A bad witch's blog: flowers

Showing posts with label flowers. Show all posts

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Midsummer Lore: Street Parties and St John's Wort

Tomorrow, June 24th, is traditionally Midsummer's Day and was once among the most widely celebrated festivals in England. Modern pagans put more emphasis on the Summer Solstice, on June 21st, but according to Steve Roud in The English Year:

"...from the time of the earliest records, midsummer in in England was celebrated with bonfires, processions and parades, and by decorating houses and churches with greenery."

In Christian terms, June 24th was also the feast day of St John. Steve Roud also points out that the time from St John's Eve on the 23rd right up to St Peter's Day on June 29th was something of a holiday. John Stow, writing in the 1590s, described London during those days as being filled with street parties. People set out tables for all the neighbours to feast, drink, and have fun together.

Bonfires would be lit as part of the festivities, but also because it was thought fires would clear the air of any malignancy. Stow also describes various herbs and flowers that were traditionally hung over doorways on St John's Eve:

"...every man's door being shadowed with green birch, long fennel, St John's wort, orpin, white lilies...garnished upon with beautiful flowers."

He also mentions the streets being hung with lamps that were kept alight late into the night.

St John's wort

Historically, St John’s Day was when it was particularly customary to gather St John's Wort. This herb with yellow flowers has long been seen as a means to keep evil away magically and as well a herbal remedy. From at least medieval times it's been hung over doors and windows to keep away malefic spirits. In some areas, the flowers were traditionally dipped in a bowl of water and left outside exposed to the night until the following morning, when people washed their faces in the flower dew.

You can see St John's Wort in the photo at the top.

More seasonal lore

My book Rounding the Wheel of the Year offers more ways to acknowledge and celebrate the seasons in magic, folklore and nature.

You can view Rounding the Wheel of the Year on Amazon, find it at esoteric bookshops or via my publisher Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-rounding-wheel-year

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Monday, 11 May 2026

Folklore & Customs: Bromley's Broom Day Festival

This is broom in blossom on Martin’s Hill, Bromley, a town that gets its name from the plant used to make traditional besoms. You can see a couple of besoms in the inset picture. I took both photos, and the others on this post, yesterday at Broom Day. This was a celebration of Bromley’s heritage and a revival of a historic festival inspired by the bright yellow flowers that once covered the area.

The event included a free exhibition exploring the story of the broom in Bromley and how the town grew from its early beginnings. There was also a parade along the high street to Martin’s Hill where there was live music, some fun and games, and opportunities to learn about conserving and protecting the broom.

The problem is that broom flowers are being encroached by brambles and only the work of dedicated volunteers with secateurs is currently saving them for posterity. This is organised by Bromley Civic Society, which was formed to provide awareness and protection for the town's built and green environment. The council does little to help, sadly, so much more work is needed to both conserve the broom plant and spread the word.

Folklore, mythology and magic

If you're a gardener or a witch, you may very well have a besom, traditiionally made from tied bundles of sticks. They're still used for sweeping up leaves in autumn or for sweeping negative energy from your home if you're magically inclined. At one time they were generally used to sweep the floor too, and production was an important and profitable craft in parts of Kent and Sussex.

The stems of the broom plant create the best besoms, although other species can also be used, including birch twigs. Broom flowers in May, so this was a month to celebrate the plant, rather than cut it down. There are various superstitions about not getting a new broom or sweeping the house in May. Nevertheless, the flowers symbolise abundance, so wearing a sprig could help attract plenty and you could put some on your altar if you're doing a prosperity spell.

In Welsh mythology, Blodeuwedd is the name of a woman made from the flowers of broom, meadowsweet and oak. Despite besoms being associated with witches, in Italy, the shrub was burnt to protect homes against them.

More seasonal lore

My book Rounding the Wheel of the Year offers more ways to acknowledge and celebrate the seasons in magic, folklore and nature.

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Friday, 1 May 2026

Green London: Beltane Flowers on the Street Where I Live

Today is Beltane, or May Day, a time to celebrate flowers (as well as frolicking). But, of course, it's also Friday and the bank holiday isn't until Monday. Even if you're working today, take a break and go for a walk to see what's blooming. Just looking at trees, plants and blossom can lift your mood and help you feel in touch with the energy of the season.

I took the photos in the collage above in the streets around where I live in South East London. Most were growing wild on verges. I've been blogging regularly about London's green spaces in an effort to dispel a prevalent myth in the pagan community that it's just all concrete. Even in the City, which is of course heavily built up, there are still places where nature thrives, while Greater London has huge areas of woods, commons, parks and beautiful gardens.

You don't need to know the names of plants in order to enjoy their beauty, but here's what I think are in the pictures:

Calendula
Rose
Wild cabbage
Hawthorn
Pink sorel
Lilac
Three-cornered leek

I did a very similar thing back in March, and you can see that post here, to compare: https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/green-london-flowers-on-street-where-i.html

The photos on this post were all taken by me. Please do not use them without my permission.

Other previous Green London Posts
badwitch.co.uk/2026/02/green-london-urban-park-and-ancient.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-londons-first-botanical.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-japanese-gardens-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/green-london-riverview-walk-river-pool.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/10/green-london-ancient-woodlands-around.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/green-london-rookery-streatham-common.html

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Folklore & Customs: Dandelions on St George's Day

St George's Day, 23 April, is the traditional date to brew dandelion wine. Although National Dandelion Day is actually 5 April, folkloric customs state the cheery yellow flowers are most abundant and produce the sweetest wine if you pick them on the 23rd. Maybe the earlier date was chosen because climate change has meant they now ripen earlier. However, there are more of them in my garden at the moment than there were a couple of weeks ago.

In the Kitchen

If you want to give dandelion wine a go, here's a link to a recipe. I've not tried it personally, but I have made dandelion tea, which is supposedly good for the complexion. Cut off the yellow heads and steep four in a cup of boiling water for 20 minutes. I've also added the leaves to salad. They taste a little like rocket but are quite bitter. I recommend adding a few to other ingredients then use a sweet dressing.

Nowadays, some vegans make dandelion syrup from the flowers, which supposedly tastes like honey. Recipe link here. I've seen some critics remark that dandelions are best left for the bees, which is certainly true in early spring, but there are so many of them growing now that picking a few is no problem so long as you only take what you need. Also, many gardeners mow lawns in April, so you could ask to forage before the wildflowers get chopped down anyway.

By the way, if you make dandelion wine in April, it should be ready in time for Yule, when it's perfect to raise a glass in honour of newborn sun.

Flowers of the Sun and Moon

Dandelions are flowers with two different faces. The bright yellow flowers with petals like the radiant sun, close up in the evening and transform. They re-emerge as a dandelion clock - a moonlike white sphere - translucent and fragile. If you blow on one, the fluffy white seeds scatter to the wind. That's the time to whisper your dreams and make a wish.

The Wheel of the Year

I've written a book offering more ways to acknowledge and celebrate the seasons in ritual, magic, folklore and nature. You can view Rounding the Wheel of the Year on Amazon, find it at esoteric bookshops or via my publisher Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-rounding-wheel-year

Please note: I earn commission from some links. None of my posts are medical advice, always consult a qualified medical professional if you have health concerns.

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Planting Magical Seeds at the College of Psychic Studies

This is the perfect time of year to plant seeds as part of a spell to set intentions and manifest wishes. I did this at home with basil seeds a couple of years ago, but the photo shows an altar at the College of Psychic Studies at the Spring Equinox on Friday this year. Members were invited to plant nasturtium seeds.

Many modern witches consider nasturtiums as symbolising loyalty, victory or success in general, although older books on the language of flowers say they represent patriotism and conquest. Whatever they mean, nasturtiums are brightly coloured flowers that grow easily and are also edible.

At the college, everything was set out for us on an altar that also had dark and light crystals representing the balance of light and dark. If you're doing this at home, the altar is optional, but here are the essentials you'll need:

Compost or clean soil.
A seed of your choice.
A small pot - you could upcycle an old yogurt pot.
A spoon or small gardening trowel.
Water.

Here's a precis of the instructions you can see printed on the paper in the bottom left of the photo:

Clear your mind and centre your thoughts by sitting still and being present in your space.
Write an intention on a small slip of paper, fold it and put it in the bottom of your pot.
Half fill your pot with compost or soil.
Place a seed in the centre, then put a layer of soil or compost on top.
Put your hand over it and ask the earth to support you in your intentions.
Water the seed, pot then place the pot on a sunny windowsill.
Visualise your seed growing and your hopes manifesting

Watch your plant pot daily and keep the soil moist. I put mine into an improvised propagator, upcycled from two clear plastic food pots. One went underneath the plant pot, the other went on top. If you don't have a propagator then you will have to water your seed more frequently.

When my nasturtium has grown into a good sized seedling I will replant it in my garden.

Friday, 20 March 2026

Flower Folklore: Heather for Luck and Sweet Dreams

White heather is one of the plants most associated with luck. It's a bit of folklore that pretty much everyone knows, although Queen Victoria gets the honour for popularising the belief beyond Scotland.

Wearing a sprig is supposed to bring you good fortune, while having some in the home will protect it from all sorts of problems, from fire to fairies. Brides can include a sprig in their bouquet as a symbol of purity, constancy and fertility. Heather pillows are said to help bring sleep and sweet dreams.

Heather is more associated with late summer than with the time of the Spring Equinox, but there are winter and early spring varieties. That's the kind that grows in my garden. There's so much at the moment that I had to prune it back from the path when I did weeding the other day. I brought the cuttings in to put in the vase you can see in the photo.

It might not be the usual thing to put on a Spring Equinox altar, but I believe in witchcraft we should go with what nature is providing rather than purely stick to what's stated in text books. That vase is going on my altar.

One of the great things about heather and it's use as a good luck charm or protective amulet is that it dries really well. You can continue to wear it or have it on show it for a long time after you pick it, but please don't gather more than you need. Another thing about white heather is that it's rarer than the usual pink or purple type.

All wildflowers, especially the rarer ones, are best left for wildlife to enjoy if possible. Winter heather is an extremely valuable source of food for insects in the early months of the year.

Rachel Patterson in her book A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Herbs writes that it can be used in incense blends to cleanse space. I'd suggest letting it dry, then grinding it up before adding it to mixtures. She adds that apparently the incense can also be burnt while doing spells to bring rain.

https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/rounding-year-camellias-another-spring.html

https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/iris-bad-witchs-goddess-of-week.html

https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/green-london-flowers-on-street-where-i.html

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Flower Folklore: Hyacinths and a Tragic Love Story

Hyacinths always bloom in my garden just after the first daffodils and before the bluebells come out. I took this photo yesterday and was reminded of the tragic love story associated with this beautiful flower.

In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus, prince of Sparta, was Apollo's boyfriend. They were devoted to each other and spent all their time together, sharing enjoyment of music, divination, and sports - all things Apollo excelled at, of course. It was the latter that caused the tragedy.

Hyacinthus went to catch a discus Apollo had thrown in a friendly contest, but it bounced up and killed the mortal. Apollo was devastated as his lover died in his arm. He tried everything to restore him to life, but all he could do was create a beautiful flower from Hyacinthus' blood.

However, I should probably also say that the flower we currently call hyacinth is probably different from the one mentioned in the mythological story, as that was purple and described as having a symbol of sorrow on the petals. It might instead have been larkspur, delphinium or even a type of gladiolus.

Magical uses include love spells and anything to do with LGBTQ+ relationship, as well as for help overcoming grief and loss. In aromatherapy, hyacinth oil is sometimes used to help with stress, depression and tiredness. It can also aid deep sleep.

Warning: Don't eat any of the plant as it is toxic.

Some other spring flowers are also associated with tragedy in mythological tales, including daffodils, which I wrote about last month.

Other previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/rounding-year-camellias-another-spring.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/iris-bad-witchs-goddess-of-week.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/upcycling-crafts-paper-flowers-from.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/green-london-flowers-on-street-where-i.html

Thursday, 12 March 2026

Upcycling Crafts: Paper Flowers from Packing Paper

I made paper flowers from upcycled brown packing paper. It's a crafting idea you could make to give as a Mother's Day present, or for a loved one, or to put on your altar.

A crafting reel I saw on Facebook prompted me to have a go at this. Here's the link, but I adapted the method shown a bit. You need:

Brown paper
Scissors
Paint (optional but especially useful for leaves)
A small paint brush
Glue (I used quck-drying tacky glue)
Thin sticks (I used stripped honeysuckle from my garden, but you could use bought sticks or wire)

Some of my flowers are unpainted, some are pink. If you want colourful flowers then first paint your brown paper and leave it to dry.

Cut a wiggly spiral out of the paper. Loosely roll that around a stick or wire, gluing the bottom of the paper spiral in place as you go. I should warn you that the paper gets soggy with the glue, so you have to be both quick and careful. If you keep the spiral tight you will get bud-like flowers, but if you ease the top of the spiral strips out and pinch the bottom in, you will get fuller blooms.

Leave the flowers to dry then cut out leaf shapes from green-painted paper if you want them. Stick them onto the flowers.

Previous crafting posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/craft-slow-stitch-scraps-and-scents-egg.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/02/craft-recycled-wax-candle-for-magical.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/magical-craft-my-2026-wheel-of-year.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/09/craft-autumnal-wheel-of-origami-leaves.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/10/craft-box-of-charms-amulets-for.html

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Green London: Flowers on the Street Where I Live

I've been blogging regularly about London's green spaces in an effort to dispel a prevalent myth in the pagan community that it's just all concrete. Even in the City, which is of course heavily built up, there are still places where nature thrives, while Greater London has huge areas of woods, commons, parks and beautiful gardens.

Today I'm sharing a collage of photos I took of flowers and blossom on the streets within 5-minutes walk of my home in south-east London. Many were growing wild on verges, some outside buildings, but it shows that you don't need to go to the countryside to see nature thrive. I also saw bees and other insects buzzing around and landing on the blooms.

You don't need to know the names of plants in order to enjoy their beauty, but I'll indentify what I think are in the pictures:

Forsythia
Magnolia
Speedwell
Viburnum
Comfrey
Dandelion
Red dead nettle

The photos on this post were all taken by me. Please do not use them without my permission.

Previous Green London Posts
badwitch.co.uk/2026/02/green-london-urban-park-and-ancient.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-londons-first-botanical.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-japanese-gardens-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/green-london-riverview-walk-river-pool.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/10/green-london-ancient-woodlands-around.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/green-london-rookery-streatham-common.html

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Rounding the Year: Camellias - Another Spring Herald

The camellias in my garden always bloom later than many others I see outside houses in my street, but they're another flower that heralds the arrival of spring with splashes of bright colour.

Camellias come from southern China, where they have been cultivated since about 1725BC, when the Chinese emperor found that an infusion of camellia sinensis leaves was his favourite drink. This became known as tea. Buddhist priests prized it as a stimulant and spread its popularity to Japan, developing the tea ceremony.

The tea plant and ornamental camellias are closely related, but are not the same. Don't boil up an old camellia leaves to see what they taste like. In England, ornamental species such as camellia japonica became popular in the early 1800s because of their lovely flowers. They bring colour to even the greyest day.

This particular shrub reminds me of my mum, because she planted it in our garden and loved it.

Share your Pictures

Since my book Rounding the Wheel of the Year came out I've been inviting people to share seasonal pictures, art, crafts, words and other creativity. I'd love to encourage readers to record what's happening in nature in various ways including photographs, as well as other seasonal journalling, musings, drawing, painting and crafting.

Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:

Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear

Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year

My book offers more ways to acknowledge and celebrate the seasons in ritual, magic, folklore and nature. You can view Rounding the Wheel of the Year on Amazon, find it at esoteric bookshops or via my publisher Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-rounding-wheel-year

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Other previous Related Posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-when-snowdrops-bloom.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/02/rounding-year-daffodils-narcissus.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/springtime-camellias.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-flower-of-love-hope-or.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html

Thursday, 19 February 2026

Rounding the Year: Daffodils, Narcissus & a Tragic Tale

Daffodils are blooming in my garden again. They're a bit earlier than last year, but I'm pleased to see their bright yellow buds. Another word for daffodil is narcissus. That's the name of the Greek mythological character who fell in love with his own reflection, and associated with the term narcissism, meaning someone very self-centred.

However, the full version of the ancient tale is more complicated and nuanced. Narcissus was loved by both a young woman called Echo, and a young man, Ameinias, but was unable to reciprocate the feelings for either. Echo wasted away, while Ameinias called on the goddess of revenge, Nemesis. She cursed Narcissus that whoever he did love wouldn't be able to return the affection either. This came true, but his passion for his own image burned so brightly he was transformed into a golden flower.

It's a sad story, isn't it? But it does perhaps offer the message of accepting that not everyone we desire will necessarily share the same feelings. Don't go cursing someone just because they don't fancy you. Love can be bittersweet, but keep the tragedy in fiction please.

As much as I enjoy being reminded of a good tale, I also love to see the flowers at this time of year, which can be bitterly cold even though beautiful flowers are brightening the days.

Share your Pictures

Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:

Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear

Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Other previous Related Posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-when-snowdrops-bloom.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-flower-of-love-hope-or.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/09/rounding-year-when-do-you-think-autumn.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/01/rounding-year-sharing-seasonal-pictures.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Rounding the Year: The First Garden Primrose

Here's a photo of the first primrose to bloom in my garden this year. They are one of the most recognisable flowers of early spring. The name itself comes from the Latin prima rosa, meaning "first rose".

What flowers can you see near where you live?

Share your Pictures

Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:

Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear

Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Friday, 30 January 2026

Rounding the Year: When the Snowdrops Bloom

Snowdrops are the quintessential flower of Imbolc, representing the first stirrings of spring even when the weather can still be wintry. I always watch for when they first appear in my garden each year. Sometimes they're fully in bloom by the start of February, but other years they arrive a little later.

Even in England they will show their characteristic white-and-green petals in different parts of the country at different dates. A few days ago, a friend who lives in the Lancashire countryside posted a photo she'd taken of an entire bank covered with snowdrops.

The picture above was taken by me in my South London garden yesterday, and only a few were in bloom. However, most were very nearly out. I hope they will show a wonderful display at Imbolc on February 1st.

Why don't we all go outdoors and have a look to see if the snowdrops are out where we live? Leave a comment to say what you found, so we can know where to go to see them in their full beauty.

Share your Pictures

Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:

Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear

Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Other previous Related Posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-flower-of-love-hope-or.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/09/rounding-year-when-do-you-think-autumn.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/01/rounding-year-sharing-seasonal-pictures.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/05/flowers-of-love-divination-snowdrops.html

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Rounding the Year: A Flower of Love, Hope, or Death?

January can be a grey and miserable month, but to help cheer myself up I look for spots of colour in nature when I'm out and about. They give me hope that spring is on the way. These mauve periwinkles are flowering in gardens along my street and in my local park. That's where I photographed this one.

There are various types of periwinkle and historically have been used in herbal medicine and in love potions. Herbalist Nicholas Culpeper wrote in the 17th cenutury: '...the leaves eaten by man and wife together, cause love between them.'

However, in Italy it's known as the "flower of death" and has a reputation of being poisionous. That isn't quite true, although many herbs can be dangerous if you eat too much and you should always talk to a qualified expert before trying out any remedy - or aphrodisiac. It seems the pretty flower's deadly reputation likely comes from the fact that it was often included in wreaths put on the graves of children who died.

If you have periwinkle growing in your garden you could pick a sprig to put on your altar if you are doing any love magic, or press a flower to put on a personalised Valentine's card in just a few weeks' time.

Share your Pictures

Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:

Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear

Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year

(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)

Other previous Related Posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/09/rounding-year-when-do-you-think-autumn.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/rounding-year-hollyhocks-with-minds-of.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/01/rounding-year-sharing-seasonal-pictures.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/09/healing-herbs-periwinkle-flowers-at-kew.html

Monday, 14 July 2025

Flower Magic: Selfheal in Herbalism & Witchcraft

This is selfheal, a small but potent magical plant that peeps from grass with violet blooms in English summer months. Gardeners often consider it a persistent weed but, as the name suggests, herbalists have traditionally used it to help treat ailments including wounds, heart disease and sore throats. The leaves are said to be antibacterial, astringent, and help reduce blood pressure. Bees also love it as a source of nectar.

In magic and witchcraft, selfheal can be used in spells for a huge variety of purposes, including healing the body, mind and even relationships. Put a sprig on your altar, or use the dried petals in poppets, jar spells, sachets, infusions, and washes. The leaves and flowers are edible.

Rachel Patterson, in her book A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Herbs and Plants, writes that it's magical properties include: "Releasing, cleansing, spirituality, stress, calming, clarity, protection" and that: "It was said to be collected by Druids and used in magic cleansings to clear a person from being ‘faery struck’."

If you are foraging, never take more than you need and leave plenty for the bees.

Please note: This is not medical advise, it is for information purposes only. Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before taking any herbal remedy or if you are unwell.

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Craft: Magical Flower Art from the Greenoaks Gathering

Here's a close-up of some beautiful flower art a group of us made at the Greenoaks Gathering. The picture at the bottom shows they entire thing. We used foraged grasses, leaves and flowers to create a pattern inspired by the summer solstice sun. It was a lovely communal activity. Afterwards we spent some time contemplating what we'd created then talked about what it reminded us of or symbolised to us in any way. It's an activity you could easily include in a solstice celebration or ritual.

Here are suggestions for things to do when your art is complete:

Meditate on what you have created
Photograph it before the greenery fades
Press the flowers to preserve them
Dry them to later use in spells or incense blends

If you repeat this several times over the course of the wheel of the year, you can observe patterns in the cycle of the seasons, as well as increase your awareness of what’s in bloom when.

There are more ideas for seasonal activities in my book Rounding the Wheel of the Year.

Ethical foraging

When picking wild flowers or plants of any kind, don't take more than you need. Only take things that are growing abundantly. Make sure you’re foraging somewhere you have permission. Don’t trample plants – keep to paths and grassy areas. Don’t uproot anything, just snip a bit off it. Don’t pick rare flowers or plants. Leave plenty for wildlife and for other people to enjoy. Some wildflowers are protected by law - if in doubt, check or leave it alone.

Previous seasonal flower pictures

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/07/july-mandala-lavender-mint-meadowsweet.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/06/summer-mandala-sun-wheel-of-leaves.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/06/june-mandala-summer-solstice-sun-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/10/autumn-mandala-leaves-in-green-gold.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/04/spring-mandala-jill-in-green-from.html

Friday, 30 May 2025

My Witchy Events: Scrying, Flower Mandalas & Charms

Here are details of the witchy workshops I'm running in London and at the Greenoaks pagan festival in Cambridgeshire in June and July.

In-Person Scrying Workshop at Treadwell's
On Saturday 7 June; I'm running an in-person workshop on divination using crystal balls, water and candles at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm. Cost: £22 per person. https://www.treadwells-london.com/.

Divination with Clouds and Flower Mandalas at Greenoaks Gathering

Greenoaks Gathering 2025 runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June. I'll be running two workshops at this pagan gathering in the beautiful Cambridgeshire Fens. One is on scrying with clouds and trees, the other is on creating meditative art with flowers and leaves. There's also Music, kids activities, and a magickal market. Venue: Mad Hatters Campsite, Second Drove Adelaide, Ely CB7 4UD. Tickets: £0 – £114.47. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greenoaks-gathering-2025-tickets-892366882367?

In-Person Workshop at Treadwell's on Amulets, Talismans and Charms

On Sunday 13 July I'm running an in-person workshop on Amulets, Talismans and Charms at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm. Cost: £22 per person. For more details or to book a place visit: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

More About Me and My Books

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

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

Friday, 16 May 2025

Rounding the Year: A Hot May Brings Early Wild Roses

This beautiful white wild rose bloomed to perfection in my garden this week - almost a month earlier than last year. This isn't particularly unseasonal - according to the Woodland Trust, they normally flower from May to June - but it is a tiny bit premature. The reason has to be the hot weather we've had from late April onwards. In fact May 1 was tipped to be the hottest on record.

I do love warm days, but it's also a sign that climate change is a real environment problem. We can all do a little bit more to help keep our cities and towns cool, such as using cars less often if possible, or at least turning engines off when traffic isn't moving. If you have a garden, fill it with plants, trees and flowers rather than use concrete, boarding or fake grass as outside ground cover. It doesn't matter if it grows a bit wild.

In previous posts I've blogged about the folklore of wild roses. You can read about that in my Rounding the Wheel post on June 11 last year.

Sharing seasonal photos

Inspired by ideas in my book Rounding the Wheel of the Year, I share seasonal pictures, art, crafts, words and customs as well as a record of what's happening in nature.

Where to Find my Books

If you want to buy Rounding the Wheel of the Year and any of my other Pagan Portals witchcraft books, or my Gothic novel Erosion you can find them via my publisher Moon Books, which is part of Collective Ink: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com

You can also find my books at London bookshop Treadwell's at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Other previous related posts

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/05/rounding-year-cow-parsley-or-mother-may.html http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/rounding-year-forget-me-nots-in-grass.html http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/09/rounding-year-rosehips-and-raindrops.html http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/pagan-eye-dog-rose.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/05/may-mandala-stone-circles-and-wild.html

Saturday, 3 May 2025

Planting Seeds and Creating a Sensory Garden

Verve American Giant Yellow Sunflower Seeds and Lavender

Today is National Herb Day and Naked Gardening Day. I won't be doing anything outdoors in the buff, but I might go as far as to take my shoes off to feel the grass between my toes. Gardens should appeal to all the senses in my opinion, which is why I'm sharing a press release I was sent about Verve Seeds from B and Q. It's all about creating a sensory garden with plants offering delights for sight, smell, touch, sound and taste.

Sight

Sunflowers bring bold colour and height, whilst being a great focal point. Their tall stems also provide natural shade and windbreaks for smaller plants. Plus, sunflowers are easy to grow and make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers

Smell

Lavender adds beauty, scent, and calm to any garden. Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators while naturally repelling pests. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it’s perfect for both visual appeal and sensory relaxation. Plus, you can harvest it for teas, sachets, or simple aromatherapy.

Verve Sage Herb Seeds and Verve Mix Echinacea Seeds

Touch

Sage is a versatile herb with beauty, fragrance, and practical benefits. Its soft, textured leaves add sensory interest, while its earthy aroma can calm the senses. Sage is also great for cooking.

Sound

Echinacea (coneflower) adds vibrant colour, attracts pollinators, and creates a soft rustling sound in the breeze. It's easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and perfect for any garden.

Verve Strawberry Temptation Vegetable Seeds

Taste

Strawberries are delicious and easy to grow. They attract pollinators, adding a sweet fragrance to your garden. Perfect for fresh eating or making jams.

The pictures show: Verve American Giant Yellow Sunflower Seeds, Verve Hidecote Blue Lavender Seeds, Verve Sage Herb Seeds, Verve Mix Echinacea Seeds, Verve Strawberry Temptation Vegetable Seeds

Friday, 28 March 2025

Rounding the Year: Peak Blossom in Photos

This week it seems we've hit peak blossom in my local town. Rather that write a load of words, I'm sharing photos I took yesterday in my garden and in the streets around where I live. This is my one of my favourite times in the year!

Sharing seasonal photos

Inspired by ideas in my book Rounding the Wheel of the Year, I share seasonal pictures, art, crafts, words and customs as well as a record of what's happening in nature.

Where to Find my Books

You can also find my books at London bookshop Treadwell's at 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury: https://www.treadwells-london.com/

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/rounding-year-daffodil-in-my-garden.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/12/rounding-year-wintery-bare-trees-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/01/rounding-year-wassailing-apple-trees.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-japanese-gardens-in.html

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