Back on the Broomstick

10/12/2024

Laylla 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.

https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/78ae1feb/83-those-who-are-remembered-live-with-rev-laura-gonzalez

10/04/2024

Join us this week as we reconnect with old friend/mentor/ghost hunter/all out Goddess Witch - Alonnie!

A regionally known psychic/medium from upstate New York for over 30 years!
As well as a member of the clergy and a priestess, a teacher and lecturer and a paranormal investigator & researcher

You can find her online at

FB: Alonnie • Phychic Medium
Www.Alonnie.com

https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/811e6af6/82-ghost-hunting-dos-and-donts-with-psychic-medium-alonnie-phoenix

10/02/2024

Happy October, witchy people! We stole this from Amy Blackthorn, but as far as we can tell it was originally posted on Threads by . If you know where it came from let us know! And if you have a pumpkin patch that offers tats and spooky rituals, let us know that too!! 🎃😄

09/25/2024

Mini-Episode Alert: "Never Again the Burning" by Gale Perrigo Hamby

Hey witches, pagans, heathens, and magickal souls! We have a special treat for you as we approach Samhain!

Years ago, Laylla first encountered a powerful poem in an old Green Egg magazine that brought her to tears. Through a series of magickal coincidences, she later found herself in the same pagan group as the author. Now, we're honored to share this piece with you.

Join Chelle and Laylla for a dramatic reading of "Never Again the Burning" by Gale Perrigo Hamby. This haunting work serves as a stark reminder that religious intolerance and ignorance can have deadly consequences. We must stand together to ensure we never return to those dark times.

As the veil thins, let us conjure the perfect Samhain atmosphere for you with this heart-wrenching, soul-stirring experience.

Listen here or on your favorite podcast app!
https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/79c9a83b/never-again-the-burning-by-gale-perrigo-hamby

Get Gale's Book The Fourth Face of The Goddess https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Face-Goddess-Perrigo-Hamby/dp/1490508309

09/24/2024

I'm calling this pic "Equinox shopping at Laylla's house " 🤣🤣🤣
No for real....I left with a half a bag of her yard 😁🧙‍♀️🌻🌿🌱🍁🍃

09/22/2024

Happy Fall Equinox (or Harvest Home or Mabon or Spring Equinox!)

Here is our Fall Equinox Spread introduced by Chelle in our 2024 Mabon episode, using Laylla's Harvest Home Magpie Deck

In this spread you will group the cards as such:

1 & 2 (Water) This shows where you are emotionally with the work that needs to be done before the dark half of the year really gets under way,

3 & 4 (earth) these are the energies that you need to bring in or grow for that balance and harmony, that can keep you rooted in reality as the veils become thinner

5 & 6 (air) these cards represent the whispers of your wildest desires, your dreams for the future that you've put out to the universe. Go big or go home, what is the plan?

7 & 8 (fire) are your action items, the things you keep putting off or haven't started yet that are vital to keep the momentum and passion bright through the darkest parts of the year

S - This spread can have (but doesn't need) a significator, we added one here but it is a personal preference. It can be put down first or last, chosen or random.

09/22/2024

Chelle 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!

https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/82164c3a/80-plant-magic-and-potent-spells-a-witchy-chat-with-amy-blackthorn

09/21/2024

Chelle and Laylla chat about the 3 most popular monthly witchy subscription boxes. Special guest Morgan, the creator of Inked Goddess Creations, joins them 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.

The witches discuss the pros and cons of subscription boxes and which they would or wouldn't buy again!

Listen here or wherever you get your pods! https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/7a3235b7/solarium-viii-witchy-subscription-boxes-with-morgan-from-inked-goddess-creations

09/21/2024

The Witches are in Upstate!!!
Enjoying the day at the fabulous CNY Pagan Pride Day

We have had a great day so far meeting so many listeners in the wild!!!!!
We were blessed with a few gifts from listeners and we will totally chat about that soon Happy Equinox and Pagan Pride Day!

edited to add: Laylla on your left, Chelle the tall one on the right

09/19/2024

As we swing into full on spooky season it's also a time to remember the innocent people who were falsely accused of, and executed for, witchcraft. This includes my fave, Giles Corey. Giles was a man who, although by all accounts kind of a sh*tty human, showed remarkable courage in the face of injustice. Arrested on April 18, 1692, during the Salem Witch Trials, not because he was an as***le, (or maybe he was!) but because he allegedly practiced sorcery and asked someone to sign his “book.”

What really stands out to me about Giles is his steadfast refusal to enter a plea because he knew the court was corrupt. On September 17th, after months in jail, he was subjected to the brutal torture of being pressed with heavy stones for staying silent rather than plead guilty or innocent; a horrific method designed to force a confession. But instead of giving in, he famously demanded "More weight," refusing to surrender his integrity even in his final moments. He died after 2 days of torture, staying defiant to the end. Some say his courage was a main cause of the townspeople beginning to question the reliability of the witch trials.

Giles Corey’s defiance preserved his estate, ensuring it went to his family instead of being seized by the government. Local legend even says his spirit still roams Salem, warning of disasters to come and holding a curse against the Sheriffs. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression, no matter the cost.

Photo by Laylla at the Salem Witch Trials Memorial
https://salemwitchmuseum.com/locations/witch-trials-memorial/

09/17/2024

The Harvest Moon is hitting peak fullness at 10:34 PM EDT September 17th. Before we slide into pumpkin spice season, let's get our magical selves in balance.

Find a leaf (or bark, whatever floats your broomstick) and write on it something you're craving more of in your life. On another, jot down the crap you're so over. Then, channel your inner energy and burn them (safely, mindfully, witchily). Focus on finding balance in the coming season.

09/16/2024

Happy (almost) Autumnm Equinox, witchy friends! 🍁
As we prepare to celebrate the first official day of fall, Chelle has issued a fun challenge! Gather items from your yard to use on your Mabon altar! What natural treasures will you find to honor the season?

Birch bark makes excellent spell paper! Plus, its natural properties enhance communication and new beginnings
Thistledown is perfect for protection spells and hex breaking
Asters bring love and good luck
Pinecones have so many meanings! Spiritual awakening, health, fertility, protection, prosperity, even eternal life or rebirth!

What will you be using in your Mabon celebrations? Share in the comments!

episode 79 out everywhere
https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/7b1d6fca/79-friday-the-13th-spells-a-little-mabon-magick-and-a-fall-equinox-challenge

09/11/2024

In our latest episode, Laylla & Chelle talk candle magic (again)!
We mentioned money bowls and "dressed" candles or "dressing" candles.

Do YOU dress your candles? Do you put herbs and stones in jar candles? If so, what do you use?

Everyone have their money bowls lit?

What candle magic are you working?

https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/7cb94aa9/78-candle-magick-ii

09/03/2024

Missed your cinnamon spell on the 1st? No worries! The new moon on September 2nd is the beginning of the perfect time to bring in those positive vibes. The energies of a waxing moon are growth, accumulation, abundance, and success.

So hang a fresh cinnamon broom over your doorway or do your cinnamon blow for abundance any time between September 2nd and the full moon on the 17th. The waxing moon is your ally for increasing prosperity and household blessings. 🌿🍂

08/30/2024

So on today's episode, Laylla & Chelle answer listener questions and they touch on "fake" tarot decks.

Chelle happened to accidentally buy a fake, not realizing she actually already owned a legit copy!
(That's what happens when you have hundreds 🤣)

So here are some comparison pics. The larger cards are the legit deck.

In this episode Chelle offered to mail the unauthorized copy to anyone who wanted it - knowing it was not karmiclly legit (is that a thing?)
We received a message and the deck will be mailed to its new home shortly.
For more on our options on this and other things....check out today's episode!!!
https://www.backonthebroomstick.com/podcast/episode/7e9be6d7/77-witches-answer-your-burning-questions
Keep it witchy 🧙‍♀️

08/28/2024

Tis' the season to get back on the saddle! As a reminder ...it's just us two! No staff, no tech crew, no email responders ... just us LOL

After a fun filled summer, we are catching up on correspondences.

Let's all get ready for spooky season! 🧙‍♀️

08/20/2024

On this day in History...
Interesting (and sad) fact, Rev Burroughs who was the first to be executed recited the Lord's Prayer flawlessly, a feat supposedly not able to be done by witches, and still Cotton Mather declared Burroughs was probably a witch anyway and the executions should proceed. And so all 5 accused witches were killed

08/18/2024

The Ancestral Answers 5 Card Spread, a way to connect with your ancestors and receive their guidance. I'm using The Beloved Dead oracle from Carrie Paris & Tina Hardt, but any tarot deck or oracle will work.

1 - Root: Your ancestral connection
2 - Left Branch: Wisdom from the past
3 - Right Branch: Timely future message
4 - Body: Main ancestral lesson
The Crown: Honoring your lineage

This spread is for anyone seeking to tap into their family's spiritual legacy. Uncover inherited traits, receive timely advice, request wisdom and guidance from your ancestors.

Try it out and let us know what insights you receive!

08/16/2024

Join Laylla & Chelle as they chat with Welsh witch Mhara Starling! Dive into the magical world of Welsh witchcraft, exploring animism, sacred places, and fairy lore. Learn about Hagstones, broomsticks, and the power of true names.

Mhara shares her unique perspective as a Folk Witch and her connection to Welsh deities. Don't miss this enchanting journey through ancient wisdom and modern practice!

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

08/15/2024

The witches welcome Davezilla on episode 75 of "Back on the Broomstick"! We discuss what we love (and what we have a few questions about!!) his fascinating new deck, "Tarot of the Unexplained". We chat about magic, art, and things that go bump in the night! From the corporate world to cryptid research, Davezilla's journey is truly one-of-a-kind!

Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

We're curious; have you ever had a paranormal experience? Seen a ghost? A UFO? A crytptid?!? 👻

08/13/2024

Today, August 13th, marks the Feast of Hecate, a modern 3 day holiday inspired by ancient traditions. This celebration honors Hecate, the goddess of witches, magic, crossroads, and the night. Interestingly, it may have roots in an older Roman festival dedicated to Diana, who some scholars believe was a manifestation of Hecate.

To celebrate the Feast of Hecate, create a small altar with items associated with Her like black candles, keys, dogs, dark moon imagery, and crossroads symbols. Divination practices, especially those involving the moon or shadows, are appropriate as well. I like to do water scrying by candlelight because torches are symbols of Hecate, but any form of divination you prefer will work just as well.

Another way to celebrate is to have friends over to create "Hecate's Torches" or Hags Candles from Mullein stalks. After the crafts, have a dinner party featuring garlic heavy dishes and something delectable with dark chocolate and pomegranate for dessert.

Pomegranates are associated with Hecate through Her connection to Persephone. In Greek mythology, Persephone eating pomegranate seeds is what bound her to Hades for part of each year. During Persephone's annual descent, Hecate serves as her torch-bearing guide and protector as a favor to Her bestie, Demeter. To me, this links the pomegranate symbolically to Hecate's mastery of liminal spaces, the underworld, and as a guide and guardian.

Create a "torch" by rolling a joint with herbs sacred to Hecate and enjoy in sacred space or at a crossroads. Laylla's Hecate blend is cannabis, mullein (as representation of graveyard or crossroads dirt), mugwort, and lavender.

End your celebration by leaving food from dinner (or wine, honey, or garlic) at your altar or a (safe!) crossroads.

Hail Hecate!

08/01/2024

Happy Lughanasadh! Today we celebrate the festival of first harvest. May your days be filled with abundance, joy, and gratitude! Take a moment to honor the turning of the seasons and the bountiful gifts of nature. Whether you're baking bread, lighting candles, or simply enjoying the warmth of the sun, this day reminds us of the cycle of growth and renewal.

07/19/2024

Hey witches, pagans, heathens, and magickal souls! Interested in live radio shows from a pagan festival? I’m at Brushwood Folklore Center for their Sankofa and Sirius Rising Festivals. Starting 7/19 we will have live DJs broadcasting music and shows direct from the festivals! I have radio slots on Saturday 10am-12-pm “The Fools Journey Through Music” and Monday 7/22 3pm-5pm “The Paranormal Radio Show”.

Check out all the shows and streaming music at this link!

Brushwood Radio celebrates the sanctuary of the open mind by celebrating the pagan community and is the official radio station for Sirius Rising.

07/14/2024

Be safe this festival season