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.

Cassandra and I hosted a Folk Magic workshop at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic as Simon Costin had suggested it. Cassandra’s book Village Witch is stocked within the Museum retail outlet, therefore a workshop provided readers with more information on the subject. They could interact and ask Cassandra any questions in person.

It was a glorious warm sunny day when we arrived. Simon had other commitments that day but Fergus was around if we needed assistance. It was good to catch up with Judith Noble who was overseeing the Artists Residency event that day.

We had 18 attendees, each were either on their own individual spiritual path or not actively practicing but curious about the Folk/Cunning Craft.

Cassandra has years of experience in her Craft and good rapport with her audience. She works from an outline of subjects so the talk is more spontaneous and interesting for her listeners.

Cassandra is ‘down to earth’ with humorous moments that keep the audience entertained. It also helps to lift the atmosphere when discussing more serious aspects of the Craft.

After two hours of discussion, we had a lunch break, enjoying the warm sunshine and sea air.

The group returned to the Museum after lunch and Cassandra guided them on a hedgerow walk near Minster Woodland to harvest wild greenery for their witch bottles. I remained in the library updating our business accounts and searching for the video Cassandra planned to show the group in the afternoon session.

On their return, the subject of spell casting and energy raising was discussed. The following video is an example of how working women used chants, while engaging in repetitive work. This helped with accurate timing of movements and also creates a bond between all workers. One member of our group made an interesting comment about the singing, as it would become apparent if a worker grew weary, meaning that they could either take a break or slow down.

The group then moved their chairs to form a large circle and we placed all ingredients for witch bottles into the centre of the space. They could help themselves to the ingredients that they required. I suggested that they began by holding their jar or bottle for a few minutes while connecting with the spirits and ancestors for assistance.

There were many conversations and also sharing of greenery as they all filled their receptacles. We explained that they would need to take them home to add a personal bodily fluid of their choice. When that is done they seal the jar or bottle by placing a real wax candle on the lid so the wax drips down over the seal. It can also be done by binding with twine before sealing with wax, or a modern method of adhesive tape (although we do not recommend the use of plastic.)

A few members of the group visited the Museum retail outlet and purchased Cassandra’s book Village Witch. They asked her to sign them.

When the workshop was complete and everything was returned to its place, I took another opportunity to sit upon the fabulous Gothic chair in the library. It once belonged to ‘Old Horny’ the goat God who now stands tall within the Museum.

We would like to thank the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic for inviting us to host this workshop and all who attended it for being such a wonderful supportive group. I’m sure we will be seeing you again.

Feedback:

“Had an absolute fantastic time at Cassandra and Laetitia Latham Jones’ Workshop at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic today. Learned so much, had a lot of laughs and discussions – it was total ‘amazeballs’! They truly are amazing and inspirational. Thank you both for such an awesome day of magick! Blessed be. xx” E.G.

“It was a fun, interesting and informative day. Cassandra is as entertaining as she is knowledgeable. Thank you both” C.M.

Wonderfully informative with humour and what a fabulous turn out! Cant wait to attend another one” M.E.

“We attended this first workshop and it was amazing, great people and great vibes, thank you everyone see you again!” M.H.

“Wonderful inspiring day with you all. Thank you Cassandra and Laetitia.” K.H.

“What a Wonderful day with beautiful people. Can’t wait to go back to Boscastle to go walking in minster woods. Thank you Cass and Laetitia for a day of knowledge and learning. Xx” P.O.

“We had a wonderful day lovely people and a great feel here yesterday x”

“I really loved it and look forward to the next one. Xxx💜xxX” G.W.

“I loved every moment of and loved the walk to collect wild flowers.” S.H.

“Can’t wait for the next one! Thank you Cassandra and Laetitia. Many new things heard and learnt. It felt very special. I’m only beginning to feel my way around ” spirit” but excited for the journey. Hope to see you all again soon.” C.D.