What if tarot wasn’t something you memorize - but something you talk to?

In this magical episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell welcomes her first-ever tarot guest, Samantha Rose Hicks - author of Talking with the Tarot: Conversations with Your 78 New Best Friends. A grief alchemist, intuitive teacher, and crystal expert, Samantha shares her vibrant, no-fear approach to tarot that makes the cards feel like trusted companions instead of something intimidating or mysterious.

Together, Ashleigh and Samantha explore:
 ✨ How to build a conversational relationship with your tarot deck
 ✨ Ways tarot can become a tool for healing, reflection, and self-empowerment
 ✨ The structure of the deck and how to start a daily practice
 ✨ Why intuition matters more than memorization
 ✨ How crystals + tarot create powerful ritual moments

This episode is filled with wisdom, real talk, and heartfelt magic - from Samantha’s eclectic upbringing to her Atlanta spiritual community and her online ritual garden.

Grab a crystal, brew your tea, and get ready to reclaim your power because tarot becomes life-changing the moment you learn to talk back.

Key Moments: 

10:23 "Starting Before You're Ready"

14:44 "Validation from a Stranger"

21:08 "Embracing Mysticism Without Fear"

21:53 "Kitchen Table Tarot Origins"

31:25 "Tarot as Reflective Therapy"

33:19 "Intuitive Approach to Tarot"

38:24 "Choosing Your Tarot Approach"

43:04 "Transformation Through the Tower"

48:11 "Daily Reflection with Prompts"

54:51 "Magic, Tarot, and Gratitude"

59:43 "Finding Personal Spiritual Connections"

About the guest : 

Samantha Rose Hicks is an author, witch, intuitive guide, and grief alchemist whose work helps women come home to themselves through ritual, reflection, and emotional truth. She is the author of Talking With the Tarot: Conversations with Your 78 New Best Friends and a beloved teacher in the realms of intuitive tarot, witchcraft, and embodied spiritual healing.

With a practice that blends magic and practicality, Samantha holds space for people to reconnect with their inner knowing, feel seen in their emotional lives, and reclaim the parts of themselves they’ve been taught to suppress. Through her books, readings, community offerings, and her online ritual garden, she invites women to explore healing as a spiral - not a straight line - rooted in authenticity, tenderness, and sovereignty.

Samantha’s work is grounded in the belief that grief and magic belong together, that spirituality can be both mystical and deeply human, and that every person carries the power to rise into their truth. Known for her warmth, humor, and grounded witchy wisdom, she continues to build spiritual community and empower others through story, ritual, and real connection.

How to connect Samantha : 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantharosetarot/

Website: https://www.samantharosehicks.com/

Meet Ashleigh Bodell  - your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s jo

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

Think you know Rose Quartz? Think again. 

In this eye-opening Crystal Library episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell breaks the mold and takes you far beyond the usual “Stone of Love” narrative. Through the story of her own lavender rose quartz sphere, Ashleigh invites you to rediscover this iconic crystal through your intuition, your relationship, and your lived experience.

Explore Rose Quartz’s surprising history - from Ancient Egypt’s beauty rituals to Roman authority and power magic - and learn why this stone was never meant to fit neatly into one New Age label. This episode challenges assumptions, reframes “love” as something deeper than romance, and highlights how crystals often reveal their true magic only when we’re willing to listen.

Whether you’re crystal-curious or a seasoned practitioner, this episode will help you build a more personal, intuitive, and empowered relationship with your stones.

Get ready to meet Rose Quartz all over again. 

Key Moments: 

01:12 "Transformative Stone Discovery"

03:41 "Inspirational Investment Reminder"

07:50 Exploring Rose Quartz Beyond Basics

09:53 "Rose Quartz: Varied Shades & History"

14:32 "Rose Quartz: Mystery and Meaning"

18:07 "Aligning Your Rose Quartz Placement"

19:45 "Discovering Your Rose Quartz's Message"

Meet Ashleigh Bodell  - your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist - because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

What happens when two magical friends follow the call of New Orleans and find freedom in the shadows?

In this soulful episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell and her lifelong friend Sarah reflect on their mystical pilgrimage to the Anne Rice Celebration of Life and the Endless Nights Vampire Ball. Between laughter, tears, and gothic glamour, they share powerful insights about friendship, authenticity, and reclaiming your magic - no edits, no apologies.

You’ll hear stories of synchronicity, spiritual awakening, and the legacy of Anne Rice, whose work continues to inspire those living between the worlds of light and shadow. This episode is a celebration of showing up as your truest self, honoring community, and remembering that your weird, wonderful magic is exactly what the world needs.

So light a candle, sip something dark and delicious, and let’s dance through the French Quarter - where friendship meets freedom and the night feels alive. 

Key Moments: 

04:19 "Friendship and Work in Entomology"

07:24 "First Novel: Pandora's Vampiric Tale"

12:25 "Honoring Anne Rice's Legacy"

14:46 "Creating Light from Darkness"

18:36 "True New Orleans Experience"

21:00 "Finding Beauty in Darkness"

24:48 "Uniqueness of Individual Gifts"

26:55 Power and Allure of Vampirism

32:24 Traveling Builds Connection and Belonging

33:30 "Finding Connection and Belonging"

36:30 Goodbye to a Beloved Inspiration

41:40 Moms Prioritizing Themselves and Dreams

45:12 "Anne Rice Journey Begins"

46:44 "Embracing Authentic Freedom"

Meet Ashleigh Bodell  - your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist - because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

Is Black Tourmaline really about protection - or have we misunderstood its true power? 

In this thought-provoking Crystal Library episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell redefines one of the most popular stones in the metaphysical world. Going beyond superstition, Ashleigh blends science, spirituality, and personal experience to demonstrate that Black Tourmaline’s true magic lies not in shielding you from negativity, but in grounding you more deeply into your own strength.

Explore its piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, its formation under intense geological pressure, and the energetic wisdom it carries about resilience, boundaries, and presence. You’ll also learn practical ways to work with Black Tourmaline through rituals, crystal pairings, and mindfulness practices that keep you rooted - no matter what’s happening around you.

This isn’t just protection, it’s reclamation.

Key Moments: 

04:20 "Black Tourmaline Energy Discharge"

07:42 "Black Tourmaline: Underrated Foundation"

12:51 "Black Tourmaline: Grounding Transformations"

16:38 "Black Tourmaline's Grounding Call"

18:42 "Grounding Energy and Stones"

21:39 Black Tourmaline Jewelry Use Tips

26:42 Grounding Ritual with Black Tourmaline

28:11 "Releasing Energy with Intention"

32:17 Black Tourmaline: Depth and Transformation

Meet Ashleigh Bodell – your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist—because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

What if every ending was just the beginning of your next transformation? 

In this Big Crystal Energy deep dive, host Ashleigh Bodell explores the intense, mystical energy of Scorpio Season - a time of death, rebirth, and profound renewal. Drawing inspiration from the myth of Persephone, the Phoenix, and her own shadow-season experiences, Ashleigh reveals how to work with this energy through crystals, tarot, and ritual.

You’ll discover the most powerful stones for emotional healing and spiritual rebirth - like black obsidian, garnet, and malachite - plus journal prompts and intuitive practices to help you integrate your shadows and rise stronger than before.

Whether you’re crystal-curious, a mystic in metamorphosis, or just feeling Scorpio’s cosmic pull, this episode invites you to dive deep, shed old skins, and reclaim your magic.

Because transformation isn’t a phase - it’s your evolution.

Key Moments: 

15:29 "Scorpio: Transformation and Taboo"

18:36 "Scorpio’s Transformative Journey"

22:12 Self-Reflection and Inner Healing

26:18 Scorpio Season: Death as Renewal

28:15 Scorpio's Transformative Stones.

33:17 "Crystals for Self-Compassion"

34:02 Scorpio Energy: Serpentine & Garnet

38:53 "Scorpio Transformation Crystal Ritual"

42:49 "Shadow Work Crystal Guide"

44:49 Scorpio Influences: Fortune & Sagan

48:40 Scorpio Season: Death & Rebirth

50:53 "Power Lies in Your Shadows"

Meet Ashleigh Bodell – your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist—because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

What does it mean to burn, transform, and rise again - stone by stone, spell by spell?

In this shadow-drenched Crystal Library episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell takes you deep into the world of Garnet, the legendary Vampire Stone. Straight from her mystical adventures in New Orleans, Ashleigh unpacks how Garnet mirrors the sacred cycle of life, death, and rebirth - where hunger becomes power, and desire becomes alchemy.

Explore the lore that binds Garnet to blood, fire, and transformation; learn how to use its energy for grounding, courage, and spiritual renewal; and discover a ritual designed to help you commit fully to your own metamorphosis.

Whether you’re working through shadow, passion, or personal rebirth, this episode will ignite your inner fire and remind you: transformation isn’t a moment - it’s a becoming.

So pour something dark and delicious, and step into the glow of Garnet’s magic

Meet Ashleigh Bodell – your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist—because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

What exactly is Samhain, and why do witches call it the Witch’s New Year? 🍂✨

In this special Wheel of the Year kickoff episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell takes you on a journey through the magic, mystery, and meaning of Samhain - the time when the veil thins, shadows rise, and transformation begins.

From humorous Halloween chaos at home to deeply personal reflections on growth, Ashleigh shares how this ancient festival offers a powerful invitation to slow down, honor ancestors, and reconnect with your inner truth. You’ll discover essential crystals like black obsidian, smoky quartz, and labradorite for grounding and protection, along with rituals, journaling prompts, and intuitive practices to help you navigate change.

Whether you’re a seasoned witch or simply curious about seasonal spirituality, this episode will inspire you to embrace the dark half of the year with gratitude, courage, and magic. Blessed Samhain! 🕯️🖤

Show Notes: 

09:45 "Understanding the Wheel of Year"

15:55 Samhain: Witch's New Year Origins

20:46 "Embracing Darkness and Crystals"

21:58 Essential Crystals for Samhain

27:56 "Smoky Quartz for Release"

35:43 Graveyard Spread for Transitions

40:13 "Bat: Navigating Hidden Realms"

43:33 Samhain Tarot Reflection Guide

52:39 Samhain Divination and Shadow Work

59:02 Crystal Community Evolution Input Requested

Meet Ashleigh Bodell – your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist—because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

Why has Bloodstone been known for centuries as the Witch’s Stone of Courage and Protection? 

In this mystical Crystal Library episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell explores the ancient origins and enduring power of Bloodstone - a crystal once treasured by warriors, healers, and witches. Discover its sacred history through Egyptian and Roman temples, medieval legends, and its timeless use for grounding, vitality, and energetic protection.

Ashleigh also shares personal reflections and practical ways to work with Bloodstone in your rituals, shadow work, and daily life, helping you tap into its bold, stabilizing energy whenever you need strength or clarity.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient magic or simply seeking to channel courage through crystal energy, this episode invites you to embrace the fierce heart of Bloodstone and the power that already lives within you.

Andi Marie Tillman - Here character Nashferatu is the BEST!!

Andi Marie Tillman (@andimarietillman) • Instagram photos and videos

Andi Marie Tillman (@andimariere) | TikTok

Andi Marie Tillman - YouTube

This Episode is sponsored by: Sea Witch Botanicals - Season of the Witch Collection

Get 13% off any Season of the Witch products using code: ENERGY13

🔗 Sea Witch Botanicals 

Recommended: Start with the Samhain Set—limited edition frankincense, spiced herbs, and mulled cider scent perfect for altar work and rituals.

Resources and References: 

Crystalpedia by Athena Perrakis, Ph.D. Bloodstone affirmation: "I am a stone of courage and grounding, helping you be comfortable and strong in your physical body. I bring you the strength to get through your day and the perseverance to stay true to your path."

1001 Crystals by Cassandra Eason Physical healing properties, emotional healing for mothering issues, protection uses

Crystal Basics by Nicholas Pearson Technical properties, formation, spiritual uses for new endeavors

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

Nothing has more big crystal energy than a crystal ball - and this is the episode I've been dreaming of making since starting this podcast.

Join me as we explore scrying, one of humanity's oldest and most powerful divination practices. We'll journey through thousands of years of history, from ancient Egyptian priests gazing into pools of ink to Renaissance scholar John Dee and his legendary crystal ball (which you can still visit at the British Museum today!).

Discover the many tools for scrying - crystal balls, obsidian mirrors, water bowls, candles, and more - and learn why modern practitioners are drawn to this ancient art. Most importantly, I'll walk you through exactly how to scry: the preparation, the process, what to expect, and crucial safety practices.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to deepen your divination practice, this episode will help you unlock the secrets held within reflective surfaces. It's time to look through the veil.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

Historical References:

John Dee:

• John Dee (1527-1608/9) was an Elizabethan mathematician, astronomer, astrologer, and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I
• His crystal ball and obsidian scrying mirror are currently housed at the British Museum in London
• British Museum Collection: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection
• Dee's scrying sessions with Edward Kelley were extensively documented and are considered some of the most well-recorded examples of Renaissance magical practice

Ancient Scrying Practices:

• Ancient Egyptian priests used oil lamps and pools of ink for divination
• Ancient Greek temples practiced catoptromancy (mirror divination) as part of religious ceremonies
• Persian magi used ceremonial water vessels for scrying
• Medieval European cunning folk employed simple water bowls for divination
• These practices span thousands of years and multiple continents, showing the universal human impulse toward this form of spiritual inquiry

Recommended Books:

For Beginners:

1. "The Art of Scrying & Dowsing" by Nakeia Homer 
   • Practical, accessible introduction to multiple scrying methods
   • Clear instructions with troubleshooting tips
   • Perfect starting point for those new to scrying
2. "Psychic Witch: A Metaphysical Guide to Meditation, Magick & Manifestation" by Mat Auryn 
   • Essential sections on trance work and psychic development
   • Helps understand the mechanisms behind scrying
   • Excellent for developing the psychic senses needed for effective scrying
3. "The Complete Book of Witchcraft" by Raymond Buckland 
   • Classic text with comprehensive scrying chapter
   • Covers multiple methods, preparation, and interpretation
   • Foundational witchcraft resource

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

How can one crystal connect you to the stars and to your ancestors?

In this Crystal Library episode of Big Crystal Energy, host Ashleigh Bodell explores the celestial world of Astrophyllite, a rare mineral known as the gateway to the stars. With its golden starbursts and cosmic shimmer, Astrophyllite bridges science and spirit, helping you expand intuition, awaken transformation, and honor ancestral wisdom—especially during Samhain, when the veil between worlds grows thin.

Discover its origins in Norway, the elemental blend that gives it its glow, and how to use it for psychic development, grounding energy, and ritual work. Whether you’re deepening your spiritual practice or simply drawn to the magic of the night sky, this episode will guide you through ways to weave Astrophyllite into your Samhain rituals and everyday life.

Tune in, trust your intuition, and let Astrophyllite light your path through the stars. 🌙

Key Moments: 

04:03 Rare Crystal Formation Explained

06:56 Astrophyllite: Stone of Transformation

10:16 "Samhain, Ancestors, and Astrophyllite"

14:38 "Samhain Ritual with Astrophyllite"

16:58 Astrophyllite: Cosmic Stone Insights

Meet Ashleigh Bodell -  your guide to the mystical and the magical on the Big Crystal Energy Podcast.

By day, she's a dedicated orthopedic physician assistant, but by night, she dives deep into the metaphysical, exploring crystals, energy work, and the unseen forces that shape our world. From childhood fascinations with witches and faeries to a transformative rediscovery of crystals, Ashleigh’s journey bridges science and spirituality, the practical and the mystical. A mom, a wife, and a seeker, she brings a relatable, no-fluff approach to exploring the “spooky and kooky” side of life. Through Big Crystal Energy, she creates a space where the magical and the mundane coexist - because we don’t have to choose between our careers, families, and the call of the unknown.

Tune in as she uncovers wisdom from crystal healers, spiritual coaches, and magic makers, inviting you to embrace your own big crystal energy.

Connect Ashleigh : 

https://www.instagram.com/bigcrystalenergypodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/mystical.mama.ash

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments.
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com