Folk Craft Workshop at MWM, Boscastle 2019

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.

September 8, 2019 0

Wise Woman’s Spells and Charms – Memories

I have fond memories of my first visit to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in 1996. I had not visited a venue about the Occult before and was a little apprehensive but also excited.

Museum of Witchcraft 1998

The Museum altered dramatically when Graham King took over as the new owner. On my next visit in 1998, the energy and display within was in complete contrast to what was there before. As I walked around the Museum reading information about the artefacts, I was enchanted by the haunting repetition of the soundtrack of chants.

As I neared Joan’s cottage, it evoked the same feeling as if one was approaching a real Wisewoman’s abode. The sound of her voice from within increased in volume as I turned the corner at the end of the corridor. It had a deep disconcerting tone…… a voice from someone not easily approachable, however in dire circumstances one would need to summon the courage to seek help. This was the voice of a person who could be formidable should you upset them.

I stood in the doorway listening carefully as I observed the cottage, the hearth and real cats that had been stuffed by a taxidermist. There was an energy surrounding these animals as though their spirits were nearby. If you observe Joan long enough you can almost see her move with her fixed gaze on the crystal ball in front of her. I stood there contemplating what it would be like to live in a cottage like this and how an elderly woman would survive the winter months, whether she would manage to attract sufficient work in order to live comfortably.

Before I left the Museum I inquired about the soundtrack and purchased one of the first cassette tapes from the retail outlet. I listened to this tape frequently on returning home and thought about the woman who recorded the spells and charms. I had not met Cassandra at this time and her voice sounded older than her actual age, (the sign of a good actress). I could tell she was a smoker, that brought the image of Granny Boswell puffing on her pipe to mind.

Little did I know what life had in store for me over the following 21 years!

So here I am, living in Cassandra’s cottage, the inspiration for Joan’s cottage at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. I have been taught by the Wisewoman whose voice I first heard on the original recording for the past ten years…… the ‘powers that be’ have taken me on an amazing, unexpected and testing journey.

Last evening Cassandra and I produced the following video footage of her working by the hearth, while listening to the original soundtrack for Joan’s cottage at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. We have heard that many miss the original recording, so we thought it would evoke wonderful memories for them. It certainly does for me! Enjoy!

I recently received this message from someone:

“Hi, sorry for the random message but I wanted to reach out to say thank you to you and Cassandra. I’ve been going to Boscastle for years and was a friend of Graham, and even donated a sea object back to the museum back in 2004. It was part of the original collection on the Isle of Man which was later sold. Anyway, I wanted to say thank you because I recently bought Joan’s Spells CD from the museum shop expecting to hear the original recording by Cassandra, and was really disappointed when it wasn’t. Then I found the video of original soundtrack you made on YouTube it brought back so many magical memories, as well as the voice fitting the installation, which for me the new one doesn’t. Thank you for keeping the magic alive. Blessings to you both x” V.B.

To read Cassandra’s explanation of the Museum soundtrack for Joan’s Cottage go to her article Needs Must When The Devil Drives.

February 6, 2019 2

An Auspicious Dark Gathering in 2018

This year I took on extra responsibility in organizing The Dark Gathering as Cassandra needed help as 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 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. She also arranged with village residents a ‘park and ride’ scheme so disabled folk would find it easier to get to Boscastle. Cassandra has had 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. I first joined them back in 1999 and 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 always remembered even though it had been fifteen years since I last performed with them. I heard that it is also a favourite dance that Beltane Border Morris like to watch.

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 because I had received good training from the Vixen Foreman at that time.

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 all 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 not only gave me a wonderful positive memory of my final Morris dance at The Dark Gathering, it completed the circle by beginning and ending my Morris life with them. It was the most satisfying Morris dance I have participated in 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 8

Morvargh visits Boscastle

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