87: Mother of Modern Tarot - Pamela Coleman Smith

In this festive and thought-provoking episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle unwrap "The Good, the Bad, and a Yule Ghost Story" to bring a mix of holiday cheer, real-world reflections, and spooky seasonal vibes to your listening ears.First, the good! The witches are over the moon to share their delight at receiving heartfelt Yule cards from listeners at their new post office box. Your warm words and magical blessings have filled them with seasonal gratitude and the joy of connection. Then, the bad: they dive into two troubling stories of religious discrimination involving witches, sparking a candid discussion about the challenges faced by modern practitioners and the resilience of the magical community in the face of prejudice.Finally, we end with a hauntingly beautiful Yule ghost story straight from Massachusetts. A chilling Lady in White legend, who wanders the Winter Solstice night with an air of mystery and a connection to the season’s darker, quieter magic.So grab a warm drink, light the Yule log, and settle in as Laylla and Chelle take you through an episode filled with joy, justice, and just the right amount of ghostly wonder. Blessed Winter Solstice and happy Yule!The invocation from HP Amy Hardy-McAdams at the city council meeting:As a Priestess of the Goddess, I invoke the Gorgonaea, champions of equality and sacred rage. I call to Medusa, monstrous hero of the oppressed and abused. I open the Eye of Medusa, the stare that petrifies injustice.I call upon the serpent that rises from this land to face the Stars, the movement of wisdom unbound.May these leaders find within themselves the Embodied Divine, the sacred essence of the spark of the Universe and the breath of the Awen.Place in the hands of these leaders the sacred work of protecting the sovereignty and autonomy of all our people.Gorgon Goddess, make them ready and willing to be champions for all in this city, not just those in power.Shine a light for them, that they may walk the path of justice, protected and prepared, illuminating the darkness.Endow them with the fire of courage, the waters of compassion, the air of truth, and the strength of the earth itself.As Above, so below.As within, so without.As the universe, so the soul.May there be peace among you all.And so it is.Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

The longest night of the year is upon us, and the witches of Back on the Broomstick are here to guide you through the magic of Yule and Winter Solstice traditions! In this festive and witchy episode, Laylla and Chelle celebrate the season of light returning by sharing their favorite Solstice practices, cozy rituals, and ways to infuse your home and winter celebrations with magic.Learn about the ancient Nordic practice of Sunwait, where witches honor the sun’s slow return leading up to Yule. Get inspired by Laylla's beautiful Solstice Candle Ritual, a simple yet powerful way to embrace the light even on the darkest night.Stir up some seasonal enchantment with simmer pots to fill your home with warmth, abundance, and protection. And head off into the shadowy world of Christmas Cryptids, like the Icelandic Yule Cat and Krampus, to uncover the darker, mischievous side of holiday lore.Whether you're lighting candles, honoring the cycles of the sun, or simply looking for ways to add a little witchy sparkle to your winter, this episode has everything you need to make your Solstice season magical, meaningful, and just the right amount of spooky.Join us as we embrace the coziness of Yule, connect with ancient traditions, and celebrate the return of the light. Merry Solstice and Blessed Yule!Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

This week, the witches of Back on the Broomstick welcome a true Tarot powerhouse: Brigit Esselmont, the founder of the website Biddy Tarot and author of best-sellers like Everyday Tarot and The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings and her newest book Intuitive Manifesting: Align with Your Inner Wisdom and Attract Your Dream Life. With over 25 years of experience and millions of readers worldwide, Brigit has redefined what it means to work with Tarot as a modern, intuitive tool for empowerment and transformation.In this episode, the witches and Brigit dive deep into the transformative potential of Tarot, discussing how to trust your intuition, put Tarot readings into meaningful action, and embrace the wisdom of the cards (including reversals!). Brigit shares her unique perspective on reversals, explaining how upright cards reflect what we present outwardly, while reversed cards reveal private, internal processes and personal growth.More than just a predictive tool, Brigit teaches how Tarot can be a guide to manifesting the life you desire, connecting with your higher self, and creating revolutionary change both personally and collectively.Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, this episode is filled with practical insights, empowering advice, and inspiration to use Tarot as a sacred ally in your everyday life.Tune in and discover how Tarot can help you trust yourself, align with your purpose, and live your fullest potential. Don’t miss it!Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Forging the Bonds of Community With A day of Online Workshops! Upcoming Fundraiser! Proceeds Benefiting Hurricane Helene Relief of Western NCPlus more prerecorded workshops from some of the best available!Details and tickets HEREIn this special Back on the Broomstick Solarium episode, the witches welcome Sam 'Bo' Thompson, the chief tea slinger from The Grove Teas he owns with his beloved, and author of Metal Never Lies: An Introduction to Metal Magic, for a warm and magical conversation that will have you enchanted from start to finish. As the tea is poured (with all the intention of a carefully crafted tea magick spell!) and the cauldron of stories bubbles, Sam takes us on a journey into the ancient and mystical art of blacksmithing. Together, the witches and Sam explore the magickal properties of metal, the transformative power of the forge, and how these elements weave into working with The Morrigan, goddess of  sovereignty, transformation, and so much more than war.From the alchemy of crafting metal to the spiritual energy imbued in every cup of tea, this episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and magick. Whether you're a metalworker, a tea-lover fascinated by the subtle magick of brewing and blending, or just someone seeking inspiration and warmth, this episode will feel like sitting by the fire with friends. So brew yourself a cup of something cozy and join us for this enchanting solarium chat—you won't want to miss it!*This episode was lightly edited for time and clarityGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

The holiday season is here, and in this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle explore the magick of gratitude while sharing spells to keep Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings harmonious. The witches discuss how practicing gratitude can shift your energy, enhance your spellwork, and create a peaceful atmosphere at home during what can often be a stressful time.Our witchy hosts also share spells and magickal tips to ensure holiday dinners run smoothly. Including Lilith Dorsey’s “Sweet Not Sour Lemon Spell” to keep the feast table festive; and Laylla’s “Time-Out Box Spell”, a variation on a mirror box spell designed to keep a problematic guest’s negative vibes contained during holiday gatherings. This discreet spell uses a small decorative box and aluminum foil to reflect and neutralize bad energy, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt the harmony of the event. Best of all, it’s easy to hide in plain sight, blending seamlessly into your holiday décor while working its magick! Whether you’re navigating challenging family dynamics, trying to infuse your home with calm vibes, or just want to keep your own energy grounded, this episode has plenty of practical spells and tips to help you sail through the season with grace, magick, and (hopefully!) your serenity intact!Don't forget! If you mail us a Yule or holiday card to our PO box, we will send you a card back!Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

In this raw and heartfelt episode, the witches of Back on the Broomstick discuss the difficult emotions all of us face at some point in our lives - disappointment, grief, and sadness. As practitioners of the magickal arts, how do we transform this heavy energy into something empowering? The discussion explores both mundane and magickal approaches, with Laylla sharing a candle spell and a dark moon ritual to help process these challenging feelings.Also in this episode, learn what a "fuck you" ring is and why you might want to charm one for a little extra protection and confidence boost. The witches also reveal three powerful goddesses you can call upon when you need to reclaim your power in the midst of grief and move forward.Whether you're a seasoned witch or just starting your spiritual journey, this episode of Back on the Broomstick offers a safe space to explore the shadowy aspects of the human experience. Walk away with concrete magickal tools and a deeper understanding of how to transmute darkness into light.Send mail to:Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, Chelle and Laylla dive into the art of divination for the dark half of the year. As Samhain fades and the veil is still thin, it’s the perfect time to look ahead at what the months between now and Beltane might hold. Inspired by Chelle’s new charm collection, they explore the fascinating world of charm casting—an ancient form of divination that’s experiencing a magical revival. They chat about how to curate your own set of charms, interpret each one’s unique symbolism, and even how to combine charms with tarot for layered readings. To wrap up the episode, the witches perform a personal reading for each other, setting intentions and gaining insight to carry them through winter into spring. Join them for an enchanting journey of intuition, inspiration, and preparing for the dark months ahead.Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

Laylla and Chelle honor the life and legacy of Pamela Colman Smith, the brilliant artist behind the iconic Rider-Waite-Smith (or what Laylla calls the Smith-Waite) tarot deck. Overlooked until recently, Pamela’s work has influenced countless readers and seekers for over a century, yet her story remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue.Join the witches as they delve into Pamela’s life as a (possibly) queer, (possibly) mixed-race artist and occultist, her connections with the Golden Dawn, and the fascinating symbolism she infused into each card. They’ll explore how Pamela’s vision transformed tarot into a visual language that continues to inspire modern witchcraft and divination.Tune in as they celebrate this powerful ancestress and unsung hero of tarot, uncovering the artistry, spirit, and intuition she brought to her craft—and why she deserves a place of honor in the hearts of all who read the cards. This episode is a beautiful blend of history, homage, and magic, perfect for connecting with the spirit of an artist who forever changed the world of tarot.Got a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

As a special Throwback Thursday surprise for Samhain, we’re bringing back one of our favorite "Stoned Witches Hour" Wheel of the Year episodes to get you in the Halloween spirit! The third harvest is upon us, and in this timeless episode, Laylla and Chelle dive into the magic and mystery of Samhain, the witch’s New Year, that liminal space when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest.Join the witches as they explore the traditions, symbols, and sacred practices that define this high holiday. From honoring ancestors and setting up altars to the playful origins of trick-or-treating, they unpack the customs that make Samhain both a time of reverence and celebration. As Laylla and Chelle share their favorite ways to welcome the spirits of the beloved dead and ward off trickster entities, you'll hear why this season is a powerful period for transformation, remembrance, and, of course, a little spooky fun.Whether it’s feasting, leaving offerings of food and sweets, or simply lighting candles to honor those who have passed, the witches reveal how they make the most of this season’s magical energy. Pour yourself some cider, light a candle, and tune in as Laylla and Chelle share their favorite rituals, insights, and festive Halloween traditions for a Samhain celebration to remember.*The Samhain Tarot readings have all been claimed! If you'd like to be eligible for surprise future readings, videos, and other offerings - consider signing up to sponsor the show! Link belowGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website

In this episode of The Solarium, Laylla & Chelle review a couple of dark, scratch art decks and a whole bunch of books about our favorite Goddess of the Crossroads, Hecate.They explore The Wanderer's Tarot by Casey Zabala and The Untamed Spirit Animal Oracle: Wisdom from the Wild Within by Francesca Matteoni, illustrated by Rocco Lombardi. On the book front, they discuss Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness to Wholeness and Entering Hekate's Garden: The Magick, Medicine & Mystery of Plant Spirit Witchcraft by Cyndi Brannen, Hekate: Goddess of Witches by Courtney Weber, and Year of the Dark Goddess: A Journey of Ritual, Renewal & Rebirth by Lara Vesta. Which magical resources will earn the coveted Five Brooms Up? And which ones just didn't light their cauldrons? Grab your familiar, pull out the black candles, and join us at the crossroads to find out!Many thanks to Red Wheel Weiser for providing the books and decksGot a question? Send the witches a message here!Support the showWant to send us a letter? Witchy things to review?We have a mailing address!Back on the BroomstickPO Box 106Salem MA 01970Email: [email protected] FacebookInstagramBack on the Broomstick Website