Frances Billinghurst's Blog, page 12

Observing the Autumn Equinox

Within contemporary witchcraft, the Autumn Equinox is a time of balance, when the hours of light and darkness are equal. Within the seasonal mythos, the God (the Divine Masculine) transforms from the Corn or Grain God at Lughnasadh to the Lord of the Wine, represented in the second harvest (that of grape and fruit) encouraging us to also take stock of where we are at.

At this time of the year, while we may look back in reflection, we also look forward in order to plan for the future.

I am delighted to be able to present this afternoon workshop at The Connection Centre (located in North Adelaide) where we will be:

:: Exploring the myths and folklore surrounding the Autumn Equinox;

:: Undergoing a sacred journey in order to find our balance;

:: Walking the labyrinth;

:: Creating and empowering our own special charm that will protect and guide us through the darker months of the year.

All attendees on the day will go into the draw to win a copy of either Dancing the Sacred Wheel or my latest book, Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundational Practices for a Magical Life (due to release in August 201 through Moon Books).

Date: Saturday, 20 March 2021 from 1:15pm until 5pm

Tickets only cost $40 and can be purchased here.

Are You Ready For Magick?

Already the first month of 2021 is drawing to a close, however the constant changing environment that we have found ourselves in during the last 12 months hasn’t really let up. Maybe this is the new “normal” and we need to get used to the ebbing and flowing chaotic nature around us which, when you think about it, is what our natural world actually is. What has happened is that we humans, who love order and structure, have forgotten how to move with the changing tides.

Some things do need a bit of structure however which is the call for expression of interest in going out for those wishing to gather again with like minded people.

The first offering is Gathering around the Cauldron , which is intended to be a series of specifically designed monthly meetups for witches, as well as other magical practitioners, wishing to explore the various practices and philosophies of magic, ritual and contemporary witchcraft with likeminded people. There will be the opportunity to learn about and explore other styles of magick and witchcraft, to undertake practical crafting, and even an opportunity to honour the seasonal festivals (sabbats) with other people.

Regardless of experience level, each meetup will be combination of theory, discussion and practical application with the emphasis being placed on the Southern Hemisphere. It should be pointed out that Gathering around the Cauldron is not intended to be a “teaching” group (although it may lead into one if there is the interest).


The second expression of interest being sought is for a High Magick study group. This will be a teaching circle where instruction on various techniques and magical formula utilised by organisations such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, including the qabalah, planetary magick and more. As a study group, participants will require to obtain specific texts, keep a journal and undertake their own practice.

Whilst the venue for both groups has yet to be determined, three possible locations are being considered, being North Adelaide, Port Adelaide or the Temple’s covenstead in Parafield Gardens.

If you would like to take part in these monthly meetings then email Frances with “Expression of Interest” in the subject line and indicate which group (or both), preferred location, and a little bit about yourself.

Event: Yemaya Blessing of the Waters

For over ten years and around the first full moon of the year, I lead a special beach side devotional rite in order to Yemaya (also spelt Yemoja and Iemoja), the Yorùbá Orisha, or goddess, of the living ocean. This year is no different.

On Thursday, 28 January we will be gathering on the northern end of the grassed area in front of the Grange Hotel (look for the purple banner) just prior to 8:00pm. Then we will head down to the shore with the rite expected to commence around 8:30pm.

Participants are invited to make their own personal petitions to Yemaya with respect to issues involving fertility, travel by ocean, protection from enemies, healing, love and marriage, blessings, and also for the development of intuition and psychic gifts.

Offerings will be made by the way for throwing flowers, (preferably white), crystals (blue chalcedony and aquamarine), beach stones and shells into the ocean, as well as silver (white metal) coins. The Orisha is also known to enjoy champagne.

There will be libations of watermelon (Yemaya’s favourite food) available for anyone wishing to participate.

Children are welcome to attend but must be supervised by their parents and/or guardians.

A gold coin donation for charity will be collected.

More about Yemaya can be found here.

Valentine's Day Competition

The first Queen of Wands Psychic Fair for 2021 that is held at Klemzig will be on Sunday, at February, which is Valentine's Day. As such, I have created a special LOVE MAGICK spell kit that LunaNoire Creations will be offering as a competition.Whether you need to bring love into your life (including self-love and respect) or wish to enhance the love you already have, then this kit is specially designed to assist you with your desire.
This LOVE MAGICK spell kit contains: :: A tall pink taper candle and inscriber :: A piece of rose quartz crystal :: Some parchment paper :: Two pieces of pink paper in differing shades depending on what your heart's desire is :: Specially blended candle anointing oil :: A handcrafted pink cotton gris-gris bag with cord :: Incense burner, charcoal and incense:: A selection of herbs:: Full instructions to assist you in crafting your LOVE MAGICK spell.
If you want to be in the running to win this handcrafted LOVE MAGICK spell kit (valued at $40), then the instructions of how you can enter can be found here.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The item must be collected on the day of the fair from LunaNoire Creations market stall, with the winner being announced on Wednesday 10 February 2021 .

Journey Into Freedom with Kali

Kali, the Hindu Dark Mother, is the fierce face of the divine feminine.  Her unbound wildness taunts us, filling us with wonder as well as with dread.

She promises ultimate freedom from our earthly constraints, yet we fear to relinquish our grip on the familiar, all the while knowing that the longer we hang on to that which no longer serves us, the harder it will be for us to let go.

 “The earth quakes under Your leaps and bounds.
You are frightful with that sword in Your hand .”
(Kamalakanta)

If you are seeking a new start, then the Journey into Freedom with Kali may be what you are looking for. This 21 day sadhana (spiritual practice) invites you to enter into the sacred temple of the Hindu Dark Mother. Here you will explore the sacred myths and practices to aid your on your exploration with the goddess. The sacred devotional practices that will be offered will enable you to connect with this powerful goddess on a deep soul level in order to bring about ultimate change.

Are you ready to finally let go of what has been holding you back and limiting your spiritual growth? To throw these outdated patterns into the pyre once and for all?

Are you willing to offer your head (ego) to the Terrible Mother?

Although her appearance may appear frightening, Kali is referred affectionally as “Ma” (mother) to her devotees. Her love may be tough but it is true. If you allow her, she will show you a love so deep that it will never leave you.

As mentioned in the above video, Journey into Freedom with Kali is a self-paced 21 day sadhana practice. Every day you will receive an email that will contain information of this powerful goddess. Some may contain mythology and personal connections, others suggested prayers and ritualistic practices for you to undertake. You will also receive a guided meditation for you to undertake as frequently as you wish to further enhance your connection and relationship with Kali.

How deeply you wish to venture into Kali’s sacred creative cycle of birth, death and rebirth is entirely up to you and how much you wish to personally commit to your spiritual evolution.

Are you ready to awaken to the gift of true freedom that Kali offers?

What you will need for this sadhana:
:: A journal/notebook to record your discoveries and journey with Kali

You may also like to obtain a set of mala beads. More about the use and where you can purchase these beads will be provided within the course, however I do make traditional length crystal malas as well as an assortment of devotional beads (including those dedicated to Kali), oils, incense and other products through my Etsy store, LunaNoire Creations.

Journey into Freedom with Kali sadhana will be open from 13 March 2021.

Investment: $55.55 AUD – payment through this secure Paypal link.

Or direct payment via Bank Transfer using your name as the reference:
Account Name: Frances Billinghurst
BSB: 325185
Account Number: 03146790

When payment has been made, please ensure you email me with the appropriate email address that you would like to receive the sadhana emails. You will receive a confirmation email within four days acknowledging receipt and welcoming you to the sadhana. If you do not receive this initial email, please check your Junk folder or contact me.

Book Review for Contemporary Witchcraft

The following review has recently been received from Tim Hartridge, facilitator of workshops and retreats for WitchesWorkshop and manager of the Alchemy Space in Sydney.

Sitting down in the State Library to write a few thoughts about Frances Billinghurst's new book, Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundation Practices for a Magical Life, I glanced up to read a quote: "In books lies the soul of the whole past time, the articulate audible voice of the past", Thomas Carlyle 1795–1881. I take this as a lead, a positive omen. Yes, Frances has written a significant book.

In 1875 on his 80th birthday Thomas Carlyle, the great Scottish historian of the Victorian age received tributes from more than 100 eminent fellow historians and philosophers. From the above quote, it would seem Carlyle agreed with the view that through a good book you hold the vision, sentiments and knowledge of the individual who wrote it.

In Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundation Practices for a Magical Life Frances Billinghurst offers us a concise study of modern Witchcraft practices and her substantial knowledge on the subject.

Her book is like studying a guide map written by an experienced traveller. The author offers us a well-trodden route and even anticipates what our next steps should be.

With so many diverse approaches available on modern Witchcraft practices, it's not surprising that those new to the study quickly become confused in this patchwork of what gets presented as Witchcraft. Fortunately, Frances' book Contemporary Witchcraft presents the student with an efficient guide to a deeper understanding and a planned approach to studying the Craft.

I've taught Witchcraft and Magick for over four decades, and I've often wished I had a primary textbook with which to teach students — I now have that book.

One doesn't have to agree with everything an author might say to respect their work. Frances' research is reliable and thorough. Refreshingly, other than a few cosmetic differences in approach, there was little with which I would disagree.

In 2019, I had an opportunity to participate in a workshop run by Frances. The workshop was "Encountering the Dark Goddess." I experienced what's like to work with a competent teacher of the Mysteries. Frances' teachings like her books are researched, and her night ritual connected people of varying levels of experience to the numinous. (There's a complimentary book to this workshop that is also very worthwhile having in your library.)

If there were a 'Lonely Planet' traveller's guide to Witchcraft, Frances Billinghurst's Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundation Practices for a Magical Life  is it.

I keep copies of both books for students at my workshops, but you can order them directly from the author here.

A New Year, A New Start

Finally, 2020 has been put to rest and what a year it has been - filled with challenges and moments of release as well as inward explorations into a whole new potential. As the new Gregorian year dawns, many of us are approaching it with a degree of hesitancy as the chaos that we became so intimately aware of during this last year, seems to be with us for a while yet.

However, there is much hope on the horizon - after 2021 equates to the number 5 which represents personal freedom (and the responsibility that comes with freedom) as well as change. Unexpected things may tend happen where the change is more acceptable and tolerated (especially compared to what we have more recently experienced). These changes will open up a greater sense of freedom that could be brought about through trying, learning about or adopting different approaches, new ways of doing things, as well as adopting new interests and learnings. We have already seen some of these things happen during 2020 with more people working from home, more on-line video conferencing platforms were established to continue teachings, which in itself enable more people to gain access to this information.

Within Chinese astrology, 2021 is the year of the White Metal Ox (beginning from the second full moon of the year, on 12 February). The ox is very hardworking and methodical and as such, 2021 is the year where work will get rewarded. The yin energy is rather poignant and the full weight of responsibilities will be felt, especially when it comes to accomplishing goals. As such, it will be necessary to really double your efforts in order to achieve things.

In summary, the White Metal Ox will be a year to focus on career, finances, love, education, travel and health.
The construction of a vision or goal board for 2021 seems to be more appropriate than ever in order if we are to remain focused on achieving our goals. As such, I will be holding my Manifesting Your Dreams workshop on Saturday, 16 January 2021.
When you make a “vision board”, you get clear on what you want to create in your life. Once you get clarity, you capture them in a series of images and words that are pasted to a piece of cardboard. Through the simple act of seeing your own “vision board” each day aligns your brain with the outcomes you desire for your life.

As there are limited places available for this workshop (especially at the price that I am offering), bookings are essential so make sure you register for Manifesting Your Dreams workshop as soon as you are able to. 


If you are seeking a new start at a deeper, soul level, then my latest offering, Journey into Freedom with Kali, may be what you are looking for. This 21 day on-line sadhana (spiritual practice) invites you to enter into the sacred temple of the Hindu Dark Mother. Here you will explore the sacred myths and practices to aid your on your exploration with the goddess. The sacred devotional practices that will be offered will enable you to connect with this powerful goddess on a deep soul level in order to bring about ultimate change.
Every day you will receive an email that will contain information of this powerful goddess. Some may contain mythology and personal connections, others suggested prayers and ritualistic practices for you to undertake. You will also receive a guided meditation for you to undertake as frequently as you wish to further enhance your connection and relationship with Kali. How deep you go is entirely up to you. More information about Journey into Freedom with Kali can be found here.

Whatever this new year brings, I wish you all the best for it.

Blessings, Frances

Congratulations to the Winners

There ended up being not one but two winners in my book competition - Veronica Gaunt and Tereza Karolin.

Congratulations to you both.

  

Competition Time - Win a Book

I am running a competition to win a signed early pre-release copy of Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundational Practices for a Magical Life on my author Facebook page.

All you need to do are three simple things:

1. Like and follow this page: Frances Billinghurst - Author 

2. Tag two other friends. 

3. In around 25 words, share why you would like to win a copy of this book. 

You will have until 7pm Saturday, 12 December 2020 to enter. 

The winner will be drawn at the LunaNoire Creations stall on Sunday, 13 December 2020 at the Queen of Wands Psychic Fair at Klemzig! and announced later that day on my author Facebook page. 

If you are not able to collect the book in person, your prize will be posted to you - and this includes if the winner is international.

Conscious Women Retreat and the Dark Goddess

We are certainly living in rather interesting and somewhat challenging times.  After postponing the Conscious Connection with Self Women's Gathering , initially scheduled to be held in August, in early November I found myself heading to Queensland to, not only take part in this event, but also to host my  Encountering the Dark Goddess  workshop in Surfers Paradise.
The venue that I utilised was the Chameleon New Age Salon and if you have yet to visit this place, please do as it is absolutely wonderful - not only the staff and the array of offerings (from yes, hair styling through to incense, books and jewellery) including services and even yoga.  The space upstairs is perfect to lounge about in with a coffee or tea from their cafe. The Thursday I headed up to the Kupidabin Wilderness Centre at Mt Samson for what was billed to be three days of "ultimate self care".  An array of workshops were offered and it was wonderful to reconnect with some people who I had not seen for a number of years, as well as connect with other women from all walks of life.
Organised by Amy from Mystical Realms Australia, it was certainly a fantastic weekend.  Set amongst some beautiful bushland just over half an hours drive from the centre of Brisbane, Kupidabin Wilderness consists of some 10 or so acres of space that includes ceremonial sites, fire pits, camping grounds and even a fairy garden.
The event was officially opened on the Friday by Dinnawhan, a Waka, Kabi, Mandanjandi and Gomeroi woman, who shared her deep knowledge about the country, indigenous culture and other sacred women's business with us.  After lunch, Tess led us through a rather fun and progressive yet informative reminder of our senses as we travelled around the property, including the faery garden that she had in fact helped to establish.  The candles that were lit at the end of her offering connected this weekend to other Goddess and spiritual events that she had attended in the past.
Later that evening, Juniper Rose took us through a ritual of release using the Goddess Hekate.  Perfect timing as we entered the dark of the moon.
Every morning Kaitlyn offered yogic practices.  Saturday I shared more discoveries with the Dark Goddess including a pathworking that had came to me during the night and a sensing connection exercise that was inspired by Tess's progressive workshop the previous day. 
That afternoon we learnt about the hidden messages in handwriting as well as the powers of shamanic drumming and drum journeying.  Later that evening around the fire pit, shamanic drum healing was being offered to anyone who wished to experience it.

The final workshop was one on ancestors and how to set up an ancestor altar by a local hounsi senp before the closing ceremony was undertaken, and we then went out separate ways.
I arrived back in Adelaide only to find that a COVID-19 cluster had broken out close to where I live and two days later Adelaide went into complete lockdown.  I was sent home from work for what was initially supposed to be for a period of six days.  I started to wonder what would have happened had my returning flight been for a few days later - would I have been stranded in Queensland?  By Friday evening it was disclosed that one of the infested people had not been 100% truthful of their movements and therefore where they had contracted the virus, the restrictions started to lift.  Now I wait to find out whether I am required to return to work earlier - probably best before I start reorganising my library.
Ooh what interesting times we are currently living in.