About

I am a Kentish Maid born in the small country town of Swanscombe, documented as an ancient Viking Settlement. I also discovered that three Swanscombe women were accused of Witchcraft and executed at Maidstone in 1652. Read My Research.

I am the third offspring within a family of six children. I have Scandinavian bloodline from my paternal ancestors and Romani (along with others who moved here that originated from Kent) from the maternal side.

Here is an image of my mother at the entrance of a Vardo.

I have vivid memories of her frequently visiting a fascinating Romani woman by the name of Daisy who lived in a Vardo. There were others who lived near us that would visit her often.

I visited Cornwall frequently during family vacations throughout my childhood and adolescence, falling in love with its ancient beauty. After leaving home, I continued to visit Cornwall whenever the opportunity arose until my eventual move here in 2008.

In young adulthood I avoided anything religious in reaction to the indoctrination of a strict ‘cultish’ organization since birth.

After my 30th year, I thought more about my own mortality and researched various spiritual paths from 1996.  I experimented working with nature and later went on to work within Egyptian and Wiccan groups.

I was initiated into the Alexandrian way, third in lineage from Alex and Maxine Sanders. I have worked psychically and trained in spirit mediumship since 1996. After years of development, I taught students within developmental spiritual groups.

The experience of raising two children to adulthood enabled me to assist clients who need guidance and advice concerning family difficulties.

I attained a qualification in counselling with: Family Matters in 1993 assisting survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence.

I also have a Diploma in Crisis and Trauma Counselling from 2019 – my website is: Taking the Helm Counselling

I have participated in campaigning work for an organization that exposes sexual and emotional abuse within religious organizations. See: Silentlambs 

There is an updated Certificate with the Criminal Records Bureau dated 3rd March 2020 that is clear of any criminal records. This is available for clients to view on request.

It was not easy to relocate and begin a new life within a community and my journey has been an eventful one. I was fortunate to meet Cassandra Latham Jones through an unusual sequence of events.

Cassandra is the Wise Woman of the exquisite and ancient village of St Buryan and has set a fine example of how to work and live within this community. Read more about the: Village of St Buryan

I received tuition from Cassandra in her way of the Cunning/Folk Craft and we have worked together since 2009. I have been a resident of St Buryan village since 2010. It was in the Spring of 2021 that I received an Old Craft high level initiation.

 

In Memory of Clutterbuck April 2008 – February 2021

Clutterbuck was born in April 2008. He lived with me from six weeks of age when I purchased him from the local R.S.P.C.A. His mother had given birth to six kittens on a football pitch and they were rescued from there.

He had all the traits of a Taurean male! Clutterbuck was the first pet I had the time to become fully acquainted as my children had departed to live their own lives.

Clutterbuck was a talented hunter and rat catcher, a particularly difficult task for cats as they use all four feet to hold the rat correctly and kill it without receiving a bite.  He caught small bats (as he could move at high speed) plus young rabbits and rodents that were presented as gifts upon the doorstep.

Clutterbuck was spiritually aware and would enter the room sensing that work was in process! He explored all accoutrement’s placed upon the hearth and sat quietly while observing my work.

He was affectionate, loved attention and welcomed clients. Clutterbuck was an asset to my work and life.

Although he has now passed away, I have received signs that his assistance continues from the spirit world.

(Images 4,5 and 6 by John Isaac)

Working with Spirits of the Land and Ancient Sites.

The Merry Maidens shrouded in mist.

Cornwall is a deeply spiritual place steeped in ancient history, retaining its unique Celtic energy and Cornish language. The land has produced an abundance of folklore and we feel the presence of the ‘hidden folk’ –  Piskies and Knockers that inhabit the mines and deep underground places.

Cornwall is full of enigmatic stone circles, holy wells, potent waters and powerful earth energy currents. When visiting here one can learn about the beliefs of the ancestors, spirituality, myths, legends and history. within the ‘Wisdom of the Ages’. West Penwith at the ‘toe’ of Britain is surrounded by the ocean and mighty coastal cliffs and it can be described as a ‘land out of time’.  While some sites are associated with witches and fairies, they are also described by William Bottrell as Celtic monuments that may have been used as calendars to mark the solstices. He described holed stones as ‘crick’ stones containing healing properties and holy wells that are used for divination and healing.

Image – John Isaac

Each person connects with these sites in their own way, by meditation, ceremonies, and dowsing, also by treading the secluded country paths leading to secret holy wells, lone standing stones, hidden stone circles, caves and cromlechs. They are all connected with evocative, appealing legends and folklore that enchant many who visit.

Image – Joan’s Cottage at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic by Patheos.

There are many accounts of local witches and witchcraft. William Bottrell told the story of ‘Old Betty Trenoweth’ the witch of Buryan church-town and quotes a curse used by her toward a rival. There are also more common accounts that describe the benign activities of conjurors.  One in Bottrell’s collection tells of west country folk who would consult a male conjuror to have protection ‘renewed’ and details of occurrences involving Tammy Blee the famous ‘white witch’ of Helston.

More information can be found by reading the well-researched discoveries of our renowned Historian Jason Semmens: Art Cornwall

Working with Spirits of the Sea

Since moving to Cornwall, I discovered the ocean played a significant role in my life. Working with sea energies has produced remarkable results in my work and these were enhanced by researching the connections of the moon, tides, shore life and plants. I also researched the fascinating history of ancestral Wisewomen who worked in unison with sea spirits and am intrigued by the myths and local legends of merfolk and sea monsters.

The following description is from “In The Chime Hours”:

It has been told by word of mouth that if a person was suffering from dark energies or illnesses and they wished to be free of this there was no better solution than to immerse themselves beneath the waves of the sea. The best time for this was at sunrise, just as the sun began to appear on the horizon and then to stay immersed in the waters until nine waves had passed over them. This also applied to other waters, whether it be from a holy well, a spring or a stream with nine being a significant number. Many have gathered together at certain times and dates to draw upon the healing powers of the landscape according to ancient folklore of Britain.

The Sea Witches of Cornwall, Scotland and Sussex would present the superstitious sailors with a triune knotted rope “selling them the wind” the untying of the first knot would release a good breeze, the untying of the second would release a wind that was high, and a fierce gale would be released by the untying of the third knot. Ancient Mariners had learnt this ability from sea witches to “whistle for the wind”. This would rely on direct action of the seafarers to do a strong invocation to the “Prince of the Powers of Air” to work on their behalf.

Spiritual invocation with the sea was considered by sailors as highly treacherous and was used as a last resort at a time when there was no wind to fill their sails. It was believed that any seafarers who whistled for the wind without good reason would invoke “ill winds” causing terrible storms that would damage or even destroy their vessels.

One of the sailor’s most treasured possessions would be a triangular fish bone in the shape of “Thor’s Hammer”, considered a charm for safe journeys and protecting against storms etc. so that he would never be in a position where he needed to “whistle the wind”. Another was the “caul” the piece of membrane covering the face of a newborn which was sold to seafarers to prevent death by drowning.

Sea Witches and sailors would invoke the wind and sea spirits, Saints and even the Devil. It was said that a Sea Witch Trotternish invoked such a fierce gale she drowned her victim by capsizing his boat.
Fishermen bring new nets or repair their old ones on the shore at the time of the rising tides; they would drink whisky as a libation to ensure good luck on their excursions. A form of divination that can be used is to place a bowl of sea water in the sand. If the reflection of the rising sun is glistening and rippling in the water, then the magical work is still in process of completion. If the reflection is steady, then the work has been completed. Using water for scrying has developed with Magicians and Witches through the centuries. This can be done with a receptacle filled with water which can be used anywhere or sitting by a lake or by a rock pool on the beach. Being out amongst the elements will add more energy to your work as well as being in such a wonderful place.”

I frequent Lamorna, Sennen and Penberth Coves in West Penwith, while Fowey, Mevagissey and Polperro hold special childhood memories. Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen and Boscastle are steeped in ancient history and are a prominent feature in the beginning of my spiritual journey. The spectacular views from the cliffs of Tintagel and Boscastle are a site to behold. Nothing compares to the wonderful taste of sea salt on your lips, the feel of sea water on your feet and the cool sea breeze blowing through your hair. Taking time to listening to the voice of the sea as the waves ebb and flow, reaching a crescendo as they crash against the rocks. The haunting cries of seagulls and the scent of the shore is nourishment for the body, mind and soul that activates healing on a deeper level.

Sea Witchery display at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

Read more about the history of: Sea Witches.