Episodes
Monday Dec 27, 2021
1.06 Why Covens?
Monday Dec 27, 2021
Monday Dec 27, 2021
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
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
1.05 Solstice Special
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
Wednesday Dec 15, 2021
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
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
1.04 Vouching
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
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
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
1.03 Samhain and Beltane Special
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
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.
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
1.02 Oaths
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
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
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
1.01 Definitions
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
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.
Monday Oct 25, 2021
0.00 Introduction
Monday Oct 25, 2021
Monday Oct 25, 2021
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).