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 within a group setting or regular visits, as I have lived with my teacher for many years now. We were rarely apart, meaning there was constant tuition and discussion. The last ten years may have brought challenges and hard lessons, however was accompanied by many wonderful moments that made it worthwhile.

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

On February’s full moon phase, I visited Men an Tol, where once again, I was watched 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. I then paused and stood beneath the moon’s rays, feeling her energy and 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 within the following month.

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

The requirement of a ‘fast’ for a period of time was undertaken abstaining from stimulants, plus a long term unconscious habit that I would find challenging to control. Interestingly, this habit now no longer exists!

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 its creation that I followed on 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 ventured out 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 previously. 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 came as no surprise me as 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 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 tentatively approached it and it was only when I neared it, that it reverted back to its original form. I rested my forehead against it, connecting with the energies of the site. After a while, I laid upon the incline of the King stone feeling the breeze rush over my body as it pressed my back 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 the impressions I received at the stone circle and the step I was about to take.

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

The initiation ritual was a wonderful experience and the initiatory words had such potency and meaning. Although my familiar Clutterbuck had entered the spirit world only 5 weeks before this, I still felt his presence as he never failed to join us for celebrations in the physical world. I knew that he would not miss this occasion.

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

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

I 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”.