The Witch Wave

Peter Bebergal is the author of several books about occulture and the paranormal including Season of the Witch: How the Occult Saved Rock and Roll, Too Much to Dream: A Psychedelic American Boyhood, and his newest book, Strange Frequencies: The Extraordinary Story of the Technological Quest for the Supernatural. He also writes about speculative music and literature for such places as The New Yorker online, Slate, The Times Literary Supplement, The Quietus, BoingBoing, and The Believer. On this episode, Peter discusses the importance of imagination, the “reality” of belief, the relationship between magicians and hackers, and the use of technology to access otherworldly realms.

Pam also talks about art and the uncanny, and answers a question from a listener who wonders if she’s being called by a goddess.

Our sponsors for this episode are The Conjured Saint, Blood Milk, and Mithras Candle.

Erica Feldmann is the owner and founder of the iconic Salem shop, HausWitch Home + Healing, where she sells magical housewares and spell kits, hosts witchly classes and events, and offers divination and healing sessions. Erica is also the author of HausMagick, a book that teaches readers how to transform their homes with witchcraft, and which will be released in the US and UK in early February. On this episode, Erica discusses ways to manifest more magic in the home, rituals for cohabitating, and how interior design can change our interior – and exterior - lives.

Pam also discusses house spirits, and answers a listener question about leaving spirit offerings.

Our sponsors for this episode are Blessed Be Magick and Mithras Candle.

Madeline Miller is the author of the beloved and best-selling novels Circe and The Song of Achilles. Both of her books are offshoots of Homer’s Greek myth epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, though in Miller’s versions, side characters are centered and given more fully fleshed out stories that feel contemporary, complex, and crystalline. On this episode, Miller discusses the magic of women, the craft of writing, and how she gave new life to an ancient witch.

Pam also talks about new year deities and answers a listener question about feline familiars.

Our sponsors for this episode are Weiser Books, New World Witchery, VERAMEAT, and Mithras Candle.

Courtney Alexander is a multimedia artist, writer, and the creator behind Dust II Onyx: A Melanated Tarot Deck. She uses tarot as an avenue to visually explore the rich and complex layers of blackness and all of the meaning and magic that word entails. Her work has been featured in such places as The Hoodwitch, Teen Vogue, and Autostraddle. On this episode, Courtney discusses her artistic and spiritual creative process, the importance of representation in tarot, and finding light in darkness.

Pam also talks about Winter Solstice rituals and answers questions about how to come out of the broom closet.

Our sponsors for this episode are DeerWomen, Witch Baby Soap, Blood Milk Jewels, and Mithras Candle.

Ylva Mara Radziszewski runs The Cunning Crow Apothecary and Seattle's School of Traditional Magic. They are also a licensed acupuncturist, clinical herbalist, and a professional witch with a specific focus on bringing a voice to the role of witch as healer and the use of magic as a means of service and anti-oppression activism. Their work has been featured in VICE, BUST Magazine, The Stranger, and many other places. On this episode, Ylva Mara discusses witchcraft and gender non-conforming identities, spiritual healing through decolonization, and the importance of connecting with one’s ancestors. Pam also talks about gender-fluid deities and magic workers across the globe.

Our sponsors for this episode are IrisEyris, Witch Baby Soap, Blessed Be Magick, and Mithras Candle.

Chiquita Brujita is a third generation Nuyorican Bruja, a performance artist, and a “conjurer of fiestas.” She is the creator of the magical merchandise brand Brooklyn Brujeria where she sells prayer candles and other items for the modern witch. She has also devised her own divination system based on the Mexican Lotería card game. As a dancer and event producer she has collaborated with such institutions as the Brooklyn Museum, El Museo del Barrio, and Bushwick’s House of Yes, and her work has been featured by Remezcla, NYLON, and other fine publications. On this episode, Chiquita discusses party magic, the transformative power of dance, and why it’s important to maintain joy during times of struggle. Pam also talks about Thanksgiving rituals and ways to use gratitude as a spell.

Our sponsors for this episode are Weiser Books, Tarot-n-Tea, Mithras Candle, Chase and Scout, and Angela Mary Magick.

Frances F. Denny is a photographer whose work investigates feminine expression and gender. Her latest project, Major Arcana: Witches in America, is a survey of over 70 female, femme, and gender non-binary people who identify as witches, and a selection of those photographs are currently on display at ClampArt Gallery in New York City. She is also a commercial photographer who shoots for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and many other places, and she’s one half of the visual branding boutique, Dafne. On this episode, Frances, discusses photography, witchery, and identity. Pam also talks about new moon rituals and spiritual art.

Our sponsors for this episode are Tarot-n-Tea, Mithras Candle, Chase and Scout, and Angela Mary Magick.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Witch Wave!

Joshua Conkel is a writer for the new Netflix show Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (out on October 26). He’s also a tarot reader, playwright, and practicing witch. He was a writer for Netflix’s hit adaptation of A Series of Unfortunate Events and he’s written the award winning film, Curmudgeons starring Danny DeVito. On this episode, Joshua discusses teen witches, TV writing, and how he uses tarot as a creative tool. Pam also talks about Samhain rituals, and how to stay politically engaged without burning out.

Our sponsors for this episode are Deer Women, Tarot-n-Tea, Chase and Scout, Vanessa Tarot, and Angela Mary Magick.

Bill Crisafi and Hogan McLaughlin are a visionary creative couple based in Salem, Massachusetts. Bill Crisafi is a multidisciplinary artist whose illustrations, photographs, sculptures, and Burial Ground jewelry line are inspired by folklore and the occult. Hogan McLaughlin is a fashion designer, artist, and dancer whose haute couture clothing line reflects his love of dark romance and fantastical tales. On this SEASON FINALE episode, they discuss their respective creative work, their alchemical collaborations, and how witches inspire their own dark arts.

Our sponsors for this episode are Sabat Magazine, Miss Marley Boutique, Blood Milk Jewels, and Native Apothecary.

Jessyka Winston is the mystical mind behind Haus of Hoodoo, a one-stop online source for fixed conjure candles, sacred smudges, and spiritual consultations, based in New Orleans. She is also a rootworker and Hoodoo Practitioner, and a Vodoun Priestess. On this episode, Jessyka talks about the differences between Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Vodoun; the potent power of fire magic; and the ways in which her Caribbean roots inform her eclectic American spiritual practice.

Our sponsors for this episode are Sabat Magazine, Modern Women, Blood Milk Jewels, and Manifest Box.