Entertainment Archives - Otherworldly Oracle

Witchy Podcasts: 10 Favorites on Paganism, Myth, Lore and Magick

kitty fields — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 03:46:02 +0000

Recently, I realized I was running out of music. You read that right. I am in the car at least 2 hours and 30 minutes daily. That’s a lot of music over time. SO, I started listening to podcasts. What I found is that there truly aren’t many that are authentic and interesting enough to hold my attention. However, I did indeed discover some diamonds in the rough. If you’re looking for witchy and pagan podcasts, you’ve come to the right place. Witchy and Pagan Podcasts on Magick and Spirituality If you’re specifically looking for witchcraft podcasts produced and published by acclaimed modern witches, here are three of our favorites. Note: we may be partial to two of the suggestions, as they are produced by Burning HallOWS Productions (aka Otherworldly Oracle and Wayfaring Witch). BUT we think you should at least give us a try. Wink. Wink. 1. Hippie Witch Joanna DeVoe has been writing and producing the Hippie Witch podcast for years…long before podcasting was even a legit thing. So, in my opinion, she is truly one of the witchy podcast pioneers. Her energetic spirit and open-mindedness makes her a unique and powerful force. Her show is worth listening to – not just for her quirky anecdotes and knowledge but also for the amazing folks she interviews in the spiritual community. Some of her recent episodes include Finding Purpose in a Daily Practice, Everyday Magick with author Deborah Blake, and An It Harm None with Casey Giovinco. 2. Otherworldly Oracle Official Podcast Okay, people. This is going to be our shameless plug. We officially ended Season 3 of the Otherworldly Oracle Official Podcast and couldn’t be happier with our listeners! If you like learning about witchcraft, witchy lore, mythology, and all things magick, check out our podcast on your preferred podcast app. We are on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and RadioBreak (to name a few). Here’s a few of the topics we’ve covered in Season 3: Banshees and Celtic Fairy Queens, Divination Study Tips, Witchy Self Care, and Mythology Across Cultures. Listen to one of our episodes here: 3. Mimir’s Well Podcast Mimir’s Well is a Burning HallOWS Production and sister podcast to the Otherworldly Oracle Official. With ONE glaring difference – witchy co-hosts Allorah Rayne and Kitty Fields don’t hold much back in this show. They cover mostly taboo and controversial topics in the witchy and pagan communities including Closed Vs. Open Practices, The Dark Side of Yule, and even The Dangers of Cults. Not suitable for children or for work. But perfect for authentic wild witches. Find Mimir’s Well Podcast on your podcast app or check it out on Allorah’s website here. 4. Rune Soup Probably the only true “pagan” podcast I listen to regularly is Rune Soup with host Gordon White. His shows are never boring and the content is almost always unique! What other podcast have you listened to that talks about tarot deck creation, Bigfoot, cancel culture AND curses from outer space? Gordon is knowledgeable and an eloquent interviewer. Plus he brings on some very intriguing guests. And I love his trademark question, “were you a weird kid?” Find his podcast on most podcast apps or on his website (where he also has a prolific blog on all things magical and pagan). Witchy Podcasts: Our Favorites on Folklore While most of these podcast hosts and creators might not consider themselves witches or their shows “witchy” necessarily, we find folklore and dark taboo history to be PERFECT to satisfy our witchy podcast craving. I don’t know about you, but much of my magical practice centers around folklore and fairy tales. Whether this is you or not, you’ll enjoy listening to these for their educational factor. 5. The Midnight Library My teenager and I have been addicted to this witchy podcast for the past few weeks. Again, while not necessarily a “witchcraft show”, the folklore and dark history presented in these fifteen to thirty minute episodes will satisfy your auditory yearnings. I found this podcast on Spotify, but it’s also on Apple and other apps too. A few of the topics covered in this delightfully dark, entertaining show: Dracula, Poison Gardens, Haunted Castles, Cursed Ancient Books, Krampus and more! Seriously, I’m addicted to this one. 6. Lore From their Spotify description, “Lore is a bi-weekly podcast as well as a TV show and book series about dark historical tales. Each episode explores the mysterious creatures, tragic events, and unusual places that fill the pages of history.” This is also not a show that’s necessarily good for young children. You can find their TV show on Amazon prime. Some of my favorite topics discussed include The Tale of Bridget Cleary, The Jersey Devil, and other superstitions and terrifying tales. Mythology Podcasts If your spiritual practice involves god pantheons OR you just enjoy a good myth, add these pagan mythology podcasts to your list! 7. Mythology by Parcast While this podcast is admittedly rather rehearsed and sometimes over-dramatized, I have found myself enjoying more than one episode. Namely, I enjoyed the episodes on Odin’s Quest and Ra’s Story. The myths alone are powerful enough to keep you coming back for more. Again, this isn’t a true pagan podcast, but it’s helpful for pagans who honor certain gods and goddesses or who just want to learn about mythology in general. Find this one on Spotify. 8. Nordic Mythology This is a podcast I just started listening to. So far it’s pretty darn good. Norse pagans and heathens alike should try out Nordic Mythology with Daniel Farrand and Matthias Nordvig. Matthias Nordvig has his doctorate in Nordic studies from the University of Colorado and Daniel Farrand is the co-owner of the Horns of Odin. In this exciting podcast, these two have a chat about all things from the Viking Age and, obviously, Norse mythology. Find them on all major podcast applications. More On Entertainment: Pagan Music: Our Top 25+ Favorites Our Top 10 Witch Blogs on the Net The […]

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Pagan Music: Our Top 25+ Favorite Songs for Heathens and Witches

kitty fields — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 19:47:08 +0000

When someone asks for the best pagan music, what comes to your mind? For me, it can be a variety of genres, bands, and songs. However, I think it comes down to the vibe and lyrics, and the reason the music was made to begin with. The artists’ intention is what makes it truly pagan. And while many of these musicians may not claim their paganism out loud, a heathen at heart feels the spirituality in each drumbeat, each horn blast, each enchanting lyric sung. Without further adieu, here is our favorite pagan music (in no particular order). Norse, Celtic and Germanic Pagan Music 1. In Maidjan by Heilung Heilung is definitely one of my top favorite pagan music bands. I admit, the first time I listened to Heilung I was a bit put-off. However, the longer I listened the more I felt myself drawn in. Their music is unlike anything else you’ll hear. They call their music “amplified history”…and it truly is. In Maidjan is one of their best songs, in my opinion, featuring a Norse war motif. Not to mention, the runic chant in the middle of the song that literally puts me into another world. 2. Kvitravn by Wardruna I’d venture to say Wardruna is probably the most popular pagan music band today. Their songs have been featured on TV shows like Vikings and in the popular video game Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Enchanting and powerful lyrics, drumbeats and music inspired by ancient Norse and Nordic traditions, Wardruna is one band you need on your pagan playlists. Kvitravn, meaning White Raven, is one of their newer tunes and one that will transport you through the nine realms. 3. Temple of Odin by Danheim Personally, I don’t think Danheim gets enough credit. I adore his music. Particularly the song Temple of Odin. One night, I danced in a trance in my kitchen (while cooking LOL) while listening to this song. You may notice in the beginning a woodpecker’s knocking. I danced in honor of Odin. The next day, two woodpeckers graced me with their presence during my walk – one large pileated woodpecker and one small woodpecker on the roof of my house. It’s a magical song, folks. 4. Alfadhirhaiti by Heilung If you’re a child of Odin, Heilung’s Alfadhirhaiti will quickly become one of your played-out songs. The Allfather has many names, and Heilung does a wonderful job of expressing at least a dozen of those names in this song. After all, Alfadhirhaiti means “the names of the Allfather”. This pagan music is perfect for ritual, meditation and invoking the Runemaster. 5. Wolf Blood by Adrian Von Ziegler If you’re into Celtic flutes and fierce drums, you might love Adrian Von Ziegler’s music. Wolf Blood is a pleasant combination of ferocity and magic. I keep this song on my playlist for Odin and on my pagan music playlist. It pulls up emotions of long-gone heroic battles and is great for working with Celtic and/or Germanic ancestors in protection rituals. 6. Valhalla Rising by Nytt Land Don’t pass up a chance to listen to Nytt Land’s tunes. Valhalla Rising graces the playlist that I’ve built for Odin and won’t be leaving any time soon. 7. Helvegen by Wardruna There’s no other pagan song that makes me cry like Helvegen. Written by Einar Kvitrafn Selvik of the popular pagan band Wardruna, Helvegen is referred to as an Old Norse funeral song or death song. But don’t let that deter you from listening. While that might sound off-putting to some, it’s actually a beautiful concept: of singing to those who are on their deathbed to help ease their transition to the afterlife. And if Wardruna’s version doesn’t do it for you, check out Kalandra’s haunting version of Helvegen and tell me you don’t love this pagan music. 8. The Mystic’s Dream by Loreena McKennitt We’ve talked a lot about Norse pagan music so far in this article, now it’s time to introduce some of my favorite Celtic music. This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Loreena McKennitt at least once. The Mystic’s Dream opens the scene in one of my favorite movies The Mists of Avalon. It’s an enchanting, haunting Celtic-style song that whisks you away to the ancient lost Isle of Avalon. 9. Running from Wolves by Shireen Shireen isn’t a musician you’ll see come up on most pagan music lists, which is a shame. I listen to her entire album Matriarch while casting spells and reading oracle cards. My favorite song of hers is Running from Wolves, but you should try out her entire collection. Shireen mentions The Fates (or The Norns) in Running from Wolves and there are markedly pagan themes throughout her discography. 10. Outlander, The Skye Boat Song by Bear McCreary and Raya Yarbrough If you’re a fan of Outlander the TV series, you’re probably familiar with the opening song The Skye Boat Song. If you’re not, time to wise-up. My Scottish sisters and brethren will surely add this pagan music to their playlists. It literally whisks you away to a time when the Picts ruled Scotland and stone circles were their meeting place. Perfect for a Celtic or Scottish pagan playlist. 11. The Last Kingdom by John Lunn and Eivor If you haven’t watched The Last Kingdom on Netflix, you’re missing out. Not only on a fantastic show with Viking/Saxon pagan themes, but also on a powerful soundtrack. Check out the song The Last Kingdom composed by John Lunn and sung by Eivor. This entire soundtrack is played at my house when I’m cleansing and consecrating and when doing past life meditations. 12. Summoning the Gods by Trobar de Morte The first time I heard this pagan song, I wasn’t quite sure what to think about it. Then again, I felt the same way listening to Heilung for the first time. After giving it a few listens, the weight of the message and energy of Summoning the Gods sunk in…and didn’t leave. 13. Volva by […]

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Hecate Night: Host a Sacred Supper for the Witch Goddess

kitty fields — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 22:33:08 +0000

Ancient devotees of the greek goddess Hecate celebrated with elaborate feasts and festivals. If you’re a devotee today, consider hosting a special supper on Hecate Night. This is an elegant, sacred meal dedicated to the Greek Goddess of the Crossroads. With traditional foods and good witchy friends, who wouldn’t want to join this dinner party? Ancient Hecate Feasts The ancient Greeks loved to party. And what better reason to party than to celebrate and honor a beloved deity? Hecate was once a widely-worshiped goddess, with her main cults located on Eleusis and Samothrake Island. Elaborate feasts and festivals were thrown every year in her name. But when her followers weren’t in a temple, they were meeting her at the crossroads with a Special Hecate Supper. Supper At The Crossroads Picture this. It’s the Dark Moon. The night is quiet, dark and warm. You’re carrying a lantern, a basket of offerings, a bottle of wine and a steaming hot loaf of garlic bread. Your friends, also your coven-mates, are meeting at the crossroads deep in the woods behind the old town cemetery. Tonight is the night to celebrate your matron goddess Hecate. You round the corner and see other bouncing lantern lights glowing in the darkness ahead. As you walk closer, a long wooden table with benches is illuminated with candlelight. There’s laughter and anticipation in the air. You take a seat beside your best friend and surrounded by your coven. As you raise a toast in Hecate’s name, a dog howls in the distance. This is Hecate affirming her presence. You all feast on Hecate’s supper and enjoy one another’s company in the wild wood. Wine, homemade bread, fish, and fruit is shared among you. After the feast is over, the remnants are given as an offering and left at the crossroads. You don’t look back. How to Host a Hecate Supper Hecate Night is traditionally held on November 16th. This is the night she haunts the crossroads with her hounds. November 16th is also a night to initiate oneself or others under Hecate. Her feast day is January 31st; however, Samhain and the nights of the Dark Moon are also appropriate. Other days honoring Hecate in Greece include August 13th (a day offerings are left at the crossroads to appease Hecate’s wild stormy side). Hecate Night: The Ambience Whether you host supper inside or out, the ambience should be dark. Low lighting, candlelight is best. Lanterns, hurricane lamps, and oil lamps set the mood. Plates and napkins should be of dark colors: black, maroon, and/or shades of purple. Hecate particularly loves red and black. Incorporate these colors into the tablecloth, centerpiece, and invitations. Give every guest a skeleton key as a token to remember Hecate Night (keys are one of her symbols). Flowers like dark red roses or black hollyhocks. A moon and stars motif would be perfect, too! It’s best to keep the dinner as quiet as possible – play classical piano or violin music on low. Place a statue or representation of Hecate at the head of the table. If you can host Hecate Night Supper at the crossroads, even better! Hecate Night: The Supper Menu Traditionally, Hecate loves garlic, fish, honey, eggs, cheese, mushrooms, cake and wine. Consider using our menu or building your own using each of Hecate’s traditional offerings mentioned above. Hecate should be set a place at the table and left offerings after the dinner is done (see below for more info). Alternatively, instead of cooking everything yourself, ask your friends to bring one dish or beverage as part of the offering. As you’re setting the table OR as your guests arrive, invoke Hecate’s presence by inviting her to join for supper. Let her know she is the reason for the feast. To Drink: Red wine: Cabernet or Merlot (wine was sacred to the ancient Greeks and was no doubt given as an offering to Hecate) Mead: honey-wine isn’t traditional to Greece, but Hecate loves honey so this drink is appropriate Water Pour a glass for Hecate first. Then clink glasses together and toast Hecate’s name before partaking in the wine, mead or water! Clinking glasses scares off the “spirits” and toasting Hecate is traditional. Appetizers: Dolmas: Stuffed Grape Leaves Mydia: red mussels steamed in red wine and herb sauce Charcuterie Board: including cheeses, meats, hard-boiled eggs, honey, jams, apricots, olives, etc. Remember to serve Hecate first before the rest of your dinner party. Out of the utmost respect for the goddess. Hecate Supper: Red Mullet in Caper Sauce: red mullet is sacred to Hecate and traditional at Hecate Night Suppers Marinated Mushrooms: mushrooms are also traditional to Hecate Homemade Rosemary Garlic Bread with Mediterranean Herb Butter Spread Dessert: Greek Honey Cake Fruit: include pomegranates, figs, navel oranges, apples and peaches. During Hecate Night, ask each individual to share their thoughts and experiences with the Goddess of the Crossroads. Read aloud poems and myths that honor Hecate. Sing songs. You might even consider allowing party guests to bring their canine friends and providing doggie treats. This would please Hecate immensely! Ending Hecate Night With Traditional Offerings If you hosted Hecate Night at the crossroads, it’s traditional to leave the remnants for the goddess and her hounds. Two things you MUST do: don’t leave anything at the crossroads that’s not perishable (no plates, cups, cutlery, etc. unless it’s perishable!) once you leave the offering at the crossroads, do NOT turn around and look back! More on Hecate: Hecate: 13 Ways to Work With the Goddess of Witchcraft A SECRET Tea Recipe to Honor Hecate (Members Only)

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Tales of the Crystals Vintage Game & How to Recreate It For Yourself!

kitty fields — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 13:12:41 +0000

One of my favorite games as a little girl was Tales of the Crystals. It was an interactive, role-playing game where the players have different roles but ultimately have to protect an imaginary fantasy land called Collingwood. There are fairies, sprites, talking trees and evil witches in it. Read my full review, check out the photos AND learn how to recreate this wonderful game for yourself! Any little girl or boy would love to play this game. What is Tales of the Crystals Game? In the early 90’s, MiltonBradley released a fantasy game called Tales of the Crystals. To put it simply, Tales of the Crystals is an interactive game that encourages the players to use their imaginations and get outside. The game consists of various pieces that are used by the players to either set a scene/setting or to be used as “tools” to complete the game’s tasks. The best part is this – the game is based on a fantasy world called Collingwood, a land full of fairies, talking trees, evil witches, gnomes and more! It’s similar to Dungeons and Dragons but appropriate for young children and EXTREMELY imaginative! My Memory of Tales of the Crystals and Nurturing My Inner Child When I was eight I received this game as a birthday gift. I was so taken with it, I would take the pieces out and imagine playing it with my friends. I remember playing it a few times with friends and cousins and LOVED it more than any other game! We would play part of the game outside and hide behind large oak trees. We always dressed up in flowy skirts or tutus when playing the game…sometimes even fairy wings! How to Find a Copy OR… Something about this game has stuck with me over the years and when I started to look for it, I learned Milton Bradley no longer makes the game. So the only way to find the game is to acquire a vintage copy. I finally found a copy on eBay recently and it’s in wonderful condition. There were a few items missing; however, my daughter and I had fun recreating those pieces. I recommend making your own version of this game and playing with your kiddos! You’re never too old to nurture your inner child and encourage their imagination. How to Create Your Own Tales of the Crystals Game Tales of the Crystals is difficult to find, and when they’re online they cost anywhere from fifty dollars and up. So if you don’t want to spend the cash on a vintage edition of this game, why not try recreating your own? First, you’ll need to gather tools and pieces to use in place of the original game pieces. Learn how below: Tales of the Crystals Game Pieces Tape cassette with 4 main challenges: you don’t need the tape cassette and TBH, who has a tape player anymore to play the tape? You can find the entire tape cassette soundtrack on YouTube for free! Click here to listen to the full playlist AND listen to the first part below!: Heart box (to carry items): any small box will work in place of the original plastic heart box. Even a shoebox if you have nothing else! Decorate the shoebox with glitter, stickers, etc. to make it special 4 crystal necklaces (each crystal has a special power for the wearer): literally any crystal pendant or beaded necklace will work in place of the plastic crystals. Make sure you have 4: a red, purple, green and clear A magic mirror (allows you to read the challenges on the cards because they’re written backwards): any small compact mirror or handheld mirror will work! Spider crystal (the antagonist Lady Morphia’s evil crystal): I replaced the missing spider crystal from my game with a small piece of smoky quartz. But any small dark item like a stone or crystal is perfect. Magic crystal powder packets (two packets of powder used by the players to heal/fix/protect throughout the game): my game was missing the powder packets. We recreated the magic crystal powder by mixing sugar and glitter and bottling it in small vials (shown) 5 Location Banners (each banner is used to designate a particular setting in the game): cut-out construction or cardstock paper and put it on string. Five banners, each saying one of the following: Secret Garden, The Village, Whispering Forest, Oriana’s Glen and Lady Morphia’s Castle Instruction Book and Journal: the instruction book is not needed but you may be able to find one online in PDF format or as a separately sold piece on eBay (see instructions on how to play below). The journal can be a simple composition or notebook and pencil. Challenge Cards: in the original game there are 54 total challenge cards (cards with special tasks written on each). They’re split in half, the red deck is to be used with stories 1 and 3, and the blue deck with stories 2 and 4. You can recreate these by typing/printing out 54 different tasks, BUT 54 isn’t necessary. My family hardly ever gets through 10 of these per game. Two examples are: “Lady Morphia has left her castle of dread. Write her a teasing message, then sneak it into her castle for her to find.” And “Lady Morphia has made plans to cut down the trees in the Whispering Forest. You must protect the trees by sprinkling a little magic crystal powder around them.” Wheel of Choices Board (used to solve debates, etc.): a circular piece of paper, cardstock or decorated cardboard can be used in place. Draw the Wheel of Choices Board into 4 pie pieces with each of the following written: one piece should say “No, Leader, Orianna’s Glen”, the next “Yes, Healer, Whispering Forest”, the next “No, Protector, The Village”, and the next “Yes, Scribe, Secret Garden”. 4 crystals for the wheel of choices board (these crystals are tossed on the Wheel of Choices board and read to determine the […]

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Full Moon FOOD Guide: Moon-themed Food For Your Next Esbat or Ritual

kitty fields — Fri, 08 May 2020 22:50:35 +0000

Every eclipse or full moon party has one thing in common: FOOD and DRINK. If you’re planning a magical lunar get together with friends, family or coven, you’ll need a moon-themed menu to nourish and inspire your guests! Here’s our Full Moon FOOD Guide including Cookies, cakes, moon milk and more! The Full Moon FOOD Guide: Moon-shaped Foods So when I think of Full Moon food, I think of any food that is crescent, circular or sphere-shaped. The first thing that comes to mind is croissant rolls. These are SO versatile! Dunk them in soups or stews OR offer as a side item to nearly any meal. And they look and sound like “crescent” moon. Do your foods have to look like the Full Moon? I think any moon-shaped foods will do the trick. Crescent Moon Spell Cookies Another popular Full Moon food is crescent moon cookies or what some call moon spell cookies. You’ve probably seen them on Pinterest or on your witchy FaceBook group. Have you baked them yet? Are you worried you won’t be able to make that pretty crescent-shape? Pick up a crescent-moon cookie cutter on Amazon (super cheap) and purchase pre-made sugar cookie dough. So if you’re not a baker, no problem! This is the easiest way to make crescent moon cookies. Russian Tea Cakes = Moon Balls How about those Russian tea cakes, also called snowballs, Grandma used to make at Christmas-time? Don’t they sort of look like miniature moons or planets? What about also taking the regular round sugar cookie and painting chocolate over each to show the different phases of the moon? You can do SO much with cookies and cakes to turn them into memorable full moon food! Moon cakes are a traditional dessert in China to celebrate the annual Lunar festival. They are similar to sugar cookies and sometimes incorporate ingredients like nuts and fruit jams. Look up a recipe and give this traditional moon dessert a try! Cut Veggies and Foods into the Moon! Enough with the baked goods, what about regular foods that are moon shaped? Honestly, i had a hard time thinking of any, until i realized you can pretty much cut any vegetable or fruit into crescent or at least half-moon type shapes. BOOM. Zucchini, bananas, squash, even potatoes can be sliced and cut in half to resemble a half moon. Mix in whole pieces to have waxing/waning and full moon slices. Full Moon Food: Moon Milk for Full Moon Esbat Parties and Ritual A big tea trend in the past few years is something call moon milk. It’s a frothy milky herbal tea based on Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. There are literally hundreds of moon milk recipes out there, particularly circulating on Pinterest. And you can choose the moon milk with ingredients that might support your magical intentions for the next Full Moon. Magical Blue Moon Milk (My Personal Recipe) This tea recipe is one that I’ve used many times, particularly powerful on a full BLUE moon. The blue color of the tea (made possible by the amazing butterfly pea flowers) is a nod to the “blue” moon symbolism, and the ingredients used support feminine health: body, mind and soul. Which also links us to the Moon and oceans. I’ve found it also aids in cleansing one’s aura of negative vibrations. Drink it separate from your other full moon food choices, as it is filling. Ingredients: Butterfly pea flower – 1 tsp Jasmine flower – 1/2 tsp Almond milk – 8 ounces+ Honey for sweetening (optional) How to Make Blue Moon Milk: Heat the herbs and milk over the stove until warm, but don’t let it simmer. Strain out herbs. Use a milk frother to froth the moon milk OR use a whisk to create a slight froth on top (optional). Add a teaspoon of local raw honey for sweetening (also optional). Before drinking, offer a sip to the moon as an offering of gratitude, draw a moon in the air over the tea, then drink slowly. Visualize taking in the very moon beams into your body and soul. More Moon Milk Options Any herbal tea can be made into moon milk by substituting the herbs in the recipe above. Consider red hibiscus, which will tint the moon milk a beautiful dark pinkish to reddish shade. Perfect to ignite passion in yourself or partner. Add rosebuds for an extra oomph of loving vibes. Full Moon is a great time to manifest a new love or strengthen love with another and hibiscus-rose moon milk is the potion to drink! If you don’t already know, Full Moon is a time to manifest your dreams and goals. It’s a time to cast your most powerful spells and rituals. Why not do a little money-drawing magic by making matcha powder moon milk? Matcha is a beautiful green color and is in alignment with strong money energies. Foods & Herbs Connected to the Moon Every plant is linked to a planet or heavenly body. Here you’ll find a list of foods that are magically linked to the moon: Cabbage: make a full moon stew or honor your Irish ancestors with a sausage/pork and cabbage dish Coconut: add coconut to your cookies and cakes to increase the full moon energy Cucumber: great to cut into full and crescent moon shapes! Gourds: hello Fall Full Moon parties Grapes: fresh, dried (raisins), wine and champaigne Passion fruit Peas Peaches Pears Lemon Lettuce Papaya Potato: how many wonderful full moon food dishes can you make with potatoes? Turnips And edible herbs ruled by the Moon: Aloe: juice is great in cocktails! Camellia: hello black tea Chickweed: edible and bountiful in many backyards Passion Flower: flowers and leaves steeped as a tea are very relaxing and uplifting at the same time Jasmine: get jasmine tea variety Get Creative With Your Full Moon Food! Any food or beverage that reminds you of the moon or moon phases, incorporate it into your next full moon gathering or personal […]

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6 Famous Witches of the Twentieth Century: Valiente, Leek and More

kitty fields — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:51:41 +0000

Here you will read about six famous witches from the twentieth century who made a name for themselves and brought Wicca and witchcraft into the public eye. They also generated interest in witchcraft as a religious movement. Some of their motives and morals are questioned, but what will be presented here are simply the facts. The Rise of Modern Witchcraft If you haven’t heard, witchcraft is making a comeback in modern times. Some call the craft a magical practice, while others say it is their religion. Whatever the actual definition, there are modern-day witches who practice the craft in their daily lives. The present witchcraft movement can be attributed to certain courageous individuals in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Doreen Valiente: The Mother of Modern Witchcraft Valiente is known worldwide as the mother of modern witchcraft, but her beginnings were as humble as any. Doreen Edith Dominy Valiente was born in 1922 to a middle-class family living in Surrey, Southeast England. Doreen’s father was a civil engineer who also happened to be Methodist. Her mother was a Congregationalist. Despite her Christian upbringing, Doreen became interested in magic in her adolescent years. The Famous Witch’s Interests Grow As a young adult, she practiced magic with a friend and came across literature from a deceased doctor who was part of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This book intrigued her, as well as Aleister Crowley’s books on ceremonial magic. In addition, Doreen studied esoteric religions including Spiritualism. Her passion for the mysteries only grew. Valiente Joins A Coven In the 1950s, Doreen Valiente reached out to Gerald Gardner, the founder of modern day Wicca. He invited her to join the Bricket Wood Coven, and she eventually became High Priestess. Following her time with Gardner, Valiente joined the Coven of Atho and the Clan of Tubal Cain. Valiente’s Literary Success But Valiente isn’t known for the covens she joined, she is most well-known for her writing. Valiente wrote The Charge of the Goddess and The Witch’s Rune, poetic pieces included in the Gardnerian Book of Shadows. Her research of the witch trials helped her write The ABCs of Witchcraft and Natural Magic. Valiente’s presence in the witchcraft community didn’t fizzle after her death, and many Wiccans and pagans honor her contribution to the movement. Rosaleen Norton: The Witch of Kings Cross Rosaleen Norton is one of the most controversial famous witches of the twentieth century. She was born in 1917 in New Zealand but lived most of her life in Kings Cross, Sydney, Australia. Rosaleen claimed she had a normal upbringing, but she hated being a child. She spent three years of her childhood living in a tent in her backyard, making friends with wildlife, having a pet spider. As she grew, her interest in the occult grew and she began painting demons and pagan gods. Her paintings were more than controversial – they sparked outright contempt. Norton’s Controversial Pagan Paintings Norton lost jobs with various newspapers and magazines because her artwork was too lewd or provocative. She also had the police crowding her at every art exhibition, sometimes confiscating her work. Norton claimed she was a pantheist pagan who worshiped Pan, although the papers spread rumors that she was a Satanist who engaged in animal sacrifice. Norton denied the malicious claims. The Famous Witch Norton’s Form of the Craft Rosaleen is known as the Witch of Kings Cross, and she started her own form of witchcraft “The Goat Fold”. Despite saying she wasn’t a Satanist, it was difficult for people to ignore Norton’s interest in demons. Her artwork has gone on display a few times in Sydney since her death in 1979, and a few biographies have been written on her life. Stewart and Janet Farrar: Famous Witch Couple Stewart and Janet Farrar were an English married couple who led a Wiccan coven in the late twentieth century. They are well known for their literary contributions, including A Witches Bible, The Witches’ Way, and Eight Sabbats for Witches. In the nineteen-seventies and nineteen-eighties, the Farrars appeared in a few interviews to answer questions about modern Wicca. The Farrars were initiated into Alexander and Maxine Sanders’ Coven; however, in the early nineteen-seventies, the Farrars started their own coven. Stewart passed away in 2000, and Janet re-married in 2014. Janet continues to write books and lecture on Wicca in various countries along with her husband Gavin. Sybil Leek: The Ordinary Famous Witch of New Forest Perhaps one of the most interesting figures in modern witchcraft was the self-acclaimed “Ordinary Witch of New Forest” Sybil Leek. Sybil was born in nineteen-seventeen to a middle class family in Staffordshire, England. She claimed to the “most wicked man in the world” Aleister Crowley. Leek wrote Diary of a Witch, detailing her coming to the craft and how she was influenced by a band of gypsies in New Forest. She also claimed to have joined a French witch coven after her husband’s untimely death. Sybil’s Claim to the Craft Sybil was a witch, psychic, and astrologer and was well-known for being eccentric. Her eccentricity included having a pet jackdaw that perched on her shoulder during interviews. Her Russian grandmother was a huge inspiration for her interest in the Old Religion. Sybil claimed she was a descendant of Molly Leigh, an accused witch who died in England in seventeen-forty-six. The Famous “Ordinary Witch’s” Death Throughout her life she dealt with fame and scrutiny, and she wrote more than sixty books on witchcraft, astrology, and the occult. She eventually moved to the United States to a comfortable, warm home in Florida. Sybil died in nineteen-eighty-two at her home in Melbourne, Florida. She was sixty-five-years-old and died of cancer. Despite those who smeared her name, Sybil was humble and referred to herself as an “ordinary witch”. Gerald Gardner: The Founder of Wicca Gerald Gardner is known as the founder of Wicca. Yet his name is controversial in modern times. Gerald Gardner was born in eighteen-eighty-four in Lancashire, England to […]

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The Kingmoor Ring: The Magical Ring That Inspired Lord of the Rings

kitty fields — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 15:27:26 +0000

“One ring to rule them all and in the darkness bind them.” The Lord of the Rings is a classic (and popular) fictional trilogy written by JRR Tolkien in the twentieth century. If you haven’t read the books, maybe you’ve seen the movies. The epic fantasy is based on a powerful ring and the struggle and intent to destroy it before it destroys the known world. Did you know the ring was inspired by a REAL Viking ring that resides in the British Museum? Learn about Tolkien and the Kingmoor Ring here. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings JRR Tolkien, English professor and Father of Modern Fantasy, wrote The Lord of the Rings in the mid twentieth century. Only decades later, it had become a worldwide phenomenon. And the popularity has only grown with the release of the blockbuster movies in the past two decades. But something most fantasy fans don’t know about Tolkien – he had an interest in magic and the occult. His work was inspired by much of his mythological studies, namely Anglo-Saxon myths featuring trolls, elves, wizards, dwarves and more. JRR Tolkien was part of a writers’ club called Inklings along with another classical fantasy writer CS Lewis. Maybe you’ve heard of him? JRR Tolkien and the Kingmoor Ring Tolkien, well-versed in Anglo-Saxon lore and the Elder futhark, was inspired by a Viking artifact known as the Kingmoor Ring. The Kingmoor Ring was a significant archaeological find in the early 1800’s, being a gold ring of Viking origin inscribed with thirty runes. It is believed the ring was created and worn in the ninth century by a Viking to ward off illness. JRR Tolkien saw the ring and thought “the ring of power”. Henceforth, he wrote The Lord of the Rings, a fantasy sequel to the earlier Hobbit book of literary fame. The Magical Role of the “Finger-Ring” in the Ninth and Tenth Centuries The Kingmoor Ring is one of forty tenth-century Medieval finger rings found in England over the past few centuries. According to Perry Mesney at Cardiff University, the finger ring during this age was worn by wealthy individuals OR by the literate. And these runic rings were worn on a regular basis, indicating the Kingmoor Ring and others were employed as amulets or talismans. Scholars believe these Medieval runic rings were made and inscribed by runemasters. In the case of Tolkien’s Ring of Power, it wasn’t runemasters but elfen kings…close enough! The Runes on the Kingmoor Ring The ring that’s described in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, plus the ring prop on the movies, looks similar to the Kingmoor Ring. You can compare below. But what are those weird markings on the Kingmoor Ring and Tolkien’s Ring of Power? Elder futhark runes, an ancient Anglo-Saxon/Norse alphabet used as an alphabet that also had spiritual significance. Runes are a key component in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. They’re featured on the Ring of Power, of course, but also above doorways and in other magical places. Why was Tolkien so taken by the ancient runic alphabet and the Kingmoor Ring? Perhaps he used runes himself in his spiritual pursuits. He was, after all, an occultist of sorts. So What Does the Kingmoor Ring Say? The Kingmoor Ring doesn’t just have inscribed runes, it’s also inscribed with bind-runes. A bind-rune is a combination of two or more runes written/inscribed together for a specific sacred spiritual purpose. For instance, I could draw/write the rune Gebo together with the rune Algiz to spiritually protect my marriage (Gebo significes a union and Algiz signifies protection). Therefore, the Kingmoor Ring had a magical purpose to protect its wearer from illness and/or misfortune or evil spirits. Our ancestors believed illnesses were caused BY evil spirits. So – double purpose. Here are the runes inscribed on the Kingmoor Ring: ᛭ᚨᚱᛦᚱᛁᚢᚠᛚᛏᛦᚱᛁᚢᚱᛁᚦᚩᚾᚷᛚᚨᚴᛏᚨᛈᚩᚾ / ᛏᚨᚿ And the translation: ærkriufltkriuriþonglæstæpon/tol The ending – tol is inscribed on the inside of the Kingmoor Ring. Mesney explains this is probably due to the smaller size of the ring and so the runemaster who made it ran out of room on the exterior. But perhaps, instead, that one syllable – tol was purposely put on the inside so as to be closer to its wearer. Literally touching the individual’s finger. Love History and Lore? Here’s More: Fairy Changelings: Babies Taken by Fairies and the Story of Bridget Cleary Magical Cats: Ancient History, Folklore and Cats as Familiars Maria Hallett, The Pirate Witch of Wellfleet

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Announcing: The Otherworldly Oracle OFFICIAL Podcast is LIVE!

kitty fields — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:15:48 +0000

It’s FINALLY here – announcing the Otherworldly Oracle Official Podcast!!! Do you listen to audiobooks or podcasts on the way to work? Maybe you have time at work to listen to podcasts in your earbuds or at home while cleaning? Now you can listen to the Otherworldly Oracle bloggers, admins, and their bad-ass magical guests discuss all things otherworldly including: magick, metaphysics, past lives, dreams, herbalism, the paranormal, paganism, gods and goddesses, ancestor work, candle magic, new age, crystals, and much more! Where To Listen to the OO Podcast Our official podcast is available on multiple podcast streaming services including: Spotify Google Podcasts Apple Podcasts Stitcher Anchor And many more! Just click on the links above OR do a search in your respective podcast service for “Otherworldly Oracle Official Podcast”, then click Follow to be notified of new podcasts! We already have our first episode Kid Mystic, waiting to be heard! Then if you’d like to hear a specific magical topic discussed, leave it in the comments below!

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Our TOP 10 Witch Blogs On the Web

kitty fields — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 15:03:12 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I love how easy it is to access information on witchcraft these days. Open your phone’s browser and enter your favorite witchy blog’s URL and BAM. Witchcraft resources at your fingertips in the blink of an eye! If you’re looking for new witch blogs to add to your repertoire, here’s our top 10. 1. Magical Recipes Online This is one witch website I’ve been following for ages and it never disappoints. From daily astrological updates to witchcraft topics and every occult concept in between, if you want an awesome witch blog to subscribe to, go to Magical Recipes Online. 2. Flying the Hedge For all you hedge witches out there who want a go-to hedge witch blog, check out Flying the Hedge. I found this wonderful witchy website on Pinterest, and I continue to visit on a regular basis. Willow, the founder and hedge witch in charge, never disappoints with her blog posts on herbs, budget witchcraft, hedge witchery and so much more! 3. Witch of Lupine Hollow If you’re looking for a fresh take on modern witchcraft and spirituality, I highly recommend checking out the Witch of Lupine Hollow. First, I have to say, TC Stewart is an all-around sweet lady and an insightful cottage witch. She offers courses and recently started a new YouTube Channel. 4. Penniless Pagan I often hear witches asking for more information and resources on affordable witchcraft. Look no further than Penniless Pagan! This blog shows witches and pagans how to have a robust spiritual life and magical practice without spending a fortune. One of my favorites is the Matchstick Spell. 5. Raina Teachings Raina Teachings witch blog offers a more new age, wide approach to spiritual awakening and magick. Ever heard of Enochian magick? Want to know the difference between high and low magick? Raina Teachings offers information and solutions to meditation blocks and all manner of spiritual questions. 6. The Witchy Mommy A close friend of mine and an all-around free spirit is The Witchy Mommy, aka Feather GardenBelle. A green thumb and folk herbalist mix fluidly to bring the witchy community a shop of herbal alchemy and magical supplies. Not to mention her informative blog! In addition, The Witchy Mommy provides wonderful videos to the public on herbal magick and green witchcraft. 7. Mumbles and Things This witchy blog is a fun one! Mumbles and Things offers witchy education on tools, the sabbats, meditation, and crystals. She also offers courses and printable educational materials. And hey, if you want to guest blog on her website, there’s a submission page for that too! 8. Spirit Nest Blog The Witches Nest is a well-known witchy FaceBook page, but did you know they also run a shop and blog? The Spirit Nest blog is a great place to acquire some beginner witchy tips on altars, magical beauty, simple routines, and more! And (shameless plug) it’s a blog in which the Otherworldly Oracle has guest blogged a few times. 9. Allorah Rayne, Wayfaring Witch One of our own resident bloggers, Allorah Rayne, has her own witchy blog over at the Wayfaring Witch. She’s an experienced tarot reader, poignant writer, and does quite a bit of traveling which she is working into her blogging for witches who also travel. Check her out and show some support! 10. The Hoodoo Witch If you take your magick with a Southern folk twist, you might enjoy The Hoodoo Witch blog. Mixing Hoodoo and witchcraft isn’t always done flawlessly, but the folks at The Hoodoo Witch do a damn good job. Learn how to petition saints, craft Four Thieves Vinegar, and draw money to you on one of the best witch blogs on the web.

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The 18 BEST Witch Movies & Shows of All Time

kitty fields — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 11:32:10 +0000

Who captures the imagination and enchants us until we laugh and cry? Witches, of course! There’s nothing like a good witch story, or in this case, movie or show. Here’s our TOP 18 BEST Witch Movies and TV Series of all time! 1. Hocus Pocus: Why is it the best witch movie of all-time? When I was a little girl, Hocus Pocus was just released in theaters. The first time I saw it, I was hooked. My friend and I memorized every. single. line. And watched it hundreds of times. It has to be one of the best witch movies of all time because a. Bette Midler and b. corseted witches on broomsticks. Today it has a cult following that goes beyond the size of a cult – it might be more appropriate to call it a religious following! 2. The Craft Another witch movie I was absolutely obsessed with was The Craft. A much darker witch film, for sure, but the way witches were portrayed in that 90’s grunge style was addictive. One of my dark confessions is my favorite witch in The Craft was Nancy. There would be no movie without Nancy and her walking on water scene. 3. Practical Magic Yet another of the best witch movies of all time has to be Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. I particularly enjoy the mixture of comedy, romance and the supernatural in this film. Witches are portrayed as a little good and a little bad and VERY entertaining. Can anyone say Midnight Margaritas? 4. Witches of Eastwick The 80’s and 90’s produced the best witch movies and Witches of Eastwick is one of them. With Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeifer as witches AND Jack Nicholson as the Decil, what more can you want in a witch movie? There are curses, voodoo dolls and all kinds of magical fun to be seen in this classic witch flick. Not a film for the kids though, by any means. 5. Salem Talk about the best witch show on TV – Salem was my favorite. The first and second seasons were the best. This witch show takes you on an adventure back to the time of the Salem Witch Trials and puts you smack dab in the middle of a Colonial witch war. The period costumes are gorgeous and the magic is dark. You’ll love it. 6. Harry Potter Series While more on the epic fantasy side, we can’t talk about the best witch movies of all time and not mention Harry Potter. Some people think this series is for kids – I’ve got news for you…I’m an adult and completely obsessed! A few channels play the full series back to back over the weekend at least twice a year. So check your local listings for a Harry Potter marathon. 7. Witches of East End A show that kept me wanting more was Witches of East End originally on Lifetime. If you love Julia Ormond (of Mists of Avalon fame), you’ll love her as a witch in a small secluded sea-town fighting evil and keeping her magical family safe from harm. Unfortunately, there were 2 seasons produced before being cancelled. But this witch show is totally worth the time! 8. Charmed While I was never a big fan (don’t hate me), most of my witch friends would kill me if I didn’t add Charmed to the list of all time best witch shows. Three sisters living in an old Victorian house fighting off evil – what could be a better witchy plot? The original show is much better than the re-make, according to many. 9. Sleepy Hollow There’s something about a good Tim Burton flick that leaves me wanting more. Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci provide us with a gothic Colonial setting, supernatural plot, and witchcraft twists. One of my favorite witch movies of all time and particularly to watch around Halloween. 10. The VVitch The movie The Witch was a hotly debated film when it came out. Some witches loved it, some hated it. Some were offended by the “evil” stereotype pushed in the movie, while others defended the producer saying he was inspired by and based the movie strictly off of early American folklore. I found it to be frightening and entertaining. Worth the watch and one of the best witch movies (stereotype or not), IMO. 11. A Discovery of Witches I’ve only just begun watching this show, but A Discovery of Witches is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Based on a trilogy, the main character is a woman with suppressed powers who unexpectedly comes across an ancient grimoire. Which in turn puts her in the path of an ancient vampire clan. Not to mention, the cinematography is quite impressive. 12. Stardust I’m one of Neil Gaiman’s biggest fans, and Stardust is on my Gaiman favorite list. Stardust the movie is based on Gaiman’s book Stardust, and is one of the best witch movies of all time. The story is so fun and the actors are enchanting. Claire Danes plays a fallen star, while Michelle Pfeifer plays an evil, soul-stealing witch. With otherworldly beings and other dimensions, Stardust is entertaining and fun for the family. 13. AHS Coven Some people will argue with me, but one of the few seasons of AHS I actually enjoyed was Season 3 – Coven. A coven of witches living in New Orleans, mixed in with Voodoo and serial killers? That’s my kind of witchy movie. Did I mention Marie Lavea and Madame Lalaurie are featured characters? Gruesome and terrifying in some parts but worth the watch. 14. Lovecraft Country A new and popular series on HBO, Lovecraft Country brings us an all African American cast, with amazing actors, terrifying scenes, and lots of magic! There’s secret magical orders, vampiric monsters, ghosts and much more. The perfect witchy show. And also sometimes terrifying. 15. True Blood While not seemingly witchy in nature, the longer you watch True Blood […]

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