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

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.

March 31, 2023 0

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.

March 17, 2023 0

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 when you are 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 so well. The words flowed and I was able to make 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.

February 26, 2023 6

Tenth Anniversary as an Old Craft Initiate.

The full moon of 28th March 2021, marked 10 years since my initiation into the Old Craft by Cassandra Latham Jones.

Image – John Isaac

For me, tuition in the Old Ways was more intensive than it is for members within a group as I have lived with my teacher and we were rarely apart, so I received constant tuition and discussion. The last ten years may have brought challenges and hard lessons, however they included a multitude of wonderful moments that made it all worthwhile.

To mark this special anniversary Cassandra decided it was time for me to receive my final initiation, an equivalent to a third degree within the Wiccan path.

On February’s full moon, I visited Men an Tol, where once again, I was overlooked by a bright full Moon. I performed a ritual of passing significant items through the holed stone a designated number of times to energise them while Cassandra observed nearby. I then paused and stood in the moon’s rays, feeling her energy while expressing my devotion.

From that moment on, Cassandra instructed me to record my dreams and sent me on four Quests to locations of my choice.

I collected an item from each location and on the final Quest, I realized each one related to the elements, water, air, earth and fire. Cassandra stated that the directions were also significant.

The requirement of a ‘fast’ for a period of time was undertaken abstaining from stimulants, plus an added habitual action that I would find challenging.

During the weekend of my initiation, Cassandra instructed me to create a magical item related to all the locations I visited. There is a specific ritual connected to the creation of it that I followed during a designated planetary hour. I combined a blend of corresponding oils and herbs, placing them in a muslin bath pouch for my ritual bath. I cleansed and blessed all items that would be utilised for the ceremony.

On the evening of the initiation, we left home at 8pm to visit Boscawen-un stone circle where the first part of my initiation rite would take place, just as it had ten years ago. The difference on this occasion was the invisibility of the Moon shrouded in dark clouds on a dry evening, accompanied by a stiff breeze. This did not surprise me as Cassandra informed me it would be a ‘darker’ ceremony, therefore the absence of moonlight had great significance. I attempted to wear a hat that evening but the breeze repeatedly removed it, therefore I accepted that it was not required.

Cassandra and I used our bull roarers to call the spirits of place, she then instructed me to repeat a statement at each stone until I completed the circle. Cassandra stood by the Elder tree to observe and I slowly made my way around the circle laying my hands upon each stone, repeating the words, then moving on in the darkness, making my way over the tussocks and uneven ground. When I completed the circle, I turned to walk towards the King stone at the centre and in the darkness it seemed to transform into a tall hooded figure. I approached it and as I did so it reverted back to its original form and I rested my forehead against it, connecting with the energies of the site. After a while, I laid against the incline of the King stone feeling the breeze that rushed over my body and pressed me against the granite.

On our return to the cottage, Cassandra prepared the hearth and surrounding area, while I had my ritual bath in candlelight. I reclined in the water and contemplated on the impressions I received at the stone circle and the step I was about to take.

I put on my robe and awaited Cassandra’s call.

The initiation ritual was a wonderful experience and the initiatory words had such potency. Although my familiar Clutterbuck had entered the spirit world only 5 weeks before this,

I felt his presence as he never failed to join us for celebrations in the physical world. I knew he would not miss this occasion.

When the initiation ritual was over, Cassandra hugged me and stated that her job was done. We celebrated with good old Cornish mead. Never before had she taught anyone as intensively over this period of time.

We have both worked well together over the years and will continue to do so.

I would like to express my gratitude to Cassandra for being such a caring, understanding and patient tutor. She has taught me invaluable skills and assisted me in developing a deep connection not only with Cornwall but also with the place and community of my birth.

Whatever the future holds and wherever life takes me, her teachings will remain and are a strong aspect of who I am.

Feedback from Cassandra Latham Jones: “Congratulations Laetitia! A worthy, hard working and fully fledged Wisewoman. You have remarkable psychic abilities – that definitely is your forte”.

March 29, 2021 12

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

An Auspicious Dark Gathering in 2018

This year I took on extra responsibility in organizing The Dark Gathering as Cassandra needed help when the managers of the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic informed us they were leaving. We worked closely with Simon Costin the Museum owner informing and updating him on all arrangements.

Many people enjoy this event each year, but have no idea how much work goes into the organizing of it. As well as caring for the performers, Cassandra goes the ‘extra mile’ in caring for the community ensuring they know where to find accommodation and refreshments and also arranged with village residents a ‘park and ride’ scheme so disabled folk would find it easier to get to Boscastle. Cassandra has huge support from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, the Chamber of Commerce and other members of their local community.

When 2018 began, I sensed there would be significant changes in our lives and this has proved to be so.

At The Dark Gathering this year, our special guests were my former Morris team that I first joined in 1999. I looked forward to seeing them once again.

Image-Chris Hicks

The first dance is known as ‘Four Seasons’. A person or item of significance is often chosen to stand in the centre of the space while the men dance around them. I was delighted when the Squire chose me. It brought back fond memories of the last time this had occurred outside the King Arthurs Arms Tintagel in 2001.

Later that afternoon, I was invited me to join them in performing my favourite dance. It’s one I have not forgotten even though it had been fifteen years since I last performed with them. It is also a favourite dance of Beltane Border Morris.

I had no time to practice, so they performed the dance first and invited me to join them for a repeat performance. As soon it began, the fifteen years I had been apart from them seemed to disappear. I danced every move as precisely as I had all those years ago.

Here is video footage of their dance and at the end, you can hear them invite me to join them.

They were amazed that I remembered it all and pleased with our performance together. It was wonderful to receive a hug from them when the dance was over.

The last time I performed with the team in Boscastle outside the Museum was on the twelfth of June 2001 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Fraudulent Mediums Act and Witchcraft Repeal.

Participating in this dance again gave me a wonderfully positive memory of my final Morris dance at The Dark Gathering and completed the circle by beginning and ending my Morris life with them. It is the most satisfying Morris dance I have performed at this event and I cannot thank them enough for that opportunity.

The Dark Gathering goes from strength to strength and has a protective energy that surrounds it. Long may it continue.

October 30, 2018 7

Caravanning Celebrities meet Wise Women of West Cornwall

In May this year we were invited by Channel 5 to take part in their programme Celebrities go Caravanning. We hoped the selected celebrities would have an open mind and respect the work we do.

Squeezed into Cassandra’s tiny cottage was a camera crew of four with all their equipment and two celebrities, Colin Baker and Sherrie Hewson. There was limited room for manoeuvre! My familiar Clutterbuck is accustomed to the media visiting Cassandra’s cottage and no longer makes a hasty retreat via the cat flap. He was the star of the show on this occasion!

A huge thank you to Chris Neno for the photographs above.

Channel 5’s camera crew portrayed the subject well and showed respect for Cassandra’s property. It was a pleasure to work with them and along with Colin Baker and Sherrie Hewson who were fascinating people to converse with. The chants and incantations we used are for media purposes and not included in our personal work.

I recorded the following footage of this programme from our television:

August 4, 2018 0

Ten Years in Cornwall

The 12th June 2018 marked the 10th anniversary of my move to Cornwall. The life I visualised here is completely different to the one I now have.

Living near the sea, you discover the elements of rain, wind and storms intensify. Cornwall may not be as cold as other parts of the UK (although our last winter was a harsh one) and frosts occur less here. The cost of living is rising everywhere, but in tourist areas, prices also rise during the holiday seasons and tourists pay the higher prices for the short time they are here, however residents are required to pay these high prices throughout the season. Work opportunities increase during the summer, but lessen in the winter when the cold weather means an increase in utility bills.

Taking a vacation in Cornwall is easier than living here. During a vacation you have free time to visit beaches and places of interest, but when one is trying to earn a living and survive, pleasure visits to beaches or sites rarely occur.

On a positive note I have enjoyed my work as Wisewoman throughout the last 9 years and learnt so much from Cassandra Latham Jones throughout this fascinating and testing journey. Working with the land and sea with their powerful unpredictable energies has been challenging as tests from the ‘powers that be’ are severe with obstacles constantly placed in one’s path. It takes strength of character and determination to overcome these and continue………the spirits test you as if to say ……..”how much do you want this???” Cassandra admits she has been tough with me throughout this time and admires my tenacity. She also revealed that others in the past who desired to learn from her were unable to withstand the tough tests and tasks it entailed.

My experience and training in ceremonial magic while in Kent has been useful for conducting Rites of Passage. Cassandra is happy to leave what she refers to as ‘arm waving’ to me when setting up a sacred space for ceremonies.

The consultations we provide together work well, the moment just before a reading while Cassandra connects with a client’s energies, I ‘tune in’ to spirit presences around them. While Cassandra shuffles the Tarot cards I provide the client with a description of a presence and any messages they may wish to pass on. Cassandra then lays out the Tarot spread and on many occasions the same message has also appeared within the cards giving the client double confirmation. I have witnessed many readings over the years and know her cards well. I now own an identical Tarot deck and am able to provide readings.

Property cleansing needs a huge amount of work, particularly when they have been inhabited by a variety of residents over time,(more-so with period properties). The energies from traumatic events are absorbed within the foundation and walls of these buildings and can have a profound effect on future residents. In hotels and drinking establishments often referred to as Inns the energies intensify and can affect the smooth running of businesses. We have had many successful outcomes from this work.

Curse breaking is another intense area of our work. Many clients consult us about this and Cassandra has a unique and powerful method for dealing with it that she has passed on to me.

Wart charming is a service that at first I was rather sceptical of, it was difficult to understand how it could possibly work. Even now I cannot explain it but have witnessed the success of this process with clients.

I have constructed many charms over the years and had a high success rate with fertility charms in particular. It delights me to think I have assisted in creating new lives and brought happiness to prospective parents.

I continue to provide Holistic Services and have taught Reiki courses a system that is of great benefit to students. The original practice of Reiki is more about spiritual and emotional development of the person rather than a complementary healing therapy. I have assisted a wide range of clients with Reiki including the terminally ill and it has helped owners of pets and those who work with stressed animals.

My Crisis and Trauma counselling services have also come to the fore as often clients are affected by religious cults and childhood abuse. They do not realize how past trauma can affect their everyday lives as adults, even though it happened long ago. Tis counselling service also helps those with bereavements, divorce, family issues and mental/physical health problems.

Walks with Wisewomen was also an enjoyable aspect of our work as it enables us to visit and enjoy the sites with our clients. I have, over time learnt the folklore associated with them by listening to Cassandra repeating the information on each visit. We also find out more about our clients as we converse with them while walking to and from the sites. (We no longer provide this service).

Our: ‘Old Ways’ workshops have been successful during the last few years. I suggested hosting them and Cassandra was at first a little reticent, but as we had many inquiries about them, she agreed to try. The workshops have gone from strength to strength covering five subjects. We have met some fabulous people who experienced some extraordinary occurrences while they were with us. The preparation and workshops themselves are hard work but also energizing and satisfying on a deeper level.

I have learnt a great deal while living here and the main lesson is that life is indeed unpredictable. One can plan for the future to a certain extent but unforeseen circumstances can create sudden changes that can have incredible impact with positive or negative outcomes.

I have also learnt that being successful in work and within a community brings rivalries, competitiveness and jealousy from some, who will then project dissatisfaction with themselves onto another. When a person experiences this level of pettiness it is vital to remember that these people, by their treatment of you, are validating how exceptionally good you are. If you were not successful or talented, negative people would not bother with you. When a person moves into a new community, they are on ‘foreign territory’ and therefore vulnerable to predators and bullies. I have also met, genuine good-hearted people within the community who will do what they can to assist and support you, especially if they were once in this position.

Cassandra Latham Jones falls into this category and has helped me in so many ways.

I have integrated socially by attending festivals and utilising my talents as musician and dancer. The residents of St Buryan village have been particularly welcoming and now treat me as part of their community.

My time here has been a catalyst for new ideas as Cassandra and I, along with my son, formed our: Guise team Boekka featuring Penkevyll the Lands End ‘Oss. Our team has performed since 2010 and we have added Morvargh my Dark Sea ‘Oss. To top it all, my idea of Cassandra, myself and Penkevyll the ‘Oss, meeting Phil and Vivien Larcher with their Welsh Mari Lwyd in Boscastle on Samhain 2014, has grown into a fantastic event entitled: The Dark Gathering!

Now that I have lived in Cornwall since 2008, I am no longer a ‘newbie’. The local community has witnessed how difficult it has been and the obstacles that I have overcome. I am sure certain individuals would not have withstood or endured a fraction of what they have directed my way, but that is par for the course. The positives I have experienced far outweigh the negatives and I am still here…….

June 14, 2018 4

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.