In this episode Chelle and Laylla are joined by Lacey Burbage, hearth witch, green magic devotee, and author of the just published book Naturally Modern Magick: The Essential Compendium of Spells and Rituals for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity

The witches chat about what it means to be a modern house witch and how Lacey weaves ancestral wisdom with a contemporary, practical approach to witchcraft. As a fourth-generation folk healer and hereditary witch, Lacey brings a deep reverence for nature-based traditions, while keeping her practice grounded in the everyday magic of home, hearth, and herbs. She shares insights from her book, the heart behind her YouTube channel Naturally Modern Witch, and her favorite ways to live by the seasons and the moon even in the middle of modern life.

This episode is a warm, magical cup of tea with a dash of domestic enchantment. Tune in for a nourishing conversation about honoring your roots, creating an authentic path, and finding the sacred in the simple rituals of daily life. Whether you're a kitchen witch, a green witch, or just witch-curious, Lacey’s gentle wisdom and practical magic are sure to inspire.

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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 festivals

Our list of festivals

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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 Bard

Cerridwen by Kristopher Hughes

The Horned God of the Witches by Mankey

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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.  

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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.cosmicseed
• Facebook: Cosmic Seed by Lalania Simone

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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/JudikaIlles

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJudikaIlles/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/judikailles

*This episode has been edited for time and clarity

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Get ready for a spellbinding mix of history, magic, and just the right amount of witchy mischief! In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle unravel the tangled web of Valentine’s Day. Is it related to ancient Roman fertility festivals? What made it the Hallmark holiday it is today? 

But what’s love without a little magick? After digging into history, our witches shift gears into the art of sex magick; one of the most potent, transformative, and (let’s be real) misunderstood forms of witchcraft. They break down the basics, from using pleasure as an energy-raising tool to casting spells with intention and desire. Whether you’re flying solo or weaving magic with a partner, Laylla and Chelle share tips on how to bring enchantment into your intimate rituals; safely, ethically, and with a whole lot of witchy confidence.

So light a candle, grab some chocolate (or something stronger), and tune in for an episode filled with history, humor, and the kind of magic that makes the heart (and other things) race.

Sex, Sorcery, and Spirit by Jason Miller

Sexual Occultism by John Mumford

Sacred Sex by Gabriela Herstik

The Ethical Slut, Third Edition: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love By Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton

The Satyr's Kiss by Storm Faerywolf

Sacred Power, Holy Surrender Lee Harrington 

Radical Ecstasy Hardy & Easton

Urban Tantra Barbara Carrellas 

Queer Magic anthology edited by Tai Kulystin & Lee Harrington 

The Kama Sutra

Modern Sex Magic by Donald Michael Craig

Queer Rites: A Magickal Grimoire to Honor Your Milestones with Pride by Enfys J. Book 

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From athames to chalices, wands to pentacles—witches love a good altar setup! But what do all these tools actually do, where do they come from, and do you really need them to practice witchcraft? In this episode, Laylla and Chelle break down the history, purpose, and modern use of altar tools in witchcraft, exploring both traditional ceremonial items and the everyday objects witches repurpose for magical work.

They’ll talk about the origins of some of the most well-known altar tools, how they’ve evolved, and whether they’re still relevant for witches today. Do you need a fancy blade to cast a circle, or will a kitchen knife do? Can a coffee mug be a chalice? And what if you don’t use tools at all? Whether you’re building your first altar or just want to rethink your magical setup, this episode is full of witchy wisdom on how to make your tools work for you. Grab a candle, settle in, and let’s talk about what’s really needed for powerful spellcraft!

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For our 100th episode, we’re getting nostalgic and stirring up a little bit of chaos! This week, we’re blending the best of Back on the Broomstick with our old podcast The Stoned Witches Hour, bringing you stories of Tarot curses, cryptids, and dropping a bit of cannabis knowledge along the way.

Laylla kicks things off with a tale about a tarot reader who threw a curse at a party girl during the summer of love in San Francisco. Chelle stays true to her paranormal-loving roots with a dive into an Ohio frog cryptid (because why wouldn’t there be a frog man haunting the Midwest?). And in true Stoned Witches fashion, we talk about what we’re smoking while Laylla answers Chelle’s cannabis questions, including what the heck THCA is and whether “bellacarphan” is a real thing or just another classic Chelle mispronunciation.

To wrap up the episode, we’re giving you some witchy wisdom on how to tell if you or your home are cursed, and more importantly, what to do about it! Whether you’ve got a suspicious string of bad luck or just love a good magical defense strategy, we’ve got you covered!

It’s been an incredible 100 episodes, witches! Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Now grab your favorite herbal offering (whatever that may be!), settle in, and celebrate in spooky, witchy, style!

Since this episode is so long, here is a chapter guide:

00 intro

4 00 Groundhog's Day Lessons

8 08 Weed facts

16 34 The Curse of 1000 Lombard St 

40 46 Frog Man Cryptid of Loveland Ohio

56 25 Let's Talk About Curses

Zillow Listing of 1000 Lombard St

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As the wheel turns to Imbolc, Laylla and Chelle dive into the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter, exploring how it connects to the “Persephone Period” that begins on February 1st. Things get lively as the witches realize they have totally opposite interpretations of the myth and even different versions of the story! They unpack the layers of meaning in this tale of balance, transformation, and the cycles of life, while sharing their thoughts on how it ties to the energy of Imbolc.

The myth of Persephone and Demeter is one of the most enduring stories from Greek mythology, a tale of transformation, duality, and the cycles of life and death. It’s what’s known as an etiological myth, one that explains the origins of natural phenomena, in this case, the changing seasons. As Persephone is taken to the Underworld and later returns, her journey mirrors the earth’s transition from barren winter to fertile spring. But as Laylla and Chelle get into the details of the story, they realize they don’t quite see eye to eye. Was Persephone a victim or a willing participant? Is the myth about power, balance, or something deeper? Their disagreement leads to a lively discussion full of insight, banter, and a few surprising takes on this ancient story about the dark Queen of the Underworld.

Of course, no Imbolc episode would be complete without some witchy inspiration! Laylla and Chelle offer ideas for celebrating this sabbat, from candle magic and divination to rituals that honor Brigid and the return of the light. Whether you’re lighting the first spark of spring or reflecting on winter’s lessons, this episode has plenty of magic to share.

Imbolc Folklore 2024
Imbolc Spells 2024
Hecate - Goddess and Ride or Die BFF

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