Welcome to Mrs Darley's Blog

This blogspot has been created especially for those who wish to share their ideas and thoughts about the natural world as the year turns and the ancient Pagan festivals that were once celebrated by our ancestors.

Poetry, prose craft work, ancient cure craft and general thoughts and feelings on how the change in the weather and seasons makes you feel are all encouraged and welcomed.

Mrs Darley was my once next door neighbour when I lived amongst the wilds of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall back in the early 1990's. Her charismatic ways and unending wisdom lead me on a journey of self discovery as I spiralled ever further into her magical world.

She has since become the central character in the 'Mrs Darley' series of books.

Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers

Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries

Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements

Mrs Darley's Pagan Healing Wisdom






Friday, 25 April 2014

Mrs Darley on Kindle

The first 3 Mrs Darley books are now available on Amazon Kindle - Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers, Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries & Mrs Darley's Pagan Elements.
These three books explore my initial journey into the realms of Paganism and magick when I lived on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, guided as ever by the delightful & charismatic Mrs Darley.

Friday, 21 March 2014

Spring Equinox

The spring Equinox has passed, the gateway to the summer swings open and we are once again called to adventure. The equinox is the tipping point which ushers in the light and we can now look forward (in the northern hemisphere) to 6 months of more daylight than darkness. The Gods are smiling and we are blessed.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers' on Kindle

Friday, 14 March 2014

The new premises of Mrs Darley's Herbal shop in Bewdley Museum Worcestershire is now open for business. A range of herbal tisanes, exquisite teas from around the world, tea ware, natural facial & body care, remedies, mood enhancers, incense & Pagan gifts are all available. Or visit the on-line shop at www.arcanus.co.uk/shop.php
Three of the Mrs Darley series of books are now available on Kindle - Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers/Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries/ Mrs Darley's Healing Wisdom.
Spring Blessings to all.

Saturday, 1 March 2014

The Sap Moon

The new Sap Moon is born - a moon of hope, a moon of reassurance, a moon of promise, for this was the moon that whispered to the ancients that it was time to prepare for a new cycle of planting and ploughing with the birth of the seed moon next month.
On a personal note, it is very much the moon of hope, for the 6th 'Mrs Darley' book has just been sent to my ever supportive publisher and the new 'Mrs Darley's Herbal' shop in Bewdley Museum opens for business this coming Saturday.
May the March winds breathe new life into all your ventures.

Saturday, 1 February 2014

The Blessings of the Maiden

The Maiden returns, Imbolc is upon us and life begins to spring forth.

Failte leat a Bhrid (Welcome Bridget)

Welcome Bride, Lady of Wisdom.
Welcome Bride, Lady of Healing.
Welcome Bride, Lady of Prophecy.
Welcome Bride, Lady of Light.
Welcome Bride, Lady of plenty.
Welcome Bride, Lady of Poets.
Failte leat a Bhrid!

From 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'


Tuesday, 28 January 2014

The Storm Moon

The Dark Wolf Moon has almost vanished from our skies and, lying in wait is the moon that perhaps the Celts most feared - that of the Storm, Hunger, Snow or Chaste Moon. This was the moon of unpredictable times, when food supplies ran low and uncertainty prevailed. As such the Celts would rattle, drum, dance and chant in order to control the storms which would almost certainly follow.
This Storm Moon is not only new on Friday, but is also a super moon (in perigee - at its closest point to earth) and a blue moon (2nd new moon in the same calendar month). Rare and exciting times - make the most of them.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Moon Mysteries'

Saturday, 25 January 2014

Planning and Purification

January is a time of reflection on what has passed and of contemplation about what is to come, hence its name, which comes from the Roman God Janus, he who looks back to the old year and forward to the new.
With the end of the month now in sight and plans made for the year ahead, it is time to sweep the decks clean. The forthcoming month of February, from the Latin 'februa' meaning purification, offers us just that opportunity.
Read more 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Sunday, 5 January 2014

Today marks the festival of Twelfth Night, the time when all decorations of the festive season should be taken down and the period of Wassailing begins. Twelfth Night is often confused with Epiphany on the 6th January, but they are very different things. Epiphany was originally the feast of St John the Baptist, but later became the date upon which the arrival of the three wise men visited the new born Christ child. Wassailing, is the time when, in the apple growing areas of the country, the apple trees are danced around and cider poured on their roots in the hope that they will provide a good harvest later in the year. If you've never been to a Wassail celebration they are well worth seeing. Visit Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley Worcestershire this Saturday 11th January from 2pm to see what a great Wassail should be!
Read more: 'Mrs Darley's Pagan Whispers'

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

The New Year has just ushered in the new Wolf Moon, the moon which was to the Celts a symbol of lean times before the beginning of spring. This blog has also suffered from lean times due to a myriad of reasons, but like the wolf, who is in reality a sociable and interactive creature, posts are now returning.
The 6th 'Mrs Darley' book is almost complete - 'Mrs Darley's Herbal', my little shop in Bewdley museum Worcestershire is due to re-open at the end of February, although the on-line version can always be  visited at www.arcanus.co.uk/shop.php and there are lots of workshops and talks available from February which are due to go onto the website next week.
May I take this opportunity of wishing everyone a blessed 2014.