Occult London: Atlantis Bookshop Celebrates Crowley

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law" is Aleister Crowley's most famous quote, and it comes from The Book of the Law.

Every year, the Atlantis Bookshop in London celebrates the anniversary of Crowley's reception of The Book of the Law by publicly declaring the three chapters, over three days. There's an open invitation to pop in and experience this annual occult event. I was there yesterday and listened to Geraldine Beskin reading Chapter One – Nuit (pictured above). 

Today, Thursday 9th April, you can go along to hear Chapter Two – Hadit, starting at noon. At the same time on Friday you can hear Chapter Three – Ra Hoor Khuit. 

What's special this year is that from now until Friday 17th April the shop is also hosting an exhibition of magical robes and handcrafted ritual artifacts relating to Thelema, the magical tradition founded by Aleister Crowley. The Art and Beauty of True Will is the creation of the artistic workshop LOGOS 373. You can see a photograph of part of it below.

The Atlantis Bookshop is at 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. It's open from 11am – 6pm (closed Sunday). Entry to the exhibition and readings is free. You can just turn up.  More details here:  https://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/occult-london-tarot-exhibition-at.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/happy-birthday-to-3-magical-london.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/07/occult-art-something-calls-encounters.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/occult-london-helen-duncans-scrying.html

Found for Free on a Swap Shelf: The Book of Thoth

I found this at my local station. No, I didn't pick up something a fellow passenger had dropped. The station near where I live in London SE20 has the best book swap shelves I've seen. It's something the local community is really proud of. 

Many stations have places you can leave books you've finished with then take others that interest you, but I've not seen any swap shelves quite as good as those near me. 

I went there yesterday to drop off a couple of murder mystery novels I'd read, and came away with a copy of The Book of Thoth (Egyptian Tarot) by Aleister Crowley. It made my day, especially as the copy is in excellent condition. I already own a set of the Thoth Tarot, and I'll take my lucky find to mean that for this month's reading for the world I should use that set and this book.

I often blog about witchcraft on a shoestring - ways you can learn and practice magic without spending much money. Book swaps are worth browsing for occult tomes. When you find a magical book there, it's a reminder that others in our communities share our interests.

Don't forget that local libraries are also a wonderful resource for books you can read for free.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/04/book-swap-find-irish-witchcraft-from.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/01/charity-shop-find-hermiticism.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/11/witchy-charity-shop-find-magic-notebook.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/11/witchcraft-on-shoestring-make-use-of.html

Authors' 2025 Plans: Marco Visconti on Aleister Crowley

I'm interviewing authors on what books they have coming out this year and their other plans. Here I talk to Marco Visconti, who previously wrote The Aleister Crowley Manual, which I reviewed on my blog:

Q: What book have you got coming out next in 2025?

A: My upcoming book is titled Aleister Crowley's Mysticism: A Practical Guide.

Q: What’s it about?

A: This book is a transformative exploration of the mystical system at the heart of Aleister Crowley's Thelema. My aim is to continue on the path opened with my debut title The Aleister Crowley Manual, and make these esoteric teachings accessible to everyone, whether you’re new to this path or already a seasoned practitioner. The central focus this time is on achieving the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel (HGA)— and reaffirming it not as some abstract or remote ideal but as a deeply personal and transformative experience that can guide your spiritual journey.

I’ve worked hard to unpack the dense philosophical and symbolic ideas in Crowley’s work, placing them in a practical context within the larger tradition of Western Esotericism. In the book, I guide you through clear, actionable instructions for rituals such as Liber Samekh, which is designed to teach a blueprint to invoke the HGA. My approach bridges theory and practice, translating Crowley’s often complex language into steps you can genuinely use, all without compromising the depth and integrity of his teachings.

In addition to practical guidance, I explore the rich symbolic framework of Thelema, including Qabalistic wisdom, Tarot symbolism, and alchemical principles. For example, I show how pathworking with the Major Arcana of the Tarot can open doorways to inner transformation and spiritual ascent. These are not just intellectual exercises but living practices that can deepen your connection to yourself and the universe.

The book is also a reflection on the essence of Thelema itself. I discuss the philosophy of discovering your True Will, integrating the presence of the HGA into your life, and embracing the New Aeon’s vision of spiritual transformation. This includes rethinking traditional ideas about life, death, and initiation and seeing them not as finalities but as ongoing, evolving processes of growth and renewal.

I hope that this work not only clarifies the complexities of Thelema but also empowers you to take on the Great Work and discover the divinity within yourself.

Q: When will it be published?

A: The book is slated for release in November 2025. It will be published again in hardback and both in Kindle and Audiobook formats.

Q: What event or events are you planning around the launch?

This time around, Watkins assured that there will be a full launch party at Watkins Books here in London, but I think it's wise to wait and see how it all will pan out. On top of it, I have already been contacted by Global Tribe in Leeds and asked to return as they really enjoyed the talk I gave there back in 2023, so that's too is on the cards. 

Q: Apart from your book, what are you currently working on?

I’ve been teaching myself typesetting and self-publishing, since the publishing industry demands trade-offs—chiefly, accepting lower royalties for the reach of a traditional publisher. My first book had modest success but didn’t create the broader impact I’d envisioned, so I launched Chnoubis Imprint to explore a more independent path. I’m producing “New Aeon Editions” of public-domain classics, enhanced with original artwork and fresh essays, and I’m also learning Amazon and Google ads to support this venture.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to mention, including any of your previous books?

I want to thank you Lucya for the spotlight offered, and for all the good work you keep doing with your blog in showcasing all the multifaceted aspects of Occult London! For anyone interested in my work, and especially in my online courses and workshops, my website is the place to go: https://www.marcovisconti.org

You can find Marco Visconti's books at Watkins Publishing and view The Aleister Crowley Manual on Amazon.

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Books: The Aleister Crowley Manual: Thelemic Magick

I absolutely love this cover: bright scarlet, big picture of Baphomet and the words The Aleister Crowley Manual in big letters. The book does what it says on the cover too - it's a no-nonsense workbook teaching Thelemic magic in straightforward and relatively easy to follow steps. I say relatively easy to follow, because mastering Thelemic magick takes a lot of time and effort, as author Marco Visconti states very clearly. At least, I believe him when he says that as I wouldn't in any way claim that I've mastered it myself. In fact, I've barely begun. 

Each chapter details things to learn and to do in regular practice over the course of a month (or more), so it would take a good year at least to work through the entire thing. I've only done the practical work in the first chapter, but I didn't think Marco would want me to wait until I'd completed it to write a review, and I have read the book from cover to cover, so here goes: 

"This is a brilliant book. If you're interested in learning how to do Thelemic magick, go out and buy a copy."

OK, that's a bit too short and sweet, isn't it. But I really did like it. It's well-written with plenty of diagrams to make quite complex rituals look easier than they are. The exercises build up gradually. The very early ones are largely memorising things you'll need to know by heart later on, as well as guided visualisations using the Thoth tarot. I was pleasantly suprised to learn Thelemic magick is quite heavily based in Qabala, which I have a basic knowledge of. I'd say that kind of prior experience is useful. The book also touches on Western esotericism and hermiticism. 

Interestingly, The Aleister Crowley Manual doesn't go too heavily into the theory behind Thelema until near the end. The idea behind this is that it's best to do the exercises to see how they work and what insights you gain through repeated practice. Once you've seen for yourself what can be achieved by regular rituals, the rest of it will supposedly make more sense. Basically, if you think of the well-known Crowley quote about doing what you will, then it seems appropriate that an experiential approach is more helpful in learning to understand your place in the universe and what you actually want than someone putting you in your place and telling you what Crowley said you ought to want.

But yes, it's a brilliant book. Even if you don't want to learn how to do Thelemic magick, buy a copy and carry it around with you just to show off its eye-catching cover. I know I have...

You can view The Aleister Crowley Manual at Watkins: https://watkinspublishing.com/books/the-aleister-crowley-manual-thelemic-magick-for-modern-times/

Crowleymass this Saturday at Atlantis Bookshop

Here's an event I failed to put on my list of pagan events this morning. I've now added and am sharing the details in full here:

The Atlantis Bookshop is celebrating Crowleymass on Saturday 1st December from noon to 6pm.

Every year Bali and Geraldine of the Atlantis Bookshop in London invites people to join them to commemorate the death of one of the shop's most famous customers, by celebrating the Greater Feast of the Prophet of the New Aeon, Aleister Crowley.

Crowleymass this Saturday starts at noon. Mince pies and mulled wine will be available all day and the first 39 customers that utter the magic phrase: “The Beast is Dead. Long live The Beast” will claim a present.

There’s no need to book in advance – just go along and mark the start of the Festive Season.

The Atlantis Bookshop is at 49a Museum Street, London, Eng WC1A 1LY. http://theatlantisbookshop.com/

The picture at the top shows Aleister Crowley's hat and pipe on display at last year's Crowleymass.

Museum of Witchcraft & Aleister Crowley's Ritual Magic

Ritual magic is a huge subject. It is the focus of an exhibition at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle at the moment and was also the topic for the museum’s conference last weekend.

At the conference, museum co-manager Judith Hewitt talked about how she narrowed such a wide area by looking at the museum's earlier displays.

She said the exhibition was originally going to be quite general, but she then decided to concentrate on Aleister Crowley, his predecessors and his legacy. This was because it emerged that museum founder Cecil Williamson was enthusiastic about Crowley and had put on several displays of his objects.

Gerald Yorke, who was Crowley’s chief disciple at the end of his life and who packed up his stuff after his death, exchanged many letters with Cecil Williamson. The museum archive also contains lots of correspondence and objects to do with Kenneth Grant, Crowley’s successor in his order, the OTO. Steffi Grant, his wife, was an artist who designed several displays and created pictures to go with them.

The museum once had a magician’s room, which was a full-scale construction of a Crowley-style temple designed by Steffi Grant. A guide book for the room was written, but not published. It contained a history of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, which Crowley once belonged to, as well as explaining what the Crowley-based symbols meant.

Sadly, many of the fittings for the room are no longer in the museum. One of the missing items is a double cubic altar made to Crowley's instructions. It was designed by Steffi and sent to Cecil in sections. The museum still has a smaller model of the altar, which is in the exhibition (pictured left).

There is documentary evidence that Cecil used the altar in the way described in Crowley’s writing. However, he also used it in his own way. There is a photo of him breathing life into a poppet on the altar, which is traditional witchcraft rather than ceremonial magic.

Judith said the museum would very much like to know what happened to the full-size altar from the magician’s room when it was on the Isle of Man, as well as other items from the collection that got lost in transit. These include several candlesticks that once surrounded a ritual magic circle.

I would add that the current exhibition, which is called The Dew of Heaven: Objects of Ritual Magic, isn’t entirely about Aleister Crowley. Although it does concentrate on aspects of ritual magic that influenced Crowley and that he in turn influenced, it also looks at alchemy and the possible connections between various folk magic practices and ceremonial magic.

Photos: Top - a slide from Judith's talk showing a picture of an earlier display of Crowley material; middle - Judith Hewitt showing documents relating to Crowley; bottom - model altar in the exhibition.

Links and previous related posts
http://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/05/dew-of-heaven-exhibition-at-witchcraft.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/crowleys-wand-and-museum-of-witchcraft.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/12/review-three-dangerous-magi.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/melissa-harrington-on-aleister-crowley.html

Event: Declaration from the Book of the Law

Every year, on the anniversary of Aleister Crowley's reception of the Book of the Law, the Atlantis Bookshop in London gives public readings from it over three days.

This year, the public declarations will take place at noon starting on Sunday. Here are the details:

• Sunday 8 April: Chapter One - Nuit
• Monday 9 April: Chapter Two - Hadit
• Tuesday 10 April: Chapter Three - Ra Hoor Khuit

The shop doesn't normally open on Sundays, but this year it will be opening specially on 8 April from 11am to 2pm on Sunday to accommodate the reading of the first chapter. These are free events, so you can just drop in.

The Atlantis Bookshop is at 49a Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LY. The website is at: http://theatlantisbookshop.com/

The picture shows the Atlantis Bookshop

Shopping: Yule Gifts for Witches and Wizards

When I was in Treadwell's occult bookshop in London earlier this week I photographed the display of things that would really make wonderful gifts for anyone interested in witchcraft and magic.

I was particularly taken with the shops exclusive gift boxes for witches and magicians. You can see the Witch's Gift Box to the left and in the picture above, nestled in among a whole range of books that would also be great witchy gifts. (And yes, I was pretty chuffed to see my own book, Pagan Portals - Candle Magic, in the front row.)

But here is what Treadwell's has to say about the Witch’s Gift Box:

For that special Witch in your life we have the perfect gift, a box full of delights. We have selected what we think are all the things a Witch needs, perhaps most important of all is a great big mug for cups of tea while they contemplate the mysteries of the universe. 

The Witch’s Gift Box includes: A pendulum, Rider Waite tarot deck, a small crystal ball, a hare pentacle, a witch doll, a bag of cone incense, a book on herbal healing, 4 quarter candles, a Witch’s scroll and Witch’s brew mug. All carefully packed in a beautiful box. Price: £50.

Mind you, although that really appealed to me, I do already have everything it contains, so I'm not personally dropping hints. However, if anyone was wanting to spend a bit of money on me for Yule, I don't actually own either of the main items in Treadwell's Crowley Magick Box: The Book of the Law and the Thoth Tarot.

Here's the description in full:

Crowley Magick Box: A box to start you on your way with the mysteries of Magick. The essential Book of the Law, with black and while pillar candles, incense, oil, ink, the beautiful Thoth tarot deck, a Baphomet scroll and mug. All packed in a beautiful box, perfect to store your growing collection of magical tools. Price: £50.

Treadwell's Bookshop is at 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS. Tel: 020 7419 8507. Email: info@treadwells-london.com.

Links
https://www.treadwells-london.com/
Pagan Portals - Candle Magic
Witch's Gift Box
Crowley Magick Box

Event: Declaration of The Book of the Law

As is the tradition at the Atlantis Bookshop, there will be an annual declaration of a chapter from the Book of the Law - Liber AL vel Legis - at midday on each of the 8th, 9th and 10th April to commemorate its reception in Cairo in 1904 by Aleister Crowley, the Great Beast himself.

Owners Bali and Geraldine Beskin invite everyone to join them at the Atlantis Bookshop on each of these Thelemic feast days to be part of the living history of magick.

On Sunday 9th April the shop will be open from 11am to 4pm. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am to 6pm.

Atlantis, which is one of London's oldest occult bookshops, is at 49A Museum St, London WC1A 1LY. Phone: 020 7405 2120.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
Love is the law, love under will

Pagan Eye: Aleister Crowley's Hat and Pipe

Here is a photo of Aleister Crowley's hat and pipe on display last night at Crowleymass at The Atlantis Bookshop in London. The annual party is a celebration of the life and times of the bookshop's most notorious customer, Mr Crowley. He is reputed to have used the pipe to smoke opium. Other items on display included pictures by him and menu cards in his handwriting.

The Austin Osman Spare exhibition, which starts today at The Atlantis Bookshop, also contains a picture of Mr Crowley by Mr Spare. Everyone who went to Crowleymass got a little preview of the exhibition and it is well worth visiting.

The Atlantis Bookshop is at 49A Museum St, London WC1A 1LY. For more details and to reserve a place email atlantis@theatlantisbookshop.com or call 020 7405 2120.

On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. I'm not quite sure what I'll be including - it could be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or just a pretty picture.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com. Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.theatlantisbookshop.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/08/pagan-eye-geraldine-and-bali-at-pf.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/12/atlantis-bookshop-decked-for-saturnalia.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/crowleys-wand-and-museum-of-witchcraft.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/melissa-harrington-on-aleister-crowley_19.html

News: Aleister Crowley's Home Boleskine House Burnt

Several news reports about the fire that has gutted the house at Loch Ness that was previously owned by Aleister Crowley and Jimmy Page:

"Firefighters called to historic Boleskine House on Loch Ness" - story at BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-35171061

"VIDEO: Fire crews battling to save Highland mansion" - story at The Press and Journal: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands/787946/fire-crews-battling-save-highland-mansion/

"Aleister Crowley’s Inverness mansion destroyed by fire" - story at The Scotsman: http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/music/aleister-crowley-s-inverness-mansion-destroyed-by-fire-1-3983595

News: Paganism, Witchcraft, Persecution, Crowley

"Beer and blood sacrifices: Meet the Caucasus pagans who worship ancient deities" - story at the Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/beer-and-blood-sacrifices-meet-the-caucasus-pagans-who-worship-ancient-deities-10451756.html

"'No one should suffer like my grandmother'" - story of 'witchcraft' persecution via The Time of India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-one-should-suffer-like-my-grandmother/articleshow/48497461.cms

"Woman sacked 'after falling out with colleague and changing her screen-saver to picture of witch'" - story at the Mirror: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/woman-sacked-after-falling-out-6249847

"Looking at the life of reviled poet and occultist" - story about Aleister Crowley at The Argus: http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/13598074.Looking_at_the_life_of_reviled_poet_and_occultist/

Crowley Readings: Thelemic Feast at Atlantis Books

This year, as is the tradition at London's Atlantis Bookshop, there will be a reading of a chapter from the Book of the Law at midday on the 8th, 9th and 10th April to commemorate its reception in Cairo in 1904 by Aleister Crowley, the Great Beast.

Bali and Geraldine of Atlantis say: "You are all welcome to join us at The Atlantis Bookshop on each of these Thelemic feast days to be part of the living history of magick."

The Atlantis Bookshop is at 49a Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LY.

"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law
Love is the law, love under will"

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Saturday 5 July; Voudon: Art Uprising Gnosis and Rhythm - Ecology, Cosmos and Consciousness. An afternoon of ritual, talks, art and performance. Venue: The October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N3AL. Time: 2pm – 7pm. Tickets £15. For more information and to book tickets, visit: http://voudon.wordpress.com

Saturday 5 July; Walking Tour: Occult London with Delianne Forget run via Treadwell's Books. Meeting place will be a central London tube station, details given to those who book. Time: 2pm - 5pm. Price: £10. Book online via http://www.treadwells-london.com/ or call 020 7419 8507.

Saturday 5 July; Hendon Heathens Moot. Venue: The Greyhound, Church End, Hendon, London NW4 4JT. Time: 6pm-9pm.

Saturday 5 July - Sunday 6 July; Bat Festival at the Natural History Museum. Annual weekend of free bat-related activities for the family. Venue: Wildlife Garden, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD London. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/events/programs/nhm/bat_festival.html

Sunday 6 July; First screening of 'Shaman in the City', a short film by Simona Piantieri about Zoe Bran's work as a shamanic practitioner in London. Venue: The Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JU. Free entry but booking essential. For more details, including about how to reserve a place visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/678796892168671/?ref=br_tf

Sunday 6 July; Secrets of Tarot for Divination and Prophecy. Talk by Clemens Brenan. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA. Time: 2pm-4.30pm. Fee £15/£10, TS members: £7. Website: www.theosoc.org.uk

Sunday 6 July; 4pm, Nigel of Bermondsey will be leading a song walk of the borough he has named himself after. This will take in the Salter statue, Crossbones burial ground, the sad lady of Tanner Street and the tale of jewel thief Ruby Sparks. The walk starts at 4pm. For more details and to reserve a place, email nigelofbermondsey@gmail.com

Monday 7 July; Psychic Circle run by Shamanic Spirit at a venue in Croydon, South London. The circle is held on Mondays fortnightly starting at 7.30pm. Cost £5. For more details and to book places call 07952 041477. For more information, visit http://shamanicspirit.co.uk/.

Monday 7 July; You Can Heal your Heart. Talk by David Kessler. Venue: Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £12/£8. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Thursday 10 July; Sex, Death and Laughter: Bringing the Canterbury Tales to Life. Talk by Henry Eliot at South East London Folklore Society (SELFS). Venue: The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St, London SE1 1NA. Entry: £2.50 / £1.50 concessions. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month. http://www.selfs.org.uk/ To guarantee a seat, email nigelofbermondsey@gmail.com

Thursday 10 July; Enfield Town Circle Pagan Moot. Venue: tba. Time: 7pm to 11pm. This moot takes place on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Contact April: 07854 385214 for details of event and venue. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EnfieldTownCircle/

Thursday 10 July; Walking Awake.Talk and book signing by Steve Ford at Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Friday 11 July; Toltec Dreaming. Talk and demonstration with Daniel Stone. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 11 July; The System of Aleister Crowley's A.'.A.'- Methods and Tools of Attainment. Talk by David Shoemaker and book signing of Living Thelema: A Practical Guide to Attainment in Aleister Crowley's System of Magick.Venue The Atlantis Bookshop, Museum Street WC1. Time: 7pm. Cost: £10. Contact The Atlantis Bookshop on 020 7405 2120 to reserve your place.

Friday 11 July; Building Bridges. Workshop by philosopher Brennan Jacoby and urban historian Leo Hollis about connections in the modern world. Venue: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN. Time: 7pm-9pm. Tickets £25. http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/

Saturday 12 July; Old-fashioned Perfume Making. Day workshop with Tanya Moulding. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 10.45am arrival for 11am start; runs to 5.30pm. Tickets £55, advance booking and £30 deposit required. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 12 July; The Power of the Subconscious: Dreams and Guidance. Organised by the Sensing Energy and Intuition Development meetip group. Venue: Latvian House, 72 Queensborough Terrace, London, W2 3SH. Time: Noon-2pm. Cost: £10. For more details to reserve places: http://www.meetup.com/Sensing-Energy-and-Intuition-Development

Sunday 13 July; Woodland Wicca Circle - an introductory-level Wiccan ritual with some basic instructions in Wicca, witchcraft and ritual magic, suitable for newcomers and beginners to the Craft. These rituals are part of a monthly training programme facilitated by Gardnerian HP Mani of Pagan Frontiers and take place outdoors at London locations including Richmond Park, Trent Park, Queen’s Woods, woods in Croydon, Hyde Park and riverside locations by Thames. The events are free but small donations to running costs are appreciated. For more details and to reserve a place, visit: http://www.witchcraftandmagic.org/html/wicca_full_moon_rituals.html

If you know of any pagan events that you want listed on A Bad Witch's Blog please email the details to badwitch1234@gmail.com

Event: Lunchtime Crowley Readings at Atlantis Books

To commemorate the anniversary of Aleister Crowley's reception the Book of the Law in Cairo in 1904, Atlantis Bookshops in London is hosting a reading of a chapter from the famous occult tome at midday on 8th, 9th and 10th April.

Bali and Geraldine of Atlantis say: "You are all welcome to join us at The Atlantis Bookshop on each of these Thelemic feast days to be part of the living history of magick."

The Atlantis Bookshop is at 49a Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LY.

Love is the Law - Musings in Crowley's London

Last Sunday I was taken on a walk into Aleister Crowley's London  - with stops along the way to visit places associated with Gerald Gardner, Madeline Montalban, John Dee and a few others. My guide for the walk was Jon Randall, and it was an extended version of a very successful Occult London Walk he normally runs in the summer.

But Crowley was the main theme that day - and to the right you can see photos of two of the flats Uncle Al lived in. Talk along the route was less about the magical workings that Crowley and his cronies attempted, and more about the scandals of his life - and highly entertaining Jon's anecdotes were too.

I've heard Melissa Harrington describe Crowley as a great magician, but a terrible man. With Valentine's Day this week, and thoughts turning to matters of love, it got me thinking about Crowley's most famous quote: "Love is the law, love under will."

Of course, that is really the second part of his famous quote, the first part being: "Do what though wilt shall be the whole of the law." That first bit is often popularly given on its own and, looking at Crowley's life, the part that The Great Beast himself was best at following.

But what does the second bit, the bit about love, really mean? It certainly isn't as straightforward as a simple instruction to do what you want.

I take it to mean that love is the most powerful force in the universe and that doing what we want while guided by love will bring the greatest happiness to everyone. To me, the concept of doing what one wants, guided by love, is a bit like learning to be assertive - and just as misunderstood.

Many people use the term "assertive" as meaning the same thing as "aggressive". It doesn't. In fact, assertiveness skills are all about having the self-assurance to effectively ask for what you want, while respecting the needs of others too. By calmly explaining what you want, but also listening to what they want, you can often discover a solution to a problem where everyone ends up happy. The best outcome of being assertive is the win-win situation.

And the message from that this Valentine's Day could be, if there is someone you love - tell them. Let them know your true feelings. Don't be shy, just let the words come from your heart and be respectful.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/full-moon-for-uncle-als-birthday.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/melissa-harrington-on-aleister-crowley.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/melissa-harrington-on-aleister-crowley_19.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/crowleys-wand-and-museum-of-witchcraft.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/review-professor-glyn-parry-talk-on.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/12/book-witchfather-life-of-gerald-gardner.html

Pagan Events In and Near London over Valentine's Day

Here are some of the events that pagans could enjoy in the week running up to Valentine's Day and over that weekend. Many are in London, a few are in other parts of southern England.

Sunday 9 February; Woodland Wicca Circle - an introductory-level Wiccan ritual with some basic instructions in Wicca, witchcraft and ritual magic, suitable for newcomers and beginners to the Craft. These rituals are part of a monthly training programme facilitated by Gardnerian HP Mani of Pagan Frontiers and take place outdoors at London locations including Richmond Park, Trent Park, Queen’s Woods, woods in Croydon, Hyde Park and riverside locations by Thames. The events are free but small donations to running costs are appreciated. For more details and to reserve a place, visit: http://www.witchcraftandmagic.org/html/wicca_full_moon_rituals.html

Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February; Mystical Arts - a new fayre and concert evening in Glastonbury with stalls, entertainment, talks, readings and workshops. Venue: The Town Hall, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 9EL. Entry during the day is free, tickets for the evening entertainment are £10 each. For full details and to book, visit: http://www.mysticalarts.co.uk/

Sunday 9 February; Occult London Walk led by Jon Randall and visiting sites with connection to Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardner, Madeline Montalban, Dee and Kelley, A.O.Spare, Dylan Thomas and others. Cost £10. Meet at Caffe Nero outside Chancery Lane Tube from 12:30pm to set off at 1pm. The walk takes four hours and ends at a pub. https://www.facebook.com/events/252362131591471/

Sunday 9 February; Ghouls' Night Out - Do As Thou Wilt. An evening of comedy, film, live music and talks on the subject of British occultism in the 1970s. Venue: The Lexington, 96-98 Pentonville Road, London N1 9JB. Time: 7pm-10.30pm. Tickets £7 from More info: www.facebook.com/GhoulsNightOutLondon. Tel: 020 7837 5371.

Monday 10 February; Treadwell’s Open Circle – Deep Winter Ritual for solitary pagans led by Lisa Grace and Ellie Hughes. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. For further details, tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 10 February; Love as a Spiritual Path. A night of stories, poetry, song and meditation with Robert Holden (author of Loveability),Lucinda Drayton (Letting Love In) and David Hamilton (Why Kindness is Good For You).Venue: Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £12/£8 concs. Advance booking required. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Monday 10 February; An Evening with Psychic Medium Tony Stockwell at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £18/£20 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 11 February; Compassionate Intelligence Living Life The Lemurian Way. Lecture by Patricia Angove at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 11 February; Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. Talk by author Tracy Borman. Venue: Ivy House, 94-96 North End Road, London NW11 7SX. Tel: 020 8457 5000Time: 8pm. Tickets £12 in advance (£15 on the door.

Thursday 13 February; It's not a question of taste: cannibalism, songs and the Custom of the Sea. Talk by Paul Cowdell at South East London Folklore Society (SELFS). Venue: The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St, London SE1 1NA. Entry: £2.50 / £1.50 concessions. No need to book in advance. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month. http://www.selfs.org.uk/

Thursday 13 February; Involution: An Odyssey Reconciling Science to God.Talk and book signing by Philippa Rees at Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm-7.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Friday 14 February; Amanda Roberts Presents Her Students. An evening of messages from the angels at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Friday 14 February; Songs for the Geese. Valentine's Night vigil to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard. Meet in the Boot and Flogger bar across the road from Crossbones Graveyard in Redcross Way, London SE1 1TA, for a drink at 7.30pm before going to the gates of the cemetery at 8pm to sing a few ballads and have a drop of gin to keep the cold out. Nearest tubes Borough or London Bridge. The event is free, but donations are welcome. For more details, visit http://www.crossbones.org.uk/

Saturday 15 February; The Bright and Dark Face of the Goddess, Exploring the Moon and Venus in the Astrological Chart. One-day workshop with Cat Cox at The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London, Eng WC1A 1LY. Time: 11am - 5pm. Tickets: £45. Phone Bali on 020 7405 2120 to book a place.

Saturday 15 February; Valentines Full Moon Dance Party and Tantric Dance and Ritual. Venue shown only to members of the meet-up group. Entrance at 6pm for 6.30pm instructions (no late admittance) - party starts at 8pm. Cost: £15 for one event, £20 for both events. http://www.meetup.com/london-ecstatic-dance

Sunday 16 February; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot on the third Sunday of each month. Venue: Upstairs at The Castle, 34-35 Cowcross Road, Farringdon, London EC1M 6DB (near Farringdon tube). Time: 3pm-6pm.

Crowley's Wand and the Museum of Witchcraft

Once again I am indebted to Pat of Plant yr Yd Coven for sending me a fascinating story and photos to go with it. This story relates to Aleister Crowley's wand and the Museum of Witchcraft, in Boscastle, Cornwall.

Pat said: "Our High Priestess and myself donated a Wand of Crowleys to the Museum of Witchcraft. She came by it in a roundabout way, and it was, when she obtained it, being used by the children of the lady who owned it at the time, for playing `Harry Potter`*lol*. I have a few pictures of the handover, its now safely ensconced at the Museum of Witchcraft in the Crowley exhibits."

Information about the wand from the Museum of Witchcraft says it is made of bone or ivory and states: "A slender wand consisting of a series of cylinders of bone or ivory decorated with black and red bands and circles, and held together by an iron rod through the core. The wand was given to W.B. Crow by Aleister Crowley... Donated to the museum by Helen Richards and Pat Judson, High Priestess and Priest of the Coven of the Ercall Yew Grove in Shropshire."

You can see a photo of the handover above and the wand in its case at the museum below.

Previous posts that Pat has sent amazing photos and information for include How to Build a Wickerman, Shaft of Light in Bryn Celli Ddu and the Green Witch Festival.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.museumofwitchcraft.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/boscastle-and-museum-of-witchcraft_3235.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/melissa-harrington-on-aleister-crowley.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/full-moon-for-uncle-als-birthday.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/the-green-witch-and-throwing-out-yule.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/12/craft-skills-how-to-build-wickerman.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/11/pagan-eye-shaft-of-light-in-bryn-celli.html

Event: Taking a Walk into a City of Conspiracy

You don’t have to be a conspiracy theorist to enjoy a good conspiracy theory – and, according to Hip-Hop artist turned writer Jonny Virgo, London offers conspiracies on every street and every level. He now leads walking tours into the City of Conspiracy every weekend, offering a glimpse into some of London’s secrets and mysteries. It sounded just my cup of tea, and I signed up for one last weekend.

The tour began at Covent Garden, which turned out to be a very popular starting point for walks of all kinds and I nearly got detoured into a cup-cake walk that was setting off from the same point. I’m still not quite sure what a cup cake walk entails – apart from presumably eating cakes – but I may have to find out another day.

Cake or conspiracy dilemma resolved, Jonny first led our group to Freemason’s Hall where he talked about the symbolism you can see on the outside of the building. This included the five-pointed star (pictured right) that recurs as an important emblem in various cultures and organisations. In Wicca, of course, it symbolises the five elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit, but it is a motif with many meanings.

Numerous influential occultists of the past few centuries have been Freemasons, including members of the Golden Dawn (the magical group the Golden Dawn that is, not the right-wing political party). Another occult stop-off on the walk was outside a flat where Aleister Crowley once lived, at a time when he was a member of the Golden Dawn. You can see Uncle Al’s old flat above a shop in the photo to the left.

From there, the walk headed past Temple Church, which was once owned by the Knights Templar, and then into the City itself where Jonny talked about modern conspiracy theories involving high finance, politics and sex.

The City of Conspiracy walks last about an hour and a half and you can get discounted tickets through Groupon, I understand. To find out more, go to the City of Conspiracy website, which also offers details about how to book a place.

As I mentioned earlier, Jonny Virgo is a writer and his new book, also called  City of Conspiracy, is due out later this month. I’m looking forward to reading it. It should downloadable from his website over the next week or so, or you could order it from Amazon - where you can also download his Hip Hop album Imma Be There.

The walks are suitable for those aged 12 years and older and tours run at the following times: Thursdays 8pm; Fridays 8pm and 10pm; Saturdays 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 9pm and Sundays 1pm, 3pm and 6pm. You can find out more at: http://www.cityofconspiracy.com email info@cityofconspiracy.com or call 07968629011.