Circle Talk 4 Witches

And so the Wheel has spun full circle! Welcome to our last episode of Season 1, folks! For the next turn of the Wheel, we’re concentrating on magic and witchcraft that can be performed around each of the Sabbats. For this episode, we concentrate on Samhain (with a smidge of Bel-tân (and all the other spellings of that Sabbat 😛)), and in particular, on binding, banishing, and warding. How do we pe...

A listener request episode, episode 19 brings you a discussion about tools of witchcraft. We talk about the stabby-boys, the pokey-boys, the swingy-boys, and everything else! How do we all pronounce the tool that begins with an ‘A’? What’s the difference between a censer and a thurible? And are all wands made equal? Do you need all the tools at the same time, or even at all to practise effective m...

Join us for the last “sabbat special” where we talk about personal practices and break down the astronomical & cultural backgrounds of the sabbats. Learn about why we don’t talk about “Mabonology” or “Ostaraology”, and about Josie’s plan to advocate for an “Easter Croc”.    Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a question to be answered during the discussion? We’d love to hear...

As the Heads say in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, “It’s going to be a bumpy ride!” In this episode, we continue with the theme of Wicca as a Mystery Tradition and discuss polarity; what it is, what it isn’t, and how it can be worked with in an Initiatory Wican framework. How do the gods view polarity (hint: they don’t), how do non-cisgendered Wicans handle polarity, does gender come in...

And the Wheel turns, once again to Lughnasadh and Imbolc. Welcome to Episode 16: Brasso and Bread. Take a listen to find out what Lughnasadh and Imbolc mean to each of the presenters, who John Barleycorn is, and what types of practices happen at each of these cross-quarter festivals. Bonus content for a mini-lesson in Cymraeg, Gaeilge, and etymology (yes, we geek out in this episode). Why does Bra...

Summary: After you’ve listened to this episode, you’ll be an initiate of the Wicca… jokes (please don’t recule us :P)! In this two-part episode, we discuss Wicca as a Mystery Tradition and what we mean by that phrase. What is Wicca as a Mystery Tradition based on? What Sekrets™ are we hiding (they’re as good as those damned bees keeping that sweet, sweet nectar)? Who is Initiatory Wicca open to (h...

Solstice blessings from all of us at Circle Talk! What’s happening out in space to cause the solstices? What’s happening down here on earth, ritually, spiritually and physically? Whether you’re getting ready to sing out the light in the Northern Hemisphere, or cosying up for winter in the Southern Hemisphere, we’ve got you covered for all things solstice. Do you have a topic that you’d like us to...

What role does sex play within Initiatory Wica? What about the Sabbat orgy with the Devil? Do we need protection (pun intended)? How do we achieve altered states of consciousness, and can they be achieved alone? And what’s expected of Seekers and neophytes? Grab a cuppa, wine, gin, water, or your favourite tipple and join us as we discuss all things sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll! How could we *not...

To quote Battlestar Galactica (2003), “All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again.” We’re halfway through turning the Wheel and so the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are swapping topics. Sure there’s a bit of review but we also manage to wander into new and weird territory, including a reference to fetishes! (but not those kinds of fetishes!).   Yes we know we’ve referen...

We’ve spent plenty of time talking about the importance of autonomy, but how does that fit into the hierarchical structure of a BTW coven? In this episode we discuss the different roles that exist in most (if not all) Wiccan covens, the definition of “elder”, and our experiences with the dedicant or neophyte degree. We also talk about other positions or functions in the coven and begin to brainsto...

‘Don’t Call Me Mabon’ meets ‘Don’t Call Me Ostara’ during this episode as we discuss the spring and autumn equinoxes. What is an equinox, and what is their significance in Wica? Why don’t they have cool Pagan names like the others? And how do we celebrate these transitional festivals? Sit back, relax, and come take a listen to find out! Do you have a topic that you’d like us to discuss, or even a...

“He must be a King, as there’s no s**t on him,” said Monty Python, but this is not true of all “Kings”, as we find out in this episode of Circle Talk, where we discuss leaders in Initiatory Wica, kings and queens (or lack thereof), what happens with Big Names in Wica, autonomy and sovereignty, who the famous "King of the Witches" was, how does all of this relate to the Degree System, what’s one of...

The festivals of Lambs and Loaves, or is it Beer and Cheese? In this episode, we talk about the Lammas, or Lughnasadh, and Imbolc and what we all do for these holidays. Are they both harvest festivals? Why are there reptiles? How even do you pronounce *that* name? Is it the start or end of winter? What can you carry around in your fanny pack? And what’s our new Sabbat name for Samhain? Find out in...

In this episode, we discussed some of the culture around asking for initiation rather than assuming one can join a coven, what is a “proper person” and what is “properly prepared”, ways to find a coven, how to approach a coven, how to meet with coven leaders and what to expect from those meetings, outer court practices, and when does initiation happen. James also led us through a discussion of Red...

In this episode, we talk about covens, what they are, what they’re not, how to go about joining a coven, and everything else in between. Do they practise “skyclad” (“naked”)? Do they follow a set of beliefs, and are they dogmatic? Is Wica a cult? What if there aren’t any covens in my area? Will covens seek me out? Find out, in this, episode six.   Liking what you’re hearing so far? Do you have a t...

In this episode, we discuss the Winter and Summer Solstices, and how each of your hosts celebrate the Sabbat happening in their hemisphere at the moment. Why is light such a big deal at both solstices? Why do the solstices fall on specific dates? How can you beat (literally!) the darkness? And why do we discuss a terrifying Welsh horse?   As always, please get in touch if you have a topic that you...

In this episode, we talk about the practice of vouching and how it works in the Alexandrian Witchcraft and wider British Traditional Wica (BTW) community, including what exactly a vouch is, how it’s obtained, and what it means when a vouch is refused. What’s the difference between a vouch, being confirmed, being recommended, and being properly prepared? Find out in this, episode four. Liking what...

In this episode we explore our personal and outer court practices around Samhain (and Beltane!), including dumb suppers, ritual dramas, and bonfires. And we ask the ever important question: WWASD? (Answer: grab a pint)   As always we’d love to hear from you! Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches And on Twitter as @C...

An episode about oaths and oath taking, and why they are so important in Alexandrian practice: what does 'oathbound' even mean? Is there a difference between holding things as oathbound and straight up gatekeeping?   As always we’d love to hear from you! Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches And on Twitter as @Circl...

In this not-really-a-minisode we attempt to define and explain various terms and definitions tossed around in the online BTW community including “Witchcraft”, “BTW”, “Trad”, “Lineage”, and more!    As always we’d love to hear from you! Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches And on Twitter as @Circle4Witches (because...

In this minisode we make our first attempt at recording and briefly introduce ourselves, our backgrounds, and the purpose of this podcast.   As always please email any Email questions/comments to CircleTalk4Witches@gmail.com. You can find us on instagram and facebook as CircleTalk4Witches And on Twitter as @Circle4Witches (because character limits).