Witchin' & Bitchin' The Podcast

In this episode, we give you a run down on where the witch we have been, what we have been up to, and where we are headed! We have made this into a 3 part mini series.

In this episode, we give you a run down on where the witch we have been, what we have been up to, and where we are headed! We have made this into a 3 part mini series.

In this episode, we give you a run down on where the witch we have been, what we have been up to, and where we are headed! We have made this into a 3 part mini series.

In this episode, we discuss another aspect of our recent hiatus... when you overthink and over intellectualise your practice to the point of overwhelm!

In this episode, we dive deeper into the topic of getting your mojo back, and how we have personally found ways to get back into our spirituality and our craft when it felt like it was slipping out of our grasp!

Just like Waldo/Wally, it's time for us to find ourselves once again!

In this episode, we talk about our recent impromptu break from recording and why that occurred. Some of you may have heard of "Imposter Syndrome", but in case you haven't, Imposter Syndrome is loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. Many question whether they're deserving of accolades.  

Why are we talking about this? Well, simply put, with some recent successes we have had in life and with the podcast being nominated for and winning some awards, we started to question ourselves. In a Witchin & Bitchin first, we go deep on our own personal feelings, hoping that it will normalise something that we know other may feel from time to time.  

In this episode, we interview Veronica Varlow, about her book 'Bohemian Magick'.

Veronica Varlow is the last of a line of Bohemian Witches, a fourth-generation intuitive, and an international burlesque showgirl. She is a confidence and sensuality coach who has been featured on the Tonight Show, Playboy, CNN, and MTV in 150 countries worldwide. Veronica and her husband, David Garfinkel-Varlow, established the branch of Witchcraft known as Spectaculus, an intersection of the Bohemian magick legacy of Veronica’s grandmother Helen and Garfinkel-Varlow’s rock-and-roll pagan practices, which stem from natural mysticism and instinctive creativity. Veronica is also one of the cofounders of the infamous Chelsea Hotel Coven in New York City and the founder of Witch Camp, held at the Magick House in Woodstock, New York. She also writes a regular column called “Life of a Love Witch” for Enchanted Living magazine. Veronica lives in Brooklyn, crafting spells and making magick with David and her Familiar, the half-wolf half-chihuahua known as Niney.

In this episode, we interview return guest and Tarot Diva, Sasha Graham, about her latest book 'The Magic of Tarot'.

Empower your intuition, dive into your dreams, and get to the heart of the matter with this fantastic guide to creating a marvelous, magical tarot practice. Bestselling author and tarot expert Sasha Graham shows you how to bring tarot into daily life with easy-to-use exercises, spreads, and prompts.

The Magic of Tarot opens your eyes to a richer, more enlightened style of divination. Sasha encourages you to flex your intuitive muscles, confidently use tarot magic and spells, and perform readings for other people. She also walks you through all the card meanings, introduces you to dream and shadow work, helps you interpret colors, numbers, and patterns, and so much more. This book lets you fearlessly jump in and enjoy magical experiences that you’ll never forget.

In this episode, we interview author Fio Gede Parma about their work with the Reclaiming Tradition, being a midwife of the Wildwood Tradition, and what it means to work within a tradition versus practicing as a solitary practitioner. We also get some insight into their upcoming works.

In this episode, we interview Rion Kallady, Co-Founder of one of Darryn's favourite Witch stores, Elfhame. We discuss his path to creating a haven for Witches in the mountains and what it means to practice Witching Responsibly.

In this episode, we discuss the often controversial topic of the gods and what it means to honour deity in your practice. Bringing personal experience into the discussion, if you have ever wondered if the gods are for you or not, we try to give some guidance on how you can explore divinity and make it your own.

In this episode, we interview Morgan Daimler about the folklore of the Faery Realm. We separate pop culture from folkloric practices and do a deep dive into what the good folk of the other world are really like.

Morgan Daimler is an author, teacher of esoteric subjects, witch, and priest of the Good Folk (aka fairies). A prolific writer, Morgan has published more than three dozen books, both fiction and nonfiction, and presented workshops on fairies and Irish mythology at various events and conferences.

In this episode, we interview the "Good Witch of Hollywood," Patti Negri about being a Psychic-Medium in Hollywood, and how she has used her skills to investigate paranormal activity in some famous LA landmarks. We also talk about the lesser known topic of spectrophilia, where you have a sexual encounter with the other side.

Patti is the international best-selling author of "Old World Magick for the Modern World: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques to Balance, Empower, & Create a Life You Love." Patti was voted #1 psychic, medium, trance medium, tarot reader, witch/ magickal practitioner in the world in an internationally recognized competition by Times Square Press. Patti's body of work includes appearances on such shows as MASTER CHEF, AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, and Jeff Lewis's FLIPPING OUT. Patti is the host of her popular podcast THE WITCHING HOUR and can be heard on nationally syndicated radio with Adam Corolla, Jason Ellis, Mancow Muller, and Coast to Coast with George Noory. She has graced numerous magazine covers, contributed to over 20 books and conducted seances on radio, film, and TV working with such legends as Emma Stone, Josh Duhamel, Martin Sheen, and Gregory Hines.

In this episode, talk about the Hermetic Laws which underpin all magick. Sometimes referred to as the Laws of Magick, these principles were said to have been inscribed on what is called the Emerald Tablet, and contain the secret mysticism of how the universe works.

In this episode, we interview Joe Phillips, In this episode, we interview Joe Phillips, famous illustrator, comic book artist, animator and writer about how he has taken his practice into the modern world by designing an amazing array of Witch Boys as well as how he took his skillset and created an amazing comic style tarot deck that celebrates diversity in the divine.

In this episode, we interview Storm Faerywolf, professional author, experienced teacher, visionary poet, and practicing warlock. He was trained and initiated into various streams of witchcraft, most notably the Faery tradition, where he holds the Black Wand of a Master. He is a co-founder of Black Rose, a school of modern folkloric witchcraft, and is a regular contributor to Modern Witch, and columnist for The Wild Hunt. He is the author of several books including "The Stars Within the Earth", “Betwixt & Between”, “Forbidden Mysteries of Faery Witchcraft”, and the forthcoming "The Witch's Name". He makes his home in the San Francisco Bay area and travels internationally teaching the magical arts.

In this episode, we discuss this often forgotten sabbath of Imbolc. Also called Saint Brigid's Day, Imbolc is a Gaelic traditional festival. It marks the beginning of spring, and for Christians (especially in Ireland) it is the feast day of Saint Brigid. It is held halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

Imbolc is mentioned in early Irish literature, and there is evidence suggesting it was also an important date in ancient times. It is believed that Imbolc was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Brigid, and that it was Christianised as the feast day of Saint Brigid, who could be a Christianisation of the goddess. To learn more about this festival, listen to this episode.

In this episode, we interview Michael Herkes, AKA "The Glam Witch", about his devotion to Goddess Lilith, and his journey into the world of Glamour Magick. Packed with real world ways to incorporate some glamour into your everyday life, including baths, fashion and witchy cocktails, it's time to pour a glass of rose and join us for this glam conversation!

Michael is the author of The GLAM Witch, The Complete Book of Moon Spells, Witchcraft for Daily Self-Care, and the bewitching upcoming book Love Spells for the Modern Witch. Additionally, Michael has been a contributor to Witch Way Magazine in addition to hosting "Glam Fridays" on the Witch With Me IGTV channel @witch.with.tv, giving tips and tricks for magical makeovers. He is a professional tarot reader and nationwide speaker, having presented at festivals such as Gather the Witches, Hexfest, and WitchCon, in addition to being featured in an exhibit at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft in Cleveland, Ohio.

In this episode, we interview Witch, Tarot Reader, Fan Boy and Tik Tok Sensation, MadaMadaM (Madam Adam) about his journey to over 1.4 million Tik Tok followers and how he reinvented himself due to the recent world shift. With his quick wit, no-fucks-given, straight talking delivery, he has taken the world by storm on Tik Tok and we had the amazing opportunity of having him read us for filth!  

In this episode, we interview author, psychic medium and occult specialise, J. Allen Cross about his personal story and how he came to write his book "American Brujeria: Modern Mexican American Folk Magic". We also dive into the world of paranormal investigation and how he uses his post-cognitive psychic abilities to assist law enforcement with investigations.

We then discuss the similarities and differences between Mexican and American Brujeria, what it is, how it is practiced, where it originates from and more. Lastly, we have a timely and important discussion on open and closed practices, and what exactly defines cultural appropriation. In true Witchin & Bitchin style, we only have the tough conversations!

J. Allen Cross is a practicing witch of Mexican, Native American, and European descent whose craft was shaped by his Catholic upbringing and mixed family culture. Living in his home state of Oregon, he works as a psychic medium and occult specialist for a well-known paranormal investigation team out of the Portland metro area. When he’s not investigating, he enjoys providing spells and potions to his local community, exploring haunted and abandoned places, working as a consultant for other workers and investigators, and of course writing about witchcraft. 

In this bonus episode, we celebrate Darryn's revolution around the Sun by doing some quick fire questions to get to know him a little better. On behalf of the cast and crew (which is just me, Vicki) and all of the viewers and listeners, we wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Darryn!

In this episode, we honour and celebrate our 50th episode by interviewing each other and discussing our individual paths that brought us to where we are today. We candidly share the stories of why we left our paths, and then what brought us both back, what our daily practices are and how this has changed since starting this podcast, and then out favourite and least favourite thing about being a Witch, and so much more!

In this episode, we celebrate Pride Month by bringing awareness to the intertwining history of LGBTIQ+ and Witchcraft. We talk about how the "Alphabet Mafia" has been a part of the Pagan and Witch community since the dawn of time and how they still play an integral part in helping the community. There will be many mic drop moments in this episode, so you'd better check it out!

In this episode, we discuss the Winter Solstice, otherwise known as Midwinter or Yule. If you want to know what to do to honour this Sabbath, this is the episode you need to listen to. Jam packed with lots of activities and idea, this should help you kick start the festive season!

In this bonus episode, we celebrate Vicki's revolution around the Sun by doing some quick fire questions to get to know her a little better. On behalf of the cast and crew (which is just me, Darryn) and all of the viewers and listeners, we wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vicki!

In this episode, we discuss the phase of the moon known as the Dark Moon, a time often used for introspection and banishing. This particular Dark Moon is in the sign of Gemini (which is ruled by Mercury), while Mercury is in Retrograde, and it's between Samhain and Yule (in the Southern Hemisphere), so now is the perfect time to go deep!

To support you on your quest, we have also talked about the Dark Gods and Dark Goddesses who you could call upon, but be warned - there's no backing out once you start the process!   

In this episode, we interview Orion Foxwood about his journey from traditional witch, conjure-man, and faery seer to eco-magical activism. We discuss the concept known as the River of Blood and what Witches can do to help the world heal intergenerational trauma.  

Orion is the author of “The Faery Teachings” (RJ Stewart Books), “The Tree of Enchantment”, “Mountain Conjure & Southern Root Work” and "The Flame in the Cauldron" (Weiser Books).   

Born with the veil in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia- he was exposed to faith-healing, root-doctoring, faery lore, and Southern and Appalachian folk magic which he teaches in workshops and other forums.   

He is the founder of the House of Brigh Faery Seership Institute, and Foxwood Temple to pass on the traditional witchcraft of his elders; and co-founder of “Conjure-Craft”, “Witches in the Woods” and “The Many Roads of Faery“ gatherings aimed at fostering education, community, co-creative magic, and the healing and helping practices of the traditions he carries. He holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services.  

In this episode, we interview Miranda Mueller and Stacey Demarco about their newly released book "Plants of Power", permaculture, and what it means to be an eco-conscious Witch.   

Plants of Power is a modern guide to the foundational plants you can grow in your own garden apothecary. Reconnect with the natural world, discover age-old wisdom and tap into the power of plants to help us, whether for mood, healing, love or other aspects of our lives.  

In this episode, we interview Anthony Leitz, aka the Auric Diviner, about a process of divination that he does, known as Aura Rendering. We also discuss his journey along his path and all the things that have shaped him as being the Witch he is today.

In this episode, we focus on the season of Samhain, from its origins to the present day. We offer some ways of marking the season through ancestor work, spells, and some rituals.  

In this episode, we discuss the concept of Spirit Guides. It's time to meet your crew, your allies, your BFFs, your posse. Whether you resonate with the Great Spirit, Angels, Ascended Masters, Deities, Ancestors, Soul Animals, Elementals, or Interdimensional Beings, there is someone out there watching over you and eager to help guide you through life.  

We will give you a rundown on the who's who of the spirit realm, plus talk about the different archetypal roles that they all play in your life. We also give you our personal take on ways to solidify that bond so you can lean on them in times of need.  

In this episode, we discuss the topic of Psychic Development by exploring clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairaudience, claircognizance, clairempathy, clairgustance and clairalience. If you don't know how to tell the clairs apart, this is the episode for you!  

In addition to diving into an explanation of each of the psychic senses, we also give you simple activities based on our personal experience with each of the clairs so that you can do to develop each of your psychic senses more clearly.  

In this episode, we welcome back our first ever guest, Fiona Horne, to talk about her new book TEEN MAGICK. Fiona gives us the inside scoop on the process of rewriting this classic book from 2000 (originally published under the name Life's A Witch! A Handbook for Teen Witches) and then we discuss the developments of Witchcraft from the early 2000s to today, and what that means for the younger generation of Witches.

TEEN MAGICK (Rockpool Publishing – February 2021) is a witchcraft guide for a new generation and offers insight and guidance for teen witches as they navigate this new and ever-changing world dominated by social media and technology. This gutsy guide takes teen witches on a journey of self-discovery – to dig deep and learn about all the magick that is inside of them, and then shine that magick into the world.

“The brave Teen Witch questions everything,.. which is how they become magikal in the first place. (Teens).. are poised to make the most positive and far-reaching change in the way humans exist on the planet, and in the history of our species” – Fiona Horne - Teen Magick.

To order your copy, head to www.fionahorne.com

In this episode, we dive into the topic of Chinese Astrology. Whilst it isn't a practice that is necessarily connected to Witchcraft per se, this East Asian practice honors the lunar calendar and is full of archetypal similarities to Western Astrological correspondences.   

In this episode, we give you our personal take on history and modern uses of altars in Witchcraft. We discuss the traditional placements of magickal tools, plus the modern adaptations that you will find in more eclectic paths. We also discuss the various types of altars, from spell crafting to gratitude, ancestors to the hearth, deities to seasonal sabbats.  

In this episode, we interview Witchin & Bitchin superfan, and Chaos Witch, Laurie Aspden. Originally from a small town in Lancashire, England, and now living in Perth, Laurie is in the early days of embracing her inner Witch and is very much looking forward to contributing to the witchy world.  

** WARNING: some of the topics discussed in this episode may be triggering. If you feel triggered by any of the content, please seek professional help or speak to your GP about getting a Mental Health Care Plan **  

This episode is a little different from normal as Laurie gave us some insight into her path before asking us any question she wanted us to answer. Totally unscripted. Totally raw. Totally Witchin & Bitchin style!  

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:44 - Definition of Modern Witch
00:05:37 - How do you identify?
00:07:16 - Practices & Chaos Magic
00:14:11 - Origin Story
00:28:16 - Spiritual Divide
00:30:08 - What are some of the things you wished you knew before you started practicing?
00:33:38 - Is there anything you're glad you didn't know before you started practicing?
00:37:05 - How has your craft changed since having children?
00:41:26 - How can we show up for our future generations?
00:47:52 - How can we bridge the human divide? (Spiritual Divide / Cultural Appropriation)
00:58:20 - Shadow Work ** TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide **
01:16:00 - What do you think the future of Witchcraft looks like?
01:22:00 - What does the future hold for you both?
01:26:00 - What are some red flags that we should be aware of community/coven etc?  
01:31:00 - Journeying and any fears around it ** TRIGGER WARNING: Death **  

In this episode, we interview entrepreneur and successful businesswoman, Amber-Lee Lyons about how to balance spirituality with running a business. Many Witches and Spiritualists believe that you cannot run a successful spiritual business, but Amber-Lee is here to dispel the myths and help you reach success.

In this episode, we interview the author and co-founder of the Temple of Witchcraft, Christopher Penczak. We get the inside scoop on the 20th-anniversary release of the Temple of Witchcraft series, and his upcoming works, as well as discussing the formation of Temple of Witchcraft in Salem, New Hampshire.

Christopher Penczak is the co-founder of the Temple of Witchcraft religious nonprofit organization and the creator of the Temple of Witchcraft Mystery School and Seminary education programs. Developed through his extensive work as an award-winning author, ritualist, and minister, the educational core of the program comes from his six books and CD set Temple of Witchcraft series. Today Christopher continues to teach internationally, write, see private clients, design jewelry, and travel to sacred sites with small groups. For more information, please visit www.christopherpenczak.com and templeofwitchcraft.org

In this episode, we talk about the First Harvest otherwise known as Lughnasadh. We discuss the history of the festival, the origin story of Lugh and the Tuatha de Danaan and how this influenced the Anglo-Saxon celebration of Lammas. Then we give you some modern ways that you can honour the gods without having to sacrifice any animals or people: from baking bread, to showing gratitude, to self-reflection and so much more!

In this episode, we give you an introduction to the 7 main chakras and their magickal and spiritual uses. We also talk about what it means to identify when a chakra is blocked, balanced, overactive, and underactive, and give you some of our insights into ways you can unfuck your chakras. We are also trying a new concept in this episode and throwing to some of our favourite songs. Let us know what you think!

[Note from Hosts: In this episode, we said we would have songs, but sadly this only available on Spotify, so we have uploaded this episode a second time without music so that all of our listeners can continue to listen on your favourite platforms. Please excuse the awkward moments when we were throwing to a song. Enjoy]

In this episode, we give you an introduction to the 7 main chakras and their magickal and spiritual uses. We also talk about what it means to identify when a chakra is blocked, balanced, overactive, and underactive, and give you some of our insights into ways you can unfuck your chakras. We are also trying a new concept in this episode and throwing to some of our favourite songs. Let us know what you think!

In this episode, we each give you more of our personal favourite crystals that we use in our personal practice. With so many amazing crystals out there, we had to come back for another installment after doing our Top 5 in episode 19!

In this episode, we interview the Angel Whisperer, Kyle Gray about all things Angels including who they are, what they are, when to call upon them, and why some people refer to them while others don't. It's a common misconception that the angelic realm is a Judeo-Christian-Abrahamic thing, but truth be told, the angels existed long before the Abrahamic traditions.

Kyle Gray is a spiritual teacher with a difference. With his sharp wit, need for truth and a desire to shed light upon some of the more complex spiritual subjects, Kyle has become one of the most sought-after experts within his field.

With spiritual encounters from an early age, Kyle was just four years old when his grandmother’s soul visited him from the other side. Growing up, Kyle always had the ability to hear, feel, and see what goes beyond the natural senses, which eventually led him to discover the power of angels and positive energy in his teens.

In this episode, we continue to talk about card reading. In this second part of a two-part series, we dive deeper into Tarot. We give an overview of card reading and dive deeper into Oracle Cards and Angel Cards in our previous episode. 

If you are interested in doing Darryn's upcoming Tarot Fundamentals, Intermediate, or Advanced courses, please send us an email.  

In this episode, we talk about card reading. What is it? How do you do it? What types are there? Where did it come from? And so much more... in this first part of a two-part series, we give an overview of card reading before diving deeper into Oracle Cards and Angel Cards. We dive deeper into Tarot in our next episode.  

If you are interested in doing Darryn's upcoming Tarot Fundamentals, Intermediate, or Advanced courses, please send us an email.  

In this episode, we interview Laura Tempest Zakroff, unpacking everything there is to know about sigil witchery, using movement as part of your practice, and her journey toward Modern Traditional Witchcraft. We also talk about some upcoming titles that you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we debunk 'New Year's Resolutions' and give you some tips on how to incorporate a little bit of witchy flair to your New Year's Intentions. We also follow up on our previous episode and offer some suggestions on a releasing ritual that you can do to release the things that no longer serve you from 2020, so you can make way for the blessings of 2021. It's time to harness the Full Moon in Cancer to bring the things you desire!

In this minisode, we wanted to take the opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Witchmas, and also announce the winners for our competition!