A bad witch's blog

Moonrise by the Martello Tower

2013-05-25T14:36:00.001-07:00

The moon rising this evening by a Martello Tower on a Sussex beach. Those colours are as I took them - no tweaking with Photoshop at all. Had to post!

Pagan Eye: Moonrise Over a Country Road

2013-05-25T03:29:00.001-07:00

I made my husband stop the car last night when I saw the moon rise over the country road we were driving along. He wasn't particularly keen to stop, as we were late for where we were going already, but he kindly found somewhere to pull over and I quickly took this photo.

I hope you enjoy the full moon energy this weekend, wherever you are!

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself.

Links
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/11/pagan-eye-ring-around-moon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/12/spells-magic-short-ritual-to-honour-moon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/01/guided-visualisation-for-full-moon.html

Pictures from the Mind Body Spirit Festival in London

2013-05-24T09:23:00.001-07:00

The Mind Body Spirit Festival in London is one of the highlights of the year for me because I always have such a good time there. It has a wonderfully friendly atmosphere and there are so many things to see and try out - as well as lots of tempting things to buy on the stalls. I was there today and here are a few of the pictures I took.

The photo at the top shows an overview of the hall - although it stretches much further than that. The main stage has free talks, demonstrations and entertainment all day long. Henry Cumming is in the picture on the right on the main stage, doing a demonstration of mediumship. He seemed to pick up on a few spirits that were recognised by members of the audience, and took it in his stride when no one claimed the ghost of a young man who died in a motor accident. Maybe the spirit was just there to watch the show.

The picture on the left shows at tarot deck that I really wish I had bought. The annoying thing is that I can't remember what it was called or the name of the trade stand I saw it on. Neither can I read the name of the deck in my photo and although I know I picked up a leaflet from the stall, I can't seem to find it now I'm back home. If anyone recognises the deck, do leave a comment below!

The photos of candle (right) and fairies (at the bottom) are just a few other lovely things I saw on stalls.Two yurts were set up in the foyer outside the main exhibition area - one was called the Love Dome and the other was the Mantra Lounge. These were also offering free activities all day long.

I went to three different guided meditation sessions, which were all very different. One was run by an NLP practitioner, another was a shamanic journey using the aid of Egyptian scents run by Barbara Meiklejohn-Free and the third was a love meditation in the Love Dome with Cate Mackenzie's Love Fairies (who you can see in the small picture below left). The subtitle of this year's Mind Body Spirit Festival London is The Summer of Love - and that theme seemed to run throughout the show.

Now, I'm old enough to remember the original Summer of Love in 1967 (just) and I'm not really sure Summer 2013 is quite going to live up to that. But there is definitely a very loving atmosphere in Earl's Court this weekend. If you are in London and looking for somewhere to go out of the rain, a trip to the Mind Body Spirit Festival could just get the sun shining in your heart, even if it isn't visible in the sky over London right now.

The Mind Body Spirit London Festival is on until Monday 27 May, from 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets cost £10 on the door, For more details, visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk.

Previous post: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/save-date-for-mind-body-spirit-london.html

News: Paganism in the Press and Other Stories

2013-05-24T00:23:00.000-07:00

"Senior Tory warns over pagan weddings"
A senior Tory is quoted as saying that voters would think MPs had "lost the plot" if they allowed pagans, Freemasons and spiritualists to conduct marriages. From the Evening Standard: "http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/senior-tory-warns-over-pagan-weddings-8625934.html

"Wackypedia admits pagan purge"
Wikipedia has admitted that one of its editors has been systematically purging the encyclopedia of references to the occult and modern pagans. From Techeye.net: http://news.techeye.net/internet/wackypedia-admits-pagan-purge

"Cheese maker warned against supplying Gloucester cheese rolling"
Health and safety goes mad as police tell a cheese maker she may be liable for legal action if she supplies Gloucester's famous annual cheese rolling event, in case anyone gets hurt by her dairy products. From BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-22639675

"IMAGE: The Occult Factor An inaugural exhibition of Esoteric Artists"
Review of the occult art exhibition that is currently on at Store Street Gallery, 32 Store Street, London WC1E. From artlyst: http://www.artlyst.com/articles/image-the-occult-factor-an-inaugural-exhibition-of-esoteric-artists

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

2013-05-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Friday 24 - Monday 27 May; Mind Body Spirit London Festival. Stalls, entertainment, talks and workshops. Some of the talks and workshops cost extra. Venue: Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London SW5 9TA. Time: from 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets cost £10 on the door, £8 advance. For full programme details or to buy advance tickets, call the ticket hotline: 020 7371 9191 or visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk

Friday 24 May; Prediction Awards Event. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10. Website: http://www.predictionmagazine.co.uk/

Saturday 25 May; Lunar Eclipse Energy Meditation on Primrose Hill, London NW3 3NA. Time: 1.30pm-2.30pm. Free event. Meet at the top of the hill, on the grassy area on the west side by a group of trees.

Saturday 25 May; Abraxas Journal Party hosted by Treadwells and Fulgur. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS and Fulgar at 32 Store Street. Time: 4pm to 10pm. Tickets free but advance booking required. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 25 May; Ecstatic Dance London Full Moon Saturday Night DJ Session with Gong Bath. Rules: no alcohol, no smoking, no drugs, no talking in the dance area. Venue: St. Peter's Church, 310 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5HY. Time: Doors open 7.30pm, opening circle at 8pm, dancing until 10.30pm. Tickets £15 on the door/£10 if reserved on meetup at http://www.meetup.com/london-ecstatic-dance

Sunday 26 May; Mythic London. One-day Workshop with Caroline Wise, who contributed to the classic book The Aquarian Guide to Legendary London.Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 10.45am until 5.30pm Tickets £45, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 26 May; The Kith London Heathen Moot. Venue: The Horseshoe Inn, Melior St, London SE1. Time: 2pm-5pm.

Tuesday 28 May; Chertsey Moot. A social moot held on the last Tuesday of the month at the Golden Grove pub, Ruxbury Road, St Annes Hill, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9EN. All welcome. From 8pm to 11pm. For more details, email: sian_ap_pysgotwr@yahoo.co.uk

Tuesday 28 May; The Crystal Palace Moot. A social moot held on the last Tuesday of the month at the basement bar, Lucius Italian Bar/Kitchen, 128 Gipsy Hill, Upper Norwood, London SE19 1PL. Time: from 6.30pm. Free event. For more details, email tangaschants@gmail.com

Tuesday 28 May; Crystals and Sacred Sites. Talk by Judy Hall, author of the Crystal Bible series of books and the recent Life-Changing Crystals: Using Crystals to Manifest Abundance, Wellbeing and Happiness.Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking essential. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. For further details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Thursday 30 May; 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.

Thursday 30 May; The World's Strangest Deaths. Talk at the London Fortean Society, upstairs at the Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. 7.30pm for 8pm start. £3/£2 concessions - advance booking essential for this talk. Society meets on the last Thursday of each month. For more details, visit http://forteanlondon.blogspot.co.uk/

Friday 31 May; Self Healing Through Movement. Talk by Meir Scheider. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking essential. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. For further details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Friday 31 May; Personal and Planetary Transitions. Event organised by London Spiritual Movement. Time: 6pm – 8pm. Venue: Conference Room, Canterbury Hall, 11 – 18 Cartwright Gardens, London WC1H 9EE. Donation: £10 if you can afford it. For more details and to book your place: http://www.meetup.com/londonspirituality/events/117111562/?a=ea1_grp&rv=ea1

Friday 31 May; Holistic Meditation Evening with Simon Tarry. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7pm start. Price: £10 to the organisers on the night. For more details and to register, email: mcarlinsweeney@yahoo.co.uk.

Saturday 1 June; Pagan Federation London Conference. One-day event with a theme exploring rites of passage. Venue: The London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Gray’s Inn Road, London, WC1X 8UE Doors open 10.30am. Tickets £12/£15 on the door, but cheaper if booked in advance: http://london.paganfed.org/?ai1ec_event=2013-pf-london-conference&instance_id=5347

Saturday 1 June; Intermediate Tarot Workshop with Sue Merlyn Farebrother, author of Astrology Decoded: a step by step guide to learning astrologyat Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £45 advance booking required. Time: 10.45pm-5.30pm. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 1 June; Hendon Heathens Moot. The Greyhound, Church End, Hendon, London NW4 4JT. 6pm until 9pm (then over the road at a blues and rock club until the early hours). This moot meets on the first Saturday each month.

Sunday 2 June; Incense Making Workshop with Christina Oakley Harrington at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £25 advance booking essential as places very limited. Time: 1pm-5.30pm. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 2 June; 16th Pagan Pride March in London, Start at Red Lion Square, Holborn, at noon, ending at Russel Square at the fountain. Free event but bring a picnic and suitable clothes and a towel if you are intending to paddle in the fountain. If you have them, please bring drums, masks, banners and flower crowns.

Event: Lunar Eclipse Meditation, Primrose Hill, 25 May

2013-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

There is both a Super Moon and a lunar eclipse this Saturday 25 May. Although the eclipse will not be visible to the naked eye in the UK, you can still make the most of its magical energy. If you want to take part in an eclipse meditation, then go along to Primrose Hill, in North London,

Here's a message about the event that I was asked to share:

"We are in a unique and powerful Triad of Eclipses that are incredibly charged. On 25th May there is a Super Moon Lunar Eclipse - the third of three eclipses in a row. It is the Good Will Festival of Humanity and the time of Wesak, which is a period of spiritual blessing for humanity and an outpouring of light for the entire planet. It is the ideal time to take the destiny of our world in our own hands!

"We will meet at Primrose Hill in London at 1:30 in the afternoon. We will join in with our intention with many groups large and small, that are getting together at the time of full moon this May around the world. These Light Energies effect the Collective Consciousness on Earth, raising all to A Higher State of Consciousness. We will gather and visualise the liberation of our planet of the negative energy grid so that we will have the chance to create our own destiny and fully empower ourselves to our Ascension process. We will use invocations, chanting and meditation."

If you want to take part, please arrive at the top of Primrose Hill by 1.30pm on 25 May. The group will be meeting on the west side of the crown of the hill, in a grassy area next to a small grove of trees. For anyone who has never been to this lovely little park it is easy spot and to locate. The organiser is Michelle.

Primrose Hill is on the north side of Regent's Park, London. The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm.

The photo at the top shows the view from the top of Primrose Hill and the picture right shows a lunar eclipse and the picture at the bottom is a map of Regent's Park.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.space.com/15689-lunar-eclipses.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/book-of-magic-eclipse-magic-workbook.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_2013_lunar_eclipse
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/pictures-of-supermoon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/08/lunar-eclipse-and-full-moon.html

Event: London Pagan Pride Parade on Sunday 2 June

2013-05-22T00:38:00.000-07:00

View Larger Map

This year's London Pagan Pride Parade is taking place on Sunday, 2 June, starting at noon in Red Lion Square, Holborn.

Pagan Pride Parade is a free street-based public event for pagans and their friends to meet and celebrate paganism. You can turn up wear pagan robes or fancy costumes if you want, or you can just as you are. Bring drums or banners if you want to. Bring a picnic to enjoy afterwards. Spread the word and share this message with all your friends - this is a free event and the more people who turn up the merrier!

For the third year running this is being organised by Atlantis Bookshop. Meet at noon outside the entrance of Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn. From there the procession will take to the streets. It normally ends at Russell Square Park. For further information, call Atlantis Bookshop on 0207 405 2120. The map at the top shows Red Lion Square.

Sacred Landscape: St Nectan's Glen and Waterfall

2013-05-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

One of the places I meant to visit when I was on holiday in Cornwall last summer was St Nectan's Glen.

I was told it was a beautiful and magical place - the kind of area of natural beauty where you might just glimpse a Piskie frolicking in the ferns. It takes its name from a 6th century Christian saint who lived in a hermitage at the site and gained fame for ringing a bell in stormy weather to warn ships about dangerous rocks nearby. However, the glen and waterfall could well have been considered a sacred place back in ancient pagan times.

The current owner bought St Nectan's Glen waterfall and hermitage in 2012, said at the time that he wanted the site to be "a place of inward reflection and self-realisation for everyone to enjoy".

Sadly I didn't get to visit St Nectan's Glen during the week of my holiday, but I have now been sent these lovely photos taken by Denise Hockin, who visited at Easter.

She said: "St Nectan's Glen is between Tintagel and Boscastle and is a spiritual place for nature lovers and pagans. Legend has it that the early Christian, Saint Nectan, lived and was murdered there, though there seem to be many versions of that story. But whatever you believe, there is no question that the walk from the road through the Glen is beautiful, as is the waterfall itself. People have tied literally hundreds of ribbons to the trees surrounding the pool, which to some people makes it seem magical, though some feel they detract from the natural beauty of the waterfall. Hope you and others find them [the pictures] interesting."

Thanks very much indeed Denise. I think the photos are beautiful and they have made me want to go back to Cornwall again and visit St Nectan's.

The photos are copyright Denise Hockin.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.st-nectansglen.co.uk/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/boscastle-and-museum-of-witchcraft_3235.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/tintagel-castle-and-legacy-of-king.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/the-blisland-inn-pub-full-of-witches.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/dozmary-pool-and-death-of-dragons.html
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/New-owner-vows-sacred-site-St-Nectan-s-Glen-open/story-15516560-detail/story.html#axzz2Tw0t5d7X

News and TV: Branded a Witch, BBC3

2013-05-21T05:04:00.001-07:00

I've just read an article on the Independent website about a programme called Branded a Witch that was shown on BBC3 last night. It is about one African woman's experiences of being persecuted as a child because her family believed she was a witch. The feature says:

"Kanda ... endured years of abuse before being taken into care. Now 23, and with two young sons of her own, she set out to examine a lethal new twist to the widespread African belief in witchcraft, which has increasingly come to be associated with the abuse and even murder of children."

I didn't see the documentary about this tragic modern form of persecution over witchcraft beliefs, but I'll look out for it on catch-up. The BBC normally keeps documentaries for about a week on BBC iPlayer.

You can read the article here: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/last-nights-viewing--branded-a-witch-bbc3-the-somme-secret-tunnel-wars-bbc4-8624434.html

News: BBC Highlights English Ritual Year Photographs

2013-05-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

The BBC News England website is featuring a slideshow of pictures by folklore photographer Sara Hannant, under the title: In pictures: A journey through the English ritual year

Sara Hannant, the author of the book Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids, has become famous for travelling around England photographing seasonal celebrations old and new. The pictures on the BBC website show such events as the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, Hastings Jack-in-the-Green parade, Eastbourne Lammas Festival, London's Twelfth Night celebrations on Bankside and the Mazey Day midsummer festival in Penzance, Cornwall.

As Sara is quoted as saying, "Many of these customs have a distinct pagan element." They do indeed.

You can see the slideshow of her photos here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22528184

An exhibition of photographs from Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids is on until 28 July at the Oxfordshire Museum, County Hall, New Road, Oxford OX1 1ND.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-22528184
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/09/event-folklore-in-photography-exhibition.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/review-mummers-maypoles-and-milkmaids.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/days-out-english-ritual-year-exhibition.html
http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/exhibitions-events-and-talks-oxfordshire-museum

Pagan Eye: Falling Apple Blossom

2013-05-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

I looked out of my window and saw a shower of apple blossom falling from my apple tree. By the time I got my camera ready, what looked like a snowfall had lessened to a just a few white petals drifting to the ground. Oh, and I do realise my garden seriously needs weeding - but it does look rather fairyland-like with the bluebells, forget-me-nots, blue alkanet flowers and long grass. It would have looked even better if the sun had been shining!

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself.

Links and previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/04/pagan-eye-apple-blossom.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/10/godfdess-of-week.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/07/apple-seeds.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/02/magical-uses-for-apple-wood.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/09/pagan-eye-fallen-apples.html

Survey on Pagan Responses to the UK Census 2011

2013-05-19T00:10:00.001-07:00

Vivianne Crowley is asking pagans to help her with some research by filling in a short questionnaire. She said:

"I’ve been invited by the British Sociological Association’s Sociology of Religion group to give a paper next month on Pagan responses to the UK Census 2011.

"There is a big difference of course between the survey numbers and those quote for number of Pagans in the UK and I’m trying to tease out some of the reasons. One might be that numbers have been inflated of course. The other might be that Pagans for various reasons were under-reported.

"I wonder if you’d be kind enough, if you completed the Census, to answer the survey by clicking this link.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UK2011Census

"All responses are anonymous.

"I'd to get as many responses from different parts of the Pagan community as I can, so if there are any Pagan mailing lists/e-groups that you're involved with, it would be great if you could post the link."

This sounds like very useful research that could help pagans gain more recognition for our chosen spiritual path.

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/pagandash-be-counted-on-2011-census.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/12/news-pagan-census-results-and-witches.html

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

2013-05-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday 18 May; Chaos Magick: Divining the Future. Afternoon workshop with Nikki Wyrd. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 12.45pm for 1pm start. Tickets £25, advance booking essential. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 18 May; Shaking Things Up - Socrates V the Establishment. Debate and discussion with philosopher Rick Lewis. Venue: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH. Time: 2.30pm. Free entry and no booking required but limited places. http://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/event/330/Shaking-things-up!---Socrates-vs-the-Establishment?&Keyword=&TypeID=

Saturday 18 May; Tribal Unity presents Touch the Earth Live! Pagan folk band Touch the Earth performing live with a light show and guests the belly dance group Tribal Unity. Venue: The Basildon Lower Academy, Timberlog Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1UX. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £9, concessions £7. http://www.tribalunity.co.uk/

Sunday 19 May - Sunday 26 May; I:MAGE Esoteric Art Exhibition. This is taking place in the art gallery at 32 Store Street, next door to Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. It is being hosted by Fulgur Fine art and Treadwell's. There is an opening reception on Sunday 19 May from noon. For full details, visit the website: http://fulgur.co.uk/

Sunday 19 May; 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.

Sunday 19 May; Film: Conjuration to Beelzebub - NOKO Order 41. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 5.45pm for 6pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 20 May; The Shaman in Stilettos.Talk by author Anna Hunt at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £10/£5 concs. Advance booking required. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Monday 20 May; An Almost Forgotten History. Talk by Ken Rees at pagan forum Secret Chiefs. Venue: Devereux public house, 20 Devereux Court, off Essex Street, London WC2R 3JJ. Meet from 7.30pm, event starts at 8.30pm. Admission £2. http://secretchiefslondon.wordpress.com/

Monday 20 May; Croydon Crows. PF moot held every 3rd Monday of each month at the Skylark pub, South End, South Croydon from 8pm onwards.

Monday 20 May; Building the Fourth Pyramid: An Occult Art Installation in Galverston. Lecture by Jesse Bransford (NYU). Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Tuesday 21 May; An Evening of Soul Portraits and Clairvoyance with Dr Angela Watkins and June Elleni-Laine. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £10/£12 Advance booking essential. Time: 7pm-8.30pm. For further details call: 020 7589 3292 or visit http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Wednesday 22 May; Being a Cathar Today. Talk and book signing by Colum Hayward at Watkins Books, 19-21 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ. Time: 5.30pm. Free event. For more details Tel 020 7836 2182 or visit the website http://www.watkinsbooks.com/

Thursday 23 May; Crossbones 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/

Thursday 23 May; Ithell Colquhoun: Cornwall, Landscape and the Goddess. Lecture by Dr Any Hale. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Friday 24 May; 'Spare': A One-Man Play by John Constable. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £10, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Friday 24 - Monday 27 May; Mind Body Spirit London Festival. Stalls, entertainment, talks and workshops. Some of the talks and workshops cost extra. Venue: Earls Court, Brompton Hall, London SW5 9TA. Time: from 10am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10am to 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets cost £10 on the door, £8 advance. For full programme details or to buy advance tickets, call the ticket hotline: 020 7371 9191 or visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk

Friday 24 May; Prediction Awards Event. Venue: The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £10. Website: http://www.predictionmagazine.co.uk/

Saturday 25 May; Abraxas Journal Party hosted by Treadwell's and Fulgur. Venue: Treadwell's, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS and Fulgar at 32 Store Street. Time: 4pm to 10pm. Tickets free but advance booking required. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 26 May; Mythic London. One-day Workshop with Caroline Wise. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 10.45am until 5.30pm Tickets £45, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

If you want an event listed on A Bad Witches Blog, please email the details to badwitch1234@gmail.com

Pagan News From the Past Few Days

2013-05-16T02:49:00.001-07:00

Here is a round-up of some recent news stories that could interest pagans:

Druid leader King Arthur Pendragon has lost a legal battle to get ancient bones from Stonehenge reburied, but says he will continue the fight. You can read more on the Channel 4 website: http://www.channel4.com/news/king-arthur-pendragon-druid-high-court-case-bones-stonehenge

An ancient Mayan pyramid was destroyed by bulldozers so that the stones could be used for building material. You can read more on the Mirror website: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/mayan-temple-watch-moment-bulldozers-1890299

The Daily Mail has run another anti-pagan story on the subject of changes to the marriage laws in the UK, saying: "Law change 'could lead to Jedi and Pagan weddings'... Amendment would allow 'ridiculous' sects to marry couples". You can read the whole piece here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2324674/Law-change-lead-Jedi-Pagan-weddings-Tories-fear-inclusion-humanism-gay-marriage-allow-sects-powers.html

The Dawn of a Happy New Day

2013-05-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to say, my prediction was wrong. A little while back, I had a nasty dream that something horrible would happen on 15 May. I even blogged about it.

And yesterday was 15 May - a day that started with an early morning storm that shook the trees and blew down a bit more of the fencing in my garden. But, I was delighted to discover, nothing worse than that happened to myself or my family or loved ones.

I checked the UK news and saw that unseasonable snow had fallen in parts of the country and a new thriller by Dan Brown had been published, but that seemed about the worst of it. Hardly the end of the world.

Obviously, I feel slightly embarrassed that I made a prediction that did not materialise - but at the time I said I would rather look foolish than for some disaster to occur that might have been prevented had I not warned anyone.

So, it is a new day today, and a happy one. Later on I'll be checking the news and seeing if there is anything more interesting to blog about. Apart from that, the sun is shining and its back to bad witching business as usual.

Links
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22547769

Inferno: (Robert Langdon Book 4)
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/tomorrow-beware-ides-of-may.html

News: Ravens Return to London

2013-05-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was fascinated to read a post on Love Wapping that a wild raven has been spotted living in London. You can even see a photo of it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/whatsinwapping/8543353537/

A book called City of Ravens, which I reviewed on A Bad Witches Blog a couple of years ago, claimed that wild ravens had not been seen in London for a very long while. At one time London had the nickname City of Ravens. This is thought to be partly because the name London can be translated as "town of ravens", partly because ravens are kept at the Tower of London, and also because ravens were a common sight on the streets of the capital in bygone centuries.

I wrote in my review of City of Ravens:

"The book ends ... with a prediction that wild ravens could well return to the city as their numbers are growing in the surrounding countryside. Perhaps it will no longer be necessary to clip the wings of the birds at the Tower of London to stop them flying away, but instead offer sites for them to nest and breed..."

However, when I shared the recent news link with a few friends, one of them commented: "When I worked for RBS near the Barbican, there were two ravens in the park in the centre of in Charterhouse Sq. That was 1985."

I asked my friend if they were sure they were ravens, not crows. They replied: "We had the Beeb (Springwatch, I think) camping out in the square, and David Bellamy came by too. So unless they were escaped pets, which is not impossible, then the Wapping story is ... misinformed."

An intriguing issue - and I wonder if any keen birdwatchers can answer the question: Have wild ravens been living in London for decades, or have they only just returned? Do leave a comment below if you think you know the answer.

Links
http://lovewapping.org/2013/03/first-wild-raven-in-london-since-1850/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/review-city-of-ravens.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/03/pagan-eye-raven-in-flight.html

Tomorrow, Beware the Ides of May

2013-05-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with a premonition that something bad is going to happen on 15 May.

To go into more detail, I woke up from a dream in which I was on holiday and swimming in an amazing swimming pool, but not enjoying it because I knew it was the last day of my holiday and I also felt apprehensive. I woke up and, while still half asleep, I got a vivid image in my mind of a Facebook events calendar page for 15 May, accompanied by a feeling of dread.

In the morning I told several friends and asked them to take extra care on 15 May, even if they thought I was being silly and didn't believe anyone can have premonitions. One of my friends commented, "Is that the Ides of May?"

Looking it up, I found that May is indeed one of the months in which the Ides is on the 15th. The Ides of March are traditionally thought to be unlucky - being the date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated. I very much hope that The Ides of May are not similarly unfortunate for anyone.

I have some mixed feelings about writing about this premonition on my blog. After all, there is a good chance it wasn't a premonition at all - merely a bad dream. That's certainly what most of my friends are reassuring me and I hope they are right. I would much much rather that on May 16 people say, "See, nothing happened", than I say, "I told you so".

And I certainly don't believe that the future is fixed. Despite the reputation, Friday 13ths are supposedly days in which accidents are less likely to happen than normal - partly because a lot of people take extra care.

So, please do take a little extra care tomorrow. As I have already said, I would rather everyone was safe, and I looked a little foolish, than feel guilty because someone had a nasty accident and I didn't warn them to be more careful.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/01/prophetic-dreams.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ides_of_March
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/friday-13th-lore-luck-and-superstitions.html

Plant Magic: Solomon's Seal for Protection and Healing

2013-05-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite plants that grows in my garden from May to June is Solomon's Seal. It has gently curving stems and little cream-coloured bell-shaped flowers, as you can see in the photo above. It is also a very magical plant, associated with healing and protection.

Solomon's Seal is shown next to comfrey in the Druid Plant Oracle deck, because in the past it was used by herbalists in a similar way. Both plants were used to help heal broken bones and cuts. Solomon's Seal was particularly used to heal bruises and other minor skin conditions, usually by the roots being made into a poultice or ointment.

It is the roots that give the plant its name, because the roots have depressions that look like the royal seal of King Solomon. It is probably also this that gives the plant its reputation for magical protection. According to the famous tales and legends, the Seal of Solomon was the symbol on a signet ring owned by King Solomon that allowed him to control demons and genies. In traditional folk magic, the plant Solomon's Seal can be used for exorcisms and to protect a home from evil spirits. It can be infused in water then sprinkled over an area, or the dried roots can be placed in the corners of a room or at each compass point of a building to keep out unwanted influences.

What I particularly like about Solomon's Seal is that it grows in a damp, shady corner of my garden and appears to be reasonably resistant to slugs. If it keeps evil spirits out as well as garden pests, all the better.

Note: This is not medical advice. Never take any herbal remedy without consulting a qualified medical herbalist first.

References and previous related posts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygonatum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_of_Solomon
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/670.shtml
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/03/druid-oracle-app-now-out-on-tablets-and.html
The Druid Plant Oracle: Working with the Magical Flora of the Druid Tradition [With 36 Cards]
Encyclopaedia of Magical Herbs (Llewellyn's Sourcebook Series)
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/06/comfrey-for-health-wealth-and-safe.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/08/invasion-of-giant-slugs.html

Save the Date for the Mind Body Spirit London Festival

2013-05-10T08:04:00.004-07:00

An event worth putting into your diary is the Mind Body Spirit London Festival 2013, which is taking place from 24-27 May in Earl's Court and is celebrating 36 years of offering inspiration for consciousness and wellbeing.

The bi-annual Mind Body Spirit Festival is the UK’s longest running holistic festival with a focus on personal empowerment, self-improvement and ancient and modern spiritual practices through live music, workshops, seminars, yoga, mantra, dance and movement, meditation and contemplation.

It brings together 20 thousand spiritually oriented people from across the world in what the organisers describe as "a safe atmosphere of belonging, self-exploration and self-improvement".

For four days in May the Mind Body Spirit Festival in London’s Earls Court hosts more than 120 exhibitors, stage performers, workshop leaders, wellbeing professionals, yogis, shaman artists and musicians from across the globe. Visitors can experience different types of yoga, meditation, and a whole range of healing practices from reiki to aura reading to mantra singing.

The Workshop leaders for 2013 include: Shazzie (UK Raw Food), Diana Cooper (UK Angels), Yogi Ashokananda (UK/India), Nicole Daenone (USA), Jonathan Cainer (UK), Graham Hancock (UK), Ed McGaa (USA) Barefoot Doctor and John Parkin (UK) Birkan Tore, Jamie Catto, Meir Schneider and many more.

There is also free entertainment from live stage artists including Parvatti, Bob Hillary and the Massive Mellow, Chloe Goodchild, Tim Wheater, Jahnavi Harrison, Charlotte Kelly, Anne Malone, Rebecca Cant, Jonny Cope to name a few.

To find out more about the Mind Body Spirit London Festival and to book tickets visit the website: http://www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk/

To find out what went on at some previous Mind Body Spirit events, you can read my write-ups here:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/mind-body-spirit-winter-festival.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/pictures-from-mind-body-spirit-london.html

This Week's Pagan Events In and Near London

2013-05-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Now to 18 May; Modern Witchcraft Exhibition, curated by Juan Bolivar with Objects of Superstition and Antiquity from the Cuming Museum and Southwark Art Collection. Venue: ASC Gallery, Erlang House, 128 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8EQ. Free event. Open: Monday to Saturday 1.30pm - 5pm. Tel: 020 7274 7474. Website: www.ascstudios.co.uk

Friday 10 - Sunday 12 May; The Magical Faerie Festival 2013. A weekend of live music by Inkubus Sukkubis, Pythia and more, workshops, a large faery market, camping and more. Special guest is Kit Berry, author of the Stonewylde novels.Location: Findon, near Worthing, West Sussex. Adult weekend tickets are £50 before 1 March, £60 if bought afterwards and day tickets are £25. For more details visit http://www.magicalfestivals.co.uk/. This event is organised by The Magical Times Magazine - http://www.themagicaltimes.com/

Saturday 11 May; Loving Ourselves - Loving Another. One-day workshop with Priestess and Interfaith Minister Rebecca D’arcy. Venue: Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum Street, City of London, London, WC1A 1LY. Time: 11am – 5.30pm. Cost: £45. For details and to book a place email revrebeccadarcy@gmail.com

Saturday 11 May; Theta Healing Talk with Andy Cruickshan. Venue: Mysteries of Covent Garden, 11 Monmouth Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DA. Time: 4pm - 6pm. Free event, but advance booking essential. Call 020 7240 3688 to register.

Sunday 12 May; Treadwells Social Sunday: A chance to socialise with a cup of tea and cake and at 2pm and 4pm there will be a reading from a pagan classic book. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Shop open from noon. Free social event, but contact the shop in advance to reserve a place and refreshments. info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Sunday 12 May; May Day in Ballad and Song. Acoustic Performance by Lisa Knapp (whose music includes Wild and Undaunted)Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start. Tickets £10, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Monday 13 May; William T Stead - Victorian Journalist, Campaigner and Occultist. Talk by Roger Luckhurst, author of The Mummy's Curse: The true history of a dark fantasyand WT Stead: Newspaper Revolutionary.Venue: The Moot With No Name. Venue: The Bell, 50 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EX. Time: 7.30pm for 8pm start.

Monday 13 May; Inside-out Healing: Transforming Your Life Through the Power of Presence.Talk by Richard Moss at Alternatives, St. James's Church, 197 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LL. Time: 7pm to 8.30pm. Tickets £10/£5 concs. Advance booking required. To book tickets and for more info visit the Alternatives website: http://www.alternatives.org.uk/Site/Talks.aspx

Thursday 16 May; 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.

Thursday 16 May; Croydon CoA Witches Gathering with talks and social activities at the The Green Dragon, High St, Croydon. 8pm start. For more details visit: http://www.witchfest.net/

Friday 17 May; The Invisible Universe. Lecture by Harry Oldfied at The College of Psychic Studies, 16 Queensberry Place, London SW7 2EB. Cost: £15/£20 Advance booking essential. For details, including time call: 020 7589 3292. http://www.collegeofpsychicstudies.co.uk/index.html

Friday 17 May; A Very English Magical Manuscript - The Folger Miscellany. Talk on Elizabethan Magic by Dan Harms, author of The Cthulhu Mythos Encyclopedia: A Guide to H. P. Lovecraft's Universe,Necronomicon Files: The Truth Behind the Legend.and The Long-Lost Friend: A 19th Century American GrimoireVenue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 18 May; Chaos Magick: Divining the Future. Afternoon workshop with Nikki Wyrd. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 12.45pm for 1pm start. Tickets £25, advance booking essential. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Saturday 18 May; Shaking Things Up - Socrates V the Establishment. Debate and discussion with philosopher Rick Lewis. Venue: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4QH. Time: 2.30pm. Free entry and no booking required but limited places. http://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/

Saturday 18 May; Tribal Unity present Touch the Earth Live! Pagan folk band Touch the Earth performing live with a lightshow and guests the belly dance group Tribal Unity. Venue: The Basildon Lower Academy, Timberlog Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 1UX. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets £9, concessions £7. http://www.tribalunity.co.uk/

Sunday 19 May; 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.

Sunday 19 May; Film: Conjuration to Beelzebub - NOKO Order 41. Venue: Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Time: 5.45pm for 6pm start. Tickets £7, advance booking recommended. For further details: info@treadwells-london.com http://www.treadwells-london.com/

Solar Eclipse on 10 May Heralds Time For Growth

2013-05-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

There's a solar eclipse taking place from May 9 - 10. It will be an annular solar eclipse - which means that the moon will pass in front of the sun, making it look as though there is a ring of light around the moon. It will not be visible from the UK, but those living in northern Australia should be able to view this amazing sight for just over six minutes.

If you are in the UK and want to do some eclipse magic, then any time from 10.22pm tonight to around 4.30am tomorrow morning (London time) would be perfect even though you won't be able to see the eclipse personally.

According to my Astro Moon Calendar for 2013 (which I was given as a Yule present and is full of great astrological information), the solar eclipse conjuncts both Mercury and Mars. The calendar explains that this could be the start of "a fertile period within which the implementation of novel seed ideas must flourish". In particular it says: "The worlds of banking, agriculture and other growth related activities are the main focus of this new initiative."

But this would also be a good time to start turning any ideas and plans into reality. The Astro Calendar says: "Hopefully, ideals and aspirations of the highest order will inform the changes that are now beginning to be made."

I think we could all do with a time of growth, especially for our finances but also in our gardens and other aspects of our lives. I hope my calendar's predictions are spot-on and any magic you work tonight - or other plans you are making - bring fruitful results!

Links and previous related posts
http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2013-may-10
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_May_10,_2013
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/01/solar-eclipse-god-time-for-change.html
Moon Calendar 2013
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/solar-eclipse-myths-and-meanings.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/07/solar-eclipse-easter-island-and-moai.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/eclipse-new-moon-and-dark-mirrors.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/book-of-magic-eclipse-magic-workbook.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/05/pagan-eye-solar-eclipse.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/11/total-solar-eclipse-at-diwali-for-those.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/11/pagan-witchcraft-and-moon-calendars-for.html

News: Druid Protest at Stonehenge Bones Display Plans

2013-05-08T02:38:00.002-07:00

Druid leader King Arthur Pendragon is protesting against plans by English Heritage to put human remains on show in the new Stonehenge visitor centre. He wants the bones to be reburied honourably, and only replicas to be put on display.

You can read the news stories on the Salisbury Journal website: http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/salisbury/salisburynews/10405240.Druid_protest_at_Stonehenge_display_plans/
And the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-22438232

Previous related posts:
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/04/news-stonehenge-recruiting-for-general.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/06/why-ive-never-been-to-stonehenge-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/08/a-few-views-of-stonehenge.html

News: EU Restricts Traditional Vegetable Seeds

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday, 6 May, the European Commission passed a new ruling to regulate all plants grown anywhere in Europe. Many people fear this will mean some heritage vegetables and rare plants could die out completely.

The Plant Reproductive Material Law restricts what vegetables and woodland trees can now be grown; and other plants could be restricted later. It is now illegal to grow, reproduce or trade any vegetable seed or tree that has not been tested and approved by a new "EU Plant Variety Agency".

I only heard about this threat on Sunday, when I was asked to sign a petition to try to stop the ruling being passed. Of course I signed it - apparently over 200,000 other people signed that and similar petitions. The petitions and other forms of protest and lobbying did help bring about a few concessions to the new law.

Last minute changes mean that home gardeners are still allowed to save and swap unapproved seeds; very small organisations and individuals can grow and supply/sell unapproved vegetable seeds; and seed banks can grow unapproved seeds without breaking the law. I guess it could have been worse, but there are clauses that mean the concessions could be removed later.

Apparently the new rules must still go to Parliament for modification or approval, so there is a chance that some changes could still be made to the restrictions on seeds, so lobbying is continuing.

Ben Gabel, vegetable breeder and director of The Real Seed Catalogue, said: "The draft law was truly awful, and it is good to see that the Commission have responded to the hundreds of thousands of citizens who raised their voices against it. They have made important concessions for home growers and small farmers, though it is a shame they did not think of them in the first place."

You can read more about it here (and find links to petitions): http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedlaw.html

The photo shows the Berlaymont building of the European Commission and is by J Logan

Links
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedlaw.html
http://www.permaculture.co.uk/news/0105133318/new-eu-law-could-ban-our-seeds
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/We_dont_accept_this_Let_us_keep_our_seeds_EU
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Commission

Magic School: Learn Moon Magic This Thursday

2013-05-07T09:54:00.003-07:00

There are still a few places left on an evening course on Moon Magic starting this Thursday, 9 May, in Strood, Kent.

The course is being run by experienced witchcraft teacher May Draper. The description says: "How does the Moon affect your life? Four in-depth evening workshops studying how to live in harmony with the Moon. At the end of each workshop there will be an outdoor ritual to draw down the moon and a spell to demonstrate how to work with each phase."

The classes will run on 9 May, 18 May, 25 May and 1 June and start at 7pm. The venue is in Moore Street, Strood, Kent. The cost for the course is £40. For more details, or to book a place, phone May on 01634 727986.

Learning: Folklore Summer School at City Lit in London

2013-05-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

City Lit is running a series of one-day classes in folklore this summer under the title Exploring Folklore Summer School. Nine sessions cover traditional customs, beliefs, stories, songs and dances, games, cures and remedies, witchcraft, ghosts and the supernatural, urban legends and superstitions.The first class is on Monday 22 July and is an introduction to the subject of English folklore, while the rest are on specific folklore topics.

Each of the sessions runs from 10.30am to 3.30pm with a full fee of £21 per class, a senior rate of £13 and concessionary rate of £7. If you want to do all the classes you can get a 20% reduction in the overall fees. The classes take place at City Lit, Keeley Street, Covent Garden, Camden, London WC2B 4BA.

Here is a full list of the Exploring Folklore Summer School classes:

Exploring Folklore: An Introduction to English Folklore
An introduction to English folklore covering the themes, debates and concepts at the heart of this study of the past. Date: 22 July.

Exploring Folklore: English Folk Dance and Song
How ordinary English folk enjoyed themselves before the mass media and the music industry took over. Date: 24 July.

Exploring Folklore: Telling Stories - Narrative
Not all folktales are fairytales, and not all folk narratives are tales. This day examines different types of folk narrative, from ballads to jokes. Date: 27 July.

Exploring Folklore: Customs and Festivals in the English Year
Life in the past was dominated by the seasons, and many practices and beliefs survive in our calendar-based customs and festivals - from wassailing to May Queens, Easter eggs to Christmas decorations, and many more. Date: 29 July

Exploring Folklore: Ghosts, Witches and the Supernatural
The mysterious ways of the natural world are complicated by a supernatural world. From visitations by the dead to charms to fairies, this course looks at magic and relations with that supernatural world. Date: 31 July.

Exploring Folklore: the Superstitious World, Old and New
Are we more superstitious than ever? Do all superstitions go back to pagan times? This course looks at superstitious beliefs, old and new. Date: 3 August

Exploring Folklore: Children's Games, Rhymes and Customs
Is it true that children don't play any more, or do we simply lose the ability to recognise it as we get older? This class looks at the evidence from the past century to understand the changes and the continuity. Date: 7 August.

Exploring Folklore Today: 'A Bloke at Work Heard it From...'
Anyone who's ever received an email chain-letter or heard an urban legend will know that folklore thrives today. This class looks at contemporary folklore, and its links to the past (and the future) of folklore. Date: 10 August.

To enrol on any of the classes in the Folklore Summer School, call enrolments: 020 7831 7831. For more details, email humanities@citylit.ac.uk, call 020 7492 2652 or visit the website: http://www.citylit.ac.uk/

The photo top right shows the outside of City Lit, the photo below that is the front cover of the book The New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs.

Links and previous related posts
The English Year
The New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/09/mystical-legendary-london-in-day.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/10/review-mummers-maypoles-and-milkmaids.html
http://www.citylit.ac.uk/