Back on the Broomstick: Old Witchcraft, New Path

• 107: Pagan Festivals of 2025 and Witches Answer 3 Questions

  In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle are looking ahead to 2025’s pagan festivals and magical conferences! Wonderfully witchy gatherings that stir the cauldron and bring the community together! From long-time favorites they’re planning to attend, to dreamy “someday” events, and even a few they just discovered, this is your sneak peek into the witchy calendar. They look forward to drumming under the stars, workshops on herbalism, or a chance to finally meet your favorite witch authors, they’ve got some exciting events to share.Our witches also take on some thoughtful listener questions in this episode. How do witches cope with PTSD while doing deep magical work? What if you don’t vibe with either air or fire for the suit of Swords? And do all witches really visualize with crystal clarity during meditations? (Spoiler alert: nope, and that’s okay!) Laylla and Chelle talk about aphantasia and face blindness in magical practice, how to build a system that feels right for you, and why you don’t have to “see” to be deeply intuitive and connected.Tune in for an episode full of inspiration, honesty, and a healthy dose of witchy wanderlust. Whether you're planning your festival road trip or just trying to figure out what to do when the elements don’t line up with your feelings, this one’s for you.Mandragora Magika list of festivalsOur list of festivalsGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

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• 106: Gods, Goddesses, and a Bloody Good Moon

  The witches are calling upon the divine in this episode of Back on the Broomstick as Laylla and Chelle share ten (give or take) of the gods and goddesses they work with in their magical practice. From the cauldron-stirring wisdom of Ceridwen to the hearty laughter and boundless generosity of The Dagda, they discuss the deities that have shaped their paths, guided their spells, and occasionally smacked them upside the head with a life lesson or two. And in a shocking twist that will surprise absolutely no one, Chelle will, of course, have Hecate on the list.The witches also take a moment to talk about the Blood Moon that graced the skies on March 14th, bringing with it a transformative energy perfect for removing obstacles from your path and maybe a little bit of bringing justice to light. What did this lunar powerhouse mean for the witches, and can you still tap into the full moon energy even after it's passed?Whether you already have deities you work with or are just starting to feel the pull of divine magic, this episode is a mix of history, personal stories, and a whole lot of witchy laughter. Grab your grimoire, pour one out for the gods, and join Laylla and Chelle for a divine discussion filled with magic, mischief, and a little moonlit madness.Song: Ceridwen and Taliesin by Damh the BardCerridwen by Kristopher HughesThe Horned God of the Witches by MankeyGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

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• 105: Witch City USA - The History, Hype, and Heart, of Salem Massachusetts

  Many witches dream of making a pilgrimage to Salem, Massachusetts; the so-called "Witch Capital of the USA," where the echoes of history, magic, and commercialization all blend together in a way that is uniquely, well… Salem. But is it truly a witch’s Mecca? And is it worth making the trek?  In this episode Laylla and Chelle unpack the real Salem, the history, the hype, and what it means to visit as a practicing witch. They share their favorite historical sites, from the somber Witch Trials Memorial to hidden gems that go beyond the tourist-trap veneer. They also give the lowdown on the best places to shop, the ones that actually cater to witches rather than just Halloween-loving tourists.  But Salem is more than just a fun weekend trip, visiting as a witch can be a powerful act of remembrance and honorfor the victims of the 1692 Witch Trials, none of whom were actual witches but all of whom suffered from fear, superstition, and the brutal power of accusation. Laylla and Chelle discuss how modern witches can hold space for these lost souls while embracing the magic that Salem has come to represent.  The conversation also expands beyond Salem to address witch discrimination today because witches and magical practitioners still face real persecution, the shadow of history still looms large in today’s world.  Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

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• 104: Tarot, Transformation, and the Cosmic Seed: A Conversation with Lalania Simone

  Laylla and Chelle sit down with the talented artist, author, and mystic, Lalania Simone, to explore the vibrant world of tarot. They delve into her acclaimed deck, Tarot of the Cosmic Seed, discussing its creation, the inspiration behind its lush imagery, and how it serves as a tool for personal expansion. Lalania shares her journey in decolonizing tarot, removing outdated hierarchies, and infusing the deck with diverse representations that resonate with a wide array of cultures and experiences.The conversation flows into the art of crafting tarot spreads, offering listeners insights into creating layouts that enhance intuitive readings. Lalania provides tips on how to approach the cards with an open heart and mind, allowing the symbols to guide one's spiritual journey.They also discuss Lalania's latest project, the Myth Weaver Tarot, currently live on Kickstarter. This deck invites users to explore ancient myths from various cultures, blending storytelling with divination to enrich the reader's connection to universal archetypes and timeless narratives.Join Laylla and Chelle as they uncover the magic woven into each card, the creative process behind deck creation, and the importance of reclaiming one's spiritual path through personalized practice.To support Lalania Simone and learn more about her work:Myth Weaver Tarot Kickstarter Instagram: @the.cosmicseedFacebook: Cosmic Seed by Lalania SimoneGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

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• 103: Being an Uppity Disobedient Witch with Judika Illes

  Laylla and Chelle welcome the very witchy author Judika Illes for a magical conversation. They talk about her newest book, "Witches: A Compendium," a beautifully crafted tribute to witches across history who dared to embrace their power and walk their own unique paths. From ancient enchantresses to modern-day magic makers, this book is a celebration of all things witchy and wise.Of course, no chat with Judika would be complete without mentioning her iconic magical tome, "the encyclopedia of 5000 spells." The book so massive it could double as a doorstop, a weapon, or an altar in a pinch! They share some laughs about its legendary size while also honoring the incredible depth of magic packed into those pages.The witches also share a secret dream of becoming the scary witch who lives alone in the woods...you know, the one people whisper about with equal parts fear and fascination. Of course, Laylla and Chelle agree they’d totally share a cozy cottage in the forest together because, let’s face it, being scary is way more fun with your best witch by your side!This episode is a magical blend of wisdom, humor, and heartfelt reflections on the importance of staying true to yourself and boldly reclaiming the title of witch, especially in today’s world. So grab your grimoire, light a candle, and get ready for a conversation that’s as powerful as a perfectly cast spell... and just as fun!https://www.instagram.com/judikailles/https://www.youtube.com/user/JudikaIlleshttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorJudikaIlles/https://www.linkedin.com/in/judikailles*This episode has been edited for time and clarityGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

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