Pagan Eye: The Oldest Bonfire Night "Guy"

The head of this Guy Fawkes effigy is said to be the oldest still in existence, dating back at least 200 years. It's in the Battle Museum of Local History, in Sussex and is still taken out on parade on Bonfire Night celebrations. Guys are normally burnt on  bonfire on November 5, the anniversary of the foiled Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament in 1605. That's the reason few survive from the past. 

Many Sussex towns, including Battle, still have huge bonfire festivals as an annual folkloric event. However, before the 20th century, it was more common for effigies of unpopular figures other than Guy Fawkes to go on the pyre - sometimes foreign monarchs or the Pope. I saw that an effigy of Liz Truss with a lettuce is to be set on fire at Edenbridge Bonfire Night this year, so that particular alternative custom seems to be making a comeback.

In my opinion, the burning of a Guy is a bit like poppet magic, except that the effigy is huge and most people taking part in November 5 celebrations don't think of it as more than a bit of fun.

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

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/11/bonfire-night-and-black-magic.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/08/sussex-folklore-twin-to-wishing-face.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/10/divination-dowsing-rods-that-found.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/05/spells-poppet-curse-using-unwanted.html

Celebrating Beltane at Home or in Your Garden

Beltane, tomorrow on May 1, is a time for celebrating the joys of spring. When we aren't in lockdown, there are usually Jack in the Green celebrations, fire festivals and even a dragon parade in Glastonbury, but this year most people are going to need to celebrate at home. If you are lucky enough to have your own garden, then you can still get outside and appreciate the natural world in your own space. A witchy friend, Jane Mortimer, wrote:

Each spring, my lawn is covered with lesser celandines, and they're just too nice to murder with the mower. Now they've gone over, and there's a lovely patch of daisies at one end and dandelions at the other, and not much in the middle. As I plan to do an outdoor solitary Beltane ritual, I thought I'd mark out my sacred space with the mower [pictured above]. The paving I will mark out with lanterns and twigs. The circle is 12 feet in diameter, as I find the traditional 9 feet cramped with an altar in the middle and candles round the outside, especially as I wear long ritual robes that could easily catch fire. This year we're going to have a ready-made ritual circle surrounded by areas of meadow, not a manicured lawn!

If you are unable to get outdoors, then you could do a guided visualisation to journey into the wild in your mind's eye. Here is a link to a guided visualisation for Beltane Eve called The Path to Love.  This and other seasonal visualisations are also in my book Pagan Portals - Guided Visualisations, which is available for pre-order and is due to reach shops later in the year.

I mentioned that Beltane is often celebrated with fire. In the Pagan Wheel of the Year it is one of the big fire festivals. Indoors, you could light a candle to represent this. The picture to the left shows my altar for a solitary Beltane rite a few years ago, using a lovely ritual kit from Wicca Moon, with a large candle in the centre.

However, if you are having breathing problems, candles are best avoided, and they can set off sensitive smoke alarms too. Use LED tealights instead if you are worried. Put them in a decorated tealight holder and the glow is still lovely. Another suggestion is to download a picture of a fire or candle onto your phone or tablet and meditate on that. You could use the photo at the bottom of this post if you like.

If you are tempted to set up a fire pit in your garden, do be very careful. If you live in a built-up area with lots of people living around you, remember that smoke from fires could exacerbate breathing problems. I'm lucky that my garden backs onto a playing field that isn't in use at all at the moment, but I'd still avoid having even a tiny outdoor fire if the wind direction was towards my neighbours' homes.

The book Every Day Magic - A Pagan Book of Days has several suggestions for easy things you can do to celebrate Beltane at home, including preparing seasonal food and drink for a May Day feast. You could forage for wild food close to home or in your garden.

Mabh Savage suggests collecting hawthorn or May blossom at dawn, if any is flowering close to your home, and hanging it over your door for protection. You can also bring blossom and other flowers indoors to make a seasonal mandala of petals to meditate on.

While you might not be able to dance in a huge public celebration, you can still dance at home. Put on music and let the joys of spring fill you. Raise energy to make your wishes come true. Irisanya writes: "This is a time to dance all of your desires into existence."

You can view Every Day Magic on Amazon and also view Pagan Portals Guided Visualisations on Amazon.

Light a Candle for Peace this Autumn Equinox

Today is the Autumn Equinox - a time for balance. Take a moment to join in a worldwide peace movement by lighting a candle and wishing for peace. Peace Fires is a global movement uniting people to wish or pray for world peace and healing.

At around the time of each full moon and at the solstices and equinoxes people are invited to light a candle or a larger flame and state the intention: "Let there be peace on earth and love for one another."

If you are in the UK, you should light your candle any time between 4pm and midnight GMT. If you are in the US, that coincides with 8am to 4pm Pacific Time.

However, I don't think precise timing is so important, it is the wish that counts.

You can find out more here: http://peacefires.org/

Summer Solstice: Respect the Power of the Sun

I hope everyone who wants to gets to see a beautiful sunset tonight and a glorious sunrise tomorrow, the Summer Solstice.

However, do take care and respect the power of the sun all summer long. We all know that we should cover up or put on sunblock to avoid burning on hot, clear days. We all also know to avoid staring directly at the sun for any length of time, as it can damage our eyes. What I'm writing about here is to also be aware of how the sun can cause fires or other damage inside our homes.

If, like me, you have a crystal ball or two, don't let sunlight shine directly on it. Crystal balls can refract the light and focus it on flammable objects, sometimes causing serious fires. The same can happen with other crystals, glass ornaments, mirrors and even bottles left on windowsills.

The picture above shows my collection of scrying balls in a basket by a window in my witchy room. You can probably also see a black cloth in the basket. It is there to protect the crystals and glass from getting scratched and I used to put it on the table before doing divination too. The last time I went to use it I realised the artificial fabric had melted and stuck together under one of the crystals!

I was really surprised because I normally have the basket of crystal balls covered up with a cloth - because I am aware of the fire risks. (See the photo at the bottom.) The sun must have caused the problem on one of those rare occasions when it is wasn't covered.

The sun can bleach crystals too, so aim to keep yours in a dark place as much as possible. Things like fabrics and pictures can also be bleached by the sun. Candles and other wax objects left in windowsills can melt.

Now I know some witches like to leave magical items out in the sun to charge them with energy - and the Summer Solstice would seem the perfect time to do that. But do be careful. Even a glass bottle filled with water could refract the strong rays of the sun and set light to your curtains. You don't need sun-charged items so much it is worth risking a house fire.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/05/be-safe-with-candles-after-my-beltane.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/04/tales-from-witch-room-pointy-hats.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/pagan-eye-my-two-new-quartz-crystal.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/11/shop-animal-totem-orbs-message-of-cat.html

Happy Beltane and the First Day of May

May starts with the Pagan fertility festival of Beltane. It is day to celebrate all the joys of life and love. Spring has well and truly sprung and all around is greenery and blossom. Birds are nesting, bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming.

Although May Day this year falls on a weekday, so many of us will be working, you could still go out in the lunch break or after work to do something you enjoy and celebrate the pleasures of life.

Beltane is a fire festival, but if it isn't practical to light a huge bonfire - as is traditional - you can light a candle in the evening and visualise its flame as your own Beltane fire. It is also a great time to try a little candle magic.

Peacefires: Light a Candle for Peace Today

Today, take a moment to join in a worldwide peace movement by lighting a candle. Peace Fires is a global movement uniting people to wish or pray for world peace and healing.

At around the time of each full moon people are inviting to light a candle or a larger flame and state the intention: "Let there be peace on earth and love for one another."

If you are in the UK, you should light your candle any time between 4pm and 8pm GMT. If you are in the US, that coincides with 8am to noon Pacific Time.

However, I don't think precise timing is so important, it is the wish that counts.

You can find out more here: http://peacefires.org/

Light a Fire or a Candle for Peace Today

Today and on New Year's Eve why not in a worldwide movement to light a candle for peace. Peace Fires is a global movement uniting people to wish or pray for world peace and healing.

At around the time of each full moon and on New Year's Eve people are inviting to light a candle or a larger flame and state the intention: "Let there be peace on earth and love for one another."

I lit my candle this morning before the sun had risen, but I don't think precise timing is important, it is the wish that counts.

You can find out more here: http://peacefires.org/

News: Magic, Pagans, Fire Warning, Far Right Warning

"Ritual Skulls and Other Magical Objects, in Photos" - Atlas Obscura looks at Sara Hannant's book Of Shadows: http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/museum-of-witchcraft-magic-photos

"Russian pagans revive ancient solstice celebration" - story at Journalducameroun.com: http://journalducameroun.com/en/russian-pagans-revive-ancient-solstice-celebration/

"Q and A: Monica Bodirsky, a practising witch, on Canada's newly repealed witchcraft ban" - story at Toronto Life: http://torontolife.com/city/life/qa-monica-bodirsky-witch/

"Warning over crystal balls causing house fire risk" - story at The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/10660160/Warning-over-crystal-balls-causing-house-fire-risk.html

"Inside the European Far Right's Weird Obsession With Paganism" - story at OZY: http://www.ozy.com/fast-forward/inside-the-european-far-rights-weird-obsession-with-paganism/79101

Candle Magic: Be Safe With Candles at Sacred Sites

Following the terrible news that an ancient oak tree in Glastonbury, known as Gog, was badly burnt - probably due to a candle being placed at its base, I thought I'd share the tips I give at my Candle Magic workshops on the use of candles at sacred sites.

While it is lovely to have a votive flame, you really don’t want to cause a fire or other damage at sacred sites. Here is a list of my personal guidance:

• Check whether candles are allowed at any sacred site before lighting one
• Keep candles in safe containers – ideally something like a lantern suitable for outdoor use
• Keep hot surface and flames away from anything that could catch fire or be damaged
• Have something ready to put out a fire in case an accident does happen
• Never leave flames unattended
• Extinguish your candles when you have finished
• Take your candles, candle holders and any litter home with you or dispose of it in a rubbish bin - but also make sure you won’t cause a bin fire!

Links and previous related posts
http://www.somersetlive.co.uk/people-are-crying-as-they-visit-2-000-year-old-tree-gog-that-went-up-in-flames-near-glastonbury/story-30299094-detail/story.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/04/learn-candle-magic-scrying-in-london.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/03/what-not-to-do-at-sacred-wells-and.html

The photo at the top shows a candle lantern in my garden

Global Fire & Candle Ceremony for World Peace

This Sunday, why not join in a global ceremony to send a wave of healing energy circling the globe as part of a wish for world peace?

Pujas for Peace is inviting people of all faiths to join in a global sacred fire ceremony and candlelight meditation for world peace at a time close to the full moon.

On Sunday, February 12th, any time from 9pm to 1am UK time (1pm - 5pm Pacific Time), unite to generate positive vibrations of love circling the globe to calm fear and bring peace. Pray for all who suffer and for the protection of all that is sacred.

Sacred fire ceremonies are a powerful remedy for the fear and negativity in the world. The combination of prayer, uniting together with the same intention, and watching the fire element creates miracles. This is how the darkness is overcome.

You only need to light a candle - for as little time or as long as you like - and say this prayer: "Let there be peace on Earth and love for one another." If you prefer you could organise a sacred fire ceremony. Join around a fire in any way that reflects your spiritual tradition (meditate, chant, sing, drum, pray). From a flame to a bonfire, it all counts.

Visit this site to indicate your intention:  http://www.pujasforpeace.org/count-my-light

If you want to take part in a larger event, you can find out more details here: http://www.lightinlondon.org/calendar.html or visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pujasforpeace/. You can also share photos or details of your flame on social media with the hashtag  #COUNTMYLIGHT

The Be The Light movement began on New Year’s Eve 2016. Thousands of people in 1,530+ locations across 68 countries came together and sent the vibrations of love, peace, and kindness circling the globe for 26-continuous hours

Bonfire Night - Time For a Little Pyromancy

No, I'm not suggesting anyone embarks on a bout of fire-starting. Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night as it is often called, is traditionally a celebration of preventing acts of arson, not encouraging them.

Pyromancy is the ancient magical art of divination by fire. It is one of the earliest forms of divination, probably practised soon after fire was first discovered by man. One can imagine ancient shamans staring into the burning embers of the fires that warmed our Neolithic ancestors, foretelling a good hunt or how well the tribe would fare through the winter to come.

In Classical Greece, virgins at the Temple of Athena in Athens used pyromancy and it is likely that followers of Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, or Vulcan, his Roman equivalent, did too. In Renaissance times pyromancy was a "forbidden art" along with necromancy, geomancy, aeromancy, hydromancy, chiromancy and spatulamancy.

The most basic form of pyromancy involves staring into a fire or flame to watch for patterns and shapes that form. The magical art is in interpreting what these mean. In modern homes without real fireplaces it is usually easier and safer to scry into a candle flame, but Bonfire Night provides a great opportunity to have a go at pyromancy with a proper fire outdoors under the stars.

There are several variations on pyromancy, including:

• Alomancy: Divination by salt, by casting salt into a fire
• Botanomancy: Divination by burning plants
• Capnomancy: Divination by smoke. Thin smoke that rises straight upwards is a good sign; smoke that wavers, drifts or billows is a bad omen.
  
• Lychnomancy: Divination by the light of a candle flame (from the Latin ‘lychus’ meaning ‘light’).

Here are some things to look for:

• A bright, steady flame is considered a good omen. 
• If it burns low and dim, the future could be tough. 
• One that goes out is bad and indicates some sort of ending. 
•  A flame that flickers and flutters indicates there are forces acting against you, uncertainty is holding you back, or you might struggle to get what you desire. 
•  A twisting flame warns you to beware of treachery or unscrupulous people. 
• A spark means an important message will be heading your way. 
• If a candle or other fire burns much more strongly than you expect, is hotter, brighter or burns down extremely fast, you can expect something extraordinary to happen. It might even indicate your wishes will come true in the most unexpectedly good way. Do be careful, because a sudden rise to success can sometimes then be followed by a crash.

If you do try a little pyromancy on Bonfire Night or at any other time, obviously pay attention to safety. Do not start fires too close to anything flammable that you don't want to burn down, and do not leave naked flames unattended.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/11/bonfire-night-and-black-magic.html http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-fire-breather.html http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/02/fire-walking-facing-ones-fears.html http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/08/god-of-week-vulcan.html

News: Aleister Crowley's Home Boleskine House Burnt

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

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

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

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

Pagan Eye: Burning Wicker Man

Here is another lovely taken by Pat, this time showing a wicker man burning, with a colour image just visible in the smoke. What do you see if you look close?

Thanks very much Pat for sending me so many great picture and letting me use them on A Bad Witch's Blog. I'll be showing a few more of Pat's photos over the coming weeks, so watch out for some treats!

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

The photo is copyright Pat and Plant yr Yd Coven.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/11/pagan-eye-shaft-of-light-in-bryn-celli.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/11/pagan-places-pictures-of-secret.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/11/bonfire-night-time-for-little-pyromancy.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-wicker-woman.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-wicker-man-on-fire-under-full.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/04/pagan-eye-building-of-wicker-man.html

Pagan Eye: The Building of a Wicker Man

Here's a picture of a Wicker Man under construction at Butser Ancient Farm, in Hampshire. The photo was taken by Alex Stanton in the run-up to May Day last year and she kindly let me post it on my blog.

Butser Ancient Farm, which is an experimental archaeology site as well as a fantastic place to visit, hosts a traditional Beltane celebration every year.  This year it will be burning its Wicker Man on Sunday 5 May at the end of a day of music and festivities. Tickets are £13 for adults in advance and £15 on the door. For more details, visit http://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/

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

The photo is copyright Alex Stanton

Links and previous related posts
http://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/01/pagan-eye-rollright-stones-on-misty.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-wicker-woman.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-wicker-man-on-fire-under-full.html

News: Fire Guts Museum, Damaging Folklore Collection

I know I'm pretty late with this news, but I've only just found out myself. A couple of weeks ago, fire destroyed the Cuming Museum, in Southwark, South London. The building housed one of the largest collections of items relating to folklore in London. Although two of the Cuming Museum's three displays were destroyed, most of the items in the collection were in storage.

The museum is currently closed and it is unknown when, or if, it will reopen.

You can read more here:
http://now-here-this.timeout.com/2013/03/27/fire-damages-southwarks-cuming-museum-collection/
http://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/news/26032013-collections-damaged-cuming-museum-fire
http://www.southwark.gov.uk/cumingmuseum

News: Witch Seen Rising From Bonfire

A couple in Carshalton, Surrey, saw the image of a witch rising out of the bonfire at a firework display in their local park. You can read the story and see the pictures on the Your Local Guardian website:.
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10038993.Can_you_see_the_witch_rising_froom_the_flames_/

Pagan Events For Bonfire Night Week Near London

Saturday 3 November; Blackheath Fireworks on Blackheath, South East London. Fair from 4pm, food from 5pm and fireworks at 8pm. ​Free events, but donations welcome. For more details, visit: http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/events/whats-on/fireworks/Pages/default.aspx

Saturday 3 November; Battle Bonfire Night Celebrations. Location: High Street, Battle, Sussex TN33 0AD. Free event. From 6.30pm.

Saturday 3 November-Sunday 4 November; The Four Faces of the Pyramid with Dolores Ashcroft-Nowicki. Weekend workshop of Egyptian magic. There will be an evening ritual, so basic knowledge of ritual techniques is required. The event will take place at a London venue. Times: 9.30am - 8.30pm Sat, 9.30am - 4.30pm Sun. Cost £80, which includes a light supper before the ritual. For more details and to book tickets call Maria-Teresa on 07963428992 or email mariateresaharmer@yahoo.co.uk

Saturday 3 November; Hendon Heathens Moot. Venue: The Greyhound, Church End, Hendon, London NW4 4JT. Starts at 6pm.

Sunday 4 November; Lady of Avalon Meditation Group with Elle Awen Hull at a private address in Barkingside London. Time: 1pm-4pm. For more details and to reserve places, visit the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/120077151475230

Sunday 4 November; Treadwells Social Sunday: Reading from The Epic of Gilgameshat 2pm and 4pm. Also a chance to socialise and enjoy a cup of tea and cake. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Shop open from noon. Free social event. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 4 November; Celebration of Samhain with the loose association of druids of Primrose Hill. Gather in the Hawthorne Grove at Primrose Hill, London, between 12.30pm and 12.45pm to prepare the site ready for a prompt 1pm start. Nearest tube: Chalk Farm. Bring a small contribution of picnic food and drink to share. All are welcome. For more details, contact Jeremy on 07956 831503 or visit the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LooseAssociationOfDruidsOfPrimroseHill

Monday November 5, Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations. Famous Bonfire Night celebrations. Location: Lewes War Memorial, High Street, Lewes, Sussex BN7 2LU. Starts at 5pm. Free event. For more details, visit: http://www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com/

Monday 5 November; Myth and Transformation - The Power of Descent. Talk by Jane Meredith, author of Journey to the Dark Goddess: How to Return to Your Soul.Venue: Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £10/5 concs. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Monday 5 November; 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 recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 5 November; Modern Paganism. Talk by Luthaneal Adams, author of Pagan Generation: A Young Person's Guide to Paganismat Romford Sacred Hart Moot, which meets on the 1st Monday of every month, from 7pm to 10.30pm at Edge Nightclub, by Romford Market, Romford. Entry £3 or £2 for PF members. More details on www.sacredhart.350.com

Monday 5 November; The Magical Universe of William S Burroughs. Talk by Matthew Levi Stevens at pagan forum Secret Chiefs. Venue: Devereux public house, 20 Devereux Court, off Essex Street, London WC2R 3JJ. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8.30pm. Admission £2. http://secretchiefslondon.wordpress.com/

Tuesday 6 November; How Guides Enhance Your Life. Talk by Amanda Roberts at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 12.30pm - 1.30pm Cost: £5/£8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 6 November; Transitions And The Re-Imagination Of Love, Work And Purpose. Talk by Steve Nobel at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm Cost: £5/£8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Wednesday 7 November; Katharine Briggs Lecture and Book Award 2012. Talk on The Ballad and its Paradoxes by Dr David Atkinson, organised by The Folklore Society. Venue: The Warburg Institute, London WC1. Time: 6.30pm. The lecture is free but places must be reserved in advance. Call 0207 862 8564. After the lecture, there will be a wine reception and buffet supper during the winner of this year's Katharine Briggs Award will be announced.

Wednesday 7 November; Vortex of Energy - Physics from Mysticism. Talk by David Ash at the London Forum for the Study of Crop Circles and Other Mysteries Meetup Group. This group meets once a month at the George Pub, 213 Strand, London WC2 1AA. Starts at 7pm. Entrance £8. Details: http://www.meetup.com/The-London-Forum-Meetup-Group/ and http://www.londoncircles.net/

Wednesday 7 November; Talk by Dirk Bruere – The Praxis at The Moot with No Name. New Venue: The Cartoonist on Shoe Lane, just off Fleet Street, London. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8pm. Admission £5.

Wednesday 7 November; The Secret Language of Astrology. Talk by Roy Gillet at Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 5.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Thursday 8 November; Jewish Folklore of the East End. Talk by Del Reid at South East London Folklore Society (SELFS). Venue: The Old King's Head, Kings Head Yard, 45-49 Borough High St, London SE1 1NA. Entry: £2.50 / £1.50 concessions. No need to book in advance. Meetings are the second Thursday of each month. http://www.selfs.org.uk/

Thursday 8 November; The Goddess Hecate. Talk by Prudence Jones at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Friday 9 November; One-Day Drum Making Workshop at Caer Corhain Shamamic Development Centre of the Isle of Sheppey, North Kent. Time: 9.15am start. Cost: £180. For more details, visit http://www.touchtheearthuk.com/

Friday 9 November; Gerrie March Students’ Demonstration of Mediumship at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm Cost: £8/£12. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Saturday 10 November; Psyche's Descent into Love. One-day workshop with Jane Meredith, author of Journey to the Dark Goddess. Venue: Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London. Time: 10am-5pm. Cost: £45. For further information about the event or to book a ticket, call 0207405 2120 or email jane@janemeredith.com

London Necropolis: St Bride's Church of Fleet Street

Continuing my posts about London’s famous cemeteries, St Brides church, in the City of London, is a historic burial ground. Like many of its kind, it is an overcrowded necropolis – at least below ground level. When diarist Samuel Pepys buried his brother Tom in the church in 1664, the vaults were so full he had to bribe the gravedigger to "justle together" the corpses to make room.

St Bride's is one of London’s most ancient churches. Although the building that stands there today was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1672 after the Great Fire of London, the first church to stand in that spot was built in the 6th or 7th Century. It is said to have been founded by Saint Bridget of Kildare, from Ireland.

An ancient well at the site probably pre-dated the Christian church and may have been venerated as a pagan sacred spring. According to legends of London, St Bride’s well is connected with the Celtic goddess Brigid or Bride, patron of poetry, the hearth and the fires of the smith’s forge. In stories and symbolism, the saint and the goddess are intertwined. Both are associated with perpetual flames and also healing wells.

St Bride's church has also long been linked to journalists and newspapers, not least because of its location on Fleet Street – historic home of the Press. Its association with the newspaper business began in 1500 when Wynkyn de Worde set up a printing press in the building next to it. Until 1695, London was the only city in England where printing was allowed by law.

During the Blitz in the Second World War, the church was gutted by fire-bombs dropped by the German Luftwaffe. The devastation revealed the building’s Saxon foundations, which had long been lost.

After the war, newspaper proprietors and journalists raised money for the church to be rebuilt, but the crypt is still open to the public. It contains ancient Roman relics as well as nearly 230 lead coffins with plaques dating from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries, filled with the bones of parishioners.

St Bride’s Church also stands on important London ley lines, according to the book London’s Ley Lines by Chris Street. Alfred Watkins, who came up with the idea of ley lines – or historic straight tracks that link sacred sites – noticed St Bride’s is on a line that links “St. Paul’s Covent Garden, The Temple, St Bride’s Fleet Street, a church on Ludgate Hill, one near the Guildhall, St Stephens, Coleman Street, all align to St Botolph’s Bishopsgate”.

Chris Street points out that St Bride’s is also very close to the St Paul’s Ley and stands on an Earthstar – a huge five-pointed star shape that connects historic sites with mystical significance across London.

Right at the far end of the vaults under St Bride's, along a narrow and rather spooky passageway lined with old coffins, is a tiny square underground chapel. It has the most wonderfully peaceful atmosphere and is a lovely place to spend some time meditating. According to Chris Street, a small door from this chapel probably leads to the ancient well house. The door is locked and whatever lies beyond it is not open to the public.

I visited St Bride's Church on a ley line walk last year. You can read more about that here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/02/ley-line-pilgrimage-to-brides-well.html

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/10/london-necropolis-west-norwood-cemetery.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/10/london-necropolis-victorian-cemetery.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/london-necropolis-highgate-cemetery.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/10/walking-among-londons-dead.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/london-necropolis-brompton-cemetery.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/09/review-londons-ley-lines-pathways-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/06/in-search-of-sacred-spring.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Bride%27s_Church
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ley_line
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/02/ley-line-pilgrimage-to-brides-well.html

Pagan Eye: Labyrinths of Earth and Fire

These two photos show two contrasting labyrinths. The mosaic of a labyrinth with the Minotaur at its centre was captured by Joe Saul and is from the Roman ruins at Conimbrigia, Portugal. The picture of a burning labyrinth was taken by Joolz Darling at the Mercian Gathering in the summer, where she also took the pictures of a burning wicker man and a fire breather that I posted on my blog a few weeks ago.

Labyrinths are different from mazes. Labyrinths can be in a variety of different designs, but are always a single path that folds and winds back on itself, leading eventually towards the heart of the pattern. A maze is made up of diverging paths with a choice of routes, many of which are dead ends but only one correct way to the middle. Labyrinths are found in cultures all over the world and throughout history, and many have spiritual or religious significance.

The Signs and Symbols Bible says: "Labyrinths are represented symbolically as drawings or physically on the ground, where they can be walked from their entry points to the centre and back out again. Historically they have been used in both group rituals and for private meditation. The labyrinth symbolises a psychological or spiritual journey to the centre of one's psyche or soul, to experience insight and then return to the everyday world transformed."

It seemed timely to post these pictures this week, as on Friday, 26 October, Robert Stephenson is giving a talk on Labyrinths and Mazes Worldwide at Research into Lost Knowledge Organisation (Rilko). The venue for the talk is the Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, W1U 8EA. The Doors open 6.45pm and admission is £5 for Rilko members and £7 for non-members.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures.

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

The photos are copyright Joe Saul and Joolz Darling and are used with permission. Please do not download or copy them without permission.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/into-labyrinth-of-minotaur.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/days-out-amazing-maize-maze.html
http://www.rilko.net/EZ/rilko/rilko/home.php
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/review-signs-and-symbols-bible.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-wicker-man-on-fire-under-full.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-face-in-tree.html
http://www.merciangathering.com/merciangathering.htm
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-fire-breather.html

Pagan Eye: Fire Breather

This photo of a fire breather was taken by Joolz Darling at the Mercian Gathering, where she also took  the picture of a burning wicker man that I posted on my blog earlier. Both are great images and it looks as though it was an amazing event.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures.

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

The photo is copyright Joolz Darling and is used with permission. Please do not download it or copy it without permission.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/pagan-eye-wicker-man-on-fire-under-full.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-face-in-tree.html
http://www.merciangathering.com/merciangathering.htm