New World Witchery - The Search for American Traditional Witchcraft

Laine shares some big news and we talk about being "out" as a witch (especially in the age of social media)!

Cory sits down with Asheville's Village Witch, H. Byron Ballard, to talk about folkways, storytelling, magic, community, and "tower time."

Summary: We check the Astro-weather to see that March does indeed come in like a lion and leaves like a lamb, plus we hear about witches in stone boats, the twos of Diamonds and Swords, and learn a bit about the practice of dowsing! Please check out our Patreon page! You can help support the show … Continue reading "Special Episode – Folk Magician’s Notebook – March 2022"

Laine and Cory sit down to chat about rituals of death, the lore surrounding the dead and dying, forerunners, doppelgängers, and more!

Summary: This time we look at all those peas and beans in our moon calendar, talk about the Aces of Cups and Hearts, and spend some time watching critters to tell us about the weather. We also hear a set of folk legends about St. Brigid of Ireland, and talk about making protective cross amulets … Continue reading "Special Episode – Folk Magician’s Notebook – February 2022"

Summary: We (finally!) sit down and talk about just what is this folk magic stuff anyway? We discuss what we mean by both “folk” and “magic,” as well as the how and why of digging into your own folk community to uncover enchantment. Plus our monthly card readings and listener email! Please check out our Patreon … Continue reading "Episode 204 – What is Folk Magic?"

Summary: We begin 2022 by chatting with Don Martin, author of the book The Dabbler’s Guide to Witchcraft (published under the pen name Fire Lyte). Don talks about social media and magical spirituality, the value of skepticism, and the role of popular culture in spiritual spaces. Please check out our Patreon page! You can help support the … Continue reading "Episode 203 – Dabbling in Witchcraft with Don Martin"

Summary: We launch the first in a monthly series of posts that will take a peek at folk magical influences for the coming lunation. We look at moon phases and signs, divination, a proverb and folktale of the month, and a practical craft or charm to try out! In January 2022 we talk about pest … Continue reading "Special Episode – Folk Magician’s Notebook – January 2022"

Summary: We take a slightly different approach to our annual Yuletide festivities, and share a few songs, a lot of lore about favorite holiday traditions we DON’T practice, and a listener email about a holiday divination gift! Please check out our Patreon page! You can help support the show for as little as a dollar a … Continue reading "Episode 202 – Yuletide Cheer! 2021"

Summary: We chat with author and witch Temperance Alden about her book, the cycles of bioregional animistic life, blood magic, bread, and so much more! Please check out our Patreon page! You can help support the show for as little as a dollar a month, and get some awesome rewards at the same time. Even if … Continue reading "Episode 201 – Year of the Witch with Temperance Alden"