Episode 44: Lunar Magick with Jhenah Telyndru

Get your first 10-minute reading with Keen for only $1.99: https://trykeen.com/thatwitchlife. Because you deserve answers. Thank you to Keen for sponsoring this episode! Thirteen moons in a year…and they each have a Magickal role! Author and priestess Jhenah Telyndru talks about Lunar Magick inspired by Britannic mythology. We discuss myth as response to human experience and how the phases of the Moon can aid in personal transformation. We also offer suggestions for celebrating the Full Moon on August 3. Listener question: Is the Morrigan summoning someone to work with the dead? Plus, Courtney’s super-meta zombie-nightmare, an awesome artist, and an ancient mystery: How much caffeine is JUST TOO MUCH? Kanani might know. Audio transcript to follow.

Our Guest Today

Jhenah Telyndru is an author, speaker, and educator. She is the founder of the Sisterhood of Avalon, a Celtic women’s mysteries organization with world-wide membership, and is the academic dean of the Avalonian Theological Seminary. Jhenah holds a Masters Degree in Celtic Studies from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, and did her undergraduate studies in archaeology. She teaches four-day residential training retreats around North America and the UK, and facilitates pilgrimages to sacred sites in the British Isles and Ireland through Mythic Seeker Tours. She is a frequent presenter and guest speaker at academic conferences, religious symposia, Women’s Spirituality gatherings, and Pagan festivals. A priestess in the Avalonian Tradition for over 30 years, Jhenah has been following a Pagan path since 1986.

Resource List

Water of Whimsy (Artist)
Jhenah Telyndru (website)
Mythic Moons of Avalon by Jhenah Telyndru
The Sisterhood of Avalon
Ninefolds Festival

Support the Podcast

For bonus content and other goodies, support us on Patreon!
Buy us a coffee!
Get handmade merch!
Subscribe and/or rate and review us on ITunes!
Advertise with us!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and share our latest episodes on your social media portals!
Send us a message telling us what you love about the show, what you’d love to see us cover, or questions you’d love to have us answer.
Keep downloading, keep listening!
Thank you!!!

Episode 43: Plant Magick with Christopher Penczak Plus Lúnasa Rites and Rituals

Get your first 10-minute reading with Keen for only $1.99: https://trykeen.com/thatwitchlife. Because you deserve answers. Thank you to Keen for sponsoring this episode! It’s the height of summer and we are all about the outdoors Magick! Guest Christopher Penczak joins us to discuss forming Magickal relationships with plants, making bonds with specific individual plant energies, reading messages from plants, and showing gratitude to plant allies. We also discuss feeling like an outcast among outcasts, the periodic importance of being a skeptical Witch, and the role of verification. We answer a listener question on using salt in rituals while being mindful of environmental. Courtney shares Lúnasa history and ways to celebrate the holiday, Kanani reviews “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and Hilary fights the spider mites. Other digressions include the protests in Portland, the horror of ladybugs, and drama at the grocery store. For bonus content, follow us on Patreon. Audio transcript to follow.

Audio Transcript Download

Our Guest Today

Christopher Penczak is a Witch, teacher, writer and healing practitioner. His practice draws upon the foundation of both modern and traditional Witchcraft blended with the wisdom of mystical traditions from across the globe as a practitioner and teacher of shamanism, tarot, Reiki healing, herbalism, astrology and Qabalah. He is the founder of the Temple of Witchcraft tradition and system of magickal training based upon the material of his books and classes. He is an ordained minister primarily serving the New Hampshire and Massachusetts pagan and metaphysical communities through public rituals, private counsel and teaching, though he travels extensively teaching throughout the United States.

Resource List

Christopher Penczak (website and newsletter)
The Plant Spirit Familiar
Temple of Witchcraft
Lúnasa: A Short History Of An Ancient Festival
Irish Pagan School Lúnasa Course
Smoke and Mirrors (Snow Glass and Apples)
Laurie Cabot
Storm Faerywolf

Support The Podcast

For bonus content and other goodies, support us on Patreon!
Buy us a coffee!
Get yourself some handmade merch!
Subscribe and/or rate and review us on ITunes!
Advertise with us!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and share our latest episodes on your social media portals!
Send us a message telling us what you love about the show, what you’d love to see us cover, or questions you’d love to have us answer.
Keep downloading, keep listening!
Thank you!!!

Episode 42: Forest Magick with Jake Richards

Get your first 10-minute reading with Keen for only $1.99: https://trykeen.com/thatwitchlife. Because you deserve answers. Thank you to Keen for sponsoring this episode! The forest has been a place for Witch since, well, always! Author Jake Richards talks with us about the role of the forest in Magick and shares with us some of the Appalachian folkore and practices shaped by the forest. We discuss the sympathetic nature of the forest as well as respected it as an ecosystem both dangerous and vulnerable. We also touch on working with the Bible in Witchcraft and the role of faith in productive spellwork. Courtney shares some Blue Jay lore, Hilary talks about the Magickal uses of mint, and Kanani reviews “Witches of Eastwick” (and also how she is a sea hag). Plus, meet Walter the Angry Squirrel! We answer Listener questions: Is the Goddess Lilith related to Satan? What do you do when a spell works a little TOO well? For more stories from Jake that we just couldn’t fit in the episode, become a Patron today and get bonus content!

Audio Transcript Download

Our Guest Today

Jake Richards grew up in the foothills and mountains of East Tennessee, knee deep in creek mud one day and looking out from Big Ridge Mountain. He is melungeon, a group of tri-racial folks in the corner of East Tennessee who have always held magic and stories close to us. His maternal grandfather was a Freewill Baptist preacher who cured warts, charmed blood, talked out fire, and had the Sight. Most of his grandmothers “Dreamed True” and knew a remedy for just about anything that usually included Vics rub in some form. His Mama is a Seventh Daughter and has always had a healing touch, particularly with children. Her mother had the Sight and her father was the preacher. Jake’s Papaw’s mother, Mamaw Seagle, always had oil lamps burning with “dirt” in the basin as mama called it. Nana’s father, James, he believes was a conjuror of some sort, due to a photo they found of him posed before an old country back drop, holding a plastic doll baby wrapped in some kind of fabric with black feathers attached to the back of the doll. Jake’s grandfathers were farmers who planted by the signs, who carried roots and coon hats for good game in hunting, and water witched to located wells and springs with sunny-side twigs. As time has gone by and most of his elders have passed away, Jake has dedicated his life to the teaching, preservation, and practice of Appalachian Folk Magic and has worked these roots for little more than a decade. His knowledge is gleaned from family stories, his mother and grandmothers, and folks he’s come across growing up, and his own studies. Today most folks know him as old Buck or Dr. Buck.

Resource List

Jake Richards on Facebook
Little Chicago Conjure (Jake’s Website)
Jake Richards Twitter: @jakerichards131
Jake Richards IG
Jake email: littlechicagoconjure@yahoo.com
Jake blog: Holy Stones and Iron bones
Backwoods Witchcraft by Jake Richards
Folk Lore in the Old Testament
When God Was Queer Podcast
Blue Jay Lore
The Witches of Eastwick (Film)
A History of God by Karen Armstrong

Kanani’s Braggy-Pants Pics And Hilary’s Busted Ankle

Support The Podcast

Episode 41: Ritual Tattooing with Habba Nero

Do you ever notice how Witches LOVE tattoos? Did you know tattoos can be Magickal tools? Ritual tattooing is a powerful way to mark a moment of significance, but is also a way to manifest the changes you desire. Guest Habba Nero joins us to discuss how the act of getting tattooed is a ritual itself. She shares with us the history Icelandic staves and how she utilizes them in her tattoo work. We also discuss diving into fear, and the transformation in doing so. Digressions include adventures at a lavender farm and the Enchanted Forest, and Courtney’s encounter with an Earth Spirit (Guess what? It doesn’t look like a Disney movie). We answer a listener question: Does someone have to be naked or engage in sexual activity to join a Coven? (Spoiler alert: NO!) Audio transcript to follow.

Our Guest Today

Habba Nero is an Icelandic travelling tattoo artist. She is a former student of the Iceland Academy of the Arts whodecided to direct her creative energy into tattooing and pursue her dream in the field. She works exclusively by hand, without the use of an electric tattoo machine, and studied under the guidance of Boff Konkerz, a machine-free tattooist with over 15 years of experience in the field. All of her designs are applied to the skin by hand using a simple tool she makes herself. She likes to tattoo a wide range of subjects, Icelandic magical staves being her favourite subject, images from nature (animals, plants, etc.) and is a huge fan of drawing stencils on free-hand. In the past years she has worked guest-spots and conventions in the Faroe Islands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Ireland, Germany, Luxembourg, France, England, Scotland, India and the United States.

Resource List

Habba Nero Website
Habba Nero Facebook
Habba Nero Instagram
The Enchanted Forest
TWL Interview with David Shi
TWL on TikTok
Gardnerian Wicca

Habba Nero’s Work (Images by Habba Nero and Sunna Ben)

Support The Podcast

Episode 40: Glamour Magick With Chaweon Koo

It is said that the greatest tool of the Witch is the Self. Special guest Chaweon Koo discusses how our bodies and how we express ourselves are the most powerful sources of Magick, and how everyday items of adornment–from clothes, to jewelry, to make-up, become part of a Witch’s personal sorcery. Other topics include the case of the missing Familiar, Hilary’s spectacular performance (which you can catch online!), wicked sunburns, and why the f*ck won’t people wear their g*******d masks??? We want to give the biggest thanks to all of our new Patreon supporters! For access to special content and goodies, become a Patron today! Audio transcript to follow.

Our Guest Today

Chaweon Koo is a Korean-American witch. She runs the YouTube channel “Witches & Wine” where she interviews experienced occultists, and explores the intersection of pop culture, glamour, magic, and self-development on Tik Tok. Her other social media: https://linktr.ee/hichaweon

Resource List

“Witches and Wine” on YouTube
Follow Chaweon on Social Media
City Lights Theater Company–“Transfigurations” (Hilary’s performance)
Courtney’s Hekate Class
Sharon Kiara–Gift Horse Gems
Mermaid Parade
William Dorsey Swann

Support The Podcast

Episode 39: Protection Magick With David Shi

Protection Magick is one of the core tenets of Witchcraft. But when do we need it and how should we do it? Special guest David Shi discusses the spiritual practices of protection from different North Asia traditions. He also discusses the nature of Shamanism–what it is and isn’t. We explore a listener question about animal symbolism and its possible connection to different pantheons. Your Witches share ‘What They Did On Their Summer Solstices,’ Hilary offers suggestions for the next Full Moon and Kanani reviews “The Dark Crystal.” Other unrelated topics include earwigs and nocturnal spider eating. Plus, we could use your help! We are now on Patreon. To keep more of the content you love coming, consider supporting us as a Patron, buying us a coffee, or purchasing our handmade merchandise on Etsy. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! Audio transcript to follow.

Audio Transcript Download

Our Guest Today

David Shi is a spiritual worker and folk magic practitioner of Manchurian descent. Raised in a household that incorporated both Southeast Siberian and North Chinese practices, David has dedicated his spare time to the study of the spiritual traditions of his ancestors and of greater Eurasia. Recognized as a sagaasha/ongodtengertei, a future shaman prior to initiation, among both Mongolian and Korean shamans, David’s practices are deeply rooted in spirit work in which ancestral and land spirits are called to empower all workings. David is the author of the book “North Asian Magic: Spellcraft from Manchuria, Mongolia, and Siberia,” conducted workshops across the country including Catland Books, the Hoodoo Heritage Festival (sponsored by the Lucky Mojo Curio Company), and was a featured guest on the radio shows “Candelo’s Corner” by Candelo Kimbisa and “On Sacred Ground” by Khi Armand. David also teaches the Korean traditional drumming art of Poongmul-nori.

Resource List

Contact David Shi
North Asian Magic: Spellcraft from Manchuria, Mongolia, and Siberia by David Shi
Sky Shamans of Mongolia by Kevin Turner
Riding Windhorses / Chosen by the Spirits by Sarangerel
Spirits From The Edge Of The World by Jan Van Ysslestyne
Tragic Spirits by Manduhai Buyandelger
Reflections of a Mongolian Shaman by Byambadorj Dondog
Shamans and Elders by Caroline Humphrey (rare book)
Mongolian Shamanism by Otgony Purev (very rare book)
“Drums of the Ancestors” film by Susan Grimaldi
“Sacred Hoop” magazine by Nicholas Breeze Wood
“3Worlds” Shamanism Website
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
“The Dark Crystal” (film)
Brian Froud
“The Ethics of Witchcraft” (TWL Episode 9) with Andrea Weston (Ambrozine Legare)

Photos courtesy of David Shi. In the pictures, the shamans’s outfits are actually spiritual armor. Because shamans interact heavily with all kinds of spirits so frequently (sometimes even confrontationally), they require the best kind of protection possible when doing shamanic work. So what they wear (and all the items on it such as the mirrors, bells, jingle cones, etc.) encompass a full-body armour.

Support The Show!

For bonus content and other goodies, support us on Patreon!
Buy us a coffee!
Get yourself some handmade merch!
Subscribe and/or rate and review us on ITunes!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and share our latest episodes on your social media portals!
Send us a message telling us what you love about the show, what you’d love to see us cover, or questions you’d love to have us answer.
Keep downloading, keep listening!
Thank you!!!

Support That Witch Life Podcast!

It’s a tough time to ask for money, but we are a self-produced podcast with two of our three co-hosts are unemployed right now (thanks, COVID). If we’re going to continue the podcast, we need your help! Your donations help cover our website fees, upgrade our recording equipment, produce transcripts for our deaf and hard of hearing friends, and more. There are many ways to help!

Support Us On Patreon

A small, monthly donation gives you access to exclusive content and plenty of other goodies at every tier. Cancel at any time! See our Patreon page to learn more.

Buy Us A Coffee

If recurring donations aren’t feasible or aren’t your thing, you can make an individual donation when you buy us a coffee (or three…)! No amount is too small and we are grateful for it all!

Buy Our Merch

All of our merchandise is handmade by Kanani and available on Etsy. When you buy it, her phone makes a ker-ching sound. And, your purchases help us pay our podcast bills! Wholesale merchandise is available, too!

Other Ways To Support Us

Subscribe and/or rate and review us on ITunes!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and share our latest episodes on your social media portals!
Send us a message telling us what you love about the show, what you’d love to see us cover, or questions you’d love to have us answer.
Keep downloading, keep listening!

Thank You For Helping Us Keep A Home For Living As A Witch In Today’s World!

Episode 38: Running A Witchcraft Business With Devin Hunter

It’s not easy running a Witchcraft business, but they are an invaluable staple to Magickal communities. Author and professional Witch Devin Hunter joins us to discuss what it takes to run a successful Witchcraft business, how even long-established Witchcraft businesses are adjusting in the Covid era, and the future of Witchcraft training courses and community. Devin gives us a sneak peek of his ritual plans for Sunfest 2021 and his newly released book. Hilary hosts, Courtney reviews “What We Do In The Shadows,” Kanani shares her plans for the next full moon. Other digressions include inadequate post-apocalypse skills, Luke Perry, Boyz II Men, and a penguin named Bobo. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite platform. Be sure to check out our Etsy store (10% of June sales benefit Protect The Sacred). Audio transcript to follow!

Our Guest Today

Devin Hunter is the bestselling author of the Witch Power Series (Llewellyn 2016-2018), the creator of Modern Witch (Podcast, Blog, Magazine, ModernWitch.com), as well as a professional psychic medium and occultist. He is part owner of Satyr’s Inc. and an initiate of multiple occult orders, including his own, Sacred Fires and is the cofounder of the Black Rose Tradition of Witchcraft. He has been featured in multiple publications and is a frequent presenter and keynote at conferences, and festivals throughout the nation. His highly anticipated fourth book, Modern Witch: Spells, Recipes, and Workings (Llewellyn 2020), a pictorial spell book and grimoire, was released this February. Connect with Devin at www.devinhunter.net.

Resource List

The Mystic Dream (store)
The Mystic Dream Academy
Water Witchcraft by Annwyn Avalon
What We Do In the Shadows
Sunfest
Our latest episode with Mat Auryn
Enchanted: Titania’s Book of White Magic

Episode 37: Summer Solstice Practices and Group Work with Doctor Beverley

It’s Midsummer (For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway!)! Given that many Summer Solstice rituals are canceled this year, how are we going to practice? Doctor Beverley joins us to talk about the celebration of the longest day in many different Witchcraft traditions. Inspired by a listener question, we explore the role of Covens in a Witch’s Magickal practice, including how to start or find one, and the challenges common to Coven work. We express our disappointment over J.K. Rowling’s most recent remarks and re-visit Kanani’s revulsion to kale. Be sure to check out our Etsy store (10% of June’s proceeds support Protect the Sacred) and don’t forget to subscribe, rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform!

Audio Transcript Download

Our Guest Today

Doctor Beverley is a “two-headed” conjure woman, an empath, and a justified spiritual worker. She is a Rootworker, a diviner skilled in bone reading and tarot. Formerly a Druid high priestess of the Druidic Craft of the Wise: The American Rite, she is a life-long student of herbalism, aromatherapy, African-American and Caribbean-American folk magic. Doctor Beverley custom-blends and handcrafts spiritual baths, condition soaps, oils, & sachets (in small batches, freshly made-to-order for each client). A Reiki Master and long-time yogi, she believes in the Mind-Body-Soul connection to spiritual growth and healing. Doctor Beverley is available for readings, rootwork, and spiritual counseling. She has a soft spot for sex workers, dancers, gamblers, and all those who are discriminated against in any way. She may be found on Facebook: Doctor Beverley/Spiritual Gangsta and online at www.DocBev.com

Resource List

City Lights Theater Company (Hilary’s performance)
Stonehenge Summer Solstice Ritual (Virtual ritual)
Burning Man
The Druidic Craft of the Wise
Temple of Witchcraft
Sisterhood of Avalon

Doctor Beverley’s Burning Man Photos

Episode 36: Retrograde Magick with Lisa Jade

Is Mercury in Retrograde destroying your abilities to communicate? Is it bad to get married during a Venus Retrograde? Don’t fear the Retrograde! Author and astrologer Lisa Jade walks us through the upcoming planetary transits, including discussing what a Retrograde is, how to make the best use of the upcoming Retrogrades in both your Magick and your life, and why the planets may be encouraging a revolution. Hilary discusses the Magickal use of mugwort and Kanani reviews “Labyrinth,” gaining haters all over the world. Plus, we have a surprise visit from a fellow (and highly indignant) podcast host!
Remember to subscribe, rate, and review us! Also, we’ve got new goodies in our Etsy store! 10% of June sales go to Protect the Sacred.
Audio transcript to follow.

Our Guest Today

Lisa Jade is an author, witch, and astrologer with a holistic healing focus in community service and witchcraft. Lisa has written as a contributing author in The New Aradia: A Witch’s Handbook to Magical Resistance (2018), and Intuitive Witchcraft by Astrea Taylor (2020). Lisa also blogs on Patheos, and on Living The Liminal: Modern Witchcraft Musings. Her vision is weaving together magick and daily life. She is a 4th degree initiate in the Temple of Witchcraft Tradition, and a NCGR-PAA-I Natal Astrologer with training and mentorship through the Halifax Astrology School. A long time advocate for women’s health, and inclusive witchcraft, Lisa is an active volunteer with local community, national, and international groups in political advocacy, health care, and witch/pagan organizations. Lisa lives in rural Nova Scotia, Canada.

Resources

Lisa Jade on Patheos
Living The Liminal: Modern Witchcraft Musings.
The New Aradia: A Witch’s Handbook to Magical Resistance (2018)
Intuitive Witchcraft by Astrea Taylor (2020)
Labyrinth
Inciting a Riot Pagan Podcast
Llewellyn Books
Velma Nightshade
Protect The Sacred