Episode 23: Finding Magick In Your Religion Of Origin With Aesha Fadeelah Rasheed and selma alamin

The dregs of Mercury Retrograde worked against us in this episode—including putting our good mic out of commission. Fortunately, our special guests Aesha Fadeelah Rasheed and selma alamin join us to perform a powerful energetic clearing on Courtney’s computer. More importantly, they talk about how to find Magick in one’s religion of origin, sharing their experiences of finding their own Witch spiritualities and faith through Islam. We also discuss spiritual hygiene, Magick in the discipline of religious ritual, the importance of spiritual self care, creating Magick ritual in the routine moments of a person’s life and much, much more. We also discuss Courtney’s book tour and take a walk through memory lane, especially Hilary and Courtney’s antics in high school theater and how Hilary ended up as Courtney’s date to her high school reunion. Kanani talks about the upcoming Yule Bazaar. Oh! And did you hear we have an Etsy store? Email us your burning questions for us to answer on a future episode at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com.

Our Guests Today

Aesha Fadeelah Rasheed (right) is a healer, organizer and hard femme based in New Orleans and of Oklahoma roots. Over two decades in New Orleans, She has co-created and lead numerous community support projects including ten years publishing the New Orleans Parents’ Guide to Public Schools and other efforts to support families and children in New Orleans. With gratitude to the city that nurtured her unfolding queerness, she’s worked to create spaces and celebrations of Queer BIPOC folks. She is a co-founder of Queer Cartography, a history-telling poster project (and ancestral propitiation effort) that centers untold stories of Queer folks made most invisible in history and she launched a meet up called Black Brown Queer (BBQ NOLA) and of QISM, a collective of southern queer Muslims. She is also a long-time member leader of Southerners on New Ground (SONG) – a regional movement organization focused on radical progressive organizing in the South for liberation from race, economic, gender oppression. Aesha currently uses her gifts as a body worker and ritual maker to find and build connection between traditional organizing and transformative healing and is a co-shaper of the Spirit Grove healing cooperative. Aesha moved to New Orleans in 2000 to work as an education reporter at The New Orleans Times Picayune.

selma alamin (left) is a New Orleans based, Sudanese American healer, stylist and spiritual organizer. She has lived and worked in the city for nine years as a crown healer and hairstylist for the queer and curly haired community. In addition to an undergraduate degree in Middle Eastern studies from the College of William and Mary and an MBA from Tulane University, she is apprenticing and practicing shamanic earth stewardship under the guidance and in the lineage of Dr. G. Love & Nana Sakara Kemilla, learning to deconstruct capitalism, interpret ancestral and planetary messages and use indigenous healing technologies for black love and liberation. She helped co-create QISM, a collective of southern queer Muslims and is a co-shaper of Spirit Grove healing cooperative, a group of black women healers based in New Orleans. She currently offers crown care services, specializing in transforming intergenerational hair trauma, and energy work services, especially spiritual container making, supporting the clearing and grounding of intentional gatherings and events.

Resource List

Spirit Grove is an emerging collective of Black intuitives based in New Orleans and who are are committed to healing for ourselves, our community and the planet. We are here to be your spiritual support team in this time of on-going crisis when spiritual care is vital. Our website is under development but you can sign up to stay informed here or contact us at spiritgrovehealing@gmail.com. More information about Soulshifting Retreats can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Soulshiftingretreats/ or at www.soulshiftingretreats.com.

Nana Sakara Kemilla
Dr. G. Love
How To Survive The End Of The World Podcast
That Witch Life Etsy Shop
Cellista
Phoenix Pagan Pride Day
OWOW Yule Bazaar
Q Meb (Portland, OR)
Wild Witches of Willamette
Utah Goddess Temple
Catland Books (Brooklyn, NY)
The Mystic Dream (Walnut Creek, CA) (Courtney’s book talk)
Esther’s Pantry

Episode 22: Service In Witchcraft Communities With Michael Agee

Today we are joined by Michael Agee from Ffynnon, who talks with us about creating community space for Witches, building relationship with the land, providing the framework for a Magickal experience for others, and why you can’t micromanage your Magick. We also talk about celebrating Thanksgiving in a respectful way, as well as the benefit of keeping your non-Witchy beloveds on a need-to-know-basis. Finally, Witchcraft through Coven Initiation vs. self-initiation vs. neither, and help for other communities during natural disasters. Do you have a question for your favorite Witches? Email us at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com.
***Correction: We referred to the Missing Women Project. The title of this endeavor is actually called “The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Report.”***

Our Guest Today

Michael Agee has been serving the pagan community since 1986.For many years, now Ffynnon has been central to his experience of the pagan community. The mission at Ffynnon is to provide a private sanctuary where Art, Spirit and Nature meet. Ffynnon is a forested 80-acre retreat and farm located in the Nehalem River valley just south of Vernonia, Oregon. The unusual name, Ffynnon (Welsh, pronounced FIN-un) means ‘source,’ or ‘spring.’ It is a place for returning to harmony, a place of restoration. Ffynnon connects people and community through the renewing gifts of nature, enabling members and guests to forge a deeper relationship with each other, the land, and themselves. This is the power of place. This is the power of Ffynnon. We share these core values: a profound appreciation of art in our lives, an understanding of the unifying power of spirit, and a deep and devoted love of nature. Join us as we together create a community space in the beauty of the forest where Art, Spirit, and Nature meet.

Resource List

“The Thanksgiving Tale we Tell is a Harmful Lie. As a Native American, I’ve Found A Better Way To Celebrate The Holiday.” by Sean Sherman
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Report
UndocuFund
Q Meb
Ffynnon
Other Worlds of Wonder
That Witch Life Etsy Shop

Spell Surprise!

Hello Witches! Your favorite bumbling trio has a surprise for you…

We pulled together our nine favorite spells, tucked them into these lovely cards (which we all signed!), and put them into these envelopes at random. For $5, you get one of these spells AND one of our bad-ass stickers to put on your car, coffee tumbler, Book of Shadows, or forehead (because we know you love us that much).

You won’t know what spell you’re getting until you open it…but that’s the great part! What does Magick does the Universe want you to have?

To purchase, go to our Etsy shop!

Blessed be, Bitches!

Episode 21: The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might

We apologize in advance for all of the throat-clearings and coughing! We’re still getting over colds. Today, Courtney takes over the podcast to talk about her new book as well as the Morrigan, a goddess who has strongly influenced much of her personal Witchcraft. Courtney shares her journey with the Morrigan, and how Witchcraft almost took her out. Modern manifestations of the Morrigan. We also discuss how one might approach and involve the Morrigan in their Witchcraft practices and the “weird joy” in grief, and answer a listener’s questions about how keep their personal Witchcraft practice going while living with a Muggle family in a small space. Special guest appearance by everyone’s favorite co-host. Kanani reviews “The Crow ” and Hilary and Courtney talk about the time they nearly ruined a beautiful ritual (“It was the pig’s fault.”). Do you have a burning question about Witchcraft? Email us at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com.

Our Guest Today

It’s your old friend Courtney! Aside from causing all kinds of problems with Hilary and Kanani, Courtney is a Witch, author, Tarot adviser, and activist. She is the author of Brigid: History, Mystery, and Magick of the Celtic Goddess, Tarot for One: The Art of Reading for Yourself, and the forthcoming Hekate: Goddess of Witches. Today, she is talking all about her newly released book, The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might (A portion of royalties from Brigid and The Morrigan benefit Resurrecting Monuments). Courtney produced and designed Tarot of the Boroughs, a modern tarot deck set in New York City. She has been featured in the New York Times, Maxim, Playboy, Huffington Post, Vice, and the Thom Hartmann Show. Visit her online at www.courtneyaweber.com.

Resource List

The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might
Courtney’s book talks
“The Crow” (film)
“Bell, Book, and Candle” (film)
Najah Lightfoot
Pagan Pride Events (Worldwide)
Elana Lowe: “Loam”
Coffee Time
The Roxy
Trout Lake Abbey
Oweynagat (The Morrigan’s Cave)

Episode 20: Halloween And Samhain Practices With Gemma McGowan

“The big thing is leaving that space at the table for the Ancestors, or whoever is in your space between the worlds, and share in what you’re doing…”

It’s Halloween!!! The greatest day of the year! So, what do Witches do on this glorious day? Irish Priestess and Witch Gemma McGowan joins us to talk about the ancient festival and practices of Samhain, which feed the roots of modern Halloween all over the world. Your favorite Witches also discuss their own practices for both Samhain and Halloween. Plus, hear the story of the ghost party in Kanani’s old house, Hilary’s plans for her upcoming Witchy performance, and details on Courtney’s book tour!

Our Guest Today

Gemma McGowan has been a practicing Pagan, Priestess and Witch for 17 years. Hailing from Kells in the Royal County, Gemma has grown up immersed in the sacred landscape of Meath, drawing inspiration and experiencing deep connection with ancient sites and monuments of that land. Gemma began her spiritual education in a progressive Witchcraft Coven called Coven na Callaighe, run by Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone back in 2003 in which she trained for 7 years to 3^rd Degree High Priestess. After then spending some time as a solitary practitioner, Gemma undertook her Celtic Shamanic training with Slí an Chroí, School for Celtic Shamanism with John Cantwell and Karen Ward. At Imbolg 2015 Gemma set up the Keepers of the Well, magical training group and in September 2018 started the first cycle of her Cor Bolg (Crane Bag) training. Gemma is a dedicated Priestess of Brighid since 2009 and a dedicated Priestess of Manannán Mac Lir, since 2013. She also has a strong personal working relationship with Fairy Queen Aoife, who she honors as being the body of the Crane Bag, as per the myth of the Crane Bag. Since 2003 Gemma has been involved in the Samhain Festival at Tlachtga, taking the reins of orchestration of the ceremonial and storytelling aspects of the festival from Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone in 2008. Gemma has also been involved in other large scale public ceremonies at Tara and at the Bealtaine Festival at Uisneach. Gemma runs a healing clinic called ‘Tír na mBeo’ from her home in Kells where she practices Systematic Kinesiology, uses tie cutting and extraction techniques, Soul retrieval work, energy and sound healing techniques. Gemma is also a singer, songwriter and storyteller, currently using the Crane Bag as a focus for teaching, magical practice, healing and sharing the wealth of the Irish magical, mythological and folklore tradition.

Resource List

Gemma’s Kinesiology Facebook Page
Púca Festival
Michael Fortune
Dierdre Wadding
Oweynagat
Loughcrew
Geoffrey Keating
The Halloween Song
The Portland Oddities Expo
Hilary’s Show on 10/30
The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might
Courtney’s November Book Tour

Email us with questions or topics to explore on the show at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com.

Episode 19: Morbid Magic with Tomás Prower

Content warning: death, grief, and mortuary practices.
“A very 21^st century solution to ancient problems…”
Today’s episode is about the modern relationship with dying, death, and the grief process. Special guest Tomás Prower, author of Morbid Magic: Death Spirituality And Culture From Around The World talks with us about the funeral industry and the shady things it gets away with, along with modern Western culture’s problematic avoidance of death and grief. He takes us around the world to learn about different rituals prior to, during, and after death (Ever heard of funeral strippers??? Or airing your grievances while graveside???), plus the origins of the taboo of speaking ill of the dead. Hilary, Kanani, and Courtney share their personal rituals for honoring their departed, Magick in the grief process, as well as etiquette for respectfully communicating with both the deceased and bereaved. Plus, hear about how they ditched a drag brunch to go shopping…which was FAR more important that ensuring Kanani’s car wasn’t stolen.

Our Guest Today

Tomás Prower is a graduate of the University of California: Santa Barbara with degrees in Global Socioeconomics and Latin American Studies. Born and raised in Southern California, his fluency in English, French, and Spanish gave him the opportunity work for the French Government as a cultural liaison throughout South America with extended assignments in Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, and the Amazon jungle. Since then, he has been the External Relations Director for the American Red Cross, LGBT+ Programs Director for entertainment productions in Los Angeles, and a licensed mortuary professional in California and Nevada. Currently, Tomás resides in his hometown of L.A. as a writer and author of popular fiction and non-fiction works.

Resource List

Morbid Magic: Death Spirituality and Culture From Around The World
Our interview with Najah Lightfoot
Corpse Bride (film)
Primitive Mythology (The Masks of God) by Joseph Campbell
The Morrigan by Courtney Weber
Take a Bow (video)
Cool (video)
Santa Muerte
Queer Magic by Tomás Prower
Courtney’s Readings

Episode 18: Finding Your Witch Community. Live at Pagan Pride

“Get out of your head about what’s supposed to happen and get into your life and see what actually happens…”

Recorded before a live audience at a VERY rainy Pagan Pride Day at Oaks Park in Portland, OR. We answer questions from audience members and listeners. Questions include: how to find Witchcraft community, how to find a group, what to do when you don’t feel particularly Magickal, suggested resources for intermediate-advanced Witches, and the possibility that certain well-meaning Ancestors might be standing in your Witchy way. Plus, rituals with Kanani’s kids, Hilary’s record plant purchase, and the time Courtney ate soap at a Pagan Pride event.

Resource List

Pagan Pride Network
Annwyn Avalon
Ninefold Festival
Mythic Moons of Avalon
Jenna Greene
Rondo’s Luck Shop
Enchanted of Salem (Laurie Cabot’s store)
Hilary’s Show on 9/22
Cellista
The Plant Spirit Familiar
Q Meb
The Raven’s Wing Magical Company
Interview with Erika Fortner
Christopher Penczak
Mat Auryn
Chiron Armand
Jason Mankey
Devin Hunter
Modern Witch Podcast
Down at the Crossroads Podcast
New World Witchery
Sons of the Goddess
Sacred Living Movement–Sacred Brotherhood Retreat
Andrea Weston

Episode 17: Good Juju with Najah Lightfoot

“There is more to the world than what we can see.”
We are delighted to be welcoming Najah Lightfoot, author of the new book Good Juju to the show! Najah discusses her journey with including movement into Magick, her love of Disney, how Spirit inspired her to write her book, and offers advice for new witches on getting started on their path. We also discuss “dollar store Magick,” the importance of following intuition, the importance of morning rituals, Magickal journaling, and tips for starting your first altar–including children’s altars–and invoking Magick from a specific natural space when you’re far from it, and how laughter defeats evil! Plus, theft issues between your co-hosts, why To Wong Foo is a great movie for Witches, how Kanani does not play well with others, and Hilary’s history with blood and glitter. Courtney demonstrates how, through crap, we find what we need.

Our Guest Today

Najah Lightfoot is an initiated member of La Source Ancienne Ounfo, a private Vodou society in New Orleans, Louisiana, a sister-priestess of the Divine Feminine, and an active member of the Denver Pagan Community. She keeps her magick strong through the practice of Kung Fu, the folk magick of Hoodoo, Pagan rituals and her belief in the Mysteries of the Universe. She finds inspiration in movies, music, and the blue skies of Colorado. Najah Lightfoot is also a regular contributing author to the Llewellyn Almanac series. Find her online at www.twitter.com/NajahLightfoot, www.facebook.com/NajahLightfoot, and www.instagram.com/NajahLightfoot .

Resource List

Good Juju by Najah Lightfoot
Reenactment of trial for Brigid Bishop, Salem, MA
“My Favorite Disney Villain Is My Wife.”
Llewellyn Publications
Grand Canyon Story on NPR
Grimoire of Shadows
Columbia-Willamette Pagan Pride Day
Q Meb
We Are Baked
The Dirty Wiener
KIND (Kids In Need of Defense)
BPSA Scouting

Email us questions, topic suggestions, and more at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com.

Episode 16: The Tarot Gateway with Benebell Wen

Your favorite Witches are talking with Benebell Wen! We explore Tarot as an entree to Witchcraft, drawing Magick from your culture of heritage, and Tarot journaling. Benebell shares her family’s history with Magick and how Tarot can open the door to a Magickal practice. We also discuss context in Magick and tradition and analytical versus inspired power, and the responsibility of being an oracle. Plus, Courtney’s big announcement, the return of Hilary’s screaming goat, performing memorial services with kids, why social media sucks, and how Kanani can’t tell the difference between eggplant and kale.

Our Guest Today

Benebell Wen is the author of Holistic Tarot: An Integrative Approach to Using Tarot for Personal Growth (North Atlantic Books, 2015) and The Tao of Craft: Fu Talismans and Casting Sigils in the Eastern Esoteric Traditions (North Atlantic Books, 2016). She also created the Spirit Keeper’s Tarot deck. You can learn more about her work at www.benebellwen.com.

Resource List

Holistic Tarot
Benebell’s Youtube Page
Benebell’s Fabulous Website
The Perfect Doormat

Episode 15: Water Witchcraft with Annwyn Avalon

“Lesbian mermaids forever!!!”

Hooray! Hilary’s back! Kanani gets a second chance to fangirl all over Annwyn Avalon, who joins us to discuss Water Witchcraft. We are talking all about mermaids…including the new Ariel! We also discuss the need for inclusivity in magical art. Annwyn shares with us how to utilize Water Magick, even when you live in a dry place, including the use of the moon and the tides (whether or not you’re close to the coast), “smushing rituals,” Magickal energies of different types of rain, and a plethora of other methods of water Magick. She also discusses water spirits you might not have heard of, including a very different Lady of the Lake. Courtney talks about her recent house-cleansing spell. Kanani talks about being an equal-opportunity plant-killer and how she never reads Courtney’s books. Please keep Hilary’s dog Riley on your healing altars, who is recovering from a serious knee surgery.

Our Guest Today

Annwyn Avalon is an initiated Priestess and Witch who’s path focuses on Water and serving the Spirits and Gods/ess that dwell with in. Her focus is on Sacred Wells, Rivers and Lakes but she enjoys time at the Sea Shore as well. She expresses her path through witchcraft, watercolor painting and sacred movement which focuses on devotional and theatrical water themed Belly dance pieces. She is the founder and teacher of Triskele Rose Witch and the 9 month Water Magic Course and is also the author of the book “Water Witchcraft- Water Magic from Celtic Countries” (Weiser 2019) www.WaterWitchcraft.com

Resource List

Water Witchcraft
Magickally Cleansing Your Home with Damon Stang
Love Spells with Chiron Armand
A Field Guide to Demons
Mami Wata
#notyourariel by Mathias Nordvig
Tides Near Me
Dr. Emoto “What The Bleep Do We Know?” (Water Experiments)
The Fairy Faith
Columbia-Willamette Valley Pagan Pride