Back on the Broomstick: Old Witchcraft, New Path

In this episode Chelle and Laylla are joined by Lacey Burbage, hearth witch, green magic devotee, and author of the just published book Naturally Modern Magick: The Essential Compendium of Spells and Rituals for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity The witches chat about what it means to be a modern house witch and how Lacey weaves ancestral wisdom with a contemporary, practical approach to witchcraf...

In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle are looking ahead to 2025’s pagan festivals and magical conferences! Wonderfully witchy gatherings that stir the cauldron and bring the community together! From long-time favorites they’re planning to attend, to dreamy “someday” events, and even a few they just discovered, this is your sneak peek into the witchy calendar. They look forwa...

The witches are calling upon the divine in this episode of Back on the Broomstick as Laylla and Chelle share ten (give or take) of the gods and goddesses they work with in their magical practice. From the cauldron-stirring wisdom of Ceridwen to the hearty laughter and boundless generosity of The Dagda, they discuss the deities that have shaped their paths, guided their spells, and occasionally sma...

Many witches dream of making a pilgrimage to Salem, Massachusetts; the so-called "Witch Capital of the USA," where the echoes of history, magic, and commercialization all blend together in a way that is uniquely, well… Salem. But is it truly a witch’s Mecca? And is it worth making the trek?   In this episode Laylla and Chelle unpack the real Salem, the history, the hype, and what it mean...

Laylla and Chelle sit down with the talented artist, author, and mystic, Lalania Simone, to explore the vibrant world of tarot. They delve into her acclaimed deck, Tarot of the Cosmic Seed , discussing its creation, the inspiration behind its lush imagery, and how it serves as a tool for personal expansion. Lalania shares her journey in decolonizing tarot, removing outdated hierarchies, and infusi...

Laylla and Chelle welcome the very witchy author Judika Illes for a magical conversation. They talk about her newest book, "Witches: A Compendium," a beautifully crafted tribute to witches across history who dared to embrace their power and walk their own unique paths. From ancient enchantresses to modern-day magic makers, this book is a celebration of all things witchy and wise. Of cour...

Get ready for a spellbinding mix of history, magic, and just the right amount of witchy mischief! In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle unravel the tangled web of Valentine’s Day. Is it related to ancient Roman fertility festivals? What made it the Hallmark holiday it is today?  But what’s love without a little magick? After digging into history, our witches shift gears into...

From athames to chalices, wands to pentacles—witches love a good altar setup! But what do all these tools actually do, where do they come from, and do you really need them to practice witchcraft? In this episode, Laylla and Chelle break down the history, purpose, and modern use of altar tools in witchcraft, exploring both traditional ceremonial items and the everyday objects witches repurpose for...

For our 100th episode, we’re getting nostalgic and stirring up a little bit of chaos! This week, we’re blending the best of Back on the Broomstick with our old podcast The Stoned Witches Hour, bringing you stories of Tarot curses, cryptids, and dropping a bit of cannabis knowledge along the way. Laylla kicks things off with a tale about a tarot reader who threw a curse at a party girl during the s...

As the wheel turns to Imbolc, Laylla and Chelle dive into the Greek myth of Persephone and Demeter, exploring how it connects to the “Persephone Period” that begins on February 1st. Things get lively as the witches realize they have totally opposite interpretations of the myth and even different versions of the story! They unpack the layers of meaning in this tale of balance, transformation, and t...

Are Wands air or fire? Are Swords fire or air? Laylla lets her inner tarot nerd loose and Chelle shares the knowledge of her vast Tarot collection as the witches explore the historical roots, systems, and their own intuitive interpretations of the Tarot minor arcana suits of wands and swords. The witches dive into why they associate Wands with air and Swords with fire, unraveling the layers of his...

In this luminous episode of Back on the Broomstick , the witches explore the mysteries and magick of the full moon, sharing rituals and spells perfect for new and solitary practitioners. Laylla and Chelle break down what to do during a full moon, why these practices are so powerful, and how you can create a meaningful connection with its energy. From teas and smokable spells to simple yet potent r...

Welcome to 2025, witches! In this first episode of the year, Laylla and Chelle dive into the magic of fresh starts and share their favorite tarot spreads for setting intentions, exploring opportunities, and navigating the energies of the year ahead. Whether you’re looking to map out your personal goals, connect with the cycles of the year, or align your magic with the possibilities of 2025, this e...

Laylla and Chelle sit down with Appalachian witch and priestess Byron Ballard to discuss the aftermath of Storm Helene and how her community is finding resilience in its wake. Byron shares the vital role her Mother Grove Goddess Temple played in helping neighbors recover, offering practical support and spiritual guidance in challenging times. The conversation flows into the spirits of the land and...

It’s the first night of Yule, and what better way to celebrate Mother’s Night than with some witchy wisdom and warm guidance from your favorite magickal aunties, Laylla and Chelle? In this cozy, fireside-style episode of Back on the Broomstick, the witches answer questions sent in by listeners, getting into the nuances, ethics, and practicalities of the craft. From heartfelt questions like spellca...

In this festive and thought-provoking episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle unwrap "The Good, the Bad, and a Yule Ghost Story" to bring a mix of holiday cheer, real-world reflections, and spooky seasonal vibes to your listening ears. First, the good! The witches are over the moon to share their delight at receiving heartfelt Yule cards from listeners at their new post offi...

The longest night of the year is upon us, and the witches of Back on the Broomstick are here to guide you through the magic of Yule and Winter Solstice traditions! In this festive and witchy episode, Laylla and Chelle celebrate the season of light returning by sharing their favorite Solstice practices, cozy rituals, and ways to infuse your home and winter celebrations with magic. Learn about the a...

This week, the witches of Back on the Broomstick welcome a true Tarot powerhouse: Brigit Esselmont, the founder of the website Biddy Tarot and author of best-sellers like Everyday Tarot and The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings and her newest book Intuitive Manifesting: Align with Your Inner Wisdom and Attract Your Dream Life . With over 25 years of experience and millions of readers worldwide...

Forging the Bonds of Community With A day of Online Workshops! Upcoming Fundraiser! Proceeds Benefiting Hurricane Helene Relief of Western NC Plus more prerecorded workshops from some of the best available! Details and tickets HERE In this special Back on the Broomstick Solarium episode, the witches welcome Sam 'Bo' Thompson, the chief tea slinger from The Grove Teas he owns with his bel...

The holiday season is here, and in this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle explore the magick of gratitude while sharing spells to keep Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings harmonious. The witches discuss how practicing gratitude can shift your energy, enhance your spellwork, and create a peaceful atmosphere at home during what can often be a stressful time. Our witchy hosts also...

In this raw and heartfelt episode, the witches of Back on the Broomstick discuss the difficult emotions all of us face at some point in our lives - disappointment, grief, and sadness. As practitioners of the magickal arts, how do we transform this heavy energy into something empowering? The discussion explores both mundane and magickal approaches, with Laylla sharing a candle spell and a dark moon...

In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Chelle and Laylla dive into the art of divination for the dark half of the year. As Samhain fades and the veil is still thin, it’s the perfect time to look ahead at what the months between now and Beltane might hold. Inspired by Chelle’s new charm collection, they explore the fascinating world of charm casting—an ancient form of divination that’s experien...

Laylla and Chelle honor the life and legacy of Pamela Colman Smith, the brilliant artist behind the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith (or what Laylla calls the Smith-Waite) tarot deck. Overlooked until recently, Pamela’s work has influenced countless readers and seekers for over a century, yet her story remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Join the witches as they delve into Pamela’s life as a (possib...

As a special Throwback Thursday surprise for Samhain, we’re bringing back one of our favorite "Stoned Witches Hour" Wheel of the Year episodes to get you in the Halloween spirit! The third harvest is upon us, and in this timeless episode, Laylla and Chelle dive into the magic and mystery of Samhain, the witch’s New Year, that liminal space when the veil between life and death is at its t...

In this episode of The Solarium, Laylla & Chelle review a couple of dark, scratch art decks and a whole bunch of books about our favorite Goddess of the Crossroads, Hecate. They explore The Wanderer's Tarot by Casey Zabala and The Untamed Spirit Animal Oracle: Wisdom from the Wild Within by Francesca Matteoni, illustrated by Rocco Lombardi. On the book front, they discuss Entering Hekate&...