Becoming Witchy

In preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse this episode is all about the magic and wonder of solar eclipses. Though typically spellwork is not recommended during an eclipse we talk about the themes regarding shadow work and re-emerging from the underworld. I share a pre-eclipse ritual and sun/moon offering you can do to honor these themes. Happy eclipse! We will be on spring break now but will be back with a new episode after the summer solstice in June!

This episode is Gardeners' World style. I am taking you on a tour of my early spring garden. Join me, the birdsong, and all of the other city garden noises as we putter around the garden and marvel at the magic of nature coming back to life. We complete the walk with a spring planting ritual.

This week on Becoming Witchy I’m sharing recipes for stocking my home apothecary. We cover making hydrosols, infused vinegars, herbal salts and salt scrubs. Making your own body care products and edible herbal concoctions can be a fun and empowering act of witchcraft and alchemy. 

The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies by Juliet Blankespoor

The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Secrets From a Herbalists Garden: A Magical Year of Plant Remedies by Jo Dunbar

Herbalist’s Primer by Anna Urbanek (I’ve only looked through a friends copy of this one but it looked amazing and is on my list to get!)

This week on Becoming Witchy I’m sharing recipes for stocking my home apothecary. We cover making infused herbal oils and how to turn them into salves, salve bars, lip balm, and natural perfumes. We also talk DIY deodorant and my secret to making a natural deodorant that actually works! Making your own body care products can be a fun and empowering act of witchcraft and alchemy. 

The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies by Juliet Blankespoor

The Master Book of Herbalism by Paul Beyerl

Secrets From a Herbalists Garden: A Magical Year of Plant Remedies by Jo Dunbar

Herbalist’s Primer by Anna Urbanek (I’ve only looked through a friends copy of this one but it looked amazing and is on my list to get!)

We are talking all about bringing magic into the mundane with this episode on cleaning magic. We discuss ways to turn cleaning into a ritual to make it feel less like a chore and more like casting a spell. We talk natural DIY cleaning solutions and touch on a little bit of chemistry. We also share several methods I like to use to energetically cleanse and clear. I hope this episode gives you some tools to incorporate more magic into your daily life. 

Gardens are inherently magical. The process of gardening or caring for plants puts you in tune with the natural cycles in your area, it brings your awareness to the details in nature around you, connecting you to the natural world. In this episode of Becoming Witchy Josh and I are having a casual chat about our garden plans for the year. Imbolc is a time when we start to see the first signs of spring and start to get excited for the growing season. This conversation is an expression of the excitement for all of the potential, possibilities, and magic of our garden this year.

On this episode we are discussing the tarot card Strength, the 8th card of the major arcana. Strength is the collective 2024 tarot card of the year. We deep dive into the imagery and what the strength card means for us this year. I share how I have personally been thinking of and relating to Strength to prepare for this new year. I investigate the connection between the imagery and message of the Strength card and the process of centering clay. We also chat about how to calculate the collective year card, as well as how to calculate your own personal tarot card for the year. These two cards together will give you unique guidance and inspiration to be prepared for everything this new year has to offer. Our ritual that works encourages you to bring some organized magic into your new year in a very Virgo way.  

Grimoire, book of shadows, spell book, what ever name you choose to use, it is an important part of any witches journey. In this episode we talk about what they are, their ancient origins, and how to start your own. I share how I started mine, resources I found helpful, and a framework that's been useful for recording my own magical practice. I hope this example will be useful and inspiring in crafting your own unique and personal grimoire.

In this episode of Becoming Witchy I am talking about the seemingly universal connection between art and magic. I talk about; the creative process and it’s similarity to witchcraft, the relationship between divinity and crafts, clay as a magical medium connected to creation myths. I also give examples of artists who reference magic in relation to their art. This episode is an introduction to the topic with more to come that will delve deeper into the subject.

Books mentioned:

Ceramic Art and Civilization by Paul Greenhalgh

The Art of the Occult by S. Elizabeth

The Artist’s away by Julia Cameron

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

In this episode of the Becoming Witchy Podcast we chat about the pagan wheel of the year holiday of Samhain. Samhain coincides with Halloween, Dia de Muertos or Day of the Dead, as well as All Saints Day and All Souls Day. We talk about ancestors and remembrance, mischievous fairies, ways to preserve your final harvest, and celebrating today.

The tincture/bitter making book I refer to in the episode is DIY Bitters Reviving the Forgotten Flavor: A guide to making your own bitters for bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and herbalists by Guido Mase and Jovial King founders of Urban Moonshine

This episode of the Becoming Witch Podcast we talk all about our favorite fall things in a conversation with Josh of Bramble and Brimstone. This episode is casual and silly, as we share our favorite fall music TV shows, witches, video games and more. We talk about pumpkin spice and magical broths and what makes this transitional season feel so magical. We get into all the spooky and cozy things that capture our imagination this time of year.

🍂 Join me on this latest episode of the Becoming Witchy Podcast as we talk about the Autumn Equinox and Mabon.

We discuss ancient sites crafted to honor this celestial event, and explore the myths and lore of the changing seasons. We also share our favorite activities to celebrate Mabon, from kitchen witchery, to movie recommendations, to harvest crafts, and more.

✨ Our Ritual That Works segment features a tarot or oracle draw to help you check in with those goals you set during the spring equinox. It's a perfect way to clear your mind and see where you're headed as the seasons change. So grab your favorite fall beverage, cozy up in your comfiest sweater, and enjoy this episode all about autumn. 🍁

Join us on this Becoming Witchy episode where we discuss chaos magic. We talk about its origins and attempt to define its elusive nature. We cover the creative realms of sigil making, chaos spell crafting, and the state of gnosis, all core elements that shape chaos magic's essence. From movies, TV, and books, we discuss examples of chaos magic in pop culture that have been “aha” moments on our witchy journey. Our Ritual That Works presents a chaos magic-inspired spell, designed to aid you in locating misplaced items. The episode's oracle card draw is the resourceful camel from The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck. Join us as we navigate the realm of chaos magic and allow it to direct us to our own power over magic and reality.

In this episode of Becoming Witchy, join us in a conversation with our good friend Jody, who shares their journey of becoming witchy. We discuss the natural and intrinsic link between witchcraft, self-discovery, and mental well-being. We talk spirituality and belief, and astrology and tarot as tools to help you connect with yourself and others. Tune in to hear how the witch and magic enchant our lives and empowers us to take control in our everyday. 

The card in this episode draw, from the Flower Essences Deck, reminds us to accept ourselves as we are.

You can find your Chiron placement in the astrology app CHANI

Welcome to the Becoming Witchy Podcast! Join us as we delve into the magic of Lughnasadh / Lammas, the first of three captivating harvest festivals on the wheel of the year. Celebrated in the northern hemisphere on August 1st, Lughnasadh honors grains, crafts, and all that nature has bestowed upon us. As we embark on this first stop on the wheel of the year's journey towards autumn, we discuss the lore of John Barleycorn and delve into various ways to commemorate this sacred holiday. Our "Rituals that Work" segment celebrates the art of crafting something truly useful from the bountiful harvest during this time of year. Our Tarot card of the week serves as a reminder that, akin to the ever-changing seasons, change and transformation are inevitable, allowing us to create space for new and wondrous possibilities.

On this episode of Becoming Witchy Kelly is talking about altars. Altars are a physical, tangible space for your own unique magical practice. Creating and maintaining your own altar can be a fun and exciting part of your becoming witchy journey. I’ll share mine as an example and talk location, decorations, items you may want to have, and even ways to cat proof! Our ritual this week is a spell to dedicate, refresh, and recharge your altar. In the seasonal section we reflect on the summer solstice and this high time of summer in the garden. Our tarot card this week reminds us we’re not always ready for action, take some time to pause and reflect.

In this episode of Becoming Witchy, we discuss the magic of the summer solstice, also known as midsummer or Litha. Join us as we celebrate the height of summer and the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its most powerful. We share ways to celebrate this ancient holiday, and in our rituals that work segment, share how to harness the intense solar energy to use throughout the year in spells for warmth, abundance, creativity, and joy. We also reflect on the the year so far as summer solstice marks the half way point through the year, making this an excellent time to reflect on your 2023 tarot card and any goals you made at New Year or Beltane.

Welcome to the Becoming Witchy Podcast, where we celebrate the magic in our everyday. In this episode, we dive deep into the mystical world of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda, in honor of the new release, Tears of the Kingdom. Our special guest, Josh of Bramble & Brimstone, and I explore how Zelda has shaped our perception of magic and mystery from childhood and beyond. Together, we explore the divine lore and mythology, the captivating significance of the goddesses and triforce, the transcendent magic of the music, the ancient art of alchemy and potions, the mythical creatures that roam the land, and the mystical items and artifacts that have captured our hearts. So join us on a quest through the magic and enchantment of The Legend of Zelda. And the episode draw this week reminds us that our own adventure awaits!

 Zelda Music we love on Spotify:

Welcome to the Becoming Witchy Podcast, where we celebrate the magic of modern witchcraft. In this episode, we explore the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane, which marks the beginning of summer. We discuss how our ancestors may have celebrated this spring fire festival, and share some modern ways to honor Beltane in our daily lives. In our seasonal section, we delve into all the things blooming in the garden and ponder what to plant in our giant cauldron, let us know if you have suggestions! Our ritual for the week honors the traditional Beltane fire and invites you to commit to a year and a day of growth and abundance. And as always, we pull a tarot card and this week the card draw us towards rest, balance and rejuvenation. Join us as we embrace the energy of Beltane and all the magic of the season.

Today we explore the magic of the days of the week! Each day has its own magical associations from colors, to plants, to tarot cards. From Monday to Sunday, we share these different magical associations for each day and discuss ways to tap into it to escape a mundane routine and create more magical everyday moments. Each day is full of magic, so tune into it! We share a bit about a magical trip we took to Asheville North Carolina. We also talk about the joys of the spring season and check in on the status of our SPRINGO boards. The episode card is from The Wild Unknown Pocket Animal Spirit Deck by Kim Krans, and reminds us to check in and rebalance.

On this episode we are talking all about magical ingredients. We take a deep dive into my magical ingredient drawer to see what things I have on hand to use in spells. Since I practice chaos magic, I tell a little story for each ingredient to let you know why its magical to me, and go over some of the traditional meanings for each one. We look into how the time of harvesting or collecting under a specific moon phase or planetary alignment can power up your ingredients and aid your spell intention. From lavender and mint to snake skins and cicada wings, we cover it all. The rituals that work segment is an invitation to create a magical flower or gem essence for spring. The card of this week is a welcome opportunity for manifestation coming out of last episodes stillness. 

On this weeks episode we have a special guest! As a Valentine's day treat we have my other half, and the other half of Bramble & Brimstone. Josh and I talk about gardening, plants, rocks, art, contemplate what magic is, and just discuss life being unexpectedly married to a witch. 

This episode we are talking about cats! We share a little cat lore and talk about Egyptian cat goddesses Bastet and Sekhmet. We also cover a few ingredients that can be used when working with cat magic. Our ritual that works segment is a spell for dealing with and coping with the loss of a cat, the segment is a little longer than normal, but we talk about how emotion and intention often produce the most effective spells. Our episode draw is from the Wild Whiskers Oracle deck and has a message of stealthy action. 

The Little Book of Cat Magic: Spells, Charms & Tales by Deborah Blake

This episode we are talking about Imbolc. Imbolc, celebrated on February 1st, is the threshold between winter and spring. We discuss the joy of starting seeds, how animals have been used to divine the coming of new seasons, and ways you can celebrate today. As a threshold day it's a powerful time for divination, so in our Rituals That Work section we are using carromancy. In our Episode Draw this week we are using the Anima Mundi Tarot Deck by Megan Wyreweden and the message is one of endings, transformation, and renewal. 

On this episode we talk all about new year magic. We talk about the 2023 tarot card of the year, The Chariot, and the magic of planners for setting new year intentions. I talk about creating boundaries as a new year theme and talk about some practical and magical ways to set your own and how helpful it can be to create space for growth. The rituals that work segment is a tarot spread to give you insights and energy readings for each month of the year and details how to find your personal 2023 card of the year. In the episode draw segment we work with the Wild Whiskers Oracle deck. 

This episode we dive into the winter solstice and Yule, we talk about ancient sites, the concept of darkness, the return of the sun, cycles of nature and the wheel of the year. The ritual this week is one for the winter solstice, designed to help you reflect on your year, let go of things you no longer need, and move forward into the new year. Our daily draw is a tarot card that is unexpected, but very relevant and an important reminder that works well with our ritual this week.

In this episode we're talking about a visit to Salem Massachusetts. W're also sharing tips, resources, and thoughts on coping with capitalism and navigating the holiday shopping season. We talk feminine economy and supporting small businesses as a spell to manifest a better future. We also shoutout several small businesses to support this season. Our ritual this episode is one to help with sleep and calm. And in out episode draw we meet a plant that reminds us to be grateful, compassionate, and share our love with those around us. If you want to get in touch email us at podcast@bramblebrimstone.com 

Today we are talking about Tarot, my favorite witchy tool! We talk about the structure of the deck, different methods for learning and reading the cards intuitively, numerology, elements, tarot books and resources, and we go over the minor suits and main theme of the major arcana. We share an exercise to help you draw your own meanings and keywords so that you can create your own tarot cheat sheet for reference. This weeks ritual that works is all about starting your day in a magical way. Tarot is a big topic and we couldn't fit everything into this episode so look out for more tarot topics in future episodes! 

Get in touch with us at podcast@bramblebrimstone.com

This episode we are talking to Karla of Ghost Poppy. She talks about using green and kitchen witchery to craft all of her wonderfully witchy home fragrance products. We talk about modern witchcraft, creativity, sustainability, finding magic in the mundane, and of course, becoming witchy.  

On this first episode I share my own becoming witchy story. We talk tarot, witch shops, garden magic and so much more. We share a daily ritual that works, discuss fall and autumnal equinox, and pull an oracle card to inspire you for the next week!

Things we mention in the episode: