Friday 26 June 2020

Book Review: Encountering the Dark Goddess - A Journey into the Shadow Realms by Frances Billinghurst published by Moon Books



It is rare that I write a book review. By the time I get around to the actual writing, the book has often been in print quite some time. My thoughts are therefore, of little value to the publisher; even if my fellow bibliophiles would and do appreciate my opinion. On occasion I am asked to write a review by a publisher or by a magazine editor. I often decline these invitations and the accompanying offer of a free book. I do this because for reasons that puzzle me, I am frequently asked to reviews works that are not of interest to me and would not under normal circumstances consider reading. I am of the opinion that under these circumstances, others could write a more appropriate and appreciative review. This does mean that I have refused the offer of a work that I could potentially have sold later for profit but honesty prevents me from accepting these offers. Encountering the Dark Goddess by Frances Billinghurst is therefore, something of an exception. This is a work on a subject that is of interest and is indeed a book I would read.

This work is a very personal creation for Billinghurst, well written and ably illustrated (by Soror Basilisk), the author takes us through a journey, an encounter. Thirteen Goddesses are chosen somewhat idiosyncratically perhaps, for this journey. Each chapter is representative of the deep personal relationship that the author has with these Goddesses. Although historically whether all were recognised as Goddesses is open to debate, undoubtedly each one is an otherworldly being of importance.

The journey is an expression of the work the author has carried out for many years, writing, studying and running Goddess focused workshops. There is experience in every sentence and importantly respect. To quote the author: 'the Gods are real, very real' As a polytheist, I agree that each Goddess should be approached with deference and this respect is a key feature of the author's work.

The sections of the work consist of a general introduction to working with and approaching the Darker aspects of divinity. This is followed by the major chapters on each relevant Goddess, complete with history, meaning, advice and correspondences. These sections are well researched and informative. The final part of the work is of a generalised practical nature which includes purifications, spells and further craftwork.

This third section also includes a deeply personal testimony by the author herself, discussing her recent illness and the changes that it has brought about. Unforeseen and at times, unwanted even if necessary. These changes are discussed with sensitivity and surprising honesty. If it was not already obvious then his chapter alone would emphasise the personal nature of the work. The intricate and complex nature of the relationship that the author has with Divinity itself is a moving read and this chapter serves to tie the work together into a cohesive whole. This works offers the reader an insight into a series personal encounters, informative, respectful and practical.

The book is expected to go on general release in March 2021 (I was graciously provided with a proof copy) and will be available from John Hunt Publishing:


Monday 22 June 2020

Kenneth Clarke - Civilisation a Personal View (1969)


"At this point I reveal myself in my true colours, as a stick-in-the-mud. I hold a number of beliefs that have been repudiated by the liveliest intellects of our time. I believe that order is better than chaos, creation better than destruction. I prefer gentleness to violence, forgiveness to vendetta.


On the whole I think that knowledge is preferable to ignorance, and I am sure that human sympathy is more valuable than ideology. I believe that in spite of the recent triumphs of science, men haven't changed much in the last two thousand years; and in consequence we must still try to learn from history. History is ourselves.


I also hold one or two beliefs that are more difficult to put shortly. For example, I believe in courtesy, the ritual by which we avoid hurting other people's feelings by satisfying our own egos and I think we should remember that we are part of a great whole. All living things are our brothers and sisters. Above all, I believe in the God-given genius of certain individuals, and I value a society that makes their existence possible."


The closing words from 'Civilisation a personal view' by Kenneth Clarke (BBC 1969) Part 13 of 13 - Heroic Materialism.

THE JOY & THE SORROW



Only those who write or create, the scholar and the artist; can truly understand the pain of such undertakings. I often feel that my head is cluttered, full of words and pictures. They block my thoughts and they distress me, until I find a release. Then and only then, can I say that my head is empty. I seek to empty my mind, to place the words onto paper or into a computer. The pictures I must transfer to a camera. I quite literally feel that they are inside the camera when I shoot and shifted from my brain. When my head is finally empty of words and pictures, then can I have peace.


Those times when motivation is absent but not the inspiration, are difficult. I have a need to work but I lack the will. I can spend hours staring at a screen and achieve nothing. Writer's block is something of a joke to those who do not write and often perceived as being unique to the writers of fiction. Both are erroneous perceptions. It isn't always a joke and it is certainly not unique to creators of fiction. Something very similar is known to artists but whether it has a name, I have no idea. Yet this phenomenon is in direct contrast to those times when I can write for hours without a break.


My pursuits, my hobbies exist as two forms of expression. First and most important is the writing, which can either be scholarly or journalistic. Although there is an art to that endeavour; to writing itself, it is not primarily an artistic pursuit. The writing of poetry as a purely poetic expression is rare and fiction is not my forte. I have enjoyed some modest success with regards the writing, having work appear in anthologies and magazines. I host two independent blogs on the Internet.


The second form of expression is photography. Originally the photography was a supplement to the writing, used as a method to illustrate articles and reviews. This remains the primary focus but my interest in the art of photography has grown over the years, to become a separate and pleasurable hobby. My main areas or interest are mythological, historical and portraiture. Although the images are in my head, I do not always have the technical skill to achieve art to the standards I desire. I am primarily a wordsmith and not truly an artist.


As a hobby the photography is far more enjoyable than that of the writing. Although the final creation of a picture can be hard work, the actual process of creation is still pleasurable. Writing is not truly pleasurable, it is hard work. I derive a sense of achievement from the creation of a photograph but that sense of achievement that I derive from a finished piece of writing is far greater.


No one really enjoys writing. We enjoy the sense of achievement when the ordeal of creation is over. Writing is not for pleasure alone but it is a method of satiation. It is a mode of satisfaction, a fulfilment of the need to express oneself and because of this; it is so deeply personal that every word can cause pain. This pain cannot be experienced or understood fully, by those who do not create. We who create stand naked and alone, misunderstood, lost and apart from the world.


Chattering Magpie on Deviant Art

Chattering Magpie on Google Blogspot

Chattering Magpie on Wordpress

Chattering Magpie on Tumblr

Sunday 21 June 2020

Summer Solstice 2020



The Summer Solstice of 2020; falling on the weekend of Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of June, would under normal circumstance permit travel. This year however, due to the Lockdown and the general anarchy present in the United Kingdom, that was not an option. Instead I was forced to stay a little more local than usual.


The precise astronomical moment of the Solstice fell late on the night of the 20th and this allowed for a degree of variation in observance. Some choosing to observe the  lead up to the moment on the Saturday and others a post event observance on the Sunday. I chose the former.


Rising at 3am on a Saturday morning, I was washed, dressed and leaving the house a little after 4am. The morning was cool but dry, the first light of dawn was already illuminating the village. I had approximately 40 minutes to get to my chosen position, a farm track on a low hill of the sister village. I live between Derby and Nottingham, although increasingly built upon and under threat from the HS2, there is still countryside here. Very attractive countryside, this is good walking country.


I crossed the dual carriageway, descended one steep hill and climbed another. I skirted the Settlement and the public school, I crossed a meadow and I joined the destined track way. My walk had been pleasant and uneventful, as few were up at this time. I had passed only one jogger, one dog walker and I had made good time. I had seen magpies on my walk and a solitary robin as I had entered the meadow, the latter being apt as we now approach the feast of Saint John.


In previous years I have observed a Summer or a Winter Solstice, from several ancient sites and stone circles. Often Stonehenge is marred by the wet weather, while I have been more fortunate at other sites. Here standing overlooking a few sheep and a rich grassland, I was able to observe a truly glorious sunrise that my photography does not fully capture. The sun rose over the opposite hill, illuminating the woodland on the crest and the mist coming from the stream below. I stood alone with only my own thoughts for company, bar (or baa) the late lambs and the morning chorus. I made my offering and watched the sun rise, to become a warm blazing disk in a cloudless sky.


Standing alone of course allows for a moment of introspection, due to the Lockdown there are no meetings of our Hearth, there are no gatherings, picnics or festivals that I can attend. My observance and my offering, was solitary and private. Here I could enjoy a moment of peace away from the troubles of the world and look forward with some hope. We all now hope for a brighter future, as we slowly recover from months of uncertainty and suffering. Yet some uncertainty remains and although we can all see the light, we have yet to be completely free of the darkness. The light of the sun is bright and the warmth of the solstice is comforting. Can we ask for more?



Friday 19 June 2020

Rule, Britannia by James Thomson (1740)



When Britain first, at Heaven's command
Arose from out the azure main;
This was the charter of the land,
And guardian angels sang this strain:
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

The nations, not so blest as thee,
Must, in their turns, to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

Still more majestic shalt thou rise,
More dreadful, from each foreign stroke;
As the loud blast that tears the skies,
Serves but to root thy native oak.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

Thee haughty tyrants ne'er shall tame:
All their attempts to bend thee down,
Will but arouse thy generous flame;
But work their woe, and thy renown.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:
All thine shall be the subject main,
And every shore it circles thine.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

The Muses, still with freedom found,
Shall to thy happy coast repair;
Blest Isle! With matchless beauty crown'd,
And manly hearts to guard the fair.
"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."