Here's a list of events for pagans, witches and those with similar interests over the next couple of weeks. I mainly include in-person things in or near London, because that's where I'm based, as well as online talks and workshops you can do anywhere and a few big things further afield.
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Magical Online & London Events in the Next Weeks
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Salem 1692 - Is this Social Deduction Game Offensive?
How do you feel about games with the theme of historic witch trials, especially if they depict the witches as murderers?
A few years ago I was gifted a copy of a social deduction game called Salem 1692. I wavered over that question so much I didn't play it until last weekend at a games convention. Now I have, I thought I'd both review the game, and blog about my feelings on the subject. First, the review.
How it Works as a Game
As social deduction games go, the mechanics work well. In case you don't know the term, think of party games like Murder in the Dark and Are You a Werewolf? or the TV show The Traitors. Everyone is assigned a role only they know. Most people are innocents and potential victims, while one or more are murderers of some kind. In one phase the killers attempt to bump someone off without being detected, while in another phase everyone discusses what happened, examines evidence, and votes to eliminate a player accused of being a villain.
Salem 1692 is more complicated than that. First there's also a constable role, with the power to save one player from murder. Players also have cards giving them the identity of someone who featured in the historic witch trials. Each has a special ability such as needing more accusations than normal to be tried, or being able to discard accusations played. Another deck of cards are events that affect what happens, such as robbery, which means a player discards all their cards.
The extra complexity makes the game interesting and varied, and the events and powers are well-balanced. I'd thoroughly recommend it purely as a game, if you aren't put off by the theme. Let's get on to that now.
Is the Theme Offensive?
I fully expect there will be many different personal opinions about this. I can only give my own thoughts.
I like that Salem 1692 includes some historical facts. It explains that after a few girls had fits blamed on "the devil", the town of Salem became engulfed in witch trials that led to more than 150 people being accused, 19 hangings, 1 person being pressed, and several other deaths in prison. There's also a biographical paragraph on each of the characters.
However, although this background information implies how unfair the trials were, and how dodgy the evidence, it doesn't specifically state that the convictions were eventually annullled and that few nowadays believe any of the accused were really witches. Also, those tried for witchcraft in Salem weren't even accused of killiing anyone.
These points mean I still feel a little uncomfortable about the way witchcraft is presented in this game. That doesn't mean I'll never play it again. I enjoyed it and will happily give it another go. I'm capable of accepting the fantasy horror trope of witches as evil while knowing that isn't the case in real life, and that the game isn't totally historically accurate. The people I play games with are all pagan-friendly and astute enough to do this too.
What do you think?
Whether you' ve played Salem 1692 or not, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on the topic. Is this game offensive in your opinion? Would you play it or not? If you have given it a go, did you enjoy it?
Please leave a comment.
Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/05/review-storm-of-witchcraft-salem-trials.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/01/review-terry-pratchett-witches-boardgame.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2019/10/witch-games-witching-hour-reviewed.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/10/witch-games-septima-build-coven-avoid.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/10/review-penguin-book-of-witches.html
Monday, 23 February 2026
Green London: An Urban Park and Ancient Woods
London is full of little parks much loved by locals. They are great places to get out and enjoy fresh air on a sunny Sunday. I took these photos yesterday afternoon. They show Forster Memorial Park in the London Borough of Lewisham.
What's unusual about this park is that the central grassed area is surrounded by a ring of ancient woodland. At this time of year you can see blossom starting to appear on the hedgerows, and leaf buds on the trees.
To give you its history, it was once woods and fields owned by Lord Forster, who lived in the area. He turned part of his estate into this public park as a memorial to his two sons who were killed during the First World War.
Green London
I've been blogging regularly about London's green spaces in an effort to dispel a prevalent myth in the pagan community that it's just all concrete. Even in the City, which is of course heavily built up, there are still places where nature thrives, while Greater London has huge areas of woods, commons, parks and beautiful gardens.
The pictures on this post were all taken by me. Please do not use them without my permission.
Previous Green London Posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-plumstead-common-its.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-londons-first-botanical.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/03/green-london-japanese-gardens-in.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/09/green-london-riverview-walk-river-pool.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/10/green-london-ancient-woodlands-around.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/04/green-london-rookery-streatham-common.html
Friday, 20 February 2026
Animal Wisdom Tarot: A Card Reading for the World
In the Animal Wisdom deck, it's number 4 in the suit of fossils. This corresponds with pentacles in more traditional sets, which is often called the miser card and warns against hoarding wealth. That's not all it represents here though. It's also about ensuring you have the material things you need simply for survival.
Both meanings are very relevant for the world in our current times. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. On one hand billionnaires are sitting on vast amounts of money without giving a thought to those in need, while ordinary people are struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table.
This card teaches us to be alert to greediness. While we all need sufficient assets to feel secure, material things are not the be all and end all of life. Prioritise what's really important to you, which should include friends, family and those you love as well as possessions. Rat is resourceful. Keep a cool head and adapt with circumstances.
This is also a card related to the element of earth. Don't stay stuck indoors. Get out and about and enjoy the bounty of nature now that spring is on the way. Trees, plants and sunshine are great healers.
The Animal Wisdom Tarot is published by Cico Books.
You can view the deck on Amazon.
Please note: I earn commission from some links
Previous related posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/review-animal-wisdom-tarot-boxed-set.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/the-queen-of-swords-tarot-reading-for.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/02/customs-galentines-day-and-tarot.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2020/05/tarot-for-day-four-of-autumn-coins.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2023/02/a-lovers-path-tarot-reading-four-of.html
Thursday, 19 February 2026
Rounding the Year: Daffodils, Narcissus & a Tragic Tale
Daffodils are blooming in my garden again. They're a bit earlier than last year, but I'm pleased to see their bright yellow buds. Another word for daffodil is narcissus. That's the name of the Greek mythological character who fell in love with his own reflection, and associated with the term narcissism, meaning someone very self-centred.
However, the full version of the ancient tale is more complicated and nuanced. Narcissus was loved by both a young woman called Echo, and a young man, Ameinias, but was unable to reciprocate the feelings for either. Echo wasted away, while Ameinias called on the goddess of revenge, Nemesis. She cursed Narcissus that whoever he did love wouldn't be able to return the affection either. This came true, but his passion for his own image burned so brightly he was transformed into a golden flower.
It's a sad story, isn't it? But it does perhaps offer the message of accepting that not everyone we desire will necessarily share the same feelings. Don't go cursing someone just because they don't fancy you. Love can be bittersweet, but keep the tragedy in fiction please.
As much as I enjoy being reminded of a good tale, I also love to see the flowers at this time of year, which can be bitterly cold even though beautiful flowers are brightening the days.
Share your Pictures
Since my book Rounding the Wheel of the Year came out I've been inviting people to share seasonal pictures, art, crafts, words and other creativity. I'd love to encourage readers to record what's happening in nature in various ways including photographs, as well as other seasonal journalling, musings, drawing, painting and crafting.
Here are ways to share the things you're doing or what you see out and about as the wheel turns:
- Leave a comment on this post about what you're up to
- Find my prompts to share on my Facebook Page: Lucya Starza Pagan Portals Author
- Share on Instagram with the tag #RoundingtheYear
Where to find Rounding the Wheel of the Year
My book offers more ways to acknowledge and celebrate the seasons in ritual, magic, folklore and nature. You can view Rounding the Wheel of the Year on Amazon, find it at esoteric bookshops or via my publisher Moon Books: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-rounding-wheel-year
(Please note: I earn commission from some links.)
Other previous Related Posts
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-when-snowdrops-bloom.html
https://www.badwitch.co.uk/2026/01/rounding-year-flower-of-love-hope-or.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2025/09/rounding-year-when-do-you-think-autumn.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/01/rounding-year-sharing-seasonal-pictures.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2024/03/rounding-year-too-soon-for-silver-birch.html













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