Craft: Making a Viking Glass Bead at Greenoaks

Here's a photo of me in a Viking glass bead workshop, run by Scarlet Impressions at the Greenoaks Gathering last weekend. You can see the finished item inset in the picture.

It was the first time I've done anything with molten glass and I was a bit nervous before I started but Scarlet - who you can see on the left - was reassuring and gave expert tuition. 

The basic technique is similar to making rolled paper beads, which is something I've done many times before. The difference is that this time I was rolling layers of molten glass around a rod rather than strips of paper. You have to keep turning the molten glass in a flame to keep it even and make the layers blend properly.

The pattern is created by adding dots of molten glass of different colours, then keep turning so that they stick. My finished bead is a little wonky, but I'm sure I'd get better with practice. 

The technique of placing dots of different coloured glass on top of each other is the same used to make blue eye patterned amulets traditionally worn to protect against the evil eye.

You can read my earlier general review of Greenoaks here: https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/06/i-had-wonderful-time-at-greenoaks.html

Other previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/05/witchy-craft-making-polymer-clay-charm.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/05/poppet-craft-pipecleaner-and-clothes.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/04/craft-i-painted-pebbles-it-was-easier.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/upcycling-crafts-paper-flowers-from.html

Book Review: Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner

Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner is the new title from British author Thea Prothero. It's in Moon Books' Pagan Portals series, which offers brilliant introductions to esoteric topics and spiritual paths. As the subtitle suggests, this book offers advice and guidance for those who want to start practicing heathenry but are on their own.

Here's the synopsis from publisher Moon Books:

"Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner offers solid, well-researched basic information to help you begin your Heathen journey - including key texts, historical context, rituals, the Gods, Runes, and everything else you'll need for building your practice. This book is intended for solitary wanderers. Whereas most books tend to focus on building strong kin and working in groups for worship and relationship-building, often leaving out those who wish to practice as individuals, this book aims to restore the balance, offering practical advice and guidance to those who work alone."

It's a really easy read and perfect for those just setting out on a heathen path. What I particularly like about it is that it offers case studies and interviews with different solitary practitioners, showing diversity in belief and activity. I also loved the fact that the book begins with a chapter called Heathen Women, explaining that this spiritual path isn't as patriarchal as popular history suggested in the past.

Other chapters cover the essentials of cosmology, gods and goddesses, the vaettir (or spirits), thoughts about ancestors, rituals, annual celebrations, and runes. At the end is a section on heathenry in the 21st century and lists of organisations you can join if you prefer to be a little less solitary.

If you are a novice Pagan who is interested in heathenry and wants to learn the basics, this book is recommended. 

You can view Heathenry for the Solitary Practitioner on Amazon

Please note: I earn commission from some links

Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/11/review-pagan-portals-pilgrimage.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/12/author-interview-festive-reads.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/11/divination-ehwaz-as-rune-for-world.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/04/earth-day-our-roots-reach-by-imelda.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/04/review-just-add-blood-runelore-anglo.html

House of Spells & the Backward-Looking Beast Mystery

Here is a Viking mystery: what is the meaning of the Backward-Looking Beast?

I only came across this little beastie when I saw this brooch (pictured) in the House of Spells Viking collection. The description says it is a replica of a Viking brooch found at Coppergate, York. The original dates from the 10th century and features an animal looking over its shoulder. A similar design is seen on quite a few Viking brooches from that era.

Curious about what the Backward-Looking Beast represented, I did a bit of research. I found a picture of an original brooch on the Vikings in the East Midlands virtual museum website. It suggests the animal is meant to be a horse, and that brooches were commonly worn by Viking women as fastenings for clothing.

Last summer one was on show at Norwich Castle in an exhibition of Viking-era finds. It prompted an article in the Eastern Daily Press, reporting that hundreds of similar brooches have been unearthed, mainly in East Anglia and Yorkshire: "Each has a running animal, its head on the left of the design with a mane flowing down the left of the brooch, its spiky tail pointing upwards and its snout filling the space above its back as it glances, with a circular eye, back over its shoulder."

Jewellery was popular with both Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. Some designs may have been worn by people as symbols of their cultural identity at a time when newcomers were integrating with older communities. Some, such as Thor's hammers (the picture right is an example from the House of Spells website), were also worn as good luck charms. The Backward-Looking Beast appears both as a Anglo-Saxon and Viking symbol, so isn't likely to be just for cultural identity.

Archaeologist Norman Smedley, in 'Some Anglo-Saxon Animal Brooches', writes that the design was originally popular with Anglo-Saxons, but was later copied and adapted by Vikings. He suggests the design might have had magical significance, as all of the complete versions he studied had precisely 28 beads around the border. He writes:

"It seems quite incredible that this constancy in the number of marginal beads can be the result of mere chance, though the precise significance is impossible to determine. Was the brooch some form of distinctive badge? Or had it some magical import? Twenty-eight is a multiple of seven, a number generally regarded as having an occult significance."

I'm not sure whether that completely solves the mystery, but it does suggest the Backward-Looking Beast brooch is more than just an attractive design. The replica you can buy from House of Spells is a cleaned up version of the original, which was severely worn. The brooch is available in pewter or bronze, and comes with a gift box. As I mentioned last week, I've managed to arrange 10% discount for readers of A Bad Witch's Blog on items bought from House of Spells, using this link:  https://houseofspells.co.uk/discount/BADW1  Delivery in the UK is free.

As well as ordering online, you can visit the shop in person and use the code BADW1 at the checkout to get the 10% discount. House of Spells is a two-minute walk from Leicester Square tube station at 69-71 Charing Cross Rd, West End, London WC2H 0NE. The hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm, and to 9pm at weekends.

Previous post
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/07/house-of-spells-magical-offer-for.html

A Round-up of News on Paganism, Magic & the Occult

"Part-time Pagan needed for religious services at Dartmoor Prison" - story at Plymouth Herald: https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/local-news/29k-job-part-time-pagan-1261451

"In Thor We Trust: Swedes Revive 'Back to the Roots' Viking Heathenry" - story at Sputnik International: https://sputniknews.com/europe/201802271062028034-sweden-paganism-asatro/

"Avebury's Archdruid accepts decision by National Trust to temporarily close 'quagmire' stones" - story at Swindon Advertiser: http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/16040302.Avebury_s_Archdruid_accepts_decision_to_temporarily_close__quagmire__stones/

"OCCULT NEWS: Here's how YOU can make REAL MAGIC according to a top UK 'witch'" - story at Express.co.uk: https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/922691/Occult-you-try-real-magic-Pagan-witch-Marian-Green

"Woman 'possessed by Hindu goddess Kali' when heart stopped in near death experience" - story at Express.co.uk: https://www.express.co.uk/news/weird/921042/Woman-possessed-Hindu-goddess-Kali-heart-stopped-near-death-experience-life-after-death

"Erik Davis talks Jack Parsons and "Babalon Rising"" - story at Boing Boing: https://boingboing.net/2018/02/26/erik-davis-talks-jack-parsons.html

"Alleged victim of medieval re-enactment society guru Trevor Pilling, from Chesham, looked upon him as a druid, court hears" - story at Bucks Free Press: http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/16051369.Alleged_victim_of_medieval_re_enactment_society_guru_looked_upon_him_as_a_Druid__court_hears/

Pagan Events Over Valentine's Day & Chinese New Year

Here are some of the pagan events taking place in the week ahead, including over Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. Most of the events I list are in or near London, because that's where I live, but I have mentioned a few big festivals and exhibitions taking place in other parts of England. If you know of an event that you want listed, please email the details to me at badwitch1234@gmail.com.

Now - Wednesday 28 February; Harry Potter: A History of Magic. Venue: PACCAR Gallery, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB. Timed slots every day. Tickets £16 adult, £8 child. Enquiries: 01937 546546. https://www.bl.uk/

Now - 8 April; Exhibition: Living with Gods: peoples, places and worlds beyond. Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Tickets: £15 standard, members free but booking essential. For more details visit: https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Now - Wednesday 28 February 2018; The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic: An exhibition dedicated to Cornwall’s most magical Museum, featuring photographs from Of Shadows: One Hundred Objects from The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic by Sara Hannant and Simon Costin. Last Tuesday Society. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/

Now to 25 March. Exhibition: Safeguards Against Witchcraft. Venue: The Museum of Cambridge, 2/3 Castle Street , Cambridge, Cambs CB3 0AQ. Museum entry £4/£2. http://www.museumofcambridge.org.uk/

Wednesday 7 February; 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 7 February; Study Group - Ancient Myths with David Lowe. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7.15pm. https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/

Thursday 8 February; Shamanic Witchcraft. Talk by Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, and Flavia Kate Peters, authors of The Shamanic Handbook of Sacred Tools and Ceremonies. 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 8 February; First Steps in Thelema. Evening workshop with Marco Visconti. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Tickets £20. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday 8 February; Our personal stories of ancient stone mystery centres. Talk by Mary Anne Paterson at Earthstars. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 4SH. Time: Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Entry £12. https://www.facebook.com/Earthstars-Sacred-Space-104790729559515/

Thursday 8 February; PFL Imbolc Open Ritual with the Kith of the Tree and the Well. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Time: 7.30pm. Entry: £6/£5 (PF members and concessions). https://www.facebook.com/events/388240274979390/

Thursday 8 February; Ghost hunting in the Magical Library: Harry Price and the Ghosts. Talk by Sarah Sparkes 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 nigelofbermondsey@gmail.com

Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February; Witches, Monsters and Beasties. Three one-day workshops on drawing and the art of the supernatural at the National Gallery. Venue: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN. Starts: 11am. Tickets: £26.71. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/witches-monsters-and-beasties-the-art-of-the-supernatural-at-the-national-gallery-tickets-41089651253

Friday 9 February; 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 9 February; A Demonstration of Mediumship with Q and A: Anthony Kesner. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Cost: £12/£14. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 9 February; Turning points in our Biographies. Talk by Julia Dvinskaya. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7pm. http://www.rsh.anth.org.uk/whats-on/

Friday 9 February; Psychic Circle - Working with Spirit. Hosted by Mamma Moon Magick. Venue: The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary, Pea Lane, Upminster RM142XH. Time: 7pm. Entry: £15/£18. For further information or to book call Rain on 07786328908 http://www.healingandteaching.co.uk/

Friday 9 February; Oasis of Sound - Sound Bath and Mantra with Anne Malone. Organised by the Oasis of Sound Meetup Group. Venue: The Life Centre Islington, Brittania Row, North London. Tickets £15. Time: 7.30pm. Details: https://www.meetup.com/Oasis-of-Sound-Sound-Bath-n-Sound-Scape/

Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 February; The Enchanted Market. Two-day pagan festival with talks, workshops, entertainment and a market. I will be giving a talk based on my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic. Venue: The Enchanted Market, Garth Hill College, Bull Lane, Bracknell, Berks RG42 2LN. Tickets: £15. Tel: 07916173517 http://www.theenchantedmarket.com/

Saturday 10 February; Psychic Saturday hosted by The Witches' Inn and Crossed Palms. Venue: The Essential Training Organization, The Pilot Building Quarryside Business Park Thornton Side Unit 1, Redhill, RH12LJ. Time: noon. https://www.facebook.com/events/1953520881580412/

Saturday 10 February; The Bleeding Heart Walk with Scott Wood of Haunt London and London Fortean Society. Starts: Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8. Times: 2.30pm. Tickets: £7.70. http://www.wegottickets.com/event/427248

Saturday 10 February; Heart Beat - Drumming Collective for February with Gong Master Olaf Nixon Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Cost: £20/£22. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 10 February; Arcturian Sound Bath. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £20. www.aho.community

Sunday 11 February; Spellcraft half-day workshop. Learn candles, cord and rune magic outdoors with London Woodland Witches Magicians and Outdoor Pagans. Meet in the heated patio area of The Woodman's Pub, Archway Road, Highgate, London N6 at 11.15am to walk to Queen's Woods. Fee: £13. You must reserve a place in advance. Wear outdoor clothes and bring something to sit on and food and drink. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Sunday 11 February; Ageless Wisdom for Everyone. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 2pm. Donations welcome. https://www.meetup.com/Theosophical-Society-in-London/  and http://www.theosophicalsociety.org.uk/

Sunday 11 February; The Bleeding Heart Walk with Scott Wood of Haunt London and London Fortean Society. Starts: Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8. Times: 2.30pm. Tickets: £7.70. http://www.wegottickets.com/event/427250. https://www.facebook.com/pg/LondonForteanSociety/events/

Sunday 11 February; The Crick Crack Club storytelling: The fate we bring ourselves: Greek myths unleashed. Venue: BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 2.30pm. Tickets £10. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February; Jorvik Viking Festival 2018 in York. Various events taking place throughout the week. Main venue: 15 Coppergate Walk, YO1 9WT York. Tickets and information
www.jorvikvikingfestival.co.uk

Monday 12 February; Young Urban Witch Workshop: Spirit. Evening Mini-workshop with Rebecca Beattie. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets £20. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 12 February; Night of Shiva: Shivarathri Pooja and chants in the Woods with London Woodland Witches Magicians and Outdoor Pagans. Meet at Pret A Manger opposite Wimbledon Station, SW19,  at 6.30pm to then take a bus to Wimbledon Common. Fee: £3. You must reserve a place in advance. Wear outdoor clothes and bring something to sit on and vegetarian food and non-alcoholic drink to share. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Monday 12 February; Tarot Reading Practice Evening with the Tarot and Esoteric Discovery Group. Venue: Artillery Arms (private space upstairs), 102 Bunhill Row Nr Moorgate/Old St, London EC1Y 8ND. Time: 7pm. Entry: £5, but you must be a member of the meetup group and reserve a place in advance. https://www.meetup.com/Tarot-and-Healing-Group/

Tuesday 13 February; The Bleeding Heart Walk with Scott Wood of Haunt London and London Fortean Society. Starts: Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8. Times: 7pm. Tickets: £7.70. https://www.facebook.com/pg/LondonForteanSociety/events/

Tuesday 13 February; Energetic Connections Workshop with The Calmery. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London E9 7AD. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £30. www.sheslostcontrol.co.uk

Tuesday 13 February; South London Wicca Meetup. Nova Stellar Presents an Evening with Pete Jennings, author of Blacksmith Gods. Venue: The Castle, 34-35 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6DB. Time: Doors open 7pm, talk starts at 8pm. Entry £3. https://www.facebook.com/events/1758343710874671/

Tuesday 13 February; Wicca and Witchcraft - Monthly Initiatory Study Circle with the New Dawn Pagan Kinship meetup group. Meet at Carshalton station, North Street, Carshalton SM5 2HW. Time: 7.30pm. Free event but you must reserve a place in advance. https://www.meetup.com/New-Dawn/

Wednesday 14 February; The Bleeding Heart Walk with Scott Wood of Haunt London and London Fortean Society. Starts: Bleeding Heart Yard, London, EC1N 8. Times: 7pm. Tickets: £7.70. https://www.facebook.com/pg/LondonForteanSociety/events/

Wednesday 14 February; 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 14 February; The Zero Point Field. Talk by Andrew Martin. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Cost: £12/£14. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 15 February; Lost Knowledge of the Imagination. Talk by Gary Lachman. 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 15 February; Breaking the Code of Psi. Lecture by Simon Duan. Venue: Society for Psychical Research HQ, 1 Vernon Mews, London W14 0RL. Time: 6.30pm. Entry: Free for members. https://www.spr.ac.uk/

Thursday 15 February; Divination with Marc Salem. Hogwarts Curriculum Lecture - part of a series running alongside the Harry Potter Exhibition. Venue: British Library Knowledge Centre, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DB. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15/£10. Visit https://www.bl.uk/events/hogwarts-curriculum-lectures? or call 01937 546546

Friday 16 February; Woodland Wicca: New Moon Ritual and Partial Solar Eclipse Magic  with London Woodland Witches Magicians and Outdoor Pagans. Meet in the heated patio area of The Woodman's Pub, Archway Road, Highgate, London N6 at 7pm to walk to the ritual site in Queen's Woods. Fee: £3. You must reserve a place in advance. Wear outdoor clothes and bring something to sit on and food and drink to share. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Friday 16 - Sunday 18 February; Into the Wild Winter Warmer festival. Venue Emerson College,
Pixton, Hartfield Road, Forest Row RH18 5JX. Tickets and information: www.intothewildgathering.com

Friday 16 February; The Voice of the Gongs: Optimum Healing with Gong Master Olaf Nixon. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 6pm. Cost: £40/£44. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 16 February; Magickal Alchemy- workshop looking at how nature, the seasons and our energy can be used to transform our lives.. Venue: The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary, Pea Lane, Upminster RM142XH. Time: 7pm. Entry: £15. For further information or to book call Rain on 07786328908 http://www.healingandteaching.co.uk/

Friday 16 February; Alexandrian Witchcraft Soiree. Venue: Address in Central London. Time: 8pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/163582384284460/

Saturday 17 February; Day conference on Anna Kingsford and her links with astrology, esoteric Christianity, women's rights, the anti-vivisection movement, the Theosophical Society and her work with occultist Edward Maitland. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8EA. Time: 10am-6pm. Tickets £40/£20. https://www.meetup.com/Theosophical-Society-in-London/  and http://www.theosophicalsociety.org.uk/

Saturday 17 February; Study Day: Faith, belief and religion in the classical world. Venue: BP Lecture Theatre, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 10.30pm. Tickets £49. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Saturday 17 February; Sacred Feminine: The Art of the Goddess with the London Drawing Group. Venue: The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 11am. Tickets: £26.71. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sacred-feminine-the-art-of-the-goddess-tickets-41089354365?

Saturday 17 February; Witch Bottles for Practical Magic Afternoon Mini-workshop - Tanya Moulding Witch. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm start. Tickets £20. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 17 February; Spirits and shamans in Native North American arts - gallery talk. Room 26., British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Time: 1.15pm. Free, just turn up. For more details visit: http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/events_calendar.aspx

Saturday 17 February; Earthkin Gathering. Family-friendly pagan moot in a private home near Turnpike Lane, North London. Time: 2pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/578049512539478/

Sunday 18 February; 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 18 February; London's Chinese New Year Festival to celebrate the start of the Year of the Dog. The event starts at 10am with a Dragon and Lion Dance and parade in Charing Cross Road, followed by free performances in Trafalgar Square and China Town from noon. Free, public event. http://www.chinatownlondon.org/ or https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london

Sunday 18 February; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot on the third Sunday of each month. Venue: The Sir John Oldcastle, Farringdon Road/Greville Street, London EC1M 3JF. Time: 3pm-6pm. https://www.meetup.com/The-Kith-of-The-Tree-and-The-Well/

Sunday 18 February; A Magical Cacao Celebration of Songs and Stories. Venue: Aho Studio, 13 Prince Edward Rd, London, E9 5LX. Time: 6pm. Tickets: £20. www.aho.community

Note: I am not responsible for any of these events except my own talk on candle magic at the Enchanted Market. I try to make sure the details on my listings are accurate, but do not necessarily know about any late changes or ticket availability. Please contact the organisers before attending any event. If you spot something that needs correcting, please email me at badwitch1234@gmail.com

News: Vikings, Witches, History, Archaeology

"Viking skeleton’s DNA test proves historians wrong" - story at New York Post: http://nypost.com/2017/09/08/viking-skeletons-dna-test-proves-historians-wrong/

"From tarot cards to macabre hoodies: why witchcraft is all the rage" - story at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/sep/06/from-tarot-cards-to-macabre-hoodies-why-witchcraft-is-all-the-rage

"This might be the creepiest castle in England and it's only a short drive from Kent" - story about a castle with "witch marks" at Kent Live: http://www.kentlive.news/this-might-be-the-creepiest-castle-in-england-and-it-s-only-a-short-drive-from-kent/story-30508309-detail/story.html

"What It's Like to Live With a White Witch" - story at Haaretz: http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/holylandings/.premium-1.811347

"We're all doomed...so says the ancient witches' curse reputed to loom over Paisley" - story at Scottish Daily Record: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/were-doomedso-says-ancient-witches-11120855

"Egypt archaeologists unearth 3,500-year-old tomb in Luxor" - story at The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/09/egypt-archaeologists-unearth-3500-year-old-tomb-luxor/

"Archaeologists Discover Ancient Sunken City in the Mediterranean" - story at Mental Floss: http://mentalfloss.com/article/504225/archaeologists-discover-ancient-sunken-city-mediterranean

News: Pagans, Father Christmas, Vikings, Witches

"Santa Claus' Pagan Origins: Why Do Christmas Traditions Come From Old Europe?" - story at International Business Times: http://www.ibtimes.com/santa-claus-pagan-origins-why-do-christmas-traditions-come-old-europe-2455341

"What religion was practised by the people of Lithuania before their conversion to Christianity in the 14th century?" - blog post about the last European country to be officially pagan at BBC History Magazine: http://www.historyextra.com/qa/religion-lithuania-pagan-conversion-christianity

"Clive Standen and Maude Hirst travel to Scandinavia as Real Vikings looks at Paganism" - story at Monsters and Critics.com: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/smallscreen/clive-standen-and-maude-hirst-travel-to-scandinavia-as-real-vikings-looks-at-pagan-beliefs/

"Woman who rescued Nigerian 'witch-child' beats Obama, Pope Francis to top list of world's most inspiring people" - story at The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/worlds-most-inspiring-person-2016-ooom-anja-ringgren-loven-nigeria-witch-child-a7460976.html

"Did a witch's curse kill a retired army captain and magistrate?" - story at Stoke Sentinel: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/north-staffs-legends-did-a-witch-s-curse-kill-an-army-captain/story-29951044-detail/story.html

"Woman aged 101 escapes death over witchcraft claims" - story at Times of Zambia: http://www.times.co.zm/?p=90068

The picture shows a 1881 illustration by Thomas Nast who, along with Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas", helped to create the modern image of Santa Claus

News: Ancient Runes, Witch Marks, Halloween Folklore

"Viking Rune Stone Unearthed in Sweden" - story at Archaeology: http://www.archaeology.org/news/4893-161006-sweden-rune-stone

"Witch marks and mummified cats: the secret objects hidden in your walls to trap evil spirits" - story at NEWS.com.au: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/mummified-cats-witch-marks-and-childrens-boots-in-your-walls-the-secret-objects-and-hidden-magic-symbols-used-to-trap-evil-spirits/news-story/81ab3a093472b561ffcfca2224a0ee3d

"13 Halloween Superstitions With Bizarre Histories" - story at Bustle: https://www.bustle.com/articles/185948-13-halloween-superstitions-with-bizarre-histories

News: Witchcraft, Feminism, Vikings, TV, Movies

"Why Women Should Reclaim The Word "Witch"" - story at Refinery29: http://www.refinery29.com/2016/06/113086/witch-female-insult-origin

"Mum-of-two becomes 'Pagan Housewife' after meeting witch at Alton Towers" - story at Stoke Sentinel: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Mum-Pagan-Housewife-meeting-witch-Alton-Towers/story-29366449-detail/story.html

"Vikings: Ragnar Lothbrok Saga Features Blood-Thirsty Paganism" - TV series news at Movie News Guide: http://www.movienewsguide.com/vikings-ragnar-lothbrok-saga-features-blood-thirsty-paganism/223778

"Islam, black magic, and grotesquerie: this creepy Turkish horror film trailer has fans freaked" - movie news at Vox: http://www.vox.com/2016/6/7/11866810/uc-harfliler-3-turkish-horror-film-trailer

News: Viking Hoard, Paganism, History, Fairy Tales

"Viking treasure hoard 1,000 years old discovered in Scotland" - story at The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/viking-treasure-hoard-1000-years-old-discovered-in-scotland-a6950036.html

"Why Thousands of Pagans are Standing Up for the Environment" - story at Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/pagan-community-statement-on-the-environment_us_57193453e4b0d4d3f722c2bd

"Estonians – The Nation of Neo-Pagans?" - a blog post at Estonian World: http://estonianworld.com/life/estonians-the-nation-of-neo-pagans/

"Some fairy tales may be 6,000 years old" - story at Science: http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/04/some-fairy-tales-may-be-6000-years-old

News: Archaeology, Curses, Vikings, Celebrity Witch

"2,400-Year-Old Greek Curse Tablets Translated" - story at Archaeology: http://www.archaeology.org/news/4318-160405-greece-curse-tablet

"Discovery Could Rewrite History of Vikings in New World" - story at National Geographic: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/03/160331-viking-discovery-north-america-canada-archaeology/

"Adele: 'I'm going to become a witch'" - story at New Idea: https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/new-idea/a/31274620/adele-im-going-to-become-a-witch-new-idea/

News: Health, Vikings, Occult, History, Witchcraft,

"Studies Reveal "Smudging" Eliminates Dangerous Bacteria in the Air" - story at EWAO: http://www.ewao.com/a/1-studies-uncover-the-medicinal-smoke-from-herbal-smudging-rituals-eliminates-dangerous-bacteria

"This ancient liquor popular among Vikings may be the answer to antibiotic resistance" - story at Business Insider UK: http://uk.businessinsider.com/r-honey-based-mead-may-curb-antibiotic-resistance-say-makers-2015-6?r=US

"W.B Yeats’s obsession with the occult celebrated with a major new exhibition" - story at Irish News: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/wb-yeatss-obsession-with-the-occult-celebrated-with-a-major-new-exhibition-31297771.html

"There's a secret society of journalists who try to sneak a certain phrase into their stories" - story about the Order of the Occult Hand at Business Insider UK: http://uk.businessinsider.com/there-is-a-secret-society-of-journalists-who-try-to-sneak-a-certain-phrase-into-their-stories-2015-6?r=US

"Prevention of Witch Hunt Cannot Remain on Paper" - story at The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/editorials/Prevention-of-Witch-Hunt-Cannot-Remain-on-Paper/2015/06/11/article2859769.ece

"How Satan went viral: Interactive map shows where the Salem witch trials spread - and pinpoints the source of hysteria to a local reverend" - story at Mailonline: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3119165/How-Satan-went-viral-Map-reveals-Salem-witch-trials-spread-pinpoints-source-hysteria-local-reverend.html

The picture at the top shows three sage sticks for smudgingwhich can be ordered via Amazon.

News: Terry Pratchett, Vikings, Witchcraft, Occult

While for many of the pagans I know, the death of author Terry Pratchett is the saddest news of the week - something blogged about by Yvonne Aburrow on Patheos, here are some other notable news stories:

"Female Viking Lesley Simpson makes Shetland history" - story at BBC News: http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-31862589

"Showbiz Celebrity Billie Faiers is considering hiring a white witch to make sure the sun shines on her wedding day" - story at the Irish Mirror http://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/celebrity-news/billie-faiers-considering-hiring-white-5332937

"Celtic statue row: TUV man blasts 'false gods and pagans'" - story at Belfast Telegraph: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/celtic-statue-row-tuv-man-blasts-false-gods-and-pagans-31059664.html

And an American reality TV producer is looking for a woman interested in the occult to lead a new show. You can find out more at Reality Wanted: http://www.realitywanted.com/call/32073-casting-female-lead-for-reality-show-for-new-docu-series-must-be-edgy-engaging-and-have-interest-in-the-occult#.VQVUtY6sWSo

News: Icehenge, Witchcraft, Occult Art, Norse Temple

"Five guys built “Icehenge” on a lake and it is beautiful!" - story at Eliwedel photo and design: http://eliwedel.com/five-guys-build-ice-stonehenge-on-a-lake-and-it-is-beautiful/

"Unholy row as Irish town plans plaque to mark 1711 witch trial" - story at Irish News: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/unholy-row-as-irish-town-plans-plaque-to-mark-1711-witch-trial-30966298.html

"Juan Cuadrado puts energetic performances down to recurring WITCH nightmare" - story at the Express: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/556929/Juan-Cuadrado-Chelsea-witch-nightmare

"Albrecht Dürer exhibit sheds light on art, Renaissance... and the occult?" - story about an art exhibition in Costa Rica, reported at The Tico Times: http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/02/04/albrecht-durer-exhibit-sheds-light-on-art-renaissance-and-the-occult

"Iceland Norse Temple Being Built for Pagans and Their Gods" - a further story about the new pagan temple being built in Iceland at Newsmax: http://www.newsmax.com/thewire/iceland-norse-temple-pagans/2015/02/03/id/622353/

News: Paganism, Viking Job, 'Satanic' Murder.

"Why we should start taking Paganism seriously" - story at the Metro: http://metro.co.uk/2015/01/25/why-we-should-start-taking-paganism-seriously-5008750/

"Unique Opportunity: Summer Job as Viking Ship Høvedsmann/Captain" - story at Thornews: http://thornews.com/2015/01/08/unique-opportunity-summer-job-as-viking-ship-hovedsmann-captain/

"Occult specialist for ‘demon boy’" - story at ioL news: http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/occult-specialist-for-demon-boy-1.1809290#.VMZxyP6sWSo

New Year Resolutions: How I Did With My list For 2014

My favourite way of making New Year Resolutions is to write down at least 10 things I want to do over the following year. The idea behind this is that with a lot of goals you have a good chance of getting at least some of them done by the end of the year. How did I do in 2014? Well, here's what I hoped to do, what I succeeded at, what I attempted and what I failed to do completely.

1. Explore one of London's Magnificent Seven cemeteries that I haven't already visited.
   Over the past few years I've slowly been visiting each of London's famous Victorian cemeteries, known as the Magnificent Seven. I'd already explored Highgate, Nunhead, Brompton, West Norwood and Abney Park in previous years, so just before Samhain I went to Kensal Green Cemetery. That only leaves Tower Hamlets still to visit, so guess what will be number one on my New Year's resolutions list for 2015?
   
2. Visit the remains of the London Mithraeum and the items in the Museum of London.
   I did my best. Sadly the Mithraeum itself is out of bounds as more archaeological excavations are taking place, but I got as close as I could and I did see the wonderful statues from the Mithraeum that are on display in the Museum of London. You can read my blog post about the day out here.
   
3. Visit the Rollright Stones.
   I went to the Rollright Stones at the Autumn Equinox for a lovely ritual in glorious autumn weather. It is a beautiful stone circle and a great place to go for a seasonal rite.
   
4. Go to the Day for Patricia Crowther in Nottingham.
   Time and money issues meant that I couldn't get to the Day for Patricia, which I am really sad about.
   
5. Visit the Viking Exhibition at the British Museum.
   This was a great exhibition and I enjoyed it - although it was very crowded. You can read about my favourite bits here.
   
6. Build a Wickerman.
   No, even though I certainly would have had time to do this I didn't get round to it. Maybe next year.
   
7. Listen to Sandra Ingerman’s Shamanic Meditations.
   Although this CD was given to me as a Yule gift in 2013, I finished listening to the last one just before Yule this year and wrote a review. It counts as a resolution done though.
   
8. Do a psychogeography walk.
   Back in the summer I went on a psychogeography walk around my town - then later on I gave a talk about psychogeography at the PF London Conference.
   
9. Go to an outdoor ritual for the Summer Solstice.
   No, although I got to outdoor rituals for Imbolc, Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice, I didn't celebrate the Summer Solstice outdoors. I can't really think of a good excuse for this either.
   
10. Visit at least three ancient pagan sites in Scotland.
    In the summer I had a holiday planned in Orkney and I went to several amazing pagan sites including the Stones of Stenness, the Barnhouse, Maeshowe and Skara Brae.

I make that 6.5 out of 10. I'll be writing my New Year Resolutions for 2015 over the next few days and I'll post my list on my blog.

Previous related post
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/the-bad-witchs-new-year-resolutions-for.html

York Announces 'Temporal Twinning' with Norse Jorvik

The clocks might be going back tonight to mark the end of British Summertime, but the City of York has gone back even further in time to link up with its historic ancestor, the Viking city of Jorvik.

Twinning pairs of cities around the world is a common concept these days, but York has taken the concept of sharing cultures further, taking part in the world’s first ‘temporal twinning’, with its Norse predecessor.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism at City of York Council, who has worked with experts from York Archaeological Trust to set up the twinning, said: “The whole idea of twinning cities was to promote better understanding between different cultures, and to build economic links between two locations. We’ve been doing this for the last 30 years with the Viking city that stood where York is today, with visitors coming to the modern city to learn about the Vikings,”

Interest in the Vikings has brought millions of visitors to the city, attracted not only by the re-creation of a 10th-century cityscape at Jorvik Viking Centre, but also by the Norse antiquities on display in museums and attractions. The names and layouts of the streets in the city centre even have Norse roots. ‘Coppergate’ derives from the Old Norse meaning ‘Street of the Cup Maker’ and street layouts in the city centre follow Viking property boundaries that date back 1,000 years, when Jorvik was a thriving metropolis and hub of international trade.

Sarah Maltby, director of attractions for the York Archaeological Trust, said: “It seems strange to think how comparatively little residents and visitors knew of Viking-age York just 40-50 years ago. The Coppergate dig, from which the world-class discoveries revealed so much about day-to-day life in a Viking city thanks to detailed research lasting over 30 years by our own archaeologists, led to the establishment of Jorvik Viking Centre, which has welcomed more than 17 million visitors since it opened in 1984.

"It seems fitting that, through this ‘temporal twinning’, York is recognising the cultural exchange that continues to take place.”

The twinning will be marked by the installation of a new series of ‘Welcome to York – twinned with the Viking City of Jorvik’ signs on major roads into the city, alongside new Viking-themed educational and outreach programmes co-ordinated by the Jorvik Group of Attractions.

Next year’s Jorvik Viking Festival takes place from 14 – 22 February 2015 and is the largest celebration of Viking culture in the UK, regularly welcoming upwards of 40,000 visitors to the city. For more details, please visit www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk.

News: Stonehenge, Viking Women, Incense, Witches

"Dry spell at Stonehenge reveals secret that has eluded archaeologists" - story at The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/sep/01/stonehenge-dry-spell-grass-perfect-circle

"Better Identification of Viking Corpses Reveals: Half of the Warriors Were Female" - story at Tor.Com: http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/09/female-viking-warriors-proof-swords

"Burning Incense Is Psychoactive: New Class Of Antidepressants Might Be Right Under Our Noses" - story at Science Daily: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm

"Sea Witch casts a nautical spell over Kingshill House in Dursley" - story at the Gazette: http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/whats_on/arts/11446942.SEA_WITCH_casts_a_nautical_spell_over_Kingshill_House_in_Dursley/?ref=var_0

"Nigerian witch-finder Helen Ukpabio threatens legal action against human rights organisations" - story at The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/nigerian-witchfinder-helen-ukpabio-threatens-legal-action-against-human-rights-organisations-9704754.html

Scotland Holiday: A Tour of Maeshowe Burial Mound

According to Historic Scotland, Maeshowe is the finest chambered tomb in north-west Europe. Maybe that is a slight exaggeration when compared with Ireland's Newgrange, but the Neolithic burial site in Orkney is very impressive.

Sadly, you aren't allowed to photograph inside the 5,000-years-old monument, so here are some photos I took from the outside. I did go inside though, along with a guided tour, and wish I could share the experience on my blog in more than just words.

The huge central chamber is reached via a long passage and has side chambers in which bones were once placed, probably to mark respect for the ancestors by the island's ancient inhabitants.

The passageway is cleverly designed so that sunlight for a couple of weeks on either side of the midwinter solstice lights up the central chamber in a reddish glow. If you want to watch it, apparently there is a webcam meaning that you can view the spectacle from the comfort of your own home without having to brave the bitter winters on Orkney.

A group of Vikings in the 12th century had a saga to tell that kind of thing - bitter winters rather than webcams, of course. A group of them were forced to take refuge in Maeshowe for three days and nights during a snow storm. While they were stuck there they amused themselves by carving graffiti in runes on the walls. Visitors can still see what they wrote - comments including "Thor and I shagged Helga".

At the moment it is nearly midsummer on Orkney, and the weather here is lovely with sunlight until nearly midnight. I'm making the most of it and enjoying my week's holiday up in the north of Scotland. More photos and blog entries will be posted.

Links
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_205
http://www.orkneyjar.com/history/maeshowe/solstice.htm
http://www.orkney.com/maeshowe
http://www.maeshowe.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maes_Howe

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Now – 22 June; Vikings life and legend. BP exhibition at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG. Open daily 10am–5.30pm, Fridays until 8.30pm. Tickets: Adults £16.50, free or reduced prices for members and Art Pass holders. http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/vikings.aspx

Now - 3 August; Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids: A Journey through the English Ritual Year. An exhibition of photos by Sara Hannant. Venue: Forty Hall and Estate, Forty Hill
 Enfield
 EN2 9HA. Exhibition Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11am – 5pm, 
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 12 noon – 5pm. Entry: Free. Website: http://www.fortyhallestate.co.uk/

Saturday 7 June; Pagan Federation South Conference 2014. A day of pagan talks at the RISC Centre in Reading. Time: noon to midnight. Tickets £17/£15 available in advance by Paypal at http://southcentral.paganfed.org/2014/

Saturday 7 June; Myth of Viking times II: Thor and Loki - explore the archetypal figures of the Hero and the Trickster in Norse mythology at City Lit, Keeley Street, Covent Garden, Camden, London WC2B 4BA. Time: 10.30am-4.30pm. Full fee: £40, seniors: £26, concession: £14. Course code HA017. To enrol, call 020 7831 7831 or visit http://www.citylit.ac.uk/.

Saturday 7 June; Shadow in the Tarot. One-day workshop with Suzanne Corbie. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 11am - 5.30pm. Tickets £45, advance booking essential. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 7 June; Walking Tour: Occult London run via Treadwell's Books. Meeting place will be a central London tube station, details given to those who book. Look for the lady in the witch hat. Time: 2pm - 5pm. Price: £10. Book online via http://www.treadwells-london.com/ or call 020 7419 8507.

Saturday 7 June; London Dreamtime presents... Outer Limits 2: Enchanted Woolwich. Venue: Woolwich's old and charmingly derelict "lido". Time: 7.45pm. Cost: £3 per person, booking essential, email neckingernell@yahoo.com http://www.londondreamtime.com/Whats_on.html

Sunday 8 June; Woodland Wicca Circle - an introductory-level Wiccan ritual with some basic instructions in Wicca, witchcraft and ritual magic, suitable for newcomers and beginners to the Craft. These rituals are part of a monthly training programme facilitated by Gardnerian HP Mani of Pagan Frontiers and take place outdoors at London locations including Richmond Park, Trent Park, Queen’s Woods, woods in Croydon, Hyde Park and riverside locations by Thames. The events are free but small donations to running costs are appreciated. For more details and to reserve a place, visit: http://www.witchcraftandmagic.org/html/wicca_full_moon_rituals.html

Sunday 8 June; The Miracle Club. Workshop with the Energy Sensing and Intuition Development Meetup Group at Latvian House, 72 Queensboro​ugh Terrace, London, W2 3SH. Time: noon start. Tickets £10. For more details and to book places visit http://www.meetup.com/Sensing-Energy-and-Intuition-Development

Sunday 8 June; A New Perspective on the Theory of Relativity. Lecture by Olivia Stefanino. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA. Time: 2pm-4.30pm. Fee £15/£10, TS members: £7. Website: www.theosoc.org.uk

Sunday 8 June; An Enlightened Approach To Money. Lecture by Simon Yates, author of The Wild Within.Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA. Time: 6pm-7.30pm. Fee £7/£5, TS members: £4. Website: www.theosoc.org.uk

Monday 9 June; Psychic Circle run by Shamanic Spirit at a venue in Croydon, South London. The circle is held on Mondays fortnightly starting at 7.30pm. Cost £5. For more details and to book places call 07952 041477. For more information, visit http://shamanicspirit.co.uk/.

Monday 9 June; Treadwell's Open Circle. Wiccan-style ceremony for those with some experience led by Lisa Grace and Ellie Hughes. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking required. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday 10 June; The Secret History of the Illuminati hosted by The Salon of the Third Eye. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Note: This is not the usual venue. Time: 7.30pm. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Salon-of-the-Third-Eye/596835053719884

Monday 9 June; Mastery, Mystery and Meditation. Talk by Joel and Michelle Levey, authors of Living in Balance.Venue: Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £15/£10 concs if booked online in advance. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Wednesday 11 June; Seriously Strange London. ASSAP lecture by Will Storr on the events leading up to his book in his new book: The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science. Venue: Function Room, Star of Kings pub, Kings Cross, London. Time: 7pm-9pm. Cost: free to ASSAP members, £5 to non-members. For more details: http://www.assap.ac.uk/london/index.html

Thursday 12 June; Magical Healing in Victorian England. Talk by Julie Wakefield at South East London Folklore Society (SELFS). Venue: The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St, London SE1 1NA. Entry: £2.50 / £1.50 concessions. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month. http://www.selfs.org.uk/ To guarantee a seat, email nigelofbermondsey@gmail.com

Thursday 12 June; Avaloni's Launch Event for Orryelle's Time, Fate and Spider Magicwith a ritual reading of The Book of the Spider accompanied by live music and arachnean dance. Venue: Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London WC1A 1LY. Time: 7pm to 10.30pm), To book a place, RSVP on https://www.facebook.com/events/1408799519400963/

Thursday 12 June; Enfield Town Circle Pagan Moot. Venue: tba. Time: 7pm to 11pm. This moot takes place on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Contact April: 07854 385214 for details of event and venue. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EnfieldTownCircle/

Thursday 12 June; Spirituality Beyond Religion. Lecture with Pierre Pradevande. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday, 13 June; Unveiling of Gerald Gardner Blue Plaque in Highcliffe, Dorset, organised by the Doreen Valiente Foundation and the Centre for Pagan Studies in collaboration with Children of Artemis. Time: 2pm - 8pm. Meet at 2.30pm at the Clifftop Car Park off Wharncliffe Road, Highcliffe, for a procession past Mill House, where Gardner was initiated, to the house where Gerald Gardner lived for the plaque unveiling. There is an evening event at Highcliffe Castle. Day event free, evening event £5. For more information and tickets, visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/unveiling-of-gerald-gardner-blue-plaque-evening-talk-and-entertainment-tickets-11619286599

Friday, 13 June; Symbol Magick. Lecture with Edwin Courtenay. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking advised. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 14 June; Midsummer: Lore and Magic. Workhop with Suzanne Corbie at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. 11:00 am - 5:30 pm. Price: £45 (£25 deposit, balance on the day). Ring 0207 419 8507 or book online http://www.treadwells-london.com/. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com

Sunday 15 June; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot on the third Sunday of each month. Venue: Upstairs at The Castle, 34-35 Cowcross Road, Farringdon, London EC1M 6DB (near Farringdon tube). Time: 3pm-6pm.

Sunday 15 June; Heaven Or Hell – Shifting Definitions of the Unconscious and its Impact on Psychic Life. Lecture by Carol North. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, London W1U 8EA. Time: 6pm-7.30pm. Fee £7/£5, TS members: £4. Website: www.theosoc.org.uk

If you know of any pagan events happening in or near London and want them listed on A Bad Witch's Blog, please email badwitch1234@gmail.com