Lily Oak

Catch up...

2012-01-25T23:18:00.000Z

Hello,
        Thought I'd put up a quick post as it's been a hectic time lately and I've been unusually quiet on here!
Well, on a personal level we had a car crash and a house move to contend with just before Yule, and although things are pretty much settled down now, things are still as busy as ever!

       I'm just about keeping www.Hedge-Witchery.com up to date, and am in the process of bringing back the "Rocemmended Books" page. Hedge Witchery Books, is growing, we've got some fantastic new titles and some new writer coming on board, and even with Ricky joining the team things are mega busy, expect a website over-haul and some great new titles soon.

      Hedge Witchery Tarot, launched last month and we - (ok Ricky) - is in the process of making contact with all the psychics who've expressed an interest in joining the team. We're still looking for webcam psychics but expect to see the cool wall of live video streams - (and yes you can chat to them all at once... for free, lol) - to be growing soon.

     The follow up the Elemental Guided Meditation I released last summer is well in the works and should be being released around the end of February. The next handy little guide I'm writing, on divination using symbols through medative states, will land around June.

     We're hitting as many events as we can this Summer, there's an events page on Hedge-Witchery.com that they'll all get put on, and I'm hoping to catch up with as many people as possible. However, in order to do that the next few months will have to be spent firmly behind my computer desk... although I'm not complaining, the manuscripts I have the great pleasure of publishing are fantastic, and working with the writers who created them is an absolute pleasure.

    If I'm off facebook for more than 3 days, send caffiene!

Lily x

Is there such a thing as a Pagan Atheist?

2012-01-12T00:53:00.000Z

First of all we should establish what the term “Pagan Atheist” means. Let's break down that title into it's respective components, and look at their definitions in modern English:

“pa·gan
n.
1. An adherent of a polytheistic religion in antiquity, especially when viewed in contrast to an adherent of a monotheistic religion.
2. A Neopagan.

...Read full article

The Art of Seeing: Fortune Telling via Medative States, by Lily Oak... a sneaky preview!

2011-11-05T14:16:00.001Z

A sneaky peek at my new book, due out early 2012. This is part of the chaper on Witches Stones. I've decided to share it after giving out some small sets -(without instructions, lol)- to some friends.

"Below are ten symbols you would commonly see used on witches stones. Personally these are the symbols I would use if putting together a set for someone who was interested in learning them.

Wyrd - Fate, destiny, the unknown, that which is yet to be decided.

Black - Negativity, bad luck.

Spears - An argument, dispute or confrontation.

Moon - A change, usually within 28 days (one moon cycle).

Sun - Growth, prosperity, abundance.

God - A man or a leader like/providing force.

Goddess - A female figure, a protective force or a care giver.

Birds - A message.

Corn - A work or career situation, or hard work bringing rewards.

Rings - A partnership or relationship.

Some other symbols you may come across are;

Spiral - A situation gathering momentum, a situation that has been ongoing for some time.

Birds - A message.

Waves - Travel, contact from close friends/family.

Wheel - The current situation is only temporary.

Nail - Needed help/protection coming.

Key - A new opportunity presenting itself.

Usually to use the stones I would do either a three or seven stone casting. Three stone castings are good for getting a feel for the stones when you first start working with them, they are also great for quick answers and readings to uncomplicated questions and scenarios. Seven stone castings are great for general readings, or more complicated queries. Both are performed pretty much the same way.

First hold the bag containing the stones and gently shake the stones whilst clearly holding the information and answers you wish to get from the reading in your mind. If doing the reading for someone else make sure you have this person at the forefront of your thoughts too.

Pick stones out of the bag , hold them together in one had 4-6 inches above table and then drop them. Look at the stones and how they have landed. Some stones will have fallen close to each other , these stones will relate to each other. Some stones may have landed upside down. Some readers will simply turn them over and read as normal - (this is my own chosen method), some will discount them all together, and some believe that it indicates the opposite of the meaning indicated when the stone is the correct way up."

Book Review: Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom

2011-11-02T21:50:00.000Z

I was recently sent a copy of “Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom”, the book is written by Carole Carlton, and is the fourth book in the “Mrs Darley” series. Anyone looking at the cover and title of this book would be forgiven for thinking that they were looking at a spell book of healing rituals, but as the back cover explains...

“When we become ill we search for a cure, but a cure only suppresses the symptoms of disorder; it fails to address the underlying cause. When we search for healing, we are encouraged to look beyond the symptom, in order to explore the emotional, psychological and spiritual imbalances which underpin the illness.

Following several periods of less than robust health, Carole Carlton's enigmatic next door neighbour, the ever wise Mrs Darley, invited her to embark on a journey of healing through the five senses. It was a journey that not only made Carole view life and death in a different way, but also altered the way in which she interacted with her body. It ultimately became a magickal journey that changed Carole's career and touched her soul.”

...read full article

How to make a cloak...

2011-09-15T11:27:00.000+01:00

Poem: Finding Love

2011-09-10T17:54:00.000+01:00

When I found you, I had already stopped looking for you,

I was looking for something close to you,

An almost you, a substitute you,

I had already decided that you did not exist,

We stumbled across each other in the mine field that is modern communications,

neither of us sure what we had found,

But both interested enough to want to find out,

I remember my first thought when I first actually saw you... "It's him!"

That mythical person who I had dreamt of, but I feared had eluded incarnation in the physical.

I'm not sure how I knew... But I did.

something about how you looked at me, convinced me you were actually seeing 'me'...

not my clothes or my journey fried hair or my day worn make-up, but me.

When you listened to me you really heard me,

More than that you really wanted to hear me,

Savouring my words as fleeting gifts,

As the conversation made the night pass too quick.

I couldn't believe the amount of small inconsequential things we shared,

Things too unique to be coincidence, that added to all the little voices in my head still whispering in awe... "Its him!"

OK, I'm sure lots of people love 'The Breakfast Club',

But how many of them also gave up reading 'Lord of the Rings' because they found it too boring and way too long winded?

I thought I had nothing to give you, but you found things to take anyway,

And then you showed them back to me as treasures,

And I know you see yourself as flawed, but your dents and scrapes fit perfectly round my own rough edges,

So to my imperfect eye you are flawless.

And then grew the fear, I knew if you chose to love me, your love could never hurt me.

But if I chose to love you, my love on the other hand, giving that away could kill me.

It almost had in the past, and I'm pretty sure it could in the future.

But... there were those voices... "It's him!"

And, now time has passed,

And though circumstance has endeavoured to keep us apart,

You want to know what tells me that it won't succeed forever?

That little voice, the one that in amazement whispered "It's him".

Album Review: Utopian Folk, Beneath the Oak

2011-08-29T20:39:00.001+01:00

Beneath the Oak have nailed it with their album Utopian Folk. An album that perfectly suits it's name. They have taken the atmosphere and intimacy found in all good folk and used sweet vocals and harmonies to give it a modern chilled out feel. Although the album works fantastically as a whole, this doesn’t take away from the individual atmosphere and story-telling qualities of each song as an individual piece. Although not specifically a “Pagan Band” tracks like Winter and the Moon – (a personal favourite) – conjure imagery that will definitely please this audience. I can't recommend this album enough... I would also take up every opportunity to see the guys live!

To find out more about Beneath the Oak check out their Myspace and Facebook pages.

How to Read Tea Leaves

2011-08-09T17:22:00.000+01:00

The art of Tasseography is a form of divination via looking for symbols in tea leaves, coffee grounds, or more historically wine sediment. The practice really gained popularity in the UK during the Victorian era, and was often used as a type of parlour game.

...Read full article

Blissful Anarchy

2011-07-28T18:09:00.000+01:00

Lazy fingers trace each others silhouettes,

Amongst a patchwork of blankets, pillows and discarded clothes, we lie,

Flavoured with sweet smelling smoke, and even sweeter honey wine,

Our protest against the real world continues, as it has for days,

Within the silence we express the contentment of our shared emotions,

With no real need for words, we say everything that we need to,

Phones go unanswered, mail gets ignored.

Wind chimes muted behind closed curtains provide the soundtrack to our blissful, quiet anarchy,

Revelling in the sweetness of our defiance against “what we should be doing”,

Never wanting to leave and do anything else.

Loves Escape

2011-05-18T20:07:00.000+01:00

Two separate prisons,

both existing in one place,

It became a happy incarceration,

We let falling in love pass the days,

What we had been calling circumstance,

We switched to calling fate,

Neither really sure how we existed,

Without the others embrace,

I was there when your walls crumbled,

But my own cage still remained,

So much elation on your face,

I rejoiced with you all the same,

As your light shone brighter,

For me you became harder to see,

Like a beacon growing stronger,

As you’re swept away to sea,

You swear that you’re not leaving me,

That it won’t be long before your return,

That when the sun dawns that day,

You will take me as your own,

I know you would never lie to me,

I believe your intentions to be true,

But I see how you love that freedom,

Through the bars I watch you through,

Don’t think that I resent you,

That I would rather take your place,

Having to leave your liberty,

To retrieve me from this cage,

And if you can’t make it back for me,

I can’t say you won’t face blame,

My heart would be too shattered,

To ever plan an escape again.

Save May Day! - Part Deux...

2011-04-21T09:57:00.000+01:00

Ok it's been about a month since the first result of the letter writing... a rather prompt response from Buckingham Palace!

There were also letters sent to David Cameron and Nick Clegg. As you will recall from my first blog post, I was told the letter originally sent to The Queen was forwarded to one of her ministers.

Well, this morning I received two letters, from two government departments, one as a result of the letter to The Queen, and one as a result of the letter to Nick Clegg.

Although it appears we may have won the battle in saving May Day for a couple of years, the letter from Chris Green, of the DCMS indicates the war may not yet be over...

The Shifters of 2040, by Ami Blackwelder

2011-04-08T10:46:00.001+01:00

This week I was lucky enough to read The Shifters of 2040 by Ami Blackwelder, the latest book in the Shifters Evolution series. You can read my full review now, and catch up with the chat I had with Ami about her writing.

Computer “Infections”... the latest scam!

2011-03-30T12:17:00.001+01:00

Earlier today I got a call from 24seven PC Care, advising me that as a windows user my computer may have been subject to some “infection”. Oh-no I thought! “Is that like a virus?” I asked. “Oh, no,” I was told “these can not be picked up be any anti-virus software... this is not a virus... it's an infection.” “What like a malware infection?” I enquired. “Erm... yeah... things like that.”

Now being the natural sceptic that I am... and knowing my way round a PC I knew he was talking bull as much as he did... but just for sport... “So, how do I know if I have one of theses infections?” I asked.

Over the next 10 minutes the “customer advisor” aka salesman. Talked me through, in very simple step by step actions, accessing the applications history in the computers Run menu. He then proceeded to tell me that every 'warning' that appeared on there was one of these new “infections” trying to attack my computer. Now to me, because I kind of know what I'm doing, a warning file is just that a general 'warning' and not anything to be overly concerned about. But, had I not been a little tech savvy, I imagine this would have caused a lot of people to panic. But, that’s ok, because they will then talk you through going to their website and allowing one of their technicians to remotely scan your computer.

Now I was a little annoyed already because I could imagine how this call would have, entirely needlessly, struck fear into many of my friends and family members. So I informed them that I could not allow remote access to my computer as I worked from home and held information on there I could not risk anyone else accessing. “Oh but they can not access those files.” I was told “They simply scan the computer.” At which point I pointed out that if I granted them remote access to my PC, they could indeed do that. I was then told that because they have the Windows logo on their site, that meant they were partners of Microsoft, and I shouldn't worry about a thing. Oh well... as long as there's a picture on your website, that must mean everything's ok.

“So if I give you access to my PC, and you find any of these files, what happens then?” I asked, already knowing full well what the answer would be. “Then we can offer you full support and maintenance for just £76.”

Now, because I take online security fairly seriously, there's no way I was giving these people remote access to my PC. But, I'd bet my life on the fact they would have found one of these dangerous infections that required me to purchase there services.

Do not fall for these scams. Talk to less well experienced PC users you know, and make sure they do not fall for these scams. Stick with the tried and tested, reputable, online security products that don't rely on ill informed salesmen calling you and attempting to terrify you.

Defeated

2011-03-26T22:44:00.004Z

I look at you fallen, your palace laid to waste.

But what did you expect? You built it with such haste.

Did you think it would last forever? That your luck would never run dry?

Did you realise when it did, it wouldn't be your tears that were cried?

Did you stop to consider those who'd stood firmly by your side?

Did you fail to notice them, as you pushed them aside?

You look for those that love you, and wonder where they are.

People can't be there for you, if you tear them apart.

You were so busy running everywhere, being everyone’s "best friend".

But where were you for those who needed you, those you had sworn to defend?

This place was once so happy, full of laughter, love and song.

Now an empty pile of memories, with you wondering what went wrong.

The meek that you once courted, that you could manipulate, have grown.

Your neglect has made them stronger, they have struck out on their own.

The rich man is he who sees value in everything he has,

Never takes things for granted, assuming it all will last.

The poor man neglects his trinkets, as he is always seeking more,

Not taking time to see the treasures, but what comes easy is often flawed.

Those flaws become more obvious, as the days wear on.

You have to start from scratch again, always moving on.

Maybe it will be these ruins that finally speak to you.

Make you change your ways, your intentions true.

Or could this be your last battle, maybe you have no more fight,

Maybe you'll slip from this world, as day turns into night.

But I will not judge too harshly, when I remember how you did me wrong,

For I was the meek you, inadvertently, turned so strong.

Ostara Photo's

2011-03-21T15:49:00.000Z

These are a collection of photos that I shot around the National Park between Wylam and Prudhoe.

Save May Day!

2011-03-14T11:16:00.001Z

Ok, this issue has been rattling round for a while now! Basically in a move to "extend the British tourist season" the ConDems have decided it would be a peachy idea to move May Day (aka Beltane) - Yes... seriously!

Well as you can imagine no-one, least of all the pagan community is very happy about this, including me. So what did I do? Well first of all there have been a couple of good online petitions and campaigns set up;

"Save May Day" Facebook group

38Degrees campaign

so I signed up to these straight away. I then thought about writing to MP's, but then thought... 'wait... instead of starting with my local MP and working up... lets start at the top and work down.'

Now as we all know, if you want a job done properly, talk to a woman...

Ok, now on to Cameron and Clegg!

to be continued...

The Truth about Vampires, by Theresa Myers

2011-03-09T11:07:00.000Z

I was recently sent a copy of 'The Truth about Vampires', and had the chance to interview the authour Theresa Myer. I love my vampire books, and you can read my review of this one now, and check out my interview with Theresa.

Rogue Oracle, by Alayna Williams

2011-03-04T10:29:00.000Z

About a month ago I was sent a copy of 'Rogue Oracle' by Alayna Williams, and I loved it! Really original, sci-fi/paranormal crime fiction.

I've been lucky enough to interview Alayna, which you can read now. You can also read my full review of 'Rogue Oracle.'

Anti-witchcraft propaganda: Wicca & Witchcraft: Understanding the dangers, by Elizabeth Dodd

2011-02-28T23:52:00.000Z

On the 18th of January 2011, The Catholic Truth Society published a book by Elizabeth Dodd entitled “Wicca & Witchcraft: Understanding the dangers.” It’s lack of research and outright inaccuracy caused no surprise amongst the magical community. Nor did the lazy, bigoted, band wagon jumping article it inspired from journalist, (and I use the word ‘journalist’ as a job title rather then any kind of accurate description), Damian Thompson of The Telegraph. The booklet was also mentioned in The Daily Mail, though in this case I’m please to report Simon Cauldwell provided a ‘to the point’ non-bias piece.

Now it’s fair to say that most people are well aware that the catholic church is not the greatest fan of witchcraft. It’s also fair to say that most people would expect them to try and bring those of other faiths over to Catholicism. The pagan and wiccan community have come to accept a certain level of lazy journalistic endeavours over the years. And, expect anything published by The Catholic Truth Society to be preach Catholicism as the only true path to happiness. But, there’s a few things about this publication that have really caused stirrings of outrage.

Firstly there are claims within the book that are just outright incorrect. Such as, Wicca is mainly practiced by young girls. A ridiculous claim with no evidence, (probably because none exists), to back it up. There are also some of the fantastically ludicrous statements that have been made by Dodd since the publication began getting attention and criticism. Statements such as;

“I can understand why a discussion of ‘the dangers’ of Wicca might seem persecutory. But Wicca is a potentially dangerous religion – I’m sure many Wiccans would agree. The threefold law implies danger – cast a negative spell and three times’ the negativity comes back to you.”

Yeah, almost as dangerous as eternal torture in a fiery pit for breaking the rules.

Though Dodd does let slip the true point of this exercise eventually;

“From my research, Wiccans are frequently young people. Sometimes it feels like that’s a demographic the Church is missing.”

So the fact the whole congregation only have their pensions to live on is starting to hit the collection plates is it? I’m guessing younger people are also more likely to click the ‘donate’ button on The Catholic Truth Society’s website.

I also think it’s fair to say that catholic organisations are probably amongst the least qualified people in the world to be handing out advice on ensuring young impressionable people are protected, and not led into dangerous situations.

Of course The Catholic Truth Society have been trying to ride the wave of attention to their advantage. Dismissing any protests and criticism they say;

“What began as a small document to inform Catholics about the realities of Wicca … appears to have re-ignited the persecution complex among Wiccans that I was hoping to diffuse.”

What they don’t seem to realise is when people ask you to justify something you’ve stated as fact, telling them they have a complex is not going to stop them asking the questions. And the more of them you can’t come up with an answer to, the less credibility you have.

Plants and Magic

2011-02-12T00:37:00.000Z

Plants form an integral part of magic, as they have throughout history. The use of herbal medicines go back thousands of years, and over those thousands of years the way herbs and plants are used and the people with access to them has grown and diversified.

Within witchcraft they are commonly used by being turned into incense or burnt as smudge sticks, to decorate places and alters and as ingredients within potions or meals to celebrate Sabbats and Esbats.

...read full article

For an article about specific magical plant correspondences click here.

Is Astrology a religion?

2011-01-27T09:56:00.000Z

Prof. Brian Cox has inadvertently caused debate recently. He was presenting 'Stargazing Live' on BBC2 when he shared his views on astrology stating “astrology is nonsense.” As you can imagine this caused quite an uproar amongst astrologers. It caused The Astrological Association of Great Britain to start a petition to force a public apology out of the BBC, as part of their campaign for fair representation of astrology in the media.

...Read full article

Reducing Energy Costs

2011-01-20T16:59:00.000Z

With household bills on the increase, everyone is looking to save money on the essentials. One of the biggest outgoings of any household is energy bills. Managing and ultimately reducing your gas and electric bills can be achieved two ways.

...Read full article

Agnes Waterhouse

2011-01-19T13:49:00.001Z

Agnes Waterhouse (also known as Mother Waterhouse) was the first person in England to receive the death sentence for witchcraft from a secular court.

She stood trial alongside two other women, her daughter Joan Waterhouse and Elizabeth Francis. This trail marked the first of the Chelmsford witch trials, that took place in Essex in the late 16th century.

...Read full article

Cornish Cunning Folk

2011-01-13T09:37:00.000Z

Cunning men and cunning woman form part of Cornwall’s rich history of mythology and folklore. They were known as skilled seers and those of high reputation were in high demand. People would seek them out in order to help find lost items and heal illnesses. They were in high demand during the 'Witch Trials' that swept most of Europe, despite being magical practitioners themselves. As much as witches were painted as evil beings seeking to cause harm and chaos, cunning folk were seen as the positive side of magical practices.

...Read full article

The Lowestoft Witches

2010-12-17T22:03:00.000Z

In 1662 Bury St. Edmunds became another backdrop to the Witch Trials that were sweeping Europe. However, this story does not start in Bury St. Edmunds, it starts in Lowestoft, a thriving fishing town on the east coast of England. It was also the home of Amy Denny and Rose Cullender, know today as ‘The Lowestoft Witches’.

...Read full article