Archaeology News: Cerne Giant, Charm Lamp, Treasure

I've not done a headlines roundup for a while. However, after reading that National Trust experts have discovered the Cerne Abbas chalk figure dates from the 10th century, I decided it was time for another post with links to news stories. These are all about archaeology that's hopefully of interest to pagans:

"Cerne Giant in Dorset dates from Anglo-Saxon times, analysis suggests" - story at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/may/12/cerne-giant-in-dorset-dates-from-anglo-saxon-times-analysis-suggests

"Israeli archaeologists amazed by 'very rare' 2,000-year-old charm found in City of David" - story at the Express: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1432613/archaeology-news-israel-lucky-lamp-grotesque-face-jerusalem-city-of-david

"Archaeologists excavate Bronze Age treasures in Sweden" - story at Heritage Daily: https://www.heritagedaily.com/2021/04/archaeologists-excavate-bronze-age-treasures-in-sweden/138852

"Back at Butser Ancient Farm" - story at Current Archaeology:  https://archaeology.co.uk/articles/features/back-at-butser-ancient-farm.htm

"From Stonehenge to Petra: How the University of Bradford is helping uncover heritage secrets around the world" - story at Yorkshire Post: https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/education/from-stonehenge-to-petra-how-the-university-of-bradford-is-helping-uncover-heritage-secrets-around-the-world-3233876

"Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight" - story at National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2021/04/archaeologists-discover-mysterious-monument-hidden-in-plain-sight

"Child's burial site tells of early man's emotional life - Kenyan archaeologist" - story at Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/childs-burial-site-tells-early-mans-emotional-life-kenyan-archaeologist-2021-05-12/

Photo credit: Cerne Abbas Giant in 2001 by PeteHarlow. Shared under Creative Commons

UK Census 2021: PF Urges Writing Pagan as Religion

If you live in the UK, you'll be asked to fill in a national census form on 21st March 2021. The Pagan Federation is asking those who feel their religion could be classified as Pagan, to just write "Pagan" under "Any other religion" in answer to Question 16. You can see what it is likely to look like on the English form in the screen shot I took from the Office for National Statistics website.

The Pagan Federation wrote on its website: 

"We’re all aware of the maxim “If you ask 10 Pagans about their path, you’ll get 11 different answers”, which is entirely valid; as a faith with one of the widest umbrella titles of all, we take pride in our paths being as individual as we are.

"However, having as many Pagans answer this question as a simple one-word answer of ‘Pagan’ is crucially important. There has been a massive growth in the number of Pagans in the last 10 years and it would be nice for this to be legitimately quantifiable. A larger number here opens up new opportunities for us and will give our community a bigger voice."

Although there has been some suggestion of a list of specific pagan paths you can choose from, the example form on the ONS site only shows space for 19 letters. At the time of the last census, 10 years ago, pagans were urged to take part in the Pagan-Dash campaign and write the word Pagan, followed by a dash, then their specific path. Examples might have included Pagan-Druid, Pagan-Wiccan or Pagan-Heathen. This time round the PF feels there is more advantage to just writing Pagan.

The PF added: 

"The advantages to us as a community will be massive. We currently fight tirelessly to be represented professionally; from seats on Sacre educational boards and university faith panels, to government consultations and hospital and prison chaplaincies. Having a Pagan ‘Thought for the Day’ was rejected by the BBC on grounds that we don’t even total a 365th of the population; if we can demonstrate our true numbers, this could change."

If there is any more news about this, the PF has promised to post the information on its website. You can find the existing post here: https://www.paganfed.org/census-2021/

Edit: Scotland's census has been delayed until 2022 due to covid. You can find more details here: https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/2022

Previous related post
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/03/pagandash-be-counted-on-2011-census.html

News Stories about Witchcraft and Witch Persecution

It seems there's been a lot of news stories about witchcraft and witch persecution over the last week, and I've done a round-up of links to where you can read them:

"Kilwinning 'witch' Bessie honoured with street name in town" - story at Irvine Times: https://www.irvinetimes.com/news/19072289.kilwinning-witch-bessie-honoured-street-name-town/

"Cutty Sark gets a new figurehead of 'Nannie the Witch'" - story at Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/02/06/cutty-sark-gets-new-figurehead-nannie-witch/

"Persecuted Women of Ghanaian “Witch Camps” Release Field Recordings" - story at NYSMusic: https://nysmusic.com/2021/02/07/persecuted-women-of-ghanaian-witch-camps-release-field-recordings/

"The gruesome story of London's first ever witch to be executed" - story at MyLondon: https://www.mylondon.news/news/nostalgia/gruesome-story-londons-first-ever-19746059

"Young Poet Pays Tribute Women Persecuted as “Witches”" - story at Euro Weekly News: https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2021/02/07/young-poet-pays-tribute-women-persecuted-as-witches/

"Bringing people together through tarot cards" - story at Varsity: https://thevarsity.ca/2021/02/07/bringing-people-together-through-tarot-cards/

"Witch trials and plague beaks: Neil Marshall and Charlotte Kirk on making The Reckoning" - story at Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/witch-trials-plague-beaks-neil-marshall-charlotte-kirk-making/

"Iron Age forts in Angus: Caterthuns reveal stories of wart-riddled witches, fairies and a pot of gold" - story at The Courier: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/outdoors/1945762/iron-age-forts-in-angus-caterthuns-reveal-stories-of-wart-riddled-witches-fairies-and-a-pot-of-gold/

News: Witchcraft, Satanism, History and Magic

 

Here's a round-up of news stories including witchcraft on film, an arson attack on a Satanist's home, links to history, and looks at modern pagan and new age witchcraft.

"‘The Witch of Kings Cross’ (Trailer)" - Details at If .com, with link to the trailer itself above: https://www.if.com.au/the-witch-of-kings-cross-trailer/

"Poughkeepsie arson: Satanists mourn loss of 'Halloween house'" - story at Poughkeepsie journal: https://eu.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/2021/01/15/poughkeepsie-arson-satanists-mourn-loss-halloween-house/4178187001/

"The farmer’s boy and the ship of gold: uncovering the treasures of Sutton Hoo" - story at The Observer: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jan/17/the-farmers-boy-and-the-ship-of-gold-uncovering-the-treasures-of-sutton-hoo?

 "400 year old Toxteth chapel with surprising link to the Salem witch trials" - a look at history in the Liverpool Echo: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/400-year-old-toxteth-chapel-19624042

"A peek into the average day of a real new-age witch" - story at Metro: https://metro.co.uk/2021/01/15/a-peek-into-the-average-day-of-a-real-life-modern-witch-13903594/

"New shop will stock supplies for witches" - story at Uckfield News: https://uckfieldnews.com/new-shop-will-stock-supplies-for-witches/

"Love spells: a beginners guide" - at cosmopolitan.com: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a35200265/love-spells/

News: Witchcraft Persecutions in History and Now

 

 This round-up of news stories shows that while modern pagan witchcraft is relatively mainstream in many countries, persecution of old women accused of being witches still takes place in some. There are also news stories about modern looks at historic witch trials and a commemoration of the past:

"Song about witch trials released by descendant of one of the victims" - Story at East Lothian Courier: https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/18884074.song-witch-trials-released-descendant-one-victims/  (You listen to the song on video at YouTube, shared above)

"This Exhibit About Witch Hunting Is Not About Donald Trump (But It's Still Politically Spellbinding)" - story at Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathonkeats/2020/11/20/this-exhibit-about-witch-hunting-is-not-about-donald-trump-but-its-still-politically-spellbinding/

"Branded 'witch', 70-year-old woman tortured at Assam tea garden, sustains injuries" - story at The New Indian Express: https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/nov/19/branded-witch-70-year-old-woman-tortured-atassam-tea-garden-sustains-injuries-2225523.html 

"Gender Ministry announces plans to disband witch camps" - story at Ghana Business News: https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2020/11/21/gender-ministry-announces-plans-to-disband-witch-camps/

"Kenyans: Stop Burning Witches, Witchcraft Is Superstition By Leo Igwe" - story at SaharaReporters.com: http://saharareporters.com/2020/11/21/kenyans-stop-burning-witches-witchcraft-superstition-leo-igwe

News: Witches, Occult, Stonehenge, New Stone Circle

Here's a round-up of recent news stories including a modern stone circle constructed in Kent, concerns about the Stonehenge bypass, plans for a witchcraft museum, a supernatural podcast and witches on film.

"Whitstable's version of Stonehenge? New stone circle installed at Duncan Down village green" - story at Kent Online: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/whitstable/news/stonehenge-style-new-addition-for-kent-park-237093/

"A new touring witch hunt museum could be created for East Anglia"- story at the Daily Gazette: https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/18857729.museum-honour-victims-witch-hunt

"Druidic trees stand watch over relics of the Iron Age" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/comment/druidic-trees-stand-watch-over-relics-of-the-iron-age-lr5zl58kh 

 "Builders digging tunnel beneath Stonehenge will be haunted by ancient spirit, Britain’s druid king warns" - story at The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13193581/stonehenge-tunnel-builders-haunted-ghosts-warning/ 

 "Kesha to Launch Podcast About Supernatural Experiences and the Occult" - story at Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kesha-and-the-creepies-podcast-1090145/

"Tickle, Tickle: A History Of The Witch On Film" - story at The Quietus: https://thequietus.com/articles/29224-film-the-witches-history

News: Stonehenge, Historic Witches, Murder Inquiry

Here is a round-up of recent news stories about Stonehenge, witchcraft history and an accusation of murder:

"Druids face defeat as bulldozers get set for Stonehenge bypass" - story at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/07/druids-face-defeat-as-bulldozers-get-set-for-stonehenge-bypass? 

 "'I was sceptical about Cornwall's dark arts. Then I met a witch'" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i-was-sceptical-about-cornwalls-dark-arts-then-i-met-a-witch-969c03lnj 

"Fife witches to be remembered in virtual conference" - story at centralfifetimes.com: https://www.centralfifetimes.com/news/18851612.fife-witches-remembered-virtual-conference/ 

"Man 'Sacrifices' Daughter in India to Perform Witchcraft in Bid to Find Hidden Treasure" - story at Sputnik International: https://sputniknews.com/india/202011061081044583-man-sacrifices-daughter-in-india-to-perform-witchcraft-in-bid-to-find-hidden-treasure/

"Artists Shed Light on the History of Witch Hunts and How Fear Spreads Through Communities in a New Show in Denmark" - story at artnet: https://news.artnet.com/exhibitions/witch-hunt-show-denmark-1919283 

"Eerie Witches’ Marks Found Among Ruins of Medieval English Church" - story at Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/witch-markings-thought-ward-evil-spirits-are-discovered-england-180976112/

Witchcraft News: History, Persecution and Culture

Here's a round-up of recent news stories about witchcraft. They include a look at history, modern-day persecutions, books on folklore, movies and culture.

"Rough Trade Books delves into magic and folklore for its latest editions" - a look at pamphlets created by Rough Trade Books in conjunction with the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, at Creative Review: https://www.creativereview.co.uk/rough-trade-books-magic/

"Women accused of witchcraft commemorated at Fife heritage trail launch" - story at The Courier: https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/local/fife/1559245/awaiting-pics-women-accused-of-witchcraft-commemorated-at-fife-heritage-trail-launch/

"Ghost of Scots witch captured in terrifying photo at the Clootie Well" - story at Scottish Daily Record: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotland-now/ghost-scots-witch-captured-terrifying-22643917

"Witch Persecution And Court System In Akamkpa, Cross River State By Leo Igwe" - story at SaharaReporters.com: http://saharareporters.com/2020/09/05/witch-persecution-and-court-system-akamkpa-cross-river-state-leo-igwe

"18 Gifts That Your Witchy Friend Will Actually Use" - Witchy gift tips that are actually quite appealing Cosmopolitan.com: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g33928897/gifts-for-witches/

"Black Magic Women: The 10 Scariest Movie Witches" - story at Screen Rant: https://screenrant.com/scariest-movie-witches/

"Set in Uganda, This Coming-of-Age Story Contains Universal Themes" - a review of A Girl is a Body of Water, by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, at New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/01/books/review/a-girl-is-a-body-of-water-jennifer-nansubuga-makumbi.html

"L'Étrange 2020 Review: THE WITCH OF KING'S CROSS, The Soul of a Great Artist Laid Bare" - story at ScreenAnarchy: https://screenanarchy.com/2020/09/letrange-2020-review-the-witch-of-kings-cross-the-soul-of-a-great-artist-laid-bare.html

"As feminist women reclaim the world 'witch', interest in churails and daayans not dying anytime soon" - story at Economic Times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/as-feminist-women-reclaim-the-world-witch-interest-in-churails-daayans-not-dying-anytime-soon/articleshow/77881959.cms

News: Stonehenge, Witchcraft, Magic & Baby Names

Here's a round-up of an extremely varied range of recent news stories about witches, magic and the occult. They range from theories about Stonehenge, to a horrific crime by a self-styled "black witch", to persecutions in Ghana, to details of books on magic and paganism, to folklore and even witchy baby names.

"Why and how was Stonehenge built? Theories on the ancient architects explained, after sarsen stones discovery" - story at iNews: https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/tonehenge-built-why-how-who-when-theories-sarsen-stones-marlborough-west-woods-566420

"Cannibal 'black witch' shouted 'I'm evil' before sadistic sex attack on elderly man" - story at Mirror.co.uk: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/cannibal-black-witch-shouted-im-22450208

"Should witch-camps in Ghana be closed down?" - story at GhanaWeb: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/Should-witch-camps-in-Ghana-be-closed-down-1023430

"I have killed many 'witches', please forgive me" - story at Graphic Online: https://www.graphic.com.gh/features/opinion/i-have-killed-many-witches-please-forgive-me.html

"Cannabis, Sex, And The Occult: A Conversation With Sophie Saint Thomas" - interview with Sophie Saint Thomas, author of the forthcoming Sex Witch: Magickal Spells for Love, Lust, and Self-Protection, at Benzinga: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/08/16837495/cannabis-sex-and-the-occult-a-conversation-with-sophie-saint-thomas

"Summerland review: Gemma Arterton's wartime evacuation drama has a sensual pagan heart" - book review at Telegraph.co.uk: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/summerland-review-gemma-artertons-wartime-evacuation-drama-has/

"Magic in Islam" - interview with Mr Messaoud Boudjenoun, author of Islam and the mysteries of the supernatural world, at Kawa News: https://kawa-news.com/en/magic-in-islam/

"Black witch moths appear in Yucatan, an ominous omen for some" - stpry at Yucatán Expat Life: https://yucatanexpatlife.com/black-butterflies-appear-in-yucatan-an-ominous-omen-for-some/

"20 Witchy Baby Names" - story at CafeMom: https://thestir.cafemom.com/pregnancy/226404/witchy-baby-names

News: Witches, Curses, Persecution, Pagans & History

Here is a round-up of news stories including young witches cursing the moon, discovery of a witch bottle, plans for teaching Aleister Crowley's magic, witch persecution and a look at history, archaeology and art:

"TikTok Witches Are Claiming to Have Cast a Hex on the Moon" - story at Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/tiktok-witches-cast-hex-moon-1519022

"New Orleans Man Finds 'Witch Bottle' With Teeth Inside Buried In Ground By Mississippi River" - Story at UNILAD: https://www.unilad.co.uk/life/new-orleans-man-finds-witch-bottle-with-teeth-inside-buried-in-ground-by-mississippi-river/

"Restored Boleskine House to promote doctrines of 'sex magick' occultist Aleister Crowley" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/restored-mansion-to-promote-doctrines-of-sex-magick-occultist-aleister-crowley-vv32z80gn

"Tackling Witch Persecution Amid COVID19 Pandemic in Africa" - story at Modern Ghana: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1016956/tackling-witch-persecution-amid-covid19-pandemic.html

"Julian Clary on his new pagan beliefs and saucy persona, Odette" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/julian-clary-on-his-new-pagan-beliefs-and-saucy-persona-odette-rjrfczx0b

"Netflix Cursed: Could the cast survive medieval times?" - interviews with the creators and cast at BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/newsbeat-53417705

"The Druids: Philosophers, Politicians, Priests or Sorcerers?" - A look at historical sources on druidry at HowStuffWorks: https://history.howstuffworks.com/european-history/druids.htm

"Vast Temple Complex Found at Navan Fort in Northern Ireland" - story at Ancient Origins: https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/navan-fort-0013992

"Who was this witch's occult rival? The great British art quiz" story at The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/jul/10/great-british-art-quiz-royal-cornwall-museum

"Surreal Santa Rosa Art Show Looks at the Occult in America" - story at Bohemian: https://www.bohemian.com/BohoBlog/archives/2020/07/01/surreal-santa-rosa-art-show-looks-at-the-occult-in-america

News: Iron-Age Murder, Crowley's Home & Witchcraft

Here is a round-up of news stories about paganism, archaeology, witchcraft and 'witch' persecutions:

"Iron Age 'mystery' murder victim found in Wendover" - story at BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-53366209

"Row over house that belonged to Jimmy Page and Aleister Crowley" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/row-over-house-that-belonged-to-jimmy-page-and-aleister-crowley-gvdr2pj3q

"Child Witch Persecution And Police Intervention In Ogun State By Leo Igwe" - story at SaharaReporters.com: http://saharareporters.com/2020/07/12/child-witch-persecution-and-police-intervention-ogun-state-leo-igwe

On a lighter note, folktales, games and is it too early to think about Samhain?

"These Witch Quotes Will Add Some Magic to Your Halloween Celebrations" - story at MSN Money: https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/books/these-witch-quotes-will-add-some-magic-to-your-halloween-celebrations/ss-AAADNrc?

"The spooky history of Black Castle in South Queensferry and its wicked witches" - story at Edinburgh Live: https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/spooky-history-black-castle-south-18582159

"Ghostly goings on at Dumbarton Castle inspired local author's historical tales" - story at Scottish Daily Record: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/ghostly-goings-dumbarton-castle-inspired-22335735

The Sims game gets witchy: "The Sims 4: 10 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy Realm of Magic" - story at TheGamer: https://www.thegamer.com/sims-4-know-before-buying-realm-of-magic/

News: Tree Burning, Pagan Celebration and Witchcraft

Here is a round-up of recent news stories, including a fire at a sacred tree, celebrations in Belarus, iconoclasm in the ancient world, and witchcraft on TikTok and TV:

"Sacred ancient 'solstice' tree that is more than 500 years old and visited by thousands of Druids every year is destroyed in 'arson attack'" - story at Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8501951/Sacred-ancient-solstice-tree-visited-thousands-Druids-year-destroyed-arson-attack.html

"Ivana-Kupala In Belarus: A Pagan Celebration" - Story at Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty: https://www.rferl.org/a/ivana-kupala-in-belarus-a-folk-celebration/30711650.html

"Why WitchTok Self-Care Is The TikTok Subculture To Know" - story at British Vogue: https://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/article/witchtok

""The Darkening Age" Author Catherine Nixey: "They Mutilated Statues All Over The Ancient World"" - story at RealClearPolitics: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2020/07/05/the_darkening_age_author_catherine_nixey_they_mutilated_statues_all_over_the_ancient_world.html

"Everything We Know About The Witches Reboot" - story at Screen Rant: https://screenrant.com/witches-reboot-movie-updates-release-date-story/

"Is The Good Witch Renewed for Season 7?" - story at TV Guide: https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-good-witch-renewed-or-canceled-for-season-7/

News: Witches, Viking Ship, Stonehenge and the Occult

Here is a round-up of recent news stories about witchcraft, witch beliefs, the excavation of a Viking ship, Stonehenge, and Nazi interest in the occult:

"These Parents Told Their 'Harry Potter' Loving Daughter She Was a Witch and People Are Divided" - story at Tyla: https://www.tyla.com/life/life-news-parents-tell-daughter-shes-witch-harry-potter-reddit-post-backlash-20200629

"First Viking Ship Excavation in a Century Begins in Norway" - story at BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53204948

"The Witch Stone of Great Leighs" - story at Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/witch-stone-great-leighs

"Stonehenge Hip-hop Tempts TikTok teens" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/stonehenge-hip-hop-tempts-tiktok-teens-dlldlgb69

"‘Buried Worlds with Don Wildman’ Episode 4 delves into the Nazis’ obsession with the occult and ancient lore" - story at Checkersaga: https://checkersaga.com/buried-worlds-with-don-wildman-episode-4-delves-into-the-nazis-obsession-with-the-occult-and-ancient-lore/49812/

News: Solstice, Paganism & a Historic Wise Woman

Here are some links to a few recent news stories about the Summer Solstice, paganism and witchcraft folklore:

"Coronavirus Scotland: Pagans urged to avoid visiting two Scots isle stone circles on summer solstice" - story at The Scottish Sun: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5698892/pagans-summer-solstice-lewis-orkney-coronavirus/

"'Please don't travel' to Stonehenge warning ahead of summer solstice" - story at Somerset Live: https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/stonehenge-summer-solstice-dont-travel-4218335

"Moon Eats Venus, Creates ‘Solstice Ring Of Fire Eclipse’: What You Can See In The Night Sky This Week" - story at Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2020/06/14/moon-eats-venus-creates-solstice-ring-of-fire-eclipse-what-you-can-see-in-the-night-sky-this-week/#362beb8a7ede

"The pagan with dreams of creating an off-grid community in the Devon woods" - story at Devon Live: https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/pagan-dreams-creating-grid-community-4221070

"WEIRD NORFOLK: The wise woman of North Walsham who could repel the evil eye" - story at Eastern Daily Press: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/weird-norfolk-witch-north-walsham-curse-1-6697448

The picture at the top shows the Ring of Brodgar.

News: Witches, Witchcraft and Witch Hunts

Here is a round-up of recent news stories and review of books on witches, witchcraft and witch hunts in history and current times:

"Witches, child killers and brothel keepers - and the injustices of being a woman" - story at Scotland on Sunday about a new exhibition in Aberdeen called Outcasts, on women and crime: https://www.scotsman.com/heritage/witches-child-killers-and-brothel-keepers-and-the-injustices-of-being-a-woman-1-5091962

"The Bargarran Witches – Devil's Marks, curses and the witch trials of 1697" - a look at witchcraft history at Glasgow Live: https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/history/bargarran-witch-trials-1697-14162436

"Bangladesh: Woman branded as witch, blamed for husband's death" - story at Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/bangladesh-woman-branded-as-witch-blamed-for-husbands-death-1.1582092207845

"Hanged for witchcraft: book gives rare insight into 17th Century witch trials" - news story about the auction of a rare book, at ITV News: https://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2020-02-10/hanged-for-witchcraft-book-gives-rare-insight-into-17th-century-witch-trials/

"A Deadly Storm, a Witch Hunt and a Village Without Men" - a look at a novel, the Mercies, based on the witch trials in Vardo, Norway: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/12/books/review/mercies-kiran-millwood-hargrave.html

"Mannequin wearing witch's costume appears in County Square shopping centre" - story at Kent Online: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/ghost-of-debenhams-past-appears-in-shop-window-222243/

"YouTube witch has 'more followers than the Church of England'" - story at the Daily Star: https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/youtube-witch-more-followers-church-21516988

News: Witchcraft, Wicca, Paganism and the Occult

Here is a round-up of recent news stories about paganism, witchcraft and the occult as well as links to post about Wicca, witchcraft and the supernatural on TV, in art and in a library:

"St. Brigid offers healing for today’s divided world: How an ancient Irish saint confronts injustice, teaches peace, and offers hope for today’s troubled times" - an article on a Catholic site about a sacred figure that Christians and Pagans both honour, at US Catholic: https://www.uscatholic.org/articles/202001/st-brigid-offers-healing-todays-divided-world-31944

"Man arrested over 'occult' attacks on farm animals" - story at FarmersWeekly. A police organisation has also confirmed that the man arrested in not a member of the pagan community. Story at: https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/crime/man-arrested-over-occult-attacks-on-farm-animals

"'Satanists' repeatedly break in to Lincolnshire church to perform animal sacrifice rituals" - story at LincolnshireLive: https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/satanists-repeatedly-break-lincolnshire-church-3781834

"'Blue moon' murder case: State rests, defense calls ordained Wiccan minister to testify" - story at Pensacola News Journal: https://eu.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2020/01/28/pensacola-blue-moon-murder-trial-wiccan-minister-testifies-defense-donald-hartung/4596883002/

"'Witch bottle' found in Virginia dates to the Civil War" - story at Livescience.com: https://www.livescience.com/witch-bottle-civil-war.html

"A Modern Witch’s Guide to Paris: Where to Find the Occult and Esoteric" - Travel feature at Frenchly: https://frenchly.us/where-to-find-the-occult-and-esoteric-in-paris/

"The Art Angle Podcast: How the Art World Fell Under the Spell of the Occult" - details about a podcast, at artnet News: https://news.artnet.com/the-art-angle/the-art-angle-podcast-spiritual-1762221

"Double, double toil and trouble – help a witch escape Selby library" - Details of a witch-themed escape room at North Yorkshire County: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/article/double-double-toil-and-trouble-help-witch-escape-selby-library

"Here's What CAOS Is Teaching Us About Pagans… and What Pagans Actually Did" - story about the TV series Sabrina at Refinery29: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/01/9295820/pagans-green-man-history-chilling-adventures-of-sabrina#

The picture at the top shows the crypt chapel at St Bride's Church in London.

News & Culture: Witches, Witchcraft & Witch Hunts

Here is a round-up of recent stories about witches, witchcraft and witch hunts in the news, books and history:

"My mother-in-law is a witch and put a curse on me (and other bizarre excuses for not filing a tax return" - story at Bridport and Lyme Regis News: https://www.bridportnews.co.uk/news/18177720.mother-in-law-witch-put-curse-bizarre-excuses-not-filing-tax-return/

"Trump knows nothing of witch hunts" - story at Otago Daily Times: https://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/trump-knows-nothing-witch-hunts

"Old woman branded a witch, severely beaten up in Bengal" - story at Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/old-woman-branded-a-witch-severely-beaten-up-in-bengal/1714296

"Susan A. Penta's New Book 'Suzy and the Witch' is a Heartwarming Tale That Shares the Newfound Friendship Between Suzy and a Witch" - Press release at Digital Journal: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/4561628

"Step Into The Land Of Dark Magic In India" - Travel feature at Outlook India: https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/70184/step-into-the-land-of-dark-magic-in-mayong-assam

"How mum's 'white witch' brew of chicken feet and pigs' trotters led to £10m business in just three years" - story at https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/how-mums-white-witch-brew-3743861

"There's a folk horror occult escape room talking over a subterranean Glasgow pub" - story at Glasgow Live: https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/whats-on/theres-folk-horror-occult-escape-17579570

"WEIRD NORFOLK: A village row in Runhall which became a witch hunt" - story at Eastern Daily Press: https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/weird-norfolk-runhall-witch-1-6471305

"How to Tell Your Fortune by Reading Tea Leaves, According to a Real Witch" - story at StyleCaster: https://stylecaster.com/how-to-read-tea-leaves/

Archaeology News: Underworlds, Idols & Death Houses

Here is a round-up of news stories about archaeological finds that reveal information about our pagan past:

"How 3500-year-old 'entrance to another world' was uncovered near Peterborough" - story at Express.co.uk: https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1228357/archaeology-news-entrance-another-world-found-flag-fen-peterborough-francis-pryor-spt

"The ancient Anglesey finds of 'international importance' that you can now see for first time" - story at North Wales Live: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/ancient-anglesey-finds-international-importance-17578586

"Archaeology news: Scandinavian warriors buried in ‘death houses' stun archaeologists" - story at The Express: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1229471/Archaeology-news-Scandinavian-warriors-buried-Death-House-Poland-archaeologists

"This Inca Idol Survived the Spanish Conquest. 500 Years later, Archaeologists Are Unveiling Its History" - story at Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/pachacamac-idol-ancient-peru-180973996/

"The upheaval of HS2 is manna for for treasure-hungry archaeologists" - story at The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-upheaval-of-hs2-is-manna-for-treasure-hungry-archaeologists-m3qh8g9sd#

"Historic England: 10 English archaeological finds of the decade" - story at BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50895746

News: Round-up of Stories on Witches & Witchcraft

Back in December, I was one of the witches interviewed for news story in SWLondoner: "Witches descend on south west London for the spookiest events in the occult calendar". You can read it here: https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/witches-descend-on-south-west-london/

Here is a round-up of other news stories about witches, witchcraft and witch hunts:

"From witches to ducks via Hibs stars: Edinburgh residents asked for suggestions on new street names for Capital" - story at Edinburgh News: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/witches-ducks-hibs-stars-edinburgh-residents-asked-suggestions-new-street-names-capital-1351654

"A case of 'criminal lunacy': The sad killing of a Mayo pensioner" - story at Irish Times: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/offbeat/a-case-of-criminal-lunacy-the-sad-killing-of-a-mayo-pensioner-1.4128147

"The area of Leicester that may be named after a flesh-eating demon witch" - story at Leicestershire Live: https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/area-leicester-named-after-flesh-3697903

"Queer witches embrace alternate spiritualities" - story at Colorado Springs Independent: https://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/queer-witches-embrace-alternate-spiritualities/Content?oid=20968174

"A Witch's Guide to the New Year: Practical Magic 2020" - story at TeenVogue.com: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/witchs-guide-to-the-new-year

"You Can Get All The Witchy Vibes At This 2-Day Hex Fest In New Orleans This Summer" - story at Narcity: https://www.narcity.com/things-to-do/us/la/new-orleans/new-orleans-witch-festival-is-this-summer-is-a-weekend-full-of-magic

"'Becky Nurse of Salem' Dissects the Cliché of the Witch-Hunt" - story at SFist: https://sfist.com/2020/01/03/becky-nurse-of-salem-dissects-the-cliche/

'Supernatural' Figures, Strange Stones & Celtic Warrior

If you want a change from political news today, here is a round-up of stories in the press about archaeology:

"Ancient discovery show ‘supernatural’ figures for first time" - story at the Express: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1216305/archaeology-news-cave-art-indonesia-world-archaeology-supernatural-discovery

"Mysterious stone-carved objects discovered in ancient archaeology dig" - story about a discover on Orkney at The Press and Journal: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/islands/1908705/mysterious-stone-carved-objects-discovered-in-ancient-archaeology-dig/

"Archaeologists Unearth Celtic Warrior Grave Complete With Chariot, Elaborate Shield" - story at Smithsonian: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/celtic-chariot-grave-found-england-includes-horses-and-elaborate-shield-180973730/

"Archaeologists accidentally break eggs that had been going off for 1,700 years" - story at The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/roman-chicken-eggs-find-aylesbury-oxford-archaeology-a9236226.html

Oh, and one political story about archaeologists:
"Museum of London Archaeology staff strike over pay outside Hoxton HQ" - story at the Hackney Gazette: https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/museum-of-london-archaeology-mola-staff-strike-over-pay-1-6421961