Zines

What is a zine?

In a nutshell, zines, short for ‘fanzines’ or ‘magazines’ are self-published booklets. They are usually but not always short and always captivating creations that blend art, knowledge, and personal insights. They are heartfelt expressions of the soul, forging connections with like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of community. Much like treasured journals, zines are windows into unique and often subversive perspectives, inviting readers into intimate worlds.

Zine makers create collections of writing, poetry and artwork which they share with the world in easily accessible formats. A zine can be made from fragments cut from magazines and collaged together or it could be a joint venture by multiple writers in collaboration. 

Through zines, we build bridges of understanding and appreciation, connecting people across time and space. They serve as gateways to new realms of knowledge and creativity. They offer a sensory, paper-based experience reaching places where books and digital media don’t!

Musings of a Pendle Witch

Available Issues

‘Musings’ is a zine written from the point of view of a fictional witch of Pendle Forest called Jennet Blackthorn. Jennet knew the Pendle Witches and introduces a real witch in each issue. Every issue also contains original artwork and writing about local birds, animals and plants along with spells, folklore and recipes. Each edition corresponds to a festival of the Celtic Wheel of the Year starting with Beltane. 

Meet Jennet:

My name is Jennet Blackthorn and I am a humble witch from the Forest of Pendle. I have lived here for four centuries and three and thirty years, and in all that time, I have seen much and more. The land changes, the people come and go, but I remain, a watcher from the shadows.

I have seen many things that would make your blood run cold, dear reader. I have seen the darkness that lies within the hearts of men, and I have seen the light that shines from the purest of souls. I have seen great battles and terrible tragedies, and through it all, I have remained steadfast and true.

I am a guardian of the natural world, dear reader. I protect the creatures that crawl, that slither, that fly, and that swim. I keep the balance of the world, the delicate web of life that connects all things. I make magic, as you say, but it is not a thing to be trifled with. Magic is a living force, and it must be treated with respect. We must use it to protect the world in which we live.

Future Issues

Alizon's Pins

Pin Magic, History & Spells

With a very different style to Musings of a Pendle Witch, Alizon’s Pins tells the story of Alizon Device, a young woman of the Pendle Forest. It tells how whilst walking to market one morning she inadvertently instigated one of the most infamous witch hunts in history. It also tells of the power of the simple household pin.

Pins have been used in folk magick for centuries – they have the power to pierce, to separate and to bind. In Alizon’s Pins and its accompanying Pin Kit, you can learn how to get started with acutomancy, the practice of pin divination.