Craft: Making a Viking Glass Bead at Greenoaks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charity Shop Finds: Amethyst and Amber Jewellery

I thought I'd share this picture of jewellery I've recently bought in charity shops. 

First I found an amethyst pendant for £1.50. It would work well as a dowsing pendulum as well as something to wear. Then I noticed a pair of amber and silver earrings for £7.50. 

What might be more of a bargain is the necklace with amber-coloured beads for £2.50. I'm not sure if it's real amber or just resin, but I intend to find out.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/charity-shop-find-lovely-little-charm.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/11/charity-shop-find-two-tea-leaf-reading.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/01/pagan-eye-horse-brasses-in-south-london.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/winning-day-at-pf-40th-anniversary.html

Craft: How to do Sliding Knots to Fasten Jewellery

 

This week I learnt how to do sliding knots, or slip knots, to fasten jewellery on waxed cotton cord. I made a video showing me using the technique on a crystal pendulum pendant. It is a bit more fiddly than just tying a regular knot, but it creates a fastening that's adjustable and looks neat. 

When doing a slip knot it helps to also use a cord-threading needle or a hairgrip or something like the plastic placking clip I use in the video. Here's how to do it:

• Place both ends of cord along the needle/hairgrip/packing clip, with the eye of the needle or rounded bit of clip towards the centre of where you want it to fasten, and the ends of the cord pointing in opposite directions. 
• Wrap the left cord around the right cord and the length of the needle/hairgrip/packing clip three times, making loops
• Thread the end of the left cord through the eye of the needle or rounded bit of clip and the cord loops.
• Pull it right through and tighten the knot a little, but not too much
• Repeat in reverse on the other side.

I'll be suggesting this technique in my Charms, Amulets and Talismans class at Treadwell's this weekend, where everyone will get a chance to thread charms on a cord bracelet. You can see an example I made in the photo.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/charity-shop-find-lovely-little-charm.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/01/craft-hamsa-amulet-of-protection-as.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/poppet-craft-doll-to-do-three-things-at.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/02/craft-ive-upcycled-old-fabric-into.html

Pagan Eye: A Picture of my Charm Bracelet

Here's a photo of my charm bracelet. I took the picture for one of the slides I'm creating for my workshops on Amulets and Talismans: An Exploration of Magical Objects via The College of Psychic Studies. 

Charm originally meant meant something spoken as a spell. The Oxford English Dictionary says the first examples are from about 1300 and mean: “The chanting or recitation of a verse supposed to possess magic power or occult influence” which could be associated with a talisman. By the mid 19th century, the OED says: “A charm...denotes any material object or outward act, the possession or use of which is thought to confer safety or blessing, not by natural operation, but by occult virtues inherent in it.” 

People have worn protective amulets on jewellery since ancient times. The Babylonians wore them on bracelets from about 700BCE. Early Christians also wore small fish symbols to indicate their faith. However, the concept of the charm bracelet in its current sense started in the 19th century. The tokens were often things like hearts or lockets that commemorated a life event or family connection. They became popular again in the mid 20th century, partly because American soldiers brought charms home as gifts for wives and girlfriends. In fact the OED gives the first written mention of the term "charm bracelet" as being from 1941.

In the early 21st century designer brands produced modular fashion bracelets with collectable beads. Modern witches, however, tend to regard charms as magical rather than mundane. I know quite a few who, like me, have bracelets. Each charm has its own meaning. On mine, some are tokens of love, one is the symbol of a coven I belonged to, some are for luck, some for protection and others were gifts from friends and family members who I cherish.

Charms can also be used in many types of spells. The other day I blogged about witch bells, and I'll be talking more about the magical uses of charms in my workshop. The link's in the first para if you're interested.

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.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/10/pagan-eye-jolly-skeleton-at-cps-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/amulets-talismans-how-we-protected-our.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/amulets-talismans-pewter-purse-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/03/spellcraft-magical-charm-bracelet-from.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/07/magic-and-games-monopoly-charm-candle.html

Amulets & Talismans: How We Protected Our Children

Humans have always wanted to protect their children from harm, and in the past people regularly used amulets and talismans for magical help. 

I took this photo at the Victoria and Albert Museum's jewellery hall, which displays items from the ancient past to the present day. It shows rings, bracelets and pendants made to help children survive the various problems of growing up. As well as practical objects to make teething more comfortable there are things offering magical protection. 

From the top left are:

• An Ancient Roman ring depicting a phallus, which was then considered protective. (I've blogged more about that here.)
• A 17th century English child's ring inscribed with wth words: "This spark will grow."
• A Byzantine child's bracelet with a cross.
• A baby's rattle with a wolf's tooth from 18th century Germany. The sound of the rattle was thought to deter evil spirits while the tooth was to help with teething.
• A 19th century coral pendant. Coral was thought to ward against the evil eye.
• An 18th century child's bell, which would have been worn to ward agains the evil eye.

Many of the historic objects on display in the jewellery hall were intended to be magical or symbolic as well as being lovely to look at.  I'm going to be blogging more in future about amulets, talismans and charms, including some more photos I took at the V and A.

I shared this picture today because it was my great niece's Christening at the weekend. It was a church service, as my niece is Christian even though she isn't particularly religous. It shows that even today many people still want the best for their children in ways that are spiritual or magical as well as practical and beautiful. I should add that even though I'm pagan I was happy to attend the church service. I just kept silent during the bits where the congregation was asked to affirm Christian faith.

The jewellery hall is at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.

Other previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/amulets-talismans-pewter-purse-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/pagan-eye-spiral-of-gems-at-v-in-london.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/crystals-birthstones-and-their.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/01/folklore-horseshoes-for-protection-and.html

Pagan Eye: A Spiral of Gems at the V&A in London

The beautiful spiral of gems in the photo is in the Jewellery Hall at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London's South Kensington. They're the Townshend Gems, which were bequithed to the V and A in 1869. Jewellers have used gems since antiquity, and this display shows many of the stones often used, all set in gold rings. As well as being a beautiful visual display with information about what each stone is, the spiral itself seems quite magical. In fact, the entire hall contains numerous items worn or created to have a magical purpose.

The museum's collection of jewellery is among the largest in the world and the hall itself has more than 3,000 items which tell the story of jewellery in Europe from ancient times to the present day. Many of rings, necklaces, brooches, charms and other items of adornment also had more mystical significance too, often for protection. I'm going to be blogging more in future about amulets, talismans and charms at the V and A, but to start with enjoy looking at this lovely spiral of crystals set in rings.

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

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/01/a-visualisation-crystal-of-nine.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/amulets-talismans-pewter-purse-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/pagan-eye-austin-osman-spares-scrying.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/05/pagan-eye-birthday-wine-and-roses.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/crystals-birthstones-and-their.html

Amulets & Talismans: A Pewter Purse for Wealth

Medieval people might have been Christian rather than Pagan, but they still used folk magic to help them get through the troubles of life. 

I photographed this replica of a Medieval purse amulet at the Lionheart Replicas stall at a living history fair last weekend. Amulets such as this were commonly worn by pilgrims. This would have been to attract wealth - or at least enough money to live on - while on their journey. 

It particularly interested me because magic for abundance seems to be in the air at the moment. A group of fellow self-employed creative pagans I'm working with has been doing magic to help us all earn a bit more money, while my friend and fellow author Sheena Cundy has just launched her new book Riches for Witches.

Back in the early 15th century, we might have been wearing things like the pewter charm in the photo, and of course there's nothing to stop us buying one of Lionheart's delightful reproductions and doing so today. It represents a three-tasselled purse in two halves. Nestled in the middle is an imitation coin. The original can be seen in  Salisbury Museum and was found in the River Avon. The collection includes several other amulets. 

I'm intending to blog more about amulets and talismans in the future, but you can find some of my earlier posts on the topic with the links below:

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/06/thomas-becket-christian-miracles-or.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/01/folklore-horseshoes-for-protection-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/06/witchcraft-sun-moon-amulet-for-travel.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/10/scrying-for-spell-poppet-charm-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/10/pagan-eye-medusa-mozaic-at-dion-in.html

Spellcraft: Magical Charm Bracelet from Upcycled Paper

The beads on this bracelet are crafted from upcycled paper - and what's more they're also good luck charms. The red beads were made from rolled strips of paper cut from an envelope and the gold ones from used wrapping paper.

Here's how you can make something like it yourself. You need coloured paper, which could be old envelopes and wrapping paper like I used, or could be pages from a magazine or any paper of a colour that you like. You will also need cocktail sticks or thin knitting needles, glue and threading elastic.

Cut strips of paper like long thin triangles (see the picture below as an example). My envelope was red on one side and pale blue on the other, so I decided I wanted the red side to be the front and pale blue for the reverse or inside. 

On the reverse or inside of each strip (the side you don't want to show), write whatever it is you want to wish for. In the picture at the bottom you can see I've written "Good Luck", but you could wish for love, success, fortune, health or even protection. As you do this, visualise your wish coming true. Then you are ready to make your charm beads.

Place the cocktail stick or knitting needle on the wider end of the triangle, with the reverse side inwards (the bit you wrote your spell on) and start to roll it without any glue. Once you've wrapped paper about twice around the stick or needle, put a bit of glue along the inside of the paper strip and carry on rolling. Every so often, dab a bit more glue until you get to the tip of the triangle, which needs to be quite firmly glued down. Do be careful not to glue the bead to the stick or needle. Then, leave the bead to dry.

Once you've made several beads and they are all dry, you can glaze the outsides by painting over them with a little dilute glue and leave them to dry again. Again, be careful not to glue any bead to the stick or needle - you want to be able to remove it afterwards.

When they are fully dry, slide the beads off and thread them onto elastic, tying a small knot to join the bracelet up. I upcycled some glittery elastic that had once tied up a present I'd been given, but you can use any thin elastic. 

For extra symbolism when making magical jewellery in this way, you can pick colours that correspond to your intention or you can cut strips from a picture of what it is you are wishing for. That could be roses for romance, a perfect home, an image representing wellbeing, or your ideal job. The image won't show once you've cut out and rolled the narrow strips of paper into beads, but you will know it is there and is attracting what you want into your life.

Links and previous related posts
https://www.globalrecyclingday.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/03/craft-upcycled-jam-jar-buttons-tealight.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/07/magic-and-games-monopoly-charm-candle.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/10/rattle-upcycled-from-crisps-tube.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/05/craft-i-upcycled-my-sofa-into-drum-bag.html

London Lore Tarot & Folklore: Glass Bead Necklaces

In the Covid pandemic, a charm against chest infections from 100 years ago seemed particularly pertinent when I drew a card from the London Lore Tarot. It was the Glass Bead Necklaces card. The book that comes with the set explains:

"In west London of 1914, children could be seen wearing blue and yellow necklaces of glass beads as they played. These necklaces were a charm against illness, to protect against bronchitis. It was said they should never be taken off, not even while bathing."

I had heard of this custom before. It was described by folklorist Edward Lovett, in his 1925 book Magic in Modern London, and you can see examples online via the Wellcome Collection. The website explains that the beads were usually blue rather than yellow, and could be bought widely at market stalls in London. 

There's absolutely no scientific reason why glass beads of any colour would protect against infection, but people obviously drew reassurance from wearing them. It was a time before the National Health Service, and poor people could rarely afford good medical care, and often lived in cold, damp, overcrowded housing. The perfect places for chest infections to spread.

In the London Lore Tarot, the Glass Bead Necklace card relates to The Star in more traditional decks. In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck it shows a woman with two bowls of water, kneeling by a pool in starlight. She pours one into the pool, and the other onto the land. It is generally a positive card. Although in some interpretations it can be about coming to terms with loss, it is normally taken to represent hope for the future and the balancing of common sense with faith and intuition. 

In the current pandemic, we do need to use common sense and do what the health professionals recommend. However, it is also important to hold onto those things that give us reassurance and comfort, even if that is just something we feel brings us luck, makes us happy or is related to our faith. 

Back at the start of the pandemic, someone I know who works in the NHS sent her friends a list of things to put in a go-bag, to take if we had to be rushed into hospital. Obvious items were toiletries, nightclothes and changes of undies, but the list also included a comfort item, such as a soft toy or a photo of a loved one. I knitted myself a small doll in bright colours with a happy smile, designed specifically to cheer me up. I'll blog more about that another day, but this tarot reading made me think of it. 

If you have something that gives you reassurance, even if it has no practical purpose, that's still OK - and that is what this card is about.

Picture credits: Top: London Lore Tarot, Glass Bead Necklaces. Bottom: Glass necklace worn to prevent bronchitis, Greenwich, London. Credit: Science Museum, London. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Links and previous related posts
https://wellcomecollection.org/works/erus7h2v
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/12/review-london-lore-tarot.html

House of Spells & the Backward-Looking Beast Mystery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pagan Eye: Magical Crystal Jewellery from Australia

This photograph of lovely crystal jewellery was sent to me by Laura, who lives in Australia and who handcrafted it herself.

Laura said: "I create magickal tools and necklaces from crystals and clay! If you feel compelled to share my work I can also be found in Instagram at @nymphish_creations"

I think the necklace is enchanting, and I am always happy to share pictures of witchy things people have made themselves.

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/2018/09/craft-restringing-my-amber-jet-necklace.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/05/pagan-eye-birthday-wine-and-roses.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/02/pagan-eye-magical-candle-in-cauldron.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/02/pagan-eye-rite-of-sticks-and-stones-at.html

Thinking about Jewellery, Gifts and Memories

When I first went out with the man who is now my husband, he asked me what I would like for a present. ‘You can never go wrong giving me jewellery,’ I told him.

This conversation took place in a restaurant. Two women on the table next to us overheard – and I saw them both smiling and nodding.

Over the years, I’ve realised my husband has an excellent eye for jewellery. He always manages to get me necklaces I love. My birthday is coming round again soon and my husband again asked me what I want. Well, this year books are big on my list as I'm doing an English Literature MA, but even book nerds like jewellery too!

My mother, when she was alive, used to frequently give me jewellery as birthday gifts. One of my favourites is a heart-shaped locket. I put a tiny photograph of her in it, and also a small lock of her hair. When I wear it, I still feel her spirit near me.

The first item of jewellery I was ever given was a bracelet with my name engraved on it. It was a gift from my mum and dad when I was just a little girl. I still have it – and you can see it in the photo I took when I put it in a springtime mandala with flowers. Nowadays, you can get far more exciting personalized jewelry.

I also used to frequently give my mother jewellery for Mother’s Day, her birthday and Christmas. Those pieces have now come back into my own possession, and I keep them to remember her by.

Mothering Sunday might have already gone for this year in England, but Mother’s Day US style takes place on May 12. I was looking on an American jewellery website and realised there are so many more items of mother daughter jewelry now available, like this Two Hearts Mother Daughter Name Necklace.

I’m quite superstitious about the jewellery I wear too – it has to be right for what I have to face in the day or evening ahead. Some items I feel give me help or protection, even if they aren’t a standard type of lucky charm. But the things I wear most often are those that have been given to me by people I care about.

Craft: Restringing my Amber & Jet Necklace

Back at Lammas, disaster struck. My amber and jet necklace broke.

I was at a camp with some fellow witches where I had been wearing my necklace. When I took it off one evening, the string broke. Beads scattered everywhere and, despite searching the ground for hours, one piece of jet seemed to be completely lost.

A broken necklace and a lost bead might not seem such a huge disaster in the great scheme of things, but I was very upset. It was an item of jewellery that had a great deal of significance to me within the craft as well as being something beautiful that I loved.

What stopped me immediately restringing the necklace was the missing bead. In order to get a balance of amber and jet beads there needed to be an even number. I could have left out one of the amber beads, but that didn't seem quite right. It also didn't feel right to simply buy a new jet bead.

Then, at the end of the summer, I found a tiny stone with a hole when I was exploring rock pools on the Sussex coast.It wasn't jet - it was probably chalk - but stones with holes have their own meaning.  I knew I had found the thing to replace my lost bead.

In traditional folklore, holey stones offer protection, among other things. It might not look quite as professional as a proper bead, but magically it was perfect.

At the Autumn Equinox I restrung my necklace, including my stone with a hole. The equinox is when the day and night are of equal length - the perfect time to make a necklace that balances both the light and the dark.

First I set everything out on a beading board, then I used a proper beading needle and elastic thread to string them together. You can see the finished result on this post.

That was my Autumn Equinox magic and I will now wear my renewed necklace with even greater happiness than before it broke.

Links and previous related posts
get name necklace
Winning Day
Making a Terry Pratchett Style Shamble
Folklore and Lucky Charms at the Horniman Museum

Shopping and Movies at Bluewater - A Guilty Pleasure

Going Christmas shopping at Bluewater, followed by a meal and a movie is very much my guilty pleasure every Yuletide. I know I should get all the presents I need to buy from small, independent retailers and support my local high street - and likewise should support independent restaurants and cinemas - but just once a year I can't resist the lure of the big mall.

That was were my hubby took me yesterday - for late-night shopping, Mexican food and a trip to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening.

First I'm going to briefly chat about the latest Harry Potter spin-off. It is fun, fast-paced and visually impressive. The characters are likeable and I hope to see them return in the future. But, I recommend not thinking about the plot too much - there are bits that don't bear too much in-depth analysis. Not as good as the original movies, but still entertaining.

That over, I'm going to chat about my shopping. Earlier this month my hubby and I went to Crowleymass at The Atlantis Bookshop, where everyone at the party was given a gift of a silver Eye of Horus charm, big enough to wear on a chain around your neck. I immediately put mine on, using a chain from another pendant, but my hubby didn't have anything to put his on.  

So, we went into a jeweller's in Bluewater. It was H Samuel - and I am happy to name it because the staff were extremely helpful. In fact, the woman who served us seemed very excited at our request. She explained that she was Egyptian herself and knew all about the history and meaning of the Eye of Horus. She was delighted we both wanted to wear them and said she hoped they would protect us. 

I'm not sure whether they did or not, but driving home we discovered we were only minutes away from a very nasty multi-vehicle collision on the motorway. It was a reminder that tragedy can happen to anyone, at any time, completely unexpectedly. I do hope no one was badly hurt, but sadly I think they probably were. 

If you are driving anywhere this Yule, please drive carefully.

The photo shows my hubby wearing his Eye of Horus on its new chain.

Gifts: The Boyer Charming Oracle

If you are stuck for ideas for a gift for a pagan friend, how about this? The Boyer Charming Oracle is a divination tool using 30-60 silver, goldtone and bronze charms. It is a new kind of divination system devised by Janet Boyer, author of Divination: History, Methods and Uses

Janet said: "It's not like any other oracle out there. We've taken 60 different charms and ascribed extensive keywords to each, culling interpretations from our intuition, common associations and pop culture."

I have to say I think the idea is really lovely and I certainly wouldn't mind finding a set in my Yule stocking. The charms come in a velveteen drawstring bag with instructions on how to use them and casting sheets. Janet Boyer is based in the USA, but is happy to ship to other parts of the world including the UK. You can find out more on Janet's website: http://www.janetboyer.com/Boyer-Charming-Oracle.html

Links and previous related posts
http://www.janetboyer.com/Boyer-Charming-Oracle.html
Divination: History, Methods and Uses
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/11/gifts-rose-alchemy-oracle-deck.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/09/review-guardian-angel-tarot-cards.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/crystals-birthstones-and-their.html

Pagan Eye: Birthday Wine, Jewellery and Roses

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

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

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

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

News: Ring That Inspired Tolkien Goes On Display

An ancient gold ring, which might have inspired Tolkien's ideas when he wrote The Hobbit, has gone on display at a Tudor house in Hampshire. You can read the full story on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-22008746

Magical Clothing From The Body Adorned Exhibition

I went to see the Horniman Museum's Body Adorned exhibition on its last day at the weekend. I wish I'd gone to see it sooner.

From the description, I thought The Body Adorned was going to be an exhibition about the history of fashion, clothing, jewellery and body art. It was actually more about the psychological and cultural reasons we choose to adorn our bodies in the way we do - with clothes and accessories as well as by such things as piercings and tattoos.

There was also quite a big section on magical clothing, including the items in the pictures above and to the right. Had I known about that, I would have gone to the exhibition much sooner and blogged about it in plenty of time to recommend it to anyone reading my review. Oh well, I'll try to be a bit more on the ball next time.

The photos show items on display under the title Magic, Religion and Healing. The description by the case pictured above said: "Magic, religion and healing have always been major areas of interest for anthropology curators. Dress is associated with magic, religion and healing and was collected to better understand the beliefs surrounding this relationship. Some items of dress are believed to have powers to heal or to impart power to the wearer."

The display included pieces of costume collected by anthropologist Evans-Pritchard, who did work on magic in the Sudan area of Africa in the 1930s.

The costume on the right, against the red background, is a protective garment from Bamana, Mali, in West Africa. It was worn by a hunter and is adorned with amulets to represent skill and also offer protection. The descriptive panel close to it said: "In many places and for many people across the world clothing is believed to confer natural or supernatural powers to its wearer. It is common to speak of having a "lucky" item of dress."

One of the things that fascinated me about the magical clothing on display was that although they came from cultures and eras very different from the one I live in, and might be a different style to anything I would wear, the way magic was perceived to work isn't vastly different from the way I might use it. I've written in the past about lucky clothing, and I certainly have pieces of jewellery that I consider to be protective amulets or which I have enchanted to offer a little magical aid.

Had I been curating the exhibition, I think I would have added a modern football fan's lucky underpants to the case, just for comparison.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2007/11/superstitions-and-folk-traditions.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/06/football-birds-and-lucky-underpants.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/crystals-birthstones-and-their.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/06/spell-lucky-talisman-bracelet-to.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/09/talismans-and-amulets.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/dragons-and-unicorns-on-show.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/days-out-english-ritual-year-exhibition.html

Spell: Lucky Talisman Bracelet to Support Your Team

With Euro 2012 starting today and the Olympics this summer, here is a simple spell to support your favourite team by giving them a little bit of magical luck during the contest.

The idea is that you make a talisman bracelet, in a similar way to a friendship bracelet. As you make the talisman, you energise it to wish your team success. Then you wear the bracelet every time your team plays.

You just need three lengths of cord or embroidery thread. Two should be in your team's main colours and a third should be a length of gold cord to represent victory.

To make the talisman plait the three cords or embroidery threads together to create a length of braid that is long enough to tie around your wrist. As  you plait the bracelet, sing or hum any chant or song that you would normally sing to spur your team on. While you do this, visualise them winning. If you are making the talisman for a football team, for example, then you could imagine the deciding goal being scored.

When you have finished plaiting enough braid to make the bracelet, tie a knot in the end to stop the cords unravelling and say: "By these cords, may my team win. As I tie this knot, so mote it be."

Then all you have to do is tie the bracelet around your wrist with a little bow before every game to act as a lucky talisman to help the team you support win.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/09/talismans-and-amulets.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2007/11/superstitions-and-folk-traditions.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/10/witch-hired-to-curse-footballer.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/06/in-news-vandals-football-and-army.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/review-signs-and-symbols-bible.html

Crystals: Birthstones and their Symbolism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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