Critical Mindfulness - S3, EP4.

Welcome to this week’s episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken, where we're getting real about healing the inner teen. After a brief hiatus due to personal loss I’m back, and it feels fitting to dive into something personal! This episode isn't just about looking back at our teenage selves with a mix of nostalgia and cringe; it's about understanding how those years have shaped us, acknowledging the pain, the confusion, and the moments of growth. In the episode I will compare healing the inner child to healing the inner teen, discussing how these phases impact us differently. The inner teen phase, with its identity crises, first heartbreaks, and quests for independence, requires a unique approach to healing. I’ll share some personal stories and explore signs that you might have unresolved issues from your teenage years and what you can do about it. From journaling reflective prompts like your relationship with authority or how peer pressure influenced you, to reconnecting with your teenage self through hobbies or music, we’re covering it all. And, of course, we’ll get a little witchy with it. Expect a spell or two to help embrace and heal your inner teen. If you’ve got thoughts, feelings, or just want to share your journey, hit me up on Instagram @SOTWWITHROWAN or shoot me an email at [email protected]. Let’s keep the conversation going. Stay witchy, bitchy, sassy, and classy. As promised in the episode, here are the journal prompts: Describing the Teenage Experience: What were your teen years like? Reflect on the general atmosphere of this time in your life, considering both the highs and the lows. Safety and Support: In what ways did you not feel safe or supported as a teen? Consider emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects. Coping Mechanisms: How did you handle your feelings about not feeling safe or supported? Reflect on both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms you might have adopted. False Self: What kind of "false self" did you have to develop as a result of your experiences? How did you present yourself to the world to protect your true feelings or to fit in? Relationship with Your Mother: What was your relationship with your mother (or primary caregiver) during your teen years? Consider both the positive aspects and the challenges. Influence of Peers: How did your friendships and peer relationships influence your perception of yourself during your teenage years? Dreams and Aspirations: What dreams or aspirations did you have as a teenager? Reflect on how these have changed or evolved over time. Inner Teenager in Adulthood: How is your inner teenager showing up in your life right now as an adult? Consider behaviors, reactions, fears, and dreams. Unmet Needs: What were the unmet needs of your teenage self? Reflect on emotional, physical, and social needs that were not addressed or fulfilled. Messages Received: What messages did you receive about your worth, your body, and your capabilities as a teen? How have these messages influenced your self-perception? Regrets and Forgiveness: Are there things you regret doing or not doing during your teen years? Explore the possibility of forgiving yourself and others. Lessons Learned: What important lessons did you learn during your teenage years? Consider how these lessons have shaped your adult life. Expression of Emotions: How did you express or suppress your emotions as a teenager? Reflect on the outlets you had or wished you had for emotional expression. Changes in Beliefs: How have your beliefs (about yourself, others, and the world) changed since your teen years? Letter to Your Teenage Self: Write a letter to your teenage self. What would you want to tell her? What advice, comfort, or warnings might you offer? Celebrating the Teenage Self: What aspects of your teenage self are you proud of? Reflect on the strengths and unique qualities you possessed, even in the midst of challenges.

Welcome to our next episode looking at ways to protect yourself over the holiday period. Episode Dedication: HighlySensitiveSoulPodcast If you'd like to show your love and leave a review, please head over to Apple Podcasts and share your thoughts. It helps the show immensely. Enforced Fun: The Holiday Struggle Now, onto the topic of enforced fun. Enforced fun is that special category of social events like birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and New Year's celebrations. These occasions demand not just your presence but also your participation in spreading joy, hugging, smiling, cheek kisses, laughter, and merriment. But let's be real; enforced fun isn't everyone's cup of tea. It might even make you sound like a Scrooge, but I have to admit, it's the one thing I dislike the most about the holiday season. Identifying Enforced Fun Your desire to attend: If you'd rather not be there, that's a clear indicator. We should normalize saying no to things that make us uncomfortable. Pressure to attend: Are you being coerced into going? Is there social pressure or judgment for not participating? Pre-planned: If it's an event that's meticulously planned weeks or months in advance, it's likely enforced fun. Uncomfortable small talk: Is there a lot of small talk and repetitive questions? That's a classic sign. Unwanted company: Are there people you'd rather avoid, like family members you don't get along with? Lack of joy: Simply put, if it doesn't bring you joy, it's enforced fun. Now that we've defined enforced fun, let's talk about how to navigate it, especially during the holiday season, in a way that's safe and respectful to yourself and others. Navigating Enforced Fun: Strategies Protection Magick: You can protect yourself with crystals like black tourmaline or obsidian. Visualize shields or barriers to block negative energy. Find Joy: Even in uncomfortable situations, find something that interests you, like helping with jobs or wearing bright colors to lift your mood. Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your limits, like specifying the time you'll spend at the event or taking breaks for yourself. Assertiveness: Be polite but firm when asserting your boundaries. Grounding: Connect with the earth's energy to stay centered and calm. Cleansing: Use herbs like sage or rosemary to cleanse your space before and after the event. Shadow Work: Reflect on past events that triggered discomfort and work on healing your inner child. Remember, enforcing boundaries and taking care of your mental well-being is essential during enforced fun events. It's not about being an butt hole, but rather ensuring you're in a healthy state of mind. For more tips and discussions, follow us me Instagram @SOTWWITHROWAN, and don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected].

Episode Dedication: A shoutout to Apple podcast reviewer “Mr. Fullbottom.” Episode Highlights: Historical Roots in Hinduism and Vedic Traditions: Exploration of mindfulness or "attentive awareness" in early Hindu scriptures. Discussion on Hinduism's evolution over 4,000 years and its religious traditions in Vedic writings. Introduction of concepts like dharma in Hinduism, and their significance in mindfulness. Paths in Hinduism and the Modern Interpretation of Yoga: Overview of different yogas in Hinduism, focusing on Jhana, Bhakti, Karma, and Raja yoga. Critique of Yoga's modern commercialisation, especially in the Western world. Mindfulness Beyond Emotional Management: Hinduism views mindfulness as a step towards higher states of consciousness. Contrast between spiritual mindfulness in Hinduism and the secular approach in modern practices. Buddhist Influence on Mindfulness: Impact of Buddhist teachings on mindfulness. The Buddha’s introduction of mindfulness as part of the Eightfold Path to enlightenment. Concerns about the dilution of mindfulness in contemporary society. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Western Adaptation of Mindfulness: Kabat-Zinn's role in popularising mindfulness in the West. Development of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Critique of mindfulness becoming a tool for stress management in capitalist societies. Personal Views on Mindfulness: I share my opinions on mindfulness being used to manage stress symptoms but not stressors. Discussion on mindfulness as a means of creating passive workers rather than addressing corporate issues. Benefits of Mindfulness: APA study findings on mindfulness reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Harvard Health's remarks on mindfulness enhancing brain efficiency and perception. Witchy Business Shoutout: Lucas Katz: Lucas Katz work in assisting LGBTQIA+ individuals through mindful coaching. Critical Mindfulness in Witchcraft and Paganism: Integration of mindfulness in witchcraft and pagan practices. Encouragement for a critical and attentive approach to mindfulness. Personal Experience with Mindfulness: An exploration of my journey through grief and mental health, and the role of mindfulness in my life. A call for embracing emotions and connecting with them mindfully. Mindful Activism Activity: A guided activity to connect mindfulness with nature and self-activism. Steps include choosing a natural setting, engaging senses, journaling, and setting activism intentions. Contact Info: @SOTWWITHROWAN on insta or email at [email protected].

Join me Rowan in the next installment of Straw-Man, where our stranded protagonist, Amir, finds himself in the home of Mr. Harvey Blackwater, the town's mayor, whose fatherly warmth masks an unsettling secret in the muffled cries upstairs. Meet our newest character, the enigmatic Ethan, a bohemian rebel with a charming smile, who is committed to distributing banned literature to quaint rural towns across America. As he and Amir cross paths under the shroud of Fairfield's mysteries, a connection forms that promises more than just shared secrets. But is Ethan hiding more than he cares to let on? Let me know what you think of this episode over of Instagram @SOTWwithRowan

Hellooo a big sassy to our first-ever Cauldron of Candor (COC) episode on Season of the Witch. We kick off with a heartfelt letter from Lost in Limbo, who's found themselves in a tangle with their fiancé after they moved to a small town away from family and friends. With a cauldron full of witchy wisdom to share, I will be exploring how to turn those heated debates into warm, easy laughs again.... hopefully - all while being a little witchy too. For links mentioned in the show see below: 1. Witchy Spiritual Stuff: How to Cast a Communication Spell for Improving Relationships 2. Backyard Banshee: Herbs for Love, Self-Love, Relationship Support and Attraction 3. GreenWitch: Harmony 4. Magic Spells and Potions: Spell Ritual To Improve Family Harmony 5. Llewellyn Worldwide: Spell: Promote harmony in Relationships and Spell: Family Harmony Ritual 6. Raven and Crone: Harmony, Peace, Inspiration Spells If you are interested in sending in your letters, you can do so by DMing me on insta of FB @SOTWwithRowan or you can email me at [email protected]

The Midnight Society Specials are back!! This time with episodic story-telling... Oooh how contemporary. For this spooky season I am sticking with the annual tradition of telling ghost stories with the new and original tale 'Straw-Man'. This story unveils the eerie adventure of Amir who, in a bid to secure essential funding for his flagging research, ventures into the isolated town of Fairfield to unearth the mysteries shrouding the unpublicized Straw-Man Festival. As a closeted gay man, he grapples with the town’s murky legacy and his own concealed sexuality, finding both solace and support in Ethan, the town’s devoted librarian covertly distributing banned literature. As their investigation begins to tug at the seams of the town’s tight-knit conservative community, Amir finds himself navigating the shadows of his identity amidst a town ensnared by fear and ancient secrets - all while balancing the thin line between the supernatural and a murderous reality. If you have Spotify, you can now interact with the story too making predictions about what you think might happen next.

Dive into a spine-chilling exploration of fear with me in this week’s episode of Season of the Witch - but not too deep, open water is gross. Journey through the evolutionary roots of fear, its epigenetic inheritance, and how our bodies react to it. Discover how media magnifies fear, the historical whirlwinds of mass hysteria, and the unique ways the witchy and LGBTQ+ communities navigate through fears. Plus, get introduced to the enchanting world of October Occult (@octoberoccult) candles in our new witchy business spotlight segment. Share your eerie or enlightening thoughts with me on socials at @sotwwithrowan or drop a spooky line at [email protected]. Happy Halloween, witches, and a Merry Samhain too! Now, go carve yourself a sexy pumpkin after tuning in. Episode Outline: I. Introduction A. Greetings: Warm Halloween and Samhain wishes from host Rowan B. Theme Introduction: Unveiling the episode's focus on exploring fear from multifaceted angles II. Evolutionary Exploration of Fear A. Survival Mechanisms: Delve into the evolutionary roots of fear B. Epigenetic Inheritance: Discussion on how fear responses may be inherited C. Physiological Responses: Understanding the body's reaction to fear III. Media’s Magnification of Fear A. Propagation of Fear: Analysis of how media amplifies fear B. Mass Hysteria Historical Instances: Uncovering events like the Dancing Plague of 1518 and the Satanic Panic IV. Witchy Remedies for Fear A. Community Practices: Exploration of witchy community's tactics for managing fear B. Personal Rituals: Sharing rituals for releasing or binding fears V. Community Spotlight A. Witchy Business Segment Introduction: Launching a new segment to promote witchy businesses B. October Occult Spotlight: Featuring October Occult candles by Hayley May VI. Intersection of LGBTQ+ Community and Horror Genre A. Unique Relationship: Discussing the LGBTQ+ community’s connection with the horror genre B. Historical and Representational Insights: Delving into the historical resonance and representation in horror narratives VII. Fascination with Fear A. Fear Enjoyment Exploration: Understanding the allure of fear and its biochemical reactions

Hello my sassy witches and a warm welcome back to another episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken. This week, we voyage into rites of passage and transformational journeys, shedding light on transitions, trauma and much more. Unseen Transitions: I delve into the unnoticed transitions of life, painting a contrast with celebrated milestones like graduations, and unravel a yearning for rites of passage. Quest for Purpose: We’ll explore the allure of quests and primal urge to seek purpose, journeying through diverse cultural practices like the Vision Quest of certain indigenous cultures, while reflecting on modern-day quests in the Western realm. Unveiling the Cauldron of Candor: Before we step onto today’s enchanted path, I unveil a new segment, Cauldron of Candor, a sassy, witchy alcove for pondering life’s riddles. Send in your musings to have them discussed. You can do that over on Instagram @sotwwithrowan or via email ([email protected]). Make sure to have Cauldron of Candor (COC) in the subject line. Tales of Transformational Treks: Through a tapestry of personal narrative, I recount a transformative venture on the West Highland Way, intertwining threads of parenthood, personal tribulations, and the elusive quest for answers amidst the tranquil yet voiceless Scottish vistas. Mystique of the Mountains: Diving into my introspective voyage, we’ll explore how the mountains may magnify, rather than mollify, personal traumas, and how the quest for transformation often circles back to the mundane realms of daily existence. Illusion of Transformation: I reflect on the glorified perception of trailhead transformations and the realisation that sometimes the journey doesn’t morph us; it merely escorts us to the next threshold, urging an appreciation for the small, unnoticed steps amidst the grandiose quest for purpose. Redefining Rites of Passage: We’ll unearth alternative avenues to self-discovery and transformation that don’t demand grand gestures or epic quests. I encourage a recognition of our daily slog, the unnoticed trails we navigate every day, emphasising that perhaps, the real adventure is the one we embark upon each day amidst the mundane.

Greetings to all mystical minds, it's your favourite sassy host, Rowan from Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken! I’m here with some news; brace yourselves for the unveiling of COC!! Yes, the Cauldron of Candor - a bewitching podcast series that will simmer alongside our regular brew. This new concoction promises to serve you the richest blend of hot tea, infused with all the truths you maybe didn't ask for and perhaps the odd spell or two. Cauldron of Candor is not just a podcast, it's a sanctuary where your quandaries meet quirky, with a generous dollop of sass and class. Imagine a sassy agony aunt, dishing out the heartiest brew of advice; it's about embracing the raw, the real, and sometimes the spiritual, in a haven brimming with candid charisma. Facing a crossroads in life? Tackling a tyrant of a boss? Or battling the clouds of self-doubt? Fear not - you just need COC. Here's your chance to stir the Cauldron of Candor! Pen down your dilemmas and email them to [email protected], or slide into my DMs on Instagram at SOTWWITHROWAN. Ensure to spell out Cauldron of Candor or simply COC in the subject line or title of your message. And fret not, your identity can remain veiled in mystery, just specify your preference - remember, it will be read out.

Join me Rowan Oaken, the Bob Ross of Hocus Pocus, in this week’s episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken. Here's a cauldron full of what we have brewing in this episode: Unveiling the Unseen: Catching up on where the show’s been, Tess’s new adventures, and a sneak peek into Rowan’s mystical yet mundane life. The Veil of Grief: As Samhain approaches, the veil between worlds thins, stirring emotions and memories of the dearly departed. We delve into Rowan’s personal journey through losing a loved one and how it intertwines with the witchy ways of grieving. Grief Through a Western Window: We'll dissect how societal norms, rooted in Christian traditions, have shaped our approach to mourning. How has the modern world boxed up grief and what can we, as practitioners of the old ways, learn from this? The Grief Order: Walking through the Elizabeth Kubler Ross model, we unfold the stages of grief, exploring how each phase has its own magical essence and how Rowan crafted a personal mourning ritual to process and honor these emotions. Grieving the Living and the Life: Grief isn't always about death. We'll explore how transitions, even the seasonal shift into autumn, can stir the cauldron of loss and how to magically maneuver through these moments. Rituals of Remembrance and Release: For the loved ones lost but forever in our hearts: Cooking a meal, setting up an altar, creating an outdoor sacred space, and inviting them to dine with us in spirit. For severing ties: Engaging in rituals with string, cord, or ivy to cut the energetic cords, setting boundaries with the aid of hawthorn, and penning letters to release the old bonds. We'll also touch on the soothing powers of moonstone for emotional healing. Closing the Circle: We'll wrap up our mystical journey through grief, shedding light on how embracing and processing our sorrow can foster a deeper connection to ourselves, the spirit realm, and the ever-turning wheel of life.