Secrets of Divine Magick

For those who stand outside of the occult world the thought of magick is dark- evil even, whilst for others it holds a certain allure and fascination. Afterall who wouldn't be tempted to chant a spell, wave a magick wand and have all their dreams come true- but can it really be as easy as that?
In truth, magick consists of hard work and the mastery of many hard won skills, which only come after both practice and dedication. In our 'let's have it all now' society, this often proves to be a path too far and only those who have the tenacity and will to continue will actually reap their magickal rewards.
Many speak of white and black witches or white and black magick, but magic is a neutral force it is simply the intent of the practitioner which makes it one thing or the other.
'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' explores the underlying priciples of magick which help us to understand not only the ebb and flow of daily life, but also shine a little light on the secrets which unerpin the very essence of creating Divine Magick.
'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' is available for pre release order on Amazon and is due for publication on the 2 August.

The Birth of the Wort Moon

At 5.24am on the 19 July, the Wort Moon will be born into the heavens and the stagnant energies which have plagued us for sometime will begin to move.
The Celts referred to this moon as the wort moon because it was under this moon that the sweet infusion of malt (wort) was combined with yeast to make beer. This was due to the fact that the warm weather would produce just the right conditions for fermentation to take place.
It was also beneath this moon that the Celts would note the movement of the heavens and predictions would be made for the forthcoming year.

Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick

Many people are aware of the horrific period of history which saw the relentless persecution of witches, but few realise the reasons that underpin the witch hunts and the fact that they differed from country to country. Even the methods of torture and execution varied greatly, as it was left up to individual regions, especially in Europe, to determine the fate of those accused.
'Mrs Darley's Pagan Paths to Magick' which is due for release in August, explores in detail this terrifying period of history and illustrates how fear and greed can distort the thoughts of those with once rational minds.
Now avaiable to pre order on Amazon

July's Heavenly Nights

Here we are entering the second half of the year and yet so far our view of the sky at night has been quite limited due to the vast cloud cover, but perhaps the skies will clear enough to allow a glimpse of the two meteor showers that come into our orbit later this month.
On the 28-29 the Delta Aquarids shower displays around 20 meteors per hour, travelling relatively slowly and will be best viewed in the east after midnight, although the full moon will affect viewing to a degree.
On 29-30 the Capricornid show will appear. These again are slow meteors, but are differentiated by their yellowy brightness and can often produce wonderful fireballs. Again view after midnight in the east.
Also on view this month are several planets, namely Mercury which can be seen now in the west after sunset. Venus is visible early in the morning (2.30 ish) and is at its greatest brightness on the 9th, low in the north east, whilst on the 15th the moon will pass in front of Jupiter in what is known as a 'grazing occulation' between 2.45 and 3.15am.
Here's to clear skies. Enjoy.

Water - A call for us to become emotionally aware?

Although in Britain we are now supposedly in the season of fire, the Gods are insisting that we experience more than our usual share of rain.
According to Carl Jung the element of water represents our feelings and emotions, be they love and compassion, or hatred and despair. He believed that those with a dominant water personality have an innate understanding of their fellow man and are able to empathise with his worries and concerns, his joys and successes.
Perhaps the continual rains come to remind us that our compassionate side is lacking, that we need to be more understanding of our neighbour.

She
She is the Goddess of the still waters
Lie upon Her
And She will lull your mind to slumber

She is the Goddess of the flowing waters
Ride upon Her
And She will speed your journey

She is the Goddess of the seething seas
Sail upon Her
And She will call your soul to adventure

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements'

the magic of Mid-summer's Eve

This is one of the most magical nights of the year and one of three during the year when the veil grows thin. It is a time of elementals, mystery, magic & enchantment, but as Mrs Darley once told me:
'Enchantment, my dear, always has a price.'
So take care this eveing if you are out amongst the hills, woods & moors & take heed of where you roam.

'Take care before you're tempted by the moonlight,
And seek the mystery of Mid-summer's Eve.
Think twice before your heart becomes enchanted
As through your soul the magic starts to weave.'

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers.'

Summer Solstice

Here we are almost at the midpoint of the year and tomorrow marks the time of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. This is a time for directing our energy into ongoing projects in order that they may be brought to completion during the 6 months that follow. It is time to give thanks for the union of the earth beneath our feet - the gracious mother and the sun above our heads - the mighty God. We should however never forget the imput of water and air which all makes for an abundant harvest.
The word 'solstice' means 'the standing still of the sun' and perhaps we should all stand still for a moment and be still - a piece of advice once given to me by Mrs Darley and now, some 20 years later, I understand the wisdom of her words.

'Perhaps you should do this more often,' she said.
I looked at her somewhat puzzled.
'Smell the roses,' she smiled. 'We always think the good times will last for ever, that we will always be young, that we will have time to do the things we dream of next week or next year, but summer my dear is fleeting, one drop of rain and it is washed away, one cool breath and it is gone. Remember these words when the leaves of autumn swirl around your feet,' she said and quietly closed the door.
From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'.