© 2008 The Village Herbalist and The Village Witch

In my career I am a counsellor, psychologist and lecturer. I have worked with mentally ill, physically ill or emotionally distressed people. Throughout my career I have been inspired to teach, to share whatever ideas I have developed - mostly because I learn far more than my students. Witchcraft is the same, I have run ‘discussion groups’ that have developed into wonderful, creative, non-judgemental places for me to learn and work, as well as support other people. For me, traditional witchcraft is like learning to cook, Once you have the basic skills of hygiene, preparation and cooking you can specialise in wedding cakes or sushi or pork pies.  

I work alone but some of my co-learners have set up groups. I would be willing to run a discussion group with a few interested parties at my home. We have a house on a shelf cut into the slate hillside outside of Ilfracombe - made of the stone that was quarried out. It’s a very grounding place, with an odd energy of it’s own (would welcome ideas about that!). We also have 1½ acres of wilderness that may one day be a grove! Beginners and more experienced witches are welcome, extend the breadth of the discussion.  

If you are interested you need to have a few things in mind: a group would be a non-judgemental place where everyone is equal and the only stupid question is the one not asked; I’m not interested in egos, though knowledge, experience and intuition are welcome; I’m not selling any ideas, you must create your own path; this would not be a group where you can work out your therapy needs and you need to keep yourself safe. Access to the house is on foot up a steep drive, something you need to consider if you have mobility issues. Most important, confidentiality is as important in witchcraft as it is in psychology. When I started I was taught to know, to will, to dare and to keep silent - and I’m still happy in the broom cupboard as witchcraft doesn’t work well in mental health!

If you are interested email me with your details and what you want to gain / have to offer and I’ll get back to you. I was thinking of a date in the week between North Devon pagan moots.

I would love to extend my knowledge of tarot. I have read tarot for years but I started with just playing cards and would love to get my head around the major arcana. I’m looking for someone or a group who will offer a discussion or exploration of tarot rather than a didactic ‘this is how it is’ interpretation but would love to learn more! Email me if you are interested in getting a tarot group going!