YouTube Viewing: The Witching Week (24th February)

 Hi Witches! 

Every Friday afternoon at 1600hrs the latest episode of The Witching Week drops on YouTube. Come sit with me and let's have a cuppa while we delve into the topics of the week and talk about all things related to the Wheel of the Year, the changing seasons and other witchy topics. It'd be lovely to see you! 

Sending all my love and blessings,
Wren. X

NEXT - YouTube Viewing: My Witchcraft Journey
NEXT - Introductions: The Cemetery Witch
NEXT - Stone Circle: Clothing for Goddesses 

YouTube Viewing: My Witchcraft Journey

How did you find the path of Witchcraft? In this very personal video I tell you how I discovered Witchcraft and the journey that led me there, and pivotal moments along the way. 

Towards the end of the video I talk about YOUR voyage of discovery and my advice for building the perfect Witchcraft practice. 

I'd love it if you Subscribed and hit the Bell notification icon. It means you'll never miss another video, and it tells YouTube that my channel is worth watching and recommending to other witches and Pagans. 

My next Witchcraft video is "Advice for New Witches" coming on Tuesday the 21st February but before then we have The Witching Week, our weekly cuppa and catch up, this Friday 17th February. 

Have a lovely week! 

NEXT - YouTube Viewing: Explore The Cemetery Witch
NEXT - Introductions: From One Witch to Another
NEXT - Personal Magick: My Beltane Handfasting

Lupercalia: A Look at Valentine’s Day

The feast of St. Valentine became intertwined with Lupercalia, another Roman festival, to become what we know as Valentine’s Day.

We do celebrate it here. We have hectic lives, children with ex-partners and each of us does a lot for the other due to big challenges that we each face, so we don’t mind the reminder to stop and check in and take some time to appreciate each other.

We had to laugh this morning when we swapped cards. Of all the cards we could have bought, from all the places in town, we managed to buy the same card, just with either “husband” or “wife” written on it.

To make things a little weirder, we used the words “inspire” or “inspiration.” It has been quite a magickal week with a lot of synchronicities, and it seems our luck is changing for the better.

From our house to yours, Happy Day of  Love!

Sending love and blessings, Wren. X

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: The Winter Solstice
NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Imbolc
NEXT - Simple Magick: Birthday Cake Candles

YouTube Viewing: Explore The Cemetery Witch

Some time ago I started a YouTube channel but it was left dormant for a while. I have started uploading regularly to it. 

Every Friday we have The Witching Week; a laid back discussion on the Wheel of the Year, seasonal goings on and anything witchy. 

On Tuesday I sometimes post general Witchcraft videos, for example this one - Connecting with the Land.

It would be lovely if you could join me! Please subscribe so that you don't miss another video. Sending love and blessings to you, Wren. X

... and every Friday you are invited to join me for a cup of tea and a natter while I host The Witching Week - a round up of the latest news and events. 

At the end of The Witching Week I do a quick energy outlook for the week ahead using my faithful Rider Waite tarot deck, which I've had since I was fifteen.

The Witchcraft videos I publish on a Tuesday are on a host of topics including spells and rituals, advice for new witches, herbs and plants, history, folklore and anything else connected to Witchcraft and Pagan practice.

I'd love it if you would join me on this journey! Our community is growing and it is a real honour to spend this time with you all. By subscribing and watching the channel you help me to reach those that are seeking information on Witchcraft; helping us to keep our traditions and beliefs alive. 

I' m aware that I need to update this site with all the posts from January and February - unfortunately winter germs have put me back a little bit and I am still catching up!

Wishing you a beautiful week - and I look forward to seeing you over on YouTube. 

Love and blessings, Wren. 

NEXT - YouTube Viewing: The Witching Week (24th February)
NEXT - Introductions: Hail & Welcome!
NEXT - Word Magick: Defining The Words Witch & Witchcraft

Introductions: From One Witch to Another

Hello! It’s a while since we’ve had an introduction, and there’s lots more of you (welcome!) so let’s have some fun!

I don’t just want you to learn about me, this page is a community that YOU are a part of - so let’s learn about each other.

Leave a comment telling us all about yourself, and then (if you can) say hello to someone else in the comments. Many people don’t have witchy friends in real life, but Instagram is a fabulous place to meet and connect with likeminded individuals all around the world, giving us a chance to discuss witchy topics when otherwise we might not get the chance. So let’s dive in and learn a little more about each other.

I’ll start!

My name is Wren and I’m a Cancerian witch from the South of England.  A little known fact is that I’m a military wife - my husband was a paratrooper for 24 years. I have a daughter called Tabitha and two bonus daughters. I’m a neat freak who loves stoner rock, cheese, cats, and documentaries about the ocean. I’m a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist, so I love sniffing things! I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which is causing me a lot of problems. A film I haven’t seen but really want to is Trolls World Tour. I have a YouTube Channel and I absolutely believe that pineapple belongs on pizza.

Now it’s your turn! 

NEXT - Introductions: The Cemetery Witch
NEXT: Word Magick: The Season of the Witch
NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Stonehenge

Merry Christmas Everyone!

After Solstice there is a period of standstill where the days remain the same length. Sometime around the 25th and 26th December the days start lengthening. Quite literally, the “Son” (sun) is “born.”

This year it was the 23rd December, where we gained an extra 7 seconds of daylight. The days will lengthen to an average of two minutes a day until we see a full extra hour of sunlight by January 18, 2023.

Interestingly, the days actually begin to feel a bit longer two weeks before the Winter Solstice. The earliest sunset of the year happens on Wednesday, December 7 2022.

This is because of the Earth’s elliptical orbit around the Sun. The planet moves faster in its orbit during January when we’re closest to the Sun, and slower in July, when we’re further away. The Sun’s path through the sky, when charted on a day to day basis, appears as an “analemma” - a figure-8 pattern.
Because of this pattern, the meridian is rarely at exactly noon, and can be 15 minutes out. This is discrepancy is known as the “Equation of Time” and sundial owners will know it well.

This looping path explains why the earliest and latest sunrises fail to coincide with the solstices. 

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy your day and your Turkey/Nut Roast dinners later! Sending lots of love from the cemetery.

The Woodland Trust’s 2022 Tree of the Year

On Friday I learned from @thewitchesstone that this tree - the yew from Waverley Abbey in Farnham, Surrey - has won The Woodland Trust’s #treeoftheyear 2022. @woodlandtrust

I’m particularly happy about this because it’s a tree that has featured heavily in my lifetime. I’m originally from this part of Surrey, and this tree, thought to be more than 750 years old, has watched over many happy picnics and family days out. I have even featured on the Goths Up Trees website in February 2012 cradled in the branches of this beauty - as seen in the photo below. @gothsuptrees

This tree won with an impressive 16% of the vote, and I’m not surprised; this tree seems to be known by many people near and far. The Waverley Abbey tree will now go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2023 contest.

Have you ever visited this tree?

Many people don’t realise that one of the scenes from zombie film 28 Days Later, where the fugitives enjoy a brief countryside idyll down in the southwest before heading up the M1 to Manchester, was filmed here. 

Photo submitted to Goths Up Trees by Neil Geddes Ward.

Ancestral Marriage Support

I met (and married) my husband in October, and as we move into the darker, colder months I like to call upon my ancestors for their love, support and guidance to watch over and protect the union that is my marriage.

Dorothy Kate

Beatrice Winifred

Ethel May

Clarence Alfred

Derek Lyle

Kenneth Stanley

They always feel very close to me around this time, and a little bit of anniversary love and support goes a long way.

In this picture you can see my handfasting cords (we handfasted a few years before we married) and a picture of my maternal grandparents.

On Samhain night I usually connect with my grandmother, Dorothy Kate. She was a woman to be reckoned with, and I can always rely on her to give me the best advice - and she’ll always give it to me straight. I also feel like my husband’s parents are around at this time of year - it’s nice to know that we are being watched over and cared for. 

NEXT - Samhain: 4 Types of Ancestor 

NEXT - Samhain: A Celebration Supper 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Yule - Midwinter

Happy Birthday, Tabitha!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful, spooky Samhain spider, Tabitha - 15 today!

When Tabitha was little I could be thinking of something completely random ~ for example, Christmas in June ~ and she’d start talking about it as if she’d read my mind.

When we broke down on the A1 two years ago I discovered after that she, like me, had known it was going to happen before it did.

When she had a fortune cookie at my parents house recently I guessed the message inside when she held it in her hand, before she opened it.

When she was three she spoke of the “other” place she lived in before she came to Earth and chose me as her mum.

We’ve always had this special psychic bond.

Tabitha you are beautiful and magical. I’m so proud to be your mum and I’m wishing you the loveliest day. xxx

Tell me some interesting and spooky stories about your children! Did they talk about the place they existed in before birth? Did they have special gifts?

Introductions: The Cemetery Witch

Welcome to my followers, old and new. It’s been a while since I introduced myself, so here goes!

• I live on a cemetery with my husband. This amazing picture of us was taken by my photographer friend Craig, of @craigaddisonphotography. We have three girls under the age of 15. We are huge animal people but currently don’t have a pet. A cat would make our family complete.

• We enjoy fantasy films, books and games. We love playing Magic the Gathering and D&D. My current D&D character is a Halfling Druid called Myrtle Boggy-Hillocks.

• I love true crime, paranormal and psychology podcasts and programmes. My favourites are the Mile Higher Podcast (@milehigherpod), Lights Out Podcast (@lightsoutcast), and The Behaviour Panel YouTube channel. I have started my own YouTube channel, search “The Cemetery Witch” to find me.

• I’ve been a Witch longer than I haven’t, which I realised earlier this year, and makes me feel quite old! That said, I’m loving the journey towards Crone. I’m very comfortable and happy in my skin, I love being a 40-something.

• I’m a keen forager and lover of plants and trees. My favourite foraging recipes are the simple ones: wild garlic pesto, elderflower cordial and nettle soup.

Your turn! Do we share anything in common? How long have you been a Witch? What are your interests? Perhaps say hello to someone in the comments. 

NEXT - Introductions: Hail & Welcome!
NEXT - Ritual: Ostara Spring Ritual
NEXT - Pagan Holidays: The Winter Solstice

YouTube Viewing: The Cemetery Witch

I hope you’re all having a beautiful week so far.

I’m taking a little break to update my apps and devices. I’ll be back shortly, but in the meantime let me tell you about my YouTube channel: The Cemetery Witch

I started it some years ago but never did much with it. It was a huge step out of my comfort zone, and still is! (I’m so nervous even just publishing this post). Well, I’ve started uploading to it again.

I’m hoping that as well as sharing my thoughts and feelings with you, it’s going to be good exercise for my brain, as I really struggle with my my cognitive function, especially my memory and word finding. It’s quite different to writing static posts, where I have time to think. This is quite a big challenge for me and my brain, so please be gentle!

At the very minimum, I’m hoping to get an episode of The Witching Week out every Friday, where I take a look at what's been happening over the past week, and pull some tarot cards for the days ahead. I’ve also got loads of Witchcraft related topics I’d like to talk about.

Let me know in the comments if there is a specific topic you’d like me to cover. At some point I’m going to do an “Ask Me Anything” which should be fun!

I’d really love it if you’d join me on this new adventure. Any subscribes, likes, shares and comments will be much appreciated, as they are here.

Enjoy your week everyone!

Summer Solstice Blessings

Litha Blessings to you all!

The summer is a special time for me. From Beltane to Midsummer I have a lot more energy, my bones hurt a lot less and I’m not struggling with the cold in quite the same way. I am filled with optimism, hope and enthusiasm.

The land ~ the world ~ feels different. There is a different vibration; an intensity. I feel very connected to the land in a way that I don’t even know how to explain. I can feel the magick coursing through the air; everything feels very alive and interconnected. Spirits and entities feel close at hand. When I walk the land it feels like someone is walking beside me.

But it is bittersweet, too. The longer days and shorter nights are drawing to a close. It seems like we’ve only just moved away from the winter, and yet after this period of standstill (the Solstice) it’s time to swing back the other way. I know the darkness is a long way off, and I try to put the sadness to the back of my mind; but it’s there…

But for now, celebration! The Sun has reached its peak; its energy at full power. This is a last chance for reflection before we harvest what we have sown the previous year. I didn’t plan to get up for sunrise this morning, but woke up ten minutes before meaning I got outside and enjoyed the Sun.

Enjoy the long, warm day; and if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere have a happy Winter Solstice. The Wheel turns once more. 

NEXT - A History: Midsummer Day (24th June)
NEXT - Happy Summer Solstice!
NEXT - Recipe: Apple Cake

Fabulous Folklore: Haunted Houses

You guys often ask me to ask me to share pictures of the inside of our home - here is a snapshot of part of my bedroom. The walls are a delicate lavender colour, which I adore, but it’s really cold in this part of the house, so I don’t hang out here as often as I’d like.

We are often asked if our house is haunted, and I understand this as we do live on cemetery grounds. Our bedroom is only one of two parts of the house where I believe I have sensed a spirit; and both those occasions were when we first moved in. People are often surprised ~ and disappointed ~ when I say our home is not particularly haunted. If you think about it, a cemetery is where people are laid to rest, and so it’s actually a very peaceful place. The house feels very calm and serene, and it is no different at night.

I have lived in a house with a negative spirit, which we coped with, but it did make me wonder what we might be letting ourselves in for when we bought this house. I reasoned that the people who lived here before had been here years, so it would probably be ok. And it was.

Have you ever lived in a haunted house, or had an experience in one? I would love to hear your spooky stories!

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Crooked House 

The Beauty of Old Stone Walls

I just want to give it up for this gorgeous wall…

I have a bit of a thing for old stone walls. We have a few of them dotted about the Midlands, but this one (spotted in Cornwall) really caught my eye. The contrast of the greenery against the stone really pleases me.

I’m sure a few people had a good laugh driving past me filming and taking photographs of a wall… but I don’t care one jot.

What random thing really gets your witchy juices flowing?!

Professor Alice Roberts - A Chance Meeting!

I’ve been meaning to share this picture since last September!

It was my lovely friend’s birthday, and the night before our dear friend Terry’s funeral (the Archdruid of Avebury, and Keeper of the Stones). We we went to my local hillfort for a walk and bumped into Professor Alice Roberts @prof_alice_roberts

For those that don’t know, or don’t live in the U.K., Professor Roberts is a biological anthropologist and TV presenter. She had just finished filming Digging for Britain at the hillfort when we arrived there.

Professor Roberts has done loads of fantastic programmes including King Arthur’s Britain: The Truth Unearthed, looking at archaeological discoveries giving insight on the political situation in Britain in the Early Middle Ages; and Stonehenge: The Lost Circle Revealed, which looks at the bluestones of Stonehenge and Waun Mawn.

We were definitely not expecting this chance meeting. What started out as a birthday celebration, and a quick walk in the middle of nowhere to clear our heads before a big emotional day, turned into this marvellous encounter.

Thank you Professor Roberts for talking to us and agreeing to a photograph!

International Women’s Day (8th March 2022)

Family commitments meant that International Women’s Day all but passed me by yesterday; but I want to continue spreading the love that I saw so many of you and @thenordicwolfie (who I love so much) doing.

@gretathunberg reminded us yesterday that this day is less of a celebration, and more an opportunity to raise awareness for women’s issues and protest against the oppression that STILL happens on the basis of gender ~ BUT ~ there are many of you I’d like to celebrate!

There are SO many women who inspire me, and make this world a much better place. (Thank you.)

I started to tag you all but EVERY woman I know deserves a mention. I’m also not sure if Instagram allows such huge tagging ~ and I would surely run out of page.

Sending so much love to you all.

Help for Ukraine

I struggle to say something eloquent at the best of times, but at the moment it’s particularly difficult. My heart is breaking for so many people across the world right now; and in particular for those in Ukraine.

If you’d like to help please go over to @globalgiving and read more about the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund which will help communities who are caught in the current escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis.

The British Red Cross have also set up an emergency appeal @britishredcross 

Update: Stone Circle Clothing Drop

TWO MORE SLEEPS TO GO!!

I'm super excited about Stone Circle’s latest clothing drop coming this Saturday 29/01 at 1000hrs! There’s a fabulous coat, Bell Bottoms, dresses and tops.

I am a HUGE personal fan of their clothing ~ see me wearing one of their dresses in the last picture ~ their clothes are truly made by Goddesses for Goddesses.

They also have a wonderful FB group “Stone Circle - The Sisterhood” which started off as a place to talk about alternative and boho clothing, but has morphed into a true sisterhood, one of the loveliest and safest communities online.

To learn more about this fabulous clothing company, or to get your hands on one of these gorgeous pieces, go to: https://mystonecircle.com

Media Appearance: Wheel of the Year article - Breathe Magazine (Issue 44)

Gorgeous article on the Wheel of the Year in the latest copy of Breathe Magazine (issue 44).

Beautifully written by Jade Beecroft (@journojadeb), it was an honour to be asked about the Wheel of the Year, and to be directly quoted.

This gentle publication is well worth checking out - it focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness and creativity. Basically, a life well-lived.

Have you read Breathe magazine? What are you currently reading?

Greeting the Sun After the Longest Night

I hope you all had a beautiful Solstice! 

The morning after the Winter Solstice we went to Stonehenge to welcome the return of the Sun.

This ancient monument is located on Salisbury Plain, and historians are not entirely sure what its intended purpose was. It is aligned with the Sun and may have been used for working out the farming calendar. Other considerations are that it was a healing centre, or dedicated to the world of our ancestors.

Whatever its intended use, it was incredible to walk in the footsteps of our Neolithic ancestors today, and it was good to be back, as I’ve not celebrated Winter Solstice at Stonehenge for ten years.

It was extremely cold, we are still defrosting!

What did you do to celebrate the Solstice? 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: Yule Evergreens 

NEXT - Fabulous Folklore: The Battle of the Holly & Oak Kings 

NEXT - Pagan Holidays: Imbolc