Meet the author is a series of articles intended to introduce you to our wonderful authors. Learn about the books they’ve written, the spiritual pathways they’ve traversed and some fun little tidbits… introducing Frances Billinghurst!

Tell us about yourself….

I think I was born a perpetual seeker, as I have been curious about the world, the cosmos, and how things work as long as I can remember.  This has led me to first study metaphysics and esoteric philosophy, before entering the occult realms where I added contemporary witchcraft, ceremonial (high) magic, and the Qabalah to my studies.  I also have a deep interest in mythology and sacred stories, ancient sites and experiencing other cultures.

What books have you written?

I have self-published five books

• Dancing the Sacred Wheel (2012)– still one of the few books solely dedicated to the seasonal celebrations from a Southern Hemisphere perspective.
• In Her Sacred Name: Writings on the Divine Feminine (2014)
• Call of the God: An Anthology Exploring the Divine Masculine within Modern Paganism (2015) (editor and contributor)
• A Little Book of Wicca: A Guide for the Southern Hemisphere (2020)
• A Witch’s Circle: A Guide to the Art Magical (2021)

I have had three books published through Moon Books Publications:

• Encountering the Dark Goddess: A Journey into the Shadow Realms (2021)
• Contemporary Witchcraft: Foundational Practices for a Magical Life (2021)
• On Her Silver Rays: A Guide to the Moon, Myth and Magic (2023)

I have also contributed to numerous anthologies over the years:

• Unto Herself: An Anthology in Honour of Independent Goddesses edited by Ashley Horn (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2012)
• Witchy Magic edited by Serene Conneeley and Lucy Cavendish (Blessed Bee, 2012)
• The Faerie Queens: A Collection of Essays Exploring the Myths, Magic and Mythology of the Faerie Queens edited by Sorita d’Este and David Rankine (Avalonia Books, 2013)
• Queen of Olympos: A Devotional Anthology for Hera and Iuno edited by Lykeia (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2013)
• A Mantle of Stars: A Devotional for the Queen of Heaven edited by Jen McConnel (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2013)
• Paganism 101: An Introduction to Paganism by Pagans edited by Trevor Greenfield (Moon Books, 2014)
• By Blood, Bone and Claw: A Devotional Anthology to the Morrigan edited by Nicole Bonvisuto (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2014)
• Witchcraft Today: 60 Years On edited by Trevor Greenfield (Moon Books, 2014)
• The Naming of the Goddess edited by Trevor Greenfield (Moon Books, 2014)
• From the Roaring Deep: A Devotional Anthology in Honour of Poseidon and the Spirits of the Sea edited by Rebecca Buchanan (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2015)
• Daughter of the Sun: A Devotional Anthology in Honour of Sekhmet edited by Tina Georgitsis (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2015)
• The Grey Mare on the Hill edited by Lee Davis (Grey Mare Books, 2015)
• Flower Face: A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Blodeuwedd (Ninth Wave Press, 2016)
• Pagan Planet: Being, Believing and Belonging and the 21st Century editedby Nimue Brown (Moon Books, 2016)
• Garland of the Goddess: Tales and Poems of the Feminine Divine edited by Gerri Leen (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2016)
• Weathering the Storm: Moon Books Collective edited by Trevor Greenfield (Moon Books, 2020)
• Shield of Wisdom: A Devotional Anthology in Honour of Athena (Bibliotheca Alexandrina, 2021)
• Divine Wounds: Finding Healing by Working with the Goddess and Archetypes edited by Ness Bosch (Moon Books, 2025)

How would you describe your spiritual pathway?

I am an initiate of a contemporary witchcraft tradition which views witchcraft as a religion.  I am also trained in ceremonial (high) magic, the magical qabalah, as well as various branches of esoteric mysticism, including yogic philosophies. 

I tend to consider myself a perpetual seeker of the Mysteries which are found all around us, and which are also contained within sacred stories and ancient art, as well as through our inter-relationship with the cosmos.  I see there are similar threads flowing through these spiritualities that I have mentioned, interconnecting the magical (mystical), the mythological and the metaphysical.

I also believe that we are all essentially energetic soul-based beings whose ultimate purpose is one of evolution, and that there is a higher being, godhead, than us that we, as soul beings, are also part of.

What tips do you have for folk beginning their spiritual journey?

When I was starting out, I was encouraged to experiment, read widely and ask questions.  In other words, test everything, even what my teachers were telling me, and then put it into practice.  Also, keep in mind that it is not a race, even if you decide to join a tradition, a magical order or whatever.  There will also be times when things do not go your way, and that is part of the process.  The Mysteries will reveal themselves to all who seek, yet often it is up to you to interpret what they mean to you – so trust yourself.  You can utilise another’s opinion as guidance, but keep in mind that it is your spiritual journey which you are ultimately responsible for.  So, trust yourself.

What is something quirky about yourself?

I make a mighty mean peach chutney as well as an equally impressive spicy plum chutney, even if I say so myself. 

What Deity(ies) would you love to have dinner with?

Do deities, or other divine beings, eat?

Personally, I would prefer to have dinner with mortals – people such as Gerald Gardner, Dr Margaret Murray, Alex Sanders and even Stewart Farrar, all of whom contributed towards the tradition of witchcraft that I am initiated into.  Maybe even Aleister Crowley, or Helena Blavatsky.

What magical items would you take with you if you had to live on an island for a year?

I have always lived on an island, even if Australia is rather large, it is still an island.  I also do not believe that you need things to practice magic.  However, if I were to “go bush”, I would make sure I have a year’s supply for notebooks and a selection of pens, coloured pencils, etc, so that I can write my thoughts, inspirations, and who knows, maybe I could start writing my next book as I would be free from distractions and other things that I do.

Where can people find you?

• Through my websites – Mystical Soul Academy (https://www.mysticalsoulacademy.com) and Temple of the Dark Moon (https://www.templedarkmoon.com)– they can also sign up to my newsletters
• I am on Substack as @antipodeanwitch
• I have my own YouTube channel @francesbillinghurst
• I can also be found on Instagram and Facebook

Frances Billinghurst is an author, initiated witch and priestess, magical practitioner, death walker (end of life doula) and metaphysician who has been fascinated with mythology, folklore and esoteric sciences for over half of her lifetime.

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/frances-billinghurst