2pm, Tickets £6.66. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cunning-folk-7829505560

Sunday 23 February; Energy Management for Lightworkers and Sensitive People. Start of 8-part online workshop by Julia Shepherd via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 3pm. Tickets £245. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 23 February; Mindfulness Meditation. Venue: Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3, 1NG. Time: 6pm. Free, but donations welcome. https://www.rosslynhillchapel.org.uk

Sunday 23 February; Crossbones Vigil to honour the outcast dead of Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark. Location: Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA. Time: 6.45pm for 7pm. Free, just turn up http://crossbones.org.uk

Sunday 23 February; ‘For All of Your Protection Needs’. Talk by Dr Ceri Houlbrook and Dr Julia Phillip on Zoom via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society. Time: 8pm. Tickets · from £6.76. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Monday 24 February; Bibi's Circle - New Moon in Pisces. Venue: Ron's Coffee House, Holdrons Arcade, 135a Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST. Time: 6pm. Tickets: free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bibis-circle-56277271483

Monday 24 February (usually Mondays each week); Astrology talks/events. 6pm: Chart discussion. 7pm: The 7th House. Talk by Carole Taylor online via the Astrological Lodge of London. Tickets £9 for non members/£6 members. https://astrolodge.co.uk/

Monday, 24 February (4th Monday of the month); Let your Fingers do the Walking. Talk by Mary Rands at Nova Stella pagan moot. Venue: The Angel, City Road, London EC1Y 18D. Time: 7pm start of social for 8pm talk. Entry £4. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1472510443017948

Monday, 24 February; 'The Alignment Protocol'. Free Live class with with Emma Mumford. Online event by Mind Body Spirit. Time: 7pm. Tickets free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/mind-body-spirit-6186126875

Monday, 24 February; Start of Tarot for Beginners Course. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £185 for the entire course. https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Monday 24 February; Community Drumming Sessions. Venue: Nemca, Woodland Way, Mitcham, CR4 2DZ. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £5 https://www.facebook.com/WimbleDrumming

Monday 24 February (tbc but usually every Monday); Tea With a Druid. Free online event by the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Time 8pm. https://druidry.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/druidry

Tuesday 25 February; Viktor Wynd's Guided Tour of His Museum + a Devil's Botany Absinthe. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. Time: 6pm. Tickets from £16. Price includes a Cocktail with Devil’s Botany. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-last-tuesday-society-viktor-wynd-museum-33776720489

Tuesday, 25 February; Yoga for Mind, Breath and Body. Venue: Beckenham Place Mansion, Place Park, The Mansion, Beckenham BR3 1SY. Time: 6.15pm. Tickets: £12. https://www.beckenhamplace.org/whatson/

Tuesday 25 February; Ancestral Connections and Healing with Family Constellations with Emma Hewitt of Salamay Tarot and Healing Arts. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets £16.96. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/emma-hewitt-salamay-tarot-healing-arts-38061527643

Tuesday 25 February; Developing the Intuitive Mind. Start of 6-part online workshop by Maria Antoniou via The College of Psychic Studies. Time: 7pm. Tickets £190. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday 25 February (tbc but usually 4th or last Tuesday); So Moot It Be Pagan Moot. NEW VENUE ~ The Prince of Wales, Railway Street, Chatham ME4 4HU. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Entry £2.

Tuesday 25 February; Paracoustics – Sound and the Paranormal. Talk by Dr Callum Cooper London Fortean Society. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street E1 7EX (Tubes: Liverpool Street, Aldgate, Aldgate East). Time: 8pm (Doors 7.30) Tickets (£5/£3) via https://wegottickets.com/event/648638/?. More info http://forteanlondon.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/; ondonForteanSociety

Wednesday, 26 February (last Wednesday of every month); Hertford Pagan Moot. Venue: The White Horse Pub, 33 Castle Street, Hertford, Herts SG14 1HH) (45 mins from central London). Time: 8pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/104788436218047