Happy Birthday to 2 of my Pagan Portals Books!

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

Candle Magic

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

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

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

Scrying 

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

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

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

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/celebrating-book-sale-success-poppets.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/08/a-big-milestone-for-my-book-on-scrying.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/11/books-milestone-of-success-for-guided.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/01/lighting-candle-for-my-books-birthday.html

I'd Like to Thank my Friends for a Lovely Birthday!

It was my birthday yesterday. Friends came over to chat, play board games, eat birthday cake and have some wine. I had a lovely time!

I also got given some wonderful witchy presents, which I have photographed. My hubby bought me a subscription to Fortean Times and a copy of Martin Duffy's book Effigy, which I have wanted ever since I heard him talk about it at The Nameless Arte last autumn. I also got some sparkly rocks and crystals, a copy of the Harry Potter - A History of Magic book and a little witch-shaped spoon holder.

Several other friends gave me bottles of booze, which I will very much enjoy.

Thank you so much - it was a perfect day and I love my pressies!

Birthday: A Bad Witch's Blog is 10 Years Old Today!

I started writing my blog on 7 November 2007 - so A Bad Witch's Blog is 10 years old today!

The photo to the right is the very first picture I uploaded to my site. When I shared my first blog post, I’d just given up a full time job in order to spend more time caring for my mother, who was very elderly and needed looking after. I was looking for freelance writing and editorial work I could do from home. My blog was partly a way to get my writing into the public eye and partly to get more involved with paganism.

I’d recently tried to reconnect with the coven I had been in 10 years previously, only to find it was just about to close down. So, I wrote on my first blog post: “Time for a new beginning. A Bad Witch's Blog is my attempt to collect some links to pagan sites and to put together my musings on pagan-related events and life in general. I might even review a few books.”

I think I've achieved those things over the years. Here are links to just a few of the posts from the past that are meaningful for me:

A Gift from the Goddess?
One of the strangest things that has happened to me in a spiritual sense was finding a book called Celtic Mythology on a beach just after New Year, with absolutely no indication of how it got there. It was undamaged apart from a slightly creased corner of the cover, where it had been sticking out of the shingle.

This mysterious finding actually took place at the start of the year in which I began writing my blog, but I think it was one of the things that prompted me to return to pagan practises after many years of apathy. I actually blogged about the event a year after it happened, on January 2, 2008: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/01/reading-matter_02.html

I later reviewed the book too: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/01/celtic-mytholology.html

London's Stone Circle

South-east London has a stone circle. It is at Hilly Fields, in Brockley, and I am very lucky that it is within easy travelling distance for me. I was there when it was inaugurated for the Millennium, I was handfasted there and I have gone there to take part in druid rituals. Here is a blog post I wrote about it before the Summer Solstice in 2008: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/06/hilly-fields-stone-circle.html

Magical Herbs and Flowers
Over the years I have frequently used my blog to learn more about the magical uses of herbs and flowers. Here's a selection:
Rose Hips and Autumn Roses: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/rosehips-and-autumn-roses.html
Poppy Day and Poppy Folklore: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/poppy-day-and-poppy-folklore.html
Crocuses for Love, Insight and Magic: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/crocuses-for-love-insight-and-magic.html
Watching the Ferns for Midsummer Magic: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/watching-ferns-for-midsummer-magic.html

Autumn Leaves and Superstitions: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/09/autumn-leaves-and-superstitions.html
Forget-me-Nots and Crocks of Gold: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/05/forget-me-nots-and-crocks-of-gold.html
Evergreen Ivy - a Pagan Fertility Symbol: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/12/evergreen-ivy-pagan-fertility-symbol.html
Magical Plant in Oxford's Botanical Garden: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/05/pagan-eye-magical-plant-in-oxfords.html

Pyschogeography
In 2009, I first heard the word 'psychogeography', when I read the book Psychogeography by Merlin Coverley. It is about exploring urban landscapes on foot and at the same time opening yourself up to the atmosphere, energy and psychological effects of the city around you. It can be a technique used for sociological purposes, artistic inspiration or to gain occult insights into the hidden layers of the built environment. Here is my review of Merlin Coverley's book: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/psychogeography-by-merlin-coverley.html

Later, I went on psychogeography walks on my own and with friends and gave a talk on the subject at the Pagan Federation London conference. Here are a few links:
Walking into the Grey Soul of London: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/04/walking-into-grey-soul-of-london.html
Full Circle: Walk Around my Town: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/07/psychogeography-full-circle-walking.html
Preparing for the Pagan Federation London Conference: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/08/preparing-for-pagan-federation-london.html

Celebrating the Wheel of the Year
A few years after my old coven disbanded, some former members started a new one, which I am still a member of. However, it is a private group so I don't post details on my blog of what we get up to. Nevertheless, I do also attend open events to celebrate the festivals of the Pagan Wheel of the Year.

In December 2011 I spent the Winter Solstice at Avebury. I rented a tiny cottage just beside Avebury Stone Circle with a couple of friends. As well as celebrating the solstice ourselves, I attended an open ritual at the stones to welcome the sunrise on December 21. I didn't take photos during the ritual - I felt that would have been rude - but I did take a lot of photos in the area. Here is one of my posts about my stay there: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/12/photos-of-avebury-stone-circle.html

I celebrated the Autumn Equinox at the Rollright Stones in September 2014: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/09/the-rollright-stones-and-autumn-equinox.html

After years of saying I wasn't going to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice, I gave in and went in June 2016. It was pretty amazing. Here's a blog post I wrote afterwards: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/06/full-moon-at-stonehenge-at-summer.html

I've also regularly attended the Lammas Festival in Eastbourne. Here is post about the ritual there in 2016: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/07/john-barleycorn-at-eastbourne-lammas.html

Grail Quests
I'd always wanted to go on a quest for the Grail and after reading The Book of English Magic, I was inspired to take the train to Sussex to go in search of the Ghosts and Grails of Lewes. Inspired by what happened, I wrote one of my favourite blog posts: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/08/ghosts-and-grails-of-lewes.html

A couple of years later I went in search of London's Camelot and the Grail: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/12/in-search-of-londons-camelot-and-grail.html


Tarot, Scrying and other Divination Techniques
As a witch, one of my strengths is divination of all kinds. I'm a big collector of tarot decks and also love to scry using a crystal ball or a cauldron full of water. I've also explored some more unusual forms of divination, including one using chocolate buttons: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/09/bad-witchs-chocolate-divination.html

Here are links to some of my other posts about tarot, scrying and divination:
Review: The Faeries' Oracle by Brian Froud: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/01/review-faeries-oracle.html
Midsummer, Divination and Mugwort Tea: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/06/midsummer-divination-and-mugwort-tea.html
Review: The Wildwood Tarot: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/08/review-wildwood-tarot.html
Are Some Tarot Decks More Genuine than Others? http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/09/are-some-tarot-decks-more-genuine-than.html
Cup of Destiny Tea-Leaf Reading: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/06/review-cup-of-destiny-tea-leaf-reading.html

Folklore
Folklore fascinates me and I've frequently blogged about various aspects of it. Here are a few of my favourite posts:
Scarecrows: Monsters or Friends: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/02/scarecrows-monstors-or-friends.html
The Chiding Stone - A Pagan Mystery: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/09/chiding-stone-pagan-mystery.html
Bees and History - A Taste of Honey: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/06/taste-of-honey.html
My Attempt at Making an Easy Corn Dolly: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/my-attempt-at-making-easy-corn-dolly.html

Pagan Eye - Inspiring Photography
In February 2010 I started running a series of posts called Pagan Eye. On each Pagan Eye post I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it - can be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or just a pretty picture. I also invite readers and friends to send in interesting photos for me to share. The first was a picture of the Sphinx Here are links to some of my favourites over the years:
Pagan Eye: The Druid Oak: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/pagan-eye-druid-oak.html
Pagan Eye: West Kennet and Silbury Hill: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/01/pagan-eye-west-kennet-and-silbury-hill.html
Pagan Eye: Wicker Man on Fire Under a Full Moon: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-wicker-man-on-fire-under-full.html
Pagan Eye: Cat in a Halloween Witch's Hat: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/10/pagan-eye-cat-in-witchs-halloween-hat.html
Pagan Eye: Witchy Sunset over Australia: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/02/pagan-eye-witchy-sunset-over-australia.html
Pagan Eye: The Uffington White Horse in the Rain: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/08/pagan-eye-uffington-white-horse-in-rain.html
Pagan Eye: Hobby Horse at Pagan Wassail: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/01/pagan-eye-hobby-horse-at-pagan-wassail.html

The Witch's Niece and the Magical Key Tree
A story from my childhood, recollected on my blog in March 2010. It is still one of my favourite posts: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/03/witchs-niece-and-magical-key-tree.html

Journey to see the Northern Lights
In January 2012 I went on holiday to Norway and travelled up the coast by boat into the Arctic Circle, where I saw the Northern Lights. It fulfilled a dream I had long held: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/01/pictures-of-northern-lights.html

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
2012 was plainly a year of visiting magical places. In August I first visited the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, Cornwall. Here is what I wrote about it then: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/boscastle-and-museum-of-witchcraft_3235.html

Visits to Glastonbury
Glastonbury is one of my favourite places to visit - it is so magical. Probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me while writing my blog was Premier Inn offering me a free stay at its newly opened hotel in Glastonbury in January 2013. All I had to do was blog about it. I had a really fantastic time and was most happy to post on the subject: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/01/glastonbury-tor-entrance-to-land-of.html

My Books: Pagan Portals Candle Magic and Every Day Magic

I think the biggest thing that has come out of my blog is that it led me to write my own books and also edit a community book. In January 2016 Treadwell's Bookshop hosted the launch party for my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic, which is published by Moon Books. Then, just a few days ago, The Atlantis Bookshop hosted a party to launch Every Day Magic - A Pagan Book of Days, which I edited. I have also written a book about poppets and magical dolls, which is due to be published by Moon Books next year.

Lighting a Candle For My Book's Birthday Today

Exactly a year ago today I held the launch party for my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic.

Although the official publication date was in February, Treadwell's Bookshop had early copies in stock and Christina, who owns the shop, kindly let me hold my launch party there on January 29, 2016. The reason for the early launch party was that I wanted it before Imbolc and Candlemas, on February 1 and 2, a traditional time for the blessing of candles.

Since then I have also run regular workshops on candle magic at Treadwell's. The next one is on Sunday March 4 and the details are here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/event/practical-candle-magic-5/

I've also run talks and workshops on candle magic and scrying by candlelight at other places including Atlantis Bookshop and the Pagan Federation London Conference. My next workshop at Atlantis is next weekend and the details are here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/01/magic-school-scrying-divination-and.html

I've been delighted at how well my book has been received, with lovely reviews on several websites and in magazines including Spirit & Destiny. It has also gone on sale worldwide - I was even sent a picture of it in a shop in Tasmania!

So, today I am going to light a candle on a birthday cake and make a wish - and you can join in too. Just get a cake, pop a candle on it and wish for whatever you desire. It doesn't have to be your birthday to do that kind of candle magic!

Copies of Pagan Portals - Candle Magic can be ordered from Treadwell's, Atlantis Bookshop, via the publisher Moon Books website, or through Amazon.

Candle Magic: Tricks to Make Tea Lights Float in Water

Floating candles are absolutely lovely as decorations for summer parties, but they are generally more expensive than tea lights and less easy to find in the shops. But there is a way to turn ordinary tea lights into floating candles.

You can buy little glass tea light holders that are designed to float in water and keep the candles upright and dry. All you do is pop the tea light into the glass floater then carefully place it into a bowl of water. What’s more, once they are lit the tea lights stay alight for longer than usual because the water cools them down slightly.

I was given a bowl with four floating glass tea light holders a little while ago and I decided to use it when I had friends around to celebrate my birthday. At the top of this post you can see a photo I took with the candles in it, burning prettily.

Actually, what I originally wanted to use were a set of four lovely tea lights in the shape of flowers, but they were too heavy and sank into the water immediately. So, for my party, I used plain tea lights, which were fine.

A couple of days later I decided to experiment. I dissolved a couple of tablespoons of salt into the water in the big glass bowl. Once I had done that, the water supported the glass floaters with the heavier and more decorative tea light candles just fine – as you can see in the photo to the right.

It isn't magic really, of course, it is just science that I vaguely remembered from my school days. Adding salt to water makes it denser – or thicker – which means it is easier to float things in it.  In science terms, it is the relative density between liquids and solid items that determines whether they float or not, rather than just the weight - but all you need to remember is that adding salt to water means it will support floating things better.

The picture bottom left is one of a set of floating glass inserts for tea lightsthat I spotted on Amazon. It looks pretty much like the ones I've got.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/05/craft-using-wax-sand-for-candle-making.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/02/review-pagan-portals-candle-magic.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/05/thanks-to-my-friends-for-wonderful.html
https://porch.com/advice/create-custom-scented-candles-home
Glaskönig Floating Glass Inserts for Tea Lights Diameter 7 cm (Pack of 3)

Thanks to My Friends for a Wonderful Birthday!

I celebrated my birthday over the weekend and these lovely candles and holders were just some of the presents I was given.

On Friday evening some friends came round to have drinks and cakes as well as helping me play one of my favourite games - The Witches Boardgame.

On Saturday I did real witchy things with some other pagan friends who had invited me to guest at their beautiful full moon ritual.

On Sunday my hubby took me out and treated me to dinner.

Thanks so much to all my friends, including everyone who left happy birthday messages for me on Facebook. All the presents I was given were lovely, including the candles.

I didn't have time to reply to everyone in person and so I hope this will suffice. Thanks very much and I hope all of your birthdays are wonderful too!

Being Over 50 and Having Few Regrets

Today is my birthday and although I'm not going to reveal my exact age, I will admit I am over 50. According to some research I read recently, apparently 19% of  those over 50 say they haven’t saved enough money for retirement and 18% think they married the wrong person.

Well, I'm certainly in the first category - my savings wouldn't last long at all if they were all I had to live on - but at least  I am very content with the person I married. I might not be wealthy, but I am lucky in love and I think that is more important.

Here is a list of the top ten regrets of the over-50s identified in the research:

1) Nearly a quarter (23%) said they hadn’t seen enough of the world
2) 19% said they didn’t save enough money for retirement
3) Almost the same amount (18%) said they married the wrong person
4) 17% said they never told their parents how much they meant to them
5) 16% chose the wrong career,
6) 16% said working long hours/spent too much time at work
7) 15% said they didn’t spend enough time with their children
8) 15% claimed they worried too much about what other people thought
9) 15% wished they had learned to play a musical instrument
10) 15% regretted not asking their grandparents more about their life before they died

I would have to say that of the list, the only two I feel strongly about are the first and last. I would love to have travelled more and I wish I had asked my grandparents, and parents, more about their lives before they died. I guess it isn't too late to do more travelling though.

But despite the regrets listed, the research showed that the over-50s generally believe that happiness is more important than money. They remain optimistic and, like me, aspire to travel the world.

The research was put published by Silversurfers.com. Survey methodology: 1,000 over-50s were surveyed online in a study managed by Mortar London.

Russell Grant Reveals the Royal Baby Horoscope

With the news that the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a girl, here is a horoscope for the new princess from celebrity astrologer Russell Grant:

Well this chart rocks! Quite literally. Shades of Diana’s personality in the new princess’ natal chart, for sure.

With a Cancerian ascendant (same as Diana’s sun sign) and with challenging aspects from Uranus, Pluto and the Moon in Libra AND just before Monday’s Full Moon there is a rebellious intensity and not a trace of a shrinking violet.

This child is going to be a handful. Settling into the confines of royal protocol will be easier because she is born into it. But check out this scenario, if, like Diana she was married into royalty without the training then you get the real person – radical, controversial, with an innate dislike of authority and being told what to do. These are the traits which underpin the new princess. What you see won’t be what you get.

Now for the sweeter aspects that honey coat the grittier bits. The Moon in Libra trine Venus in Gemini makes for charm personified with much needed spirits of compromise and diplomacy. Jupiter rises in Leo; the Queen Mother’s and also Princess Margaret’s Sun sign makes its flamboyant entrance while a fabulous trine to wacky Uranus gives our new Princess incredible drive, charisma and vitality.

Good old Taurus connects to the Queen and Charles (his Moon is in this sign) and of course with Daddy William being a Cancerian himself his new daughter’s Cancerian rising sign will give that unique emotional connexion that makes them sympatico: creating the special union this soft, sensitive sign gives.

So what about Kate, well she is a Capricorn so this is where the battle lies … between mum and daughter. However Kate married into this royal family and if anyone can govern this child then I suspect she is not only well qualified to control the child but an ideal mum too. This baby will be a handful but perfect to fit into a new, modern royal family in the future.

© COPYRIGHT RUSSELL GRANT ASTROLOGY LIMITED http://www.russellgrant.com/

Note: Russell Grant was the first astrologer in over 300 years to present a Horoscope reading to a member of the Royal Family (HRH Queen Mother). At the time, the press dubbed Russell as the "Astrologer Royal".

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/01/russell-grant-on-astrology-and-our.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/02/russell-grant-love-isnt-just-for.html

Pagan Eye: Birthday Wine, Jewellery and Roses

Yesterday was my birthday so here is a photo I took of the romantic necklace and card I was given by my lovely husband, along with wine in a very useful chalice given to me by an old friend and roses from my garden.

Many thanks for all the birthday wishes I was sent by friends and family - getting old is fine when you have so many wonderful people in your life.

On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it - a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or just a pretty picture. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/05/pagan-eye-pink-rose-from-my-garden.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/pagan-eye-dog-rose.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/pagan-eye-red-rose.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/pagan-eye-yellow-rose.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/12/pagan-eye-winter-rose.html

Review: The Joy of Friendship - Celebration of Life

The Joy of Friendshipis unashamedly the kind of book you give as a friend as a birthday present, but I decided I wanted it as a gift to myself.

My friends are very important to me. I think that is especially so since my mother and father are now dead, I don't have any brothers, sisters or children, and my remaining relatives (apart from my hubby) live quite a long way away.

I seem to spend half my day on social network sites chatting with my friends, yet I also know I'm probably not the easiest friend to have. For a start, I know I can be a bit opinionated and not afraid of speaking my mind. According to The Joy of Friendshipthat's probably because I'm a "decisive" character type.

The book gives plenty of tips and advice for people who feel they struggle to make friends for a variety of reasons such as shyness or because they have moved to a job, college or area where they don't know anyone. Written by self-help author Lois Blyth, The Joy of Friendshipis partly a guide to helping overcome difficult aspects of friendship such as making up after a row, or what to do if you feel a friend is perhaps taking advantage of you. But more than that it is an honouring of friendship - the subtitle is "A celebration of life, laughter and lasting memories".

Publisher Cico Books says about The Joy of Friendship on its website: "They are the walls of comfort that protect us from loneliness; they are the scaffolding that holds us up when we are reaching for greater heights; they are the mirrors that remind us who we truly are. They are there for us when life doesn't turn out quite as planned; and we are more than happy to be there for them too... But what does it take to be a true friend? What are the qualities of enduring friendship? How can you be a better friend to others, while also being true to yourself? The Joy of Friendship is a tribute to those who enrich our lives with their support, strength and laughter."

The book encourages us  to look back at those we played with or hung out with in childhood and teenage years as well as to make the most of the relationships with work colleagues, the people we socialise with and the people who are always there to offer us advice or a hug on Facebook when we need it. It is gentle and heartwarming, but also thought-provoking.

I'll be handing my copy on to my best friend now I have read it. It is a book that needs sharing.

Links and previous related posts
The Joy of Friendship
http://www.rylandpeters.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/10/faerie-book-by-samantha-gray.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/11/review-green-wiccan-herbal.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/review-animal-wisdom-tarot-boxed-set.html

Event: Celebrating the Birthday of Isis on 17 July

Mani Navasothy of Tamesia London Circle is organising a public ritual to celebrate the birthday of the Goddess Isis by Cleopatra’s Needle, in London, tomorrow evening.

He said: "July 17th is celebrated as the birthday of Isis (Night of the Cradle). It is when the Sky Goddess Nut gives birth to Isis. We are holding an open celebration ritual in Central London on 17th July 2013 to mark this sacred event. (Part of the Thames-Isis rituals 2013 by Tamesa London Circle."

If you want to take part, meet at Cleopatra’s Needle, on the Victoria Embankment of the Thames, at 7pm on 17 July. The obelisk (pictured right) is more than 2,000 years old and previous stood in Egypt, before being gifted to Britain in the 17th century.

The ritual will take about an hour and is free to attend. Please bring some food and drink to share afterwards, but as it is a public place please do not bring alcohol. The ritual will include an offering of flowers and milk to the Thames, so bring either if you want to contribute.

For more details, visit the Tamesa website: http://www.tamesa.info/

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/06/review-isis-oracle-awaken-priestess.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/10/deities-of-week-thames-isis.html

The Queen of Diamonds - Meanings and Symbolism

I don't know whether the organisers of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations are aware of it, but the date of the Diamond Jubilee - June 5 - is one of the days most strongly associated with the Queen of Diamonds in cartomancy. If you are fortune telling using ordinary playing cards, June 5 is a Queen of Diamonds day.

The Queen of Diamonds is your card if it is your birthday on June 5 and it is the card that rules the day of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, so I thought it seemed highly appropriate to talk about what the Queen of Diamonds symbolises.

If you draw any court card in a fortune telling spread, then it often represents either the person the reading is for, or someone who is important in relation to the situation. The Queens all symbolise powerful women, and the Diamond court cards often indicate people with light coloured or fair hair.

The suit of Diamonds is often connected with money. If you are trying to divine the future using playing cards and you turn up a lot of Diamonds, then it is quite possible that plenty of money is going to come your way. In this respect, the Queen of Diamonds can represent a very wealthy lady. Queen Elizabeth II is among the richest women in the world.

But diamonds are also known for being an extremely hard substance, and the suit of Diamonds represents this too. The Queen of Diamonds is one tough lady. She is capable of making difficult decisions and is definitely a good person to have in a position of authority. She is strong-willed, but is nevertheless charming and graceful - just like our own Queen.

Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartomancy
http://www.metasymbology.com/templates/cards/queenofdiamonds.html

Solar Eclipse this Sunday, May 20 - My Birthday

The solar eclipse this Sunday, May 20, is one that has special significance for me - it is on my birthday. For those living in England, this isn't a particularly important eclipse because it won't be visible from any part of the UK. Also, it isn't a total eclipse. It is what is called an annular eclipse, when the moon appears slightly smaller than the sun so doesn't cover it entirely - a ring of light appears to shine around a black sphere.

Nevertheless, when I realised there'd be a solar eclipse actually on my birthday in 2012, I felt I ought to do something exceptional to mark the occasion. I checked where the eclipse would be visible from; places including China, Japan, Canada, the USA and Mexico.

Wow, I thought, Mexico! I could take a holiday to Mexico and watch the eclipse over the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. That really would be the birthday experience of a lifetime. I had time to plan the holiday. I could do it if I emptied out all my savings and borrowed a bit on plastic.

But I'm not going - and that was a conscious decision. Money has been tight ever since I took redundancy last summer and have been trying to make a living from freelance writing. I'm getting paid work, but not enough to afford a second foreign holiday after going to see the Northern Lights this spring. I decided to be sensible. But with the eclipse taking place in just couple of days time, I'm wondering if it was the right decision. Maybe I should have just booked an eclipse tour and paid the bills later.

But it doesn't serve any useful purpose to spend time getting depressed over regrets for what might have been. It is better to concentrate on what I'll be doing instead - apart from having a birthday party with my lovely friends in a London pub, that is.

Solar eclipses always happen at the time of the new moon, which I have found to be a good time for scrying using a dark mirror or other forms of divination. An eclipse is generally a better time for inner journeying than for travelling somewhere in the real world - unless that somewhere is a good place to watch the eclipse, I guess.

This eclipse occurs when the sun is in Gemini, which has to do with communication - words, writing, discussion and, nowadays, the internet. Maybe this eclipse, on my birthday, is a time for me to take a good look at what I really want to do as a writer; and use a birthday wish to make my dreams come true.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/book-of-magic-eclipse-magic-workbook.html
http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/html/about_mani.html
http://www.eclipsemagic.co.uk/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_May_20,_2012
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/eclipse-new-moon-and-dark-mirrors.html 
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/solar-eclipse-myths-and-meanings.html 
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/01/solar-eclipse-god-time-for-change.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/01/pictures-of-northern-lights.html

Crystals: Birthstones and their Symbolism

The sparkling jade and silver pendant in the picture above is birthstone necklace by My Sphere of Life. Lovely isn't it? I was very kindly sent it when I asked My Sphere of Life if I could write about their birthstone collection of jewellery on A Bad Witch's Blog.

A birthstone is a gem or crystal associated with the month in which a person was born and symbolises the qualities of that time of year. Birthstones have been worn as jewellery throughout history and by people all over the world - although with many variations in the crystals used and their meanings.

In the west, birthstones have been popular since the first century, after the Jewish historian Josephus wrote about a connection between the 12 stones in the breastplate of Biblical figure Aaron, the 12 months of the year and the 12 signs of the zodiac. Both early Christians and those of the Jewish faith would often wear the appropriate stone for each month rather than just wearing the birthstone for their own birthday.

But an interest in birthstones dates back much further than that. Early civilisations, including those in India and Babylon, thought that gemstones had magical properties and saw a connection between certain stones and certain months or times of the year. Astrologers also assigned gems of different colours to the 12 signs of the zodiac to help people influence the planets in their favour.

Nowadays, birthstone jewellery is worn for many reasons.  Incorporating a birthstone into a ring, pendant or necklace makes it particularly personal. You certainly don't need to believe in the magical power of crystals to wear a birthstone but, for those who are interested in meaning and symbolism of gems and stones, a birthstone is the ideal crystal to start by buying. And, of course, birthstone jewellery makes a great gift.

Here is a guide to birthstones and their symbolism offered by My Sphere of Life:

January
January’s birthstone is Garnet, a stone that symbolises truth and knowledge. The stone is thought to bring success in business and boost self-esteem. It is also thought to cure depression and help protect the wearer on journeys.

February
February’s birthstone is Amethyst, a stone symbolising wisdom and spiritual purity. The stone is thought to help keeping a clear mind and focusing at times of great stress, as well helping with insomnia.

March
March’s birthstone is Blue Topaz, a stone symbolising spiritual rejuvenation. The stone is thought to calm and balance emotions, release tensions and give feelings of joy.

April
April’s birthstone is White Topaz (also called Clear Topaz or Silver Topaz). The stone is thought to help one find their purpose in life, and help achieve one's goals faster and easier.

May
May’s birthstone is Jade, an ancient stone used in the far east to attract love and money. The stone is thought to help with making important business decisions and guard against accidents.

June
June’s birthstone is Pearl, the only organic gemstone. The white pearl symbolises innocence, faith and honesty, and reminds the wearer to stay true to themselves and lead an honourable life.

July
July’s birthstone is Cornelian. A stone once worn only by the noble classes, it is thought to increase energy and give strength, calm bad tempers and encourage laughter and humour.

August
August’s birthstone is Peridot. Once given by Napoleon to Josephine as a symbol of undying love, this stone symbolises noble emotions, a pure heart and a moral soul. It is thought to protect against negative feelings and harm.

September
September’s birthstone is Blue Agate. The stone is thought to help with mental stability and bring peace of mind. It is also thought to help dealing with times of crisis, and even with bad days at work.

October
October’s birthstone is Rose Quartz. Considered the stone of love, Rose Quartz is thought to help with all matters of the heart, getting the spark and romance back into your marriage or attracting your true soul mate.

November
November’s birthstone is Amber. Amber is not an actual stone but fossilised sap from ancient trees, ageing over millions of years. Amber symbolises courage, and has been used in the far east for protecting travellers and warding off bad spirits. It is thought to promote good luck and success.

December
December’s birthstone is Lapis Lazuli. Worn by high priests in ancient times, it is considered to be a very powerful healing stone. It represents tenderness and creativity, and is considered extremely lucky for those engaging in any form of art.

My Sphere of Life sells birthstone jewellery, like the one in the photos above and to the left, the containing crystals for each month of the year. The birthstone collection comes in three different styles and sizes. The one pictured is the largest size. The gem is encased in a sterling silver cage pendant on a silver chain and comes in a rather nice spherical metallic gift box with silky lining and its own little drawstring bag. There is a smaller cute-sized pendant and also a gemstone charm to put on a charm bracelet.

If you decide to buy anything from the My Sphere of Life website, the company is offering readers of A Bad Witch's Blog £10 off purchases of £20 and over. All you have to do is use the following discount code when you order: WITCH12. The code can be used any time up to 31/12/12.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.mysphereoflife.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthstones
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/review-sacred-stones-and-crystals.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/10/review-crystal-tarot.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/review-crystal-bible-v2.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/03/review-crystal-chakra-heaing.html

Happy Birthday Atlantis Bookshop!

Atlantis Bookshop, one of London's finest esoteric bookshops, is 90 years old today!

Based in Museum Street, just around the corner from the British Museum, the shop first opened its doors on 21 March 1922.

Currently owned and run by Geraldine Beskin, Atlantis hosts art exhibitions, esoteric talks, workshops and book launches, and runs The Moot With No Name in the nearby Devereaux Arms off Fleet Street.

The shop has been important for London's occult scene since its early days. Gerald Gardner, the founder of modern Wicca, attended meetings of The Order of the Hidden Masters in the basement of Atlantis and the shop published his second novel on magic. It was also at Atlantis that Gardner met Ross Nichols, an important figure for druidry. Recently, the shop hosted the launch night for Pagan Radio.

If you pop into Atlantis today, I think there's a chance you might be offered a slice of birthday cake - if there's any left. The shop is open from 11am to 6pm.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.theatlantisbookshopevents.com/
http://www.theatlantisbookshop.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/12/news-atlantis-bookshop-stays-lit-as-if.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/01/review-book-of-mirrors.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/02/pagan-radio-is-now-live.html

My best birthday present

It was my birthday on Friday. I woke up that morning to see that my mum's potted plant, which I've been caring for since she died earlier this year, had flowered for the first time in months.

I was given some lovely things for my birthday, but I think this bloom was my best birthday present. I was so moved, it made me cry.

BTW - I have no idea what the plant is - it has quite thick leaves and petals, likes sun and a lot of water. If you recognise it, do leave a comment.

Happy birthday, Yeats!

Today, 13 June, is the birthday of poet, dramatist, folklorist and occultist William Butler Yeats (1865-1939).

Yeats had a lifelong interest in mysticism, spirituality and astrology and much of his poetry was influenced by this, particularly Irish mythology.

In March 1890 Yeats was initiated into the occult group the Golden Dawn. After it broke up he remained with its offshoot the Stella Matutina.

Here is one of my favourite poems by Yeats:

Down by the Salley Gardens
Down by the salley gardens my love and I did meet;
She passed the salley gardens with little snow-white feet.
She bid me take love easy, as the leaves grow on the tree;
But I, being young and foolish, with her did not agree.

In a field by the river my love and I did stand,
And on my leaning shoulder she laid her snow-white hand.
She bid me take life easy, as the grass grows on the weirs;
But I was young and foolish, and now am full of tears.

Links:
http://www.love-poems.me.uk/biography_yeats_william_butler.htm
http://www.pgil-eirdata.org/html/pgil_datasets/authors/y/Yeats,WmB/life1.htm
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~martinh/poems/yeats.html

Happy Birthday Paracelsus

This weekend is the anniversary of the birthday of the physician and alchemist Paracelsus who was born in 1493 on either 10 or 11 November, according to different accounts.

Far from being some fusty old academic, Paracelsus lead an adventurous life that would not look out of place for a character in a Harry Potter book.

He studied alchemy, surgery and medicine at the University at Basel but got chucked out for dabbling in necromancy.

Necromancy was considered a hanging offence back in Catholic Europe of the 15th century so Paracelsus was forced to flee the town.

His travels took him through Europe and Russia to the East where, according to certain accounts, he witnessed the wild magic of gypsies and desert dervishes as well as learning secret lore from an Arabian adept.

Returning to Europe, he became an army surgeon and was so good at patching people up that he was given a job at his old university as a professor of medicine.

Unfortunately, his magical practices got him into trouble again. Accused of heresy he was once more forced to flee and re-embarked on a life of travel.

He died in 1541 in Salzburg. After his death, his theories grew in fame.

To read more about the life and theories of Paracelsus, click on these links:
http://www.alchemylab.com/paracelsus.htm
http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/p/paracelsus.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracelsus