#120 - Stephen Ellcock, Image Alchemist

Ron Regé, Jr. is a Los Angeles-based cartoonist who began drawing and self-publishing comics in the early 1990s in Cambridge, MA. Though he came out of zine culture and the underground comics scene, his work took a distinctly mystical turn thanks to a spiritual awakening he had the early 2000s. From that point on, his comics turned cosmic, exploring ideas of the occult, esotericism, and magic all in his signature psychedelic style. Though whimsical and whirling at first glance, Ron’s work belies decades of rigorous research and devoted inquiry into the workings of the unseen world. His books include The Cartoon Utopia, Halcyon, What Parsifal Saw, The Weaver Festival Phenomenon, Skibber Bee Bye and many more. His newest book, Shell Collection, out this week from Fantagraphics, gathers many of his monthly mini-comics which he’s been sending out to subscribers and Patreon backers over the last 8 years.Ron’s comics and drawings have also appeared in hundreds of zines and comics anthologies. His illustration clients have included Nike, Sony, Tylenol, McSweeney’s, and The New York Times. And if that wasn’t enough, Ron is also the drummer for the celestial folk rock band, Lavender Diamond. On this episode, Ron discusses his cosmological cartoons, his practice of creative channeling, and the many inspirations and influences behind his wondrous work.Pam also talks about hermeticism and The Hermit, and answers a listener question about a big life decision.Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Weiser Books, BetterHelp, Snowy Owl Tea, Sphere + Sundry, and Mithras CandleWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to detailed show notes, bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Jodi Wille is a director and producer of the critically acclaimed documentary The Source Family and her brand new feature documentary Welcome Space Brothers which is about The Unarius Academy of Science. Her work explores people whose extraordinary true stories and creations leave us with new ways of seeing, and she has a special interest in so-called outside artists, alternative spiritual seekers, and radical intentional communities.Jodi has a background in commercial, editorial, and rock band photography, as well as music video direction, working with artists like REM, Sparks, and Vincent Gallo. She also cofounded the book publishing companies Dilettante Press (1998), Process Media (2004), and Otherworld (2022), to explore otherworldly and countercultural realms, and she has editing several award-winning books, most recently co-authoring the illustrated book Family: The Source Family Scrapbook (2022, Otherworld with Sacred Bones). Jodi has curated art exhibitions for The American Visionary Art Museum, Deitch Projects and others, and she’s curated numerous film festivals and cultural programs at institutions across the globe.On this episode, Jodi discusses the radical visionaries behind the Unarius Academy of Science, the development of new religions, and how filmmaking has helped her explore mind-expanding ideas and experiences. (Make a tax-deductible donation to help fund Jodi’s film Welcome Space Brothers here)Pam also talks about the difference between cults and positive alternative spiritual groups, and answers a listener question about a group ritual happening during the solar eclipse. (And you can check out details about the ritual here) Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, Snowy Owl Tea, and Sphere + SundryWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Penny Slinger is a Los Angeles–based artist whose work investigates the feminine, the magical and the erotic. In the late 1960s, her encounters with the work of Max Ernst initiated an enduring involvement with both the Surrealist movement and the medium of collage. Her groundbreaking publications such as 50% The Visible Woman (1971) and An Exorcism: A Photo Romance (1977) explore the image of woman through a series of often provocative photomontage self-portraits, and a new expanded edition of An Exorcism will be published by Fulgur Press later this year. Her studies of various divine feminine practices including Tantra led her to co-create The Secret Dakini Oracle deck in the 1970s, and the deck is still in print now under the name The Tantric Dakini Oracle Deck, and she has continued to work with dakini imagery over decades. Penny’s work is in many international museum collections, including Tate Britain, and was included in the Tate’s recent exhibition “Women in Revolt!” Other notable exhibitions showcasing Penny’s work include “The Dark Monarch” at Tate Gallery St Ives, “Angels of Anarchy” at Manchester Art Museum, and countless solo shows around the world. She also recently collaborated with House of Dior, and, as you’ll hear, has many more projects in the works.On this episode, Penny Slinger discusses her self-celebrating surrealist art practice, her lifelong devotion to the divine feminine, and how she’s celebrating aging in her work and in her life.Pam also talks about older witch archetypes, and answers a listener question about embracing the magic of middle age.Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Sphere + Sundry, BetterHelp, and Woodland MagicWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Robin Ha is an award-winning author and illustrator of several graphic novels including the best-selling comic recipe book Cook Korean!: A Comic Book With Recipes and the illustrated memoir Almost American Girl which is about her move from South Korea to America when she was 14. Robin’s new graphic novel, The Fox Maidens is her first foray into fiction, and is based on the Korean folklore of her ancestors. Robin’s comics and illustrations have appeared in various publications, such as the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, as well as in anthologies highlighting Asian American culture, including Rise: A Pop History of Asian America from the Nineties to Now, New Frontiers: The Many Worlds of George Takei, and Shattered: The Asian American Comics Anthology. She is also a highly gifted fine artist, and she has a Seven Ladies of Tarot coloring book that you can download from her site.On this episode Robin discusses fox maiden mythology, Korean folk magic, and the intergenerational shapeshifting power of women. Pam also talks about fox magic, and answers a listener question about a Witch Wave book club.Our sponsors for this episode are Unquiet Arcadian, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, The Love Witch, BetterHelp, Woodland Magic, and Sphere + SundryWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Soull & Dynasty Ogun are identical twins who together are the forces behind their design and thought incubator, L’Enchanteur, which they founded in 2017. L'Enchanteur is a multifaceted design house, creating unique and ethereal fine jewelry, accessories, and garments which draw from esoterica and alchemical symbolism, the mystical practices of their Nigerian and Dominican ancestors, and their own inventive style and magical intentions. Both Soull and Dynasty are autodidactic artisans in their respective fields with Soull focusing within the metal work, jewelry realm, and Dynasty focusing within the realm of textiles, fibers, accessories, and garments. Together, they create adornment with seeks bring empowerment, inspiration, and healing to the world via their shared vision of spiritual transformation through craft. Their pieces have been worn by such powerhouses as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Erykah Badu, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Michelle Obama, and many, many others at events, in editorial spreads, and in music videos including Beyoncé’s film Black is King. The Ogun twins also been embraced by the fine art world with their work being shown in galleries and other art spaces beyond the fashion industry. They’ve gone on to win countless fans, critical acclaim, and awards, including The Fashion Trust US Jewelry Design Award of 2023.On this episode, Dynasty and Soull discuss the alchemical power of adornment, the magic of twins, and the ancestral influences on their enchanting line.Pam also talks about spellbinding jewelry, and answers a listener question about ambidextrous divination.Our sponsors for this episode are The Ritual Tarot, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, The Love Witch and Sphere + SundryWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Dr. Amy Hale is an Atlanta-based writer, curator, critic, ethnographer, and folklorist, who focuses on esoteric history, magic, art, culture, women, and Cornwall. She has written widely on the surrealist and occultist Ithell Colquhoun, and in 2009 she received a grant from the Paul Mellon Foundation for her research. Her biography of Colquhoun, Ithell Colquhoun: Genius of the Fern Loved Gully (2020) is widely praised, and is just one of many ways that Amy has helped amplify Ithell’s impact on art and magic. Her newest book, Sex Magic: Diagrams of Love, Ithell Colquhoun is out this week from Tate Publishing, and A Walking Flame: Selected Magical Essays of Ithell Colquhoun is coming out from Strange Attractor later this year.Amy is also the editor of numerous other collections including the groundbreaking Essays on Women in Western Esotericism: Beyond Seeresses and Sea Priestesses. And she has contributed essays for Tate, Burlington Contemporary, The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and many more. And if that wasn’t enough, Amy is currently a curator and host for the internationally beloved London-based Viktor Wynd’s Last Tuesday Society lecture series. She has been featured on BBC Radio Cornwall and the BBC World Service, and is a regular guest on a variety of podcasts, lecture series, and conferences including the Occult Humanities Conference at NYU. On this episode, Amy discusses the visionary art and sex magic of Ithell Colquhoun, the power of alternative depictions of divine union, and the energetic connections between color, body, and the land.Pam also talks about radical reimaginings of the lovers archetype, and answers a listener question about keeping a long-term love flame lit.Our sponsors for this episode are Ritual+Shelter, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, The Love Witch, BetterHelp, Woodland Magic, and Sphere + SundryWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Chelsea Wolfe is a critically-acclaimed singer, guitarist, and songwriter, who has been hailed by Guitar World as “the queen of gothic industrial guitar.” Her dark and dreamy music has also been described as doom-folk and goth-folk, though her albums have spanned genre from rock to electronica. She’s been celebrated for her solo offerings and her collaborations, including her otherworldly contributions on the soundtrack to the 2022 horror film, X. Chelsea’s seventh studio album under her own name is called She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She, and it will be out on February 9th on Loma Vista. It is a gorgeous, epic, and cathartic offering blending elements of trip-hop with her signature shadowy guitar and entrancing vocals. Several singles and videos from this album have dropped already, each exquisite in their own right. The new album is available for pre-order now, as are tickets to Chelsea’s 2024 tour, so be sure to snag yours before it all sells out. On this episode, Chelsea discusses the revolving and revolutionary power of her new album, her recent magical expansion, and the ways in which her music has manifested true change in her life.Pam also talks about triple goddesses, and answers a listener question about breaking through creative blocks.Chelsea Wolfe songs featured in the episode are all from She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She:"Whispers in the Echo Chamber""Tunnel Lights""Everything Turns Blue"Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab,  Natasha Levinger’s Getting to Know Woo podcast, BetterHelp, and Sphere + SundryWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Lisa Stardust (they/she) is a New York City-based astrologer who has been part of the astrology community for over 15 years. She writes columns for O Magazine, Teen Vogue, The Hoodwitch, Cosmo, Bust, British Vogue, and more. She has also been featured in Vice, Refinery29, Bustle, The Daily Mail, and InStyle to name a few. Lisa is the author of the book Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating this Cosmic Rite of Passage as well as two oracle decks: The Love Deck and The Astrology Deck. She also does astrology readings and tarot readings for private clients.On this episode, Lisa discusses the impact of our Saturn Return, the power of eclipses, and the astrological themes of the year ahead.Pam also talks about New Year’s intentions, and answers a listener question about a symbolic tattoo. Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab,  Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, and Sphere + SundryWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Renowned image alchemist Stephen Ellcock is a London-based curator, writer, researcher, and online collector of images who has spent the last decade creating an ever-expanding virtual museum of art that is open to all via social media, attracting more than 600,000 followers worldwide. He is the author of many art books including All Good Things, The Book of Change, and The Cosmic Dance, and he is co-author of England On Fire and Jeux de Mains. His new book is Underworlds: A Compelling Journey Through Subterranean Realms, Real and Imagined.On this episode, Stephen discusses the dark beauty of underworlds, the alchemical power of imagery, and why he sees his books as visual spells.Pam also talks about Winter Solstice magic, and answers a listener question about invoking the goddess Hecate. Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Witch Lit, BetterHelp, Sphere + Sundry, and Mithras Candle We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Nikoo Bafti is an Iranian-British visual artist and illustrator currently based in Rome, Italy. After graduating with an honors BA degree in Illustration from the Arts University of Bournemouth, Nikoo began her early career as an animation intern at Disney Channel UK, and has since been working independently as an illustrator as well as exhibiting her fine art internationally. Inspired by the traditional miniature paintings of her Persian heritage, Nikoo combines intricate narrative imagery with a deep curiosity for the esoteric and metaphysical phenomena to create ethereal visions of a vibrant, holographic reality. With her spiritual and art practices closely intertwined, she uses her work as a vehicle to explore and understand what lies behind the veil.Nikoo’s latest project, The Transmutation Oracle: A Metaphysical Guide To Navigating Reality, will be released by The Philosophical Research Society in January 2024 and is available now to pre-order at PRS.org.You can find more of Nikoo’s work on her website nikoobafti.com & on Instagram @nikoobafti.On this episode, Nikoo discusses the meditative nature of her artwork, the magical and  aesthetic influences of her Persian roots, and how she developed her holographic outlook.Pam also talks about the wounded healer archetype, and answers a listener question about staying magically anchored during their travels. Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Open Coven, Sphere + Sundry, BetterHelp, Psyche Magic Podcast, Mithras Candle, and The Meta Muse Tarot We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave