Circle Talk 4 Witches

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).