On Sunday the 30th of
September 2012 I journeyed with friends the not inconsequential distance by
car, to the Castle Bytham public house in the picturesque Lincolnshire village
of Bytham itself. The evening trip was to attend a meeting of the Castle Bytham
Spirit Circle. This is a monthly meeting held for those with interests in a
variety of esoteric subjects, hosted by the convivial landlord and Steward of
the Hell Fire Club, Mr Eamonn Loughran.
This particular meeting featured a
presentation by Mr Ashley Mortimer, a trustee of the Centre for Pagan Studies
and the Doreen Valiente Foundation. The presentation, informal talk and later
discussion was of a broad sweep covering the history of Gardnerian Witchcraft
or Wica, the life of the founder Gerald Gardner himself, the life and influence
of Doreen Valiente, together with a brief exploration of the aims of the Doreen
Valiente Foundation. The meeting was notable for the attendance of several
literary luminaries, including Shani Oates the Maid of the Clan of Tubal Cain and
Philip Heselton, who is himself an author and authority on the history of the
Gardnerian Craft. Both of these illustrious personages knew Valiente in life.
Mr Mortimer due to the breadth of
the subject matter and the time permitted, was only able to a give the most
limited exploration of the complex subject matter, correctly concentrating upon
the most important factors relevant to our understanding for the evening. This
he did with practiced competence and maintained the interest of the audience
throughout. Taking us on a journey that included Gardner’s return to England,
his meetings with persons living in the New Forest area and finally, moving on
to discuss the influence of Valiente, not only upon Witchcraft but Paganism as
a whole and her role in the foundation of the Pagan Front, later to become the
Pagan Federation.
The evening was further enlivened
by the presence of various artefacts owned by the Doreen Valiente Foundation,
many of which were of a personal significance to Valiente during her lifetime.
This informal exhibition enabled Mr Mortimer to discuss plans for the future of
the Doreen Valiente Collection, including the search for a permanent home. The
evening ended with mention of the much hoped for biography of the lady in
question, before a short break and questions.
The evening was most enjoyable and
well attended, with many present having made a journey of no mean distance.
Those not returning the same night having booked rooms at the various boarding
houses in the village, those offering bed and breakfast, were able to stay and
move into the public bar. The company was therefore, genial and stimulating.
The Castle Bytham Spirit Circle
continues to hold regular monthly meetings with a speaker each month and has an
active Facebook group (see below).
CASTLE BYTHAM SPIRIT CIRCLE FACEBOOK GROUP
https://www.facebook.com/groups/castlebythamspiritcircle/?fref=ts
CENTRE FOR PAGAN STUDIES BLOG:
http://www.centre-for-pagan-studies.com/centre_for_pagan_studies-paganism-Blog-17.php
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