Pagan Eye: Constable's Stonehenge at the Tate Britain

Constable's watercolour of Stonehenge with a rainbow in the sky above it is one of my favourite paintings of the famous ancient monument. I took this photo of it at the Turner and Constable exhibition at the Tate Britain, in London, which I went to see over the bank holiday. It's only on until 12 April. I'm so glad I managed to get there before it closed as it's a fabulous chance to view paintings by two of England's most famous artists. 

Many years ago I managed to take an actual phtograph of Stonehenge with a rainbow above it. It's hardly anything to compare with Constable's work of art, but if you want to have a look, here's the link: www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/01/pagan-eye-rainbow-over-stonehenge.html

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself. 

Other previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/08/pagan-eye-women-artists-and-moon-goddess.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/08/art-tate-britains-ithell-colquhoun.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/02/british-museum-exhibition-world-of.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/pagan-eye-woodland-witch-from.html

British Museum's Stonehenge Exhibition is a Must-See

The World of Stonehenge exhibition in London is one you don't want to miss. I went at the weekend and loved it. Even though I'd read up about what I would see there, and blogged a bit about it in advance, I was really impressed.

One thing I probably don't need to say is that to see the famous megalithic circle for real you still need to travel to Wiltshire - but at the British Museum I learnt many new things about Stonehenge's cultural significance. The range of objects on display is truly amazing. 

There are plenty of ancient stones on show, some beautifully decorated by the people who erected them. You can also see Seahenge - a timber circle discovered in Norfolk and created at about the same time as Stonehenge. The Star Carr headress made from a red deer skull demonstrates the way people in ancient times related to animals in a ceremonial context. The axes they made exemplify their skilled craftsmenship - and the stones they are made from demonstrate how well connected areas of Europe were. 

Audio-visual displays show Stonehenge's construction and ways in which it was used to mark the solstices, as well as the change from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to farming coinciding with the building of huge monuments. Activities that went on around Stonehenge included feasts and burials. Archaeological finds on display include the bones of animals they ate, grave goods and things they made - some pretty stunning as well as demonstrating how important the power of the sun was considered to be.

What I got most from the exhibition was an understanding of how metalworking later enabled people to create portable items to help them use the sun and stars for calenders. Technology moved on. The Nebra Sky Disc is an example of that, and I found it the most fascinating object in the exhibition. It was discovered in Germany and dates from about 1600BC. Made of gold and bronze, it depicts the seven stars known as the Pleiades, which can be used to mark both solar and lunar years. It would have helped farmers tell when to plant crops, for example, and was quite possibly the kind of thing that rendered Stonehenge obsolete. 

The World of Stonehenge runs until 17 July 2022 in the Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery at the British Museum. You can find details and tickets here: www.britishmuseum.org/stonehenge 

Pagan Eye: Sunrise at Stonehenge - A Screenshot

This is the sunrise at Stonehenge this morning. I wasn't there in person - although I wish I had been. I took a screenshot on my computer when I watched it livestreamed by English Heritage. You can still watch the recording on the YouTube channel. 

Things might be very difficult for all of us at the moment, but the rising sun after the shortest day and longest night is always a moment of hope. I am also glad that now we can watch events like this wherever we are in the world.

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.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/06/more-photos-of-solstice-sunset-at.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/01/pagan-eye-rainbow-over-stonehenge.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/11/pagan-eye-phoenix-at-crystal-palace.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/12/magickal-events-in-and-near-london-over.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/11/pagan-eye-tree-viewed-from-king-henrys.html

News: Stonehenge, Historic Witches, Murder Inquiry

Here is a round-up of recent news stories about Stonehenge, witchcraft history and an accusation of murder:

"Druids face defeat as bulldozers get set for Stonehenge bypass" - story at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/07/druids-face-defeat-as-bulldozers-get-set-for-stonehenge-bypass? 

 "'I was sceptical about Cornwall's dark arts. Then I met a witch'" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i-was-sceptical-about-cornwalls-dark-arts-then-i-met-a-witch-969c03lnj 

"Fife witches to be remembered in virtual conference" - story at centralfifetimes.com: https://www.centralfifetimes.com/news/18851612.fife-witches-remembered-virtual-conference/ 

"Man 'Sacrifices' Daughter in India to Perform Witchcraft in Bid to Find Hidden Treasure" - story at Sputnik International: https://sputniknews.com/india/202011061081044583-man-sacrifices-daughter-in-india-to-perform-witchcraft-in-bid-to-find-hidden-treasure/

"Artists Shed Light on the History of Witch Hunts and How Fear Spreads Through Communities in a New Show in Denmark" - story at artnet: https://news.artnet.com/exhibitions/witch-hunt-show-denmark-1919283 

"Eerie Witches’ Marks Found Among Ruins of Medieval English Church" - story at Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/witch-markings-thought-ward-evil-spirits-are-discovered-england-180976112/

Of Stones and Jam and Returning to Magical Practices

I had a quiet solstice. I celebrated a little at home and watched the livestreaming of the sunset and sunrise from Stonehenge. It was fascinating, but a bit eerie I thought. You could hear the wind howling and crows cawing - but it was also so empty. Whenever I have been to Stonehenge before it was full of people.

The cameras switched between a static shot of the stones, to a camera slowly being moved about, scanning over them, sometimes showing close ups of markings. Later on you could hear the sounds of distant revellers - presumably gathering in the fields outside the perimeter fence, but it was almost like hearing the ghosts of celebrants inside the stones in bygone years.

All of my Wheel of the Year festivities have been subdued this year. In fact, apart from a little candle magic, meditating, using my tarot cards and watching a few esoteric things via the internet, I've not been doing much witchy stuff since the start of the pandemic.

One of my friends, Jane Mortimer, said she felt similar. When we chatted by email, she said: "Being so cut off from the real witchy world has played havoc with my witchy mojo."

Jane has been more proactive about it than me, though. She said: "I've decided enough's enough. If the magick doesn't seem to be happening so easily, then I must make an extra effort to find it, so I decided to try and achieve something a little bit magickal every day, and the easiest place to do that is in the kitchen. Yesterday I made seven jars of blackcurrant jam. I'm starting again today with a kilo of plums - still bejewelled with ice from the freezer. Not only do we end up with a lovely supply of jam, with enough to share the magick with our neighbours, but there's now some space in the freezer for this year's fruit pickings, and with so much less pollution in the air, there's going to be a bumper crop!"

Doing a little something magical every day is a good idea - and kitchen witchcraft is a great way to start. I was inspired to go into my garden to pick fresh lemon balm to make lemon balm tea. Another witch suggested adding some rose petals from my garden too, so I might try that today.

What witchy things are you doing at the moment? Do leave a comment.

Charity Shop Find: A Box of Stonehenge Dominoes

Just look at this box of dominoes with one of the most bizarre pictures I have ever seen on a game.

There’s a pair of Neolithic blokes dressed up the kind of “cave man” outfit I remember from The Flintstones, building Stonehenge out of giant domino tiles accompanied by a big smoking lizard. I’m not sure if that’s Puff the Magic Dragon or some sort of weird interpretation of a dinosaur.

For some reason the men are carrying spiky clubs, although I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have needed spiky clubs to build a megalithic monument, even if they had been easy to knap out of flint or carve from antlers back then. I can’t see you need them to play dominoes either.

I didn’t buy the set because I counted the tiles and there were two missing, although I’m kind of wishing I had. I have seen a set like it once before - in an exhibition of vintage memorabilia at the Stonehenge visitor centre. I'm guessing it is relatively rare.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/06/full-moon-at-stonehenge-at-summer.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/12/witch-games-villainous-playing-disney.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/10/witch-games-witching-hour-reviewed.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/05/dragons-of-summer-winter-battle-in.html

Summer Solstice 2019: The Good and Bad in the News

Here is a round-up of news stories about events over the Summer Solstice. While many newspapers reported peaceful celebrations at ancient sites, there have sadly also been reports of vandalism and crime.

"Druids have their moment in the sun" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/druids-have-their-moment-in-the-sun-9mk3n5n9q

"10000 People Gathered at Stonehenge to Welcome the Summer Solstice" - story at Mental Floss: http://mentalfloss.com/article/586303/summer-solstice-stonehenge-celebration

"Swindon Extinction Rebellion condemn logo graffiti on West Kennet Long Barrow" - story at Swindon Advertiser: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/17723559.swindon-extinction-rebellion-condemn-logo-graffiti-on-west-kennet-long-barrow/

"East London churches targeted in 'satanic' arson attacks" - story at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jun/21/east-london-churches-arson-attacks

"Isle Of Wight Man Arrested At Stonehenge Summer Solstice" - story at Isle of Wight Radio: https://iwradio.co.uk/2019/06/22/isle-of-wight-man-arrested-at-stonehenge-summer-solstice/

"Mysterious 'Altar' unearthed in Holyrood Park most likely used by pagans not devil worshippers" - story at The Scotsman: https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/mysterious-altar-unearthed-in-holyrood-park-most-likely-used-by-pagans-not-devil-worshippers-1-4952469

Summer Solstice Events in London and at Sacred Sites

The Summer Solstice in 2019 is just over a week away - on Friday, 21 June. There are lots of things to do over the next week or so to mark the moment when the sun stands still before lengthening days turn into lengthening nights. The Summer Solstice is the most celebrated festival of the pagan Wheel of the Year, while traditional midsummer is a few days later on 24 June. Most of the pagan events I list are in London, because that is where I am based, but some are in other parts of England including the stone circles at Stonehenge, Avebury and the Rollrights..

Now - 27 October, Secret Rivers: discover the secrets of London's historic waterways. Exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Venue: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. Free entry. https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands

Now - 8 September; Museum of the Moon. Luke Jerram's artwork featuring NASA imagery of the Moon. Venue: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. Free event. https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/museum-of-the-moon.html

Now - 15 September; Smoke and Mirrors - exhibition about the psychology of magic. It includes items from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. There are also live performances of stage conjuring on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Venue: Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE. Free admission. https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/W_vuwBQAACoA_SY2

Now - 22 June; Magical Exhibitions in York: Magic and Mystery. Exhibition exploring the fine line between science, religion and magic in medieval society. Venue: Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York, YO1 8AR. Open 9am-5pm daily. Normal admission costs. https://barleyhall.co.uk/whats-on/magic-mystery/

Now - 31 October; Betwixt and Between: Isobel Gowdie, the Witch of Auldearn - the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic's summer exhibition. Venue: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, Cornwall. Entry with museum ticket. https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/

Now - Friday 28 June; Art Exhibition - The Book of Shadows - the Lost Code of the Tarot by Andrea Aste. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London, Eng WC1A 1LY. For more details, call 020 7405 2120 or visit http://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Wednesday 12 June; Free Guided Tour of the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology (takes place every Wednesday). Venue: UCL, Malet Place, London, WC1 6BT. Time: 2pm. Free, but you must book in advance: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/event-ticketing/booking?

Wednesday 12 June; Time to Meditate - group meditation (every Wednesday). Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Wednesday 12 June; Activist Witchcraft. Interview with David Salisbury, author of Witchcraft Activism. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm. Tickets £10. Book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Thursday 13 June; Guided Walk and Book Launch Party for Thankfull Sturdee by Sarah Crofts. The walk covers Deptford locations known to Thankfull Sturdee and will finish at the Dog and Bell, Prince Street, Deptford, for the launch party. Walk starts at 5pm at Sayes Court Park, Sayes Court Street, Deptford, London, SE8. The walk and party free, but you must book a place in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thankfull-sturdee-walk-in-deptford-tickets-63154845844? The book will be on sale at £10 (full price is £12).

Thursday 13 June; Messages from the Masters. Talk and book signing with author Ted Mahr. 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 13 June; Shamanic Journeying with a Drum with Sarah Fox. Venue: Clearly Destiny, 12 Woburn Walk · London. (Every Thursday until July 11) Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £12. https://www.meetup.com/Shamanic-Journeying-with-a-drum/

Thursday 13 June; Eliphas Levi, the Socialist Magus. Lecture by Dr Julian Strube.  Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm. Tickets £10. Book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Thursday 13 June; Holistic Sound Bath Meditation ~ Summoning The Sacred. Venue: Brown and Green LIFE Cafe, Crystal Palace Park, London, SE20 8DS. Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £20. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/holistic-sound-bath-meditation-summoning-the-sacred-tickets-61030309298?

Thursday 13 June; The Megalithic John Michell. Talk 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: £5/£1.50 concessions. Time: 8pm. (Meetings are normally the second Thursday of each month.) https://www.facebook.com/groups/2438110887/ To guarantee a seat, email cunningfolkmusic@gmail.com

Friday 14 June; Meditation and Om Healing - weekly event. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 7pm. Entry free. http://theosophicalsociety.org.uk/#

Friday 14 June; Southwark Festival of Words: Story Night organised by London Dreamtime. Venue: John Harvard Library Borough High Street SE1. Time: 7pm. Tickets: free, but you must reserve a place in advance. For more details email vanessa@londondreamtime.com or visit https://londondreamtime.com/calendar/

Friday 14 June; Is Your Thinking Affecting Your Health? Talk by Kamini Desai. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £13/£15.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 14 June; Summer Solstice Drum Ceremony. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £10. www.aho.community

Saturday 15 June; 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 15 June; Summer Open Day with taster sessions at the Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary. Address: Pea Lane, Upminster, Havering, RM142XH. Time: 11am. https://www.facebook.com/events/381898469226761/

Saturday 15 June; Tarot Cards Introduced. Half-day course with Sue Terry. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm-5.30pm. Tickets £40. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 15 June; Ancient Goddesses and Magic Spots walking tour with Ross Norman. Two and a half hour walk, starting at St Pauls and ending at Crossbones Graveyard near London Bridge. Free event, but you must reserve a place, and donations are welcome: https://www.facebook.com/events/417453378810102/

Sunday 16 June; Sunday Meditation class with Lisabetta 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 16 June; Shamanic workshop. Venue: Woodford Church at 9 Grove Crescent, South Woodford London, E18 2JR. Time: 11am-4pm. Cost: £10 pay at door.  http://woodfordchurch.com/

Sunday 16 June; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot (normally on the third Sunday of each month). Venue: The Sir John Oldcastle, Farringdon Road/Greville Street, London EC1M 3JF. Time: 3pm-6pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnoftheoak/

Sunday 16 June; London Woodland Witches and Pagans will be attending the London Rathayatra 2019 Krishna Chariot Festival. Location: Hyde Park, off South Carriage Drive, London SW7 1SE.
Gather at Hyde Park from 11.45am for noon for the chariot start. Festivities will be in Trafalgar square from 2pm- 5pm. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Sunday 16 June; June Full Moon Bath – Myth, Mindfulness and Moongazing with World's Aglow. Venue: Blythe Hill Fields, Blythe Hill Lane, London, SE23 1SP. Time: 8.30pm. Free event but you must book a ticket: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/june-full-moon-viewing-astronomy-myth-mindfulness-and-moongazing-tickets-63147584124?

Monday 17 June; Wicca Moon's Coffee Morning. Pop in for a chat to the witches and wise women and have a cup of tea or coffee and cake. Readings also offered £20, raising money for breast cancer awareness.Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH.  For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/WiccaMoonEltham/  Book a place here: https://www.wiccamoon.co.uk/ourshop/cat_1460861-Event-Workshops.html?

Monday 17 June; 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 17 June; Awaken to the Cosmic Laws of Love, Service and Wisdom: INKA wisdom for a changing world. Talk and book signing by Jorge Luis Delgado. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL. Doors open 6.30pm. Event starts: 7pm. Tickets £15/£20. https://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 17 June (tbc); Pagan Pathfinders. Meeting suitable for all pagans in Finchley, London N3. Time: 7.30pm. (Meeting is usually on the 3rd Monday each month.) Free, but bring food and drink to share. Contact Pagan Pathfinders for more details: https://www.facebook.com/PaganPathfinders/

Monday 17 June; Wiccan Full Moon Ceremony by the river Thames with London Woodland Witches Magicians and Outdoor Pagans. Venue: Meet outside Tate Modern and Bankside Gallery, London SE1 at 7.30pm for a Wiccan circle ritual on the banks of the Thames. Cost: £3 You must reserve a place in advance. Wear outdoor clothes and bring food and drink to share. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Tuesday, 18 June; Plants as medicine and healing allies. Workshop with Capital Growth. Venue: Community Plot at Whetstone Stray Allotments, Holden Road, London, N12 7DX. Time: 10.30am- 1.30pm. Tickets: £27.09 – £42.99. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/plants-as-medicine-and-healing-allies-tickets-57096486127?

Tuesday, 18 June; Crystal Attunement and Make a 7-Stone Chakra Bracelet (materials supplied). Workshop with the Tarot and Esoteric Discovery Group. Venue: The Light Zone, Apt B, 61 Compayne Gardens, London NW6 3DB. Time: 6.30pm. Cost: £12.50/£15. https://www.meetup.com/Tarot-and-Esoteric-Discovery-Group/

Tuesday, 18 June; The Joys of Soul Midwifery - Offering Holistic Support and Reassurance at the End of Life. Lecture by Mandy Preece. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15/£13.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday, 18 June; Witches of London Gathering. Venue: front bar of the Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BS. Starting 7.30pm. Meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For any questions email coacentral@witchcraft.org or visit http://www.witchfest.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/coawitchesoflondon/

Tuesday, 18 June; Waking the Witch - A Look at Nature Based Beliefs. Workshop oganised by Moon Magick. Venue: The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary
Pea Lane, Upminster, Havering, RM142XH. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £20/£22. https://www.facebook.com/events/2394726627462204/


Wednesday 19 June; Time to Meditate - group meditation (every Wednesday). Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Wednesday 19 June; Sagittarius Full Moon Gong Bath. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Two sessions: Time: 7pm and 8.30pm. Tickets: £20. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Wednesday 19 June; Return of the Children of the Sun: Initiations and Solar Practice. Workshop with Jorge Luis Delgado. Venue: The Columbia Hotel, 95-99 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3NS. Time: 7pm. Tickets £30. https://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Wednesday 19 June; More Mead Moot with Pagan FutureFests. Venue: Hope Pub, 48 West Street, Carshalton SM5 2PR. Time: from 7.30pm. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month.  http://www.meetup.com/Londonpagancommunity/

Thursday 20 June; Dr. Emoto's The Message from Water with Michiko Hayashi. 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 20 June; Meditation and Om Healing. (Weekly event, usually on a Friday, but on a Thursday just for this date). Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 7pm. Entry free. http://theosophicalsociety.org.uk/#

Thursday 20 June; Artificial Intelligence - the Golem. Talk hosted by Golden Rosycross. Venue: Holborn Citadines Hotel, 94-99 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6LF. Time: 7pm. Tickets, free, but you must reserve a place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/artificial-intelligence-the-golem-tickets-62170711271?

Thursday 20 June; Shamanic Journeying with a Drum with Sarah Fox. Venue: Clearly Destiny, 12 Woburn Walk · London. (Every Thursday until July 11) Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £12. https://www.meetup.com/Shamanic-Journeying-with-a-drum/

Thursday 20 June; PFL Open Ritual for the Summer Solstice led by the Coven of the Hare and the Heron. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start. Entry: £6/£5 (PF members and concessions). https://pflondon.info/

Thursday 20 -  Friday 21 June; Stonehenge, the 5,000-year-old megalithic monument on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, is the most famous place in England to celebrate the solstices. English Heritage, which manages the site, allows free "managed open access" to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice. English Heritage allows individuals and groups to conduct their own ceremonies and rituals during the opening times, from 7pm on 20 June until 8am on 21 June. No camping is allowed. There is a car park (charged) and buses run from Salisbury railway station. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/summer-solstice/

Friday 21 - Saturday 22 June; 3rd Annual Summer Solstice 26-Hour Global Healing 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/

Friday 21 June; Summer Solstice soulful gathering in the woods, in Queen's Wood, Highgate. Meet in the cabin behind Queen's Wood Cafe, Highgate. Time: 9.30am-noon. Price: £35. https://www.meetup.com/London-Forest-Bathing-Nature-Connection-Meetup/

Friday 21 June; Earth Festival: Wheel of the Year Meditation - Summer Solstice, 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. For more details, visit the website http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/

Friday 21 June; An Evening of Psychic Mediumship with a Difference, with Gerrie March. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, Kensington, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15/£13.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 21 June; Summer Solstice Ritual with Chloe Isidora. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £35. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Friday 21 June; Solstice Evening Meet with NWK Pagans. Venue: Coldrum Long Barrow, West Malling, Kent. Time: 8.30pm. Free, but you must be a member of the group to attend. https://www.facebook.com/groups/445487428816887/

Saturday 22 June; Temenos John Michell Symposium 2019. Venue: Art Workers’ Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT. Starts 10am, Tickets £55 or £50 concessions, £25 full-time students with ID. Contact Stephen Overy (01233) 813-663 or temenosacademy@myfastmail.com https://www.facebook.com/events/2223804821220558/

Saturday 22 June; Unleash your Creativity through the Power of your Menstrual Cycle - Day 1. Workshop with A.Pope and S.Wurlitzer. Women-only event. Venue: The Columbia Hotel, 95-99 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3NS. Time: 10am-5pm. Tickets £85. https://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Saturday 22 June; Summer Solstice Drumming Picnic with Spirit of the Drum. Venue: Hundred Acre Wood, Wickham, Hampshire. Time: 11am. Free, but parking costs £5. https://www.facebook.com/events/330792944220166/

Saturday 22 June; Self Healing Goddess Workshop. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH.  Time: 11.30am start. Cost: £45 per person. Bring your lunch. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/WiccaMoonEltham/  Bookings here: https://www.wiccamoon.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6763031-Self-Healing-Goddess-Workshop-June-22nd.html

Saturday 22 June; Intermediate Tarot Workshop with Sue Merlyn Farebrother. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 11am-5.30pm. Tickets £75. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 22 June; Sisters of the Stones of Cear Aribi Summer Solstice Meet Up. Avebury Stone Circles, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Time: 1pm. Free event. https://www.facebook.com/events/2734743209900430/

Saturday 22 June;  London London Woodland Witches Midsummer 2019 Ceremony and Festive Gathering. Venue: Queen's Woods, Highgate, North London. Meet at The Woodmans pub patio area by 2pm to be led to the ritual site for 3pm. Cost: £5. Wear outdoor clothing and bring food and drink to share. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Saturday 22 June; Watchers of the Old Ways Summer Solstice Litha Ceremony. Venue: Rollright Stones, Off A3400, Chipping Norton, OX7 5QB. Time: 2pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/311605152849796/

Saturday 22 June; Midnightwalk. Solstice Midnight Stroll along the River for Tales. Meet at Bus stop ‘’R’, 21 Duke St Hill (Tooley St), London Bridge  SE1 2SW.. Time: 11.45pm. Tickets free, but you must book a place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midnight-summer-solstice-walk-by-the-thames-river-tickets-62615027232?

Sunday 23 June; Corral your Inner Critic – Liberate your Creativity  - Day 1. Workshop with A.Pope and S.Wurlitzer. Women-only event. Venue: The Columbia Hotel, 95-99 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3NS. Time: 10am-5pm. Tickets £85. https://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Sunday 23 June; Becoming the Alchemist. Workshop hosted by Anthea of Shamanism and Evolving Consciousness . Venue: 14 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP. Time: 10.15am-5.15pm. Price: £75. https://www.meetup.com/Shamanism-and-Evolving-Consciousness/

Sunday 23 June (date tbc); NWK Moot. Venue: Chistlehurst caves.  Time: 11am. You must be a member of the group to attend. https://www.facebook.com/groups/445487428816887/

Sunday, 23 June; Alban Heruin - Summer Solstice on Primrose Hill with the Loose Association of Druids. Open ritual hosted by Jeremy Morgan, the Druid of Wormwood Scrubbs. Venue: The Hawthorne Grove, Primrose Hill, Regents Park, London NW1. Gather at 12.45pm for 1pm start. https://www.facebook.com/LooseAssociationOfDruidsOfPrimroseHill/

Sunday, 23 June; Anderida Gorsedd Summer Solstice open ritual at the Long Man of Wilmington, Wilmington, East Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm, walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards, the Giants Rest pub. https://www.facebook.com/groups/anderidagorsedd/

Sunday 23 June; Summer Solstice rite at Luna Iter for Pagan and Wiccan Seekers. Pub moot followed by a ritual close to each full moon. Venue: Pembury Tavern 90 Amhurst Rd, London E8 1JH. Moot usually starts at 5pm, then at 6pm moving to a historic site for the ritual. Fee: £4/£5. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1230392930656154/

Sunday 23 June; St John's Eve Vigil for the Outcast at Crossbones to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard. Bring a flower, a ribbon, a totem or memento to tie to the shrine. 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/ or https://www.facebook.com/GooseandCrow/

Sunday 23 June; Litha Summer Solstice Wheel of the Year meditation at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3 1NG. Time: 7pm. http://www.rosslynhillchapel.com

Please note that I am not responsible for any of these events. I try to ensure my listings are accurate but do not always know of late changes, cancellations or ticket availability. If you do spot anything that needs correcting, please email the details to badwitch1234@gmail.com Pic credit: College of Psychic Studies photo by Matt Brown.

Pagan Events for Yule and the Winter Solstice

Here are some of the events in London plus a few in other parts of southern England over the Winter Solstice that could be of interest to pagans. However, you celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful Yuletide.

Now - 9 January 2019; Spellbound: Magic, Ritual and Witchcraft exhibition in Oxford. Venue: Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2PH. Tickets: £6/£11.25/£12.25. https://www.ashmolean.org/  You can also view the exhibition catalogue, Spellbound, on Amazon.

Now - 12 January 2019; Divine Proportions. Dinner cabaret from Shotgun Carousel, based on the story of Dionysus, God of Pleasure and Mischief. Venue: The Vaults, Arch 234-236, Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN. Tuesday - Sunday, doors open 6.30pm. Tickets: Previews: £30, general admission: £35/£55. https://www.thevaults.london/divine-proportions

Now – Tuesday 19 February 2019; Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War. Exhibition at the British Library. Venue: PACCAR Gallery, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB. Full price tickets £16. https://www.bl.uk/events/anglo-saxon-kingdoms

Now - 24 February 2019. I am Ashurbanipal, King of the World, King of Assyria. Exhibition at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Now to Sun 17 Mar 2019; Cats on the Page - free exhibition that includes a section on witches' cats. Venue: The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB. https://www.bl.uk/events/cats-on-the-page

Wednesday 12 December; Drink and Draw Night: Occulty Yule Themed Carminella Knight and friends. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm start. Tickets £10. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Wednesday 12 December; Time to Meditate - group meditation (every Wednesday). Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Wednesday 12 December; Cunning Folk London Album Launch Party. Venue: Shortwave Cafe, Clements Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG. Time: 7pm. Free event. https://www.facebook.com/CunningFolkMusic/

Thursday 13 December; John Matthews and Will Worthington on the Spirit of Nature Oracle. Talk 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/

Thursday 13 December; Earthstars Group Meeting Alban Arthan, Light of Winter at Earthstars Group. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 6XT. Doors open 7pm. Entry by donation. https://www.facebook.com/events/2260158487547802/

Thursday 13 December; The Secret Journey of Doctor Dee. Storyteller Vanessa Woolf 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: £5/£1.50 concessions. Time: 8pm. (Meetings are normally the second Thursday of each month.) https://www.facebook.com/groups/2438110887/ To guarantee a seat, email cunningfolkmusic@gmail.com

Friday 14 December; Saturnalia and the Pagan Origins of Christmas. Lecture by Sam Moorhead. Venue: BP Lecture Theatre, Room 26, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 6pm.Tickets: £5.. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Friday 14 December; Celtic Drum Circle Hosted by Seán Ryan. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £10. www.aho.community

Friday 14 December; The Nest Collective Yule Celebration at the Foundling Museum including storytelling with Vanessa Woolf of London Dreamtime. Venue: Brunswick Square, London, WC1, United Kingdom. Time: 7pm. Tickets: Tickets £12, £10 concessions & Foundling Friends (£14/12 on the door) https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/events/yuletide-celebration/ For more details email vanessa@londondreamtime.com or visit https://londondreamtime.com/calendar/

Saturday 15-Sunday 16 December; two days of talks and workshops at the Henge Shop, High Street, Avebury, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF. Details: https://www.facebook.com/TheHengeShop/

Saturday 15 December; Early Egyptian Creation Myths - gallery talk. Venue: Room 4, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 1.15pm. Free event. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Sunday 16 December; Shamanic workshop. Venue: Woodford Church at 9 Grove Crescent, South Woodford London, E18 2JR. Time: 11am-4pm. Cost: £10 pay at door.   http://woodfordchurch.com/

Sunday 16 December; The Art of Being: Love in the Afternoon. A warm winter workshop of nourishing connection. Venue: 42 Acres, 66 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LW. Time: 1.45pm. Tickets: £35. For more details visit: https://www.42acresshoreditch.com/events/

Sunday 16 December; A Blot for Holda hosted by Geoff Miles (this is instead of the Dawn of the Oak Moot). Venue: Greenwich Park, Blackheath Avenue, London SE10 8QY. Time: 1pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnoftheoak/

Sunday 16 December; Informal social gathering for members of the Red Tent Meetup Group. Venue in south east London. Time: 4pm. Meetings are free but you will have to pay for food and drink bought at the venue. https://www.meetup.com/South-London-Red-Tent/

Sunday 16 December; Luna Iter - Journey of the moon - for Pagan and Wiccan Seekers with Luna Iter- Wiccan Seekers London NE. Pub moot followed by a ritual close to each full moon. Venue: Old Ship Inn, Hackney. Moot starts at 4.30pm, then at 6pm moving to a historic site for the ritual. Fee: £4/£5. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1230392930656154/

Sunday 16 December; Winter Solstice Pagan Celebration with Rev Kate Dean at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3 1NG. Time: 7pm. Tel: 020 7433 3267. http://www.rosslynhillchapel.com/

Monday 17 December; Winter Solstice: Shaman healer Chris Waters will lead a magical invocation, ritual and ceremony at Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL. Doors open 6.30pm. Event starts: 7pm. Tickets £20 online. http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 17 December; The Folklore of Christmas: Cunning Folk Calendar Club. Venue: Shelverdine Goathouse, 7-8 High Street, London SE25 6EP. Time: 7pm. https://www.facebook.com/CunningFolkMusic/

Monday 17 December; Pagan Pathfinders. Meeting suitable for all pagans in Finchley, London N3. Time: 7.30pm. (Meeting is usually on the 3rd Monday each month.) Free, but bring food and drink to share. Contact Pagan Pathfinders for more details: https://www.facebook.com/PaganPathfinders/

Tuesday 18 December; Tuesday afternoon workshop with Patricia Mc Nally and Daniel Naughnane, known for their spiritual art. Venue: Woodford Church at 9 Grove Crescent, South Woodford, London E18 2JR. Time: 2.30pm-5.30pm. Cost: £6/£5. http://woodfordchurch.com/

Tuesday 18 December; Witches of London Gathering. Venue: front bar of the Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BS. Starting 7.30pm. Meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For any questions email coacentral@witchcraft.org or visit http://www.witchfest.net/  https://www.facebook.com/events/2150244674997111/

Wednesday 19 December; Winter Solstice Open Circle at More Mead Moot with Pagan FutureFests. Venue: Hope Pub, 48 West Street, Carshalton SM5 2PR. Time: from 7.30pm. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month.  http://www.meetup.com/Londonpagancommunity/  details: https://www.facebook.com/events/338567983409018/

Thursday 20 December; Morning tour: an introduction to ancient Egypt. Venue: Room 4, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 8.50am. Tickets £30. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Thursday 20 December; PFL Winter Solstice Open Ritual with London Reclaiming. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: £6/£5 (PF members and concessions). https://pflondon.info/

Friday 21 December; Winter Solstice Festival: Wheel of the Year Meditation and Singing. Venue: Chalice Well World Peace Garden, in Glastonbury. Gather at the well head for midday meditation until 12.30pm, followed by conversation on the lower lawn, then Winter Solstice singing at 2pm. Free admission to the gardens from 10am to noon. For more details, visit the website http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/

Friday 21 December; Winter Solstice Ritual at the historic Camlet Moat in Trent Park near London. Celebrate the birth of the New Sun with the Cassi Grove - a small group of druids. Meet at the Ferny Hill Road entrance, EN4 0QA. Time: 2pm. For further info and details contact Anne on 07985506869.

Saturday 22 December; Stonehenge Winter Solstice Managed Open Access with a celebration at sunrise at the stone circle. Free entry is allowed from 7.45am, but car parking costs £5. For full details: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/winter-solstice-at-stonehenge/

Saturday 22 December; Winter Solstice with Kent Gorsedd at Coldrum Stones, Neolithic Long Barrow, Trottiscliffe, Kent. Meet in the carpark before the event. Time: noon. https://www.facebook.com/events/307255833385451/

Saturday 22 December; Sisters of the Stones of Caer Abiri Winter Solstice Circle at Avebury in Wiltshire. Time: meet at 1pm, event starts 1.30pm. Free to attend. https://www.facebook.com/events/200023027562974/

Saturday 22 December; Yule Winter Solstice Ceremony with Watchers of the Old Ways at the Rollright Stones, off the A3400, Chipping Norton OX7 5QB. Time: Picnic from 1pm then ritual from 2pm - 3.30pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/194195568149109/

Saturday 22 December; Woodland Mid-Winter Ritual and Yule Celebrations with London Woodland Witches and Pagans. Location: Queen's Woods, Near Highgate Station. Meet at the Woodman pub at 2pm to walk to the woods. Tickets: £5/£3. Details: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Saturday 22 December; Full Moon Celebration - The Journey Home. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm-9.30pm. Tickets: £35. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Sunday 23 December; Full Moon 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 23 December, Winter Solstice Celebration on Primrose Hill with the Loose Association of Druids. Gather in the Hawthorne Grove at Primrose Hill, London, NW1 8YH, between 12.30pm and 12.45pm to prepare the site ready for a prompt 1pm start. Nearest tube: Chalk Farm. Bring a small contribution of food and drink to share. All are welcome. https://www.facebook.com/LooseAssociationOfDruidsOfPrimroseHill/

Sunday 23 December; Holly King – an ancient Pagan midwinter celebration for parents and children. Venue: Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton Lane, Petersfield PO8 0BG. Two sessions: 10.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Tickets £10. www.butserancientfarm.co.uk

Sunday 23 December; Christmas Vigil for the Outcast at Crossbones to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard. Bring a flower, a ribbon, a totem or memento to tie to the shrine. 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/ or https://www.facebook.com/GooseandCrow/

Note: I do not organise any of these events. Although I try to make sure my listings are accurate, I am not responsible for late changes or ticket availability. Please contact the organisers before attending any event. If you notice something that needs correcting or changing - or if you want an event to be listed on my events page in future - please email me at badwitch1234@gmail.com

News: Witches, Stonehenge & Winter Solstice Folklore

Here's a round-up of recent news stories including details of Stonehenge being "damaged", Yuletide folkore customs, witches and witchcraft:

"Stonehenge site 'damaged' by engineers working on tunnel" - story at BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-46465258

"The terrifying and weird tradition of the Mari Lwyd which is celebrated every December" - story at Daily Post North Wales https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/nostalgia/wales-mari-lwyd-creature-scary-15297617

"13 Fascinating Winter Solstice Traditions Around the World" - story at Reader's Digest: https://www.rd.com/culture/winter-solstice-traditions/

"Who is Krampus? Explaining the Horrific Christmas Beast" - story at National Geographic: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/12/131217-krampus-christmas-santa-devil/

"The rise and rise of Wicca" - interesting interview with a sociologist at MercatorNet: https://www.mercatornet.com/above/view/the-rise-and-rise-of-wicca/22002

"A spellbinding hike up the Hill of the Witch" - story at Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/travel/a-spellbinding-hike-up-the-hill-of-the-witch-1.3714781

"All the Witches They Could Not Burn" - story at Boston Review: http://bostonreview.net/gender-sexuality/jessie-kindig-all-witches-they-could-not-burn

"Why I believe a witch knew the magic of Meghalaya's Sacred Forest" - story at DailyO: Why I believe a witch knew the magic of Meghalaya's Sacred Forest

"Meet The People Trying to Keep Assam's 'Witches' Alive" - story at VICE: https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/7xywvq/meet-the-people-trying-to-keep-assams-witches-alive

"'Witch' goes on trial for boiling girl in a cauldron: Teenager suffered serious burns after she was dropped into hot water at German carnival" - story at the Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6454553/Witch-trial-boiling-girl-cauldron-German-festival.html

"Russian sicko carries severed blood-drenched head of his 'witch' lover after beheading her inside his flat" - story at The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/7888732/russian-man-behead-wife-witch/

Summer Solstice Events in London and at Sacred Sites

The Summer Solstice in 2018 is just over a week away - on Thursday, 21 June. There are lots of things to do over the next week or so to mark the moment when the sun stands still before lengthening days turn into lengthening nights. The Summer Solstice is the most celebrated festival of the pagan Wheel of the Year, while traditional midsummer is a few days later on 24 June. Most of the pagan events I list are in London, because that is where I am based, but some are in other parts of England including the stone circles at Stonehenge, Avebury and the Rollrights.

Now - Saturday 30 June; Summer Solstice Celebration of the Goddess at Wicca Moon in south London. Each year Shirlee and her fellow witches raise awareness of the Divine Goddess of 10,000 names and funding for charity with a series of events including talks, ceremonies and workshops. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Some events are free. Tickets can be bought for individual activities, or you can pay a special price of £165 for the entire month. Contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/

Now - 28 October. Roman Dead. Exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Venue: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. Free entry.  https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/whats-on/exhibitions/roman-dead

Wednesday 13 June; Goddess Kirtan - Singing Her 10,000 Names - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-4pm. Free event. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Wednesday 13 June; Time to Meditate - group meditation. Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Wednesday 13 June; Wicca New Moon Circle with London Woodland Witches, Pagans and Ritual Magicians. Venue: Queen's Woods, Highgate. Meet in the garden area of the Woodman pub at 7pm promptly to walk to the woods. Cost: £3.· Wear outdoor clothes and bring food and drink. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Wednesday 13 June; Create and Activate with Mama Moon. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Thursday 14 June; Special morning tour: an introduction to ancient Egypt. Venue: Room 4, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 8.50am. Tickets £30.. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Thursday 14 June; Avalon Talk and Meditation with Anne Goodman - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-4pm. Tickets £35 inc activation box. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Thursday 14 June; The Gate of Light. Talk by Lars Muhl. Venue: 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/

Thursday 14 June; Increasing Personal Power - evening talk by Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £10. Tel: 020 7405 2120. http://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Thursday 14 June; History of Chakras 4: Jung and Psychology. Lecture by Phil Hine. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm start. Tickets £9. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday 14 June; A Beginner's History of English Folk Song with folk performer Cunning Folk (George Hoyle). Talk 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: £5/£1.50 concessions. Time: 8pm. (Meetings are normally the second Thursday of each month.) https://www.facebook.com/groups/2438110887/ To guarantee a seat, email cunningfolkmusic@gmail.com

Friday 15 – Sunday 17 June; Pentacle Drummers Summer Solstice 2018 with stalls, food and music. Venue: Langney Sports Club, Priory Lane, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 7QQ. Free day entry (donations of £1 welcome). Camping £10 per person. https://www.facebook.com/events/2044703235773814/

Friday 15 June; Freya / Goddess of the Runes event - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-4pm. Free event, but you will need runes. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Friday 15 June; The Astrology of Elizabethan Magic. Talk for the Witches' Banquet Hay Moon at the Wiccan Moot. Venue: Souk Medina, 1a Shorts Gardens, London WC2H. Time: 6.15pm. Advance booking recommended. https://www.meetup.com/London-Wicca/

Friday 15 June; Summer Gong Bath with Olaf Nixon. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm. Cost: £20/£22. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 15 June; Holistic Sound Bath Meditation - Summoning The Sacred (weekly ceremonial gathering). Venue: Training Points Fitness and Therapy, 5-6 Coopers Yard, Crystal Palace, London SE19 1TN. Time: 7pm. Entry £15/£13. https://www.facebook.com/summoningthesacredsound/

Friday 15 June; Open Shamanic Drum Circle. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £5. www.aho.community

Friday 15 June; Water - Elixir of Eternal Life. Talk by Ralf Roessner at Earthstars Sacred Space. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 4SH. Time: 7.30pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/2077702915777666/

Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 June; Two Magical Workshops with Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki. Gypsy Magic (this included a set of stones) and Thought-Forming workshop. Venue: Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, London. N5 1PH. Times: 9.30am-5.30pm each day. Tickets: £85/£80 or £155 for both. Email mariateresaharmer@yahoo.co.uk to reserve a place. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1491581800964232/

Saturday 16 June; Free Energy - Ether Technology - A question of our Time. One-day workshop by Ralf Roessner at Earthstars Sacred Space. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 4SH. Time: 9am-4pm. Tickets £45. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-energy-ether-technology-a-question-of-our-time-tickets-44403225242

Saturday 16 June; Manifesting with the Moon. Masterclass with Yasmin Boland organised by Alternatives. Venue: The Columbia Hotel, 95-99 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3NS. Time: 10am- 4pm. Tickets £40/£50 online. http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Saturday 16 June; Venus in the Western Esoteric Tradition: Force of Love. Seminar-workshop with Vivianne and Chris Crowley. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm - 3pm. Tickets £20. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 16 June; Astrology, Magic and Alchemy in Shakespeare’s Plays. Afternoon workshop with Priscilla Costello. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum Street, London WC1A 1LY. Time: 2pm-5pm. Tickets £30. Tel: 020 7405 2120. http://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Saturday 16 June; Isis Soul Healing - part of the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-5pm. Tickets £35 inc ritual kit. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Saturday 16 June; Sacred Geometry. Talk at the Theosophical Society in London. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 2pm. Cost: £5. http://theosophicalsociety.org.uk/

Saturday 16 June; Shamanic Sound Journey and Trance Experience with Diana Suemi. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £25. www.aho.community

Sunday, 17 June; Shamanic workshop. Venue: Woodford Church at 9 Grove Crescent, South Woodford, London E18 2JR. Time 11am-4pm. Cost: £10, bring your own lunch. http://woodfordchurch.com/

Sunday, 17 June; The Folklore of Wild Plants with the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. Venue: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Southern Grove, London, E3 4PX. Time: 2pm. Tickets: £14.50-£19.62. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-folklore-of-wild-plants-tickets-46141550620?

Sunday, 17 June; Earth Spirit: Wheel of the Year Workshop at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3 1NG. Time: 2pm. Tel: 020 7433 3267. http://www.rosslynhillchapel.com

Sunday, 17 June; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot (normally on the third Sunday of each month). Venue: The Sir John Oldcastle, Farringdon Road/Greville Street, London EC1M 3JF. Time: 3pm-6pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnoftheoak/

Sunday, 17 June; Celebration for the Summer Solstice at the Rollright Stones, Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, hosted by The Cotswold Order of Druids. Time: 3pm-5pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/240753376691810/

Monday  18 June; Summer Solstice Celebration. Concert at Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL. Doors open 6.30pm. Event starts: 7pm. Tickets £10/£15 online. http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 18 June; Just Breathe: an evening of modern mindfulness and meditation. Venue: Great Court, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 7pm. Tickets £12. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Monday 18 June; Planetary Magic:  Understanding Personality. Lecture with Priscilla Costello. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm start. Tickets £9. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 18 June; Pagan Pathfinders Summer Solstice Event. Meeting suitable for all pagans in Finchley, London N3. Time: 7.30pm. (Meeting is usually on the 3rd Monday each month.) Free, but bring food and drink to share. Contact Pagan Pathfinders for more details: https://www.facebook.com/PaganPathfinders/

Tuesday 19 June; Rite of passage Life / Death / Rebirth From a Witches’ point of view - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-4pm. Free event. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Tuesday 19 June; Mental Illness as Shamanic Initiation. Talk by Jez Hughes. (You can view his book The Heart of Life on Amazon.) Venue: 69 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3QQ. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £12. https://uk.funzing.com/funz/funzing-talks-mental-illness-as-shamanic-initiation-14945/

Tuesday 19 June; The Art of Receiving. Lecture by David Manning. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm start. Cost: £14/£12. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday 19 June; Witches of London Gathering. Venue: front bar of the Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn, London WC1V 6BS. Starting for 7.30pm. onwards. Meets on the third Tuesday of each month. For any questions email coacentral@witchcraft.org or visit http://www.witchfest.net/

Wednesday, 20 June; Daily Ceremony - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-4pm. Free event. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Wednesday, 20 June; Time to Meditate - group meditation. Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Arrive 6pm for 6.10pm start. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Wednesday, 20 June; Candle Magic Workshop - I am running a special Summer Solstice Eve candle magic workshop at 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/event/practical-candle-magic-11/ or reserve a place by calling 020 7419 8507, emailing info@treadwells-london.com or visiting the shop.

Wednesday 20 June; Midsummer Night's Dream Goddess Circle with Lucy North. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £35. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Wednesday, 20 June; More Mead Moot promoted by Pagan FutureFests. Venue: Hope Pub, 48 West Street, Carshalton SM5 2PR. Time: from 7.30pm. Meets on the third Wednesday of each month. https://www.facebook.com/Pagan-FutureFests-352385661439366/ http://www.meetup.com/Londonpagancommunity/

Wednesday 20 - Thursday 21 June; Stonehenge, the 5,000-year-old megalithic monument on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, is the most famous place in England to celebrate the solstices. English Heritage, which manages the site, allows free "managed open access" to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice. English Heritage allows individuals and groups to conduct their own ceremonies and rituals during the opening times, from 7pm on 20 June until 8am on 21 June. No camping is allowed. There is a car park (charged) and buses run from Salisbury railway station. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/summer-solstice/

Thursday 21 - Friday 22 June; Summer Solstice Peace Fires. Light a candle or fire for peace wherever you are in the world, for as short or long a time as you like between  2am PDT (US) time, which is from 10am UK time on 21 June until 4am US time/noon UK time on 22 June. You can light a candle 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/

Thursday 21 June; Solstice Ritual and World Peace Day Celebrations at Avebury Stone Circle in Wilthsire. A Solstice sunrise ceremony will be conducted by local elders at dawn, followed by a Druid ceremony in the Sun Circle. There will be a closing ceremony at 11.45am. The ceremonies are free to attend. From noon, there will be a World Peace and Prayer Symposium at Avebury Sports and Social Club. Tickets for this are £29. https://www.facebook.com/events/372575339888098/

Thursday 21 June; Wheel of the Year Festival - Summer Solstice at Chalice Well World Peace Garden, in Glastonbury. Gather at the well head for midday meditation until 12.30pm, followed by conversation on the lower lawn. Free admission to the gardens from 10am to noon. For more details, visit the website http://www.chalicewell.org.uk/

Thursday 21 June; Litha Summer Solstice Ritual (free event) at noon followed by Emotional Freedom Technique workshop (tickets £15) at 2pm. Part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Thursday 21 June; Being Present. Talk by Darren Cockburn. Venue: 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/

Thursday 21 June; The Secret History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult. A walking tour with storyteller Nigel hosted by Funzing Talks. Meet at Saint Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8BX. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10. https://uk.funzing

Thursday 21 June; PFL Summer Solstice Open Ritual facilitated by Snow Wolf Coven. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: £6/£5 (PF members and concessions). https://pflondon.info/

Thursday 21 June; The Wild Hunt Bedlam Morris Summer Solstice Celebration. Dance at Addington Hills Viewpoint from 8pm then watch the sunset.  Free, just turn up. https://www.facebook.com/events/215933525678405/

Friday 22 June; Goddess Juno Workshop to Celebrate the Solstice Goddess - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Time: 2pm-5pm. Tickets £35 inc ritual kit. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Friday 22 June; Midsummer Gongbath with Diana Vernon MCSH. On this first day of midsummer after the summer solstice, in a beautiful period candle-lit hall, allow the sun energy of this time to combine with the resonance of the gongs to promote peace, tranquility and relaxation. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £20/£22. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 22 June (tbc); Holistic Sound Bath Meditation - Summoning The Sacred (weekly ceremonial gathering). Venue: Training Points Fitness and Therapy, 5-6 Coopers Yard, Crystal Palace, London SE19 1TN. Time: 7pm. Entry £15/£13. https://www.facebook.com/summoningthesacredsound/

Saturday 23 June; Drum Birthing Workshop with Heron Drums. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London E9 5EU. Time: 9.30am-5pm. Cost: £200. http://www.herondrums.co.uk/shamanic-drum-birthing/4594020591

Saturday 23 June; Kabbalah, Astrology and You. One-day workshop with Rev. Maggy Whitehouse. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 11am start. Tickets: £50. Tel: 020 7405 2120. http://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Saturday 23 June; Free and Open Gorsedd Summer Solstice Rite by the Free and Open Gorsedd of Caer Abiri at The Sun Circle, Avebury, Wilts, Avebury, United Kingdom. Druidic style open ceremony to celebrate summer - all faith paths welcome. Meet at the Red Lion pub from noon for ceremony from 1.30pm. Offerings of bread or cake, mead, poetry and song are welcome. https://www.facebook.com/events/1213809608753855/

Saturday 23 June; Woodland Midsummer Gathering 2018 - Ceremony and Social with London Woodland Witches, Pagans and Ritual Magicians. Venue: Queen's Woods, Highgate. Meet in the garden area of the Woodman pub at 2pm to walk to the woods at 2.45pm. Cost: £3.· Wear outdoor clothes, something to sit on and bring food and drink. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Saturday 23 June; Crystal Angel Activation workshop - part of  the Summer Solstice Celebration at Wicca Moon. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, London SE9 6SH. Tickets £35 inc ritual kit. For further details contact Shirlee@wiccamoon.org.uk, call 0208 850 7803 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/591360514554349/ or http://www.wiccamoon.co.uk

Saturday 23 June; Portals of London: Abney Park. Storytelling for adult audiences with London Dreamtime. Venue: A secret location in North East London. Time: 5.45pm for 6pm start. Price: £8 - you must book a place in advance.  For more details, email vanessa@londondreamtime.com or visit https://londondreamtime.com/calendar/

Saturday 23 June; St John's Eve Vigil at Crossbones to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard and the dead and wounded of the London Bridge attacks. Bring a flower, a ribbon, a totem or memento to tie to the shrine. 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/

Saturday 23 June; Heart Beat - Drumming Collective with Gong Master Olaf Nixon. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm start. Cost: £20/£22. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday, 24 June; London Rathayatra 2018 - Krishna Chariot Festival. Annual festival with procession, music and free vegetarian food. Procession starts at Hyde Park, London, at noon and goes to Trafalgar Square. Festival ends at 5pm. Free event. Details: https://rathayatra.co.uk/london/.  London Woodland Witches and Outdoor Pagans will be attending, to join them sign up here: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Pagans-Magicians/

Sunday, 24 June; Summer Solstice on Primrose Hill with the Loose Association of Druids. Open ritual hosted by Jeremy Morgan, the Druid of Wormwood Scrubbs. Venue: The Hawthorne Grove, Primrose Hill, Regents Park, London NW1. Gather at 12.45pm for 1pm start. https://www.facebook.com/LooseAssociationOfDruidsOfPrimroseHill/

Sunday, 24 June; Anderida Gorsedd Summer Solstice open ritual at the Long Man of Wilmington, Wilmington, East Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm, walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards, the Giants Rest pub. https://www.facebook.com/groups/anderidagorsedd/

Sunday, 24 June; Luna Iter - Journey of the moon - for Pagan and Wiccan Seekers with Luna Iter- Wiccan Seekers London NE. Pub moot followed by a ritual close to each full moon. Venue: Pembury Tavern, 90 Amhurst Road, Hackney. Moot starts at 4.30pm, then at 6pm moving to a historic site for the ritual. Fee: £4/£5. https://www.meetup.com/Luna-Iter-WiccanSeekersLondonNE/

Sunday, 24 June; Summer Solstice Wheel of the Year ritual at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, 3 Pilgrim's Place, London NW3 1NG. Time: 7pm. (At lunchtime there is also a picnic to celebrate the sun.) Tel: 020 7433 3267. http://www.rosslynhillchapel.com

Please note that I am not responsible for any of these events except my own candle magic workshop at Treadwell's. I try to ensure my listings are accurate but do not always know of late changes, cancellations or ticket availability. If you do spot anything that needs correcting, please email the details to badwitch1234@gmail.com