A bad witch's blog: goddess

Showing posts with label goddess. Show all posts

Friday, 24 July 2026

Review: Hecate, Goddess of Magick & Witchcraft

Hecate is the goddess of the crossroads. She stands with torches to light the way in darkness. As Irisanya Moon writes in Pagan Portals - Hecate, Goddess of Magick and Witchcraft, she's thought of as being among the witchiest of goddesses, and is invoked by the "weird sisters" in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

I read Pagan Portals - Hecate because I always enjoy Irisanya Moon's books. She has a lovely style of writing and offers accurate historical research as well as practical ways of working with goddesses as modern pagans while referring to ancient practice too. However, I soon realised that this is the book I needed to read now, and Hecate is the goddess I need to work with because I'm at a crossroads in my own life.

Next month - Augtust 2026 - I will start receiving my state pension. I could, technically, retire, but I'm not in a standard job. I'm a freelance writer and teacher of magical workshops. I love doing those things, but writing and teaching have never earnt me huge amounts of money. I've had to be frugal and sometimes take on paid work because I desparately needed the cash even though I would rather have spent the time doing other things. My state pension will give me a bit more financial security.

I have no desire to stop writing, but I can afford to be more choosy about what I write. Writing a book is a big commitment. Part of my crossroads means deciding whether to propose another Pagan Portals book or concentrate on another novel following on from my first that was published, Erosion. A practical magic book would sell more copies, but fiction writing is where my heart lies.

Hecate is the right goddess to ask for help in choosing the path forwards. Inspired by Irisanya's book, I'll be lighting a candle, scrying, and asking the help of the goddess to show the way.

But, that's enough of my own life story. Here's the synopsis of Pagan Portals - Hecate from publisher Moon Books' website:

"Hecate waits for us at the crossroads, torches in each hand. The goddess of land, sea, and sky is wise and wondrous, terrifying and holy. Triple-faced Hecate does not tell us the way; she shows us what can happen when we step into our power. With practices, trances, spells, and immersive exercises, you can build a relationship with Hecate: light-bringer, gate-breaker, and star-walker. The Goddess of Magick and Witchcraft inspires, guides, and grants safe passage in the darkest moments."

About the author

Irisanya Moon is a writer, witch, teacher, poet, and Reclaiming initiate who has practiced magick for 20-plus years. She blends grounded, graceful, and radically authentic facilitation to inspire transformation and liberation at the personal and collective levels. Her previous books include Pagan Portals titles on Reclaiming Witchcraft, Aphrodite, Iris, Norns, Artemis, Circe, Hestia, and The Muses.

You can view Pagan Portals - Hecate on Amazon.

(Please note: I earn commission from some links)

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

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/2026/01/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

Thursday, 5 February 2026

Book Endorsement: The Muses, Calling to Creativity

A Pagan Portals title is coming out this month that I was proud to write an endorsement for before it was published. It's called The Muses – Calling to Creativity and Inspiration. The book is by Reclaiming tradition witch Irisanya Moon. Here's what I thought about it:

“This book has something for anyone who feels the need for creative inspiration. The Muses are the Ancient Greek goddesses of poetry, song, music, and dance, and have long been called upon by writers, musicians and anyone engaged in the arts. In Pagan Portals – The Muses, Irisanya Moon offers a well-researched look at their history and mythology, and offers practical ways to honour them and ask for their aid. You can meet them via trance and meditation; work with them via writing, painting, or music; perform a ritual in their honour; or simply get to know them better and learn the stories told about them. Irisanya Moon also looks at the role of the Muses in our contemporary world and ways we can find inspiration in everyday life.”

The Muses is published by Moon Books, which is an imprint of Collective Ink.

Irisanya has previously written about Reclaiming Witchcraft and and Honouring the Wild as well as being the author of Pagan Portals books on Aphrodite, Iris, The Norns, Artemis, Circe, and Hestia.

You can view The Muses on Amazon.

Please note I earn commission from some links.

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

Craft: A Recycled Wax Candle For Magical Thanks

The photo shows a candle burning on my altar, but it isn't one I bought from a shop. I made it myself with recycled wax from ends of candles collected over the past year. I like to do this at around Candlemas each year, as that's traditionally when candles were blessed.

People on my candle magic classes often ask me what to do with wax leftover after spells or rituals. While some witches believe you should throw away anything like that, I'm of the opinion that it's better for the environment to re-use as much as possible.

I've blogged in the past about exactly how to make recycled candles. You can find the instructions here.

I always thoroughly cleanse the wax of unwanted energy, especially if it's been used for spells. I do this as I melt it by stirring it anti clockwise, or widdershins, and visualising it being purified of all influence. This time I did that on the night of the full moon, but you can also use the power of a waning or dark moon for cleansing.

Once my candle has fully set and cooled, I use it as part of a ritual to thank the Goddess and the universe in general for aiding my magic in the past.

There are more ideas in my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic, published by Moon Books.

Note: I earn commission from some links.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/spells-candle-magic-ritual-for-earth.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/01/candle-magic-spell-for-springtime-wishes.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/easy-candle-wishing-spell.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/magical-craft-my-2026-wheel-of-year.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/12/resolving-resolutions-year-of-witchy.html

Tuesday, 2 December 2025

Books: Divine Wounds - Healing with Goddesses

A book is coming out this month that I was proud to write an endorsement for it before it was published. The title is Divine Wounds. It's about working with goddesses, and the path of the priestess as a tool of empowerment and healing. Inside is a collection of essays by authors from various pagan paths, edited by polytheist celebrant Ness Bosch. Here's what I said in my endorsement:

Many goddesses offer tales of suffering as victims of injustice, betrayal, loss, abandonment, abduction, assault and, too often, rape. The collection of essays in Divine Wounds - Finding Healing Working with Goddesses and Archetypes relates those ancient stories to similar struggles women still face in the 21st century. They show how working with those deities can offer comfort in our own times of trouble, and heal psychological wounds. The book is edited by Ness Bosch, who provides a chapter called ‘Finding healing working with Welsh Goddesses’. Other contributors include Morgan Daimler writing on Macha, Halo Quin on Blodeuwedd, Karen Tate on Sekhmet, Rachel Patterson on Sulis, Frances Billinghurst on Ereshkigal, Irisanya Moon on Aphrodite, and Mael Bridge on Keening with Brigit. This is a powerful and important book, full of insight into the darker aspects of feminine mythology. It offers compassion and hope to those who have faced unfairness in life, especially women in a society that is still sadly patriarchal.

Divine Wounds is published by Moon Books, which is an imprint of Collective Ink.

You can also view Divine Wounds on Amazon.

Please note I earn commission from some links.

Friday, 24 October 2025

Books: Pantheon - The Greeks - Magic & Mythology

Pantheon: The Greeks is part of a series published by Moon Books exploring different religious traditions and beliefs in the ancient world. This book by Irisanya Moon is officially published in a few weeks' time. It covers the basics of Greek mythology to ground readers and practitioners in history, mythology, cosmology, ritual, celebrations, rituals, prayers, and magic, as well as gods, goddesses, and other beings. I was lucky enough to read an advance copy and I wrote this endorsement:

“A brilliant resource on Ancient Greek deities, mythology, and history. Irisanya Moon bridges the gap between devotional works, retellings of heroic epics, and academic studies. This book is packed with useful information aimed at modern pagans. It offers material to use in spiritual practice as well as being a concise reference book. Pantheon: The Greeks is also a delight to dip into purely for pleasure.”

Irisanya Moon is an author, witch, international teacher, poet, and Reclaiming initiate.

You can view Pantheon: The Greeks on Amazon.

(Please note, I earn commission from some links)

Friday, 15 August 2025

Comparing Deities: Vishnu, Sekhmet & Bacchus

The British Museum currently has a free exhibition offering a cultural comparison of the Indian god Vishnu, the ancient Egyptian goddess Sekhmet and the Roman god Bacchus (or Greek Dionysos). The main display puts statues of the three deities side by side. You can see them in the photo above, which I took earlier this week.

The exhibition is called Mumbai + London - New Perspectives on the Ancient World. As the description says: "It reflects the varied ways ancient civilisations imagined the divine and gave it physical form."

I liked the way that the display and information prompts visitors to look at how deities have been portrayed, including mingling human and animal features, or offering an idealised view of humanh perfection.

However, I tutted at the innacuracy of some of the information offered, which read: "While the gods of ancient Egypt, the Greek world and Rome are no longer worshipped, India has maintained its traditions of sacred sculpture and religious practice." I feel it would be more accurate to say that although there hasn't been continuous, uninterrupted worship of the gods of ancient Egypt, the Greek world and Rome, some pagans today have revived the practice.

Mumbai + London runs until 11 January 2026 and can be found in room 3 at the British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/mumbai-london-new-perspectives-ancient-world

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Book Review: Mary Magdalene, The Darker Saint

Mary Magdalene was a follower of Jesus, sometimes depicted as his closest disciple. While she is venerated as a saint by Christians, many goddess worshippers consider her to be an aspect of the Divine Feminine and even a goddess. Today, 22 July is her feast day, and so I'm offering this review of Mary Magdalene, The Darker Saint by Claire Pingel

The text on the back of the book says:

"Mary Magdalene. Who is she? Explore the many sides of Mary - divine feminine, saint, goddess of wisdom, femininity and sexuality. There are many ways to approach the Magdalene. Her story is explored here through biblical and apocryphal texts. Paths to working with Mary, the deity, are yours to discover."

In the book, Claire describes how she discovered Mary Magdalene while on a pagan path of self-discovery and after working with many other goddesses. She describes Mary as goddess of divine spiritual energy who cares for those who suffer from depression and adversity.

Mary Magdalene was a historical figure, but there are many different legends about her. Claire examines these and shows how the various accounts and stories can be taken as spiritual inspiration. The book ends with describing ways of working with Mary Magdalene and includes a lovely pathworking, which I was lucky enough to take part in myself when I was at the Greenoaks Gathering. I then won my copy of Mary Magdalene, The Darker Saint in the Greenoaks raffle. I took that as a sign it was a book I needed to read and post about on my blog for Mary's feast day.

Mary Magdalene, The Darker Saint is published by Veneficia Publications. You can view the book on Amazon.

Celebrate the Festival of Mary Magdelene in London

At Wicca Moon: On Wednesday, 23 July you can celebrate the Festival of Mary Magdalene with a sacred gathering to honour the Beloved of the Rose. This is being run at Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9. It starts at noon and continues through the afternoon. There are more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/24119425231079675

At Crossbones Graveyard (and online): Also on Wednesday, 23 July there will be an Isis-Magdalene vigil and a vigil to honour the outcast dead of Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark. Location: Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA. Time: 6.45pm for 7pm. Free, just turn up You can also watch the vigil online, details are on the Facbeook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1283218100098757/

Previous related posts

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/04/divination-sarah-la-kali-from-divine.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/05/review-wicca-moon-goddess-oracle.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/07/poetry-of-witchcraft-goddess-who-lights.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/book-review-hestia-goddess-of-hearth.html

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Sussex Modernism: Goddesses, Magic & Megaliths

Sussex could have had a 20th century monument intended to rival Stonehenge. Controversial sculptor Jacob Epstein planned to create colossal stone statues as a form of sun temple in the grounds of writer Virginia Woolf's home. It never happened, but the figure Maternity, which you can see photographed on this post, might have been one of them. According to the information on the wall at Sussex Modernism, at Eastbourne's Towner Gallery, "The never realised scheme was part of an effort to create a 'new religion' inspired by Indian sacred art."

As well as the sculpture of a divine mother, goddesses, a green man, and enchanted woodlands are among the many works inspired by magic and paganism on display in the new exhibition. You can see other examples in the photos here, which I took when I visited last weekend. While Moderrnism might more usually be depicted by visions of city life - or at least what was then the "modern" world - there were various strands within the movement. The countryside of Sussex influenced the 20th century artists who lived there. It's an extremely varied exhibition, covering a wide range of styles, techniques and topics. The Towner website says:

"A monumental head carved in stone by Jacob Epstein (1910) shares a space with a seven-metre-long painting by Ivon Hitchens (1960) and a large wall hanging made with cellophane by Ethel Mairet’s Workshop (1940s). A magical woodland scene by surrealist Carlyle Brown (1948) appears alongside an Edward Burne-Jones tapestry (1886), a film by Neo-Naturist Jennifer Binnie (c. 1980), and a life-sized goddess by Alexi Marshall (2024)."

I wanted to put my photo of the Epstein statue at the top of this post, because it is really a striking image, but I was wary of social media blocking it due the the bare breasts. The row of goddess images had them too. So, the picture at the top is a less likely to be banned green man by Alexi Marshall, entitled Bloodsucker Head. Along the wall next to it are works by Amy Sawyer, a feminist who was inspired by folklore and was described as a 'witch'.

Sussex Modernism is on to 28 September 2025 at Towner Eastbourne, Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ. Standard tickets are £9.90. The gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. https://townereastbourne.org.uk/

Friday, 23 May 2025

British Museum Exhibits: Ancient India: Living Traditions

I took the photo above at Ancient India: Living Traditions. It shows the bright colours within the British Museum's new exhibition, but can't let you experience the wonderful sounds and scents too. Flickering projections of votive candles and the smoke of wafting incense make the gallery seem like a living temple. The exhibition aims to be a multi-sensory journey through the devotional art of the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religions, starting with an exploration of ancient nature spirits. It goes on to examine ideas of community, continuity, and change, showing how ancient religious practice has shaped living traditions today.

The exhibition looks at the origins of three major world religions through the emergence of early India's sacred art, exploring the enduring devotional practices of today. Thousands of years of religious imagery have been brought together to trace the transformation from symbolic representations to the human forms we recognise today.

This is a large exhibition with more than 180 objects, including 2,000-year-old sculptures, paintings, drawings, and manuscripts relating to gods, goddesses and nature spirits. The photo below shows Jain goddesses of knowedge.

Ancient India: Living Tradition is at the British Museum in London. It's open Saturday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, with late evenings on Fridays. Tickets are £20, or free for members. https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/ancient-india-living-traditions

Friday, 7 March 2025

Embrace the Wild Goddess on International Women's Day

Here's a card for the world for International Women's Day. It's the Wild Goddess from Laura Daligan's Wheel of the Year Goddesss deck. It's a hand-painted laminated card, but I'm not sure if it is a prototype for a deck you can buy or a one-off. I do know I need to return it to her!

I'd been intending to use my Divine Feminine Oracle deck, but when I opened up the box I found one of Laura's cards among them. It was the Wild Goddess. I guess it must have accidentally got mixed up with my set when Laura and I last met, but the Wild Goddess card felt so right that I decided to blog about it.

Goddesses and the Wheel of the Year

Many modern pagans and witches work with the Wheel of the Year. They celebrate the seasons in eight festivals following the sun's cycle from Winter Solstice through spring to Summer Solstice, through autumn and back to winter. Goddesses that represent those seasons can be venerated in rites at those times.

The eight Goddess types following the Wheel of the Year are: Maiden Goddesses, Wild Goddesses, Love Goddesses, Warrior Goddesses, Queen Goddesses, Dark Goddesses, Crone Goddesses, Mother Goddesses.

The circle can be seen as a linear pathway. However, we can embody different aspects at the same time, for example you could be a parent in your family life, but also rediscovering your wild self, and needing to be a warrior in other parts of your life.

The Wild Goddess Message

My interpretation of this card is that we should all embrace our wild sides. Here are ideas of things to consider:

Put on loud music and dance or sing
Look through your wardrobe for something to wear that makes you feel wild
Go for a walk in a wild place like a forest
Take off your shoes and tread barefoot on the earth
Plan to do something you've never done before
Perhaps step a little outside your comfort zone

International Women's Day is a perfect time to embrace the Wild Goddess archetype. If you have a Goddess oracle set, pick out a card to inspire you. Examples could be Greek Artemis, or Artio the Gaulish bear goddess.

About Laura Daligan

Laura Daligan is an internationally renowned mystic, artist, spiritual teacher, fire dancer, musician, animal lover, and advocate. She lives in Somerset and offers readings, courses, and consultations to awaken your magic and re-enchant your life: https://www.lauradaligan.com/

Monday, 3 March 2025

Book Review: Hestia, Goddess of Hearth & Home

Coming out this month is a new title in Moon Books' Pagan Portals series - Hestia: Goddess of Hearth, Home and Community. I was given the chance to read the book before it was published. I thought it was really good, and wrote this endorsement:

Hestia is the Greek Goddess of the hearth fires, the home, and the community. She is a virgin Goddess in that she chose to remain single. However, she was also at the heart of family life for people in Classical times, being honoured in the fire that burnt at the centre of every home. Unlike most other Greek deities, she is peace-loving and promotes harmony in the community. In this lovely book, Irisanya Moon delves into Hestia’s history and mythology, but also shows how she can be venerated by modern Pagans. Irisanya offers a range of practical ways to develop a relationship with Hestia, including visualisation, storytelling, cookery, cleaning the home, serving the community, and engaging in hearth magic. This book is a superb introduction to Hestia’s place in the Greek pantheon as well as an insightful guide to working with her today.

You can view Pagan Portals - Hestia on Amazon

[Please note I earn commission from some links]

Monday, 24 February 2025

My Events: Goddesses, Women of Power, Witchraft

Here are details of the witchy events I'm involved with from now until early April. There are workshops on the Divine Feminine and Women of Power, charms, poppets, candle magic, and scrying.

March

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

On Saturday 1 March I'm running an in-person workshop on Amulets, Talismans and Charms at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. It begins at 1pm and tickets are £22 per person. You can find out more at https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

~~In-Person Day on the Divine Feminine and Women of Power at the College of Psychic Studies~~

On Sunday 2 March I'm offering a a one-day workshop called The Divine Feminine and Women of Power. It will take place at the gorgeous building of The College of Psychic Studies at 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. The day runs from 11am - 5pm. Tickets are £125/£105. Find out more and book here: https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/workshops/divine-feminine/the-divine-feminine-and-women-of-power/

Sadly the above event has had to be cancelled for personal reasons. I hope to run it another time.

In-Person Poppets Workshop at Viktor Wynd

On Sunday 16 March I'm running my popular workshop on Poppets and Magical Doll-Making at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. It starts at noon. Tickets are from £31.94, which includes a cocktail with Devil’s Botany. Find out more and book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poppets-magical-doll-making-workshop-with-lucya-starza-live-tickets-692548169217

In-Person Candle Magic Workshop at Treadwell's

On Saturday 22 March I'm running a Candle magic workshop based on my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic. The venue is Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. It starts at 1pm and tickets are £22 per person. To find out more and reserve a place visit: https://www.treadwells-london.com/.

April

Scrying at Viktor Wynd

On Sunday, 6 April, I'm, running an in-peson scrying workshop at Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. The price includes a cocktail with Devil’s Botany. It starts at noon. Tickets are from £32.21. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scrying-workshop-with-lucya-starza-live-tickets-692559011647.

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, 14 February 2025

A Reading: Balance v Inbalance in the Lover's Path Tarot

I did a reading for the world this Valentine's Day using the Lover's Path Tarot. I drew the card Balance, which shows the goddess Venus and the god Vulcan. This would, on the surface, seem the perfect card for a day that's supposed to be about romance. However, when I pulled it from the pack it was reversed: upside down.

The photo here shows the card upright. I'll first look into what the card would mean this way, then the reversed interpretation.

Balance in the Lover's Path Tarot corresponds to Temperance in the Rider-Waite-Smith and similar decks. It represents the importance of equilibrium.

The depiction of Venus and Vulcan rshows that opposites can live in harmony. Before becoming a goddess of love, Venus was originally a goddess of nature and of plants growing with the arrival of spring. Vulcan is a god of the forge and of crafting. Despite seeming incompatible, they were married, and their marriage endured. It could even be considered a successful polyamorous relationship, because Venus had many other lovers. The two deities learnt to not only tolerate, but also accept, each other's differences.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if that same tolerance and acceptance of difference could be more prevalent in our world today? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could cultivate balance and learn to both nurture and craft happier relationships?

Sadly, it seems, the world today is out of balance. As I wrote earlier, I drew this card in the reversed position. This represents inbalance, inability to find peace, and lack of inspiration about how to progress.

This Valentine's Day, on a magical level, we could all help manifest balance by spending some time visualising this card in its upright form. We could also petition Venus and Vulcan to help bring about harmony and equilibrium within ourselves and in all our relationships.

Here's my earlier review of the deck: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/02/review-lovers-path-tarot.html

You can view The Lover's Path Tarot on Amazon

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Tarot exhibition at the Warburg

London's Warburg Institute is hosting Tarot – Origins and Afterlives in the new Kythera Gallery. It runs until 30 April. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. The institute is at Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB. You can find out more about the exhibition and book here: https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/

Thursday, 16 January 2025

Book Review: Pagan Portals - Circe Goddess of Sorcery

Here's another brilliant book by Reclaiming tradition teacher and author Irisanya Moon on a fascinating topic: Circe - Goddess of Sorcery. It's in Moon Books' Pagan Portals series, which offer short introductions to esoteric subjects, but packs a wealth of information into 88 pages.

Like most people, I mainly knew of Circe from The Odyssey. I've long felt her to be a wonderful depiction of a strong and powerful woman, as well as a goddess figure. I blogged about her back in 2009 after seeing a play based on Homer's tale. The painting Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses by John William Waterhouse was also part of the 2022 British Museum's Feminine Power exhibition, and you can see it here.

I read this new book on Circe to learn more - and I wasn't disappointed. Irisanya Moon covers references to her in classical and modern literature as well as ways to honour and work with Circe as a goddess and archetype. This includes visualisations, spells, dreamwork and herb lore.

The synopsis on Moon Books website says

"Meet Circe, feared goddess of Homer's Odyssey, who used her knowledge of nature and sorcery to transform those who displeased her into animals and monsters. Author Irisanya Moon reveals the Goddess in her ancient Greek context, and offers unique insight to and explanations of her relationships, deeds, and desires while offering practical advice on how to meet with this engaging Goddess today."

I'm delighted to have read the book and recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about Circe and work with her in a pagan spiritual practice.

Where to find Circe - Goddess of Sorcery

You can find Circe - Goddess of Sorcery at Moon Books, which is part of Collective Ink: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pantheon-minoans.

At the moment, you can take advantage of the publisher's winter e-book sale on all titles and get 50 per cent off using the code WINTER50. See the picture below for full details on how to do this.

You can also view the book on Amazon. (Please note I earn commission from some links)

Other previous related posts

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/01/a-big-milestone-for-my-book-on-scrying.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/08/book-review-pagan-portals-norns.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/01/book-endorsement-earth-spirit-honoring.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/01/authors-2025-plans-laura-perry-on.html

Thursday, 7 November 2024

Pagan Eye: The Historic Subway at Crystal Palace

I took the picture of newly restored historic Crystal Palace Subway at a special event for artists and photographers last weekend, organised by CPP Trust. It really is an amazing architectural site that linked an old railway station to the glass building that once housed the Great Exhibition, but it also holds a special place in my memory and imagination.

Back when I was a child, the remains of the old Crystal Palace, at the top end of the park in South East London, were overgrown ruins. However, for a child living nearby it was a place of adventure. I could pretend I was exploring fantastical places - climbing the crumbling steps of the terraces to an ancient temple, or descending windings stairs into the underworld, or a monster's lair. The subway was technically out of bounds, but it was easy to get into in the past.

The way I recall it, there were statues there then. I'm not sure if that's a false memory, but the park had lots of statues remaining from the days of the exhibition centre. Some are still in place along the terrace above ground or at the CP Museum. I blogged about them recently. Back in the day, there were more and they were stored in various places over the years. The ones that survive have been catalogued by Invisible Palace and there aren't any in the subway at present.

But, in my mind, I've long seen this place as the lair of the Medusa from the 1980s movie Clash of the Titans: a dungeon complex of flickering firelight and hidden danger, littered with people turned to stone. Back then, Medusa was depicted as an evil creature. Nowadays, many modern pagans view her as a woman who was much-wronged, who wanted to be left alone, and defended herself from intruders with the weapons she had been given. Modern witches and ancient pagans alike have called on her for protection.

The old subway might not hold monsters, but it does still feel a magical place. It is managed by Crystal Palace Park Trust and, following the wonderful restoration project, can be visited on open days. You can find out the next dates here: https://www.crystalpalaceparktrust.org/pages/how-to-visit-the-crystal-palace-subway

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

Friday, 6 September 2024

Review: Pagan Portals - Sulis by Rachel Patterson

Rachel Patterson is one of the top pagan writers on English goddesses, covering scholarly research and her perspective as a practicing high priestess and witch. Her latest book is on Sulis, whose name is found at the hot springs in Bath, and who is associated with spring waters and solar energy.

This new pagan portals title is in two parts. In the first bit, Rachel examines the history and evidence for a goddess who was clearly important in the past. The second part is about working with Sulis. Rachel covers personal insights, appropriate things to put on altars, rituals, magic, and recipes to serve at feasts in honour of the goddess.

"Sulis is one of the very ancient English goddesses. From evidence found we know that she was worshipped at the hot springs in Bath, in the UK, going back to at least the Mesolithic period. What we know about her can only be gleaned from the archaeological finds at the Roman Baths in Bath and a few mentions in ancient Roman documents. What we do know is that she must have been extremely powerful, and her presence continues to carry that energy forward. The historical information in this book is drawn from archaeological finds and academic viewpoints from experts in their field. Little or nothing is known or has been found about the goddess herself, or how she was honoured. Drawing upon personal experience, this book gives you an introduction to connect with Sulis yourself and discover and create your own relationship with her."

I really enjoyed reading an advance copy of Pagan Portals - Sulis, not only because it contains a useful information and practical suggestions, but also because Rachel has a great writing style.

Free launch event

On Saturday 7 September Rachel Patterson is offering a free online workshop, talk, and ritual for Pagan Portals - Sulis. It will be streamed live to https://www.facebook.com/RachelPattersonbooks and https://www.facebook.com/kitchenwitchuk

About the author

Rachel is an English witch who has been walking the Pagan pathway for over thirty years. She has had over 25 books published, some of them becoming best sellers. High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven and an Elder at the online Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchcraft, she gives talks to pagan groups and co-runs open rituals and workshops run by the Kitchen Witch Coven.

You can view Pagan Portals - Sulis at publisher Moon Books and on Amazon. The official publication date is 24 September.

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Monday, 19 August 2024

Pagan Eye: Women Artists and a Moon Goddess

The portrait you can see at the far end of this gallery depicts Cynthia, the Moon Goddess from Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene. It was painted by a woman artist, Maria Cosway, and her model was the woman who commissioned the work of art: Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.

It's a picture I had long wanted to look at in-person and I got my chance last week when I visited Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520–1920 at London's Tate Britain. The entire exhibition is brilliant, offering a rare opportunity to see works by women artists from times when it was extremely difficult for them to be recognised professionally. As it says on the Tate's website:

"From Tudor times to the First World War, artists such as Mary Beale, Angelica Kauffman, Elizabeth Butler and Laura Knight paved a new artistic path for generations of women. They challenged what it meant to be a working woman of the time by going against society’s expectations – having commercial careers as artists and taking part in public exhibitions."

Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520–1920 is on at Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, until 13 October 2024. Full price tickets are £20. The catalogue for the exhibition can be viewed on Amazon or bought at the Tate.

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.

(Please note I earn commission from some links)

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/07/photos-from-art-exhibition-witch-burns.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/08/pagan-eye-ravens-at-charles-dickens.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/04/pagan-eye-lamassu-of-nineveh-goes-on.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/05/pagan-eye-south-london-gets-new-erection.html

Thursday, 18 April 2024

The Occult in Exhibition: The Cult of Beauty

If you haven't seen The Cult of Beauty at London's Wellcome Collection, I recommend popping in and having a look before it closes. I was surprised at how many objects are related to magic, spirituality and world religions.

The photo at the top, which I took when I was there, shows the sculptures 'Esquiline Venus' and 'Idolino' from 500 BCE. They are typically what many think of as ideal male and female bodies. Behind them you can glimpse another marble statue: ‘Sleeping Hermaphroditus’, which apparently combines ideas of the beauty of Venus with that of Dionysus/Bacchus.

In another part of the exhibition you can find a print of Krishna. According to the Wellcome's description this, "challenges Christian associations of beauty with morals such as chastity," while "The Virgin of Guadalupe is a symbol of multicultural and multi-ethnic identities, especially in areas where different religions and cultural traditions meet."

I was also delighted to get another chance to see the alchemical Ripley Scroll (pictured right). This painted document shows a way of supposedly creating the philosopher's stone. A copy of the scroll can also be handled upstairs in the reading room.

The Cult of Beauty shows more than 200 items, including historical objects, art, films and new commissions, encouraging visitors to think about the influence of morality, status, health, age, race and gender on how ideas about beauty have developed, and to question what we might think about that.

The exhibition runs until 28 April at the Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE. Entry is free. You can find out more here: https://wellcomecollection.org/

Monday, 8 January 2024

Authors On Their Own Writing: Erin Aurelia on Brighid

I've talked to Moon Books author Erin Aurelia about which of her own titles she most liked and why, continuing the interview series with authors began last year. Here Erin writes about her book on the goddess Brighid, who is honoured at Imbolc at the start of February.

Q: Of the books you’ve written, which is your favourite?

A: My favourite is The Torch of Brighid: Flametending for Transformation

Q: What’s it about?

A: In it, I share what the devotional practice of flametending for the Irish goddess Brighid is, the history of flametending for her, who Brighid is and how she fits into the Irish cosmology, and how she inspired me to develop flametending for her into a daily spiritual practice for inner transformation through combining the flametending with ogham work. I also include meditations with Brighid at the Irish Fire Festivals to work with Brighid through the seasons of the year, as well as the most updated iteration of my Imbolc Advent, which for several years I reinvented and shared online annually. It is a four-week process of anticipating and preparing for the Irish feast day of Imbolc, or Brighid’s Day, when she is said to walk the land again and revitalize it by bringing the spring season. This advent is a series of meditations and rituals that help the practitioner connect with Brighid, contemplate what they will leave behind in the dying season of winter, and how they will recreate themselves with Brighid’s guidance and inspiration for the coming year of growth ahead. This book is essentially a deep dive into one way to approach a Brighid-centered spiritual practice.

Q: Why is it your favourite?

A: One night while I was tending her flame, I was contemplating the ogham and suddenly noticed that the traditional flametending cycle contains 20 vigils and the primary characters of the ogham also number 20. I began to explore what a flametending process might look like if superimposed over these 20 characters as a set of sequential vigils to comprise an inner journey of focused meditations that guide the practitioner though a quest of transforming, with Brighid’s guidance, a particular aspect that holds us back in our spiritual and personal growth into an element of spiritual strength and joy!

It was such an exciting concept to explore, and began right away, jotting down ideas and structures that spoke to me in the moment, and then spent all my nights for many months going through this cycle over and over to observe how it felt to work through the meditations I was creating, glean what I was learning from them, and then working what I was learning into further refining these meditations and processes I was cocreating with Brighid’s inspiration and guidance. She also led me into working with her through each Irish Fire Festival and season and I share meditations for each of these feast days.

Q: Tell me a bit more about yourself and any other books you’ve written.

A: I have been a flametender for Brighid for 20 years. She has been my spiritual inspiration and guide through my meandering spiritual path that led me from Wicca to Goddess Spirituality to Celtic Polytheism. I founded the Daughters of Brighid flametending order (Nigheanan Brìghde Order of Brighidine Flametenders) which I managed for eight years. In my work life, I am the owner of Sunshine Editorial Services and Book Coaching, and I co-authored a book called Get Published: Industry Experts Share Their Secrets, in which I shared how I work with soul-centered coaches and healers through my book coaching program to help them write books to transform lives and amplify their authority in their own career world. I am also a poet and am delighted to announce that this year I will publish my first volume of poetry, Bone and Stars, poems about recovering and healing from domestic emotional abuse. This will probably become my new favourite book of mine once it’s released. Stay tuned!

Erin Aurelia is the pen and stage name of Erin R Lund, who works as a nonfiction book coach and editor by day and pens and performs poetry with her favorite local musicians by night. She lives in Vancouver, Washington in the Pacific Northwest of the US with her youngest son and more books than she will complete reading in this lifetime. Learn more about author Erin Aurelia and her book at https://www.sunshineeditorialservices.com/erin-aurelia-author

You can also view The Torch of Brighid at publisher Moon Books as well as at Amazon.

Another previous related post: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/12/interview-with-mael-brigde-devotee-of.html

(Note: I earn commission from advertisers for some links. This helps support my blog at no extra cost to those who read my posts.)

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