☆London Woodland Witches & Pagans

Join us for the first of our Cacao circles of this new year 2026. We begin witrh a very auspicious Shivarathri themed Ceremony! We gather on Friday the 13th February, for this special event.

• *We are using Organic, Vegan, Ceremonial grade Cacao, grown by the Ashaninka Tribe in Peru*
• Spaces strictly limited - please use our eventbrite link to book spaces. Thank you.

This Cacao circle will have all our usual ceremonial aspects - smudging & purifying our selves and altar area, then each person adding a spoon of ritual grade Cacao to vegan-friendly milk - speaking positive intentions for eco-magic. While cacao is heating up, we drum, dance, chant, and movement around the cooker/ cacao, as we raise energy. Then Cacao shared out and drunk by each person.

Cacao drinking in a ritual circle.
It is an old tribal practice that works gently in heartcentre and energy openings in people. It takes time to work. It's effects are subtle, and can include a good feeling of wellness, connection, love, gratitude, mindfullness, positivity. So starting with groundedness, stillness, and balance is importrant in order to feel its effects.

Flame ritual & Mantra Meditation -
we commence with personal chakra opening with their relevant mantras. A small ceremonial fire is created in a container representing the Infite Flame of Lord Shiva. While listeining to 108 mantra chants music, we offer flowers & herbs to the flame of Shiva, while silently meditating.. (or inwadly chanting the same mantra). . .

Mantras to be used / listened

• Shiva Mantra - "Om Nama Shivaya "
• Chakra mantras - Lam (root), Vam (sacral) Ram (Solar), Yam (heart), Ham (throat), Om (throat), Aum (crown- or silent Om)

Candle magic-
while people are seated and allowing the Cacaco to work, the myth of Shivarathri will be told. Following this, each person lights their own candle (provided) from the central Flame. These candles are for people to take home, to light when they are in need of this magic.
No experience necessary. You will be fully guided in this adapted Hindu-pagan ceremony, facilitated by Mani.

----PRACTICAL DETAILS -----

Date/ duration/venue :

• Friday 13th February 2026
• 7pm to 10pm
• Queen's Woods, Highgate, London.

.How you can prepare for this -

• Have a bathb or shower before attending.
• Have only vegetarian food on this day.. before ritual and afterwards.
• No alcohol or drugs.

What you can bring

• For ritual: Vegetarian food / snacks welcome (no meat or alcohol). Flowers & lanterns & incense. prayer beads or Rudraksha beads (has 108 beads).
• Practical : Wrap up really warm. Cushion/ yoga mat to sit on. blanket, throw to cover your self..(if it becomes cold).
• Optional- Drums, rattles, percursion musical instruments; Note books; Lanterns / candles; your own crystals & talismans to keep with you for journey; Your own Cup to drink Cacao from. (we provide reusuable cups).

Venue:
Queen's Wood (nearest Tube: High Gate). This ceremony is held in a public woods, in the evening, in natural weather conditions , So please do come fully prepared as follows!-
Meeting point :

• Gather at The entrance to Queen's Woods, Queen's wood Road, N6 5UU .
• Google map ref: 51.580240, -0.142252

Mani (Facilittor) will meet & collect you, and lead all attendees into the woods, to a chosen ritual space, where the Cacao ceremony will commence.

--- OUR POLICY --------

• NO Drugs/ substances, NO Alcohol at this event.
• Only Vegetarian/ vegan foods snacks, thanks.
• For Ages 18+ and over only.
• Health & Safety: If you feel unwell please stay at home. you can attend next time.
• These woods are NOT suitable for anyone with mobility issues, wheel chairs.
• Inclusivity: Please be kind, compassionate to one another throughout the whole gathering. We are inclusive of all race, genders, sexuality, LGBTQP+

We look forward to sharing our magic with you.
Bright Blessings
-Mani,
------------------------
About the Organiser :
Mani is an author, teacher, initiated Witch & High Priest, with 30yrs of Wicca & magical experiences. Since 2004, he has been working more and more in Woods, with rituals, covens and workshop. Mani has a Physics B.Sc degree, training in Transpersonal Psychology & counselling, and blends some Hindu & Shamanic practices into pagan rituals.

Join our Full moon ritual (monthly Wicca Circle) on the banks of river Thames, to set up altar, invoke the Triple moon Goddess and do magic at the heart of London. These rituals are suitable for beginners and all interested in Paganism, Wicca & Ritual Magic. Facilitated by Mani (Wiccan Highpriest) & Woodland Witches ritual team, these rituals also provide an opportunity to take on some roles and gain ritual experiences over time.

• We operate a STRICTLY NO DRUGS policy at all times ** .

RITUAL what to expect ----

• We start with a brief pathworking - a guided visualisation for stillness and energy opening. This is followed by consecration where each person is blessed with consecrated water & incense. Then a magic circle is cast with a wand, and visualisation of a protective bubble / sphere around us. Elements Air, fire, water, earth are called in east, south, west, north. We raise group energy with easy chants while circling around or infront of the altar.
• Then call on ** Goddess ** energies. A team member (or a selected attendee) plays the role of the Moon Goddess. 4-5 ladies may be asked to take on Goddess-support roles, circling the Goddess and using Goddess related chants to raise energy.
• We then have a moment for some magic/ spell working. This varies each time. Feasting & social: We finish the ceremony with communal blessing of all the food & drinks people brought, share some thoughts/ feed-back, then close circle and feast.

PRACTICAL INFO ---------

Duration: 7.00pm meeting by Millennium Bridge. Event is held by river bank. Event ends at 10pm.
Fee: £5+ via eventbrite. (or just turn up & pay cash £5 at start of Event).
Ritual venue & Meeting point

• Gather on the pavement-steps under the the Millennium Bridge (south bank side, near Tate Modern Gallery) . One of our team member will be there with a Lantern to meet you all! We walk down to river bank, set up altar and start ceremony.
• Riverside -These events are held in a public area by Thames shore, about 5-10meters away from water's edge. There are concrete steps going down from pavement to rivershore. Our rituals are planned on date/ time where tide is low.

What to bring?
You can bring the following optional items to enhance your experience of this ritual event. Torch light, good clothing for outdoors are highly recommended..

• Ritual items (optional): Moon crowns, flower crowns Ritual cloaks, capes, masks; lanterns, candles in jars..
• Torch light for safe walking at night.
• Warm clothing & rain-coats/ outdoor shoes or boots (and ankle covered socks! ).
• Small ground sheet to sit on for social.
• Your own Cups/chalice to drink from.

Please bring food & drinks to share (optional). example: bread, butter, pita bread, cheese, small picnic food, soft drinks, wine.
If there are unopened food items, please share them out and take them home. .
Tidying up: please Take any rubbish out to bins on pavements.

POLICY & GUIDELINES -----------

• The Rivershore venue is NOT suitable for those with mobility issues.
• We have Strict NO Drugs/ substances policy. Anyone found breaching it will be asked to leave or removed without refund. Police will be called on any troublemakers,
• NO filming during ritual ! No media interviews, journalist intrusions. Our events are for spiritual & worship purposes only! (you may only take solo photos of altar - after ritual and your self).
• No children allowed at any time. Our events are for 18+ yrs and older.
• Inclusivity: We are inclusive of all race, pagan beliefs, genders, sexuality, LGBTQP+
• All attendees are responsible for their own well-being and Health & safety. Do not give out your personal numbers/ contact details/ social media profiles to anyone unless you have screened them well and make a judgement call. Organisers can only vouch for our own ritual team members.

We look forward to sharing our magic with you. Please send us a private message /e-mail, if you need more info.
Bright Blessings
-Mani
Founder/ organiser - London Woodland Witches
---
About Wicca:
Wicca, a moder form of Witchcraft religion, was established by Gerald Gardner in late 1950's in England (Gardnerian Wicca), then Alex Saunders (Alexandrian Wicca) with promient contributions from High Priestesses Doreen Valiente (mother of moder wicca) and Maxine Sanders. Wicca has a format of creating sacred space, consecrations, calling 4 elements, energy raising, then invoking Horned Good & moon Goddesses, followed by ritual magic! Wiccans celebrate the 13 full moons (esbats) and the 8-fold seasonal sabats - Imbolc, Spring, Beltane, Midsummer, Lammas, Autumn, Samhain, Yule.

About the Organiser :
Mani is an author, teacher, initiated Witch & High Priest, with 30yrs of Wicca & magical experiences. Since 2004, he has been working more and more in Woods, holding rituals, covens and workshop in nature. Mani has a Physics B.Sc degree, some training in Transpersonal Psychology & counselling, and blends a little Hindu & Shamanic practices into pagan rituals.

Wiccan Apprentice circle is for practising Witches &Wiccans, and Seekers ofThe Craft. After 3 months, this will meet as a training Coven.

Welcome to `Wiccan Apprentice 2026' - our monthly Woodland-based Circle for practicing Witches, Wiccans and those seeking Training in Witchcraft & Ritual Magic . We begin as open circle for March, April & May. Then this circle will work as a Training Coven.

To be a Witch.. (Important- read this first!)
In the Initiatory Craft, people are trained and made to be `Witch & Priest' or `Witch & Priest' - The Witch-part is practical, working of Rituals, spells, charms etc. The Priest / priestess part involves facilitating worship, helping and serving the Community.! One may begin the journey as a Witch but must grwo and develop as a Priest / priestess. Even that, after ome years, expands beyond Pagan/ magical communities and encompasses the living World as a whole.

Underpinning all these is your own spirituality, your own connections to the divine Gods & Goddesses, and your moralitty, honour and integrity!

You must strive to `Know thyself' and work in accordance with the Gods & Goddesses within, and be guided by them and your genuine intuition in your actions. You must also maintain personal balance of power and grounding, keep your self magically safe from intrusions ..that can threaten to compromise your being. Also know that, you must be always confident and stronger than any forces you are trying to invoke.. maybe not in power but in Will. (If not, they will easily take control of you, your ego, your body and you are no longer `you' - which goes back to the `know thyself'!!

Know that when there are a thousand angels, Fairies and Gods to call from, if you are choosing to work with demonic powers and malefic forces and entities, then no amount of logic-chopping or bullshit discussions is going to justify that...It is also dishonourable to ridicule or make mockery of other religions of the world.. or use their materials in any sort of rebellious way for self-validation or self-empowerment.
An empowered Witch stands on their own magic and energies!!

--------- If all this sounds good, then read on ---------.

Why are we embarking on this journey?
Over the years, many interested people (initiated and/or seekers) have written to `Woodland witches' asking about joining a Coven! As everyone knows most covens fill up after taking in 5-10 people and close doors and go all private! That leaves so many others disappointed and going from group to group, searching!!

. As the world changes, we believe we Witches also have to change, keep essential practices and heritages intact (training process, committment, secrecy, initiation rites and more).. but also adapt the so called `open courts'. So here we are..

How we approach training & mentoring?
The following will be included.

• Teaching & Explanations
• Demonstrations
• Pathworkings & meditations
• Practical works & home preparations (invocations, ritual writing)
• Discussions
• Private support group (whatsapp)
• Training towards Gardnerian initiations.

Coven leadership
Coven leaders are still human & fallible, and to claim they are perfect is never good. However more experinced long term Coven leaders will have some lived-in wisdom. They will know their own flaws and how to mnage them.

So not withstanding the vast experiences of members, these circles will be run and managed by Mani HP (30yrs of Craft & group running experence). .

Secrecy, Privacy & Loyalty
All are expected to follow Coven Secrecy, respect other members' privacy and hold matters in confidence and stay lolay to this group. If you are a current or planned member of other Wicca or witchcraft groups / training/ covens, you can not be part of this circle. .. as you will face conflicts of loyalty and clash of training methods.

What to avoid
Over the decades, we have all had many good and some difficult experiences in groups. Everyone wants to feel they belong, many like to share their vast experiences and wisdoms, some even want to teach and train others. While we respect all those, Covens & Training Covens have to be managed carefully - to ensure freedom of expression exists, but also discipline and boundaries in equal measure. .

We must actively work to avoid collusions, gossiping, bad energies, shadow projections, egos overshadowing spirituality and ultimately harming individuals or spliting the group if a total Toxic situation develops.

Fees & practical responsibilities :
Ofcourse Wicca training is always free! However for our open monthly Circles, we are setting a fee. Once a Coven is formed, ALL members will be expected to contribute with practical deeds, setting up, coven-finances, as well as bringing ritual items, food & drinks, tidying up etc. .
Just because someone is paying a fee does not excempt them from pulling their equal share of group maintence tasks. Avoiding resposibility is a sure way of being removed from the group.

Ritual outline —–
The first few months will have a formal outline set by Mani (lead facilitator) in order to bring the group together in magical practise. As the group works more regularly and grows with familiarity and experience, it will develop its own format. Some sections may be adapted on the night to suit specific attendees, weather and other circumstances (global / national/ personal).

In general..

1. Preparation: Involves Altar set up (help appreciated), centering Meditation, Tree/ Chakra energy working, Wiccan Opening prayer.
2. Scared space: Wiccan salt/water/incense Consecrations (help appreciated), Magic Circle cast & elements called at quarters.
3. Power raising: spiral dance, chants
4. deity work. Horned God & Moon Goddess invocations.
5. Ritual Magic & Spellcraft:
6. Food & wine Blessings/ closing circle

READ EXTENSIVE articles on wicca, magic etc - written by Mani in the witchcraftandMagic website (link at the bottom)

---- PRACTICAL DETAILS -----------

Ritual venues
We will be holding our more open / public Cirles (atleast first 3) in `Witches Coven' Queens woods). This has been used by witches, covens, shamans, eco-groups & ritual magicians for many decades. The central clearing, that we will be close to, has been called `Witches Coven' for many decades - It is previously surrounded by 13 large oak trees (some may have fallen over the decades).

However a real witch must embrace all of nature, and be at ease in all woods and places, and be able to work magic in all weather and personal conditions (internal, emotional, etc).

• Many of our private Coven circles will be held at different woods, on different days (evenings, weekends). `rain or shine'!!

If you are looking for a indoor livingroom witchcraft coven, this will not be for you - unles you are willing to explore and adapt with all our help ofcourse!

Meeting point (March, April, May) :

• Pls wait at The entrance to Queen's Woods, Queen's wood Road, N6 5UU .
• Google map ref: 51.580240, -0.142252

We will gather all members and walk together into the woods - to pre-fixed ritual spot. (this is different to our regular Public ritual spot).

Psychic Safety —
Please do not come late to woods and enter circle once it’s cast – it breaches magic protection inside, leaks energy, allows negative entities to enter our protected space!! In the same way, please do not just `leave’ the circle in the middle of a ritual in progress. On both occasions, please wait on the edge for a suitable moment for the Circle-caster to create a `door’ and let you in/ out and close that `magic gateway’ immediately. !!!

Essentials to bring ---
If you plan to be an outdoor Witch, it's essential to build up a functional set of clothng & outdoor props. Here are some suggestions:

• Be prepared for different types of Weather. When we are seated in one spot for long, it gets cold quickly.. So pls Wear warm / water proff clothing & coats; covering legs, ankles as it avoids insect bites in summer;
• Bring a small ground sheet & optional cushion or mat to sit on.
• Torch light .. essential for walking about the woods in the dark. Better to have a separate torch than the light on mobile phones.. If you

Food/ drinks ——

• bring some sensible food & drinks to share.Vegetarian food is better. (bread, cheese, salads, dips, wine, soft drinks). It's okay if you can't bring any but pls avoid junk food.

Feasting, connecting & Magical thoughts —-
Circle will close after passing blessed Cakes & drink from the Altar. Then depending on time, we can be open for magical chats.. where you may share your experiences of what the ceremony has brought.
Much bonding happens during Feasting & social after magical work or rituals. And its important to replenish as well as stay and realx a little with Fellow Practioners before rushing off.

Tidying up / leaving no trace --
We would really appreciate everyone packing their own tools and items , then tidy up the area, picking up rubbish into bags. We also like to leave the ritual space completely traceless of our presence - it means removing all evidence of our presence, flowers, left over candles, props, any logs and twigs used put back in bushes etc. We will walk back to the road together (emptying rubbish into bins near the road).

------POLICY --------

• NO Drugs/ substances, For Ages 18+ and over only.
• Health & Safety: If you feel unwell please stay at home. you can attend next time.
• These woods are NOT suitable for anyone with mobility issues, wheel chairs.
• Inclusivity: Please be kind, compassionate to one another throughout the whole gathering. We are inclusive of all race, genders, sexuality, LGBTQP+

If you have questions, please do contact me with them - in person at other rituals or via e-mail or social media.Thank you
I look forward to sharing our magic with you..
Bright Blessings
-- Mani
------------------------
About the Organiser :
Mani is an author, teacher, initiated Witch & Gardnerian High Priest, with 30yrs of Wicca & magical experiences. Since 2004, he has been working more and more in Woods, with rituals, covens and workshop. Mani has a Physics B.Sc degree, training in Transpersonal Psychology & counselling, and blends some Hindu & Shamanic practices into pagan rituals.

Spring Equinox - balance between Dark & Light! Fresh starts!! Join Witches Rite to call the Fertile Goddess & lusful God Pan for magic!

Spring Equinox - time of balance between Dark & Light! Time of Fresh starts!! Nature is frantically busy with fertility, nest builing & mating rites! And who are we to argue with nature's divine ecstacy?! So in our Spring ceremony, we sweep away hindrances, build an altar & sacred space, call on elements to awake us unto Spring and the coming of warm summers. We will call on the fertile Earth Goddess and the lustful nature God Pan with chants and invocations, and do some seed-planting magic for our own fertility (be it romance, or creative ventures)!

More details of ritual outline & preparations.. nearer the time !

• We have a Strict NO DRUGS or Substances policy!

-- PRACTICAL DETAILS ----------

Fee: £10 ( £7 early booking) : Or pay cash at event.

Venue: Queen's Woods, High gate, London (N6 5UU). These events are held in a public Open woods, with rough terrain, and in natural weather conditions .

Meeting point: (please read this carefully)

• Pease Gather at ENTRANCE to the woods on `QUEENS WOOD ROAD' / Capital Ring. Aim for postcode N6 5UU.
• Google map ref: 51.580240, -0.142252

Ritual Team member will come meet you, collect cash fees, and lead all into the woods, to our ritual space.

Woodland safety --

• If you feel unwell (even if it's just cough/ cold) please stay at home. There will be plenty of our Events & socials that you can attend in the future. (44+ coming up in 2026!)
• The woodland terrain is unevent, at places quite steep, there are tree roots, fallen logs. We veer off the foot paths and into actual woods for ceremony. It is mostly unsuitable for anyone with breathing issues, heart conditions or mobility issues.
• Those attending with any mobility issues must being your own Carer/ support.
• There are no formal toilets nearby or cafe etc. (all are about 15-20minute walk).

What to bring?

• Ritual items (optional): Moon crowns, flower crowns Ritual cloaks, capes, masks; lanterns, candles in jars..
• Torch light for safe walking at night.
• Warm clothing & rain-coats/ outdoor shoes or boots (and ankle covered socks! ).
• Small ground sheet to sit on for social.
• Your own Cups/chalice to drink from.

Food & Drinks for Social after ritual ---
Please bring food & drinks to share (optional)... example: bread, butter, pitta bread, cheese, small picnic food, soft drinks, wine.
If there are unopened food items at the end, we share them with you to all to take home.
Tidying up: Help us keep woods tidy . Please take any rubbish out to bins on pavements.

-- POLICY / GUIDELINES ------

• The Woodland terrain is NOT suitable for those with mobility issues.
• NO Drugs, NO filming or photos during ritual !
• No children allowed.
• Inclusivity: We are inclusive of all race, pagan beliefs, genders, sexuality, LGBTQP+
• All attendees are responsible for their own well-being and Health & safety.

Contacting Organiser:
Please send us a private messageor e-mail if you need more info. Please avoid last minute enquiries as our team gets busy preparing for this big event.
We look forward to welcoming you & sharing our magic with you.

Bright Blessings
-Mani & London Woodland Witches .