A bad witch's blog: runes

Showing posts with label runes. Show all posts

Thursday, 28 May 2026

Review: Portals, Patterns, and Pathways - Rune Magic

Are you ready to take a deep dive into runic lore? Portals, Patterns, and Pathways, a new book by Imelda Almqvist, shows you how. The subtitle is A Handbook for Rune Magicians, Star Gazers, and Myth Makers - and that's exactly what it is.

Don't read it expecting it to be beginners' guide on how to read the runes. You need to already have a basic understanding first. Portals, Patterns, and Pathways takes you beyond basic knowledge, exploring rune groupings and the spaces between them. As the title suggests, these can be portals to greater wisdom.

In its pages you will find an in-depth course on using runes for advanced divination, magic, and greater understanding of cosmology, plus reference material to use going forward. This is the synopsis on publisher Moon Books' website:

"The runes map a mythical or imaginal realm where cosmic blueprints share their stories and wisdom through archetypal figures, deities, personifications, alchemical images, and symbols. Years ago, Imelda Almqvist wrote in her Rune Journal: 'Every liminal space between runes is a mystery school, and its curriculum is mythology!' This insight proved to be incredibly fertile ground for mapping the liminal spaces between the runes. The letter sequence of many early alphabets appears to be connected to the night sky and star patterns. Does such a correspondence exist for the runes? Does the Poetic Edda contain astronomical numbers and references to celestial events? Before the Enlightenment, astronomy and astrology represented different faces of one unified field of study. What happens if we arrange the Runes of the Elder Futhark in a Circle and then look at that circle the way an astrologer reads a natal chart? This book shares the author’s discoveries, and she hopes that its readers will join her on this adventure!"

Portals, Patterns, and Pathways is more than just a book to read once. It's something to work through carefully then keep as a valuable resource in future.

About the author

Imelda Almqvist is an international teacher of Sacred Art and Seidr/Old Norse Traditions (the ancestral wisdom teachings of Northern Europe). Her earlier books include Natural Born Shamans: A Spiritual Toolkit for Life, Sacred Art: A Hollow Bone for Spirit and Medicine of the Imagination - Dwelling in possibility. She appeared in the TV programme Ice Age Shaman, talking about Neolithic arctic deer shamanism. She has an on-line school, Pregnant Hag Teachings.

Website: www.shaman-healer-painter.co.uk
Online School: https://pregnant-hag-teachings.teachable.com/courses/

Friday, 21 November 2025

Divination: Ehwaz as a Rune for the World

I've done a divination for the world using The Runes of Yggdrasil. They are cards showing traditional runic symbols but also original artwork by Freya Aswynn. I revealed Ehwaz, which represents the horse. The image shows Odin's steed Sleipnir travelling between worlds via the rainbow bridge.

Horses were once essential for travel, so this card can represent moving forwards in life or a spiritual or shamanic journey. Both Freya Aswynn and Laura Daligan in her book A Guide to Reading the Runes write that Ehwaz is also about the importance of relationships. It looks a bit like two horses facing each other. This can mean having a head-to-head with a business associate, family member or lover. It's important to communicate and try to bring peace if there's been a disagreement.

In a more spiritual sense, it's important to spend time in prayer, meditation or communication with the deities we honour. We need to find inner harmony in order to move on too.

Monday, 10 November 2025

Book Review: A Guide to Reading the Runes

I've tried to learn to use runes for divination many times over the years. I've read books, gone to workshops, and tried doing readings using several sets. Although I'd had some success in the past, the practice never really gelled with me until I worked through A Guide to Reading the Runes. It's a new book by Laura Daligan, who I interviewed recently. I'd wanted to read her book and so eagerly borrowed it when I saw it on the shelf at my local library near one of my own books!

It worked. By that, I mean I found the way Laura described the history, legends and meanings of the symbols helped me get the same feeling when using them that I have with tarot. The runes really started to speak to me. I could sense a kind of energetic connection as I drew them from a bag, and the readings I am now getting are spot on.

This is what publisher Cico Books says on its website:

"Runes were the writing alphabet of the Norse people, but they are not just static letters: they are dynamic energies that can help you make sense of your past, present and future. In A Guide to Reading the Runes, Laura Daligan reveals how to work with these symbols to uncover a world of ancient knowledge.
"Learn about the runes’ connection to Norse mythology and what runes meant to the Norse people. Explore each rune in depth to find out its meaning and correspondences, and discover the art of divination using runes – how to read and interpret them for yourself and others. Finally, take your learning further – from healing rituals to anointing yourself with runic symbols, as well as making your own set of runes and seeking out runic associations in nature."

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn to use the runes for divination or magic, a section in the back goes into that too. If you live in the London Borough of Bromley, remember you can borrow a copy from a local library once I've taken it back there! You may find copies in other libraries too. I loved this book so much I've put it on my Yule wish list and hope to get given a copy to keep.

You can view A Guide to Reading the Rune on Amazon

Friday, 26 September 2025

Authors On Their Own Writing: Laura Daligan

I've interviewed artist, witch and rune expert Laura Daligan about her new book, continuing the popular interview series with authors that I've run over the past few year

Q: You've just had a book published, what's the title and what’s it about?

A: My new, and very first, book is called A Guide to Reading the Runes: Harness the wisdom and power of the ancient Norse symbols. The book is a journey through the myth, magic, and divinatory practices of the Elder Futhark runes. A Guide to Reading the Runes stemmed from my personal journey with the runes, alongside my love of magic and my master’s degree in Viking Studies, in which I specialised in the mythology and ritual practices of the Viking Age.

I have been fascinated with the runes for over 20 years, but my early attempts at understanding them left me feeling a little confused and disheartened. I’d even bought a beautiful Anglo-Saxon Rune deck, but the box had refused to open for me! It was only later when I dedicated a huge portion of my life to the runes and the Nordic gods, that they all began to speak, sing and share their wisdom with me. One year at a Viking festival in York, I had an impromptu vision of Freyja in which she said to me, whilst looking around the room, ‘go to the roots,’ and so I did what any mildly obsessive witch would do, and I did various courses which led me to my master’s degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands. I went to the roots, I studied the source texts and archaeological evidence, I deep dived into journeying with the runes, and I came out a few years later with this book. The whole process has been a huge initiatory journey that continually teaches, inspires and heals me.

Unlike Tarot, which can give the reader some big clues to the card’s meanings via the illustrations and title, the runes don’t give us much to visually go on when we are learning to work with them. One of the keys to reading the runes is that they are experiential; they are gateways to be journeyed into, their names are to be sung and chanted, they can be drawn upon our bodies and onto the land. We feel them in our bodies and meet them in the land. Although nowadays we mainly consider the runes to be tools for divination, they have many other healing, magical and practical purposes, which I explore within the book. As well as journeying with the runes, I share mediations, spell work, healing practices and craft projects to inspire a deeper and grounded connection with the runes.

My hope is that I have created an easy-to-understand and accessible guide which is suitable for beginners but also challenges and inspires those with previous knowledge of the runes.

Q: Tell me a bit more about yourself and your background in paganism or witchcraft, and any other books you've written or contributed to.

A: Paganism and witchcraft have been a huge part of my world for pretty much my whole adult life. Whilst at art college in Cornwall, I fell in love with the wild magic of the land, and when I moved to London, I became involved with pagan groups and meet-ups, which led to my joining a coven. I have worked and appeared on TV shows showcasing divination, magic and paganism and have written articles for various magical and mainstream magazines. As an artist, I love to create pieces inspired by my magical path, by the gods, the land and the animals that I encounter. I have illustrated various books over the years, including three books about runes and Nordic paganism and mythology, published by Avalonia. One of my biggest highlights was being asked to be a pagan consultant for two major exhibitions at the British Museum, one with your very good self, Lucya!

Q: What plans do you have for the future?

I have some more writing schemes and plans simmering in the cauldron and I would like to turn my master’s dissertation on shapeshifting into a book. My plans for the future are to paint and create as much wild magic as I can.

I currently reside in Somerset, where I paint, write and hold magical workshops, courses and retreats. Over the autumn and winter, I will be holding runic courses and tarot workshops alongside book events and signings.

I also run online retreats which create sacred spaces for us to slow down, connect to the land, the season and to remember our own wild magic I have been running the annual Winter Mothers Retreat for several years now, which is a deep and beautiful healing space between the worlds, connecting us with the ancient mothers, the land and the animals of winter.

Thank you for talking with me!

Laura x

Link to purchase A Guide to Reading the Runes: https://geni.us/readingtherunes
Laura's website: https://www.lauradaligan.com/
Autumn and winter courses: https://www.lauradaligan.com/workshops-retreats

Tuesday, 26 March 2024

Book Extract: Runes for the Green Witch - Plants

Here's an extract on The Magick of Plants from the new book Runes for the Green Witch by Nicolette Miele:

The Magick of Plants

We harness the power of plants in a myriad of ways. We consume them, bathe in them, fill our homes and yards with them, burn them as incense, create medicines and magickal blends such as tinctures, potions, ritual oils, and other charms. When it comes to healing, plants can be used for just about anything, from anxiety to dandruff, from indigestion to heartbreak.

If you are brand new to working with herbs or magick in general, you might be wondering how an herb can be used to heal heartbreak. That is an excellent question. Like everything else in nature, plants comprise energies and vibrations that affect the body, mind, and spirit. For ailments of the heart, we can look to the hawthorn tree, which has an affinity for cardiac health. Clinical studies have shown that haw- thorn berries benefit the heart in more ways than one. They support muscle toning, improve circulation, reduce strain, and energize cells. These remarkable energies that focus on the physical strengthening of the heart lend themselves equally to the emotional matters of the heart such as love, joy, and grief. There’s no doubt that our thoughts affect our health. Think of the physiological symptoms of stress. The heaviness of extreme grief alone can cause a sudden enlargement of the heart muscles, resulting in heart failure. It’s a rare condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or broken-heart syndrome, and it’s just one example of how the different levels that make up the self interact energetically. Engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla once said, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibra- tion.”* And that is precisely how we come to understand the way plants heal, and they do so holistically.

*Goodreads (website), “Nikola Tesla > Quotes.”

While I prefer a holistic approach to herbalism, I’ve separated the magickal from the medicinal in the following pages to clearly present the various ways each plant has been worked with throughout antiquity. Once we are given the information, we can then merge the spiritual with the physical and the traditional with the contemporary; we can blur the lines between magick and medicine because truthfully, they’re not separate at all.

When learning about a specific plant, I recommend starting by spending one-on-one time with it. One way to do this is by drinking it as a simple infusion (first ensuring it may be safely consumed). A simple infusion is nothing more than a single herb steeped in hot water. Be mindful as you drink it. Focus on the taste, the temperature, and scent. Ask yourself how you feel while ingesting not only the constituents but the spirit of the plant. How do you feel about the herb after drinking it daily for one week? How about two weeks? Learn about its energetic composition, where it typically grows, and its planetary correspondences. Bathe in the herb or burn as incense (again, if these activities are safe with the particular herb). If you feel so inclined, journal about your various experiences with an herb. Did bathing in it feel different energetically than drinking it? These are a few ways to become closely acquainted with plants outside of simply studying them.

The subtle communication between human and plants relies on primal intuition—something many humans today have to work harder to access. In modern times there is a bothersome disconnect between humanity and nature, especially in the West. The more strides humans make in technology, the further we move away from our literal and metaphorical roots. Today, we must try much harder than our ancient ancestors to maintain this connection, as we are faced with endless distractions coming from all directions. When you do find that something that strengthens your connection to your roots, I implore you to hang on to it and prioritize it. It’s unsettling knowing how easily the spiritual sides of our lives can lose priority to the mundane daily grinds. It’s not intentional—we’re just overloaded. While the mundane world certainly has its place, it must be balanced with spiritual maintenance. To neglect the spirit is to neglect a large portion of who we are, the part that is eternal and not of this world. Earth is our home, and she’s a beautiful, magickal one at that, but she is a temporary home. Those who neglect their spiritual well-being will move through life feeling as though some- thing is missing, like there’s a void waiting to be filled. The need for something more flows through our very veins.

About the Author

Nicolette Miele is a pagan, writer, rune worker, and herbalist. She has practiced witchcraft for more than 20 years with focuses on runes, folk herbalism, alchemy, and trance meditation. She is the owner and operator of Handfuls of Dust Apothecary LLC, offering rune readings and handmade ritual products. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. https://handfulsofdust.com/

Where to Find the Book

You can view Runes for the Green Witch on Amazon.

Please note I earn commission from some links. This helps subsidise my blog at no extra cost to readers.

Friday, 21 July 2023

Book Extract: Runes and Astrology by Nigel Pennick

Here's an extract from a new book, Runes and Astrology: Symbol and Starcraft in the Northern Tradition, by Nigel Pennick:

The Runes and Their Meaning

Runes shalt thou find, and fateful signs,
That the king of singers colored,
And the mighty gods have made;
Full strong the signs, full mighty the signs,
That the ruler of the gods doth write.
HÁVAMÁL (TRANS. BELLOWS)

All over the world, people have devised devices and techniques that give some insight into the hidden processes of life. This recognition is at the base of those sacred traditions in which knowledge and wisdom are valued. There are many symbolic techniques that allow people to interact with the unseen, of which alphabets are perhaps the most developed. In the West, there are five main alphabets that have magical connections: Hebrew, Greek, Glagolitic, Ogham, and Runic. Although they were or are used in everyday life for written communication, they all began as sacred symbolic alphabets in which every character had an array of meaning far beyond the mere sound it represented. The runes, which originated in central Europe about 2,500 years ago, are the prime example of such an alphabet. Strictly speaking, the runes are not an alphabet at all. An alphabet begins with alpha and beta—A, B, and so on. The runic rows do not have this Greek-derived character sequence, but a different one. They are known as the Fuþark because the characters (or staves) are arranged in a specific order, which begins F, U, Þ, A, R, K. As the third runic stave (Þ/þ) is equivalent to the sound “th,” a common alternative transliteration is Futhark, which will also be used in the present book.

However, the word alphabet is used now (incorrectly) to refer to any system of writing comprising separate individual characters with phonetic meanings. But whether we call their array an alphabet or a Futhark, the runes are far more than mere phonetic sigils designed for information interchange in so-called “barbarian” central and northern Europe. They encapsulate symbolic meanings that go far beyond the modern materialist images of practical necessity.

The connotations surrounding the word rune itself provide evidence for this. They are far removed from the idea of a character or letter, words used to describe an individual stave in more prosaic alphabets. The rune is a precise concept in its own right. The word itself possesses associations with the carefully guarded inner secrets of the esoteric mysteries. This is apparent in the old languages of northern Europe, where it is directly cognate with words meaning “to whisper” such as the archaic English verb to rown and the modern German verb raunen. There are also related words in the Celtic languages, including Old Irish word rún, “mystery, secret; secret intention” (modern Irish rún, “intimate friend”), and Middle Welsh rin, “secret, mystery,” “privacy, intimacy,” and “magic spell, charm” (modern Welsh rhin, “virtue, essence”). The leaders and councilors of Anglo-Saxon England called their discussions “runes” (rūne), where the runes were used for divination when problems arose. For instance, the meeting where Magna Carta was signed in 1215, which guaranteed the citizens of England certain civil rights, was held at a traditional site of royal councils, Runnymede, the “Meadow of the Runes.” This site was the place of former runic consultations in Anglo-Saxon times. ***

At the basic level, a rune is literally a mystery that -comprehends -fundamental secrets of the inner structure of the reality. Each stave, which we call a rune, is a storehouse of knowledge and meaning, which is apparent only to those who study runecraft in all its aspects. Each individual rune expresses an amorphous yet eternal reality, which is revealed in the world of our experience as the specific things or processes characterized by it. Unlike many rigid magical disciplines, the runic system is dynamic, creative, and developing. At a fundamental level, the meanings of the runes are fixed, yet every day new things are made and new experiences, new juxtapositions, and new relationships occur. No time or place is ever like any other, and accordingly, the action of the runic archetypes is affected by the specific conditions there.

You can view Runes and Astrology on Amazon.

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

Thursday, 21 April 2022

Earth Day: Our Roots Reach by Imelda Almqvist

I asked some of my friends and fellow Moon Books' authors what they were doing for Earth Day, which is on 22 April. Imelda Almqvist, author of North Sea Water in My Veins and Medicine of the Imagination, wrote this beautiful post ahead of the day:

Our Roots Reach

For two weeks I sat out in the forest, in Sweden, daily, a spiritual practice called utiseta in Old Norse. Acutely aware of all the suffering in our world I asked the trees how they relate to an area where drastic logging had occurred. The answer was immediate and simple: “Our roots reach!” They collectively sent me a mental picture of a mycelium: underground and invisible, tree roots also make a vibrant and huge web. Like a safety net it extends, deep down in the Earth, even under areas of total devastation.

I created runes on the forest floor from twigs, anchoring illumination/enlightenment (the rune Dagaz) and also anchoring the presence of the Divine Mother witnessed by silver birch trees (the rune Bjarka or Berkana).

I sat out and reflected on what resurrection or rebirth means to me. I feel that our chances to heal the world and make it a better, fairer, balanced and more peaceful place depends on the capacity of all individuals to accept and grieve loss, to stare Death in the face yet cherish Life, to heal and transform and constantly rebirth ourselves. Giving - and forgiving - others the space to roll through intense processes of deep soul transformation too, which is not always pretty or predictable. I see that as the only way to illumination and enlightenment. I painted rune Dagaz on my forehead.

For two weeks I ran with deer (quite literally), offered both sacred tears and drops of blood to the Earth, walked snowy deer trots in the dead of night, gazed in wonder at halos around the Moon, chanted at the Bears in the Night Sky - and asked them for more stories for picture books for children. I woke up to giant crane tracks in the snow outside my window, briefly wondering if Mother Goose had stood there in the night, looking in while I slept.

I hiked out to visit forest temples, natural places of great power where I chanted the runes and performed ceremonies focussed on healing through rebirth. I asked for both personal and collective healing. I sang songs for the healing of Mother Earth, as our life-giver and Ultimate Mother. On Earth Day, I will revisit and re-power the work I did in Sweden, from London in the UK, using soul travel and linking locations.

You can view North Sea Water in My Veins on Amazon. I will be sharing more Earth Day posts tomorrow.

Friday, 2 July 2021

Magic for the Day: Rune Lore for the Middle of the Year

Today, July 2, is the exact middle of the year in 2021. Today's entry in Every Day Magic - A Pagan Book of Days is by Carol Tierney, and offers some Rune Lore insight into the significance of the day.

Raidho Rune Lore: July 2nd is the midpoint of the year, 182 days before and after the New Year. This makes it an excellent time to consider where you are and whether you need to make any changes in your life. If you find you aren’t making the progress you need, Raidho is the rune of movement and can be invoked to help you on your way. Research what it looks like, then wear it on an amulet or paint it in oil. It will help keep things moving. Carol Tierney

Every Day Magic is a community book of spells, rituals, meditations, craft projects, festivals and other things to enjoy each day of the year. You can view Every Day Magic on Amazon. It is published by Moon Books.

I'll also be talking more about the significance of days in July, including traditional festivals, anniversaries, weather lore and spells in my Facebook Live talk on Magic for the Month, at 4pm this afternoon. Do come and watch if you are free, or catch the video recording later. Here are the details: https://www.facebook.com/events/336489817873505

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/06/im-giving-free-online-talk-on-magic-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/06/community-book-every-day-magic-reaches.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/12/you-are-never-too-old-to-follow-your.html

Thursday, 30 March 2017

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Here is a listing of events in London plus a few in other parts of southern England over the next 10 days or so that could be of interest to pagans. If you know of an event that you want listed, please email the details to me at badwitch1234@gmail.com.

Now -31 March; Practising Apart Together online events run by Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchery. These events will run throughout the month of March and you can join in wherever you are as they are online. They are led by Starlitenergies with Kitchen Witch Hearth Guardians and other elders of the craft. Details: http://tansyfiredragon.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/practicing-apart-togethercome-join-us.html

Now-Friday 31 March; Exhibition - The Four Elements in the Human Body by the Visual Arts and Sculpure Students of Emerson College. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. http://www.rsh.anth.org.uk/

Thursday 30 March; Meetup with Anthony Peake, Dr. Michael Arnheim and Sushma Sahajpal on Pandeism. Venue: Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Thursday 30 March; Divine I AM Activation: Ancestral Healing (Power) workshop with Vaz Sriharan at the London College of Spirituality. Venue: Columbia Hotel, 95-99 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3NY. Time: 7pm. Tickets £33/£35. http://www.londoncollegeofspirituality.co.uk/

Thursday 30 March; The Druid Order Open Meeting. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm. Entry £5. http://druidorder.macmate.me/meetings.html

Thursday 30 March; Everything You Know About Science is Wrong - talk at London Fortean Society by Scott Wood, author of London Urban Legends. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London, E1 7EX. Tickets £4/£2 plus online booking fee. Time: 7.45pm. Bookings: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/380693 Details: https://www.facebook.com/LondonForteanSociety/

Friday 31 March; The Magic of Mindfulness Breathing with Rose Elliot Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm. Cost: £14/£18. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 31 March; A Journey Through the Twelve Senses. Talk by John Dalton. Venue: Rilko (Research Into Lost Knowledge). Public lecture. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35, Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 6.45pm, lecture starts 7.15pm. Entrance: £8/£10. http://www.rilko.net/EZ/rilko/rilko/home.php

Friday 31 March; Alexandrian Witchcraft Soirée at London venue (details given to those who have reserved a place). Time: 7.30pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/Alexandrian-Witchcraft-Soiree-London-243448299391280/

Saturday 1 April; Deception Day: Hoaxes, Lies and Fake News. Day of talks by various speakers at The London Fortean Society. Venue: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL. Tickets £20 plus online booking fee. Time: 10am – 5.30pm (Registration from 9.30am). Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deception-day-hoaxes-lies-and-fake-news-tickets-32152192072 Details: https://www.facebook.com/LondonForteanSociety/

Saturday 1 April; The Game of Saturn – Book Launch with Peter Mark Adams and Scarlet Imprint. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm start. Ticket price Price: £66 – it includes author talk, signing and social, and a copy of the book on the night. (Free if you have already ordered your book via Scarlet Imprint). Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 April; Meditation at Russell Brands Trew Era Cafe, 30 Whitmore Road, London N1 5QA. Starts 10.15am. Free event. Details: https://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Sunday 2 April; Herbal Magic with Macbeth’s Witches. Afternoon Workshop with Trefor Wickens. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm - 5.30pm. Ticket price £40. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 April; Ageless Wisdom for Everyone - Talk about Theosophy. Venue: The Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place London, W1U 8EA. Time: 2pm. Details: https://www.meetup.com/Theosophical-Society-in-London/

Sunday 2 April; The Thin Veil of London. Two-hour walk around Holborn and Bloomsbury, interwoven with mysteries from the stories of Arthur Machen, with Minimum Labyrinth. Tickets: £17.50 (£12.50 concessions). Time: 4pm-6.30pm. Details and booking: www.minimumlabyrinth.org.

Monday 3 April; A Thelemic Rite: Liber Reguli (Liber V) Evening Mini-Workshop with Luke Fleming. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Ticket price £20. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 3 April; After Auschwitz: How can we bring more peace into the world today? Talk by Eva Schlossorganised by Alternatives. Venue: St James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, W1J 9LL, Doors open 6.30pm. Event starts: 7pm. Tickets £8/£12 online. For more details and to book tickets http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Monday 3 April; Moonlight Goddess Gathering - monthly event organised by Anoushka through Funzing. Venue: Clifton Gardens, London, W9 1DT. Time: 7.15pm. Tickets: £20. Details and bookings: http://uk.funzing.com/funz/2940?

Tuesday 4 April; A Society Séance With Philipp Oberlohr - An Interactive Illusion and Victorian-era Cocktails. Event by The Last Tuesday Society. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. Time: 6pm. Tickets £20. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-last-tuesday-societys-seance-with-philipp-oberlohr-tickets-29458608491

Tuesday 4 April; Effective Spell: Chaos Magic and Hypnosis for Results. First class in an intensive Four-week Course with Mark Vincent. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 6.45pm. Deposit for entire course £80, full price £140. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday 4 April; Healing Energy Workshop: Connecting to Your Soul with the Sensing Energy and Intuition Development. Venue: St Stephen's Church Hall, 48 Emperor's Gate, London SW7 4HJ. Time: 7pm. Price: £15 - pay online. https://www.meetup.com/Sensing-Energy-and-Intuition-Development/

Tuesday 4 April; Enfield Town Circle Pagan Moot. Venue: Crown and Horseshoes pub, 15 Horseshoe Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 6PZ. Time: 7.30pm. For more details join the Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EnfieldTownCircle/

Tuesday 4 April Guy Lown talking about Runes; Their History and Use at Romford Moot hosted by Mamma Moon Magick. Venue: The Golden Lion, 2 High Street, Romford RM1 1HR. Entry £4. Time: 7.30pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/mammamoonmagick/

Tuesday 4 April; Discussion about protection in magic at Witches' Inn Gathering. Venue: Red Lion, 48 Linkfield Lane, Redhill, RH1 1DP. Starts at 8pm. Moots are the first Tuesday of each month. For more details visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Witches-Inn/1568424150049437

Wednesday 5 April; Stillness and Meditation at Mandeville Place. Venue: School of Economic Science, 11-13 Mandeville Place, London. Free lunchtime event starting 1pm. https://www.meetup.com/Light-in-London/

Wednesday 5 April; Let's Meditate - group meditation. Venue: Buddha on a Bicycle, Covent Garden, London. Starts 6pm. Donations of £3 recommended. Details: http://www.meetup.com/meditation-trust-london/

Thursday 6 April - 11 April; The River Gods of London. Storytelling for Families at the Museum of London. Venue: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, London EC2Y 5HN. Time: Several sessions in the afternoon. Details: http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london

Thursday 6 April; Private view for Arcana: An Exhibition of Tarot - a not-for-profit show featuring performances, installations and paintings responding to and reimagining the tarot. Venue: The Crypt Gallery, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA. Time: 6-9pm. The event is being financed through kickstarter. Details: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653753139/arcana-an-exhibition-of-tarot

Thursday 6 April; Philippa Lubbock and talk about Life Alignment. Venue: Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 6.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Thursday 6 April; Meeting the Goddess Aphrodite Talk and Short Rite - Dr Amanda Potter. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm. Ticket price £8. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday 6 April; Witchcraft of Enchantment for the Solitary Witch Moon One. First in a series of classes on solitary witchcraft. London venue, details tba. Time: 7.30pm. Details and reservations: https://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wicca-Meetup-Group/

Thursday 6 April - Monday 10 April; General opening Arcana: An Exhibition of Tarot - a not-for-profit show featuring performances, installations and paintings responding to and reimagining the tarot. Venue: The Crypt Gallery, Euston Road, London, NW1 2BA. Time: 11am-4pm. The event is being financed through kickstarter. Details: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1653753139/arcana-an-exhibition-of-tarot. More details on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/600426506809961/

Friday 7 April; Open Evening at the College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 4.30pm-9pm. Cost: £25. Advance booking recommended. For details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 7 April; An Interpretation of a Neolithic Dwelling. Nicholas Cope speaking on the subject of his book, The Knap of Howar and the Origins of Geometry. Earthstars Group Meeting. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Rd, London NW1 6XT. Time: doors open 7pm. https://www.facebook.com/Earthstars-Sacred-Space-104790729559515/

Friday 7 April; Ghosts of Tantra Past Tantra History Lecture I with Phil Hine. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.30pm. Ticket price £8. Tel: 0207 419 8507 or email: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 8 April; Introduction to Mystical Qabalah. Workshop with David Wells organised by Alternatives. Venue: Heythrop College, 23 Kensington Square, London W8 5HN. Time: 10.30am-5pm. Tickets £65/£50 online. For more details and to book tickets http://www.alternatives.org.uk/

Saturday 8 April; Wicca workshop: Candles, Cords and Rune Magic: Spellcraft workshop in Wimbledon woods. Outdoor training with London Woodland Witches Magicians and Outdoor Pagans. Venue: Outdoor location at Wimbledon. Meet at Wimbledon Windmill Museum, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, SW19 5NR at 11.30am to walk to the site. Cost £9. You must be a member of this group and reserve a place in advance. Wear outdoor clothes and bring food and drink to share. Details and bookings: https://www.meetup.com/London-Woodland-Witches-Outdoor-Pagans/

Saturday 8 April; Prophets, Visionaries and Power. Day of talks, part of a year-long festival called Belief and Beyond Belief about what it means to be human. Venue: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Saturday £1/£7.505. More details and booking: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/belief-and-beyond-belief

Saturday 8 April; Candle Magic Afternoon Workshop - I am running another session of my candle magic workshops based on my book Pagan Portals - Candle Magic. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm to 3.15pm. Cost: £20 per person. You can book online at https://www.treadwells-london.com/events/ or reserve a place by calling 020 7419 8507, emailing info@treadwells-london.com or visiting the shop.

Note: I do not organise any of these events except my candle magic workshop. Although I try to make sure the details on my listing are accurate, I do not always know about late changes or ticket availability etc. Please contact the organiser before attending any event. If you want an event listed on my blog, or spot anything that needs changing, please email badwitch1234@gmail.com.

Saturday, 8 October 2016

News: Ancient Runes, Witch Marks, Halloween Folklore

"Viking Rune Stone Unearthed in Sweden" - story at Archaeology: http://www.archaeology.org/news/4893-161006-sweden-rune-stone

"Witch marks and mummified cats: the secret objects hidden in your walls to trap evil spirits" - story at NEWS.com.au: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/mummified-cats-witch-marks-and-childrens-boots-in-your-walls-the-secret-objects-and-hidden-magic-symbols-used-to-trap-evil-spirits/news-story/81ab3a093472b561ffcfca2224a0ee3d

"13 Halloween Superstitions With Bizarre Histories" - story at Bustle: https://www.bustle.com/articles/185948-13-halloween-superstitions-with-bizarre-histories

Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Review: Runes of Yggdrasil by Freya Aswynn

Last week I treated myself to a copy of a new set of divination cards - the Runes of Yggdrasil by Freya Aswynn, which she produced in partnership with Atlantis Bookshop.

In the past I'd never really got to grips with using the Runes, although I once had a go at making my own set, I've read a few books on the subject and even gone to a workshop or two. However, when I saw the Runes of Yggdrasil - which are printed on cards with vibrant illustrations as well as the Rune symbols - I really felt that was a form I could work with. I started using them by taking a card every day and my initial feelings were correct - this is a great way of learning to use Runes and my readings have felt accurate.

This is what Atlantis Bookshop said at the launch of the Runes of Yggdrasil:

We are very excited to be able to offer you a unique opportunity to own this intriguing new deck of rune cards, painted and privately published by the world-renowned rune expert, Freya Aswynn. Created as a signed, limited edition of just 200 sets, they are presented in a handsome metal tin and are accompanied by a booklet providing Freya’s personal perspective on each of the runes.

In her own words, Freya writes “The runes have been central to my life for 35 years and my first book on them appeared in 1984. Leaves of Yggdrasil was revised and updated in 1998 and became Northern Mysteries and Magic... Painting faces of gods is never easy and after a couple of attempts at illustrating the runes, the project was abandoned. Then, in 2009, I found an art tutor, Danny Francis and with the urging of Frank Geens/Freyr Sveinbjörnsson I started this rune pack. They took a year and I hope you enjoy using them.”

This deck costs £30 and is available exclusively from The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, London, Eng WC1A 1LY. Atlantis is happy to post out decks for those who cannot get to the shop – call 020 7405 2120 for further information.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/recycled-runes.html
http://www.theatlantisbookshop.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/04/review-just-add-blood-runelore-anglo.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/08/pagan-eye-geraldine-and-bali-at-pf.html

Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Review: Just Add Blood: Runelore Anglo-Saxon Runes

I'm rather glad the book Just Add Bloodhas the explanatory subtitle Runelore - Understanding and Using the Anglo-Saxon Runesotherwise I might have got the impression it was some sort of dodgy magical recipe book. But what does blood have to do with runes anyway?

As author Dr Kennan Taylor explains, traditionally a little bit of the practitioner's blood was sacrificed when each set of rune stones or staves was carved. Blood is magically powerful, a symbol of the essence of life and suffering is also often necessary to gain knowledge. Mind you, reading Just Add Blood makes learning about the runes pretty pain-free, which is a bit ironic.

Publisher Moon Books describes Just Add Blood on its website as: "A brief, idiosyncratic and magical approach to rune usage within Anglo-Saxon culture and spirituality, directed toward healing and personal development. Just Add Blood is an introduction to the use of the Anglo-Saxon runes. It serves as both a point of reference and a guide in how to use the runes and offers a fresh, contemporary look at the magical approach to rune use."

The book begins with both a short introduction and a longer version, offering a brief background to the runes for those who want to quickly move on to learning to use them or a detailed history for those who like the academic stuff.

Explaining how runes can be used, Dr Taylor says: ""Poetic and spiritual metaphors notwithstanding, the runes are a magical system par excellence. They are rich in meaning, challenging to work with, and make a demand on our morals asking us to fulfil our individual fate, or what the Teutonic peoples refer to as ‘wyrd’."

For divination, he explains they have several levels of potential meaning: "There is the pictorial representation that is itself symbolic. Assisted by the mixture of Roman and runic scripts over time we also have a definite phonetic sequence, as well as names for each rune, themselves of symbolic significance. The rune poems add another level of meaning, often in what could traditionally be seen as riddles or charms."

Dr Taylor recommends getting to know the runes personally, either by studying each one in sequential order or picking a random rune at a time. Once you have familiarised yourself with them, there are two easy and common methods for using them as a divination tool. The first is to ask a question and then pick a random rune to interpret for the answer. The second is to pick three runes to represent the past, present and future. The magical power of runes can be used by drawing, carving or etching them on objects to act as talismans or amulets.

The bulk of the book is devoted to the individual runes and their meanings. It offers the pictographic representation - or symbol - for each rune in turn, with its name, simple definition, associated rune poem verse and detailed discussion of its potential meanings and interpretation.

Just Add Blood concentrates on Anglo-Saxon runes rather than Germanic runes, or Elder Futhark. The author says: "In the modern era we have also focused a lot on the Elder Futhark, and this has greatly facilitated this rediscovery process. However, there is the extant and distinctly Anglo-Saxon rune row that has not, in my opinion, been fully explored." Yet, as he explains, they might be more appropriate for English people to work with as they would have been used by our own ancestors.

Reading Just Add Blood has made me want to get out my own set of runes, which have been languishing in a drawer for a couple of years, and see what the future might have in store - although I rather hope that future won't involve too much blood-letting :)

Dr Kennan Taylor is a consultant, therapist and teacher in holistic health as well as being a psychotherapist, practising shaman and member of the druid order OBOD.

NOTE: I earn commission from some links

Links and previous related posts
Just Add Blood: Runelore - Understanding and Using the Anglo-Saxon Runes
http://www.moon-books.net/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/recycled-runes.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/03/viking-exhibition-swords-ships-silver.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/12/review-pagan-portals-runes-by-kylie.html

Thursday, 5 December 2013

Review: Pagan Portals - Runes by Kylie Holmes

When I was sent a review copy of Pagan Portals - RunesI asked Carol Tierney, who knows a lot more about runes than I do, to review it. Here is her write-up about the new book by Kylie Holmes:

My first thought on reading this book was that it was refreshing to encounter such an honest approach to rune reading. The author makes no secret of the fact that her methods are based on intuition, personal resonance and insights, which is a totally valid technique and one that doesn't get the acknowledgement it deserves. Kylie has clearly done her research and takes the time to introduce readers to some of the background that enriches her insights both in terms of personal spiritual journey and the historical context and background for the runes.

The majority of the book is given over to how to interpret the runes when they appear in a reading. I wouldn’t agree with everything she says – but I don’t need to, as this book does not try to present a ‘one true way’ of reading the runes so much as a guide on how to use the runes as tools to unlock your own intuition.

I’d recommend this book to anyone starting out with the runes or interested in divination generally.

Pagan Portals - Runesis published by Moon Books and can be downloaded from Amazon for the Kindleor ordered in paperback. It is due out in the shops in mid December.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.moon-books.net/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/recycled-runes.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/review-hedge-witchcraft-pagan-portals.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/review-hedge-riding-pagan-portals.html

Friday, 15 February 2013

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

Saturday 16 February; Reclaim The Love Pavement Party - 10th anniversary. Party to celebrate the fun and joyous side of love with the 10th Annual Reclaim Love Festival at Eros Piccadilly Circus, London. Time: 2pm. Free event - just turn up. Wear bright clothes!

Sunday 17 February; Dawn of the Oak. Pagan moot on the third Sunday of each month. Venue: Upstairs at The Castle, 34-35 Cowcross Road, Farringdon, London EC1M 6DB (near Farringdon tube). Time: 3pm-6pm. For more details contact peter@dawnoftheoak.co.uk, or Eugenie eugenie@dawnoftheoak.co.uk.

Monday 18 February; Croydon Crows. PF moot held every 3rd Monday of each month at the Skylark pub, South End, South Croydon from 8pm onwards.

Monday 18 February; All You Ever Heard About Vampires Is Wrong. Talk by Tina Rath, who has recently written the introduction to a new edition of Dracula. Venue: The Moot With No Name, The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start.

Monday 18 February; The Power of Positive News. Talk by Martyn Lewis and Sean Dagan Wood at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £10/£5 concs. Advance booking essential. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Tuesday 19 February; Evolving Your Energy - a trance lecture with Sarah Tyler-Walters at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Time: 7pm - 8.30pm Cost: £5/£8. Advance booking advised. Tel: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Tuesday 19 February; The Hero Maker. Lecture by Will Storr, author of The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science.Venue: the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit, Room LG01, New Academic Building, Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW. Time: 6.10pm. Free event. For more details, visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/apru/speakers/

Thursday 21 February; An introduction to Earthstars, London’s Sacred Geometry and Spiritual Dimensions, with Chris Street, author of the book Earthstars: Geometric Groundplan Underlying London's Ancient Sacred Sites and Its Significance for the New Age. Venue: Sacred Space; Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London NW1 6XT. Time: 7.30pm. www.earthstars.co.uk

Thursday 21 February; Druid Order Open Introductory Evening. A chance to learn more about at The Druid Order (A.D.U.B.) at an evening with talks and a meditation. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Price: £7. For more details, call Druid Order on 020 8659 4879.

Friday, 22 February; The Blessed Isles of Britain. Lecture by Sarah Dawkins at Research into Lost Knowledge Organisation (Rilko). Venue: Theosophical Society, 50 Gloucester Place, W1U 8EA. Doors open 6.45pm. Admission £7 non-members, £5 members. http://www.rilko.net/EZ/rilko/rilko/home.php

Saturday 23 February; Vigil to honour The Goose and the outcast dead of Cross Bones Graveyard. Gather from 6.45pm in Redcross Way outside the Memorial Gates, SE1, opposite the Boot and Flogger, just north of the junction with Union Street. Nearest tubes Borough or London Bridge, 5 minutes walk away. The event is free. http://www.crossbones.org.uk/

Sunday 24 February; Treadwells Social Sunday: A chance to socialise with a cup of tea and learn about runes with Eleri Jay at 2pm and 4pm. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Shop open from noon. Free social event. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Thursday, 11 November 2010

Damh the Bard on Ogham at Witchfest

Just over a year ago I won a set of Ogham staves at Pagan Federation London's Gaia-Sol convention. These were a set of wooden sticks carved with Ogham symbols in a hand-dyed blue bag (pictured above).

They were beautiful and fascinating, but also a little puzzling to me because I didn't know much about Ogham and the set didn't come with any instructions. A little web searching taught me that Ogham was an early Irish alphabet and that each symbol was associated with a tree. Shortly after my win, I was also lucky enough to be sent a book to review called The Signs and Symbols Bible. This included a list of the Ogham symbols and gave their very basic meanings - which was some help, but hardly sufficient to learn how to use them. So, the Ogham got put in a drawer with various other divination sets and magical equipment that doesn't often get used. It stayed there until last weekend.

The reason for my recent renewed interest in the Ogham was a wonderful talk called Ogham and Druidic Tree Magic by druid, musician and songwriter Damh the Bard at Witchfest International 2010. Unfortunately, the first thing Damh the Bard said was that using a set of Ogham made by someone else wasn't the right way to go about things - to really understand druidic tree lore you needed to get outside, find each appropriate tree, study it - maybe hug it a bit, after you've got to know it - and collect your own set of twigs to carve the correct symbols on. Oh well, I know I'm a Bad Witch. I'd love to go tree hugging one day - maybe when spring returns - but on these cold autumn days I think I'll start learning about the Ogham with the set I won. Maybe I'm kidding myself, but winning a set sort of makes it feel a bit more special than just ordering one on the internetalthough I admit I'd probably do that if I hadn't won one.

Damh the Bard explained that each tree's meaning is associated with its role in the forest and significance to man. For example, birch is the tree of new beginnings because it tends to be the first type of tree that grows in woodland, and rowan berries have a five-pointed star at the bottom - a pentagram - so the rowan represents magical protection. There were 20 original Ogham, with five more added at a later date. The character representing each tree is a series of short lines running across a central downward line. These are very easy to carve on wood or stone - stones being the main things that surviving examples of historic Ogham are found on. To help us remember each meaning, Damh the Bard handed out copies of the lyrics to one of his songs, written as a mnemonic for learning the Ogham. I hope he won't mind me reproducing it here:

The Ogham I am the birch of the New Beginnings, The Rowan Star with Magic guarding, Alder’s sight the future showing, Sweet Willow sees her Moon arising, Ash the Three Worlds he is touching, Hawthorn tells us May is coming, Mighty Oak with Strength is standing, The Holly on his Chariot riding, Wise Hazel watches the Salmon feeding, The Faerie Appleseed is falling, The Vine is ripe, intoxicating, I am the Ivy, heed my warning, Yellow Broom I offer healing, Blackthorn sharp for death preparing, The Elder is a life of learning, Fir the distant future showing, I am the Gorse I am destroying, Heather from death recreating, Hear the Aspen’s leaves a-whispering, that Yew is death and life returning.

Ogham staves can be used for divination - the easiest way to do this is to draw three sticks from bag at random, to represent the past, present and future. I had a go at this after I got home from Witchfest. My reading was: past - elder, a life of learning (OK, I thought); present - vine, intoxicating (fair cop, I had spent some time in the Witchfest bar); future - alder, the future showing (yes, I do think my future involves a bit more use of my Ogham staves). Good reading. Damh the Bard's inspiring talk has certainly rekindled my interest in druid tree magic.

Maybe I will get out and find each of those trees. If I do, after I've hugged it I will certainly write about it on A Bad Witch's Blog. The picture top right shows The Green and Burning Tree: Damh the Bard Song Book Bk. 1, which is available through Amazon along with his albums. You can find out more the bard and his music on http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/

Links

http://www.paganmusic.co.uk/

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/review-signs-and-symbols-bible.html

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/11/witchfest-2010-paganism-on-show.html

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