Desperate House Witches

Diotima Mantineia is a witch and has been a professional astrologer and tarot reader for more than thirty years. She is also the author of Touch the Earth, Kiss the Sky: Allowing the Rational Mind to Welcome Magic and Spirituality (Llewellyn, 2020). She writes for Witches & Pagans and teaches widely. Her passion for science led her to a degree in soil and crop science as well as graduate work in the field. Visit her at www.UraniasWell.com.

A skeptic spends a year trying to find spiritual fulfillment by practicing modern Witchcraft in this fascinating memoir that’s perfect for fans of A.J. Jacobs and Mary Roach. Diana Helmuth, thirty-three, is skeptical of organized religion. She is also skeptical of disorganized religion. But, more than anything, she is tired of God being dead. So, she decides to try on the fastest-growing, self-directed faith in America: Witchcraft. The result is 366 days of observation, trial, error, wit, and back spasms. Witches today are often presented as confident and finished, proud and powerful. Diana is eager to join them. She wants to follow all the rules, memorize all the incantations, and read all the liturgy. But there’s one glaring problem: no Witch can agree on what the right rules, liturgy, and incantations are. The Witching Year is a “compelling memoir” (Frances Denny, author of Major Arcana) that follows in the footsteps of celebrated memoirs by journalists like A.J. Jacobs, Mary Roach, and Caitlin Doughty, who knit humor and reportage together in search of something worth believing. Diana Helmuth writes about urges: to travel, to be in nature, and to feel understood. Her first book, How to Suffer Outside, was a National Outdoor Book Award winner, and her freelance work can be found in various anthologies, travel guides, and humor magazines. She studied anthropology and Arabic at UC Berkeley, and can often be caught moonlighting in Silicon Valley’s start-up land, or producing the occasional podcast. She was born and raised in Northern California.

Join me and Taliesin Govannon (The Pagan Pundit) as we discuss the latest in politics. Follow Taliesin at https://www.tiktok.com/@taliesingovannon and https://www.instagram.com/taliesingovannon/?hl=en, https://www.threads.net/@taliesingovannon?hl=en and https://www.taliesing.com/

Laurie Bizzarro (Lady Thalestris) - Lawyer and Wiccan High Priestess, Founder of The Temple of Hecate, Inc. joins Raina for the hour.  We will catch up on what has been happening at the Temple of Hecate.

Danielle Dulsky is a heathen visionary, painter, and word-witch. The author of The Sacred Hags Oracle, Seasons of Moon and Flame, Woman Most Wild, and The Holy Wild, she teaches internationally and has facilitated circles, embodiment trainings, communal spell-work, and seasonal rituals since 2007. She is the founder of The Hag School and believes in the emerging power of wild collectives and sudden circles of curious dreamers, cunning witches, and rebellious artists in healing our ailing world. As an Irish-American, Danielle’s witchcraft is deeply rooted in Celtic philosophy and Irish mythology. She believes fervently in the role of ancestral healing, embodiment, and animism in fracturing the longstanding systems supporting white-body supremacy and environmental unconsciousness, is committed to centering the voices and teachings of POC and LGBTQIA+ folks in her work as founder of Living Mandala Yoga, LLC and The Hag School and supports organizations and initiatives that do the same. Parent to two beloved wildlings and partner to a potter, Danielle fills her world with nature, family, art, and intentional sensuousness. Find her praying under pine trees, wandering through the haunted places, and whispering to her grandmothers’ ghosts. Please visit her website at  DanielleDulsky.com

Taliesin Govannon (The Pagan Pundit) and I cover the latest. Follow Taliesin at https://www.tiktok.com/@taliesingovannon and https://www.instagram.com/taliesingovannon/?hl=en and https://www.taliesing.com/

Being Human Is Hard. Tarot Can Help. Everyone faces difficulties in life. Whether it’s a scary diagnosis, the challenges of caregiving, the end of a relationship or job, or adjusting to an empty nest, every human being goes through times of loss and grief. Your trusty Tarot deck can provide comfort and wise counsel during tough times. The Cards You’re Dealt is the new book from bestselling author Theresa Reed. One of the world’s leading voices on Tarot—with a 30+ year career reading Tarot for thousands of clients—Theresa masterfully explains how to use Tarot to navigate life’s trickiest situations. Whether you’re a Tarot newbie holding your very first deck—or a Tarot professional looking for new spreads to try out with clients—you’ll love this book. Ultimately, this is a book about living well. Theresa urges readers to celebrate each precious moment of life, make the most of your time, and make the best of the cards you’ve been dealt. Theresa Reed (“The Tarot Lady”) is a world-renowned tarot reader and expert who has been reading tarot and teaching tarot for close to thirty years. She is the host of the popular online podcasts Tarot Bytes and Astrology Bytes. Theresa is the author of Twist Your Fate: Manifest Success with Astrology & Tarot; Tarot, No Questions Asked; The Tarot Coloring Book; Tarot for Kids; and Astrology for Real Life and the coauthor of Tarot for Troubled Times. You can find Theresa online at TheTarotLady.com.

Join Dorothy Morrison and Raina as they catch up, and Dorothy lets us know what she has planned for her shop, Wicked Witch Studios. Dorothy Morrison is an author and teacher in the fields of magic, Wicca and Neo-Paganism. She is a Third Degree Wiccan High Priestess of the Georgian Tradition, and founded the Coven of the Crystal Garden in 1986. She is a member of the Coven of the Raven, and studies the RavenMyst Circle Tradition. For more information, please visit at www.wickedwitchstudios.com!

SPELLCRAFT USING SACHETS, BOTTLES, POPPETS & JARS 100+ Spells for Bags, Jars, Sachets & More Capture the magic within using Charity L. Bedell's original workings rooted in Conjure, Hoodoo, European folk magic, and modern witchcraft. She lays out the basics for using containers and shares extensive resources, making it easy to work magic with whatever supplies you have on hand. This book teaches you how to choose the right container, fill it for specific purposes, and cleanse and dispose of materials. You'll discover packets and poppets for short-term goals, charm bags for money magic, and witch balls for long-term protection. Featuring herbal and crystal correspondences, incense and oil formulas, and more, this is the spellbook you've always wanted. Charity L. Bedell (Maine), also known as Loona Wynd, is the one of the coauthors of The Modern-Day Witch series and the Wiccapedia Spell Deck. She has studied conjure with Starr Casas and Feri with Veedub, and she is initiated in the Temple Tradition. Bedell has written for The Witches' Almanac and Kindred Spirit Magazine, and she has presented at festivals such as WitchCon2020. Learn more at Mystic-Echoes.com.

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of travel and magic with Lisa McSherry. In this enchanting guide, you'll discover a treasure trove of practical tips, rituals, spells, and charms to infuse your travels with intention and mysticism. With over 200 pages of insightful content, Travel Magic serves as your trusted companion on the road, empowering you to infuse magic into every aspect of your journey. Pre-order now and join Lisa McSherry on a magical adventure that will transform the way you travel and experience the world. Lisa Mc Sherry I’m an Author, Priestess, and world traveler. In late 2021, after living in the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years, I retired from the workforce and moved to Portugal along with my husband to create a new life. It was the fulfillment of a dream long held — to travel Europe, experiencing the culture, history, art, and food(!) in a slow, deeper fashion. To be a part of the culture and landscape rather than skimming through. Follow me through https://lisamcsherry.com, or on Facebook at: Lisa-McSherry-Author

A MAGICKAL APPROACH TO NOURISHING THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Hundreds of Herbal Formulas and Recipes for Health, Wealth, and Love Learn how to eat, meditate, and spellcast your way to a higher quality of life with this book on integrating a magickal mindset into daily life. Laurel Woodward shares more than one hundred herbal formulas, over eighty essential oil blends, more than thirty exercises, and nearly thirty kitchen witchery recipes. Not only will you meet plant allies and nurture a relationship with them, but you'll also find mood-lifting activities and delicious foods for healing body, mind, and spirit. Wellness Witchery shows you the potent power of plants through numerous magickal, herbal, and self-care applications. Laurel provides formulas for boosting immunity, empowering relationships, relieving stress, improving self-esteem, and more. She also offers a variety of magical baths, recipes for treats and beverages, and essential oils for confidence, protection, and inner peace. With them, you can become happier, healthier, and more magickal. Laurel Woodward (Portland, OR) has been a witch for 20 years and is also a tarot reader. She has written for magazines and ezines on the subjects of healthy living, organic gardening, sustainable living, and the magick of tapping creative energy. Learn more at www.LiminalLandscapes.com.

Author Antonio Pagliarulo joins me to discuss his new book: "The Evil Eye: The History, Mystery, and Magic of the Quiet Curse" “Finally, there is a book written by an actual practitioner, in plain language, with warmth and compassion, that takes the Evil Eye and the misery it causes seriously. If you have been wondering about the Eye; if you fear it or think you have been struck by it; if you feel drawn to Evil Eye jewelry, this book is for you. May it provide you with safety, relief, and happiness.” —from the foreword by Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells and Pure Magic: A Complete Course in Spellcasting Antonio Pagliarulo has been published by the Washington Post, NBC News, New York Daily News, The Wild Hunt, and Religion News Service. He is the son of southern Italian immigrants and was raised in a home where the magical arts were commonplace. Antonio lives in New York City. Visit his website at www.antoniopagliarulo.com.

Join me and Taliesin Govannon (The Pagan Pundit) as we discuss the latest in politics. Follow Taliesin at https://www.tiktok.com/@taliesingovannon and https://www.instagram.com/taliesingovannon/?hl=en and https://www.taliesing.com/

It's that time of the year.  Raina's birthday rant and an hour of hanging out with bestie, Dr. Debra Burris! About Dr. Debra Burris: Debra L. Burris is a witch, farmer, physicist, and Master Naturalist. She has a PhD in physics and teaches meteorology, astronomy, and physical sciences at the University of Arkansas. She has worked for the National Severe Storms Labs as a storm spotter and is a regular presenter at Mystic South. Visit her at Instagram.com/DocFireWoman. Look for her upcoming book from Llewellyn - WEATHER MAGIC: WITCHERY, SCIENCE, LORE to be released in April, 2024.

Binx's Home for Black Cats  Hannah Soboleski is the President of House of Black Cat Magic, Co., and the Executive Director of Binx's Home for Black Cats and directs all day-to-day operations. She is a lifetime cat lover and has been rescuing, fostering, and rehoming cats since 2016. She has spent years working with established cat rescues, shelters, and community cat programs to better the lives of cats and kittens in Buncombe County. She is also working toward her degree in Biology, with an emphasis on Animal Sciences. Binx Pyewacket is her familiar and best friend and is also the rescue mascot.   Star Bustamonte is the Senior Vice President of House of Black Cat Magic, Co., News correspondent for The Wild Hunt, and co-host of The 4:15. Her background is varied, having decades-long experience in both the service and retail industry. Spiritually, her path has forever been one of service and over the course of her life she has devoted her energy to supporting a variety causes that rest upon the foundation of equality, justice, and truth. She’s also always been crazy for cats so it seems perfectly normal for her to now be involved with a rescue at this stage of her life—crazy cat lady, indeed! Together, Soboleski & Bustamonte opened House of Black Cat Magic in June of 2023, an operation that combines a retail shop offering magical & metaphysical supplies with a cat lounge that features adoptable Black Cats that are always happy to provide a little purr therapy for anyone visiting the lounge. Binx’s Home for Black Cats contact and social media resources: Email: binxhomeforblackcats@gmail.com Website: https://www.binxshomeforblackcats.com/

From LLEWELLYN'S LITTLE BOOKS SERIES #16 Brimming with nearly seventy spells, tips, and activities, this illustrated book helps you take new steps on your personal journey into witchcraft. Award-winning author Deborah Blake teaches you how to build an altar, use divination tools, invoke deities, and much more. Covering a wide range of magical goals, this little book will help you improve your relationships, deepen your connection to nature, and live a successful, enchanted life. Deborah Blake is the author of over a dozen books on modern Witchcraft, including The Little Book of Cat Magic and Everyday Witchcraft, as well as the acclaimed Everyday Witch Tarot and Everyday Witch Oracle. She has also written three paranormal romance and urban fantasy series for Berkley, and her new cozy mystery series launched with Furbidden Fatality in 2021. Deborah lives in a 130-year-old farmhouse in upstate New York with numerous cats who supervise all her activities, both magical and mundane. Visit her at DeborahBlakeAuthor.com.

Join me and Taliesin Govannon (The Pagan Pundit) as we discuss the latest in politics. Follow Taliesin at https://www.tiktok.com/@taliesingovannon and https://www.instagram.com/taliesingovannon/?hl=en and https://www.taliesing.com/

Opal Luna, author of "FIBER MAGICK - A WITCH'S GUIDE TO SPELLCASTING WITH CROCHET, KNOTWORK & WEAVING" comes back on for a visit. Featuring over 100 color photos and illustrations, this fun and accessible guide introduces you to the magickal power of crochet, knotwork, and other fiber crafts. Witch and crochet expert Opal Luna shows you how to move spiritual intention from your mind into your hands through practical exercises, creative techniques, and patterns for more than seventy projects. Improving your magick through fiber arts is easy with Opal's step-by-step instructions and empowering guidance. Discover the tools of the trade, the power of color, and a variety of weaving, braiding, and knotting methods. Learn how to connect to deities and create sacred space for your practice. Explore how Fiber Magick can be used in your holiday celebrations and rites of passage. From sigils and yarn amulets to prayer shawls and crocheted poppets, Fiber Magick is full of delightful projects and perfect for practitioners of all skill levels. Opal Luna is a Crone Priestess of Minerva, long-time witch, crocheter, and teacher. She serves the South Florida Pagan Community as an officer of the Moonpath Grove. Become a member of The Fiber Magick Coven group on Facebook to share the Craft and craftiness. Please visit https://www.fibermagick.com/

Coby Michael and Ivo Dominguez, Jr. come on to discuss book #5 of The Witch's Sun Sign Series! Ignite your witchcraft with the mighty roar of your Leo sun sign. Featuring eye-opening insight and numerous spells, exercises, and stories, Leo Witch reveals what strengths and weaknesses this sign brings to both your practice and everyday life. Ivo Dominguez, Jr. and Coby Michael, along with a variety of Leo contributors, teach you how to best connect with your sun sign energy. This book deepens your relationship to yourself, providing many ways to channel your natural tendencies into stronger witchcraft. Explore your moon and rising sign traits, discover what correspondences are best for Leo, perform a ritual to meet the spirit of your sign, and cleanse and shield yourself. This book in the Witch's Sun Sign Series helps you light up the night with your warmth, strength, and showmanship. Contributors include BronxWitch, Jaime Gironés, Fio Gede Parma, Gwendolyn Reece, Lady Rhea, David Salisbury, Dawn Aurora Hunt, and Sandra Kynes. For more about Ivo Dominguez, Jr., please visit IvoDominguezJr.com and for Coby Michael, please visit  https://www.thepoisonersapothecary.com/

Occultist, Agori, Musician, Hecate devotee and  Asterian Astrologer, Jade Sol Luna is one of the first Westerners ever to reconstruct the Javanajataka into a Greco-Roman format. Jade Luna has traveled extensively around the planet, lecturing and conducting workshops on the shadow aspects of Ancient Roman-Greco mysticism. Jade has traveled to India more than 30 times and spent a great deal of time with various teachers, Saints and Sadhu's in Asia. He has previously presented seminars at various locations world wide. During and after Luna's formal spiritual training, Bhau Kalchuri (disciple of Meher Baba) and Kal Babaji (Khajuraho India), tutored him in advanced mysticism and other forms of classical Indian lore. Jade Luna has now transformed his Indian studies into a Greco-Roman practice, showing the spiritual connection that the Ancient Mediterranean had with India. Jade Luna is the author of Hecate: Death, Transition and Spiritual Mastery, Hecate II: The Awakening of Hydra, Asterian Astrology and 27 Stars. Spiritually, Jade Luna is an Aghori. The Aghori (Sanskrit aghora) are worshippers of the Dark God or Goddess. The Aghori are known to engage in post-mortem rituals. They often dwell in charnel grounds, have been witnessed smearing cremation ashes on their bodies, and have been known to use bones for crafting kapalas which Kali and other Hindu deities are often iconically depicted holding or using) and jewelry. Because of their practices that are contradictory to orthodox Hinduism, they are generally opposed by other Hindus.Many Aghori gurus command great reverence from rural populations as they are supposed to possess healing powers gained through their intensely eremitic rites and practices of renunciation and tápasya.