Witch Room Tales: An Instrument to Call the Storms

It seems some of us have had a little rain after weeks of relentless heatwave. It wasn't my fault. At least, I don't *think* it was.

I do own an instrument that seems to summon storms, though. You can see it in the picture above, at the back of a cluttered shelf in my witch room, behind a chalice and a black dog ornament.

It has been there for ages, but I did get it down the other day - just in order to take the photo on the right - and I couldn't resist giving it a bit of a shake.

You see, I'd been chatting about the ethics of doing magic to summon rain on two different Facebook pages. Some people felt it should simply never be done, either because it was wrong to tamper with nature or because you couldn't tell if the consequences would be disastrous. Others felt it was okay so long you thought about it carefully, or did a divination to check you wouldn't do more harm than good.

The discussions reminded me of my rainmaker, and I decided to get it down to photograph for my Tales of the Witch Room blog posts. I wasn't actually intending to call the rain, even though I admit I had thought about it.

I bought that rainmaker at a music festival on a day that was grey with storm clouds. Everyone kept feeling ominous drips of rain. The rainmaker was on a stall. I was sitting nearby on the grass enjoying some cider with friends and listening to a band on the stage some way off. But the music kept being interrupted by a sound like crashes of thunder. It seemed everyone who passed that stall just had to pick up the rainmaker and give it a good shake. It is pretty loud.

It wasn't the noisy interruptions that made me decide to walk over to the stall and buy the rainmaker. I bought it because it seemed that every time someone used it, the drops of rain became more frequent. Call me superstitious, but I didn't want any increased chance of getting drenched somewhere in a field in Hampshire.

I would add that I'm not averse to doing weather magic. Also on the shelf in the photo you can see a stone with a hole used for a spell for sunshine.

In the past witches and cunning folk were often asked to perform weather magic. Sometimes it was to help sailors get a good wind; other times it was to allow farmers to get their crops in safely.

However, I do agree with those who say it is always sensible to think about the consequences of any magic you intend to do.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/03/weather-magic-spell-to-make-sun-shine.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/06/spells-weather-magic-wind-knots-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/storms-and-spring-tides.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/05/tales-from-witch-room-three-legged-stool.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/04/tales-from-witch-room-pointy-hats.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2018/02/witch-room-tales-saving-alan-leos-papers.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/12/tales-from-witch-room-decorating-done.html

What Are You Planning To Do Over Easter?

So the Easter holidays are here at last - four days of doing what I want. What I usually like at this time are country walks or going to the seaside and perhaps beachcombing for things washed up or revealed by the spring tides.

However, the weather forecast looks as though it won't exactly be conducive to that. I'm more likely to be indoors out of the rain.

So, I've turned to a book I edited - Every Day Magic - A Pagan Book of Days - to get some inspiration for indoor activities.

One of the suggestions for early April is an entry I wrote myself on creating a mandala:

Create a Mandala: Traditional mandalas were originally works of art containing symbols from Hindu and Buddhist spirituality, used for meditation. They were often circular. Create a modern, personal mandala. Get out paper, pencils, paints and pens. Draw a circle and fill it with symbols, shapes and patterns that are meaningful to you and colour it in, then meditate on it.

I actually created mandalas each month last year as observations of the cycle of the seasons. You can see one in the photo to the right. I really enjoyed it too. Mine did involve a little going outdoors, as I included flowers from my own garden in each of the patterns but, as the entry above says, you can just use pens, pencils and paint.

Another idea appropriate for the festival of Easter is to do a meditation on the symbolism of eggs:

Egg Lore: Eggs are symbols of birth, resurrection and creation in cultures worldwide. In India, China, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, Gods, Goddesses – even life itself – were said to have hatched from eggs. In alchemy, the egg represents the four elements vital for life. The shell represents earth, the membrane represents air, the white represents water and the yolk represents fire. The crucible in which alchemists attempt to make the philosopher’s stone is called the philosopher’s egg. Meditate and visualise new life hatching. Consider what it means to you.

March 31 is also when the moon is full - and it is a blue moon as it is the second in the month. The Every Day Magic entry for March 31, by Mélusine Draco, says this:

Lunae in Aventino: Festival of Luna, Goddess of the Moon, who later became identified with Diana. Go outside tonight, observe the Moon and pour a libation in honour of the Goddess Luna.

If it is really wet, you could observe the moon through a window, do an indoor ritual to honour Luna, then pop on your wellies and raincoat just to go out and pour the libation. It doesn't have to be a large libation - you can always enjoy the rest of the bottle yourself in the warm and dry.

Easter Monday is on April 2, which is also International Children’s Book Day and Hans Christian Andersen’s Birthday. The entry for the day in Every Day Magic offers this idea:

Try fairytale bibliomancy – pick a book of fairy tales, open it at random and read that story. What divinatory message does it have for you?

Staying indoors and curling up reading a good book is always something I enjoy when the weather is grim. I suspect I'll be doing quite a bit of it over the Easter holidays - nothing wrong with that.

But what are you planning to do over Easter?  Whatever it is, I hope you have a lovely holiday.

You can order Every Day Magic - A Pagan Book of Days via Amazon.

A Round-up of News about the Spring Equinox

Today is the Spring Equinox, when the day and night are of equal length. It is also the Pagan festival of Ostara and is the first day of spring in the astronomical calendar.

The meteorological calendar counts the first day of spring as starting on March 1, because of normal weather patterns. Mind you, this year's late snows make it feel as though winter really did only end yesterday.

Here is a round-up of news stories about the Spring Equinox:

"Spring equinox 2018: When is it, what is it and why is it significant?" - Story at the Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/spring-equinox-2018-meaning-definition-date-first-day-march-vernal-northern-hemisphere-a8263191.html

"Celebrate the spring equinox with these 8 traditions – egg laying bunnies to the Horned God" - story at the Metro: http://metro.co.uk/2018/03/20/celebrate-the-spring-equinox-with-these-8-traditions-egg-laying-bunnies-to-the-horned-god-7388947/

"5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Spring Equinox" - story at How Stuff Works: https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophysics/5-things-didnt-know-about-spring-equinox.htm

"The 2018 spring equinox has arrived — here's what it is and how it works" - story at Business Insider: http://uk.businessinsider.com/when-spring-equinox-happens-march-2018-03

"Why do people try to balance eggs upright during the spring equinox?" - story at Tri-City Herald: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article205817339.html

"Why does spring make us happier, more sociable and more optimistic?" - story at iNews: https://inews.co.uk/news/uk/spring-optimistic-positive/

Weather Magic: A Spell to Make the Sun Shine

Are you bored with the bad weather? Fancy trying a spell to make the sun shine?

Here is some folk magic I was taught by a friend many years ago that is intended to part the grey clouds and help the sun show its face.

All you need is a stone with a hole - sometimes called a hag stone - and a length of yellow wool. Tie one end of the wool through the hole. Then wrap it around the stone, threading it through the hole and around the edges.

Continue around the stone, wrapping it with wool so you get something like the stone in the photo to the right (although you might be able to do it more evenly than I did).

As you go, visualise grey clouds being dispelled and the sun shining in blue skies.

As with most real-life spells, you won't get an instantaneous result. However, with a bit of luck, you could see an improvement in the weather over the course of the day.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/06/spells-weather-magic-wind-knots-and.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/storms-and-spring-tides.html

Tips to Combat the Bad Weather Blues

British people moaning about the weather is, I would say, an accurate stereotype. We can have five seasons in one day. And for any of us pagans planning an outdoor ritual or trip to a festival, a brolly or rain poncho is essential. The photo at the right shows me wearing mine at one wet event (along with sunglasses and some fetching green lipstick), while I took the picture at the top on an August trip to Uffington White Horse when it was so wet and foggy it was hard to find the ancient chalk figure on top of the hill.

Apparently the average person living in Britain spends 104 hours, almost five full days each year - that's 10 month of our lives - moaning about the weather, according to a new report. We average 120 minutes every week complaining about the lack of sunshine. That’s the equivalent of four days and seven hours every year, according to Tetley’s State of the Summer Report, which the tea producer commissioned with weather and psychological specialists to coincide with the launch of its new Sunshine Tea with Vitamin D.

According to the figures, we check the forecast eight times a week, discussing the outcome with partners and work colleagues at least five times a week. There has been a financial cost too: the research revealed that the poor summer weather has cost those of us living in Britain an average of £149 each over the summer months, due to cancelled events, wasted food and clothes we never got to wear. On average, we have had to cancel five planned summer activities, including three failed walks in the country, one abandoned BBQ and two postponed day trips.

The Tetley State of Summer report also confirms the UK’s summer was a “wash out”, with average rainfall and weather systems during this summer more typical of winter months, in the words of leading meteorologist, Prof Liz Bentley.

To restore help restore some feel good factor, Tetley worked with psychologist Honey Langcaster-James, to explore the impact a lack of sunshine has on the mood of the nation, and to find some suggestions for combating our resulting frustration.

She said: “A sunny day can boost the mood and lift the spirit. But after a summer deemed by 44 per cent of Brits as a ‘wash-out’, it’s important to find those little things that evoke that summertime feeling looking ahead.

“Getting regular exercise has been proven to help boost mood and reduce symptoms associated with depression, so it’s more important than ever during the winter months to make time for exercise. On a smaller scale, little touches like using a bright light box, designed to mimic dawn with bright sunlight early in the morning to wake you up naturally, as well as summertime scented bath products and toiletries can help evoke that summer feeling.

“Maintain your Vitamin D levels by eating a diet rich with foods that contain Vitamin D, and from food supplements or enhanced drinks like Tetley’s new Sunshine Super Tea."

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/08/pagan-eye-uffington-white-horse-in-rain.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/07/pagan-eye-flowers-in-rain.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/02/pagan-eye-sunshine-after-storms.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2016/06/glastonbury-festival-more-mud-max-than.html

Pagan Eye: Witches Gather at Uffington White Horse

I've just got home from a rather wet holiday, staying at a pub called the Fox and Hounds near the Uffington White Horse. Despite the grim August Bank Holiday weather I felt absolutely at home. Just before I left, I realised why that might be as I spotted a sign in the pub window, through which you can see the famous White Horse on the distant hills. The sign said: "Witches gather here."

Yes, indeed they do.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/08/pagan-eye-uffington-white-horse-in-rain.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/08/white-horses-of-england.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/10/pagan-eye-westbury-white-horse.html
http://www.uffingtonpub.co.uk/
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-horse-hill/

News: Rain Magic, Curses, Witchcraft, Summer

"The Mexican Town That Fist Fights to Summon Rain" - story at Vice: http://www.vice.com/en_uk/video/blood-for-water-fighting-for-the-rainy-season-in-mexico-151

"Horrified man finds chilling 'witch voodoo curse' on beach with picture of mystery stranger" - story at the Mirror: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/horrified-man-finds-chilling-witch-5831272?

"When Is the First Day of Summer 2015?" - story at Heavy: http://heavy.com/social/2015/05/when-is-the-first-day-of-summer-solstice-date-time/

Pagan Eye: London Skyline from the Horniman Gardens

It may be autumn, but it seems like we still have at least a few days of glorious sunshine and high temperatures left. Here's a picture of the City of London skyline with Horniman Gardens, South London, in the foreground. I took the photo yesterday while enjoying a picnic on the lawn.

My advice is, get out there and make the most of the lovely weather before the last of summer fades.

On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. I'm not quite sure what I'll be including - it could be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or just a pretty picture.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Previous related posts and links:
Horniman Museum and Gardens
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/07/pagan-eye-flowers-in-rain.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/11/days-out-english-ritual-year-exhibition.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/08/pagan-eye-moon-on-lake.html

Pagan Eye: Flowers in the Rain

English people are always grumbling about the weather aren't they? Last year it was too wet and I was moaning about the snails eating everything in my garden, this year we get a few weeks of real summer and I've been moaning that I'm too hot.

Well, last night it rained - really rained - and it was lovely. This morning I wandered around my garden enjoying the cool wet grass under my feet and photographing the raindrops on my roses and hollyhocks - and remembering an old hippy song from the 60s or early 70s called "Flowers in the Rain" that seemed just right!

And I'll try not to moan about the weather any more - although maybe it is just a bit too humid still :)

On each Pagan Eye post, I show a photo that I find interesting, with a few words about it. I'm not quite sure what I'll be including - it could be a seasonal image, a pagan site, an event, or just a pretty picture.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Previous related posts and links:
Snails in the Rain
Hollyhocks and High Summer
Bees and Hollyhocks
The Move Flowers in the Rain

Spells: Weather Magic, Wind Knots and Knot Spells

David, who reads my blog, sent me an interesting question about weather magic. He said: “I was wondering if you could give me a few good tips on making wind knots. I've been looking online, but I wasn't sure if it seemed legit. It would be great if you could help.”

Wind knots are definitely documented as a practice in traditional magic. In Traditional Witchcraft for the Seashore, author Melusine Draco states:

“Beneficent witches... were often called upon to provide a weather spell in the form of a knotted string. The following was recorded c1350 in the Polychronicon by Ranulph Higden: ‘[In the Isle of Man] witchcraft is exercised much, for women there be wont to sell wind to the shipmen coming to that country, as included under three knots of thread, so that they will unloose the knots like as they will have the wind to blow.’”

In Forbidden Rites author Jeannette Ellis states: “There are legends of Witches selling three knots in a rope or a lock of their hair to sailors, undo one for a breeze, undo two for good wind but three would cause a gale.”

The idea of tying knots in rope, string or hair as a spell is not exclusive to weather magic. Knot spells can be cast for pretty much anything, usually by tying nine knots in a cord while saying something along the lines of: “By the knot of one, this spell is begun. By the knot of two, my spell comes true. By the knot of three, so mote it be. By the knot of four, power I store. By the knot of five, my magic is alive. By the knot of six, this spell I fix. By the knot of seven, this spell I leaven. By the knot of eight, if it is fate. By the knot of nine, what I wish is mine!” That example comes from The Green Wiccan Year, but you can find variations easily online and in many spell books.

The difference is that with the nine-knot spell you are tying a purpose into the cord and would not normally undo the knots unless the spell was truly over and done with, but wind knots are created with the intention of eventually undoing them to summon, or perhaps release, the wind.

Wind magic features in the Homeric poem The Odyssey, although it is described as a wind bag rather than a wind knot. As part of his epic journey home from the Trojan Wars, Odysseus and his crew stay with Aeolus, the master of the winds. He gives Odysseus a leather bag containing all the winds except the west wind, to help them have a safe return home. However, the sailors opened the bag while Odysseus slept, thinking it held gold. All the winds flew out, resulting in a storm that drove the ship back, just as their home country came into sight. That is a lesson to always be cautious when using any magic.

Although I can’t find the traditional wording witches used in the past to create wind knots I would suggest saying the following while tying three knots into a piece of ship’s rope: “I ask the blessing of Aeolus, Ruler of the Winds, to harness into this cord the power of the storm: In the knot of one, a breeze begun; In the knot of two, good winds and true; In the knot of three, a gale to see.”

David, I hope that helps answer your question. If you try it out, be careful to only summon a gentle breeze or useful wind, not a destructive storm!

Links and previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/03/review-traditional-witchcraft-for.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/09/review-forbidden-rites-introduction-to.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/11/book-of-shadows-for-wiccan-year.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/spells-to-find-new-job.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/storms-and-spring-tides.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/03/meditations-on-element-of-air.html

The Dawn of a Happy New Day

I'm very pleased to say, my prediction was wrong. A little while back, I had a nasty dream that something horrible would happen on 15 May. I even blogged about it.

And yesterday was 15 May - a day that started with an early morning storm that shook the trees and blew down a bit more of the fencing in my garden. But, I was delighted to discover, nothing worse than that happened to myself or my family or loved ones.

I checked the UK news and saw that unseasonable snow had fallen in parts of the country and a new thriller by Dan Brown had been published, but that seemed about the worst of it. Hardly the end of the world.

Obviously, I feel slightly embarrassed that I made a prediction that did not materialise - but at the time I said I would rather look foolish than for some disaster to occur that might have been prevented had I not warned anyone.

So, it is a new day today, and a happy one. Later on I'll be checking the news and seeing if there is anything more interesting to blog about. Apart from that, the sun is shining and its back to bad witching business as usual.

Links
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22547769

Inferno: (Robert Langdon Book 4)
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/05/tomorrow-beware-ides-of-may.html

A Strange Spring: Daffodils, Bluebells and April Sun

It has certainly been an a good year for daffodils. These beautiful messengers of spring are usually only out in my garden for a few weeks from late February to mid March, but the unusually cold weather over that time made the season seem to stand still.

Whereas I spent most of March and early April huddled indoors away from the late snow and icy winds, the daffodils have thrived. It seems they have been flowering for months. I don't think I have ever had such a great display of daffodils in my garden.

Now the sun is out and the late spring flowers are rushing to catch up! The bluebells are at last starting to come out too - although later than usual. I can't remember ever before seeing bluebells and daffodils together in mid April!

The message that I'm taking from this is that things don't always go to plan but, rather getting upset about it, it is better to look for the hidden benefits a strange turn of events can bring. Let's hope the warmer weather is here to stay now.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/04/woodland-bluebell-walk.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/05/pagan-eye-bluebell-wood.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/03/host-of-golden-daffodils.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/02/sunshine-and-spring-flowers.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/04/yellow-flowers-and-spring-messengers.html

A Little Sunlight Can Help Beat the Winter Blues

For some reason this January I've been struggling with the winter blues. I'm not really sure why. Although the weather has been wet and miserable for most of this year so far, that is hardly much different from most of last year. In any case I work from home, so I don't have a nasty commute to deal with.

Yesterday morning I woke up to see it had snowed - a sight I usually love - but I have to say it didn't make me want to go outside and build a snowman. All I felt like was going back to bed and hibernating until spring gets here.

From chatting to friends, I realise that I'm not alone in suffering the winter blues. And, apparently, the  gloomiest day of 2013 is likely to be next week. Monday 21st January, also known as Blue Monday, is considered to be the most depressing day of the year due to factors including poor weather conditions, low motivation and the time elapsed since the end of the Christmas holidays.

Now, it is common knowledge that making the most of daylight can make us feel more cheerful during the dark time of the year. I was reminded of this yesterday, when I was browsing through emails while struggling to get the enthusiasm to tackle my work, by a well-timed press release from a company that makes conservatories. The press release was about a survey by Anglian Home Improvements into the impact of reduced daylight over the winter months which found that the majority of us feel it has a negative impact on our well-being.

According to the study, those living in North East England are worst affected by the winter blues, with 87% saying the reduction in daylight over the winter months has a negative effect on their mood. At a national level, 79% feel the shorter days influence their mood.

While a lack of motivation during the winter is common, the study found that the overall impression varies from one side of the county to the other, from 84% of those in the North East to only 72% in the South West noticing any impact at all.

Seeing as there are still more than two months to go before we reach British Summer Time, this isn't the most cheerful of tidings. Of course, the home improvement company behind the press release thinks this means we should all go out and buy a conservatory, preferably from them.

According the the press release, Melanie McDonald, Head of Marketing and Communications at Anglian Home Improvements, said: “The survey shows a clear link between natural daylight, mood and motivation. Many of Anglian’s customers have told us they feel happier in the winter after installing a conservatory as they can spend time watching what’s going on in the garden and make the most of the available daylight, so it’s encouraging to learn that little changes – like making sure you sit near a window or somewhere with as much natural light as possible – can make a big difference to how we feel and cope with winter.”

Nice for those who can afford a new conservatory, I guess. If, like me, that is beyond your budget, the press release does say that you can help keep your spirits up on Blue Monday and beyond by ensuring you get as much natural light as possible, even if you’re indoors, by sitting by a window.

Personally, I'm going to make more effort to actually get outdoors and experience some real daylight - even if that is just a walk in my local park. And if we get more snow, maybe I'll build that snowman after all.

The photo top right came with the press release from Anglian Home Improvements

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/07/review-reclaiming-happiness.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/03/bibliotherapy-healing-power-of-books.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/february-snow-heralds-fine-summer.html

Sacred Sites in the News

The BBC News website reports that the ancient mound at Silbury Hill, in Wiltshire, is being damaged by trespassers climbing up it in the wet weather. People are being asked to keep off the sacred site, especially after heavy rain. You can read the story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-20931078

The Siberian Times reports that the ancient mummy of a young woman known as the Ukok Princess is being returned to its burial place, a sacred site in the Altai Republic. The body of the 2,500-year-old Princess is adorned with mysterious tattoos and will eventually be displayed in a glass coffin so that tourists can see her. You can read the story here: http://siberiantimes.com/culture/others/features/siberian-princess-reveals-her-2500-year-old-tattoos/

Pagan Eye: New Year Blizzard

Here's another amazing photo by American author James C. Wallace. James said about the picture: "This actually happened a few days ago when Indiana got pounded by about 12 inches (30.84cm) [of blizzard]. This one reached out to me for reasons I know not."

James' upcoming publication, The Emerald Slippers of Oz, is due out on the Vernal Equinox of 2013 and you can read about some of his other books set in the world of The Wizard of Oz here.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself.

Previous related posts
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/02/fiction-in-magical-world-of-oz.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/12/pagan-eye-frozen-pine-cones.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/11/pagan-eye-ring-around-moon.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/12/pagan-eye-sun-pillar.html

Days Out: An Amazing Maize Maze

This week on my blog it seems there's hardly been a day without grain. After the Wheat King, corn dollies and a wicker man, here's a maize maze.

It was constructed by Millets Farm Centre near Abingdon in Oxfordshire as a fun family day out.

The maize maze is an annual sight at Millets Farm, which held the world record for growing the first one in 1997. The crop created nearly four miles of pathway and covered eight acres. This year the theme is The Animal Games and includes a rowing boat as a tribute to the Olympic Games in London 2012 and the Great Britain team. Previous designs include a windmill, dragon, pirate ship, clowns and the White Rabbit for last year's Alice in Wonderland theme.

The maze was planted in April, and got off to a slow start because of the wet weather, but the warm sunshine of recent weeks has helped it grow to a good height.

“We are hoping this interesting mixture of weather conditions will give our Maize Maze the growing power it needs to be one of the tallest and best mazes in the country,” said Millets Farm events manager Helen Bloomfield.

Families can bring picnics into the Maize Maze, but refreshments are also on sale at the farm. If you are going, allow a couple of hours to complete the entire maze, which is in three sections.

It is open from 10am to 6pm, seven days a week until 4 September. There is free parking and other attractions, including activities for kids, on the site.

Links and previous related posts
http://www.milletsfarmcentre.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/pagan-eye-wicker-man.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/my-attempt-at-making-easy-corn-dolly.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/pictures-from-eastbourne-lammas.html

Friday 13 and St Swithun's Day

The next few days could well be considered days of bad luck. Friday 13, which is today, is traditionally one that many people consider unlucky. Then Sunday 15 July is St Swithun's Day.

Swithun was Bishop of Winchester from 30 October 852 to his death on 2 July 862, and his feast day is celebrated in England on 15 July. However, this is best-known nowadays for a weather lore proverb, which says that if it rains on Saint Swithun's day it will rain for 40 days.

St Swithun's day if thou dost rain
For forty days it will remain
St Swithun's day if thou be fair
For forty days 'twill rain nae mare

If Sunday is as wet as most of the recent days have been, then it looks like there'll be no let-up in the rain for the rest of the summer.

However, most of us these days are not scared of bad luck on Friday 13, according to research done recently by a bingo operator. Apparently only 8 per cent of people in the UK nowadays think Friday 13 is unlucky.

In order to keep Lady Luck on their side, the gambling group found that British people pay heed to various superstitions on Friday 13, ranging from the ancient tradition of carrying a rabbit’s foot to the more modern practice of avoiding the cracks in the pavements. The bingo operator said these are the top 10 ways we try to stay lucky in the UK:

1. Avoiding pavement cracks
2. Knocking on wood
3. Keeping fingers crossed
4. Not walking under ladders
5. Wearing something shaped like a clover
6. Having a horseshoe in the house
7. Looking out for two magpies
8. Putting your right foot out of bed first
9. Carrying an acorn
10. Carrying a rabbit’s foot

The fear of Friday the 13th has been called friggatriskaidekaphobia, Frigga being the name of the Norse Goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen.

Here is the background to those superstitions named above:

Avoid pavement cracks: “Don't step on the cracks or you'll break your mother's back”. It is not known exactly where this came from although it is likely to have derived from a childhood rhyme.
Knock on wood: There is a long tradition in western folklore of literally touching/knocking on wood, or merely stating that you are, in order to avoid tempting fate after making a favourable observation, a boast, or speaking of one's own death.
Keep fingers crossed: Thought to originate from the fingers making a sign of the cross when crossed.
Not walking under ladders: Before the gallows were invented, murderers were hung from the top of a ladder, and when they died, it is said that their ghosts remained for a long time where they had fallen. This made ladders very unpopular places.
Wear something shaped like a clover: A fourth leaf represents good luck – the other three representing faith, hope and love.
Have a horseshoe in the house: Many believe that to hang a horseshoe with the ends pointing upwards is good luck as it acts as a storage container of sorts for any good luck that happens to be floating by, whereas to hang it with the ends pointing down, is bad luck as all the good luck will fall out.
Look out for two magpies: “One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a girl and four for a boy”. This is thought to be due to a magpie’s character – high
spirited and expressive.
Put your right foot out of bed first: In ancient times, it was considered unlucky to set the left foot on the ground first. This was because the devil was said to be left-handed.
Carry an acorn: During the Norman Conquest, the English carried dried acorns to protect themselves from the brutalities of the day. Considered to be an emblem of luck, prosperity, youthfulness and power.
Carry a rabbit’s foot: Originates from China and South America where for centuries it has been believed that carrying a severed rabbit’s foot wards off bad luck.

This post used research done by Gala Bingo, part of Gala Coral Group Limited. The picture above shows Statue of Saint Swithun in the Stavanger Cathedral

Links and previous related posts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swithun
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/02/friday-13th-lore-luck-and-superstitions.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/friday-13-spell-for-luck.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/05/so-that-was-friday-13.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2012/07/review-professor-glyn-parry-talk-on.html
http://www.galabingo.co.uk/jackpots/index.html

Astrologer Russell Grant looks at Holiday Horoscopes

April was the wettest month in the UK since records began in 1910 with more flood warnings to come from the Met Office. The May Day Bank Holiday also looks to be a wet and windy day off too.

Astrologer and TV celebrity Russell Grant, who is currently appearing in the Wizard of Oz at the Palladium Theatre, has issued a press release about what he thinks might be in store for the summer months and also what type of holiday best suits each of the 12 Star signs. Here it is:

Aries (Mar21/Apr20) You aren’t a person to let inclement weather bother you or get you down. Once you are away, you will make the most of your holiday. If you’re camping, pack plenty extra clothing and waterproof gear in case of rain. Having the right equipment will make all the difference. You like to be active and enjoy holidays that offer challenge and adventure. Wherever you’re going and whatever you have planned for the summer, you fully intend to enjoy it, rain, hail or shine! Getting away from it all on a spontaneous whim can also be exciting. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: European camping holiday, mountaineering holiday, hiking tour in the UK.

Taurus (Apr21/May21) Package tours where everything is organised and you don’t have to do a lot of thinking yourself gives you a chance to indulge your lazy side. You work hard most of the year so you deserve a break and you will thoroughly enjoy being pampered on a relaxing holiday. Once you recoup your energy you might also think about doing some volunteer work overseas. Helping develop a community or environmental project will give you a chance to visit some amazing places while helping with a meaningful cause. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: Italy, spa and wellness lakeside breaks or volunteering holiday overseas

Gemini (May22/June21) Rain or shine, as long as you are holidaying with your favourite people, you will have fun. You might plan in advance so you have plenty ideas for activities in case of bad weather, and venues to visit if and when the sun does shine! At the same time you are versatile and happy to go with the mood of the moment. You enjoy variety and have a fascination for foreign cultures, religions, myths and beliefs. That’s why you’re likely to choose locations where you can meet a variety of interesting people and experiment with new activities. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: Jordan, Egypt or anywhere with ancient historical lineage.

Cancer (June22/July23) You’ve always been sensitive and spiritual and this year you just want to get away from the crowds. Cancer is a water sign and it can be enormously relaxing, as well as spiritually uplifting, to be beside lakes, rivers or the sea. The idea of a renting a canal boat is a one you have considered for many years. Once you find a boat company that offers comfortable onboard facilities that will make your boating holiday a home from home, you could make 2012 the year to make this dream come true. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: UK canal boating, Mediterranean cruising or a trip to beautiful Lake Garda.

Leo (July24/Aug23) If you are typical of your sign, “getting away from it all” means enjoying an unforgettable holiday experience. Some years you will seek challenge and adventure: an African safari, sailing, climbing mountains or horse riding. Other times you will yearn for something more relaxing like a luxury cruise or a tropical paradise destination with plenty relaxation and fun in the sun. Every year you hope the experience will be the best ever and that your holiday to be a one you will always remember. Foul weather will bother you and ruin your dream holiday so it has to be beautifully sunny days. Whatever your plans, you need to head for the sun! Best type of holiday and locations for you are: African safari, yacht holiday in Greece, tropical island.

Virgo (Aug24/Sept23) You like to have everything completely organised down to the last detail. Choose your travel companions wisely. Journeying with friends who are unpredictable and change plans without giving any notice will be far from relaxing. In fact you would probably end the holiday feeling stressed out and in need of another break to get over it! Whether you decide to book an all inclusive holiday or you arrange the travel and hotel bookings yourself, you will have most fun when travelling with people you can trust and rely on and who aren’t likely to run off and get themselves lost the moment you aren’t looking! Best type of holiday and locations for you are: luxury mobile homes in France, China, or an Alaskan wildlife tour.

Libra (Sept24/Oct23). You would rather holiday with a friend, partner or the family than go anywhere alone. If you are single and feel in need of a break but you’re nervous about travelling solo, why not book with an organised group for single travellers? You’ve always had sensitive skin and should be careful about spending too long under the heat of the sun. Be sure to use plenty sun tan cream as you can burn very easily. This year you’re most likely to go for luxurious settings with plenty of choice of activities and entertainment. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: group holidays, Majorca villa breaks, or exotic Thailand.

Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) You could never laze about on a beach or wile away your holiday doing nothing. You want a taste of different activities, to visit museums and to feel as if you can return home having enjoyed a valuable experience. Writing, photography or art holiday courses will give you a chance to hone your skills and meet like minded people. The idea of taking a spiritual retreat has always interested you. Visiting archaeological sites and trips to discover the culture and history of a country will make you feel you got more out of the experience than an ordinary, relaxing break. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: Guatemala, Lakeland photographic holidays, creative writing in Greece.

Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) Holidays and family fun activities don’t have to be ruined by rain. You have a great sense of humour and you will see the funny side of any event or activity that doesn’t exactly go as planned. You enjoy learning about different cultures and will be happy to visit places you’ve never been to before. Holidaying in the same location year after year would eventually bore you. Expect to feel a strong pull towards exotic destinations and adventure or wildlife holidays. You want to enjoy a variety of experiences at a reasonable price! Best type of holiday and locations for you are: culture and history holidays, wildlife holidays

Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Capricorn is an earth sign with a great respect for nature, animals and other cultures. This year you might combine your concern with saving the planet, with travel. Wildlife watching holidays focusing on endangered species, protecting elephants in Thailand or a conservation holiday in the Scottish Highlands would mean you are experiencing something new and different while travelling responsibly. You prefer having plenty to do and would happily sign up for a volunteering holiday where you can enjoy new experiences while doing your bit for the planet. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: Scottish Highlands, ecotourism, Shetland otters

Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) As long as it is different, exciting and offers a degree of challenge, you will consider the holiday ideas your friends put to you. Travelling in a group is always fun and as the old saying goes: there is safety in numbers. Whether it is sleeping under the stars, swimming with whales or taking a gorilla safari trek, holidays that offer new experiences are the ones you are likely to go for. You would rather not spend a lot of money on luxury and pampering yourself when it is the experience and the people you spend time with, that will make your holiday. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: holidaying with friends, swimming with dolphins in Cuba or any safari destinations.

Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) You want your holiday this year to be meaningful and for the enjoyment you get out of it to stay with you for years to come. Exploring places you’ve always wanted to see while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a cruise ship would be a holiday you won’t ever want to forget. Closer to home, you will want to be active and to feel as if you’re getting some educational benefit from your holiday. Strolling around museums and galleries, taking a city tour or sightseeing trip will give you plenty to tell your friends about when you return home. Best type of holiday and locations for you are: holiday cruises, city breaks or theatre, concert or cultural packages.

©Copyright Russell Grant Astrology Limited

For more details, visit www.russellgrant.com

April Showers and Evening Rainbows

April showers are famous and we've been having quite a few of them recently. According to Ian Currie in his book Red Sky at Night: Weather Sayings for All Seasons,April is also most likely month you will see a rainbow. He says that on days when you get a mixture of sunshine and sudden bursts of rain, a rainbow will often be seen towards evening.

That's certainly been true over the past week or so, when I took the photo above of a beautiful rainbow over the treetops near my house. Ian Currie explains that as the sun warms the land, thermals rise into the atmosphere and shower clouds form. He says that an evening rainbow is more likely to be a harbinger of good weather to follow than a morning rainbow. An old saying goes:

Rainbow to windward, foul falls the day
Rainbow to leeward, damp falls away.

I think that rainbows are beautiful whenever they appear, and in many traditions are signs of peace and happiness after troubled times.

Links and previous related posts:
Red Sky at Night: Weather Sayings for All Seasons
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2008/07/over-rainbow.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/02/fiction-in-magical-world-of-oz.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/07/julunggul-rainbow-snake.html

Pagan Eye: Silver Sea

I loved the effect of the sun on the water against a dark sky when I took this photograph of sailing boats taking part in a regatta.

It was a day of very mixed weather - sunny one moment then sudden torrential rain the next. In medieval times, superstition said that witches were often to blame for storms at sea. I don't think my presence had hexed the race, but I did feel sorry for the sailors who were having to deal with almost everything the elements could throw at them.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting, including seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures. I am happy to include photos I am sent.

If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself and you must confirm that you are submitting it for A Bad Witch's Blog.

Links and previous related posts

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/03/pagan-eye-sea-change.html

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/08/pagan-eye-ballycrovane-ogham-stone.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/03/spring-tides-and-beachcombing.html

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/05/sea-purification.html

http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/08/by-sea.html