Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle, Cornwall

In the day, on Litha, I have to admit to being beside myself with excitement at planning to visit the Museum of Witchcraft at Boscastle. And it in no way disappointed. They are friendly, dedicated, the Museum itself strikes the right balance between creating a fun, mystical atmosphere and genuinely informing visitors. There is even a space for peaceful prayers (representing Danu). If you get the chance - GO!!

So, to whet your appetite, here are some of the pictures I took. Don't strain your eyes too much though, understandably, flash photography wasn't allowed. So I just had to do my best :)

The entrance

You can't really see this too clearly, but it's a wishing well. With plenty of support in the shape of many witches to help your wishes come true!

This was a lovely, calm and serene area which was playing some Pagan music. Seemed to lose track of time in this room. 

There was a special section on the significance of the hare to many witches of times gone by. 

Book of Shadows

...and in case you needed any more persuading, here are the views from behind the museum, and the area itself is simply stunning! 

Again, this was such a treat on a special day for me. It was both really exciting to see so much information I already knew and totally connected with. Similarly, I doubt there is anyone who couldn't learn a thing or two! I could have spent hours in the areas for worship :)

Litha celebrations in Cornwall

I'm going to write up about my Litha trip to Cornwall, starting with the Museum of Witchcraft next, and it will explain why I have a little Boscastle incense holder! 

But here are some pictures of my make-shift 'altar' for the evening. 

Orange and red candles

Candles, incense and (because I was away from home and somewhere new) a smudging stick. 

My little witchy friend from Boscastle (home of the Museum of Witchcraft!)

As you can see, it doesn't take much to have a few moments to yourself to celebrate the Sabbatts. And the candles and incense perked up the room no end!

Happy belated midsummer!

Hello,

Not had much chance to get online for litha but just to say that midsummer in Cornwall so far has been brilliant and will be able to put some pictures up very soon! And now I'm off to go and research Cornish piskies! I will definitely be recommending the lovely Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle. 

Fran xx

Midsummer strawberry cake recipe!

Here is a link for a recipe for strawberry cake, as is traditional at midsummer for the Monson family. Hands up who fancies a slice!! 

Litha/Midsummer Video

I liked this video of a Litha altar so I thought I'd post it here for you to look at too! 

Litha/Midsummer fairies! 10 fairy facts

I have had SO little time to work on my Litha plans and spells - really hoping to get as much on the blog before I head off to Cornwall for the midsummer celebrations though! I shall try and get some pictures of my 'essential kit' before I go too :)

Seeing as one of the sweetest elements of Litha, or midsummer, is fairies (and I adore fairies!) I wanted to get down some fairy facts. There are few symbols of magick that I find to encapsulate the fun and light energies that I want to be able to draw into my life. And everyone likes a bit of mischief every now and then too ;)

1. Different spellings of fairy are: faerie, faery. Different names are: fae, sprite, fair folk. 
2. Midsummer is the time when fairy magick is at its strongest and they come in great numbers to frolic, dance and create a bit of cheeky chaos wherever they go.
3. Fairies love the summer flowers in full bloom but ferns are particularly sacred to them.
4. Fairies apparently won't go near iron according to folklore!
5. Not all fairy meddling was considered harmless and they were associated with changelings - substituting human babies with fairy children.
6. Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream plays with the notion of fairies and spirits having extra powers to influence the lives of the humans - in this case, those who inadvertently fall into their path.
7. Fairies prefer woodland. 
8. One of the most famous fairy stories sadly isn't true - the Cottingley Fairies. Two cousins faked photos of fairies in the bottom of the garden and their photographs were written about by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle no less. 
9. Fairies reputedly play tricks with gold. If one gives you a piece of gold, make sure it doesn't turn to bark or moss afterwards ;)
10. Ever wondered what your fairy name is? Try the fairy name generator! Mine is below!

Your fairy is called Water Reedweb

She is a panpipe player and enchantment singer.

She lives near bubbling brooks where Lords and Ladies and Cuckoo's Pint grow.

She is only seen in the mist of an early morning.

She wears deep blue dresses. She has gentle green butterfly wings.

Get your free fairy name here!

Money off witchcraft ingredients FOREVER!

Lurking on the left hand side, you may notice a new banner offering £2.50 (approx $3.60) for all purchases over £25 from Destiny Charms - all thanks to you being a reader of this blog! And it's not just a one off deal either, it's for every purchase you make thereafter*. All you need to do is put FRANS FREE SPELLS in the voucher code box at checkout and hey presto. 

So thanks for dropping by and hope you enjoy the gift! :)

*for as long as the site is in operation of course!

10 suggestions on how to celebrate Wicca festivals/Witch's Sabbatts if you're restricted

I mentioned before that I will be away from home for the Litha festival and that this leaves me with a need to be more flexible when it comes to arranging any spells or rituals. I was thinking that it's not just about being away from home though. There are people who's lifestyles don't really allow for full on celebrations - it could be due to time restrictions, lack of space or even because others in the household don't approve of their beliefs. So here is a list of 10 suggestions for if you find you can't go the whole hog! 

1) One of the easiest ways to quietly celebrate is to wear colours associated with the festival on the day. So for Litha, dig out your red, orange, yellow and green clothes!

2) Make a small gesture while you are out. It can mean sitting quietly for 10 minutes in the sun and appreciating the glory of its heat. Or it could be an act of giving to show your humble thanks - flowers for a friend, putting some money in a charity box. 

3) Cook with traditional foods. So for Litha this will include honey, thyme or summer fruits. 

4) Light a candle and aim to have some time for quiet contemplation in front of, or around, it. No one need know what you're thinking. 

5) Break up rituals into smaller segments so that you fit in 5 minutes in the morning and say, 10 minutes later on in the evening.

6) Carry something with you all day, such as a Litha gemstone (anything yellow or green, tiger's eye and lapis lazuli), a pressed flower (or lavender), an amulet or a God or Goddess representation.

7) Generally have a bit of fun - especially for Litha! This is the time to connect with the fairies/faeries/fey and so a bit of mischievous giggling and laughter will conjure the right feel and tone.

8) A quick tarot reading can be very beneficial if you have cards with you. The energies are very often lively and open so even if you are not experienced you can get some great insight. 

9) If you grew herbs such as mint or parsley at Ostara, make a small ritual out of cutting and using your successful yield. Yep, even I can grow mint!

10) Lastly, say a few words to yourself. They can be in the style of an incantation, something self-affirming that you intend to do over the next few months or something between you and the divine Gods and Goddesses. As long as it's meaningful to you, it will be altering the energies around you in a positive way and will make the difference. 

Litha time!

Here's my first post on Litha (Midsummer) and I must say that I'm REALLY looking forward to it! It isn't a major Sabbatt but it's definitely one of the most pleasant of festivals by nature of the potential sun and warmth. So, I shall be starting a series on how to build your plans/write spells for the occasion.

One of the reasons that I'm extra excited though, is because I have a trip to Cornwall planned for Litha! In case you don't know, Cornwall is kind of Witchcraft central in terms of history and folklore and I'm definitely planning on going to the Museum of Witchcraft! 

To the Cornish, Litha is known as Golowan and there are loads of planned activities and entertainment. There is a big emphasis on fire traditionally which, of course, ties in with the heat and strength of the sun. 

So, seeing as I'm likely to be away from home and in a region that has a particular way of celebrating Litha, I'm hoping to develop my celebrations with these things in mind. But I will also be covering more general ideas so that you can base your own plans on what you feel applies to you. 

And if you have any suggestions for me, particularly on Golowan, then please let me know! 

Litha Sale Now Started - 25% OFF!

In the lead up to Litha, Destiny Charms are now offering a full 25% off in their Litha Sale! More will be added and if there's anything you think should go in there, I'll put in  good word ;)

(Clue is in the picture to what my favourite so far might be!)