Holy Broomsticks! Practitioners, Academia, and the Magickal Journey with Rebecca Anuwen and Antonia Pandazedes

In today's episode of A Pinch of Magick, Rebecca Anuwen sits down with fellow MA student Antonia Pandazedes to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to balance the worlds of magick and academia. Spoiler: it involves tarot cards, cauldrons, and the occasional cry in the car park.

Together, they share a raw and insightful conversation about the challenges and triumphs of returning to academia after decades of practice as witches and Druids, all while navigating an academic system that’s still catching up with the legitimacy of magick as a field of study.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Academic Brain Twists: Why jumping back into formal study after years of intuitive magickal practice feels like re-wiring your mind.
• Magick vs. Academia: How practitioners navigate the analytical frameworks of university while staying true to their magickal roots.
• The First-of-Its-Kind MA: Behind the scenes of their journey on the MA in Magic and Occult Sciences at Exeter University – and why it’s attracting hundreds of applicants.
• Practitioner Prejudice: The double standards between magickal practitioners and theologians in academia.
• Tools of the Trade: What Antonia packed in her “magic suitcase” for her transatlantic move to the UK – and why her cauldron made the cut.
• Astrology, Tarot, and Practical Magick: How Rebecca and Antonia use their favourite tools to navigate assignments, life decisions, and even Mercury Retrograde.
• The Shifts in Society: Why the word “magic” in the programme title is causing ripples, and how a cultural resurgence of goddess energy and paganism is reshaping modern spirituality.
• Resilience in Magick: How embracing your magickal toolkit – from Epsom salt baths to candle spells – can keep you grounded in the toughest of times.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when starting something new – even seasoned witches and Druids have moments of doubt.
• The path of magick, like life, is deeply individual. Experiment, explore, and trust your instincts.
• Whether it’s for personal growth or formal study, magick deserves a seat at the academic table.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Exeter's MA in Magic and Occult Science
• Follow Antonia and her magickal cohort on Instagram at @ExeterMagic
• Rebecca’s insights into using tarot for decision-making and managing the chaos of university life
• Antonia’s favourite tools for protection and how to blend herbs, crystals, and intent for powerful results

Magickal Thought of the Day:

“Don’t be afraid to talk to your deities, your spirit guides, or yourself. Magick is about connecting to your inner power and the energies around you – no fancy ritual needed.”

About Antonia Pandazedes

Antonia has been a practicing Witch and Druid for over 25 years. In her practice she uses arot, astrology, numerology, crystals, scrying, past life work, dreamwalking, spells, candles, potions, herbal magic, magical protection. 

Antonia is currently in MA program at Exeter for Magic and Occult Sciences. 

Connect with Antonia

Instagram: @HallowedHaven & @ExeterMagic

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