Mayfair, a prestigious district in central London, is known for its opulent properties, high-end shopping, and historic landmarks. However, beneath its glamorous facade lies a dark and mysterious history, filled with tales of witches and magic. These witching tales have been passed down through the generations, whispered in hushed tones, and still captivate the imaginations of those who dare to delve into the occult side of Mayfair's past. One such tale revolves around the infamous "Mayfair Witch," a mysterious woman who lived during the 18th century. Legend has it that she possessed incredible powers and used her magic to aid or harm those who sought her help. Some claimed she could heal illnesses with a simple touch, while others believed she could curse her enemies with a mere glance.
Though it might seem that the middle of summer would naturally fall on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice and Midsummer’s Day are distinct events, normally a few days apart between 20 and 24 June. The difference is thought to stem from variations in the Julian and Gregorian calendars.
So much so that on no other night could a bowl of water and some pieces of paper tell you your true love s initials, or could bunches of dandelions bless your house with more than damp bedsheets. Midsummer was seen as a time when the normal laws of nature or divinity could be suspended, when spirits and fairies could contact humans, when humans could exceed the usual limitations of their world.
Some claimed she could heal illnesses with a simple touch, while others believed she could curse her enemies with a mere glance. Her influence spread throughout Mayfair, and locals would seek her out for advice, spells, and charms. Another witching tale of Mayfair centers around a secret coven of witches that supposedly operated within the district.
Party like a Pagan: 5 ways to celebrate the summer solstice
With all the celebration and neolithic celestial alignment that goes on at Stonehenge, there’s no denying that the summer solstice is perhaps the oldest excuse to throw a party going. From solitary witches to groves of druids, most Pagan faiths have honoured the solstice with rituals, feasts, and just a hint of debauchery across Europe for thousands of years.
Midsommar, for example, is more than just a cult horror movie, it was a national holiday marking the solstice in Norway up until 1771 and is still celebrated in Sweden and Finland today.
So if you're ready to hack it with heathens, slay like a solitary, or dance until dawn with druids, here are five historic ways to party like a Pagan.
Read more about: Popular Culture
Weird and wonderful traditions to welcome the summer
1. Pull an all-nighter
The shortest night of the year was as much to be celebrated as the longest day, making the eve of the solstice the pre-drinks of this pagan party. Nowadays it’s common to wake to greet the sunrise on the solstice, but for ancient Pagans it would’ve been an all-night affair, celebrating the sun and welcoming its rise.
It has also long been heralded as a powerful time for protective charms and divination. So much so that on no other night could a bowl of water and some pieces of paper tell you your true love's initials, or could bunches of dandelions bless your house with more than damp bedsheets.
Plague, carbuncles, or ‘the quartan ague’ got you down? According to one archaic West Country charm, some coal dug from beneath the root of mugwort or plantain on the eve of the solstice has got you covered!
Read more about: Ancient History
7 ancient facts about British midsummer traditions
2. Make a sacrifice
If laying off chocolate for the whole of Lent seems too much of a long-term commitment, a quick solstice sacrifice may be the alternative for you. Many historians agree that Stonehenge was used for ritual sacrifices on occasions such as solstices. Sadly, in Neolithic times, the sacrifices were probably human.
Inside the Stonehenge Circle of Stones | Image: Shutterstock.com
Fortunately, we moved on from there with Celtic and Germanic folks usually opting for a good sturdy wild boar as their sacrifice to appease the deities. Whether human, hunted, or livestock, throughout history sacrifices were generally the best people could afford. Ahead of the rituals they were well looked after, then respectfully killed and prepared for the feast in an attempt to ensure an abundant harvest.
In my community, no group ritual is complete without a proper circle song or two. We usually use the popcorn method (women spontaneously choose a song they feel led to sing, and the others join in) or you can use a song circle book like Rise Up Singing or Circle Round. If you've musicians in the group, they want to play along. Rattles and drums are always a fun addition to a song circle.
It is said that these witches would gather under the cover of darkness, performing ancient rituals and casting powerful spells. One popular story suggests that they used their magic to protect Mayfair from evil forces and ensure the prosperity of its residents. However, others believe that these witches had more sinister intentions, using their powers for personal gain and wreaking havoc on those who crossed their path. The ghostly presence of witches is also believed to haunt certain locations in Mayfair. One such place is Berkeley Square, known for its beautiful gardens and elegant townhouses. Locals claim to have seen a spectral figure floating above the ground, clad in a tattered cloak and pointy hat, undeniably resembling a witch. Some speculate that this ghostly apparition may be the spirit of a witch who met a tragic end in the square, forever bound to the earthly realm. While these witching tales may be shrouded in mystery and superstition, their enduring allure serves as a reminder that Mayfair's rich history encompasses more than just its lavish lifestyle. From the Mayfair Witch to secret covens and ghostly sightings, these tales add an intriguing layer of enchantment to an already captivating district. Whether one chooses to believe in the supernatural or not, the witching tales of Mayfair continue to pique curiosity and keep the spirit of magic alive in this iconic London neighborhood..
Reviews for "Secrets of Mayfair: Unearthed Witchcraft Artifacts"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Witching Tales of Mayfair". The stories were poorly written and lacked any real depth or imagination. The characters felt one-dimensional and the plotlines were predictable and unengaging. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggled to finish the book. Overall, it felt like a weak attempt at capitalizing on the popularity of the witch genre without putting in any effort to create a compelling and original storyline.
2. Alex - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Witching Tales of Mayfair" but was let down by the lackluster execution. The writing style was amateurish and repetitive, with excessive use of clichés. The pacing was uneven, with some stories dragging on while others felt rushed and underdeveloped. The book also suffered from poor editing, as I noticed numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies throughout. While the concept was promising, the actual delivery fell short, making it difficult for me to fully enjoy or recommend this collection of tales.
3. Emily - 1 star
"Witching Tales of Mayfair" was a complete waste of time. The stories were incredibly predictable, lacking any surprises or moments of genuine suspense. The dialogue was awkward and forced, making it hard to establish any emotional connection with the characters. Additionally, the author seemed to rely heavily on tired tropes and stereotypes of witches, failing to bring anything fresh or original to the table. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for engaging and well-crafted supernatural tales.