Circle Talk 4 Witches

1.08 Cheese & Beer, Lambs & Loaves Sabbat Special

The festivals of Lambs and Loaves, or is it Beer and Cheese? In this episode, we talk about the Lammas, or Lughnasadh, and Imbolc and what we all do for these holidays. Are they both harvest festivals? Why are there reptiles? How even do you pronounce *that* name? Is it the start or end of winter? What can you carry around in your fanny pack? And what’s our new Sabbat name for Samhain? Find out in this Sabbat Special episode, also with a special treat of Peter singing. 

 

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.

 

Damh the Bard’s ‘Lughnasadh’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qwdx1iUaXw 

 

Gavin Webber (the Australian cheese guy): https://youtube.com/c/GavinWebber

• How to make Mustard & Dark Ale Cheese

 

Beer Cheese Dip Recipe from Spend with Pennies

Scene from The Wicker Man (1973) “It's much too dangerous to jump through the fire with your clothes on!”

1.07 Why Covens? Part 2

In this episode, we discussed some of the culture around asking for initiation rather than assuming one can join a coven, what is a “proper person” and what is “properly prepared”, ways to find a coven, how to approach a coven, how to meet with coven leaders and what to expect from those meetings, outer court practices, and when does initiation happen. James also led us through a discussion of Red Flag warning signs that Seekers should be on the lookout for. And, to the surprise of no one, we “outed” ourselves as being on the progressive end of the spectrum.

Liking what you’re hearing so far? 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.

Opening Quote: 'Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.' - Gustav Mahler (perhaps paraphrasing Thomas More)

James’ preferred textbook on fundamentalism in religion:

Almond, Gabriel A., et al. Strong Religion: The Rise of Fundamentalisms around the World. University of Chicago Press, 2006. 

Cult Warning Signs

Additional Resources for Seekers:

• Mooney, Thorn. Traditional Wicca: A Seeker's Guide. Llewellyn Publications, 2018. 
• Alexandrian Wicca Seekers and Initiates (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/278933458939644/  
• Gardnerian Wicca Seekers and Initiates (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/gardnerianseekers/ 
• British Traditional Wicca (Discord): https://discord.gg/rrXEJHA 
• Mandragora Magika (not vouched): https://mandragoramagika.com/ 
• Seeking Witchcraft's ‘Covens: Where to find them, what to ask them, & what to know!’ is available here: https://bit.ly/33XAkPf

Monty Python Quote “These questions three…”: Clip

1.06 Why Covens?

In this episode, we talk about covens, what they are, what they’re not, how to go about joining a coven, and everything else in between. Do they practise “skyclad” (“naked”)? Do they follow a set of beliefs, and are they dogmatic? Is Wica a cult? What if there aren’t any covens in my area? Will covens seek me out? Find out, in this, episode six.

 

Liking what you’re hearing so far? 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.

 

Fun references:

Eddie Izzard on the Church of England: https://youtu.be/PVH0gZO5lq0?t=277

 

Practical Magic https://youtu.be/cfkAw6a05F0

 

Mhara Starling’s ‘Welsh Witchcraft’ is available from Llewellyn Publications (https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738770918) in January 2022 from all major book-outlets.

 

Seeking Witchcraft's 'Naked Under The Moon' is available here: https://bit.ly/3z3fMQL 

 

Seeking Witchcraft's 'LGBTQ Witchcraft, Skyclad Practice, Sexuality in the Craft, and New Seeker Advice' is available here: https://bit.ly/3Jh2PYh 

 

Lili Wilkinson’s YouTube series ‘Let’s Talk About Sects’ is available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOqo12t7wtxQveeX9LFRl5ys2VwRQrhk5

1.05 Solstice Special

In this episode, we discuss the Winter and Summer Solstices, and how each of your hosts celebrate the Sabbat happening in their hemisphere at the moment. Why is light such a big deal at both solstices? Why do the solstices fall on specific dates? How can you beat (literally!) the darkness? And why do we discuss a terrifying Welsh horse?

 

As always, please get in touch if 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.

 

For reference and research, the gods mentioned during the podcast were Sol, Sol Invictus, Lleu Llaw Gyffes, and Arianrhod.

 

Here’s a link to a YouTube video about Y Fari Lwyd (Uh Vary Loyd) from BBC Cymru: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_xFo6Hifzk 

 

The Romans and 25 December link (Twitter thread by Dr. Andrew Henry): https://twitter.com/andrewmarkhenry/status/1465979583384195076 

 

James’ ‘Memories of the Oak and Holly King: Winter Solstice Story!’: https://witchingpath.blogspot.com/2012/12/memories-of-oak-and-holly-king-winter.html 

 

Tim Minchin song mentioned by Josie, ‘White Wine in the Sun’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNvZqpa-7Q 

Julia Phillips’ ‘The Witches of Oz’: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/864677.The_Witches_Of_Oz

1.04 Vouching

In this episode, we talk about the practice of vouching and how it works in the Alexandrian Witchcraft and wider British Traditional Wica (BTW) community, including what exactly a vouch is, how it’s obtained, and what it means when a vouch is refused. What’s the difference between a vouch, being confirmed, being recommended, and being properly prepared? Find out in this, episode four.

Liking what you’re hearing so far? 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.

Seekers and Initiates who are looking for a vouch can use the following groups:

• Alexandrian Wicca Seekers and Initiates (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/278933458939644/ 
• Gardnerian Wicca Seekers and Initiates (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/gardnerianseekers/
• British Traditional Wicca (Discord): https://discord.gg/rrXEJHA 

1.03 Samhain and Beltane Special

In this episode we explore our personal and outer court practices around Samhain (and Beltane!), including dumb suppers, ritual dramas, and bonfires. And we ask the ever important question: WWASD? (Answer: grab a pint)

 

As always we’d love to hear from you! Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com

You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches

And on Twitter as @Circle4Witches (because character limits).

 

References

*At some point we discussed the use of the phrase “Hail the Traveler!” in some online communities in response to news of a death. A kind listener sent us this reference to a poem by Quetta Garrison-Madsen that is one possible origin https://theinspiredfuneral.com/readings/2019/8/2/hail-the-traveler 

*Gi briefly named a book: Mortellus. (2021). Do I have to wear black. Llewellyn.

1.02 Oaths

An episode about oaths and oath taking, and why they are so important in Alexandrian practice: what does 'oathbound' even mean? Is there a difference between holding things as oathbound and straight up gatekeeping?

 

As always we’d love to hear from you! Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com

You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches

And on Twitter as @Circle4Witches (because character limits).

 

References:

Intro quote from: Farrar, J., Farrar, S., Farrar, J., & Farrar, J. (1996). A witches' bible: The complete witches' handbook. Phoenix Pub. 

 

On the Irish Triad: “Three things from which never to be moved: one's oaths; one's Gods; and the truth.” from Wright, J.F. 1995 A COMPILATION OF TRIADS: The Traditional Laws, Customs, and Wisdoms of The Pre-Christian Celtic People Of What Is Now Known As Scotland, Wales, And Ireland. Volume 1

More information at https://www.egreenway.com/druids/triadswright1995.htm

 

Snape’s Unbreakable Vow:
“Well, you can't break an Unbreakable Vow...."

"I'd worked that much out for myself, funnily enough. What happens if you break it, then?"

"You die," said Ron simply. 

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

 

Quote on Witch’s Vows from Catherynne M. Valente:

“You see, the future is a kind of stew, a soup, a vichyssoise of the present and the past. That's how you get the future: You mix up everything you did today with everything you did yesterday and all the days before and everything everyone you ever met did and anyone they ever met, too. And salt and lizard and pearl and umbrellas and typewriters and a lot of other things I'm not at liberty to tell you, because I took vows, and a witch's vows have teeth. Magic is funny like that. It's not a linear thinker. The point is if you mash it all up together and you have a big enough pot and you're very good at witchcraft, you can wind up with a cauldron full of tomorrow.”

― Catherynne M. Valente, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

Gi mentioned this The Birdcage scene

1.01 Definitions

In this not-really-a-minisode we attempt to define and explain various terms and definitions tossed around in the online BTW community including “Witchcraft”, “BTW”, “Trad”, “Lineage”, and more! 

 

As always we’d love to hear from you! Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com

You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches

And on Twitter as @Circle4Witches (because character limits).

 

References

“Practice begets Belief” from Prothero, S. (2011). God is not one: The eight rival religions that run the world. HarperCollins.

0.00 Introduction

In this minisode we make our first attempt at recording and briefly introduce ourselves, our backgrounds, and the purpose of this podcast.

 

As always please email any Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com.

You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches

And on Twitter as @Circle4Witches (because character limits).