Notes from the Apothecary: Sage Welcome to my new column, Notes from the Apothecary! Each month I’ll be talking about a different herb or plant. Some will be familiar to you, some may not, but I hope you will always find out something new and interesting, that will help you increase your medicinal and magical knowledge.   Not much is still lively in my garden in late November, but the one plant that never seems to give up is my beautiful, purple tinged sage. You only have to brush your fingers against the slightly rough leaves to produce an aroma that is at once appetising and mystical. Sage has been…

Romany Rivers: Weaving Words Romany Rivers is an artist, Pagan Priestess and co-founder of Moon River Wicca in England. As a Celebrant Romany uses poetry and modern interpretations of fairytales to create unique celebrations, festivals, and rituals. Aside from her work as a Priestess and artist, she is also well known for her work in the holistic health community as a Reiki Master and Tarot Reader. Romany resides in Nova Scotia, Canada, pursuing dreams of a sustainable, family focused and rural lifestyle whilst providing holistic and family support services to the community. Her upcoming book, Poison Pen Letters to Myself is described as ‘A self-effacing, insightful and wonderfully authentic document…

Simon Stirling: History versus Truth Simon is the author of Who Killed William Shakespeare and The King arthur Conspiracy, Simon takes what we know about historical figures and turns that knowledge upon its head! He is currently writing for Pagan and esoteric publisher Moon Books and regularly blogs upon the true roots of the yearly festivals that stem from pagan beliefs. Mabh: You were into acting and writing from an early age, so how did you become so interested in history and legend? Simon: I guess acting/writing and history/legend go hand in hand. As an actor, you’re often being introduced to history in one form or another (plays set or…

Laura Perry: Exploring Ancient Magic Laura is the author of the recently published Ariadne’s Thread which explores the Minoans and their spirituality, and how to utilise this in the modern world. She has written three other books, and has been involved in a wide range of healing and magical activities. She let me quiz her on her book and other aspects of her magical life. Mabh: You’re described in your bio as a Naturopath. Can you tell us what this means? Laura: Naturopathy is a variety of natural/complementary healthcare that encompasses many of the well-known modalities such as herbalism and homeopathy. I find that it dovetails well with my spiritual…

Brendan Howlin is a Druid grade member of the order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD). He has been Senior International Tutor for Bards and Ovates for 13 years, and Science Correspondent for Touchstone, the journal of OBOD for 13 years. He is also co-founder of Surrey Druid Grove. Brendan is also Director of Postgraduate Research at University of Surrey. I’ve been fascinated by his upcoming book, The Handbook of Urban Druidry, and set out to find out a little more from the author himself. Mabh: I think when most of us consider Druidry, we don’t often think of the term ‘Urban’ as being associated. Can you tell me a…

Morgan Daimler: A Druid in the New World Morgan is an experienced Druid and author of Where the Hawthorn grows, cited as a unique look at the beliefs and practices of American Druidism, looking at daily practice and practical, modern applications. Morgan was kind enough to answer a few questions about her life as a Druid and her writing. Mabh: Your book, Where the Hawthorn Grows, describes you as an Irish reconstructionist Druid in America. Can you sum up this description for us, tell us a bit about your path and its roots? Morgan:  Well, basically, I’m an Irish polytheist – with some Norse flavour – and I use a…

Dorothy L Abrams: Magic, Ethics and Standing in your Power Dorothy is the author of Identity and the Quartered Circle which is out through Moon Books and available now. She is also a co-founder of the Web PATH Centre, a pagan church and teaching centre near her home in Clyde, New York. I caught up with her to ask her some questions about the book, her magical life and her world outlook. Mabh: You’ve been active in the magical community for many, many years, yet Identity and the Quartered Circle is first book. What inspired you to write this? Dorothy: I finished teaching the first fully successful Wicca IV class…

Julie, Spirit Heart, Dollman: A Modern Shaman Julie Dollman, also known as Spirit Heart, is a graduate of the Four Winds Society, which trains others in the skills of Shamanism and Energy Healing. She is also the founder of one of the first ever high street Shamanic clinics, and the author of the book Living Shamanism, which sets about demystifying the role of the modern Shaman. Julie gave up some of her time to answer a few questions for me. Mabh: What inspired the transition from Crime Analyst to Shamanic healer? Julie: Initially, it was the work with The Four Winds Society… I became reconnected wholeheartedly to Great Spirit and…