North West
| Contact Email: |
hazel.woods@rocketmail.com |
| District Website: |
paganfednw.com |
| District Area: |
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| District Information: |
Paganism in the North West
This is a geographically diverse
area, with many practicing Pagans from all walks of life. We have
a diverse range of open Pagan activities on offer throughout the
year, with camps, moots and conferences, and we liaise with many
other Pagan bodies and organisations to provide support for the
Pagan community, and to represent Paganism to the wider world, as
well as being invited to share information about Paganism at
Interfaith events throughout the region.
Follow some of the links here and on
the Pagan
Federation North West
Website to see some of our regular meeting points, groups and
events. This is not representative of all Paganism in the
Northwest, but you can find the rest at the camps, moots and
conferences. This is where you are most likely to meet the people
who can teach you the magical arts simply answer your queries, or
share a pint at the pub in like-minded company.
If you visit our facebook page, also
called Pagan Federation North West you will find yourself in a
Pagan world, and can chat/live chat with a very friendly crowd,
some anticipating their first camp with bated breath, others with
years of experience. Obviously we cannot police all people who
come to all of our events or who join the forums, so would
advise that normal social networking etiquette applies to
Paganism as much as any other religion/social group, if you are
looking to join a group it is advisable to go to a good few
events to see who you really get on with, and that they are
genuinely part of the Pagan world. So once again, welcome, and
Merry Meet!
Paganism in Cumbria
Cumbria
is home to the Lake District National Park, the wild Cumbrian
west coast, and greatest English mountains. Its very name evokes
images of Britain’s most beautiful countryside, a land of myths
and legends, with more complete stone circles than any other
county. ‘The Lake District’ also evokes country
cottages, cosy pubs, the poetic landscapes of the Romantic
Movement and the world of Beatrix Potter. Here residents and
visitors alike feel the true power within the land, coming
specifically to enter into a communion with Nature, and to be at
one with the seasons as the year wheel turns.
Religious
impulse and fulfilment have often been allied to a sense of
closeness to the splendour of nature. This is borne out by the
rich tapestry of faiths that make up the religious population of
Cumbria as well as the plentiful civic rites from Ambleside’s
traditional rush bearing parade to Ulverston’s contemporary
rivers of light.
Needless to say we also have a
flourishing population of adherents to the Old Religion. Druids,
Shamans, Heathens and Wiccans meet in groves, groups, blots
and covens as they have always done; pagan moots meet in pubs and
cafes, and to camp together and sing around bonfires, and
semi-public outdoor festivals are organised on a regular basis.
Experienced and initiated Priests and Priestesses undertake baby
naming, handfastings and requiems, and CRB checked counsellors
and chaplains attend hospitals, hospices and prisons to provide
for the needs of Cumbrian Pagans.
As you get to know
the area you will find some great magical places, such as
Kirkby Stephen with the famous Loki Stone in the church, pretty
Ulverston with its cobbled streets, Kendal with its lovely
ruined castle, not far from Levens Hall with its glass goblet
reputed to have been given by the fairies as “the luck of
Levens”.
As well as our stunning national Park
with its mountains and coasts we have some of the best stone
circles in Britain, including Long Meg and Castle Rigg, as well
as others which are often quiet and far from the tourist trail.
We also have Cumbria's little known but deeply spiritual Humphrey
Head was the place of sanctuary to the last wolf in England, and
the now defunct holy well.The
Dent Meditation Centre is not Pagan, but has a great programme
for personal and psychic development. For those in search of
something a bit more lively the Carlisle Moot meets regularly
every month of a Saturday lunchtime in front of the Guildhall
(see Moots and Groups).
In Cumbria various Pagan paths and
organisations exist side by side often very quietly. It can be
disheartening for people who are trying to find their way in
Paganism, but attending the various friendly camps in lovely
surroundings is a very good way to meet like-minded people.
North Lancashire
Lancashire
has a rich heritage in occult lore, and is the site of the
brooding Pendle Hill and the Lancashire witch trials. There are
several Pendle Witch walks and The Castle at Lancaster offers a
tour which features these famous prisoners. For those more
interested in the natural world than the historical Festival
Bowland provides year round celebrations of the natural beauty of
the Forest of Bowland.
Lancaster itself home to some very
vibrant and social pagan groups with Lune Pagans in town and
Lancaster University hosting the second longest running
University Pagan Society (after UCLAN in Central Lancashire),
which welcomes non-students, (see moots and groups).
The
famous Blue Whale café offers wonderful vegetarian and gluten
free food and The Gregson Centre is home to many of the towns
other alternative groups. Or if you like your witchy history
visit The Golden Lion on Moor Lane where the Pendle Witches
supposedly had their last drink according to the plaque outside
and the memorabilia within.
Morecambe, over the river boasts
some of the greyest weather known to man and was home to one of
the top comedians of the sixties, Eric Morecambe. It's also the
place for one of the most enthusiastic pagan groups in the
northwest.
Lancashire is home to the mysterious fairy
steps near Beetham, beautifully magical walking country as well
as Silverdale, one of Britain's top ten camps sites at Gibraltar
Farm, and some of the North West Pagans' favourite camps. The
Wolfhouse Gallery at Silverdale offers lovely food in congenial
surroundings and looks out towards Cumbria.
To find out more for North
Lancashire please contact Mish, happy Hedgewitch following an
eclectic Wiccan Path who is more than happy to point you in the
right direction depending on what you're looking for. :
luvlymish@yahoo.com
To find out more about Central
Lancashire please contact Maggy (office
hours Tuesday – Saturday) Tel: 01253 348474
Paganism in
Bolton and Oldham
Bolton, Oldham and BL and OL postcode
areas. As well as Bolton and Oldham, this area includes other
industrial Lancashire towns like Rochdale, Ashton-under-Lyne,
Bacup and Bury. It extends as far as Westhaughton, Ramsbottom and
Littleborough. There is also a small bit of the West Riding of
Yorkshire around Todmorden and Saddleworth.
Although a lot of the area is built
up, there is also plenty of countryside and a few surviving
ancient sites such as the Pike Stones on Anglezarke Moor and the
stone circle at Cheetham Close near Turton. Anglezarke
is a sparsely populated civil
parish
in the Borough
of Chorley..
It is dominated by reservoirs that were built to supply water to
Liverpool,
and a large expanse of moorland with evidence of Bronze
Age
settlements. Popular with walkers and tourists, it lies in the
West
Pennine Moors
in Lancashire, and is close to the towns of Chorley,
Horwich
and
Darwen.
There are also sites of modern pagan
celebration such as Holcombe Hill, Rivington Pike and the moors
above Oldham where Alex and Maxine Sanders performed rituals in
the 1960’s.
To find out more about Bolton and
Oldham areas please contact Robin who says: Although
I have been Pagan for some years now I never get tired of meeting
new people and chatting about pagan topics. If you want more info
about the area, or just want to get in touch, please contact me
at jackdore51@yahoo.co.uk
Paganism in The Isle of Man
The
Isle of Man is steeped in history, and has many Pagan sites of
interest. The name itself derives from that of the Celtic sea God
Mannanen; it is the Isle of Mannanen with all its wonderful
shores and Celtic beauty. Curator at Manx National Heritage
Museum Allison Fox looks after a fine necklace dating from the
10th
Century. She says of the owner, known as “The Pagan Lady”,
She was buried within the Christian cemetery at Peel Castle but
she had grave goods with her which is a feature of a Pagan
burial, including charms, and has been described as a healer and
shaman. The Pagan Lady's Necklace is currently on display at the
Manx Museum in Douglas. If you type “Pagan Isle of Man” into
Google you will come across all sorts of references that make for
great days out with adults or children, looking at its heritage,
and exploring its pagan past. It was of course once the site of
the Witchcraft Museum where Gerald Gardner was the resident witch
and curator, also running there the coven that went on to
initiate the first Neo Pagan witches in America. Today the Isle
of Man remains a very popular holiday destination and home to a
number of Pagans and initiates of the Western Mystery Traditions.
For
more information about Paganism in the Isle of Man please e-mail:
david@pfnw.org
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| Regional Contacts: |
District
Manager Region C – North West England
Hazel Woods
Email
hazel.woods@rocketmail.com
Regional
Co-ordinator - Liverpool Conurbation
Postcodes: L, CH41-66,
WA, WN
Rebecca Mutch
Email:
bekhsparkle@yahoo.co.uk
Regional Co-ordinator – Manchester
Conurbation
Postcodes M, SK
Sarah Males
Email:
sarah.males@rocketmail.com
Local
Organiser - Manchester Conurbation
Robin
Email:
jackdore51@yahoo.co.uk
Regional
Co-ordinator - Oldham and Bolton
Postcodes: OL and
BL
Robin
Email:
jackdore51@yahoo.co.uk
Regional
co-ordinator - Lancashire Central
Postcodes: PR, FY, BB
Maggie
Hindmarch
(office hours Tuesday – Saturday) Tel: 01253
348474
Email: tobaria@yahoo.co.uk
Regional
co-ordinator - Cumbria & N Lancs
Postcodes: CA, LA1-7,
LA8-30
Mish Liddle
Email: luvlymish@yahoo.com
Regional
co-ordinator - The Isle of Man
Postcodes: IM
David
E-mail:
david@pfnw.org
Other Administration, contact details
as below.
Hazel Woods
– Distirict Manager, Conference organiser, media, diversity
and interfaith co-ordinator.
Robin
- Assistant District Manager, district treasurer and conference
team.
Maggie Hindmarch
- training co-ordinator, shop (also mail order), conference team,
first contact for putting you in touch with Priest/esses of
Pagan, Wiccan, Heathen, and Fellowship of Isis traditions for
rites of passage ie baby naming, handfastings, and requiems.
(01253 348474)
Mish Liddle – Web site
co-ordinator. luvlymish@yahoo.com
Joan Withington – Newsletter
Editor (via facebook).
We
also have other experienced Priestesses and Priests who perform
rites throughout the area, as well as CRB checked Hospital,
University and Prison Chaplains, and diversity training officers.
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| Regular events: |
Courses, Centres & Annual Camps
The Silver Moon Holistic Centre, 76
Bond Street, Blackpool. Various courses running, wise advice on
groups, events etc. Telephone the centre Tuesday to Saturday in
office hours, Maggie, regional co-ordinator, on 01253 348474.
Courses
Blackpool
Hermetics.
Regular
courses taught by Rufus Harrington.The Hermetics system teaches
spiritual techniques of meditation taught in western schools of
magic for the last 400 years, combined with methods derived from
modern psychological science. Hermetics teaches you how to
understand the inner world of your thoughts and emotions, and how
to harness the power of your
magical will to achieve your life goals, along with methods of
healing. You will be guided upon a journey of spiritual
awakening, learn magical and psychological techniques, and be
taught to build an inner temple within which to commune with the
sacred and to awaken the divine potential of your soul. You can
also study Hermetics and qualify to teach the Hermetic system. If
you enjoy helping others to grow and develop and feel called to
this kind of work then you can expect to earn in the region of
£40 per hour working with individuals and groups.
Psychic Development
Annual courses Blackpool, Lancashire, taught by Maggie Hindmarsh
Maggie is a Wiccan High priestess who also used to be a
practising medium who trained at Stansted hall, she scrys in the
Temple of Flame, the Enochian lodge within the Temple of the
Phoenix. She will teach the arts of scrying and divination, as
well as how to develop one's psychic abilities for magical work,
and to complement our mundane life. Telephone Tuesday to Saturday
in office hours to the Silver Moon Holistic Centre 01253 348474
Reiki 1
October, Blackpool, Silver Moon Holistic Centre. A one day
workshop, date to be confirmed, probably a Sunday. This Eastern
system has much in common with magic and is becoming very popular
in the west today. Here Maggie Hindmarsh, a long term Reiki
Master, teaches you about Reiki, and how to channel its life
enhancing energies for yourself and others, and how it can be
integrated into Pagan practice. This workshop initiates you into
the Reiki system, and can be followed with further training
towards becoming a Reiki master. Phone Silver Moon
Holistic Centre 01253 348474
The Rossi
263 Promenade, Blackpool FY1 6AH The
Rossi is a seaside bed & breakfast located on the promenade
in Blackpool, Pagan management couple Paul Kennedy, and Melanie
McCaw are enthusiastic new hoteliers running family Halloween
weekends, special offers and events by Kathy Rowan Drewitt, the
North West’s best astronomer. For details of what’s on please
contact Paul and Melanie.Tel.
01253 341 731 Email: info@hotelrossi.co.uk
Cumbria
A Wicca Study Group
– Annually in South Cumbria.
A four week course exploring
the history and early mythos of Wicca; Wicca in theory and
practice; Wiccan ritual and magic, living as a witch; with magic
and meditation in each session. Please email for further
information hazel.woods@rocketmail.com.
Working with the Elements
- September, South Cumbria, Melissa and Rufus Harrington. The
mandala of the elemental wheel is integral to modern magic, as it
has been to magic through the ages. Here we look at the history
and use of elemental symbols, forces, and correspondences, we
explore the differing ways the elements have been perceived in
different traditions, and how we can weave them
into our own personal practice. 4 weeks, Fridays, 7.30 - 10.00pm.
Please email for further information hazel.woods@rocketmail.com.
Isle of Man
Affinity
Crystals, Ramsey
Many courses and events, library & shop, celebrants for rites of
passage, experienced and friendly staff, also regular evening
meditations 7.30pm, £2.50 per person. Please call for any additional information Pam
07624 361549 or call into the shop 01624 813425
Camps
Pendle Witch Camp,
well loved camp in Pendle witch country. Midsummer
http://www.penwitchcamp.co.uk
Wolf Stone Pagan Camp,
May 2012, Silverdale, Lancashire, contact tobaria@yahoo.co.uk
or ring Maggy 015253 828668. Lovely venue, quite glamorous, fairy
lights and velvet cloaks in firelight, Wiccan and Shamanic paths
most evident, attended by local land guardians, Vikings and many
experienced Pagans. Strictly no entry without a ticket, sold out
quickly in 2011, tickets now for sale for 2012 from Pixie Stamp
on facebook, or Maggie Silver Moon at the Silver Moon Holistic
Centre, Blackpool (see shops)
Woodspirit Camp,
every August, Silverdale Lancashire email gamelands@netscape.net
or dizziwitch@blueyonder.co.uk.
Great community event,l ong running, informative and very family
friendly, full of local groups and leaders, loyal following each
year with central barbecue, singing and firedancing. Strictly no
entry without a ticket, NOW SOLD OUT.
The Mercian Gathering.
A rather large and popular gathering attended by many North West
Pagans, big name speakers and entertainment inc music tent giving
it a festival vibe. First weekend in September, Nuneaton.
www.merciangathering.com
Oakleaf Lammas Camp
- Limetree Farm nr Ripon. A very popular camp on a farm, not
North West but gets a lot of NW Pagans, stone circle, adobe
hobbit houses etc email carol@oakleafcamp.info
Conferences
Pagan Con Conference,
July, Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club, Lightfoot Lane, Fulwood,
Preston PR4 0AP Lancashire. Long running and popular conference.
Tickets can be bought via paypal on their website.
www.shared-earth.org.uk
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Groups:
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Cumbria
A long established working coven
would like to hear from serious seekers of the initiatory craft
for a training group in the Seascale, north west Cumbria. Contact
Rosemary or David at: broomstick@uwclub.net
or phone 07944 123 115
A new Wiccan group is
currently being established in the Barrow in Furness Area, Wicca
based but not initiatory, for further details email
hazel.woods@rocketmail.com
The Temple of the Phoenix.
Magical teaching Order. International but based in Lakeland. Open
to all who empathise with Wiccan values and beliefs. Focuses on
Enochia and Hermetics but offers some basic Wiccan, magical,
hermetic and psychological training. Email
hazel.woods@rocketmail.com
Lancashire
Druidry
in Blackpool: Obod members
only Seedgroup meets for rituals and moots in appropriate venues
including the beach. Obod (Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids) is
a long standing and very highly respected Druid Order with a lot
of events and training programmes, anyone is welcome to contact
the Seedgroup to talk about Obod or Druidry, and can contact
Alison Jayne or Gillian Kavanagh via Face Book.
HeartSong
in Lancaster
is a twice monthly Meditation and Scared Singing group, linked
with Moon cycles and the energy of nature focussed in Celtic
festivals. The group is a space of healing and transformation for
people, taking the participants beyond their sense of themselves
and their abilities, and putting them in touch with voice and a
sound that is bigger and more powerful – rising out of a deeper
sense of silence. It is really ritual work, linked in with the
power of the full moon, reminding us of our connection to the
Earth, to Spirit and to each other, and focussing energies for
Earth healing. We connect with sacred sites across the globe as
suggested by the Mayan people at each Full Moon. A spiritually
focused group in which your soul sound can be expressed and
explored; sound that arises from deep silence, in toning, singing
healing chants and vocal improvisation. Bryony
Rogers
bryonytree@gmail.com
Lancaster University Pagan Society
meets in Bowland North seminar room nine at 7:30 on Mondays
during term time, a map of the University Campus is available
Online. They are open to all but do require a membership of the
Student union for insurance purposes. Their contact details are
pagansoc@lancaster.ac.uk
and they offer a range of talks, rituals and workshops.
Pendle Grove,
an OBOD Grove which meets on Pendle Hill for festivals. It is not
essential to be a member of OBOD to join, but it is not an open
group and people who might like to attend should email:
doctorvernon@gmail.com
Full
Moon Fire Party, Lockside Road,
Preston. Every
full moon. A place for friendly chat by a fire while others spin,
throw, catch and breathe fire. Also a place to learn such skills
as poi, staff, juggling balls, clubs etc. Just ask and someone
will show you what to do. The event is free, all that is asked it
to bring some wood for the
fire.
http://www.tinyurl.com/fullmoonfireparty
Shared
Earth,
offers moots, groups, courses, teaching sharing knowledge and
circles, and the famous annual Pagan Con every July. Long running
organisation with lots going on, based in Preston area
www.shared-earth.org.uk
UCLAN Pagan Society,
Preston is one of the longest running student Pagan societies in
Britain, it meets every Saturday at 7pm, open to non-students,
supported by leading Lancashire Pagans, see
uclanpagansoc.tripod.com or
Uclan Pagan Society on Facebook
Merseyside
Circle of Pagans, Social meetings
and Sabbats
see Circle
of Pagans on Facebook
"P" ~ 07843655489
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Moots:
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Cumbria
Carlisle
moot
Carlisle
Moot meets regularly every month on a Saturday lunchtime in front
of the Guildhall
Email
carlisle_pagans@hotmail.co.uk
Cheshire
The
Stockport moot is held on
the second Monday of the month at the Boars Head. Its telephone
contact is Tony on 0161 285 2963.
Chester
Pagans Moot
1st
Wednesday of each month, The
Town Crier Pub, City Road, Chester, 8pmish, whitephoenix500@yahoo.com, Mark
~ 07939577796
Lancashire
The
Blackpool Moot,
7.30pm, Second Thursday in the month, The Bispham hotel (Red
bank road, Blackpool) . Blackpool Moot on facebook, or contact
Maggie on
01253
348474.
Bolton
Pub Moot. 3rd Tuesday of
the month at Ye Olde Man and Scythe, 6-8 Churchgate, Bolton town
centre, from 7:30 onwards. FFI contact Hawky on 07979 597411.
Burnley
Moot. 1st Wednesday of the
Month at 7.30pm
The Inn on the Wharf, Manchester Road,
Burnley, Lancs, BB11 1JG, Contact Rik Law on 07940857769
Lune
Valley Moot, 2nd Friday of
the month
The White Cross Pub, Quarry Road, Lancaster, LA1 4XT
8.30pmish
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/LunePagans/
The
Morely Pagans Moot. Conservative Club,
Street lane, Gildersome, Morley, LS27 7HX, 3rd Tuesday of the Month. Morely.
See the Morely Pagans Moot on facebook.
Pendle
Valley Moot
1st
Wednesday of the Month at 7.30pm, The
Inn on the Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, Lancs, BB11 1JG. Contact
Rik Law on 07940857769
WasPsi
The
Bellingham Hotel, 141-149 Wigan Lane, Wigan, WN1
2NB, 7.30pmish, Joan
Withington or Ian Hawthorne on facebook
Wigan
Pagan Gates
first
Friday of the month, at Little 15, Wallgate Wigan. From 7.30pm
Manchester
Conurbation
1st
Monday of each month
Manchester
Pagan Wheel
The Waldorf
Pub, 12 Gore Street, Manchester. 7.30pmish
jackdore51@yahoo.co.uk
Robin or Ken ~ 07933259195 or 07944121401
Radcliffe
Moot
2nd Tuesday of the
month
Sean and Sara’s House, Radcliffe, Bury, Manchester,
Phone Sean or Sara on 01619590771
Merseyside
3rd
Monday each month
Circle
of Pagans Liverpool Pub Moot
The
Casa, Hope Street, Liverpool
8pmish, "P" ~
07843655489
2nd Thurs of each month
Wirral
Pagans
The Stork Hotel,
Price Street, Birkenhead
8.30pmish, Emma ~ 07805536696
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Cyberspace:
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National
PF members (you will need your membership
number)
groups.yahoo.com/group/PFMembers/
We
have a lively and friendly group on facebook, search Pagan
Federation North West, regular news of events, groups and get
togethers.
We have our own regional website with further
information, shops and listings at www.paganfednw.org
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Shops:
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The Rossi is a seaside bed &
breakfast located on the promenade in Blackpool, set looking out
across the Irish Sea, and ideally situated between South &
Central Pier. Pagan management couple Paul Kennedy, and
Melanie McCaw are enthusiastic new hoteliers keen to be known for
their clean rooms and warm welcome. The Rossi is a 15 bed
guesthouse, with stunning sea views. All rooms are en-suite, with
a fully licensed bar and lounge. For accommodation, meals,
sharing a drink in convivial company and surroundings, or hiring
rooms or the whole hotel for your events, please contact Paul and
Melanie.
Tel.
01253 341 731
Email: info@hotelrossi.co.uk
Bolton
and Oldham
Hecate's
Cauldron,
55 Drake Street,Rochdale, Lancashire,
OL16 1RX, Tel 01706 642228
Lancashire
The Silver Moon Holistic Centre,
76 Bond Street, Blackpool. All Pagan, gothic and magical
requirements from incense to statues to cloaks, also readings,
courses and a very cute wolf dog! Open Tuesday to Saturday in
office hours, Maggie, regional co-ordinator, on 01253 348474.
Crystal
Carols
11
George St, Ashton-u-Lymme, Lancs, O16 6AQ
01613396677
Healing,
crystals, crystal jewellery
Liverpool
Conurbation
Crystal
Zen Garden
186
Liscard Road, Wallasey, Liscard, CH44 5TN
01516386757
WWW.CRYSTALZENGARDEN.CO.UK
spiritual
figures, tarot cards, crystals, pictures, dream catchers,
jewellry, incense, crystal balls, oil burners, meditation cd's.
also has tarot reading, reiki healing, karuna healing, aura
imaging, hypnosis available as well as several courses.
Dragon
Indulgence - A Pagan shop run by pagans
Gostins
Shopping Arcade, 32-36 Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 4LN
Stockists
of unusual and exclusive Altarware, Gifts, Candles, Oils,
Incence, Herbs, Books, Crystals, Faeries and of course Dragons
Morgana's
Lair
Grand
Central Hall, Renshaw Street, Liverpool, L2 5AF
07760
486 469
Morgana's
Lair stocks a selection of herbs and oils and some books and
other esoteric items. Of interest to many of you will be the goth
section, a range of gothic clothing and jewellery and soon a line
of gothic wedding dresses.
News
From Nowhere, Radical and Community Bookshop
96
Bold St., Liverpool, L1 4HY
0151
708 7270
http://www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk
nfn@pop3.poptel.org.uk
Books
aimed at spiritual develoment and alternative health including:-
Women's spirituality, Wicca and Paganism, Meditation, Tarot,
Reiki, Aromatherapy. Tarot cards etc. Also diaries, calendars,
posters, plus relaxation tapes and CDs.
Manchester
Conurbation
The
Celtic Emporium.
40
Wayfarers Arcade., Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1NT 01704 512234
http://www.thecelticemporium.com
info@thecelticemporium.com
They
also run a rewards scheme on items bought there.
On-
line
Cora
Handmade Candles
0151
281 1234
susanmaria14@yahoo.co.uk
Handmade
candles for magical purposes.
Magic
Spirit
www.magicspirit.co.uk
01244
381121
Your One Stop
Online Pagan and Witchcraft Shop. Free P+P
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