The Magic Door in Wooton Wawen by Mark Prottey, Solihull Times

For many, Hallowe'en is a time for fancy dress and trick or treat.

But for some it's a time of reflection and a chance to look back over the past year, and forward to their new year.

Paula Wratten is a witch, who has recently opened a shop, the Magic Door, in Wooton Wawen. With an array of crystals and stones, as well as Tarot cards and jewellery, her shop is set to supply the needs of pagans as well as giving people the chance to take a glimpse into the future via Tarot.

For Paula, Hallowe'en is a time of introspection, a chance to ponder life, as well as the best time of the year for divination.

"This time of the year is known to us as Samhain," she said, "the first of Novem'ber is the beginning of the witch's year. It's the time of year when the veil between the two worlds is at its thinnest, so it's a good time for prophecy."

We also celebrate the lives of those we have loved and lost and give thanks for the summer months and the harvest."

Paula's shop opened this month and I popped along to try a Tarot reading. Having been assured it was 'nothing spooky,' I settled down for a cuppa and a chat.
Thankfully there are no 'Dennis Wheatley' style accoutrements in the shop. Paula assuring me the presence of 'Old Nick' has no place in true paganism. "It's about tapping into natural forces," she added, "the work is with harmonies and energies."

This fits neatly with Paula's previous work as a therapist, she still offers Indian Head Massage and acupressure - as well as offering a unique 'house clearing' service.

"I have sometimes cleansed homes of negative energiey. Places sometimes hold unhappy spirits, which need to be moved on," she told me.

I didn't enquire further, so I could retain the illusion of Paula handing out ASBOs to malevolent forces.

Not all of Paula's out-calls are so dark however. She also does party nights for two to six people with Tarot, house blessings and hand-fasting - a pagan marriage - all on offer.

When it comes to spirituality, I tend to tick the 'don't know' box, but paganism does seem a particularly friendly belief system.

This shop has a pleasant atmosphere and visitors, more likely to be clad in Burberry than Pentagrams seem to enjoy popping in for a chat and a browse among the crystals.

Paula really does have a book of spells too, which customers can buy off the peg or bespoke, if they feel in need of a little help to achieve their heart's desire.

The Tarot reading itself was quite revealing. Paula is certainly intuitive, somehow hitting the nail on the head time and time again. Her reading - both of the cards and myself - gave me plenty to of reasons for a seasonal ponder on the past and the future.

The Magic Door is at Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre, Wooton Wawen B95 6BY For further information call 0788 750 5222.




Fortune can, for her pleasure, fools advance, And toss them on the wheels of Chance.