​In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle are joined by astrologer Laurie Farrington to discuss her latest book, How to Read and Interpret a Birth Chart: Guideposts for Understanding Natal Astrology.  Laurie brings decades of experience interpreting the stars through a deeply intuitive and grounded lens, and this book reflects her commitment to helping others align with their soul path through astrology.

During their conversation, Chelle confesses her long-standing fear of astrology (mostly due to the math) and Laylla drops an astrology secret of her own. Together, they dig into what sun, moon, and rising signs really say about us, why Laylla thinks astrology charts are basically a celestial Tarot spread, and whether Mercury retrograde is truly something to fear or just misunderstood cosmic drama. Whether you’re fluent in your birth chart or still wondering what a rising sign actually does, this episode offers an open-hearted, witchy look at the skies above and the wisdom they hold.

Laurie's Website

Laurie's Substack

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The witches are celebrating Ostara a little late this year and that’s totally okay! Chelle and Laylla share why waiting for the actual signs of spring in your own environment can make your sabbat celebrations more meaningful, rooted, and energetically aligned. The wheel of the year doesn’t always turn on the calendar’s schedule, and honoring your local land’s rhythm can be just as sacred as any celestial festival date.

Laylla shares a beautiful Ostara-themed Tarot spread she found on Tumblr that focuses on renewal, what’s germinating in your life, and what’s ready to bloom. Plus, she unveils a natural eggshell spell she created to harness the energy of new life and fresh intention. It’s perfect for witches who want to seed their goals with a little seasonal magic, literally.

Whether you're right on time, running late, or have been celebrating spring all along, this episode is your reminder that you are not behind on the Wheel of the Year. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be; and spring will come when it’s ready, just like we do.

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Laylla and Chelle spill the enchanted tea on their magical adventures at the 2025 Sacred Space Conference! From leading their deeply transformative Fool Meditation Ritual to hugging the absolute spell out of some beloved listeners, it was a whirlwind of candles, community, and just the right amount of chaos!

The witches share stories from the workshops they attended and the brilliant witches they connected with...yes, we’re talking about Mat Auryn, Jhenah Telyndru, Amy Blackthorn, Mhara Starling, Kristoffer Hughes, Christian Brannen, and so many more. There were spellbooks, sacred moments, and possibly a few awkward ones too! Like when Chelle said something very, very cheeky to Kristoffer Hughes, who (thank the gods) found it hilarious. Laylla, on the other hand, may or may not have had an awkward entanglement with Jhenah Telyndru and is now fairly convinced she has to avoid the Avalonian Priestess out of sheer embarrassment.

Between the deep spiritual work and the laugh-until-you-snort moments, this episode is part recap, part celebration, and all community. Whether you were there in person or in spirit, come along for the ride as the witches reflect on the joy, power, and absolute magic of sharing sacred space with this incredible pagan community.

Fool of the Labyrinth Chant (replace Lady with Fool)

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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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