Circle Talk 4 Witches

1.20 Samhain Magic

And so the Wheel has spun full circle! Welcome to our last episode of Season 1, folks! For the next turn of the Wheel, we’re concentrating on magic and witchcraft that can be performed around each of the Sabbats. For this episode, we concentrate on Samhain (with a smidge of Bel-tân (and all the other spellings of that Sabbat 😛)), and in particular, on binding, banishing, and warding. How do we perform all of these practices? Are they the same, or are there overlaps? How do we get Practical Magic and Brasso into *this* episode? And what sound do alligators and crocodiles make, and what are they protecting? Take a listen to find out in this, Episode 20 - Samhain Magic.

 

References, Notes, and Links:

Suggett, R (2008). A History of Magic and Witchcraft in Wales

Farrar, J; Bone, G (2016). Lifting the Veil: A Witches' Guide to Trance-Prophesy, Drawing Down the Moon, and Ecstatic Ritual

 

Youtube link to the CRAFT binding 

Seeking Witchcraft episode on Magical Hygiene (is it this one: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shielding-warding-protective-magic/id1462656660?i=1000528179654)

YouTube mirror spell binding

The Australian Magical Research Project (witch bottles from 1800s): https://tasmagic.wordpress.com/ 

 

Songs for Samhain

• Samhain by Damh the Bard (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcDLcQk1Ntg) 
• Angau by Siân James (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gweoI_YWuM4) which is yn Gymraeg - check the Facebook post thread for the lyrics in both Cymraeg and English

 

Peter’s old Welsh ‘curse’:

Crwydro y byddo am oesoedd lawer
Ac yn mhob cam, camfa;
Ym mhob camfa, codwm;
Ym mhob codwm, tori asgwrn;
Nid yr asgwrn mwyaf na'r lleiaf,
Ond asgwrn chwil corn ei wddw bob tro.

(May he wander for ages many; and at every step, a stile; at every stile, a fall; at every fall, a broken bone; not the largest, nor the smallest bone, but the chief neck bone, every time.)

 

ANGAU, Siân James - https://youtu.be/gweoI_YWuM4

Ar ryw noswaith yn fy ngwely – Upon some night in my bed

Ar hyd y nos yn ffaelu cysgu, - All through the night not able to sleep

Gan fod fy meddwl yn ddiame – Because my mind is beyond question

Yn cydfeddwl am fy siwrne. – Thinking about my journey

 

Galw am gawg a dŵr i ‘molchi – Calling for a bowl and water to wash with

Gan ddisgwyl hyn i fy sirioli; - Expecting this to cheer me up

Ond cyn rhoi deigryn ar fy ngruddiau – But before putting a tear on my cheeks

Ar fin y gawg mi welwn Angau – On the bowl’s edge I see Death

 

Mynd i’r eglwys i weddïo, - Go to church to pray

Gan dybio’n siŵr na ddeuai yno; - Assuming that he surely won’t come there

Ond cyn i mi godi oddi ar fy ngliniau, - But before I get up off my knees

Ar ben y fainc mi welwn Angau. – Upon the bench I see Death

 

Mynd i siambr glos i ymguddio, - Go to a nearby chamber to hide away

Gan dybio’n siŵr na ddeuai yno; - Assuming that he surely won’t come there

Ond er cyn closied oedd y siambr – But as close as the chamber was

Angau ddaeth o dan y ddaear. – Death came from beneath the earth

 

Mynd i’r môr a dechrau ymrwyfo, - Go to the sea and start to row

Gan dybio’n siŵr na fedrai nofio; - Assuming that he surely won’t be able to swim

Ond cyn cyrraedd dyfnion donnau – But before I got to the deep waves

Angau oedd y capten llongau. – Death was the marine captain

 

Ffarwel ferched, ffarwel feibion, - Farewell girls, farewell boys

Ffarwel holl ryganau gwyrddion; Farewell all green loves

Duw a faddau i mi ‘meiau, - God, forgive me my sins

Mynd sydd raid i ganlyn Angau. – I have to go and follow Death

1.19 Ritual Tools

A listener request episode, episode 19 brings you a discussion about tools of witchcraft. We talk about the stabby-boys, the pokey-boys, the swingy-boys, and everything else! How do we all pronounce the tool that begins with an ‘A’? What’s the difference between a censer and a thurible? And are all wands made equal? Do you need all the tools at the same time, or even at all to practise effective magic and witchcraft? Grab a cuppa, a glass of wine, or whatever your favourite tipple is, and take a listen to Episode 19 - Tools.

References, Notes, and Links:

Deborah Lipp’s The Elements of Ritual: Air, Fire, Water and Earth in the Wiccan Circle

Raymond Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft (commonly called ‘Uncle Bucky’s Big Blue)

Jason Mankey’s The Witch’s Athame - The Craft, Lore, and Magick of Ritual Blades

Doreen Valiente’s Witchcraft for Tomorrow

Seeking Witchcraft’s episode on Crafting your Wand

1.18 Mabonology: The Autumn & Spring Equinoxes

Join us for the last “sabbat special” where we talk about personal practices and break down the astronomical & cultural backgrounds of the sabbats. Learn about why we don’t talk about “Mabonology” or “Ostaraology”, and about Josie’s plan to advocate for an “Easter Croc”. 

 

Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by e-mailing us at CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at CircleTalk4Witches or on Twitter at @Circle4Witches. Remember to like and follow us, including letting others know if you’re enjoying the podcast.

 

References, Notes, and Links:

Alexis Nikole Nelson, the “Black Forager” on TikTok

Meet me on the Equinox by Death Cab for Cutie

Ivakhiv, Adrian J. “Thoughts on An Equinox.” Immanence, UVM Blogs,  Sept. 21, 2021

Seeking Witchcraft Podcast; Season 3, Episode 5: Why “Mabon” is a Lie

1.17 Wicca as a Mystery Tradition: Polarity

As the Heads say in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, “It’s going to be a bumpy ride!” In this episode, we continue with the theme of Wicca as a Mystery Tradition and discuss polarity; what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can be worked with in an Initiatory Wican framework. How do the gods view polarity (hint: they don’t), how do non-cisgendered Wicans handle polarity, does gender come into it, and can polarity ever be adapted (hint: it can). How does polarity work with same-sex initiation and same-gender initiation? Is that even allowed in Initiatory Wicca? And why does the Kybalion suck? Listen to us ramble, rant, and rave during this jam-packed episode!

 

Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by e-mailing us at CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at CircleTalk4Witches or on Twitter at @Circle4Witches. Remember to like and follow us, including letting others know if you’re enjoying the podcast.

 

References, Notes, and Links:

 

Opening quote: The Inner Mysteries: Progressive Witchcraft and Connection to the Divine by Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone

 

Yvonne Aburrow’s YouTube page with lots of excellent videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/YvonneAburrow 

 

Alexandrian Seekers and Initiates page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/278933458939644 

 

Garderian Seekers and Initiates page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/387696041331452/ 

Closing quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Compensation

1.16 Brasso and Bread Sabbat Special

And the Wheel turns, once again to Lughnasadh and Imbolc. Welcome to Episode 16: Brasso and Bread. Take a listen to find out what Lughnasadh and Imbolc mean to each of the presenters, who John Barleycorn is, and what types of practices happen at each of these cross-quarter festivals. Bonus content for a mini-lesson in Cymraeg, Gaeilge, and etymology (yes, we geek out in this episode). Why does Brasso feature so strongly in our podcasts? Where does bread come into it? And what’s the connection between these two sabbats? Take a listen to Episode 16: Brasso and Bread to find out!

1.15 Wicca as a Mystery Tradition

Summary:

After you’ve listened to this episode, you’ll be an initiate of the Wicca… jokes (please don’t recule us :P)! In this two-part episode, we discuss Wicca as a Mystery Tradition and what we mean by that phrase. What is Wicca as a Mystery Tradition based on? What Sekrets™ are we hiding (they’re as good as those damned bees keeping that sweet, sweet nectar)? Who is Initiatory Wicca open to (hint: it’s everyone)? Can the Mysteries be read about from a book? How did our early Wiccan Elders view Wicca as a Mystery Tradition? How does polarity fit in? Grab a cuppa, a glass of wine, a beer, or your favourite cocktail and let us fill your ears with our four sweet accents in this, Episode 015: Wicca as a Mystery Tradition (Part 1) (obviously don’t be drinking and driving - this includes you, iced-coffee drinkers!) - it’s a jam-packed episode!

A word of warning: skip to minute 4 for the good stuff, unless you want to listen to us discuss Peter’s white legs (and we all know you want to!) and how to keep cool in hot weather (tips courtesy of our favourite southerners).

Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by e-mailing us at CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at CircleTalk4Witches or on Twitter at @Circle4Witches. Remember to like and follow us, including letting others know if you’re enjoying the podcast.

 

References, Notes, and Links:

Jack Chanek’s Video on Fertility and the Pagan Revival 

Valiente, D (2018). Witchcraft for Tomorrow. Robert Hale. pp.127-128 (Amazon link)

Sanders, M (2008). Fire Child: The Life and Magic of Maxine Sanders 'Witch Queen'. Oxford: Mandrake. p.113 and p.191 (out of print as of 2022)

Heselton, P (2020). In Search of the New Forest Coven. Fenix Flames Publishing Ltd. (Bookshop link)

Sanders, A (1989). The Alex Sanders Lectures (out of print in 2022, though being republished by Rose Ankh Publishing soon)

Gardner, G (1954). Witchcraft Today. (Bookshop link)

1.14 Solstice 2022

Solstice blessings from all of us at Circle Talk!

What’s happening out in space to cause the solstices? What’s happening down here on earth, ritually, spiritually and physically? Whether you’re getting ready to sing out the light in the Northern Hemisphere, or cosying up for winter in the Southern Hemisphere, we’ve got you covered for all things solstice.

Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by e-mailing us at CircleTalk4Witches@gmailcom. Alternatively, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at CircleTalk4Witches or on Twitter at @Circle4Witches. Remember to like and follow us, including letting others know if you’re enjoying the podcast.

References, Notes, and Links:

The Seeking Witchcraft podcast’s episode on magical voice

George Winston’s album, Winter into Spring

Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick

1.13 Sex & Drugs & Rock n’ Roll

What role does sex play within Initiatory Wica? What about the Sabbat orgy with the Devil? Do we need protection (pun intended)? How do we achieve altered states of consciousness, and can they be achieved alone? And what’s expected of Seekers and neophytes? Grab a cuppa, wine, gin, water, or your favourite tipple and join us as we discuss all things sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll! How could we *not* cover these topics for our 13th episode ;)

 

Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by e-mailing us at CircleTalk4Witches@gmailcom. Alternatively, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at CircleTalk4Witches or on Twitter at @Circle4Witches. Remember to like and follow us, including letting others know if you’re enjoying the podcast.

 

References, Notes, and Links:

Opening quote about incense: Sanders, A (1989). The Alex Sanders Lectures: Working Tools and the Thirteen Treasures. p25. Amazon link.

 

Psychoactivity and Frankincense: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2493463/

 

Coby Michael’s The Poison Herbal Path (Amazon link). Coby’s website can also be found here.

 

Information about Kyphi can be found here and the recipe that Peter followed can be found here.

 

Jason Mankey’s The Horned God of the Witches can be found here.

 

Netflix’s Archive 81 with the breathing.

1.12 Beltane & Samhain Sabbat Special

To quote Battlestar Galactica (2003), “All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again.” We’re halfway through turning the Wheel and so the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are swapping topics. Sure there’s a bit of review but we also manage to wander into new and weird territory, including a reference to fetishes! (but not those kinds of fetishes!).

 

Yes we know we’ve referenced the Wickerman before… and we probably will again. 

Wickerman (1973) - Maypole Song

Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know by e-mailing us at CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can find us on Instagram and Facebook at CircleTalk4Witches or on Twitter at @Circle4Witches. Remember to like and follow us, including letting others know if you’re enjoying the podcast.

1.11 Coven Hierarchy

We’ve spent plenty of time talking about the importance of autonomy, but how does that fit into the hierarchical structure of a BTW coven? In this episode we discuss the different roles that exist in most (if not all) Wiccan covens, the definition of “elder”, and our experiences with the dedicant or neophyte degree. We also talk about other positions or functions in the coven and begin to brainstorm what kind of roles a 21st-century coven might want to include. Share your ideas for new coven “jobs” on our Facebook page!