Cauldron Corner

Museum Of Witchcraft
Boscastle, Cornwall Feb 2004
Ariadne outside the Museum of Witchcraft in Cornwall

Review & photos by Ariadne De Berg

This was my second visit to the Museum of Witchcraft. My first was just before I chose my path as a Witch, and this fabulous place was a great inspiration to me and definately played a part in my decision to enter the Craft.
I had been looking forward to visiting again and seeing everything through my newly awakened eyes, and I wasn't disappointed.
The Museum is situated in the gorgeous little village of Boscastle, not far from Tintagel on the coast of Cornwall. It sits in a pretty lane with a sea inlet running through the middle of it, which can be reached on foot from the centre of the village itself.
The excitement was rising as we walked down the lane, and I could hardly wait to get inside again.

The displays are crammed with bits and pieces and it takes a while to spot each item and read it's fascinating history and description - there's so much in such a small space, including a display of a small area of woodland with an altar set up in it and a mock up of a while kitchen of a village wise woman, with fascinating little items hanging everywhere. It's up to you to spot them.
	There are wall hangings and pictures everywhere and they line the staircase to the first floor where the displays continue. There's an extensive section on Curses and Poppet Magick, with excellent descriptions of how the poppets were made and the curses carried out and how worryingly effective they appeared to be!
There is also a large display of items for Sex Magick although rather less seems to be known about most of these intriguing artefacts.	The persecution of witches does not go unmentioned, and you can see various items used in the trying and condeming of 'witches'.
	Back downstairs, there's a display of ritual items which once belonged to Alex Sanders and part of the huge herb collection belonging to Cecil Williamson, the now deceased owner of the museum and its collection. This leads nicely into displays containing items used in more modern Witchcraft including some beautiful BOS's no longer needed by owners gone to the next life or gifted to the Museum by practising Witches.
As you leave the display area there's a little space, set back and to the right, with candles burning and offerings to which God or Goddess you favour. Here you may pause and think awhile, before you leave - maybe to remember those who fell victim to the instruments of torture you saw upstairs, to make a wish or to simply spend time in quiet contemplation.

My newly awakened eyes saw far more than on my previous visit and, more importantly, understood far more. My curiosity was further inflamed and my desire to continue to learn was strengthened - I felt enlightened and energised.
I couldn't hope to tell you about everything housed in this amazing place - you really do have to visit for yourself to get the full benefit. And you don't have to be a Witch to appreciate it. Everyone can learn something here - young and old, Witch or not......

For more details and pictures and a wealth of information plus opening times etc visit the website Museum Of Witchcraft.