Category: Community

Book Launch at St Buryan – April 2024

It was yet another wild, wet and windy evening as storm Kathleen is on its way. Cassandra, Lorna and I began setting up at the village hall.

 Cassandra kindly volunteered for wine and chocolate truffle duty



Lorna from The Healing Star is good at making her stall inviting. 



Then people began to arrive…



I find that speaking about my time as Apprentice of the Old Craft comes easily, as there are so many aspects to this work, it is a subject that could continue for hours.


Many think about the magical aspect of Wisewomen work, however you are also tested, physically, mentally and emotionally. This is where power of the mind is developed, an essential strength needed to overcome the tests and obstacles that an apprentice and new member of a community is subjected to. 



I am fortunate however to have genuine friends in my life, particularly Cassandra and others who have been there for me. I now have a strong, supportive group within the Cornwall community after sixteen years of living here. 



Thank you to all who attended my book events over the past two years and special thanks to Lorna at the Healing Star Penzance, for providing the books. Both books are now in stock at her shop for anyone who wishes to buy a copy. 

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Book Launch at Tintagel – March 2024

The twelfth of March was an auspicious day as the second part of my life journey was released in book form. It takes a huge amount of time, effort, focus and discipline from an author to complete a book. The publishing companies also work hard to produce them. When the day of completion eventually arrives it feels rather surreal!

It was wonderful to have Blake and Wycke Malliway from Crossed Crow Books attend the launch while they were visiting the UK from Chicago.

Their excitable energy and infectious smiles lift the spirits of those around them. It is truly a pleasure to be in their company.

Lorna who owns the Healing Star in Penzance has been a constant support. She attended the event and set up a stall to provide books along with some of her magical items.

A delightful group of people arrived at the Wooton Inn to support me despite the typical Cornish weather on yet another wet and windy day. 

One person who I have a special connection with is Vicki, the first person to invite me to a psychic development circle twenty-eight years ago when I attended my first workshop at a spiritualist church in Kent.

It was the my first time at a spiritualist church. She is mentioned in my first book and I was delighted to discover she had moved to Cornwall.

Others who attended this event have since become good friends and I appreciate their genuine support.

 

 

 

Speaking about my journey and the books I have published flows easily, as I do not see it as a formal talk, it feels more like an informal ‘chat’, encouraging the group to ask questions and make comments whenever they wish. 

Cassandra sat nearby and said I did splendidly and she is proud of me. I am grateful for her constant support throughout the last fifteen years. 

After a wonderful afternoon, Blake and Wycke wined and dined Cassandra and I at the Tintagel Brewery Bistro. The evening that followed was full of fun and intriguing conversation.

So there you have it, both books are now published.  What an exciting journey it has been!

Both books are available from Crossed Crow Books, the Healing Star and Amazon. 

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Kresen Kernow’s School Concert

Image – Kresen Kernow Archive Centre

Today Cassandra and I were invited by Alice Howard to attend a concert performed by children from four primary schools in Redruth.

Attending school concerts was once a regular occurrence for me when my children were of school age. I attended ALL their school concerts and performances as I was extremely proud of their talents.

The children of Pennoweth Primary School had visited the Kresen Kernow Women and Health Exhibition. Inspired by our Wisewomen display, they composed a song entitled We Are The Witches.

There were other songs composed by three other schools about District Nurses, a woman who walked from Cornwall to London to complain about her husband’s pension and another woman who arrived in Cornwall as a Jewish evacuee and separated from her family. All of the songs were deep and meaningful, giving the young children insight into the historical accounts of courageous women. 

My recording of the song we were invited to hear is at the following link:

We are the Witches

Here are the lyrics:

We Are The Witches – Pennoweth School

Chorus –

We are the witches, we can cure,

Our potions make your heart feel pure

We are the witches, we’re the best

The spirits are our welcome guests

Verse 1

Two wisewomen in black cloaks, why do they look so serious

Cursing folk who tell bad jokes, joyful but mysterious

Peller, pellar, fortune teller, pellar, pellar, fortune teller.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 2:

Herbs and jasmine, plants and trees, a muslin bag of violet,

Incense, oils, things from the seas, catch my broomstick I’m the pilot,

Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller, Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller.

Repeat Chorus

Verse 3 (rap):

Jupiter, Earth, Venus, Mars, Pisces, Saggitarius,

Bitter herbs in crystal jars, witches always curious.

Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller, Pellar, Pellar, Fortune Teller.

Last Chorus:

We are the witches, joyful but mysterious,

Purses, curses.

(sing chorus to the end). 

The way the song was performed showed that the children had connected with the subject on a deeper level, as the rapping was reminiscent of chanting and incantation. As the children were leaving, I was suddenly surrounded by a group of them (while Cassandra was visiting the bathroom), asking the usual questions like: Can you turn me into a frog? Do you have a black cat? Do you curse people? Etc. One little girl asked me what my favourite potion is that I enjoy making. Its got to be the honeymoon drink that we prepare for couples at their Handfastings, because there is always surplus liquid and it is delicious! 

It was a pleasure to attend this concert and it is also part of our community work.

Thank you Kresen Kernow and the local schools for a delightfully entertaining afternoon. 

 

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Archives and Cornish Studies Exhibition

It’s been a week since the opening of our new exhibition ‘She Cares: Women and Health’ in Cornwall. Have you been to see it yet? 😁

Part of our exhibition explores witches and wise-women. Before modern medicine, healthcare was usually provided by wise-women as part of an ancient, spiritual culture.

They continued to help people and animals until the 20th century, when the number of wise-women and witches practicing in Cornwall began to decrease.

We have two modern-day witches featured in our exhibition – Cassandra and Laetitia Latham-Jones, who are village wise-women and witches in St Buryan.

Here they are photographed performing spellwork at the full moon, Lamorna Cove.

📸 by John Isaac

I also constructed a charm and wrote an article about how to go about creating one, that is also on display.

Cassandra and I visited Kresen Kernow on the 12th August 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Book Signing at the Healing Star Penzance

After a stormy night of gale force winds and rain, today was a little calmer with showers, blustery winds and the occasional appearance of the sun.

It was a pleasure to escape the stormy weather and enter the back room of the Healing Star in Penzance, where ambient music, incense and a happy smile from Lorna welcomed us.

 

Lorna had creatively displayed my book as the photograph from my publicist Francesca had inspired her.

 

 

I didn’t expect many people in this stormy weather, but those who did arrive were a lovely group and we had some fascinating conversations.

My talk about the book was more informal this time, as we conversed about psychic development, religion, Wicca and Folk Craft.

 

It was interesting to meet a lady who had lived in Kent about ten miles from the place I was born. We reminisced about the area and how much it has changed since our childhood

 

At the end of the afternoon, Lorna, Fiona, Cassandra and I updated one another on our lives. Our lovely friend Pam, former owner of the Healing Star was also present, we felt her spirit presence throughout the afternoon.

A huge thank you to Lorna for hosting the event and also to Cassandra for her ongoing support and supplying the photographs.

 

 

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Book Signing in St Buryan

It had been a wet day on the 16th March 2023 and although the rain had moved on, a damp mist had settled over the village that evening. The St Buryan Inn looked warm and inviting with a glowing log stove.

Many of the local residents were in the public bar when we arrived, some of them had planned to attend the event and arrived early.

Sarah and Steve gave us the use of their restaurant room and Lorna from the Healing Star in Penzance brought along her stock of my books and some merchandise from her shop.

Although the event began at 7.30 it took time for people to arrive and settle down with a drink before we could begin. The talk began at 8pm.

I don’t have a strict format for giving a talk, I begin by explaining my reasons for writing the book and let it flow.

My journey has been a fascinating one and my audience listened intently to my experiences and asked questions that raised further interesting subjects.

 

 

After speaking for an hour it was time to sign the books that were purchased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All who were there also enjoyed browsing Lorna’s stall.

 

 

So there you have it…. another successful evening.

A huge thank you to Sarah and Steve at the St Buryan Inn, to Lorna at the Healing Star and a special thank you to Cassandra for her support and providing these photographs.

Thank you also to all the special people who attended and supported this event.

Most of all thank you to my publishers Blake and Wycke at Crossed Crow Books for making this possible.

The next Book Signing will be at the Healing Star in Penzance on Friday the 31st of March 2023 at 2pm.

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Book Signing at Boscastle

On the cold, crisp Saturday afternoon of February 25th, we collected Lorna Borrell and the contents for her stall from the Healing Star in Penzance. We then travelled the length of Cornwall to Boscastle for my first Book Signing.

The journey to Boscastle is a pleasurable one, particularly the latter part, being welcomed by the majestic sight of the cliffs, before descending deeper into the valley and crossing the threshold to the ‘other world’.

Image – West Country Views.

I decided to do host a Book Signing event at both ends of Cornwall so they were more accessible for those who plan to attend. I chose venues with a bar so that attendees can relax in a comfortable setting with their favourite tipple.

Lorna and I had hired out the fabulous Tower Room in the Wellington Hotel for the evening. We dined in the restaurant and had a warming scrumptious meal with a glass of Merlot, before preparing the room.

The Tower Room is a beautiful space. Laura set up her stall and Cassandra positioned her video camera and my camera for still images.

 

 

 

When speaking about my book, I worked spontaneously with no written outline or notes to hand. My personal spiritual journey is one that I know well and the words flowed freely with a smooth transition from one subject to another.

I suggested that members of the audience ask questions they had during the talk. Waiting until the end means that some may forget their original questions as many aspects of the Craft were mentioned.

Questions from listeners are also helpful as there are some aspects that may need more explanation to gain a better understanding of experiences in the book. I was also able to speak about other experiences that were not included in the book to give more examples.

The time had come for attendees to have their books signed and time to browse Lorna’s stall.

 

After a productive evening we returned to the bar for further conversation and a well-earned drink.

A huge thank you to Lorna of the Healing Star and Cassandra Latham-Jones for their assistance.

Thank you also to those who attended. Your support will be remembered.

My next event will be in West Cornwall at the St Buryan Inn on Thursday 16th of March at 7.30pm.

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Boekka’s 10th Birthday – Memories

2020 has many special dates and anniversaries, however the Covid Virus prevented celebrations and events going ahead as planned. August 8th marks our Cornish Guise team Boekka’s 10th birthday. The last 10 years have been such an adventure.

The following photographs of Boekka are from the days when our ‘Oss Penkevyll briefly performed as Penglaz the Penzance ‘Oss.

Mazey Eve 2009

Devon and Cornwall Pagan Conference 2010

Cassandra and I were in the developmental stages of creating a Guise team known as Penglaz Guise, to travel to other parts of Cornwall and the U.K., However at this time. we did not realize that Penglaz was not permitted to perform outside of Penzance. In recent time this seems to have changed.

2011

When Penglaz Guise and our ‘Oss were dismissed from Penzance this set us free to re-name our ‘Oss and perform anywhere we desired. It took a while to change our image. The following photograph was at Penkevyll’s naming ceremony on 6th March 2011.

Boekka then made it’s debut with Penkevyll at Spring Equinox 2011 in Crean St Buryan. The Teazers were working on choreographed dances with a band that consisted of a hurdy-gurdy and drummers.

Creating and organizing a Guise team is hard work arranging practices, and events. A few more members joined after the Equinox and this inspired my son who had Morris danced since a small boy, to teach a team alongside Boekka’s Guise team.  Some of the community did not agree with the Morris inclusion as they considered it an English tradition rather than Cornish.

In 2011 we attended various events shown in the following photographs.

Cornwall Pride 2011

It also seemed to be a year for media work! We appeared with Sue Perkins on the television program All Roads Lead Home and also Paul Merton’s Caravanning Adventures.

Rochester Sweeps Festival was our first weekend away and Kent is a 340 mile journey. Penkevyll caused quite a stir as it seemed that no one in Kent was familiar with a skull ‘Oss.

2012

In 2012 the Morris side connected to Boekka had 12 members. More dances and events were introduced and as we were then without a musician, the teams performed with percussion only while I taught myself to play a melodeon. We also hired a minibus and travelled to Scotland in March to perform at the Scottish Pagan Conference.

Boekka performed at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic’s Charm Day event in Boscastle.

We also performed at Godolphin Fair

In Marazion on a hot summer day.

I learnt the tunes for Boekka that were composed by my son as well as other popular folk tunes.

My son also played percussion on occasions for Teazer dances choreographed by me.

Teignmouth Folk Festival

Pasty Day Redruth

2013

By 2013 some members left for various reasons and new ones joined. Due to a lack of regular commitment in 2012, we were unable to reach the high standard of performance we desired with a limited number of good dancers. My son then taught new members the Morris dances. A local man who was a Cotswold Morris dancer joined us and rode Penkevyll on occasions.

Bodmin Riding Heritage Day

North Inn Pendeen

Lands End

May morning on Chapel Carn Brea

2014

In 2014 it was difficult to get new recruits as many performers were more interested in Cornish pursuits. My son tried to maintain a high standard of performance that most members found difficult to cope with. We continued howevere with the few dancers we had along with the Cornish Teazer and ‘Oss side of Boekka that remained strong throughout.

Teignmouth Folk Festival

Wreckers Day of Dance

Lands End

Bodmin Riding Heritage Day

Marazion

Lands End

Chapel Carn Brea

St Pirans Day

St Pirans Day – we usually team up with the  Whippletree band in the processions

Chepstow Wassail

The first All Hallows Dark Gathering 2014

We continue this journey in Part 2!

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Boekka’s 10th Birthday – Memories 2

2015

At the beginning of 2015 my son moved away from Cornwall  to pursue his career. I took over the role of choreographer for the Morris side and Guise team.

. As we were also low in numbers I was also needed in the dances which meant I could not play music. The majority of out dances were performed with percussion only.

Chepstow Wassail 2015

Boekka acquired another ‘Oss rider who was much shorter than our past riders.  Penkevyll did not tower above the other ‘Osses as she had in previous years which changed her presence and energy. I could also reach her head without her having to bend as far. The rider was also a founder member of a local Morris side that I danced with on a few occasions.

St Pirans Day Redruth 2015

Trewellard Beer Festival

Wreckers Day of Dance

After observing our Morris team at Wreckers Day of Dance, it was evident that our side was not progressing well despite our efforts.  I decided that it was time to close it down due to difficulty in recruiting local dancers. It was impossible to maintain the high standard of performance that I was used to within my first Morris side back in the 1990s. I then had more time to concentrate on our Cornish Teazer and ‘Oss performances as well as dancing with the other Morris based in mid-Cornwall.

All Hallows Dark Gathering 2015

At the Dark Gathering 2015 I performed with the local Morris side as Cassandra was still main Teazer for Penkevyll.

2016

2016 was a busier year performing with Boekka and attending events with the Morris side.

Chepstow Wassail 2016

Fowey 2016

Handfasting Event

Boekka was invited to perform at a Handfasting party in Lamorna. Our other local rider volunteered for this event. Penkevyll was well and truly soaked by torrential rain when she arrived for her performance that evening!

St Pirans 2016

Lostfest 2016

The  Dark Gathering 2016

It was a busy summer and although I worked hard performing with the local Morris side, it did not totally fulfill me. On our arrival in Boscastle Friday evening for the Dark Gathering, toxic attitudes also confirmed it was time to leave this Morris side. After a heated discussion between Cassandra and the founder member, he announced that not only was he dismissing her from the team, but in retaliation, he would not ride Penkevyll at this event. Fortunately, a tall, fit Morris dancer attended the event and was not performing. He saved the day by kindly agreeing to stand in.

2017

In 2017 Cassandra handed the role of Head Teazer to me. I was then able to concentrate solely on this performance without dividing my energies. Life with Boekka settled into a positive routine and the energies improved immensely.

Chepstow Wassail 2017

Cassandra focused on her drumming and met excellent percussionists who assisted in her development.

St Pirans Day Redruth 2017

While I teased Penkevyll at this event, Cassandra played percussion with a local folk band Whippletree.

On Beltane 2017 we gave Penkevyll and Boekka a total change of image, discarding unwanted residue from the past for a new beginning. I created a new mane, dress and tatters with Cornish colours of black, white and gold.

Although Cassandra had handed over the Teazer role to me, she could not resist posing for our new image with her ‘trusty’ snapper! She also experimented with black face paint on a couple of occasions before it became controversial.

After completing Penkevyll’s new image, my creative juices were flowing, so I purchased a foal ‘Obby ‘Oss naming her Morvargh the Dark Sea ‘Oss. By owning a smaller ‘Oss we could still take her out if Penkevyll is unable to appear at an event. The foal is a welcome addition to our team and popular with Boekka fans.

Tintagel Carnival 2017

Boscastle 2017

The Dark Gathering 2017

Morvargh made her debut at the Dark Gathering 2017 during the afternoon. I rode her with Wreckers Morris during their Song of the Sea dance.

2018

2018 brought a surprising change to Boekka. A younger man contacted us with a desire to join a ‘dark and edgy’ team. We tried him out as rider for Penkevyll and he had good potential. He connected with the spiritual aspect of ‘Oss riding and treats Penkevyll with utmost care and respect. This is extremely important as ‘Osses are not merely puppets for one’s convenience and/or ego. This attitude sadly occurs more frequently now that owning an ‘Oss has become a fashionable ‘trend’. I had acquired apprentice Teazers that connect with Penkevyll in their own way. One of them also rides Morvargh on occasions.

Chepstow Wassail 2018

Although Penkevyll’s riders were unavailable for Chepstow, I managed to find a young, tall, muscular Welshman to ride Penkevyll during the afternoon. In the evening, we had the freedom to enjoy the ceremony on the bridge without an ‘Oss to distract us.

We spent the summertime training our new ‘Oss rider and Teazers who made their official debut at the next event.

The  Dark Gathering 2018

Cassandra joined the drummers of Beltane Border Morris as she enjoys their wild rhythmic music.

It was also wonderful to re-connect with my former Morris team from 20 years ago at this event. It provided the opportunity to come ‘full circle’; by performing my final Morris dance with them at the Dark Gathering. This event is truly a place ‘between the worlds’ where magical things occur!

2019

2019 had a wonderful start with Beorma Morris joining us at the Chepstow Wassai. It was fabulous to catch up with friends we had not seen in a while after the break up of Wytchwood Morris.

This year the Maris had a Beauty Pageant where Boekka were interviewed. There were 33 Maris and ‘Osses. We were waiting backstage for quite a while before our turn arrived.

My apprentice Teazer and I performed a Morris dance from my former Morris side. We danced on the bridge around Cassandra and Penkevyll.

St Pirans Day Redruth 2019

I had work commitments on St Pirans Day and left Penkevyll in the hands of my two Apprentice Teazers. They did a magnificent job!

Tintagel Carnival 2019

Boekka were joined by Mari Arianrhod visiting from Wales for the Tintagel Carnival procession.

The Dark Gathering 2019

Morvargh took more of an active role this year, rode by one of our Teazers. I stepped in as co-organiser of the event after the sudden departure of the managers from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.

2020

The Chepstow Wassail was unfortunately cancelled this year, so we attended the Brecon Wassail instead. It is a smaller event; however we were keen to meet up with our Welsh friends and their Maris. Our Teazers performed with the Welsh dancers, although the dancing in my opinion was better when we rehearsed the previous evening during our drinking session!

Cassandra had a wonderful 70th Birthday Party in March 2020 with our special guests – Beltane Border Morris. Then the pandemic occurred and it became one of the strangest years when events were cancelled. The world changed beyond recognition! Let us hope we return to normality soon!

So there you have it….10 years of Boekka and what an incredible, eventful journey! I wonder what the next 10 years will bring…… we shall see you soon!!

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Tenth Anniversary as Village Wisewoman

Spring Equinox 2020 marks the tenth anniversary since Cassandra Latham Jones handed over her business of Village Wisewoman to me.

 

I previously worked as a qualified holistic therapist, where I was accustomed to dealing with various clients. When providing these alternative therapies however, clients are dealt with in a different way during a Wisewoman consultation.

Providing guidance for a client can be similar to counselling (in which I now have a Diploma) as they deal with life’s problems and dilemmas. We then discuss appropriate methods that may help to resolve their problems if they choose to follow the advice given.

Cassandra has a unique way of working and has built a good reputation. This is a tough act to follow for anyone who takes on her work. I was a resident of Cornwall for only ten months before I embarked on these pursuits. Although the community did not know me well, I had adequate experience to provide the services required. As time passed, I settled into the village community by frequenting our local Inn, attending some of the church services and village events. I am also a musician and ‘Oss Teazer at the local folk festivals.

In a short period of time I organised a correspondence system for dealing with clients creating a selection of email folders for: enquiries, readings, distant readings, spells, charms, rites of passage, feedback, property cleansings,  and wart charming. This also included Wisewomen walks and workshops that we provided in the past. Explaining to a client the list of items required for services we provide has now become routine and I converse with the confidence that comes with experience.

Cassandra taught me the best method for handling business accounts and it’s not too difficult a task with a small business. I admire her for managing these herself throughout the years with ‘dyscalculia’. It is less of a problem for me as I am good with numbers, however modern technology lessens the burden of mathematics.

I understand why a ‘code of ethics’ is necessary when working as it is unwise to cast spells for clients to influence others against their will. These spells can have huge repercussions and consequences that some individuals experience when they cast spells for selfish reasons or send curses. I have witnessed these outcomes.

Learning the process of creating charms has been an enjoyable aspect of my work. It is reminiscent of past interests I had with cross-stitch embroidery and crochet skills during childhood and adolescence. I am also skilled in intricate needlework which has been very helpful when creating clothes for poppets. The corresponding ingredients for each charm continues to fascinate as each one is as unique as the client it is made for. For example,  when I construct two fertility charms neither one is identical in appearance or contents, but will activate the same outcome.

Another aspect where needlework skills come to the fore is the creation of clothes for dolls. This inspired me to create more clothing for poppets that have an uncanny likenesses to those they represent.  Cassandra has said that my work with dolls is one of my outstanding talents.

I have witnessed many Tarot readings and know Cassandra’s Tarot cards well, meaning that I have the ability to provide readings with an identical deck if she were unable to do so.  The psychic impressions and messages I receive during a consultation before the tarot spread is laid out, are then confirmed by her readings. Our distant readings for clients are extremely accurate and this has enabled us to provide guidance for clients globally.

 

The Rites of Passage ceremonies we provide are wonderful occasions. We have performed the role of Celebrants at wondrous sacred sites and unusual venues. My past ceremonial training comes to the fore when setting a sacred space although the words that I use are different, invoking a deeper connection with the ancient land around us.

We prefer a couple to have known one another for at least a year before taking the important step of Handfasting. Some are legally married a considerable length of time and wished to renew their vows. Others have a spiritual ceremony with us and visit a registry office before or after the ceremony if they require a legal contract.

 

Our property cleansings are quite an adventure, from modern houses to period properties, cottages, hotels and local Inns. Their history and the varied lives their residents lead can leave residual energies that penetrate the foundations of these buildings. These can affect properties in startling ways. Spirits of deceased owners can form an attachment with their properties and find it difficult to move on. Some spirit presences are harmless and the present occupiers may be comfortable with their presence, however there are those that can be troublesome and clients need assistance in moving them on.

I have experienced on many occasions the remarkable difference of energy and atmosphere within a property after a cleansing when we have re-visited them.

Image – John Isaac

Spell casting is an exciting aspect of our work, particularly where a specific time is set for a client to work along with the practitioner. There have been occasions when the required result has occurred within 24 hours and for others, a period of time has passed before reaching a successful outcome. Throughout this past year I have worked with one particular client casting many spells for an ongoing legal case and each spell cast produced a successful outcome for each stage of the process.

Our workshops have been successful. Attendees are intrigued by the work we do and enjoy spending time with us to experience this.

We have met some wonderful individuals and had many fascinating discussions. It is heartening to hear feedback on how these events have changed their perception and lives in a positive way.

I have learnt more information on our ‘Walks with Wisewomen’ when Cassandra repeats the folklore and stories of various sites on each occasion. She is delighted with the way our work has become ‘second nature’ to me. It is not an easy path and I have been severely tested throughout the years. Cassandra is also pleased with my ideas for networking to reach more people who need assistance. Our business has grown considerably compared to the time when she worked alone.

So there you have it…..ten years of organisation and work within the business of Village Wisewoman! It is important to have an occupation one enjoys as it will not lose its fascination!

I thank Cassandra for her patience and tuition over the last eleven years. Her methods are often unorthodox and there were many occasions that I did not understand them, or how they would benefit me, until I put it all into action. This scene from the movie Karate Kid is a good example of it:

 

I look forward to the next ten years, becoming older and wiser as I continue our work.

Image – John Isaac
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