The Witchy Shift

Hello Witchy Shift listeners,

Today we are bringing you the final episode of Season 2, but we are also bringing you some bittersweet news. With Season 2 coming to a close, The Witchy Shift will be taking an indefinite hiatus. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of you who have been tuning in. We’ve had so much fun bringing you a variety of witchy topics and hope you’ve enjoyed The Witchy Shift as much as we have. 

With that being said, the topic of today’s episode is: Our Favorite Witchy Films! The archetype of the witch is an extremely compelling figure who has been depicted as the evil hag, the sexy seductress, and everything in between. Join us as we talk in-depth about some of our personal favorite films depicting witches. 

Films mentioned in this episode (in order of appearance)

The Magic Sword (1901) dir. Walter R. Booth

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910) dir. Otis Turner

Cinderella (1914) dir. James Kirkwood 

Snow White (1916) dir. J. Searle Dawley

The Love Witch (2016) dir. Anna Biller

Suspiria (1977) dir. Dario Argento 

You Won’t Be Alone (2022) dir. Goran Stolevski 

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) dir. Roman Polanski 

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) dir. Robert Stevenson 

Practical Magic (1998) dir. Griffin Dunne

Eve’s Bayou (1997) dir. Kasi Lemmons 

The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) dir. André Øvredal

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) dir. Hayao Miyazaki

Bell, Book, and Candle (1958) dir. Richard Quine 

I Married a Witch (1942) dir. René Clair

This is goodbye for now, but you can always still reach us with any questions or thoughts at [email protected] 

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

Co-hosts Heatherleigh and Madeleine welcome Charise back to The Witchy Shift for an in-depth discussion all about Mediumship & Spiritualism.

In today’s episode we discuss:

-Some uncanny and touching experiences we’ve had with Mediumship and Spirit Communication

-The origins of the Ouija Board

-Why the Spiritualist Movement became so popular in the mid 1800’s

-Keeping your energy protected during a Mediumship session (and how to energetically cleanse yourself afterwards!)

-Origin stories and what got us interested in Mediumship in the first place

-How to find a reputable Psychic Medium

We hope you’ll tune in for this fun, insightful, and sometimes spooky conversation about communing with the other side.

Spiritualist Movement historical information source:

Beyond the Veil: A History of Spiritualism with Katie Keckeisen (lecture)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkqbHFM3kgc

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

Today we bring you Season 2, Episode 7 of The Witchy Shift during which Heatherleigh and Madeleine dig into the massive (and sometimes intimidating) world of working with deities. 

We explore topics such as:

-Our personal favorite deities/gods/goddesses and what we love about them

-The question of cultural appreciation vs appropriation when exploring deities from cultures other than our own

-Considering the shadow side and complexities of deities

-AI depictions of Gods and Goddesses

-Our recommendations for dipping your toes into working with a deity, god, or goddess

..and much more!

If you’ve been curious about deity work and want to hear our take, tune in and give it a listen!

This is a hugely complex topic which we plan to explore further in a future episode. Send you thoughts and questions to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to tackle them in part 2 of this topic. 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Invoking the Goddess Oracle Deck by Lisa de St. Croix

Dark Goddess Tarot by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today by Tony Mierzwicki

Goddesses from A to Z by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

The Complete Encyclopedia of Egyptian Deities by Dr. Tamara L. Siuda

All items above available for online ordering at bostontearoom.com/shop or in our shop at 1220 Woodward Heights in Ferndale, MI. 

Tragic Beauty: The Dark Side of Venus Aphrodite by Dr. Arlene Diane Landau

Wheel of the Year information, including corresponding deities for each Sabbat: thebusypagan.com/pagan-holidays

Heatheleigh’s guest appearance on Erika Robinson’s YouTube channel In the Company of Cards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycrQq0iJsLQ

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

Today Heatherleigh & Madeleine welcomed special guest V. to talk all things books! 

Many of us who have a spiritual or magical practice also happen to be bookworms and/or literary witches. In this day & age, there is no shortage of books on all manner of mystical & magical topics. And who among us hasn't enjoyed escaping into a magical world of fiction now and then?

In that spirit, V., Heatherleigh, and Madeleine sat down to discuss some of their favorite witchy/magical books from 2024. We hope you enjoy and feel inspired to add some books to your TBR list! 

Books mentioned in this episode:

V.’s Picks:

-Monthly Magickal Record: A 31 Day Spell Journal for Modern Witches by Kelly Cree & Jessica Mullen

-Madam Pamita’s Magical Tarot: Using the Cards to Make Your Dreams Come True by Madam Pamita 

Madeleine’s Picks:

-The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths & Secrets by Barbara G. Walker

-The Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature’s Rhythms by Fiona Cook & Jessica Roux

-The Witch’s Yearbook: Spells, Stones, Tools, & Rituals for a Year of Modern Magic by Clare Gogerty

Heatherleigh’s Picks:

-Soul Care Planner 2025

-Lunar Intentions: A Magical Guide for New Moon Intention Setting by Sara McCormick

-The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic by S. Elizabeth

-Djinn-ology: An Illustrated Compendium of Spirits and Stories from the Muslim World by Dr. N

-The Snow Woman and Other Yokai Stories from Japan by Noboru Wade

Where to find V.:

www.redlightreadings.com

Instagram: @redlightreadings

Call (248)548-1415 to book a Psychic Reading with V. 

Join V. & Heatherleigh for Boston Tea Room’s new book club: Persephone’s Pages! The first meeting is on Saturday, February 8th, 2:30-4:00 pm at the Boston Tea Room. First book: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair. Call (248)548-1415 for more information & to register. 

Send us your favorite magical/witchy books of 2024 and tell us why it was a favorite! Email us at [email protected]

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

Today Heatherleigh and Madeleine return with a very seasonally appropriate episode of The Witchy Shift all about Winter Witchery. 

Grab a cup of tea and get cozy as we discuss:

-Our favorite winter spells

-How to make a pomander

-Oil lamp magic

-Celebrating the winter solstice 

-The art of gathering and how to host a silent book club

-Taking care of oneself during the darkness of winter 

May this episode bring warmth and magic to your winter and holiday season! 

Mentioned in this episode:

‘Solstice Sun Wheel Celebration’ with Beth Owls Daughter https://www.owlsdaughter.com/twenty-years-of-the-advent-sun-wheel-wreath-ceremony/

‘Garlands and Greenery’ online workshop with Dr. Hannah Sanders. This class has already passed, however we strongly encourage you to check out Treadwells'* other online classes here: https://www.treadwells-london.com/events

*Quick correction: the oldest bookshop in London is actually Watkins Books and not Treadwell’s as was stated in this episode, however Treadwell’s has been open for over 2 decades and is nonetheless a vitally important occult bookshop! 

The three Boston Tea Room workshops which were mentioned in the show are listed below. Please visit bostontearoom.com or call 248-548-1415 to register. 

Wheel of the Year Series with Madeleine: Yule/Winter Solstice- Friday, December 20th, 6:00 pm.

Crystal Ball by Candlelight: Divination in the Depths with Heatherleigh- Sunday, January 12th. 1:00-3:00 pm

Love Spell in a Jar: A Make & Take Event with Heatherleigh- Sunday, February 9th, 1:00-3:00 pm 

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

We’re back today with Season 2, Episode 4 of The Witchy Shift: the Spellwork Toolkit. 

In this episode, Madeleine is joined by special guest Charise, a Psychic Reader who has been at the Boston Tea Room for 22 years!
Together they sat down on a rainy day to talk all things spells and record an episode that they hope be a helpful guide for all those wanting to learn more about spellwork. 

Madeleine and Charise discuss what a spell is, some memorable experiences they've had doing spellwork, how to do a spell for self-love, favorite tools for working magick, and much more. Whether you are a beginner to spellwork and want some tips and tricks, or a seasoned Witch, we think you’ll find something useful in this episode. 

So grab your candles and your witch hat and take a deep dive into the magic of working spells!
 
  Resources/items mentioned in this episode:
-Coventry Creations candles, available at Boston Tea Room or at https://www.coventrycreations.com/

-Want to book a Psychic Reading or take a class with Charise? Call 248-548-1415

Books Mentioned in this episode:

-Emergency Spells by Gaia Elliot

-Love Spells by Semra Haksaver

-Llewellyn’s 2025 Witchs’ Spell-a-Day Almanac

-The Big Book of Candle Magic by Jacki Smith

-Wiccan Self-Care Spells by Cerridwen Greenleaf

-1,001 Spells by Cassandra Eason

Join us for the Yule/Winter Solstice Wheel of the Year gathering on Friday, December 20th at 6:00 pm here at the Boston Tea Room where we’ll be making spell bottles! You can register by calling 248-548-1415 or visit bostontearoom.com for more information. 

Send us your favorite spells or tools you like to use!
 Email us at [email protected]
 or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

We want to hear from you! 
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

We’re back today with Season 2, Episode 3 of The Witchy Shift! 

 In this episode, Heatherleigh and Madeleine welcome guest JaiJay back for an in-depth conversation about our favorite magickal plants and how we like to utilize them in our spiritual practice.
 
 In this episode we discuss the reason carnations are traditionally worn on a first date, a love spell using an apple, the potent symbolism of the pomegranate, protection magic using plants, the ancient plant amaranth, the many uses for mugwort, our favorite plants/herbs to work with, and so much more.
 
 Resources/items mentioned in this episode:
-Todomojo.com Website of Auntie Sindy, a traditional Hoodoo rootworker

-Deva Designs pomegranate pocket charms: available for purchase at the Boston Tea Room

-The Treadwell’s Book of Plant Magic by Christina Oakley Harrington

-The Book of Flower Spells by Cheralyn Darcey

-The Kitchen Witch Companion by Sarah Robinson & Lucy H. Pearce

-The Green Mysteries: Arcana Viridia, an Occult Herbarium by Daniel A. Schulke 

-Instructions for creating pokeweed ink: themagickkitchen.com/magickal-herbalism-making-magickal-pokeberry-ink/

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

The Witchy Shift returns for Season 2, Episode 2!

In this episode, Heatherleigh and Madeleine welcome guest JaiJay for an in-depth conversation about working with the moon and/or the sun in a spiritual practice.

This topic idea was conceived during a conversation between JaiJay and Madeleine, during which Madeleine shared feeling spiritually connected to the moon, where JaiJay expressed feeling more of a pull toward the sun.

We discuss the unique energies between the sun and moon and how you might want to incorporate them into your magical practice, spellwork, ritual, or simply how attuning yourself to their rhythms can lead to a more fulfilled and meaningful existence. We talk moon cookies, sun bathing, dancing, moon goddesses, candle magic and more in this fun and magical conversation. Whether you are new to a spiritual practice, or a seasoned Witch, we think you'll find something meaningful to take away from this episode.

Resources/items mentioned in this episode:
The Lunation Cycle by Demetra George: https://demetra-george.com/blog/the-lunation-cycle/
The Moon Book: Lunar Magic to Change Your Life by Sarah Faith Gottesdiener
The Witch's Moon: A Collection of Lunar Magick and Rituals by Edain McCoy
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham 
Amber moon candle by Coventry Creations 

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

We want to hear from you! 
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

The Witchy Shift returns for its second season!

Hosted by Heatherleigh who you'll recognize from Season 1, plus first-time podcast guest Madeleine. We unpack the difficulty of finding a witchy community, especially when we would sometimes rather stay home in our pajamas! 

We discuss some tips and tricks to help you overcome fears about heading into the world, the power and beauty of gathering in community, the difficulties of social anxiety, and being open to unexpected adventures. Learn Madeleine's "50/50 cup of tea" rule, and Heatherleigh's suggestions for using magic and spellwork to draw in new friends and social connections. 

We touch on the Wheel of the Year events Madeleine has been hosting at Boston Tea Room and invite you to join us for the next one on Thursday, August 1st. Please visit bostontearoom.com for more information about that event. 

We want to hear from you!
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift

This episode is our season 1 closer! We are very happy with these 12 episodes and can't wait to bring you more later this year. BUT, we have this last episode to round it out, reflect on the first season, answer some listener emails/questions, and get excited for the future. 

In this episode we hear from listeners Rizzo and Sam and how The Witchy Shift and Boston Tea Room (our homebase) have been woven into each of their witchy and spiritual journeys. We also discuss answers to some common questions we all may have floating in our heads from time to time...like, "what to do when you and your magick feel bleh," or "do you need to find a formal path?" We're always taking questions; feel free to email us any time!

Resources and link mentioned in the episode:

• ArtBox Creations (Monroe, MI)- high art and fantasy photography 
• Boston Tea Room Witch's Night and May Day Events

We want to hear from you! 
Email us at [email protected]
or follow us on Instagram @TheWitchyShift