Herbs, spells and stones–none of these prevent COVID-19, but Najah Lightfoot joins us to share ways to ground, center, and shield us from the heavy energy of this challenging time. We discuss the benefit of toning down our news intake, cleansing practices (especially for medical or other essential workers), television and movies we’ve been using to distract ourselves, including a widely-beloved movie that Kanani announces she hates. Hilary lists another cause to help support communities during this time. Are you a Witch who is also an artist, musician, or owns a small business? Let us know so we can promote your work!Audio Transcript Available April 6.
Our Guest Today
Photo by Anthony Camera
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 Twitter, Facebook and Instagram:@najahlightfoot.
Today, we discuss COPING. Your favorite Witches share how they are each getting through the shelter-in-place orders and the uncertainty of the moment. Special guest Mat Auryn returns to lead us in a discussion on living in the times of The Tower and the Star from the Tarot, and offers tips for meditating during this trying time. Also, will Britney Spears save us all??? Are you an artist or musician? Send us the links of where people can buy your stuff! What craft projects have you done since this whole thing began? Email us and tell us about it! Audio transcript available by 3/31/2020
Our Guest Today
Mat Auryn is a witch, professional psychic, and occult teacher throughout the New England. He has been drawn to the occult and metaphysical since an early age, reading books on witchcraft at eight years old. He is an initiate of Black Rose Witchcraft, The Cabot-Kent Hermetic Temple, and the Temple of Witchcraft. He is currently a High Priest in the Sacred Fires Tradition of Witchcraft. Mat has had the honor and privilege of studying under Christopher Penczak, Laurie Cabot, Devin Hunter, Storm Faerywolf, Chas Bogan, Jason Miller, and other prominent witchcraft teachers and elders. He runs the blog For Puck’s Sake on Patheos Pagan and writes the column “Extra Sensory Witchcraft” in Witches & Pagans Magazine. He has been featured in various magazines, radio shows, podcasts, books and other periodicals such as Witch Way Magazine, DisInfo, and The Wild Hunt. To find out more about him and his work visit, www.MatAuryn.com.
We’re social distancing! What is a Witch to do during quarantine? We’ve got a whole list of online courses, books, and other resources to keep you company while you hide out at home. Digressions include 90’s true crime, Hilary’s not-quite-panic-buying Magick supplies, Kanani being forced to home-school, and the time Courtney auditioned for reality tv. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform!
Happy Spring! This season offers incredible opportunities for new beginnings, including new prosperity! We are joined by Queen Mother Imakhu who helps us explore money Magick. We also explore the power of retrogrades, the importance of Ancestor work in Witchcraft…and how not all of your Ancestors belong on your altar. Kanani reviews The Good Witch and reflects on the Ostara myth. Other digressions include Leap Year babies and weddings, the irritating bygone age of pagers, and banishing remote evil spirits from the storage closet of a Baskin Robbins. Do you love us? Don’t forget to rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice!
Rev. Dr. Queen Mother Imakhu Mu Neferet is a cultural educator, scholar, motivational speaker, Khametic elder high priestess and queen mother, initiated water priestess, water priestess, storyteller, poet, writer, vocalist, musician, dancer, yogini, artist, arts administrator, filmmaker, and multimedia producer. Dedicated to cultural preservation, cultural reclamation, and creating uplifting, truthful media for Black & Brown people, she is founder/director of AKERU MultiMedia, and UHEMU Black & Brown Storytellers. Former columnist for FIRST WORLD NEWS African American Newspaper Newspaper. Host/producer of ASHE! radio and TV shows. Founder/director of The Zawadi Collective performance ensemble. Founder of AKERU NuAfrakan Network. She is also co-founder of Newark Latino Film Festival and Newark Latino Artist Collective. Queen Mother Imakhu is founder/director and chief instructor of SHENU Art & Yoga Sanctuary (Khametic Temple). Creator of the Drums of Compassion drumming and dance program, which she has taught throughout the U.S. to children and adults since the late 90’s. Queen Mother Imakhu has taught African Arts Education for Philadelphia’s Point Breeze Performing Arts Center, Boys & Girls Club of Trenton, The Garvey Charter School of Trenton, City of Trenton, NYC Department of Juvenile Justice on behalf of Afrikan Poetry Theatre of Queens, Newark’s Ironbound Community Corporation, Montclair State University, and Orange, NJ Board of Education. Queen Mother was recently Yoga instructor for City of Newark Recreation Department; executive director and co-founder of the Newark Latino Film Festival. Queen Mother’s most recent film project, “I’ve Got a Vision,” produced for fellow filmmaker Nancy Vazquez, was highlighted by director Ava DuVernay on February 2019’s special online edition of TIME Magazine. A respected poet and writer, Queen Mother Imakhu has emceed spoken word events in Philadelphia, PA and Newark, NJ. Queen Mother is founder of AKERU MultiMedia, and Uhemu Black & Brown Storytellers of NJ. Queen Mother Imakhu’s newest compilation downloadable music/spoken word CD,“The Very Best So Far,” was released on December 19, 2019. Her new documentary series, “The Wisdom Keepers,” begins production in 2020. Her new one woman stage show, “The Water Brought Me Here,” begins touring in 2020, and is booking for schools, theaters, and events. Spiritually, Queen Mother Imakhu was initiated as an ankh carrying high priestess and queen mother through the Shrine of Khpra in Brooklyn, NY. She is an ordained interfaith minister, and is a member of the Newark Interfaith Clergy Alliance. She was also active in NYC Auburn Seminary. She is immortalized as Queen of Cups in the Tarot of the Boroughs contemporary photographic deck. As a Khametic scholar, her research connecting European Elder Futhark Runes to Nile Valley origins, has been considered ground breaking. Her newest book, KHESU DUAU MENI: Khametic Daily Prayers & Rituals, was released in late November 2019. While teaching the importance of maintaining cultural traditions, Queen Mother Imakhu is constantly breaking new ground by redefining practical new applications for today’s world. Queen Mother Imakhu’s proud family lineage includes her maternal ancestor, Billy Artis, who fought in the Nat Turner Uprising, her father, the late Tommie J. Lloyd, first African American American accepted into the New Jersey Tool & Die Association, former South Carolinian Congressman George Washington Murray, former enslaved African who was the only African American Congressman serving during the 53rd and 54th congresses. Queen Mother Imakhu has been celebrating Kwanzaa since 1989. The Nguzo Saba helped to deepen the Black Consciousness she was raised in, and provided a strong framework to raise her children with. She stands by the foundations that have shaped her, and that she proudly shares with community. She has also recently formed the SHENU Harmonious Living Institute.
****”Queen Mother Imakhu wrote a chapter in her book, UNDERSTANDING KHAMETIC MYSTICISM titled ‘African Origins of the Word Witch.’ Based on her research, the ancient Egyptian word Wadjet, the holistic community healing woman, is and was a term of respect, and one she claims for herself instead of “witch.” Queen Mother Imakhu also educates people about how the patriarchy vilified our indigenous healing mother’s, and demonized all terms associated with our natural mystic mother’s, including “witch.” While her personal preference is to reclaim the term Wadjet because it is in the vocabulary of her ancient tradition, she teaches the significance of empowerment of cultural and matriarchal reclamation.”
Are you a store owner, vendor, or other sort of goody-peddling Witch? Maybe one of your customers wants a touch of Magick…but they aren’t sure what they need?
If so, good news! That Witch Life spell cards are now available wholesale!
With nine different options, each envelope contains an original spell written by one of the co-hosts of That Witch Life Podcast. The spells are beautiful, unique, and involve commonly available ingredients. The envelopes are embossed with individual patterns to ensure customers can easily buy different spells. Each card is signed by all three co-hosts and includes a 3” vinyl That Witch Life sticker.
The wholesale price is of each card is $3 (minimum order 20) with a suggested retail price of $6, each. We’ll promote your store or company on the podcast and on social media, letting people know where to find the cards….and you! Orders are processed within 3-5 business days.
Incense and smoke is more than ambiance. It actually makes Magick happen! Amy Blackthorn, author of the recently released Sacred Smoke talks with us about how to enhance your Magick through the use of smoke. Courtney and Hilary share the results of spells they recently cast (one for success, one to reveal enemies), and Kanani’s kids review a children’s show panned by conservative media (“Step aside, Cinderella!”).
Hey! Do you like us? Check out our Etsy store and/or leave us a review on ApplePodcasts or wherever else you listen!
Amy Blackthorn is the author of, Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic and Sacred Smoke: Clear Away Negative Energies and Purify Body, Mind, and Spirit, and has been described as an “arcane horticulturalist” for her lifelong work with magical plants and teaching. She incorporates her experiences in British Traditional Witchcraft with her horticulture studies. She has a certification in aromatherapy and is ordained through the Order of the Golden Gryphon. Amy’s company, Blackthorn Hoodoo Blends, creates tea based twenty plus years working with old Hoodoo herbal formulas. She lives in Delaware. You can view Amy’s tea shop at blackthornhoodooblends.com.
What if the Salem Witch Trials convicted actual Witches? Phillip “The Doctor” Reese of “History’s What If” Podcast helps us explore how, in a parallel universe, this would have changed course of American history. We also discuss fact vs. fiction of the Inquisition and the European Witch hunts and pose the question: How would a Witch hunter detect a modern Witch? (Hint: They know their pet’s sun sign…)
Phillip Reese, or The Doctor, is a former American theoretical physicist. His work has included advance quantum computing operations, research on control of quantum systems and quantum information processing. While he has received some praise, the scientific community has overwhelmingly shunned him because of his unique theories on time and space paired with his “march to his own drum” personality. This consequently led to his self imposed exile. A few years later, his studies and unconventional creativity lead him to the ground breaking quantum computer application called the Parallel Universe Generator (PUG). With PUG, the Doctor is able to explore the “What If” during historical events with a weekly podcast called History’s What If.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, it’s our annual episode talking all about LOVE SPELLS! We talk about the transits for February, and what kind of love, friendship, or other relationship Magick you’ll want to do OR avoid. Love Magick expert and Youtuber Queen Auset-Heru joins us to share hilarious stories of love spells gone wrong…and right! She talks us through her process of casting a love spell, and explores the role of releasing, forgiveness, and blockage removal in successful love Magick. Plus, spell suggestions, the oracle card for February, Kanani’s review of “Bell Book and Candle,” Courtney’s complete unraveling, and Hilary’s vain attempt to hold the episode together.
Our Guest Today
Queen Auset-Heru is a priestess of Ma’at, the spiritual system of the ancient Kemetians. She’s a clairvoyant, a tarot reader, and an oracle who works with people across the world to solve their most difficult problems. She is located in Costa Rica and does a small advice channel on YouTube called “Ask An Aquarius,” where people ask questions about spirituality, astrology, and romance. Follow Queen Auset-Heru on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, and check out her Etsy store for readings and oils. ***We apologize to our beautiful friend in Alabama! The correct name of her podcast is Southern Fried Witch. Check it out! It’s great!***
It’s been a whole, glorious year talking Witchcraft with you all! This episode was recorded live at The Raven’s Wing metaphysical store in Portland, OR. Although we had a couple of technical issues (please excuse the glitch around the end of the first hour), we have so many wonderful things to share today. Special guest Iris Meredith Bell talks about the best ingredients to keep in your Witch’s cabinet, and gives us an exclusive look into the world of a Witch shop owner…including some of the stranger requests she’s received. We talk about the shift from Capricorn to Aquarius and the upcoming New Moon on January 24th and the best Magick to make with it (hint: Great for business, NOT great for love!). We also discuss ethical sourcing in Witchcraft and answer some excellent questions from listeners! Plus, Kanani reviews Bram Stoker’s Dracula and we pull the winner of our Instagram giveaway! To have your questions answered on a future episode, email us at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com. Video (including ASL interpretation) can be found on our IG account, and our Facebook account (FB video does not include ASL).
Our Guest Today
Iris Meredith Bell has been a witch, ritualist, and tarot reader for over 25 years. Her mother was her first teacher in the craft. She has a passion for mythology, crystals and stones, and helping people find their next steps. Iris is a student of astrology and herbal medicine. She holds an MA in Philosophy and Religion, and a third degree High Priestesshood in the Evensong Tradition of Wicca. Iris is the general manager, Portland store manager, buyer, and a tarot reader at The Raven’s Wing Magical Co. theravenswingmagicalco.com
Happy New Year! Astrologer and Tarot Advisor Theresa Reed joins us with her predictions for 2020 (One major transit is coming up next week!). We talk about her new book: Astrology For Real Life (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious), and how astrology can help us be better partners, parents, friends, and more successful in our work. Theresa also peeks at our charts, which explains a lot about why we do what we do (Spoiler alert: Kanani is a tabloid, Courtney is a shit-show, and Hilary is doing all right). Find out what Tarot card we pulled for January and hear our thoughts about the Magickal influences of the upcoming Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse. Plus, Courtney’s break from Facebook, Kanani’s commitment to reading more, and Hilary’s adventure in Santa Fe. Check out the details on our One Year Anniversary Party! Email us your questions to answer on a future episode at thatwitchlifepodcast@gmail.com. Visit our Etsy store at www.etsy.com/thatwitchlifepodcast.
Our Guest Today
Theresa Reed (aka “The Tarot Lady”) has been a full-time Tarot card reader for close to 30 years. She is the author of The Tarot Coloring Book, an illustrated tour through the world of Tarot with coloring sheets for every card in the deck. Theresa is also the author of Astrology For Real Life (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious) and the co-author of Tarot for Troubled Times with Shaheen Miro. In addition to doing private Tarot readings, teaching Tarot classes, and speaking at Tarot conferences, Theresa also runs a popular website—TheTarotLady.com—where she dishes out advice, inspiration and tips for Tarot lovers of all experience levels. Follow Theresa on Twitter and Instagram for her daily “Six Second Tarot Reading”—plus photos of her extremely handsome cats, TaoZen and Monkey.
