The Dark ‘Arte’ of Glamour

I remember during childhood, my mother’s fascination with certain movie stars. She would ‘fall in love’ with the characters they portrayed, believing they were wonderful people who she placed upon a pedestal. Occasionally, when she discovered information concerning their personal lives, that surfaced within the media, it resulted in huge disappointment and they ‘fell from a great height’ off the pedestal she had placed them upon. (I remember when she discovered that Rock Hudson was ‘gay’ she would no longer watch his movies). Unfortunately there are some individuals who are adept at hiding their ‘true selves’ and use their ‘personas’ as a tool to manipulate others.

In the Pagan world we have many ‘celebrities’ or renowned individuals using various titles to create an elite image, some are authors, speakers, organizers and entertainers. They portray a glamorous ‘persona’ and are selective concerning the information they reveal about themselves. Some are skilled in taking one grain of truth and embellishing that with misleading information. There are those who also imitate the persona and image of characters from popular magical movies by copying their attire and imitating their characteristics.

I have observed some who dress and imitate remowned witches e.g. Patricia Crowther, Doreen Valiente, Ithell Coulhoun and Alaistair Crowley to name a few. Their adoring followers, loving the magical fantasy of the character and the mystical land they inhabit, will believe without question and place them high upon a pedestal. Observing this process has stirred my curiosity to research this particular subject.

The Dark ‘Arte’ of Glamour

Glamour began quite literally with magic. Growing from the Scottish gramarye around 1720, glamour was a sort of spell that would affect the eyesight of those afflicted, so that objects appear different from they actually are. Sir Walter Scott anglicized the word and brought it into popular use in his poems:

“You may bethink you of the spell

Of that sly urchin page

This to his lord did impart

And made him seem, by glamour art

A knight from Hermitage”

Definition of Glamour

“Any calculated, carefully polished imaged designed to impress and persuade.“

Many magical operations are designed to impress and persuade. In some cases the spell has been directed at an individual that the worker is attempting to persuade or influence in some way. Attention given to personal glamour can be a deciding factor in the outcome of that working. Studies have shown that most people make a decision about a new acquaintance within the first thirty seconds to two minutes of interaction. It is within your power to influence that decision not only with magical action, but with a carefully crafted image, as well as communication skills. This naturally applies to interactions of both a personal and professional nature.

Are Friends who Associate with your Enemy Trustworthy

In my experience this scenario is fraught with difficulties……..

It’s a familiar story. A group of three or more friends, having the best of times. Then two of those three friends begin a feud and the third, innocent party is stuck to choose. We’ve all been there and I know from personal experience it’s hard to tell whether or not you can trust a friend who is friends with your enemy. It’s also hard to be friends with two people who hate each other.

For the innocent party who just wants to be friends with everyone, it’s really hard. I personally don’t know if it’s possible because I’ve never seen it work out. You’re going to like one friend more than the other, or you’re going to accidentally betray one or the other friend and they’re going to turn on you.
I understand wanting to keep your friends, but unless you can be perfect and schedule the same amount of friend dates for the same amount of time, while also not becoming the middle person for their petty vendettas, it just isn’t going to work and someone is going to end up losing.

Understanding Scapegoating.

Here is another subject clients in this position consult us about. Cassandra and I have been scapegoated in the past ourselves, which enables us to help them.

The ego defence of displacement plays a role in scapegoating, in which uncomfortable feelings such as anger, frustration, envy and guilt are displaced and projected onto another. It is often the more vulnerable, person or group. The scapegoated target is persecuted, providing the person who inflicts the scapegoating not only with a conduit for their uncomfortable feelings, but also with pleasurable feelings of piety and self-righteous indignation. The creation of a villain necessarily implies that of a hero, even if both are purely fictional.

Some would say that Satan the Devil was used as a Scapegoat for sins and interestingly they also depict his image as half man half goat.

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April 13, 2018 2

Devon and Cornwall PF Conference 20th Anniversary

After a seven year absence from the Devon and Cornwall Pagan Conference, Cassandra and I attended the event this year.

Twenty years is a commendable achievement and as Cassandra was an organizer for the first twelve years, we thought it an auspicious occasion to celebrate with the rest of the team.

It was delightful to receive such a warm enthusiastic welcome from the majority of attendees on our arrival Friday evening. It was obvious many had missed Cassandra’s vibrant entertaining personality.

We had another surprise meeting John and Kitty who travelled from Scotland to attend the Conference. It had been six years since we last met.

Levannah was also delighted to see Cassandra and they spent part of the evening updating one another and sharing a little nostalgia about early Conferences.

On Saturday morning during the Opening Ritual, Levannah made a surprising announcement that the event would no longer have a connection with the Pagan Federation and would continue independently.

The following text is taken from literature handed out at the Conference:

Welcome to Pagan Phoenix Southwest

Pagan Phoenix SW·Wednesday, 7 March 2018

We have organised the conference event for the last twenty years in this region for Pagans with the Devon and Cornwall Pagan Federation. In 2019 there will be some changes to the way the conference is organised. The conference team has decided that it is time to make the conference independent of the Pagan Federation. This will enable it to grow and develop, and continue to be an annual event in Cornwall at Penstowe, for all Pagans and magical folk of all paths, at which we can gather together to celebrate, learn and enjoy.
Pagan Phoenix SW is an independent, locally run non-profit company which has been set up by your organising team to run the conference. This is all it will do; other activities undertaken by the PF will continue to be their responsibility. We will bring you the very best Pagan and magical speakers, artists and musicians.
You should not notice many changes; only good ones. The conference will be run on a not-for-profit basis and the team who organise it will be volunteers and will not be paid. Pagan Phoenix SW will retain enough funds to run the conference. There is currently a charity raffle at the conference but in addition to this, in future, any surplus funds will be donated to charity and if you attend the conference you will be invited to vote as to which charities we should support.
There will be a concessionary ticket rate and we will continue to offer two for one tickets for people with disabilities who require a carer in order to attend. Conference attendees are very welcome to make suggestions for speakers, and performers. We will welcome stall-holders and local crafts persons just as we do now. Accommodation will continue to be organised through our good friends at Penstowe. You are welcome to contact us via the facebook page.
We have already started work on the 2019 conference. The programme will be publicised and tickets will go on sale, as usual, at Samhain.
We would like to extend a very warm welcome to you to the next conference which will be held here at Penstowe on Saturday 9th March 2019. Please put the date in your diary now; we are looking forward to seeing you again next year.
Blessings to one and all from Pagan Phoenix SW!

It surprised us to hear of this change along with other developments, but we understood their reasons for this decision. All who attended seemed supportive as they had enjoyed this event throughout the last twenty years and were happy about its continuity.

Levannah spoke of the early years and it was good to hear Cassandra included in these memories. All of the organizers were asked to stand and the audience applauded them for their hard work.

During the day, there were talks by Julian Vayne, Marian Green, Ronald Hutton, Susanne Rance and Penny Billington (in place of Rae Beth due to ill-health). They are unique and fascinating speakers who are charismatic and confident with their chosen subjects. They have excellent rapport with the audience and this is wonderful to observe.

Julian Vayne never fails to entertain and has a remarkable talent of drawing the audience into his ‘world of the wyrd’ with his fascinating view on the Craft .

Marian Green is a ‘mine of information’ and her delivery is relaxed due to numerous years of experience and a deep connection with her chosen subject. The same can be said of Penny Billington.

Ronald Hutton’s story of his early days within the Craft held one’s attention, especially relating how the Craft was not taken seriously in the past. He attained his position as a Professor before he spoke about these matters hoping his position as an academic would alter perceptions. He injects humour into his stories that helps when discussing deep, serious content.

During the lunch break Cassandra and I were approached by others wanting an update on our lives and work. We were never alone that day as there were many to converse with at this well attended event.

Susanne Rance discussed the meaning of Runes and their connections with certain areas of the body. There are powerful sounds that resonate with various runes when they are sung or chanted. The audience participated by singing each note and the vibrations were distinctly felt around the venue.

Levannah also gave tribute to our dear friend Lorraine Hall who sadly passed away the previous year. She worked as an organizer with Cassandra during the early years of Conferences and I will always remember the wonderful welcome I received from her on arrival at the 2006 Devon and Cornwall Conference. My former husband and I had purchased our new home in Cornwall and she greeted me with: “Welcome to Cornwall”! She then took me to meet Cassandra.

The speakers along with Damh the Bard formed a panel who were asked questions by members of the audience. A memorable answer came from Damh when he appealed to the Pagan community to put aside ‘sh!tty egos’ and make a concerted effort to get on with one another instead of creating divisions. He also spoke of his first meeting with Cassandra in the early days of discovering his Pagan path. Each question asked was answered in turn by a speaker from the panel. Their individual views, interpretations and stories were inspiring to hear.

During this, the winner of the Deities competition at the 2006 Conference appeared on stage wearing his Cernunnos costume that caused much hilarity when he won that year. I had also entered this competition as Sekhmet among many other entrants.

The closing ritual was the story of a Shaman drumming by a small fire in woodland. His spirit energy connected with various animals, a Phoenix, buzzard, fox, stoat, badger and the woodland spirit.

The narrator explained the symbolism and the gift of insight the Shaman would receive from each one. The animal masks were well made and the costume of the golden Phoenix was beautiful.

No event would be the same without an appearance from our wonderful Cornish Piper Merv Davey to lead the spiral dance. We had the opportunity to converse with him and his wife during the lunch break and he expressed an interest in performing at our All Hallows event.

We visited the London Inn for an evening meal after a ten minute walk from the venue. The night air was refreshing as a full Conference event can become extremely warm. As we studied the menu near the bar a young woman approached me and expressed her appreciation and enjoyment of our Wisewomen in West Cornwall Facebook page. It was good to receive feedback on various posts as well as our updates on work and events.

We arrived back at Penstowe Manor in time for Damh the Bard’s performance. We sang, danced and had a wonderful time with good friends. Fiona was recovering from a recent fall but still worked hard at the event. The evening provided an opportunity for her to relax and enjoy the music.

Cassandra and I were pleased we attended this special event as we had a fabulous time. We wish the Devon and Cornwall Conference a successful future as they forge ahead as Pagan Phoenix South West.

March 12, 2018 0

A Winter Handfasting 2018

We first met Karyl when she travelled here from the U.S. with a group of friends and arranged to join us for a Walk with Wisewomen two years ago.

On this occasion, she returned with her new partner Paul and requested a Handfasting. January has had frequent stormy weather, gale force winds and heavy hail showers accompanied by icy temperatures, so Karyl requested we conduct the ceremony within Cassandra’s cottage.

This is the 2nd occasion when a Handfasting has occurred within the cottage, the first happened many years ago when a couple from Denmark unexpectedly called upon Cassandra requesting an immediate ceremony, giving her about an hour to prepare.

Karyl had booked in advance, so our wonderful friend and photographer John Isaac captured fabulous images of the occasion. Karyl and Paul were accompanied by two good friends to witness the ceremony and offer support. It was a small and intimate ceremony before the larger legal wedding they had planned for May Day.

Images by John Isaac

January 22, 2018 2

Mermaid of Zennor

I have felt a close connection with Zennor from the first occasion Cassandra took me to visit Zennor Hill in 2009. We were there for the specific reason of my spiritual connection with the land. Whilst exploring the hill I was drawn energetically to the village of Zennor that was visible below the hill.

I then learnt about the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor and have already written about on this site. See Mermaid of Zennor

It was a delight to see the mermaid carving upon the side of the pew within St Senara’s church in Zennor.

The worn pew is tucked away in a side-aisle and shows the scars of over 500 years constant use.

The curious carving of the mermaid has many interpretations from its medieval worshipers. Mermaids were a symbol of Aphrodite Goddess of love and the sea who held a love apple in one hand and a comb in the other. the quince (love apple) was later changed to a mirror which is a symbol of heartlessness and vanity. Medieval Christians viewed her as a symbol of the ‘sins of the flesh’. She was used to illustrate the two natures of Christ in the seafaring community as she was half fish and half human symbolizing that the Christ could be both divine and human. This resonated with the inhabitants of the region as their lives were intertwined with and dependent on the sea.

Two final images by John Isaac

To see more of Rory Te Tigo’s work visit his: website

September 30, 2017 1

Witches, Familiars, Spirit Guardians and Daemons

The folklore of a wicked witch and her familiar is well-known and often told. During the season changes and longer nights it is common to see a black cloaked figure with a cat or toad at their side. This is an archetype of magical practitioners wielding their power over animals and nature, but a far cry from the original beliefs.

Magical spirit creatures have featured within and resonated throughout history in creational myths, religions and tribal traditions. In recent times magical animals and familiars were re-imagined as dangerous or evil companions. Historically they were viewed as guardian angels rather than demons.

Morvargh performs at Tintagel Carnival

Yesterday evening Morvargh performed at Tintagel Carnival. There was a fabulous atmosphere and many participants.

August 6, 2017 1

Morvargh visits Boscastle

Yesterday was a fabulous day for us when we took Morvargh the Sea ‘Oss to Boscastle and introduced her to Peter, Joyce and Louise Fenton at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.

The village was full of tourists who were interested in Morvargh and what she represents.

We also spent time enjoying the sublime atmosphere of the harbour.

A wonderful afternoon.

August 6, 2017 2

Swiss Sea Enchantment and Divination Workshop

Our 2017 spring and summer Old Ways Workshops began with one for twelve Swiss Pagans. We were unable to invite them all in Cassandra’s tiny cottage, so we hired the St Buryan village hall.

Wicca, a lovely woman who runs the: Swiss Museum of Witchcraft, arranged for her group to meet with us and translated the relevant information. Cassandra gave a talk on her life and work as a Wisewoman and I spoke about sea spirits, mermaid legends, elemental work and uses for seaweed, sand and other materials found on beaches. I also explained magical properties of various sea shells, sea beans and mermaids purses.

Cassandra was asked to construct a few protection charms for the group to purchase at their workshop.

After allowing time for questions after the talks, we provided materials for them to construct personal charms. The unique designs they created and type of material they chose told us something about their individual personalities.

After blessing the charms we visited Boscawen-un Stone Circle to activate them with meditation and raising energy by dancing to the beat of a drum.

We visited Sennen Beach and watched the deep red sun in the sky as it descended over the sea. The group members live inland and rarely get an opportunity to experience wonderful energies from the sea in Switzerland.

Cassandra built a fire and we sat around it while discussing local folklore.

We sang chants by the shore to invoke the sea spirits and raise energy for casting spells with sea shells. We then returned to the fire for Cornish blackberry mead and saffron cake.

It was a wonderful workshop with a group of fabulous people. Despite the difference in language, our love of the Old Craft deeply connected us all.

April 19, 2017 3