Pagan Eye: What Do You Think The Girl's Holding?

What do you think the girl in this street art is holding?  When I first glanced I thought she was gazing into a crystal ball, so I took this photo. When I studied it more closely I thought that maybe she's actually got a metal lampshade with a lit bulb inside. Whatever it is, I think the image is rather fascinating.

My part of London - SE20 - has become well known for wonderful street art. This is one of the new works near where I live. Links to previous related posts at the bottom of this page will take you to my earlier photos and information about where you can enjoy these outdoor art exhibitions.

I was particularly curious as to whether the painting is supposed to depict a crystal ball because of my own interest in scrying and divination. I've written a book on the topic and teach classes, as you probably know if you follow my blog. 

At the time of writing there's still a couple of place available in my scrying class in London this Saturday. You can find the link here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

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

Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/07/pagan-eye-empowering-messages-on-new.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/02/my-home-preserving-memories-accepting.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2021/07/street-art-empowering-women-on-south.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/01/review-sprayexhibition20-street-art-of.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/pagan-eye-new-green-man-sign-for-anerley.html

Magical Online & London Events in the Next Weeks

Here's a list of events for pagans, witches and those with similar interests. There are online things you can do anywhere (bolded to spot more easily) plus in-person talks and workshops in or near London, and some conferences and festivals further afield.

Now - 25 May; Hawaiʻi - a Kingdom Crossing Oceans exhibition. Venue: British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG. Adult tickets £18. https://www.britishmuseum.org/

Now - 5 June; The Everyworld Redux exhibition. Venue: Swedenborg House, 20/21 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2TH. Time: 10.30am To 5pm, Monday To Friday With Saturday Openings. Tickets free. https://www.swedenborg.org.uk/events/the-everyworld-redux/

Now - Saturday 30 May (except Wed 20 May);  Austin Osman Spare and his books exhibition. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. 

Open: Mon-Sat, 11am~6pm. Free entry. www.theatlantisbookshop.com

Now to end of May; Dark Secrets: The Esoteric Exhibition. Venue: The Vaults, Leake Street, SE1 7NN. Open Wednesdays to Sundays. Tickets from £21. https://darksecretsexhibition.com/london/

Now – 29 November; The Coming of Age Exhibition - including displays on witches and crones. Venue: Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE. Open daily 10am-6pm.  Free. https://wellcomecollection.org/

Now to 16 May; Broken, Burnt, Buried. Exhibition of Egyptians objects deliberately broken as part of ritual and religious practices. Venue: Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology, Malet Place, London WC1E 6BT. Free. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums-collections/

Now – 13 September; The Material Heart: Front Line to Home Front. Exhibition of WWI folk art. Venue: Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF.  Open: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 11am – 6pm. Tickets free with general museum admission ticket or a ticket to the Paint, Pattern, Print exhibition that's also on, costing £11.50. https://fashiontextilemuseum.org/

Now on; Vikings: The Immersive Experience. Venue: Dock X, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 2XU.  Opening hours: daily from 9am. Adult tickets from £23 and children from £16. https://vikings-immersive.co.uk/london/?

Now - 1 November; Exhibition: The Saxons. Venue: Discover Bucks Museum, 9 Church Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2QP. Time: Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm. Sunday noon – 4pm. Adult tickets from from £5.90. https://discoverbucksmuseum.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

Now – 16 May; Witch/Craft. Art and Photography exhibition by Anne Jackson’s and Sara Hannant. Venue: St Barbe Museum, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9BH. Open Monday – Saturday 10am-4pm. Adult tickets £6. https://www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/witch-craft/?

Every Tuesday to Sunday except over bank holidays; College of Psychic Studies -  pop in to have a look around the lovely building.  Venue: College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time: 11am-4pm. Free entry. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

 https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Most lunchtimes and some other times: Meditation - in-person or online. In-person venue: Inner Space, 36 Shorts Gardens, Covent Garden, London · WC2H 9AB. Time: 1pm (for lunchtime meditation). Free. https://www.meetup.com/inner-space-covent-garden/events/

Every lunchtime: Rainbow Spirit offers a shared vegetarian lunch from a flat in Soho, London, for all people LGBT+Allies. The foundation is British witchcraft. Each meal is followed by Ancestor Circle, passing the talking stick. Alcohol-free event. To attend join the Whatsapp chat group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LhDxaCzGsmE2YI6AReyw3W

or email: rainbowawakening1@gmail.com

Various dates; London Witches and Chilling History Bankside Walking Tour. Meet at Southwark View Point, Minerva Square, London, SE1 9DF. Times various. Tickets around £15. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/enthral-experiences-58960674733

Wednesday 13 May; I'll be talking about my writing, including my inspiration for my gothic novel Erosion, at Wednesday Waffle, a regular meeting to chat about books and writing. Venue: Beckenham Library,  22 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, BR3 4 PE. Time: 10am-11.30am. Free and you can just turn up, https://www.better.org.uk/library/london/bromley/beckenham-library

Wednesday 13 May; Under the Same Moon - Pocket Altar, organised by Bibi's Circle. Venue: Rons Coffee House, Holdrons Arcade 135a, Rye Lane London SE15 4ST. Time: 5.30pm. Tickets tbc https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/56277271483?

Wednesday 13 May (2nd Wed each month); Hex Education. Training group workshop by the Wytchery. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS, UK. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £10. https://www.meetup.com/the-wytchery/

Wednesday 13 May; Magic Mirrors for Protection. Class with Hannah Sanders via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £15. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events 

Wednesday 13 May (most Wednesdays); Gong Bath. Venue:  Akasa, 5a Prince Edward Rd, Hackney Wick,  London E9 5LX. Time: 7pm. Tickets:  from £23.46. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/sunita-kaur-34415293427

Wednesday 13 May (every Wednesday); Feeling Sound. Venue: She's Lost Control, 42 Valentine Road, London. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £18.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Wednesday 13 May (2nd Wed each month);  Enfield Town Circle Moot. Venue: Crown and Horsehoes, Horseshoe Lane, Enfield, EN2 6PZ.  Time: 7pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/EnfieldTownCircle/

Wednesday 13 May; Foraging for Healing Herbs with Adele Nozedar. Talk and signing, Venue: Watkins Bookshop, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 5pm. Free but reserve a place https://www.watkinsbooks.com/events

Wednesday 13 May; The Power of Psychic Reiki. Start of 6-session course run by Nicholas Pearson, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £200. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday 13 May; Hand Reading for Beginners. Start of 10-session course run by Robin Lown, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £280. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday 13 May; The Ancient Alchemical Process and How To Use This To Higher Your Vibration. Start of 6-session course run by Pixie P Carney, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £200. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday 13 May; Exploring the Dream Realms. Start of 10-session course run by Tree Carr, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £280. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

​Thursday 14 May - 3 June; Relics exhibition. Venue: Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB. Time: Mon-Thur 9.30am to 8pm, 10-5pm Fri/Sat. Free entry. https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/news-events/events

Thursday 14 May (most Thursdays); Shamanic Dance with Luisa Passalacqua. Venue near Wandsworth Town Station, London. Time: 11am. Tickets donations (or free) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/luisa-passalacqua-16972493584?

​Thursday 14 May (every Thursday); Midweek Meditation with the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 3pm. Tickets: free for members/£7.50 non members. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk

Thursday 14 May; Magick Without Tears Moot. Venue: Fitzroy Tavern, 16 Charlotte St., London W1T 2LY. Time 6pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/mwtpubmoot

Thursday 14 May; Navigating States of Dazzling Darkness. Talk online via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society.  Time: 6pm. Tickets ·from  £3.35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Thursday 14 May; Heartspaces - Heart and Soul spiritual gathering. Venue: Essex Hall, Essex Street, London WC2R 3HY. Doors at 6.30PM. Free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/121061473538?

Thursday 14 May; Brigit: Goddess, Saint and Fairy Woman. Talk by Pauline Breen, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £22. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 14 May; Journey Through The Dreamiverse. Start of 10-session course run by Tree Carr, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £305. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 14 May; Wyrd Stuff. Talk by Cunning Folk at South East London Folklore Society. Venue: The Electric Elephant Cafe, 186A Crampton Street, London, SE17 3AE. Time: 8pm, Free but £5/£8 donations welcome.  Email cunningfolkmusic@gmail.com to book a space or visit  https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cunning-folk-7829505560

Friday 15 May (every Friday); Live Chat hosted by Rachel Patterson, author of Gods and Goddesses of England and the Kitchen Witch series of books. Online event. Time: 9am. Free. https://www.facebook.com/RachelPattersonbooks/

Friday 15 May; UCL Special Collections Open Morning: Magic and Western Esotericism. Venue: UCL Special Collections, South Junction Reading Room, Basement Level Main Building, Gower Street, 

London WC1E 6BT. Time: 10am to noon. Tickets free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ucl-special-collections-open-morning-magic-and-western-esotericism-tickets-1986427018686?

Friday 15 -17 May; East Sussex Faerie Festival. Venue: Alfriston Campsite, Pleasant Rise Farm, Polegate BN26 5TN. Starts 10am. Contact organisers for ticket details, including day tickets. https://www.sussexfaeriefestival.co.uk/

Friday 15 May; Alchemy and Art with Kate Southworth. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 11am. Tickets: £130.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 15 May (1st and 3rd Friday each month); Pagan Portal Podcast by Moon Books. Time: noon (or listen to recording later). Free event. https://open.spotify.com/show/11N4kNj65tTz9NFUcZTMa7?

Friday 15 May;  Astrologers at Work - Book Launch, Venue: Warburg Institute, Woburn Square, London WC1H 0AB. Time: 4pm. Free. https://warburg.sas.ac.uk/news-events/events

Friday 15 May; Dark Arts Night Fayre. Venue: Freight Brixton, 33 Brixton Station Rd, London SW9 8PB. Time: 6pm – Midnight. Free entry. https://www.facebook.com/events/997543759604402?

Friday 15 May; Le Calendrier Magique. Talk by Laetitia Barbier. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 7pm. Tickets: £25. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 15 May; Tarot Advanced. Start of 10-session course run by Avril Price, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £305. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 15 May;  Way of the Witch monthly online circle with Samantha K. and Jacqui C. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £10. https://www.meetup.com/sammi-k-shamanic-practitioner-psychic-medium/events/

Saturday 16 May; The Merrie Merrie Month of May at the VWML - Library and archive day. Venue: Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London, NW1 7AY. Time: 1pm - 5pm free entry. https://www.efdss.org/

Saturday 16 May; Breaking Convention One Day Summit 2026, organised by  Seed Talks. Hybrid event. In-perosn venue: Woolwich Works, 11 No 1 Street, London SE18 6HD. Starts 10am. Tickets: £29 - £207.67. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/36463428713?

Saturday 16 May; Brothers Fireside Gathering. Venue: Berkeley farm, a few miles outside London. Time: noon. Tickets:  free. https://www.aho.community/

Saturday 16 May;  In-person Scrying workshop - divination using crystal balls, mirrors and water, with me - Lucya Starza. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm. Cost: £25 per person. Find out more or book tickets here:  https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

Saturday 16 May; Soul-Loss Retrieval Ceremony with Pixie P Carney. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 1pm. Tickets: £95. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 16 May; Moon Magic Circle. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9. Time: 2pm. Tickets free. https://www.wiccamooninherservice.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/wiccamoonuk/

Saturday 16 May; Firekeeper Training. Venue: Berkeley farm, a few miles outside London. Time: 3pm-6am. Tickets:  £150. https://www.aho.community/

Saturday 16 May; Antlered Goddesses: A Challenge to Tradition? Online talk with Anna Milon via Romancing the Gothic. Time 7pm. Tickets free or by donation. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/antlered-goddesses-a-challenge-to-tradition-with-anna-milon-tickets-1983270165453?

Saturday 16 May; Tree Folk Tales. Online event via the Folklore Library and Archive. Time: 8pm. Tickets:  £6.13. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-folklore-library-archive-68703440013?

Saturday 16 May (every full and new moon); Moon Space online event via She's Lost Control. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £15.  https://sheslostcontrol.co.uk/collections/all-events

Saturday 16 May;  Hex and the City Walking Tour with  Maria Beadell of Herstorical Tours. Meet: Cowcross St, Farrringdon, London EC1M 6BY. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £25. https://www.herstoricaltours.co.uk/

Sunday 17 May; Live from Norway: Celebrate the 17th of May! Live Stream with Lena online via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society.  Time: 9am. Tickets ·from  £3.35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Sunday 17 May; Tarot and the Sacred Circle with Avril Price. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 11am. Tickets: £130. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 17 May; The Soul Sings with Joan Osborne. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 11am. Tickets: £130. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Sunday 17 May; Meditation for Magic. In-person workshop with Lucia Ring-Watkins. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 1pm. Cost: £25 per person. Find out more or book tickets here:  https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

Sunday 17 May; Dawn of the Oak Pagan moot. Venue: The Sir John Oldcastle, Farringdon Road/Greville Street, London EC1M 3JF. Time: 3pm. https://www.facebook.com/groups/dawnoftheoak/ or  https://allevents.in/london/dawn-of-the-oak-london-pagan-and-heathen-meeting-15th-february-2026-tickets/80001854227648

Sunday 17 May; Witch Fulfilment: The Witch as Theatrical Type with Jane Barnette Talk online via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society.  Time: 8pm. Tickets ·from  £3.35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Sunday 17 May;  Folklore and Women: The power of folklore in reclaiming female stories. Online event with Seed Talks. Time: 10pm. Tickets$0 - $34.81. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/36463428713?

Monday 18 May; Starting Your Psychic Journey. Start of 5-session course run by Gary Wright, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 5pm. Tickets: £180. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Monday 18 May; The Planets (Part 2). Free online talk via the Astrological Lodge of London. Starts 5pm. Tickets free. https://astrolodge.co.uk/

Monday 18 May; Bibi's Circle - Magic Herbs. Venue: Rons Coffee House, Holdrons Arcade 135a, Rye Lane London SE15 4ST. Time: 6pm. Tickets free. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bibis-circle-56277271483

Monday 18 May; Talk on  Astrology using the Huber Approach with Nickie Aspeotis followed by chart discussion. Online talks via the Astrological Lodge of London. Starts 7pm. Tickets £6/£9. https://astrolodge.co.uk/

Monday 18 May; Tarot Foundation. Start of 10-session course run by Avril Price, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £280. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Monday 18 May; Trusting Your Intuition class with Aude Firmin, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £90. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Monday 18 May; The Healing Power of Colour. Start of 5-session course run by Mark Wentworth, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £180. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Monday 18 May; Deeper Than Dermis: Tattooing as Magical Ritual with Grace Howarth. Venue: Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, 11 Mare Street, London E8 4RP. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets  from £16.14, includes a cocktail. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-last-tuesday-society-viktor-wynd-museum-33776720489

Monday 18 May;  Theosophy. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7pm. Tickets free https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/events/

Monday 18 May (tbc but usually every Monday); Tea With a Druid. Free online event by the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Time 8pm. https://druidry.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/druidry

Monday 18 May; Chilling Encounters with the Islamic Jinn - Mahdi Jannatdoost. Talk online via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society.  Time: 8pm. Tickets ·from  £3.35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Tuesday 19 May (and other dates); Yoga for Mind, Breath and Body. Venue: Beckenham Place Mansion, Place Park, The Mansion, Beckenham BR3 1SY. Time: 6.15pm. Tickets: £12. https://www.beckenhamplace.org/whatson/

Tuesday, 19 May; The Folk Renaissance  - A new film by Ben Edge, plus interview with Ben Edge and Nina-Sophia Miralles. Venue: The Fitzrovia Chapel, 2 Pearson Square, London, W1T 3BF. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £15. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/68151432823?

Tuesday, 19 May; Weird Science: An Introduction to Anomalistic Psychology. Talk by Chris French for Central London Humanists. Venue: Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, London. Time 7pm. Free. https://www.meetup.com/central-london-humanists/events/313225246/?

Tuesday 19 May;  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Search for Grindylow. Talk by John Clark via the Folklore Society online. Time: 7pm. Tickets £6. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-folklore-society-32190494089

Tuesday 19 May; Journey to the Mediumistic Self. Start of 10-session course with Gary Wright. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 7pm. Tickets: £280.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday 19 May; The Magic of Spoon Bending. Talk by Kim Chestney, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £22. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Tuesday 19 May; Sigil Magic. Start of 2-Part Workshop with Mark Vincent  via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £50. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events 

Tuesday 19 May; The Science of Haunting Experiences with Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe. Talk online via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society.  Time: 8pm. Tickets ·from  £3.35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Wednesday 20 - 22 May; Awaken Your Psychic Gifts, a free 3-day online event hosted by Wendy Mata and Irisanya Moon. Free: www.bruja.us/summit

Wednesday 20 May (and other dates); Tea with a Medium. Venue: The Atlantis Bookshop, 49a Museum Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 2.30pm  Cost £60 https://theatlantisbookshop.com/

Wednesday 20 May; Secret Book Club - The Magic of Herbs by David Conway, organised by Bibi's Circle. Venue: Rons Coffee House, Holdrons Arcade 135a, Rye Lane London SE15 4ST. Time: 6pm. Tickets £10.46 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/56277271483?

Wednesday 20 May; Astrological  Sound Bath with Nicole Bettencourt Coelho. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Cost: £30 per person.  https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Wednesday 20 May; Magical Plants and Creative Writing. Workshop with Bernadette Russell  via Treadwells Online. Time: 7pm start, delayed viewing available. Tickets: £15. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events 

Wednesday 20 May; The Shamanic Path to Love and Courage, Workshop with Beáta Alföldi. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 7pm. Tickets: £45.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Wednesday 20 May (tbc but usually 3rd Wednesday each month); The More Mead Moot. Venue: The Hope pub, Carshalton, Surrey. Time: 7pm. Free. https://www.facebook.com/Pagan-FutureFests-352385661439366/

Thursday 21 May; Qigong Energy Medicine and Self-Love for Healing. Workshop with Blake D Bauer. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time noon. Tickets: £95.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 21 May; Anatomy for Energy Workers. Start of 6-session course run by Doe Warnes, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets: £200. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 21 May; Drumming for Infinity. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9. Time: 6.30pm. Tickets  £15. https://www.wiccamoonuk.com/shop/ or https://www.facebook.com/wiccamoonuk/

Thursday 21 May; Awaken The Goddess Within. Start of 5-session course run by Mark Wentworth, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £180. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 21 May; Spirit Communication Through Art. Start of 8-session course run by June-Elleni Laine, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £255. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 21 May; Develop the Intuitive Mind: Intermediate. Start of 10-session course run by Maria Antoniou, via the College of Psychic Studies. Online event. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £290. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 21 May;  Paganism Persisting with Robin Douglas and Francis Young. Talk and Soirée. Venue: Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm. Tickets: £10. https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

Thursday 21 May; The History of Women in Spiritualism, with Seed Talks. Hybrid event. In-person venue: T21 Soho, 3 Sutton Row, London W1D 3QP. Time: 7 PM. Tickets From £13.50. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/36463428713?

Thursday 21 May; Women's Circle - Mother Earth and Divine Feminine, organised by Bibi's Circle. Venue: East Dulwich Community Centre, 46-50 Darrell Road, London SE22 9NL. Time: 7pm. Tickets £16.96 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/56277271483?

Thursday 21 May;  Poetry Evening. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House, 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7pm. Tickets free https://www.meetup.com/rudolf-steiner-spiritual-science/events/

Thursday 21 May; A Journey with Spirit. Start of 10-session course run by Gary Wright, via the College of Psychic Studies. Hybrid event. In-person address : The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB.Time: 7.15pm. Tickets from: £240. https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Thursday 21 May (and other dates); Cosy Candlelit Gong Bath by Claire The Soul Nurturer. Venue: Secret Soul Sanctuary, Sydenham Hill, London SE23 3PH. Time: 7.45pm. Tickets: £20.21. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/claire-the-soul-nurturer-35479207053

Thursday 21 May; The Witchcraft of Wales - Benjamin Stimpson. Talk online via The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities and Last Tuesday Society.  Time: 8pm. Tickets ·from  £3.35. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-viktor-wynd-museum-amp-the-last-tuesday-society-12203346619

Friday 22 May-Monday 25 May; Mind Body Spirit Festival. Venue: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London W14 8UX. Time: 10am-5pm.  One-day standard ticket £24.22, other tickets available. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mind-body-spirit-festival-london-olympia-2026-tickets-1383721220419?

Friday 22 May; Morning Sister Sharing Circle by Claire The Soul Nurturer. Venue: Secret Soul Sanctuary, Sydenham Hill, London SE23 3PH. Time: 10.30am. Tickets: £11.55. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/claire-the-soul-nurturer-35479207053

Friday 22 May; Welcome Women's Circle. Venue: Rudolf Steiner House | 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Tickets: optional donation of £5 - £15. https://rsh.anth.org.uk/whats-on/

Friday 22 May; The Brazilian Spiritual Path of Umbanda. Talk by Pai André Evangelho. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 7pm. Tickets: £25.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Friday 22 May (4th Friday of the month);  The Wild Wood Tarot study group. Free online event. Time: 7pm. https://www.meetup.com/astrotarotkitchen/events/

Friday 22 May; Southwark Hysteries with  Maria Beadell of Herstorical Tours. Meet: Green Dragon Court, London SE1 . Time: 6pm. Tickets: £22.50. https://www.herstoricaltours.co.uk/book

Saturday 23 May – 16 August; Olivia Plender: Little Fennel’s Complaint Exhibition. Venue:: Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, UK, OX1 1BP. Open from 11am Tuesday - Sunday. Tickets tbc but likely to be £9.50/ £7. https://modernartoxford.org.uk/

Saturday 23  - 24 May; Women Only Sweat Lodge Ceremony. Venue: Shamanic Centre Caer Corhrain Kent. Run by Lynn Gosney. Time: 11am start Tickets £40, email lynn.gosney@hotmail.com for info and to book. https://www.facebook.com/shamaniccentrecaercorhrain/

Saturday 23 May; Working with Umbanda Healing Spirits. Workshop by Pai André Evangelho and Mãe Adriana. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 11amm. Tickets: £130.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

Saturday 23 May;  Crystal Skull Masterclass – Part 1 and 2. Venue: Crystal Wicca,  West Wickham, BR4. Time: 12.15pm/3.15pm. Tickets: £30 or £50 for two classes.. https://www.facebook.com/TheCrystalWicca

Saturday 23 May; Goddess of the Moon – May Women’s Circle with Claudia Chapman. Venue: The Goddess Studio, 116 Whitehouse Way, London N14 7LU. Time: 2pm. Tickets: £33. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/20248016862

Saturday 23 May; Hoodoo Mojo Bag Workshop. Venue: Wicca Moon, 50 Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9. Time: 2pm. Tickets £35. https://www.wiccamooninherservice.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/wiccamoonuk/

Saturday 23 May; Connecting the Trees ritual with Trefor Wickens. Venue: Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark. Location: Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA. Time: 5pm. Tickets free. https://www.facebook.com/events/950316210811851/?

Saturday 23 May; Crossbones Vigil to Honour the Outcast Dead of Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark. Location: Redcross Way, London, SE1 1TA. Time: 6.45pm for 7pm. Free, just turn up  You can also view the vigil online.   http://crossbones.org.uk  

Saturday 23 May (date tbc); Magic, Mystics and Martyrs Walking Tour with  Maria Beadell of Herstorical Tours. Meet: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £18. https://www.herstoricaltours.co.uk/book

Sunday 24 May; Psychic Surgery with a Spirit Surgeon. Workshop by Pai André Evangelho. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2EB. Time 11amm. Tickets: £130.  https://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/

For activities after these dates please visit my events page. 

Please note that I am not responsible for the content of any of these events. Contact organisers directly if you have questions or to check ticket availability. Where a practitioner is offering information about magical healing, this is *not* medical advice. If you're running an event you want included, please email me at badwitch1234@gmail.com I earn commission from advertisers for some links.

Celebrating a Milestone for my Book on Scrying

I'm celebrating as my book Pagan Portals - Scrying has reached a big milestone. My publisher, Moon Books, has told me it's sold 4,000 copies, including selling more than 500 copies in the past 6 months alone. A big thanks to everyone who bought it, left reviews, or told me they've enjoyed reading it. The book is about divination in many forms including crystal balls, water, fire, clouds and tea-leaves.

The photo at the top shows copies set out on the table in the reading room at Treadwell's esoteric books in Bloomsbury, London. I regularly run workshops on scrying there. The next one is on Saturday 16 May. It starts at 1pm and tickets are £25 per person. 

Get more information and book here:  https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

Where To Find My Books

• Treadwells, at 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS, stocks my titles.
• You can find out more about all my Pagan Portals books on my Amazon author page. 
• Here's the website link for the main catalogue at Collective Ink, which Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/

(Note: I earn commission from advertisers for some links.)

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/12/books-scrying-named-top-2022-seller-50.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/11/books-milestone-of-success-for-guided.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/11/a-milestone-for-pagan-portals-poppets.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2022/04/some-candle-magic-to-celebrate-success.html

Folklore & Customs: Bromley's Broom Day Festival

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

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

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

Folklore, mythology and magic

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

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

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

More seasonal lore

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

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

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

Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/05/green-london-beltane-flowers-on-street.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2007/11/what-witches-use-their-brooms-for.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/01/witchy-crafts-mini-broomstick-jewellery.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/04/folklore-customs-dandelions-on-st.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/03/flower-folklore-heather-for-luck-and.html

My Witchy Events: Divination, Books, Amulets & Dowsing

 Here are details of the witchy events I'm involved with from now until the end of June. There are workshops on scrying, amulets, poppets and dowsing. I'll also be giving a free talk at the Beckenham Library Wednesday Waffle about the craft of writing.

May

Beckenham Library Wednesday Waffle

On Wednesday 13 May I'll be talking about my writing, including my inspiration for my gothic novel Erosion, at Wednesday Waffle, a regular meeting to chat about books and writing. Venue: Beckenham Library,  22 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, BR3 4 PE. Time: 10am-11.30am. Free but reserve a place by phoning 020 8650 7090 or email beckenham.library@gll.org.

Scrying In-Person at Treadwell's

On Saturday 16 May im running an in-person scrying workshop, on divination using crystal balls, mirrors and water. This is at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS. It starts at 1pm and costs £25 per person. Find out more or book tickets here:  https://www.treadwells-london.com/events-1/the-art-of-scrying-in-person-workshop-6

June

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

On Saturday 6 June I'm running an in-person workshop on amulets, talismans and charms at Treadwell's Bookshop, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury London, WC1E 7BS.  It starts at 1pm and tickets are £25 per person.  Visit https://www.treadwells-london.com/ or reserve a place by visiting the shop.

Greenoaks Gathering 2026

This lovely pagan festival runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June. The Greenoaks Gathering takes place in the beautiful Cambridgeshire Fens, at an eco venue. There's music, talks, workshops, kids' activities, and a magickal market. I'll be talking about poppets and running a workshop on dowsing. Venue: Hatters Campsite, Second Drove Adelaide, Ely CB7 4UD. Tickets: £0 – £114.47. https://www.greenoaksgathering.co.uk/

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

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