Magick, Filmmaking, and Occultism: An Interview with Amal Al-Agroobi

In today’s episode of A Pinch of Magick, I share a cup (literally) with Amal Al-Agroobi, a fellow MA student, award-winning filmmaker, and explorer of the Islamic occult.Get ready to dive into a conversation brimming with mysticism, storytelling, and magickal curiosities as Amal spills the coffee grounds on her journey to blend creativity and academia.Spoiler: it involves coffee cup readings, Sufi rituals, and an epic search for a lost Islamic occult ritual book!What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeFrom Neuroscience to Filmmaking to Magick: Amal shares how her unconventional journey—spanning neuroscience, fantasy filmmaking, and occult studies—shaped her fascination with the unseen.Childhood Mysticism and Coffee Cup Reading: Growing up surrounded by paranormal experiences in Belgium and Syria, Amal explains how coffee cup readings became an essential part of her cultural and magickal story.Islamic Occultism: Amal uncovers hidden gems from the Islamic tradition, from Arabic lettering tied to celestial spheres to the rituals of her Sufi ancestors.The Science of the Unseen: Amal’s neuroscience background offers a unique perspective on why we lose our connection to the spiritual as we grow older.The Power of Intention and Magick: From evil eyes to talismans, Amal and I explore the fine line between belief and blasphemy and the ethical considerations behind magickal practice.Behind the Scenes of Exeter’s MA in Magic and Occult Science: Amal discusses how the course challenges her understanding of faith, magic, and storytelling—and how it’s inspiring her next creative works.Upcoming Projects: From haunted docu-dramas to her dream of translating rare Arabic occult texts, Amal is blending her academic journey with her creative vision.Key TakeawaysMagic is about intention: the energy you put into your rituals and words shapes their power.Cultural storytelling is a treasure trove for magickal practices and creativity—don’t be afraid to dig deep into your heritage.Bridging magick and academia is as challenging as it is rewarding, offering new ways to legitimise and celebrate mystical traditions.Mentioned in This EpisodeExeter’s MA in Magic and Occult Science: The first-of-its-kind programme that brought Rebecca and Amal together.Amal’s Instagram: @AmalAlAgroobiExeter Magic Instagram: @ExeterMagicAmal’s films: Voice Notes from Palestine and The Brain That Sings (available online).The Prayer of Fire: Amal’s family ritual inspiring her dissertation.Coffee cup reading: An practice that’s as delicious as it is mystical!Magickal Thought of the Day“Your beliefs are your power. Whether you’re reading coffee grounds or crafting talismans, it’s your intention that makes the magick happen.”About Amal Al-AgroobiAmal Al-Agroobi is a film director who works in genre cinema - fantasy, sci-fi and horror.She is half Emirati (from the UAE) and half Syrian, with a passion for social-based and human-interest stories.She started her career in 2012 in documentaries, winning multiple competitions worldwide before transitioning into genre cinema. She now writes for film and television.She is a BAFTA member and a Directors UK member. Her most notable film was “Half Emirati (2012),” a documentary about mixed-parentage individuals in the UAE; her latest is a Lovecraftian horror, “Ladies Coffee (2024)” about fortune-telling through coffee cup reading in Syrian culture.She has also just completed a documentary about university students living with disabilities in Gaza, entitled “Voice notes from Palestine.”Her personal interests include financial markets and the paranormal and occult, specifically Islamic occultism. Connect with AmalWebsite: www.AmalAlAgroobi.comInstagram: @AmalAlAgroobiFilms: Voice Notes from Palestine and The Brain That SingsVoice notes from Palestine (2024) - https://youtu.be/HNXn315F-4QFilmmaker Amal on YouTube: FilmMakerAmalALAGROOBI films on YouTube: ALAGROBI FilmsSubscribe & ShareIf you loved this episode, share it with a friend who loves magick, culture, and creativity. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast to help us bring more magick into the world!-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Holy Broomsticks! Practitioners, Academia, and the Magickal Journey with Rebecca Anuwen and Antonia PandazedesIn today's episode of A Pinch of Magick, Rebecca Anuwen sits down with fellow MA student Antonia Pandazedes to pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to balance the worlds of magick and academia. Spoiler: it involves tarot cards, cauldrons, and the occasional cry in the car park.Together, they share a raw and insightful conversation about the challenges and triumphs of returning to academia after decades of practice as witches and Druids, all while navigating an academic system that’s still catching up with the legitimacy of magick as a field of study.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Academic Brain Twists: Why jumping back into formal study after years of intuitive magickal practice feels like re-wiring your mind.Magick vs. Academia: How practitioners navigate the analytical frameworks of university while staying true to their magickal roots.The First-of-Its-Kind MA: Behind the scenes of their journey on the MA in Magic and Occult Sciences at Exeter University – and why it’s attracting hundreds of applicants.Practitioner Prejudice: The double standards between magickal practitioners and theologians in academia.Tools of the Trade: What Antonia packed in her “magic suitcase” for her transatlantic move to the UK – and why her cauldron made the cut.Astrology, Tarot, and Practical Magick: How Rebecca and Antonia use their favourite tools to navigate assignments, life decisions, and even Mercury Retrograde.The Shifts in Society: Why the word “magic” in the programme title is causing ripples, and how a cultural resurgence of goddess energy and paganism is reshaping modern spirituality.Resilience in Magick: How embracing your magickal toolkit – from Epsom salt baths to candle spells – can keep you grounded in the toughest of times.Key Takeaways:It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when starting something new – even seasoned witches and Druids have moments of doubt.The path of magick, like life, is deeply individual. Experiment, explore, and trust your instincts.Whether it’s for personal growth or formal study, magick deserves a seat at the academic table.Mentioned in This Episode:Exeter's MA in Magic and Occult ScienceFollow Antonia and her magickal cohort on Instagram at @ExeterMagicRebecca’s insights into using tarot for decision-making and managing the chaos of university lifeAntonia’s favourite tools for protection and how to blend herbs, crystals, and intent for powerful resultsMagickal Thought of the Day:“Don’t be afraid to talk to your deities, your spirit guides, or yourself. Magick is about connecting to your inner power and the energies around you – no fancy ritual needed.”About Antonia PandazedesAntonia has been a practicing Witch and Druid for over 25 years. In her practice she uses arot, astrology, numerology, crystals, scrying, past life work, dreamwalking, spells, candles, potions, herbal magic, magical protection. Antonia is currently in MA program at Exeter for Magic and Occult Sciences. Connect with AntoniaInstagram: @HallowedHaven & @ExeterMagicSubscribe & Share:If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s juggling their magickal and academic journey or anyone curious about the evolving role of magick in modern society. Don’t forget to rate and review to help us spread a little more magick in the world.-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Step through the veil with this transformative meditation.As the wheel turns to the Celtic new year, immerse yourself in the powerful energies of Samhain - a time when the boundaries between worlds grow thin and ancestral wisdom flows freely.This journey guides you to:Connect with ancestral wisdom and supportRelease what no longer serves youPlant seeds for future growthExperience powerful personal transformationHonour those who have crossed the veilThis meditation creates a safe and nurturing space to explore the mysteries of death, rebirth, and transformation.Whether you're seeking to honour loved ones who have passed, embrace personal transformation, or simply deepen your connection to this powerful time of year, this meditation offers a pathway to profound insight and spiritual connection.Join us in this sacred journey between the worlds, where the wisdom of the ancestors awaits and the magick of transformation beckons.Embrace the deeper mysteries of Samhain.-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

On today's episode of the A Pinch of Magick podcast I'm joined by Briana Pegado, an intuitive, artist, and author of Make Good Trouble: A Practical Guide to the Energetics of Disruption. Briana dives deep into why disruption is essential for personal and societal healing, embracing chaos, and building a more connected world.We explore:Why Now?Briana shares her insights on why our world, as we stand on the brink of the Age of Aquarius, is primed for this book. As old systems and institutions are being questioned, people are called to reconnect with their inner power and challenge societal norms.Living with DisruptionFor Briana, disruption isn’t about chaos for chaos’ sake. She discusses how each of us can harness our unique energy to disrupt consciously—whether it’s in daily rituals, questioning power dynamics, or embracing life’s uncertainties.The Power of DiscomfortRebecca and Briana explore the art of sitting with discomfort. Briana explains how transformation often requires us to lean into discomfort, challenging our instinct to “keep things neat.” Listen in as they discuss how to make peace with difficult emotions and turn anger and sadness into powerful catalysts for change.The Role of Tarot in Navigating LifeTaking the path less travelled, Briana reveals how she incorporated Tarot archetypes like the Fool and the Hermit as guiding figures throughout her book. She explains how these symbols help us face the unknown and guide us through life’s disruptions.Values as Your CompassBriana offers a unique tool, the “Values Compass,” for reconnecting with our values and navigating life’s chaotic moments. She emphasises that values help us make aligned decisions, especially when facing disruption.Disruptive Healing in PracticeBriana shares her journey from personal struggles to her experiences in anti-racism training and sustainable development. For her, being disruptive is a healing act, a chance to make space for voices that have long been silent.Aligned vs. Abusive DisruptionNot all disruption is created equal. Briana breaks down how to discern between aligned disruption and abusive disruption, encouraging listeners to explore their own relationship with power.Get Practical with Gentle ChaosWant to dip your toe into the world of disruption? Briana provides gentle, practical tips to cultivate a relationship with chaos and stretch your comfort zones without overwhelming your nervous system.Human Design and Understanding Your EnergyDiscover how human design can help you understand your energy patterns and how they play into disruption, creativity, and growth.📖 Discover MoreFor listeners intrigued by Briana’s approach, check out Make Good Trouble and find a path to transformation that feels both rebellious and grounded in personal values.Tune in for a conversation that’s not just about disruption but about using it to live a fuller, more intentional life.About Briana Pegado:Briana Pegado FRSA is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She is a trained ThetaHealer, a psychic intuitive, a student of astrology and an artist. She has written for years on topics ranging from the rise of feminist mysticism for Monstrous Regiment Publishing to rising inequality in the creative industries for Bella Caledonia. She was named one of Scotland's 30 Under 30 Inspiring Young Women in 2017 and has won a number of awards for her work as a social entrepreneur in the creative industries over the last eight years. Currently, she is an anti-racism and governance consultant working across the third and public sector. She is a data-driven innovation ambassador for the Edinburgh Futures Institute.Connect with Briana:Website: www.brianapegado.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianapegado/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briana.pegado/-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Magickal Mornings suggestion 8 - Enchant Your Morning Drink* * * * * * * * *Just a reminder: You don't need to do everything in this magickal series - consider this a magickal 'pick 'n' mix' to create a morning routine that works for you, without adding any additional time to your day.Try each suggestion and decide if it's right for you.If it feels good, keep integrating into your morning routine. If it doesn't, don't do it again.If you download the A Pinch of Magick app, you'll find all of the episodes for this series and their accompanying articles too (iPhone - download on the App Store or Android - download on Google Play )* * * * * * * * *Transform your morning routine with a touch of magick!In our latest episode discover how to infuse your tea or coffee with positivity, protection, and intention.Learn simple enchantments and rituals to start your day with mindful magick, setting a positive tone for whatever lies ahead.Sip your way to a more enchanting day! ☕✨🌟-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Enjoy the Equinox meditation shared from our Five Minutes of Magick podcastImmerse yourself in the powerful balancing energies of the Autumn Equinox with this guided meditation. Designed to help you connect deeply with the equilibrium of the season, this visualisation will guide you to embody the perfect balance of light and dark, action and rest, giving and receiving.In this meditation, you'll:Stand at the threshold between day and night in a magickal equinox landscapeBecome the fulcrum of cosmic scales, balancing opposing forces within yourselfChannel the energies of sun and moon, merging them in your heart centreConnect with the ancient wisdom of the earth and the cycles of natureLearn to maintain equilibrium even amongst movement and changeWhether you're seeking to restore balance in your life, deepen your connection with the changing seasons, or simply honour this pivotal moment in the wheel of the year, this meditation will guide you to embody the harmonising forces of the equinox.Prepare to step into the centre point of perfect balance and emerge renewed, centred, and in tune with the rhythms of nature. Your journey to autumnal harmony begins now!-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Magickal Mornings suggestion 7 - Magickal Knickers and Enchanted Clothing* * * * * * * * *Just a reminder: You don't need to do everything in this magickal series - consider this a magickal 'pick 'n' mix' to create a morning routine that works for you, without adding any additional time to your day.Try each suggestion and decide if it's right for you.If it feels good, keep integrating into your morning routine. If it doesn't, don't do it again.If you download the A Pinch of Magick app, you'll find all of the episodes for this series and their accompanying articles too (iPhone - download on the App Store or Android - download on Google Play )* * * * * * * * *Transform your wardrobe into a powerful tool for manifesting your desires! In our latest episode and discover how to choose your outfits with purpose and enchant your clothing to boost your confidence and align with your daily goals.Learn about colour magick, enchanting techniques, and how mindful dressing can elevate your mood and energy.Step into each day with magick and intention, wrapped in the power of your magickal attire! 🌟✨👗-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Magickal Mornings suggestion 6 - Magickal Movement* * * * * * * * *Just a reminder: You don't need to do everything in this magickal series - consider this a magickal 'pick 'n' mix' to create a morning routine that works for you, without adding any additional time to your day.Try each suggestion and decide if it's right for you.If it feels good, keep integrating into your morning routine. If it doesn't, don't do it again.If you download the A Pinch of Magick app, you'll find all of the episodes for this series and their accompanying articles too (iPhone - download on the App Store or Android - download on Google Play )* * * * * * * * *Start your day with intention and enchantment!In our latest episode, discover how simple stretches and mindful movements can ground you, release tension, and prepare you energetically for the day ahead.Learn how to incorporate these practices into your morning routine and embrace the magick of movement. 🌟🧘‍♀️✨-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

I'm excited to invite you to join us for a new mini-series, 'Reclaim Your Power: Uniting the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine.'In this series, we'll explore concepts of divine feminine and divine masculine - universal forces that shape our experiences and personal growth. This isn't about gender roles or biological sex, but about energies that exist within each of us, regardless of how we identify.Throughout this series, we'll explore:The characteristics of divine feminine and masculine energiesHow these forces manifest in our daily livesThe importance of finding balance between these energiesPractical ways to cultivate and harmonize these aspects within ourselvesWhether you're new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this series offers insights that can transform how you approach life's challenges and opportunities.This series will be exclusively hosted on the A Pinch of Magick app which you can access for free.iPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayJoin us as we unpack these powerful ideas and learn how to harness them for personal growth, improved relationships, and a more balanced approach to life and work.-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here

Dive into the heart of Lammas with us as we celebrate this vibrant festival marking the first harvest in the Celtic calendar. On the 1st of August in the Northern Hemisphere, Lammas marks the transition from the height of summer to the (very) early whispers of autumn. This episode celebrates the energy of Lammas with abundance, gratitude, and the joy of sharing.We'll explore the rich traditions and practices that make Lammas a time of deep appreciation and reflection. Discover how to create a sacred space that honours the harvest, meditate on the season’s abundant gifts, and connect with nature in meaningful ways. We’ll also discuss how to celebrate the harvest with loved ones, share your bounty generously, and cultivate a daily practice of gratitude.To help you embrace the spirit of Lammas fully, I share ideas for self-care and some journal prompts that encourage introspection and growth. This episode offers inspiration and practical tips to infuse your life with the transformative energy of Lammas.Join us as we honour the earth's generosity, celebrate the fruits of our labour, and prepare for the reflective season of autumn. Tune in and let the essence of Lammas inspire abundance and transformation in your life.-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --All of the Magick:The A Pinch of Magick App:IPhone - download on the App StoreAndroid - download pn the Google PlayOur (free) magickal Community: Facebook GroupMagickal JournalsExplore on Amazon Rebecca's Author PageWebsiteRebeccaAnuwen.comInstagramFor Magick: Click hereFor a Sacred Pause in Nature: Click hereFor CharmCasting: Click hereFor Merlin my Dog: Click here