A bad witch's blog: Treadwell's

Showing posts with label Treadwell's. Show all posts

Friday, 4 July 2025

My Event: Amulets, Talismans & Charms @ Treadwell's

On Sunday 13 July I'm running an in-person workshop on Amulets, Talismans and Charms at Treadwell's Bookshop in Central London. Here are the details from Treadwell's website:

Amulets, talismans and charms are magical items designed to protect and aid, used all over the globe since ancient times.
In this in-person workshop, Lucya Starza explores their historical and modern use and teaches participants how to make their own. She explains the difference between amulets and talismans, and defines exactly what charms are. She then examines several items that fall under all three categories. During the workshop, everyone has the chance to make simple amulets themselves using paper, card and pens or pencils, and everyone takes home what they've made. All supplies are provided.

Treadwell's is at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. The class starts at 1pm and runs until just after 3pm. Tickets are £22 per person. For more details or to reserve a place either pop into the shop or book online: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

More About Me and My Books

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

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

Monday, 2 December 2024

Pagan Eye: Me, Yule Tree & Mummy at Treadwell's

Here's a photo of me standing by the Yule tree and mummy at Treadwell's bookshop in London. I was at the shop to run a workshop on magical dolls and seasonal folklore.

In the picture I'm holding a copy of Pagan Portals - Candle Magic, which was my first title published by Moon Books and is always kept in stock at Treadwell's. I'll be running a candle magic workshop there in January. Treadwell's is at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. You can also order books and sign up for workshops online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/.

On each of my Pagan Eye posts, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. 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.

Saturday, 12 October 2024

Bookshop Day: Where to Browse Magic Tomes in London

Today is National Bookshop Day, an annual celebration of high street bookshops. It offers a reminder that real bricks-and-mortar shops contribute to our communities as well as offering a service for their customers. Personally, I much prefer the experience of browsing in a bookshop to choose what I want to read, rather than selecting something online. I also know I can get great advice from the staff who work there.

As I'm a London witch, I'm highlighting these three fabulous independent esoteric bookshops in my city:

Treadwell's Bookshop at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7BS. Website: www.treadwells-london.com/ (The photo at the top shows the interior of Treadwell's with a guardian mummy!)
The Atlantis Bookshop at 49a Museum Street, London, WC1A 1LY. Website: theatlantisbookshop.com/
Watkins Bookshop at 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Website: www.watkinsbooks.com

I'll be in Treadwell's later today teaching a candle magic workshop. You can find signed copies of my books there too. I'm Lucya Starza. As well as writing A Bad Witch's Blog I'm the author of titles in Moon Books' Pagan Portals series on Candle Magic, Guided Visualisations, Poppets and Magical Dolls, Scrying, and Rounding the Wheel of the Year. My Gothic novel Erosion is also published by Moon Books and available to buy at Treadwell's.

Bookshop Day happens annually in October. It's run by the Booksellers Association to encourage book lovers to shop at their local bookshop. You can find your nearest bookseller on the map on the website: www.booksellers.org.uk/

You can help support your favourite bookshop on social media by popping into your favourite - or any bookshop you are passing - take a photo and share it with the tags @booksaremybag and #BookshopDay!

Monday, 17 June 2024

Pagan Eye: Pride & Indie Bookshop Week @ Treadwell's

Here's Treadwell's Bookshop in London decorated with flags for Pride month. I was there on Saturday to teach a candle magic workshop and took the photo to show support for Pride and to support Independent Bookshop Week.

The annual celebration of independent bookshops highlights the role they play in communities and aims to encourage readers to do their summer book-buying with independent shops. On the topic of seasonal holiday reading, Treadwell's has copies of my Gothic novel, Erosion, in which a glorious summer by the Kent coast turns spooky.

Treadwell's is at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. You can also order books and workshops online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/.

Thursday, 16 May 2024

My Candle Magic Book Has Sold a Milestone 9,000 Copies

I got some great news from my publisher: Pagan Portals - Candle Magic has now sold more than 9,000 copies.

It was the first of my books on witchcraft published by Moon Books, and has done really well since it was launched at Treadwell's Bookshop in February 2016. I want to thank everyone who has bought my books, attended my events and supported me by writing reviews over the years.

I also want to thank Treadwell's for keeping all my books in stock. My most recent book to be published, a gothic novel called Erosion, was also launched with an event at the lovely esoteric bookshop at 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS.

Where to find my books

You can find out more about all of my books at these places:

Moon Books/Collective Ink
Treadwell's direct link for Candle Magic

Treadwell's direct link for signed copies of Erosion

My Amazon author page

(Please note I earn commission from some links. This helps subsidise my blog at no extra charge to readers.)

Monday, 8 April 2024

Pagan Eye: Signing Copies of my Novel at Treadwell's

Here's a photo of me signing copies of Erosion, my new Gothic novel, at Treadwell's on Saturday. It was lovely to see everyone who turned up to chat and show an interest in the book. Erosion isn't officially published for a couple of weeks, but my publisher, Moon Books, was very helpful in getting copies to Treadwell's for this event. The shop still has a few signed copies left, so if you want one pop in or order online.

If you want a taster of what the book's like, I blogged a few days ago with a short extract, which you can read here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/04/sea-magic-extract-from-erosion-my.html

Treadwell's Bookshop is at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. The website is at https://www.treadwells-london.com/

On Friday 26 April, which is the official publication date, I'm doing a free online launch event for Erosion. You're welcome to drop in and say hello. I'll be going live at 3pm but the recording will be available to watch later if you prefer. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/events/426303556406630/?

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/11/picrtures-owen-davies-art-of-grimoire.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/04/pagan-eye-lamassu-of-nineveh-goes-on.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/pagan-eye-garden-for-children-in-times.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/02/book-news-my-novel-erosion-is-at.html

Friday, 17 November 2023

Pictures: Owen Davies' Art of the Grimoire Launch Party

Here are some photos I took at the Art of the Grimoire launch talk and party at Treadwell's in London last night. The book is by Professor Owen Davies and shows the art of the magical grimoires down the centuries. Grimoires are guides on summoning demons and angels are filled with magical sigils, images and symbols.

As Professor Davies explained in his talk, which started the event, he'd earlier written Grimoires: A History of Magic Books, concentrating on the information within them and how they were transmitted and shared down the ages. This new volume focusses on the wonderful artwork within them.

After the talk there was a friendly soiree with wine. Professor Davies was around to chat with everyone and sign copies of the book. You can see him signing my copy in one of the pictures here. There was also a range of grimoire magical tools, laid out for handling and demonstration. Rob Rider Hill, a practising grimoire magician living in London, showed a few practices that are components of ceremonies (pictured at the top). As promised, it was a wonderful evening celebrating magic.

I'm looking forward to reading the book!

Treadwell's is at London, 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS, UK. You can find out more about books in stock and events going on here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/02/review-magic-very-short-introduction.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/01/review-oxford-illustrated-history-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/review-troubled-by-faith-insanity.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/12/pagan-eye-art-exhibition-at-treadwells.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/11/pagan-eye-of-shadows-at-treadwells.html

Tuesday, 4 April 2023

Shopping: A Tea Leaf Reading Kit from Treadwell's

Spring Bank Holiday weekends are the perfect time for a traditional afternoon tea, and a spot of tea leaf reading. If you fancy giving it a go, or are looking for the perfect present for a witchy friend, this Tea Leaf Reading Kit from Treadwell's could be just the thing to order. You can see the set in the photo above, and here's the description from Treadwell's website:

"This beautiful starter box gives you all you need to read tea leaves right away. We're lucky to have found a large china bowl and saucer, charmingly illustrated with the symbols -- a home feature in itself. With it we include: our favourite book on tea leaf reading , a bright leaflet for quick reference, and a glass jar of our favourite loose-leaf assam tea. It is all packed beautifully into a gift box which is a delight to open."

Tea leaf reading is one of the most sociable forms of divination, and one of the easiest to learn to do. You could have a tea party and do it with friends, have a go at your next witchy get-together, or enjoy a cuppa on your own and then examine the leaves to find what the future might hold.

Treadwell's also does a range of other boxes of magical goodies that make great gifts or witchy starter sets, including a Kitchen Witch kit, a Sun Magic Box and a Moon Bath Self Care Kit (pictured right). April's full moon is in just a couple of days, but its influence will be felt for several nights before and afterwards. This would be the perfect time for a moon bath.

Treadwell's Bookshop at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7BS. As well as selling esoteric books and products, the shop runs a range of talks and workshops both online and in-person. You can find the main website here: www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday, 15 December 2022

Pagan Eye: Art Exhibition at Treadwell's Occult Bookshop

Here's a photo a took of two of the pictures in Sasha Chaitow’s solo art exhibition at Treadwell's occult bookshop in London. Her pictures include illustrations from her book on Joséphin Péladan, and also others inspired by that style. The two in the photo depict Sapho and Plato. The exhibition is free to enter and is on until Monday 19th December. It's free to visit during shop opening times, noon - 7pm. Treadwell's is at 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS. You can find the website here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

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.

Friday, 9 December 2022

Books: Scrying Named Top 2022 Seller + 50% Festive Sale

My most recent witchcraft book, Pagan Portals - Scrying, has been named the best-selling Moon Book published in 2022. I was given the wonderful news by my editor this week and I'm celebrating.

I've also got some other good news to share from John Hunt Publishing, which Moon Books is part of. The publisher is running a Christmas sale on its website from today, 9th December, through the end of the month. The sale gives customers 50% off the RRP of any JHP eBook when bought directly from the publisher's website using the discount code FESTIVE50. You don't have to just buy my books. Here's a link to main catalogue: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/our-books/jhp-books/.

However, if you do want to take this opportunity to add any of my practical magic books to your collection at half price, here's the link to my author page: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/moon-books/authors/lucya-starza

I'd like to mention as well that I'm running an in-person scrying workshop at Treadwell's in London on Saturday 10th December. It's a 2-hour workshop with a 1pm start. Tickets are £22 and you can find details of all the bookshop's events here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Monday, 28 November 2022

My Workshops: Candle Magic & Scrying at Treadwell's

I'm running more in-person sessions of my popular workshops on scrying and candle magic at Treadwell's in London over the next couple of months. Here are the details:

Scrying

On Saturday 10 December I'm doing an in-person workshop based on my book Pagan Portals - Scrying. Scrying is the ancient visionary practice of gazing on water surfaces, mirrors, flames and crystal balls for messages and insights.

Candle Magic

On Saturday 14 January I'm doing an in-person workshop teaching ways of using this traditional form of spellcraft, based on my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic.

Both workshops start at 1pm and end at 3.15pm. Tickets for each are £22 per person and you can reserve a place by visiting https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or at shop. Treadwell's Bookshop is at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS.

I'm Lucya Starza and as well as writing A Bad Witch's Blog I'm the author of books in the Pagan Portals series on Candle Magic, Guided Visualisations, Poppets and Magical Dolls, and Scrying. I also edited Every Day Magic. You can buy my books at Treadwell's Bookshop, as well as other places. You can find more about me at my author page at publisher Moon Books.

Friday, 21 October 2022

Pagan Eye: Lilith Dorsey Introducing The Bloodettes

I went along to Treadwell’s for a screening of The Bloodettes in a series of horror movie nights. The Bloodettes is a stylish although low-budget African film set in the near future in which two women use the power of the Mevungu to defeat the patriarchy. At the shop it was introduced by Voodoo Priestess Lilith Dorsey M.A. digitally from New Orleans, and the photo above shows her talking about Mevungu and magic in the movie. It was really fascinating. I learnt something about Camaroon mysticism and I recommend the movie too if you like somewhat unusual horror films. I should warn you it's a bit gory in places, particularly the scene with the testicle...

If you're interested, you can watch a trailer here (although in the trailer it's called The Bleeders, symbolising menstrual moon power I think): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVaaDPkeuP0

Treadwell's also stocks a range of books on African mysticism, magic and religion, including titles by Lilith Dorsey. The shop is at 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS. You can find the website here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday, 21 July 2022

Witchy Shopping: Raven Goddess Bundle at Treadwell's

This box full of witchy goodies caught my eye when I was in Treadwell's bookshop in London at the weekend. It is on display as the Raven Goddess Bundle and contains all the following:

A pentacle cushion
A triple moon amulet
A small pentacle charm
A pyrite crystal
A pendulum
A copy of Pagan Portals - Raven Goddess by Morgan Daimler
A greeting card, and
A secret surprise.

No, I don't know what the secret surprise is.

The box costs £45 and I think it would make a lovely gift for a witch. I'd have been tempted to buy it myself, except that I already own a pentacle cushion and a pendulum or two and have the Raven Goddess book sitting in my pile of things to read when I get a spare moment.

Treadwell's is at 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS and is normally open from midday until 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and untl 6pm on Sundays. You can order things online as well as getting tickets for events at https://www.treadwells-london.com/#

Friday, 10 June 2022

Magic School: The Wytchery Training for Solitary Witches

A new witchcraft training group has started in Central London, run by highly experienced witches. The workshops are taking place at Treadwell's esoteric bookshop in Bloomsbury, at least at first. Here's the description from The Wytchery Meetup Group:

"The Wytchery is a programme of practical, monthly workshops aimed at solitary witches, curious about what it might be like to practice with a group and to learn things that the internet can’t teach. It is based in London, UK and will take place at a venue in town, starting summer 2022
"While the programme is designed to build as it goes, people can start at any point or drop in and out. Witches will gain hands-on experience with raising power, working magic, trance, creating spells, talismans and magical tools and importantly, using these in group work.
"It is inclusive and open to anyone who identifies as a witch, whatever their level of skill or experience – and ideally those with little, if any, experience with a group or a coven."

The first class takes place on Monday 13 June at 7pm and the topic is Raising Power. Anyone taking part will get live practice in various ways to raise energy for use in spells and magical workings, making and charging a witch bottle. The techniques are ones you can use on your own, and may have done already, but there's real magic when you raise power with a group of people. This is a taster for what that feels like.

Tickets are £10 per class to cover overheads. You can find out more and book for the first event here: https://www.meetup.com/the-wytchery/events/286072471/ Treadwells is at 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS, UK.

You can also join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/wytcherymagick

Friday, 13 May 2022

Photos: Ronald Hutton's Queens of the Wild Launch Party

Jane Mortimer sent me the picture above, of herself with Jason Mankey and Thorn Mooney, at the launch party for Professor Ronald Hutton's latest book, Queens of the Wild, on Tuesday evening. The eminent historian was in person at Treadwell's bookshop in London for drinks, a social, signings and a lecture on goddess-like folklore figures. The event was livestreamed as well. I watched it online and found the talk absolutely fascinating, but Jane was there in person and afterwards told me:

"I'm still coming down from a brilliant evening at Treadwell's. I couldn't believe it when I saw Jason Mankey's name on the list. He'd come across the Pond with his wife Ari, along with Thorn Mooney, especially for Ronald's talk. The talk was great wasn't it. e mingled afterwards and I managed to have chats with both Jason and Thorn. They're so friendly and approachable, and were happy to be photographed.

"Sadly I didn't get a photo of Ronald Hutton before he was hustled up the 'back stairs' to make a getaway in time to catch his train back to Bristol, but he signed my book (see left pic), with a nice reference to growing up in Barkingside. We grew up literally one block apart.

"I can't believe I was mixing with such luminaries from across the globe - a once in a lifetime event."

I aim to pick up a copy of Queens of the Wild at Treadwells when I'm next there. You can find the shop at 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS, UK or order online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Photo credit: The photo at the top was taken by Gwion Raven on behalf of Jane Mortimer. Jane took the photo at the bottom.

Sunday, 13 March 2022

Pagan Portals - Scrying Sold 703 Copies in only a WeeK!

Just over a week ago my latest book was launched: Pagan Portals - Scrying. I've since had an email from my publisher to say it has already sold 703 copies. It was Moon Book's best-selling title in February. I'm absolutely delighted!

Thanks so much to everyone who has bought copies - and shops that have put it on their shelves.

If you haven't seen a copy yet, this is the description of my book from the back cover:

Scrying is the practice of looking into crystal balls, mirrors, water, fire, clouds and many other things to see visions, find messages and gain knowledge. It can be done for personal guidance, for inspiration, to find the answers to questions, to look at distant places or other realms, or for fortune-telling and prophecy. It is a form of divination that taps into our psychic senses and powers of intuition. Pagan Portals - Scrying shows how anyone can learn to develop the necessary skills to scry in a variety of different ways.

If you haven't bought Pagan Portals - Scrying but want to, you can find signed copies at Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS, and at other esoteric bookshops as well as order it through Amazon either as paperback or Kindle version, or find it via my author page at publisher Moon Books.

Please note I earn commission from some links

Monday, 28 February 2022

Pictures: Scrying Workshop & Signing at Treadwell's

On Saturday I was at Treadwell's bookshop in London to launch my latest book Pagan Portals - Scrying, and here are some pictures taken on the day.

In the top photo you can see me sitting at a table at the front of the shop signing copies, overlooked by the rather fabulous Treadwell's mummy. It was great to chat with people who turned up to say hello as well.

Before the signing session I ran an in-person scrying workshop in the downstairs event space. The previous time I taught a class there was almost exactly two years ago, and it was wonderful to be back. During that gap, the area has been completely refurbished. I was really impressed with how gorgeous it looks. At the bottom of this post you can see a photo I took after setting up the tables before the start of the workshop.

I was particularly impressed with the new lighting arrangments. It's very important to be able to get the lighting right when people are gazing into crystal balls or bowls of water in the hope of seeing visions and messages. The refurbishment had taken that kind of thing into consideration so it was very easy to adjust the light levels and get them them perfect.

The other photo shows copies of Pagan Portals - Scrying on the shelf in the psychic section. If you look very carefully you can also see copies of my earlier book Pagan Portals - Guided Visualisations just a little further along. If you weren't able to get to the events but want a signed copy, the shop still has some available. Treadwells is at 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS and is normally open from midday until 7pm. You can order books online as well as getting tickets for events at https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/02/the-video-pagan-portals-scrying-launch.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/12/yule-gifts-get-early-copies-of-pagan.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/08/magical-books-treadwells-book-of-plant.html

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Occult London: Treadwell's Massive Basement Book Sale

I popped into Treadwell's the other day to have a look at the shop's new decor, and discovered they are currently having a huge sale of books.

All the books in the basement room are being sold at £2 each or 3 for £5. There are rows of tables filled with volumes that you can browse through. Some of them are on esoteric subjects, but there's also fiction and loads of other non-fiction titles as well. I came away with a paperback novel, a medieval recipe book and a hardback on crafting.

The upstairs shop still has its usual wonderful selection of books on witchcraft, magic, paganism and other occult subjects at regular prices. Oh and the new decor is lovely too - both upstairs and down. The collage on this post shows photos I took when I was there.

Treadwell's Bookshop is at 33 Store Street, London WC1E and is open every week from Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6pm, and browsing is welcomed. You can visit the website here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Treadwell's Esoteric Bookshop Reopens Today

Treadwell's Bookshop is re-opening today, Tuesday, 18th May, after a complete refurbish. The esoteric bookshop at 33 Store Street, London WC1E, now on is open every week from Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 6pm, and browsing is welcomed.

There are also in-person tarot readings on Friday afternoons, booked in advance. The shop's wonderful stock of magic books and other items continue to be available for online shopping, as well, plus there are online events including talks and workshops.

Thursday, 29 October 2020

Shopping: Treadwell's has Redecorated and Reopened

Treadwell's esoteric shop has had a complete facelift, and is now open in time for Samhain shopping. Although Treadwell's is best known for its wonderful stock of occult books, both new and old, it also sells loads of other things. Last year I bought a great quality Ouija board there, and it still has them in stock. You might be able to spot one in the picture above.

Owner Christina said: "Come see our refurbished shop floor, and get a book or two - or incense, candles, cauldrons, soaps, herbs. Umm, yes, there's a mummy in the window, too. Please also come just to say hello - we've missed you all."

I've missed visiting Treadwell's in person too, although I did order books from the online shop in the summer, including the Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic, which is brilliant.

Treadwell's is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from noon to 5pm, and is at 33 Store Street, London WC1E. You can still order books online if you prefer, via the website: https://www.treadwells-london.com/shop. It is also still running online events including talks and workshops.

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