If so, there's a wealth of knowledge on the ancient Celts being discussed over afternoon tea at the Red Branch.

Subjects such as Early Modern Irish Witchcraft, the Traditions of Cornwall, Celtic Symbolism, Celtic Beliefs and Witch Myths are covered in detail in the conference rooms of the Red Branch, all done under the experienced hand and knowledge of Dr Sally Parkin.

While there has always been a certain amount of stigma attached to anything relating to witchcraft, Dr Parkin says in Celtic cultures, particularly Irish, what is classed as a witch was simply a healer or herbalist.

"Witches in Irish culture were mainly women who were herbalists or charmers," she said.

"They were not classed as witches who would do any harm, and would probably be white witches as they are called today.

"They were mainly Catholic women from an ethnic Irish background who spoke Gaelic.

"Even if they were caught doing something wrong, the community did not want to harm them - they just let them be.

"Most Irish women were healers and if they did give you the ‘evil eye' it was not intentional, it was something they were born with, and if they were caught stealing it was because they didn't have enough for themselves."

Dr Parkin, a former UNE professor with a Phd in Early Modern Witchcraft Studies, said much of the vilification of witches came from a mistranslation from Hebrew to English in the bible made by James I in the early 1600's.

"There's no word for witch in the bible in Hebrew, it was ‘sorcerer' or ‘seer' that were used, which both had entirely different meanings to witch."

Joanne Cause, the Celtic Crone, will also be running a seminar on Choosing your Celtic Totem each Thursday at the Red Branch from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

For more information on the seminars visit the Red Branch website at www.redbranch.com.au or email at info@redbranch.com.au.