What exactly is a decentralised collective, and how does this relate to Wicca? How are things decided if there is no central authority: no kings, queens, witch popes, or even witch CEOs? How is decentralisation maintained? Today’s podcast has come to you thanks to James’ big, delicious brain being left unattended during a long drive.

What work do BTW covens actually do? What types of coven are there within traditional Wicca, and what's the difference between how members are treated and what is expected? And if coven autonomy is a thing, does that mean there is no crossover between groups and the work they do?

We tackle all these questions and more in the first episode of season 4, and - more importantly - we all took part in some uncomfortable role play situations from a coven leadership book from 1998.

In our long-awaited 7th episode of season 3 we address the topic of magical names and personas. Magical names are pervasive in witchcraft communities, and the tradition of taking a new name when embarking on a new practice or new time of life is well known. We discuss why witches sometimes choose new names and how that choice can have an impact on one's craft. 

Episode 6 of season 3 discusses self-actualization in witchcraft. We explore the importance of self-actualization in religious movements and how the “Work” of the craft can be related to this idea. The episode ends with some practices listeners can consider in their own paths to self-actualization.

Mentioned:

Her Hidden Children: The Rise of Wicca and Paganism in America (Pagan Studies Series) by Chas S. Clifton

Your Dark Side: How to turn your inner negativity into positive energy: Transform Your Inner Negativity into Positive Energy by Vivianne Crowley and Christopher Crowley

Welcome to episode 5 of season 3! In this episode, we talk about getting back to basics and how to build a personal practice. Is a personal practice necessary if we’re a member of a coven? What if we’re not in a coven - how important is it then? What do we do when we hit a slump, and how can we mitigate getting to that point in the first place? 

In this episode, we give advice on what kind of practices a personal practice could include, explore the idea of stagnation within a coven, and mention the word “practice” so many times, that we lost count in the end 😛 So, grab a cuppa, glass, or pitcher, sit back and relax, and enjoy!

In this episode we discuss some Do’s and Don’ts for Seekers and Initiates who are visiting covensteads they are unfamiliar with or open rituals. We also discuss etiquette around expectations and the (now oft repeated) 5Cs of effective communication.

References:

Traditional Wicca: A Seeker’s Guide - Thorn Mooney

(CW: mental illness)

This episode we tackled a much-requested topic: mental health and the craft. How does one manage mental illness and Wicca? How much should a seeker divulge about mental health when approaching a coven? What about priesthood and coven leaders?

We dug deeper into the topics of healing and hexing - pins, poppets, pleasure and pain - this month: the roles they play (or not) in traditional Wicca, a smattering of history and lore, and some tried and true methods, too!

Hail, and Welcome, everyone, to Season 3 of Circle Talk 4 Witches - it feels good to be back!

We kick off Season 3 by revisiting a core component of Traditional Wicca - Covens. We’ve touched upon the topic of covens before (Season 1 Episodes 6, 7, and 11), though in this episode, we want to talk more about leading a coven and coven mechanics. We address a bit of “how” to start a coven, a lot of “why” one might start a coven, some of the “yikes!” that comes along with running a coven and how to mitigate them, and touch briefly upon why a sturdy table is staple to the practice of the Wica 😛! Grab a cuppa, sit back, relax, and enjoy! Welcome to Season 3.

References:

• Kate West’s The Real Witches’ Coven

Notes:

The 5Cs of effective communication:

1. Be clear

We went fast and loose for our season 2 finale, taking turns answering some questions and ponderings sent in by listeners. We had a nice time: starting cults, initiating our beds, discussing the sexiness of elders, and learning the definition of “hot take”.

References:

The Power of Ritual by Casper ter Kuile