October Updates and the Oracles of Luna

I am delighted to advise that my conversation with the delightful Bridget from The Oracle of Luna is now available for your listening pleasure.

All you need to do to listen to it is to click here as we chat about a whole range of things from moon magic (with respect to my latest book, On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic, being released a few months ago), crafting magic, and using the Dark Goddess as a tool when exploring possible underlying causes that have resulted in trauma and other deeper lying issues.

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I am delighted to announce that on Saturday, 28 October 2023, I will be at the Kapunda Show as part of the trade and display exhibitions which can be found within the hall area.  

I will have available a selection of LunaNoire Creations products, including handmade crystal beaded bracelets, quality leather journals, as copies of my books.  

I will also be available for insightful tarot and oracle card readings and offer a mini 15 minute reading or only $20 or a longer 30 minute reading for $50.

If you are not able to get up to Kapunda, then on the first Sunday of each month until the end of the year, you can find me at the Club West Lakes markets (10am to 3pm), which are held in the club rooms at 21 Edwin Street, West Lakes Shores.

If you need guidance, clarification or conformation with respect to more complex issues, then these can be booked through the Mystical Soul Academy. These readings can be held in person or over zoom.

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I am currently working on my next course that will soon be available through Udemy. This platform offers  students unlimited access to online courses where they can study at their own pace.

The courses that I already have available are:

:: Exploring the Dark Goddess consists of some three and a half hours of video content,

:: Dancing with the Hindu Goddess Kali Ma consists of five hours of video content, and

:: Celtic Goddesses and Warrior Queens consists of some four and a half hours of video content.

Udemy offers an assortment of courses, however as some are better than others, it is recommended that a level of discernment be used when choosing.

Do not forget to subscribe to my newsletter where I provide insights on an assortment of magical, mystical and metaphysical matters.

Blessings, Frances

Upcoming Appearance on The Oracles of Luna

Just over a month ago I was contacted by Bridget Engels, the creatrix of the The Oracle of Luna: Conversations with Goddesses podcast about appearing on her show.

In this podcast, Bridget speaks with "present day guest Goddesses", with some of her previous guests being: 

• Yeshe Matthews (priestess of the Mt Shasta Goddess Temple),
• Danielle Blackwood (sacred astrologer and author of A Lantern in the Dark),
• Astrea Taylor (fire dancer and author of Intuitive Witchcraft),
• M. Isidora Forrest (author of Isis Magic: Cultivating a Relationship with the Goddess of 10,000 Names), and 
• Cyndi Brannen (author of the popular Keeping Her Keys: An Introduction to Hekate Modern Witchcraft

among a numerous other wonderful guests.

Naturally, I felt very honoured to be included amongst these modern Goddesses.

This morning I had a wonderful discussion with Bridget on all things lunar, witchy and even venturing into the Underworld with the Dark Goddess, as where Bridget is located in the USA, she is entering into the dark half of the year and is preparing for Samhain.  Where I am here in Australia, however, it is time of the increasing light, with Beltane on its way.

Stay tuned as to when the discussion will be made available on her podcast.

The Moon, Myth and Magic

MoonCon '23 took place last Saturday, 9 September 2023, featuring a wide range of Moon Books authors, with me kicking off the programme with my presentation on the Moon, Myth and Magic.

I should have realised that with the trickster Mercury still being in retrograde, that things may not go according to plan - and this was the case as I could figure out how to share my powerpoint.

Still, that did not seem to really affect my presentation.

If you  had not been able to catch MoonCon '23 when it went live, recordings of the videos will soon be made available on Moon Book Publishing's YouTube channel, with my presentation scheduled for release on 18 September 2023, with the direct link here.

And as I mentioned in my last blog post, my latest offering from Moon Books is On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic, was released at the end of July and since that time, it has been receiving some wonderful reviews.  You can read these reviews here.  

• Discover how best to harness the lunar energies for healing and emotional strength, as well as physical and mental wellness. 
• Deepen your connection with Lady Lunar through making your own ‘moon water’, prayer beads, incense and anointing oils.
• Through the keeping of a lunar diary, learn how to effectively manifest and release with the endless changing energies of the moon. 
• Even learn how to create your own unique moon names regardless of where you live.

And much more. 

Autumn MoonCon '23 Coming Soon

Earlier in the year I mentioned that my publisher, Moon Books, was going to hold not one but two free events on their Facebook page.

I am delighted to announce that the second MoonCon '23 will be taking place on Saturday, 9 September 2023, featuring a wide range of Moon Books authors, including myself.

I will be kicking of the September programme at 12 noon (BST) with my presentation the Moon, Myth and Magic - the time equates to 8.30pm here in Adelaide.  To work out what the corresponding times are in your neck of the woods, I recommend using a site such as World Time Buddy.

How you can get involved in this free event is simple - follow and subscribe to MoonCon 2023 which will be run live on both the Moon Books Publishing Facebook page and their corresponding YouTube channel.

So pencil the 9th September 2023 in your diary to ensure that you do not miss out of this FREE online event.

Talking about the moon, my latest offering from Moon Books is On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic, was released at the end of July and since that time, it has been receiving some wonderful reviews.  You can read these reviews here.  

• Discover how best to harness the lunar energies for healing and emotional strength, as well as physical and mental wellness. 
• Deepen your connection with Lady Lunar through making your own ‘moon water’, prayer beads, incense and anointing oils.
• Through the keeping of a lunar diary, learn how to effectively manifest and release with the endless changing energies of the moon. 
• Even learn how to create your own unique moon names regardless of where you live. 

Markets for August and September

With August nearly over, you can will be able to catch me tomorrow (Sunday, 27 August 2023) at the Queen of Wands Psychic Fair at Blackwood (10am to 4pm) at 21 Coromandel Parade, Blackwood.  

At this market I will have a selection of LunaNoire Creations products, including handknotted malas and crystal bracelets, an assortment of incense products, quality leather journals, copies of my books (including my latest offering, ON HER SILVER RAYS, and even some second hand books on a whole range of spiritual and magical topics for sale.

If you have not seen me at a market in a while, then stop by and see what I have which is new.  You will find me on the verandah, so stop by and say hello if you are in the area. 

The Australian Wiccan Conference - 22 to 24 September 2024

The Australian Wiccan Conference 2023 will be held online from Friday, 22 September to Sunday, 24 September 2023. Hosted by Australian Wiccan Conference Inc, it consists of a variety of workshops and panel discussions.

This year’s theme is By Leaf and Flower & Fruit, and it is designed to encourage participants to explore their local environments and to incorporate their surroundings into their magic and their craft. Attendees will explore how the natural world impacts the spiritual self and weave this experience into the Spring Equinox ritual. 

I am delighted to announce that I will be taking part in one of the panels that will be held on Sunday, 24 September at 1pm ACST (1.30pm AET) where the theme is Practical Paths.  Along with other panelists, we will be providing a taster of different aspects of their paths focusing on the Spring Equinox: kitchen magic, activist magic, gardening and green magic, divination, tool making and crafts, and much more.

To find out more about the weekend as well as how you can book your tickets, simply click on this link.

Ebook Sale Now On

For the entire month of August, my publisher is having a 50% OFF all ebooks.

All you need to do is:

- Go to www.collectiveinkbooks.com

- Choose your e-book(s)

- Click 'Add to basket'

- Apply promo code SUMMER23 at checkout.

This offer will be ending 31 August 2023.

Standard terms and conditions apply.

Club West Lakes Market - Sunday, 6 August

I am delighted to advise that I will be back at the Club West Lakes Indoor Craft Market on Sunday, 6 August 2023, 10am to 3pm.  

At this market I will be offering an assortment of handcrafted beaded bracelets, handknotted crystal mala necklaces, as well as organic white sage.

I will also have copies of my books as well as some new and second hand spiritual books as I attempt to downsize my library.

And I will also be available for tarot and oracle card reading should you be seeking clarification, direction or conformation.

The Club West Lakes Indoor Craft Market can be found at 21 Edwin Street, West Lakes Shore. 

Book Review Received from Exclusive Magazine

" ... more than just another book about working with the moon, On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magick is an informative guide to developing a deep ultimate connection with our night time companion."

The moon and witchcraft go hand in hand. Lady Lunar has long been both a guide and a companion, a sign by which we mark time, all the while she gently aids us in our explorations into the self and magical workings. She is a reflection of not only the sun’s light but also the endless cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. The ebbing and flowing energy of the moon influences our thoughts and emotions.

On Her Silver Rays is now Available

My ninth book, ON HER SILVER RAYS:  A GUIDE TO THE MOON MYTH AND MAGIC, was officially released on 1 July 2023 by Moon Books, and it has been receiving rather outstanding reviews including this one from Liliyana Shadowlyn:

"This is a great guide for those just starting out on their journey and more experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their connection to the moon. Billinghurst did an amazing job of compiling the information and making it easy to read and accessible. You get to learn more about the moon, humanity’s history with it, and the connection it has to us and our magic. You can pick up during any lunar phase, and begin the meditations and rituals presented in that section of the book without losing anything, or waiting for the cycle to begin all over. Highly recommend, whether you’re looking to get in touch with your witchy side for the first time, or simply want to deepen your connection with the moon!"

WitchsFest USA 2023 is Happening Again

I am delighted to be returning to WitchsFest USA - A Pagan Faire again this year.  This festival event is held in the heart of New York as well as promoting magicks of the world wide web.  In other words, it will be continuing to offer its online presence which is absolutely fantastic.

The dates for this year are from Friday, 7th July 2023 through to Sunday 9th July 2023 - naturally making adjustments for different time zones as both Friday and Sunday sessions are online.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

Over the last year I have been allowing a new life direction to take root. Well, I guess if I am 100% honest, it is not all that new – being able to be self-employed has long been a dream of mine. Now, will it the actually become a reality?

For the first week in May this year, I will be hosting my first online global conference that is centered around a topic that has been on the back of my mind – how to make my spiritual path more aligned with the planet upon which we all live – Mother Earth. I have been a spiritual person as long as I care to remember, and indeed, my own spiritual path is extremely earth-centric. By that I mean, it is cyclic in nature whereby it follows the turning of the seasons as well as ebbing and flowing with the phases of the moon. There is also a religious element to it in that I believe in “something” that is beyond my human existence – the Other, not to mention a more esoteric aspect as well.

Grab Your WitchCon Tickets

WitchCon was conceived out of the global shut down in 2021 where some 90 odd witches, magicians, conjurers and other magical folk from all around the world gathered together online to offer classes to an audience of nearly 1,000 ticket holders. I was very privileged to be part of the 2021 event where my presentation was on Exploring the Shadowy Realms of the Dark Goddess as well as showcasing LunaNoire Creations in the n the Virtual Vendorium. 

Now in its third year, being held from Friday, 3 to Sunday, 5 March 2023 (4 to 6 March here in Australia), I am delighted to announce that I will be returning once again with a presentation entitled Meeting Ereshkigal: Queen of the Great Below which will be aired on Monday, 6 March 2023 at 11:15am (ACST) in the Saturn Library.

Often considered to be the antagonist of Inanna who, in the "Descent of the Goddess", descended into the Underworld, Ereshkigal strips the Sumerian Queen of Heaven of her divine powers and titles, before allowing her to resurface again.

Win Yourself a Copy of my Latest Book

My latest book, On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic, is due for release at the end of June this year. However, I am waiting on a delivery some early pre-release copies straight from the printers, which is very exciting.

While there seem to be an endless supply of books about working with the moon, what (hopefully) sets my book apart is that it is not simply looking at "manifesting with the new moon" and "banishing with the waning moon". For it navigates you through astronomy, astrology, mythology, divination, healing and ritual, as well as a good dose of magic and inner reflection thrown in for good measure.

This video is an excerpt from the first couple of sections from On Her Silver Rays. And if you leave a comment as to how the moon makes you feel in the YouTube comments before 9 February 2023, you might actually win yourself a copy.

February Happening

Here we are in the second month of this year already.

February will see the annual Yemaya Blessing of the Waters taking place on Monday, 6 February 2023.  

As I mentioned last month, regular attendees of this event will notice that it will be taking place a month later than normally.  This is because of personal commitments making me unavailable until February.  As per usual, this event is "gold coin donation" and is open to the public.  

More information about this event and what you are suggested to bring can be found here.

There are only TWO places now available for the first workshop that I will be offering this year, that being the  House Cleansing and Protection workshop which will be taking place on Saturday, 11 February 2023. During this full day workshop we will be looking at how to cleanse your home from negative energies using sprays as well as commonly found (and grown) herbs, protecting your home by erecting protective energetic boundaries as well as powerful rituals such as the Rosy Cross.  

Moon Con 2023 - Now Two Events

 

Who doesn't love free stuff?

MoonCon is back in 2023 and it still remains to be a FREE online event.  The only change is that it will be held twice a year - the first date being 11 March 2023 and the second taking place on 9 September 2023.  Both events will feature a wide range of Moon Books authors.

How you can get involved in this free event is simple - follow and subscribe to MoonCon 2023 which will be run live on both the Moon Books Publishing Facebook page and the corresponding YouTube channel.

As these times and dates are based on British Standard Time ensure that you work out the corresponding times and dates as to when these talks are happening in your neck of the woods by using programmes such as World Time Buddy.

So pencil the dates of 11 March and 9 September 2023 in your diary to ensure that you do not miss out of this FREE online event.

My latest offering from Moon Books is On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic, which is a collection of science, myth, poetry, and ritual that will guide you through working with the different phases of the moon in order to gain a better sense of wellbeing. 

Discover how best to harness the lunar energies for healing and emotional strength, as well as physical and mental wellness. 

Deepen your connection with Lady Lunar through making your own ‘moon water’, prayer beads, incense and anointing oils.

Through the keeping of a lunar diary, learn how to effectively manifest and release with the endless changing energies of the moon. 

Even learn how to create your own unique moon names regardless of where you live. 

While the anticipated release date for On Her Silver Rays is not until 30 June 2023, you can, however, pre-order your copy through various outlets which are listed on Moon Book's web page.  Further, if you subscribe to my newsletter, Realm of a Modern Day Mystic, you will get updates as to how you can obtain autographed copies direct from me.

The Wait Is Almost Over

I am rather excited to announce that this week I have been advised by my publisher that early release copies of On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic can be ordered.  This is very exciting considering the official release date is not until the end of June 2023.

So, naturally, I could not help but take advantage of this and place an order.

While it will still be a number of weeks before the first copies come off the printing press and arrive at my door, I thought I would make the announcement that if you are interested in purchasing one of these early release copies, then I am offering signed copies at a special price of $37.50 (including postage within Australia).

Click here to order your signed copy.

Unfortunately, this offer is only available within Australia at this stage, however, if you live outside of Australia and would like a copy, you can pre-order through one of a number of outlets listed on Moon Books‘ web page.

Alternatively, if you want a signed copy, contact me and I will work out postage once the books arrive.

January Happenings and More

A new year has arrived and as such, I would first like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported my various endeavours throughout 2022 - whether it has been by purchasing one of my books, something from my LunaNoire Creations Etsy store, stopping by to say hello at one of the many markets that I was at, participating in an event or workshop that I had presented or hosted, undertaken a healing or had a reading with me at the Isian Centre of Metaphysics, or even subscribing to my YouTube channel.  Even if you have read my blog, a hear felt THANK YOU.

Due to personal commitments, when it comes to offerings, with only the Journey into Freedom with Kali email-based sadhana (spiritual journey) scheduled to be taking place this month (commencing on Sunday, 8 January 2023 so there is still time to register if you are interested - more information about this 21-day journey with this Dark Goddess found within the Hindu pantheon can be found here.  

One thing that I have been setting up is a semi-regular newsletter that will contain information about upcoming events, presentations, appearances, and the like, as well as other insights that I find of interest that relate to magical, mystical and metaphysical matters.  If you read this blog, then you can subscribe to my newsletter here.

I have also been busy making a number of courses available online.  The platform I am using is Udemy which provides students with unlimited access and where they can study at their own pace.  

The courses that I currently have available are:

Exploring the Dark Goddess consists of some three and a half hours of video content

Dancing with the Hindu Goddess Kali Ma consists of five hours of video content

Celtic Goddesses and Warrior Queens consists of some four and a half hours of video content.

Udemy offers an assortment of courses, however as some are better than others, it is recommended that a level of discernment be used when choosing.  

WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

As mentioned earlier, the first event for 2023 will be the 21-day Journey into Freedom with Kali sadhana (spiritual journey) that will commence on Sunday, 8 January 2023.  

Every day for the following 21 days, you will receive emails that will assist you in exploring this rather complex Dark Goddess of the Hindu pantheon.  You are invited to study at your own pace as you will receive devotional practices that will enable you to connect with this powerful goddess on a deep soul level in order to bring about ultimate change.

Further information as to how you can register for Journey into Freedom with Kali can be found here. 

Make the Decision to say Yes to the Cosmos

By acknowledging the existence of what’s not working for us,

we can begin the process of change.

The hardest thing about saying "yes" to the cosmos is that it means accepting everything life puts in front of us. Most of us have a habit of going through our days saying "no" to the things we do not like and yes to the things we do, and yet, everything we encounter is our life. 

We may be afraid that if we say "yes" to the things we do not like, we will be stuck with them forever, but really, it is only through acknowledging the existence of what is not working for us that we can begin the process of change. So saying "yes" does not mean indiscriminately accepting things that do not work for us. It means conversing with the cosmos, and starting the conversation with a very powerful word — yes.

When we say "yes" to the cosmos, we enter into a state of trust that whatever our situation is, we can work with it. We express confidence in ourselves, and the cosmos, and we also express a willingness to learn from whatever comes our way, rather than running and hiding when we do not like what we see. 

The question we might ask ourselves is what it will take for us to get to the point of saying "yes". For some of us, it takes coming up against something we cannot ignore, escape, or deny, and so we are left no choice but to say "yes". For others, it just seems a natural progression of events that leads us to making the decision to say "yes" to life.

The first step to saying "yes" is realizing that in the end it is so much easier than the alternative. Once we understand this, we can begin examining the moments when we resist what is happening, and experiment with occasionally saying "yes" instead. It might be scary at first, and even painful at times, but if we continue to say "yes" to every moment through the process, we will discover the joy of being in a positive conversation with a force much bigger than ourselves.

Blessings, Frances