80: Plant Magic & Potent Spells - A Witchy Chat with Amy Blackthorn

Send us a textIn this episode of The Solarium, Laylla and Chelle are joined in their sunlit haven by special guests Paulina Stevens and Jezmina Von Thiele, authors of the book Secrets of Romani Fortune-Telling: Divining with Tarot, Palmistry, Tea Leaves, and More, and co-hosts of the Romanistan podcast. The authors share their personal experiences of being raised in traditional fortune-telling families, offering listeners an intimate look into the rich and complex world of Romani divination practices.In their book, Paulina and Jezmina introduce a variety of Romani divination techniques, including card reading, palmistry, dream interpretation, and tea-leaf and coffee reading—methods that have been shaped and perfected by the Roma for centuries. They also share practical exercises to help listeners develop their intuition and uncover their natural spiritual gifts, while emphasizing the important role of divination in shadow work, clearing blockages, and deepening self-awareness.As fortune-tellers themselves, Paulina and Jezmina give an insightful look into Romani spirituality, its connection to fortune-telling, and the continued persecution the Roma face today. They share their knowledge to help others find community and a space they can be celebrated.Tune in for a magical conversation filled with wisdom, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of Romani fortune-telling practices. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your intuitive abilities or learn more about the spiritual heritage of the Roma, this episode offers a wealth of insight and inspiration!Paulina InstagramJezmina WebsiteRomanistan InstagramBook SigningOrder Secrets of Romani Fortune TellingSupport the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textLaylla and Chelle sit down with the delightfully witchy (and very busy!) Rev. Laura González for a conversation about Parliament of Worlds Religions, Tarot, teaching, ancestors, and death traditions for this time of year. Rev Laura shares her experience opening Parliament as well as powerful insights and meaningful ways to remember our beloved dead and celebrate the cycle of life, death, and remembrance.As we move deeper into the Season of the Witch and closer to Samhain, our hosts discuss the rich traditions of the Day of the Dead with Rev Laura, learning how food, altars, and celebration create bridges between the worlds of the living and the dead. The witches talk about personal experiences, remembering our beloved dead this time of year with food and traditions, what it means to mourn, and so much more as we continue to celebrate the season of the witch! Light a candle for your ancestors and join us for this special episode celebrating traditions and remembrance.  Blue Witch Linktree and websiteArtist ChicoatliPoem read by Rev. Laura González at Parliament of Worlds ReligionsOUR MOTHER by Christian Ortiz VelardeOur Mother, who art in heaven and on earth and everywhere,Blessed be your beauty and your abundance.Bring to our hearts the key that opens the portal of love.Let each being be in conscious freedom with other beings,And that the exercise of sacred jubilation be part of our existence,May we welcome you at our table to share the holy food of your fertile womb.Our Mother, who art in heaven and on earth and everywhere,May you guide our steps,May the rhythm of our hearts be one with the heart of the earth,And so worship his blessed song.May the stars guide us in the dark nights.And the sun and moon embrace our bodies.Oh Great Spirit.Oh Great Mother.Oh HOLY WOMAN.Dedicated to:Dora Velarde (My Mother/Source/Body/Soul), with love, light and gratitude.Rev Laura's fave divination decks Legacy of the Divine and Stacey Demarco*This episode has been lightly edited for time and claritySupport the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textThis week, Laylla and Chelle dive into the world of paranormal investigation with special guest Alonnie, psychic medium and Co-Founder of SPECTERS (Study of Paranormal Events Confirmed Through Evidence, Research, and Science). From sensing spirits as a child to leading one of Central New York's paranormal research teams, Alonnie shares her journey of learning to understand her ability to see ghosts and how she has channeled that ability to help others.Get ready for a fascinating discussion about what really goes into ghost hunting (spoiler: it's not like the TV shows!). Alonnie breaks down the essential tools and techniques for paranormal investigation, while sharing spine-tingling tales from actual investigations. Our witchy hosts contribute their own supernatural encounters, leading to an enlightening conversation about the different ways mediums, witches, and investigators interact with the spirit world.Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights into responsible paranormal investigation and working with spiritual sensitivity. From EMF meters to protection rituals, Alonnie shares practical advice for anyone interested in exploring the paranormal while staying safe and grounded.So dim the lights, grab your favorite ghost-hunting tools (or just a cozy blanket), and join us for an episode that bridges the gap between the worlds of witchcraft and paranormal investigation. After all, who better to talk about things that go bump in the night than a psychic medium and two witches?https://hauntedhinsdalehouse.com/https://hauntedhistorytrail.com/explore/the-historic-bundy-househttps://www.facebook.com/ParanormalResearchandEducation https://www.youtube.com/@hometownhaunted9970 www.ALONNIE.com https://www.facebook.com/AlonniePsychicMedium www.ANVILE.us  Book by Alonnie & AnvilHometown Haunted: Authenticated -The Historic Bundy House Support the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textGet ready to light those candles and stir the cauldron, it’s officially the Season of the Witch! In this episode Laylla and Chelle kick off a month of delightfully spooky topics perfect for October. The witches chat about their recent adventures at CNY Pagan Pride Day, share some magical moments from the festival, and dish on connecting with community. They'll explore the thinning of the veil, honoring ancestors, and why this sabbat holds such a special place in witchy hearts. Plus, get ready for some wickedly good ideas on how to celebrate, whether you're a solitary practitioner or part of a coven.Finally, our favorite witches share their personal traditions for welcoming the spooky season. From binge-watching "Practical Magic" or horror movie marathons, pumpkin spice everything, and decorating their altars for the spirits that walk among us. Join them for an enchanting discussion full of autumn vibes, witchy wisdom, and everything you need to welcome the season of shadows and spells.So light your black candles, don your best witchy attire, and join Laylla and Chelle as they kick off a month of magical mischief. After all, it's the season of the witch, and Laylla & Chelle are making it as magical as possible!Support the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textAs the Autumn Equinox falls further behind us and the veil between worlds thins, the spooky season is in full swing! Join your favorite witchy podcast hosts, Chelle and Laylla, for a deliciously dark snack of a mini episode that's sure to get you in the Samhain spirit.This week, the dynamic duo have, for your delectation, a dramatic reading of the haunting piece "Never Again the Burning" by the one and only Gale Perrigo Hamby. (we know her! we know her!) This powerful piece is a tribute to the innocent people killed due to ignorance, religious intolerance, and corruption. So put on your best witchy comfy clothes, grab a mulled cider and a pumpkin spice cinnamon roll, and get ready for a heart wrenching, soul crushing experience. Laylla and Chelle are conjuring up all the spooky vibes you need to part the veil and usher in the final harvest. As the poem proclaims, "Never again the burning" - and these two witches intend to make sure of it.Get Gale's Book The Fourth Face of The GoddessYou can also get a Tarot reading from Gale at Forever and a Day https://www.foreverandaday.biz/Read with permission of the authorSupport the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textChelle and Laylla welcome the insightful and enchanting Amy Blackthorn, author of "Social Media Spellbook: 366 Ways to Get Witchy on the Web" and "Blackthorn's Book of Sacred Plant Magic: Spells, Rites, and Rituals for Living an Aromatic Life." Together, they dive into the world of herbal magic, offering wisdom on how to harness the power of plants and intention in your spellwork.Amy discusses how a basil plant can be a love spell as well as how to interpret surprise plants and herbs that pop into your life. Could they be a sign from the universe? Laylla, Chelle, and Amy discuss how to recognize these natural messages and how paying attention to nature’s subtle gifts can enhance your magical practice.The witches also delve into the essence of spell crafting, emphasizing the importance of your will and energy when casting spells. Whether you're growing plants, blending oils, or working with herbs, your focused intention is the most powerful ingredient of all. Amy also shares insights into using herbs and oils for divination, offering practical advice for incorporating plant magic into your daily rituals.Join us for a spellbinding conversation filled with practical plant magic, enchanting stories, and witchy wisdom that will leave you inspired to deepen your relationship with the natural world! Support the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textIn this enchanting Solarium episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle dive headfirst into the world of witchy subscription boxes, just in time for the Spooky Season! It may be almost the Autumn Equinox, but Samhain is fast approaching and Halloween will soon be filling the air with magick. What better way to prepare than by exploring some of the most popular subscription boxes for witches? The witches review the mystical offerings from Inked Goddess Creations, Witch Casket, and The Witches Moon, helping you decide which magical monthly subscription box is perfect for your altar or spiritual practice.Special guest Morgan, the creator of Inked Goddess Creations, joins Laylla and Chelle for this unboxing adventure. Together, they unveil each box’s unique treasures, spell supplies, and tools that witches of all levels can use to enhance their magick. From Yule celebrations to Samhain rituals, Morgan gives insider tips on curating the perfect subscription box to infuse your practice with magick all year long.Whether you’re prepping for a powerful Samhain ritual, adding to your Halloween witchy décor, or getting ready for Yule, this episode will inspire and guide you through the best witchy subscription boxes available. Expect reviews on everything from spell kits, crystals, candles, and tarot tools to the beautifully crafted items you need to enhance your craft.Tune in for a bewitching discussion filled with witchy insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert recommendations on making this Spooky Season the most magickal one yet!Laylla's Fave Box, The Besom Box is still available! *This episode has been lightly edited for clarity and timeSupport the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textJoin your favorite witches for a spellbinding episode of Back on the Broomstick as we delve into the mystical energies of the fall season! In this autumnal special, we explore the lore and superstitions surrounding Friday the 13th, unraveling the mysteries behind this enigmatic date. We'll then shift our focus to the significance of the Autumn Equinox in witchcraft and pagan traditions, discussing how this powerful time of balance can be harnessed in your magical practice.As we embrace the changing seasons, we'll share a potent 13 penny spell, perfect for tapping into the unique energies of Friday the 13th. Our journey continues with a Mabon meditation that will take you on an introspective path through the liminal space between day and night, life and death. This powerful candle spell will help you connect with your ancestors, the deeper meanings of the equinox, and prepare for the coming darker half of the year.For those seeking divination insights, we're excited to introduce an exclusive 8-card tarot spread: The Fall Equinox Spread. This specially designed layout is perfect for gaining clarity and direction as we transition into autumn, helping you align with the shifting energies of the natural world.To round out our equinox celebrations, don't miss our special segment where Chelle challenges Laylla to create a nature-inspired altar using only items found in her own backyard. This practical exercise demonstrates how to connect with the spirits of the land and infuse your practice with the essence of the changing seasons, using materials readily available in your local environment.Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a curious newcomer, this episode is packed with practical magic and insightful discussion to help you align with the energies of the autumnal equinox.Support the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textJoin witchy besties Laylla and Chelle as they light up your magical practice with an illuminating episode all about candle spells!In this episode, our hosts cover 3 simple candle spells every witch should knowBlessing: Infuse objects or spaces with positive energyCleansing: Banish negative vibes and start freshProtection: Return to senderThe witches also discuss 3 slightly more advanced candle spells to keep in your witchy repertoire:Money Bowls: Attract abundance Manifestation: Bring your desires into reality with a 7 day spellScrying: Peer into the future using candle flamesWhether you're a novice witch or a seasoned practitioner, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and magical insights to enhance your candle craft. Laylla and Chelle share personal experiences, troubleshooting advice, and why they don't always love the most popular candle spell on social media.Light a candle, grab your grimoire, and get ready to add some serious spark to your spellwork!Episode 12: Candle MagicSupport the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Send us a textChelle and Laylla are unpacking from festivals and camping trips and diving into their backlog of questions, comments, and DMs from listeners.First a PSA on counterfeit Tarot decks; how to spot them and what to do if you purchase one.What are the risks of ancestral work?What to do with a protection item that has broken while protecting you?Are the witches culturally appropriating practices?What can be done for the political unrest in the USA?Register to vote or check your registration!LGBTQ+ Pagan Books & TarotQueer Rites: A Magickal Grimoire to Honor Your Milestones with Pride by Enfys BookGay Witchcraft: Empowering the Tribe by Christopher PenczakQueering Your Craft: Witchcraft From the Margins by Cassandra SnowThe Pride Tarot A collaborative deck from U.S. Games Systems, IncThe Satyr's Kiss: Queer Men, Sex Magic & Modern Witchcraft by Storm FaerywolfQueer Magic: Power Beyond Boundaries by Lee Harrington and Tai Fenix KulystinThe Path of the Green Man: Gay Men, Wicca and Living a Magical Life by Michael Thomas Ford Queer Magic: LGBT+ Spirituality and Culture from Around the World by Tomás ProwerBlossom of Bone: Reclaiming the Connections Between Homoeroticism and the Sacred by Randy P. ConnorAll Acts of Love and Pleasure: Inclusive Wicca by Yvonne AburrowQueering the Tarot by Cassandra SnowOther LGBTQ+ authors: Kristopher Hughes, Mhara Starling, Jack Chanek, Mat Auryn, Lee Harrington, Devin Hunter, Amber KSupport the showEmail: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website