Book Launch at Tintagel – March 2024

The twelfth of March was an auspicious day when the second part of my life journey was released. It takes a huge amount of time and effort from an author as well as their publishing company to produce a book. When the day of completion eventually arrives it feels rather surreal!

I was delighted that Blake and Wycke Malliway from Crossed Crow Books were in the area from Chicago and arranged to join me for this event.

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

Lorna who owns the Healing Star in Penzance has been a constant support, providing books and some of her stock at the events.

A delightful group arrived at the Wooton Inn on yet another wet and windy day.

One in particular, was the person who invited me to a new development circle twenty-eight years ago when I attended my first psychic workshop.

It was the first time I attended a spiritualist church. I mention her in my first book and was delighted when she moved to Cornwall. It was wonderful to have her there with me.

Others who attended have become good friends over the years 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 that I did splendidly and that 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. An evening full of fun and intriguing conversation.

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

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

March 18, 2024 0

Quay Fair in Penzance 2023

The last Mazey weekend in Penzance that I attended was in 2018.

The reason is my Wisewoman business has grown considerably and I have had requests to teach two-day Reiki courses over the festival weekend.

The recent pandemic has also heightened awareness for some where huge crowds of intoxicated people at an event can be unhealthy, as the ‘wildness’ and anarchy of Mazey seems to be escalating.

Bearing this in mind, it was not a difficult decision for me to choose to work for a substantial financial sum over the past few years. The idea of struggling through crowds of rowdy intoxicated attendees does not enthral me!

This year however I had a day free from work and was able to attend Quay Fair Day. The event is smaller and does not include the huge crowds of Mazey Eve and Mazey Day. We had glorious weather this year and I had fun drumming with the Golowan Band and Raffidy Dumitz band who have been so welcoming to Cassandra and I.

I was welcomed by others in the community who said they missed me when Cassandra explained I had work to do.

Quay Fair is my favourite event of the weekend, fun, laughter, an abundance of characters and local talent.

A fabulous day!

Photo by Peter Carter

June 27, 2023 0

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 and was accustomed to dealing with clients. When providing alternative therapies however, clients are dealt with in a different way.

Consultations providing guidance can be similar to counselling (in which I now have a Diploma) as clients contact us about life’s dilemmas. We discuss appropriate methods and provide guidance that could assist them with their problems.

Cassandra has a unique way of working and has built a good reputation, 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 and frequented our local Inn, attended some church services and village events. I am also a musician and ‘Oss Teazer at local folk festivals.

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

Cassandra taught me the best way to handle business accounts and it’s not a difficult task with a small business. I admire her for managing her own accounts throughout the years as she has ‘dyscalculia’. It was less of a problem for me as I am good with numbers and now modern technology lessens the burden of mathematics.

I understand why a ‘code of ethics’ is necessary as it is not good practice to cast spells for clients who desire to influence others against their will. These spells can have huge repercussions and I have witnessed the consequences some individuals have suffered after casting spells for selfish reasons or sending curses.

Learning the process of creating charms has been an enjoyable aspect of my work and is reminiscent of past interests with cross-stitch embroidery and crochet skills during my childhood and adolescence. I am also skilled in intricate needlework and the corresponding ingredients for each charm continues to fascinate me as each charm is unique for each client. For example, when I construct two fertility charms neither is identical in appearance or contents.

Another aspect where needlework skills come to the fore is the creation of clothes for hearth dolls. This inspired me to create more clothing for other dolls that have uncanny likenesses to the images 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. I am able 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 Handfastings we provide are wonderful occasions. We have been Celebrants at wondrous sacred sites and unusual venues. My past ceremonial training comes to the fore when setting up a sacred space although the words that I use have changed, providing a deeper connection to the ancient land around us.

We prefer that a couple to have had a relationship for at least a year before taking this important step. Some were legally married a considerable length of time and wished to renew their vows. Others have a spiritual ceremony with us and also visit a registry office before or after the ceremony if they require a legal contract.

I would love to experience more of these occasions on beaches or by the sea which in my opinion, adds to the romance.

Our property cleansings are quite an adventure, from modern houses to period properties, cottages, hotels and public houses. The history and varied lives people once led can leave residual energies that penetrate the foundations of buildings. These can affect properties in startling ways. The spirits of deceased owners can form an attachment with their former properties and find it difficult to leave them to others. Some spirits are harmless and the present occupiers are comfortable with their presence, however there are those that cause problems and clients need help in moving them on.

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

Image – John Isaac

Spell casting is an exciting aspect of our work, particularly when 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 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 experiences have changed their lives in a positive way.

I have learnt more information on our ‘Walks with Wisewomen’ as 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 the way I advertise and network to reach more people who need assistance and the business has grown considerably compared to when she worked alone.

So there you have it…..ten years of organisation and work within the business of Village Wisewoman. It is so important to have an occupation one enjoys that does 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 times I did not understand them, or how it would benefit me, until I put this tuition into action. This scene from the movie Karate Kid is a good example of what I am referring to:

I look forward to the next ten years, becoming older and wiser as I continue our work of assisting the community!

Image – John Isaac

March 20, 2020 2

Fifteen Years Performing as Teazer

It was on 26th June 2009, that I first ventured onto the streets of our local town for my apprentice Teazer performance under the tuition of Cassandra Latham. I had previous experience of Morris dancing and performed at various folk festivals, however I mistakenly assumed the role of Teazer would be something similar.

It all began with a telephone phone call in November of 2008 from an acquaintance who asked if I would be interested in training for the role of a Teazer. They briefly explained what it would entail and I agreed to try it. Doing so would also provide an opportunity to be involved in a community event after recently moving to Cornwall. I had visited the home of the acquaintance and their partner on a few occasions when they were in the process of creating a new Penglaz ‘Oss after the original one retired. They were excited about the project and I witnessed the gradual construction of the new ‘Oss. It was the first time I had seen a horse’s skull and heard about the folk tradition in which they are utilised. Cassandra contacted me and invited me to attend the 2008 winter solstice festival, so that I could observe her first performance with the new Penglaz.

The acquaintance who introduced us was also a photographer at the event and suggested I wore a mask and dark clothing, as the majority of the crowd would be in ‘mock formal’ attire.

On our arrival I joined the back of the procession with my former husband and son. I then made my way to the front to observe Cassandra’s performance. The ‘Oss did not appear during the first procession so I concentrated on her movements in the procession. Cassandra marched at the front of the band in time to the music, waving to people who lined the streets. At the hill fort we stood around a large fire beacon to warm ourselves and also visited an Inn with the photographer, their partner and one of their friends.

The crowd seemed to increase in number for the second procession and once again I followed at the back with my husband and son, then gradually moved to the front.

Cassandra and Penglaz appeared out of an entrance adjacent to a restaurant in Chapel Street and were welcomed by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. The energy was wild and exciting.

When I previously performed at festivals with my former Morris team, I was one of many performers that day. It was a little disconcerting on this occasion to see that Penglaz and her Teazer were the main characters and focus of the event. It meant there would be greater pressure on this performance. I voiced my concerns to the photographer who assured me not to worry and it would all have a positive outcome.

During my interview with Cassandra on the 26th January 2009, she said that someone who created and rode a second new ‘Oss, had an ongoing disagreement with her, but she assured me I would not be involved in this matter.

Cassandra and I met regularly for practices at a yard owned by an engineer known to the photographer. My son and husband both rode the ‘Oss and each of them had a unique interpretation which gave her varied personality traits within each performance.

My former husband gave the ‘Oss a cheeky character, while my son being only seventeen at the time, was unpredictable, mischievous and Cassandra said he was and still is, the fastest ‘Oss rider she ever had!

Although I was an experienced dancer, I needed to develop a connection with a completely different type of energy to perform this role. Cassandra sent me explanations and descriptions of the Bucca elemental (of sea and storms) spirit that works through the ‘Oss and Teazer.

I modelled my Teazer kit on the one Cassandra wore, as the Teazer ‘cross dresses’ to represent the ‘male and female’ aspect and ‘topsy turvy’ Cornish energy. Cassandra attended a ‘guild meeting’ and presented its members with video footage of our practices, announcing I would be her apprentice Teazer and apparently it received their approval.

Our first appearance was on Friday 26th June 2009 on Mazey Eve. My former husband volunteered to ride the ‘Oss on that occasion and we were understandably a little nervous on our first appearance particularly within a community we were unfamiliar with.

On reflection I am sure many were wondering who we were and why we had been placed into a ‘lead role’ within their community festival! Just before the performance I was instructed by Cassandra to wait outside a local inn while she attempted to locate someone. A local man approached me asking why I was there and when I explained, he replied that I would never be as good as Cassandra and spoke about how long he had known her and revealed rather personal details of her life! What an encouraging start to the evening!

We prepared ourselves and Penglaz in a room at the Barbican and Cassandra stood at the open top window waving at the gathering crowd as they cheered and waved back to her. We made our entrance from the large black Barbican doors to lively music provided by the Golowan Band and cheers from the crowd. Mazey Eve is a wild celebration and extremely crowded, so keeping near Penglaz and making our way through a jostling crowd is quite a task! I observed Cassandra closely and on many occasions our movements were naturally identical which boded well for future development.

Cassandra imbued a confidence and connection with the ‘Oss during her seventeen years of Teazing, something that would also develop within me after years of experience. One’s reflexes need to be quick due to the unpredictable behaviour of the ‘Oss and the crowd.

The Teazer’s role is to attempt to control the crowd as well as keep an eye on the ‘Oss, making space for her to move around. She also needs protection her from over-enthusiastic intoxicated revellers who step into her path, or stand too close, as this could result in injury. There were specific signals Cassandra used to direct Penglaz, to laugh, dance and also stand still if needed. The stomping and snapping move of the ‘Oss is one that takes practice as the timing of snapping the jaw and stepping need coordination. My son accomplished this move quickly and with a spectacular result.

After my first performance as Teazer, I received some positive feedback, plus a few criticisms from one, who thought I should tease in exactly the same way as Cassandra. At first I could not understand what he meant, however after years of experience I understood, as he advised me to watch her feet. Mine now move in the same way as the energy has ‘grounded’ within the performance. Another person did not agree with two Teazers being on the street instead of one, but Cassandra explained it was the best method for training. Whatever their opinions, I knew I had done a good first performance for someone with no previous knowledge or experience of ‘Oss Teazing. My role with Cassandra and Penglaz in Penzance continued for two years and then we were dismissed from the festival over further political issues. (See Original Penglaz Reinstated). I was relieved to be out of this negative situation within the Golowan festival, as we were then free to perform in our own way and wherever we wished. We then re-named our ‘Oss and Guise team.

Throughout the years, Boekka has had three changes of colours and image. We have also had performers and riders come and go, however what remained constant in our team was the unity of Cassandra and I as Teazers. I performed alongside her for eight years and then, after twenty five years of Teazing, Cassandra handed the role of head Teazer to me.

I have developed in this role over the years and the strongest connection and change occurred at the Dark Gathering of 2016 after leaving a situation that was, on reflection, toxic and energy draining. The Teazer role needs total focus and I discovered that dividing my energy between Morris dancing and Teazing did not work well for me.

I now have an apprentice Teazer and new ‘Oss riders. All are doing extremely well and Boekka is going from strength to strength.

This year will be our 14th year of performance (as our team first formed while our ‘Oss was still Penglaz during 2010). I also own and occasionally ride an foal ‘Obby ‘Oss by the name of Morvargh (Cornish for Sea Horse).

I have learnt some valuable lessons in the last fifteen years and am not the same person who moved to Cornwall in 2008, however I have some fond memories of those early days.

Cassandra has asked me to mention that I am the ONLY Teazer she has taught and I am proud of this.

It has certainly been an eventful but rewarding journey!

The fun continues……

Winter Effigies -The Deviant History of the Snowman

In modern movies snowmen are portrayed as something magical, loved by children and they also capture the imagination.

I remember feeling these magical energies when Cassandra Latham Jones and I built a large snowman during the heavy snowfall of January 2010 in the grounds of the mill house in Crean, St Buryan.

The history of the snowman however is quite different as you will see in the following article:

Atlas Obscura.

November 17, 2018 0

Heart Sea Urchins

I heard that many sea urchins also known as ‘sea potatoes’ had washed ashore on Wherrytown beach in Penzance last week. Today I harvested 10 of them.

Read my research on these fascinating creatures: Heart Sea Urchins -Jennifer Kennedy

Magical Uses and Symbolism

Sea urchin shell is called a “test”
See urchins, which are echinoderms, are a sun symbol because of their many spikes. The Celts called sea urchins “serpent’s egg”; a symbol of life-force and the primordial seed.

Sea Urchin — Teaches discernment and the art of underlying circumstances. Slow and methodical, it shows how to manoeuvre with tenacity and patience. Nothing is impossible when Urchin is guiding you. Care of your feet, physical movement and grounding properties hallmark Urchin’s meaning. Pay attention to the colour of the Sea Urchin for this will aid in understanding.

*SHEPHERD’S CROWN, SEA URCHIN: The fossilized shepherd’s crown, or sea urchin, is heart-shaped, with a five-pointed pattern on the top. It may have also been known as the glane-stone of the Druid’s. It was used to avert the evil eye and bad luck.

20th Year of a Spiritual Journey

A fabulous Samhain weekend is over and the Celtic new year begins. This marks twenty years of embarking on my personal spiritual journey that is in complete contrast to the religion I was raised within. The excitement of my first awakening will remain a prominent memory as I put aside past indoctrination and summoned the courage to explore an alternative path.

I once received a warning from a renowned Pagan Priest who resides in London to watch out for “space cadets” and take my time to find the right path for me. It was an exciting time and I was eager to acquire as much knowledge as possible. I wanted to experience everything!

During the early days I worked alone and the rituals I performed were familiar to me. After a year of personal study and research I took the step of self initiation. This was and still is, the most important step of my development, a private dedication between myself and the ‘powers that be’.

After experiencing energy that one person could raise within a sacred space, I contemplated working within a group. I replied to an advertisement in the Pagan Dawn magazine for new members to join an Egyptian group. It was a different way of working and the energies raised were extremely potent. I met two members of this group who became genuine and constant friends.

Whilst learning and gaining experience in ritual workings within various groups I also taught a group of friends how to conduct their own rituals. I first met them when they attended my Reiki courses and discovered they also had an interest in the magical work.

Venturing into the Morris dancing world introduced me to members of Wiccan groups and I worked with a Gardnarian group for a while. The rituals were happy, joyful occasions and we met regularly at my place of residence. I set up a larger altar for this purpose and prepared a space to accommodate five people.

I was later initiated into an Alexandrian group that honoured Egyptian deities. The training and rituals were well structured, and it was then I discovered the Wiccan religion began in the 1950s. This was rather disappointing as I had searched for the ancient ways rather than a modern belief system.

I eventually left the Alexandrian group and I replied to an advertisement asking for members to join a “Cornish” Old Craft group. I suggested we could correspond and meet over the next six years before my move to Cornwall to assess whether I would be right for their group.

I was in my thirteenth year of spiritual development when i moved here in 2008. I did not join the group after all as the ‘powers that be’ provided the opportunity for me to meet Cassandra Latham in 2009. I then found the Old Craft and ancient ways I had searched for. It was easier for me to connect with the energies of land and sea here than in the busy outskirts of London. There are however some beautiful sites in Kent such as the Coldrum Stones situated a few miles away from my past place of residence.

Moving into a new community is not as easy as one thinks. Genuine people are few, but when you do find them, they are invaluable. Others can be rather territorial and if they choose to dislike you, nothing you do or say will change their minds. I have learnt that some think that a person’s talent or capability is not important unless they associate with the right ‘clique’ or are born in the ‘right place’. This is probably why some allude to a ‘birth connection’ within Cornwall to feel more accepted, however I am proud to be a Kentish Maid, but it does not affect my connection with this place.

When one is talented at their craft, they will meet interesting and genuine like-minded people who show support. Alternatively, talent and success can also expose jealous detractors. Their aim is to project their negative traits onto a target or ‘scapegoat’ to make life so unpleasant and eventually drive them away. If one finds themselves in this situation, it is vital to remember that only a person who has talent and something worth coveting attracts this behaviour.

Cornwall has a variety of people. Some are genuine good- hearted souls who want to live a peaceful life and do all they can to help others without an ulterior motive. Some create a “fairy-tale image” and place more importance on ‘glamour’ but lack any real substance or power. Some work under the guise of friendship for their own personal gain and cast others aside when they are no longer useful. Some seek fame and fortune and try to discredit others whom they consider a threat.

I now believe the ‘demonic forces’ religions speak of are actually within the personalities of some who use and abuse belief systems to feed their egos in order to gain power over others. It is sad these organizations scapegoat a spirit being rather than take responsibility for their own thoughts and actions.

However, when one focuses upon the positive aspects of life, the Cornish landscape and the ocean are wonderful. They are good for the soul and to see them daily is truly a blessing.

I am now accustomed to the seasons and energetic changes. As I walked to the village church one evening I was greeted by a beautiful crescent waxing moon and the star of Venus adjacent to it, was bright and beautiful.

Nothing tastes of the sea more than a raw oyster and fresh seaweed from the shore. To awake in the morning and see a murder of crows feeding from the field behind the cottage is wonderful and to sit on beaches and cliffs listening to the music of the sea is divine.

Here in Cornwall, the beaches, coves, woodland, stone circles, holy wells, quoits and ancient buildings are nearby. Focusing on these aspects of life reminds me of how blessed I am.

My twenty-year spiritual path led me here and I have worked extremely hard. No matter where my journey in life takes me, I have fulfilled my childhood dream of living in Cornwall and learnt some important life skills and lessons from the Old Craft that will remain with me always.

November 3, 2016 0

October Harvesting

October is a significant time of year as Samhain approaches and the year comes to a close.

Our seasonal pumpkins are chosen with careful contemplation. The energies of these beautiful vegetables are extremely important, therefore locally grown produce is a must.

It was a yearly tradition to purchase our pumpkins at the Harvest Home auction hosted by the local public house. In the last few years the pumpkins have been few or at times been absent from these auctions.

We now have an alternative adventure. We travel along the winding lanes deep into the valley of Lamorna where a local resident sells his pumpkins at the threshold of his home.

A wonderful part of residing in a village community is that produce of other items are displayed outside one’s home along with a jar for payment. This shows trust and faith in people’s good nature and many would not consider abusing this provision. This creates positive energies for the season.

It is now time to prepare the vegetables, dust off the seasonal decorations and gather ritual items as we await the closing of a productive year.

October 19, 2016 0