Rumours of a Cochrane connection?!! My real Wiccan Background (by Mani Navasothy – Wiccan High Priest)

Few weeks ago, one attendee came up to me and said that someone outside of this meetup – had claimed they were the ones who trained me (Mani) in wicca.  I did not know whether to burst out laughing or take my magic wand and smite them!!   :-p

The following is a direct e-mail message I have written to all the members of my meetup group `London Woodland Witches Wiccans & Pagans’ .  A copy is being blogged here for info purposes.

I’ve been in the work of creating magical community events, running rituals, covens, training etc for over 2 decades now.   My lineage is strictly Gardnerian, and I studied Wicca ..originally in WSG- Wiccan Study Group – run by world renowned Wiccan Author/ Psychologist / Wiccan High Priestess Vivianne Crowley & her husband / High Priest Chris Crowley. I’ve also been trained by and worked with the late Maureen Brown (High Priestess & Counsellor/ Therapist), and I have been mentored by the late Jean Williams  (another of the great Wiccan Elders).  Other elders (Laura, Mike, Rufus, Melissa, Caroline) have trained and coached me much over the years. Morgan, Heather and April have been my magical partners in the past.

Since my own initiation in 1996, then my reaching 2nd degree/ High Priest status in 2001, I have trained wiccans, initiated others and run several covens in the past.  I have also been running outdoor/ woodland rituals in London since 2004.

On a wider level, I have 2 decades of connection with The Pagan Federation in various key Organiser roles (PF London Events Organiser for 7 years, now PFL Media Officer), and I am well-known to  Wiccan Elders in UK,  and to Pagan communities & organisations in London & Uk.  (Owners of The Atlantis Bookshop, and Treadwells Bookshop know me well!).

I am trained in Transpersonal psychology & Counselling skills, and I work to empower everyone using these magical events that I run..  and indeed via any interactions/ conversation opportunities I get.  Am quite know n for making personal disclosures when making real-life points..if it helps others.  I do not ever hide behind fame names or abstract / 3rd person conversations. Those are my strengths..not weaknesses. (Not everyone can pull that off and still run a decent magical ritual – and work hard and earn the appreciation of those attending).

Now to the rumours– I have never been trained by anyone else other than the people I have stated above.. and have no connection whatsoever with any Traditional, Cochrane or other lines.  Anyone else claiming to have trained me or magically worked with me is simply seeking their own fame or authority ..via my own 23 years of hard work, and should be taken with a pinch of unconsecrated salt..to be thrown out of a magic circle. 🙂

Until now (5 years of running this meetup) I have **never** needed to write something as direct or extraordinary as this message… I’ve simply let my hard work and my ritual team’s hard work speak for itself. People come…  enjoy our events…speak highly of it..  Some stay and chat and become friends.  Others find other friendships. and they go home. And tired but happy, the me and my team goes home too!!  .  (Running events for the biggest most active wicca/pagan meetup is never a walk in the park!  It;s more a crawl in the woods!! 🙂   That’s that.   No grand plans..  !!   I am certainly not into testimonials, TV interviews ( i reject so many), fancy over the top costumes, photo shoots, aggressive or underhanded recruitment tactics etc etc..   but recent events have made me realise it’s time to address this matter…set some records straight . And I now have!

If you have any questions or concerns…well.. you don’t need to bribe my  team mates to get access to me…  You already know my name..  You know my events and where I’ll be.. and you know my e-mail. And some of you even know my number!  So..come find me..and we can talk ..face to face..  down to earth!

And if anyone approaches you with my name/ my authority…just walk away. They are NOT legit.   Because  I do all my own work..writing emails.. and communications.

Bright Blessings

-Mani Navasothy

ps.  In another e-mail I will be writing about wicca training coven we are setting up, and some group boundary issues…that some people are blurring . There are those who keep enjoying my kindness ..wisdom and hospitality….and then vilify me elsewhere..  Time has come to set those matters straight too!

Link to London Woodland Witches wiccans & Pagans meetup

Contact me: