Witch Beneath the Willow

In this week’s herbal episode, we’re sitting with one of my most beloved plant allies: raspberry leaf — the bramble of Ida, the traditional midwife’s herb, the thorned guardian of softness and strength.Together we’ll wander through its mythology, from Mount Ida and the nursemaid of Zeus to folklore of protection, fertility, and wandering souls. We’ll explore its magical correspondences — Venus and the Moon, The Empress, heart and womb energy — and the many gentle ways you can weave raspberry into your spellwork.And of course, we’ll talk medicine. Raspberry leaf as uterine tonic, menstrual ally, nutritive support, and energetic protector. I’ll share my personal cycle tea blend, a boundary spell jar, and a fertility bath ritual to help you live the magic in your everyday life.This episode is a love letter to resilience — to being both thorned and tender.If you’ve been craving grounding, protection, or deeper connection to your body’s rhythms, this one is for you.Links:Herbal ConferenceKofiTiktok/Instagram: @witchbeneaththewillow

In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we descend into the depths of the sea to meet Poseidon — god of oceans and storms, earthquakes and horses, protector of sailors and bringer of ruin. Known as the Earth-Shaker and Lord of the Deep, Poseidon is a deity of power, emotion, and consequence, whose myths remind us that nothing in nature — or within ourselves — is ever truly still.Together, we explore Poseidon’s origins, epithets, and tangled relationships with gods and mortals alike, including his long feud with Odysseus, his rivalry with Athena, the tragedy of Scylla, and the devastating consequences of broken vows in the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur. We do not shy away from the darker truths of his stories, instead holding them as lessons about boundaries, desire, and the cost of dishonesty.In the magic section, we look at how Poseidon’s energy shows up in modern witchcraft — from emotional release and boundary work to storm magic, oathwork, and rites of safe passage through life’s most turbulent transitions. The episode closes with a Living the Spell segment featuring a tide-based ritual, a soothing tea blend inspired by Poseidon’s correspondences, and an affirmation for honoring your emotional depths without fear.This episode is an invitation to stop fighting the current — and learn how to move with the tide.Support the podcast: If you’d like to help keep Witch Beneath the Willow growing, you can support the show on Ko-fi. Your contributions help fund research, recording, and future offerings.Continue the conversation: You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow, where I share daily magic, rituals, folklore, and glimpses into living the spell in real time. Come say hello, share what resonated with you, or tell me how Poseidon’s tides are showing up in your own life.As always, thank you for walking this path with me — and may the waters carry you safely home.

Imbolc arrives quietly — not with the rush of spring, but with the first true promise that the light is returning.In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we step into the soft threshold of Imbolc, the ancient fire festival that marks the midpoint between winter and spring. Together, we explore the folklore, history, and magic of this deeply personal sabbat — from Brigid’s sacred flame and holy wells, to weather divination, fertility rites, and the subtle stirring of life beneath the frozen earth. This is a celebration of patience, endurance, and hope — of trusting what is growing, even when it cannot yet be seen.We’ll talk about how to honor Imbolc in modern life through gentle rituals, protection and cleansing magic, candle work, divination, and acts of nourishment for both body and home. This episode also includes Living the Spell practices to help you embody the sabbat: cleansing rituals, a warming sun-rebirth tea, and a simple Imbolc feast to welcome the returning light.You don’t need to bloom yet.You only need to tend the flame.✨ Blessed Imbolc ✨TikTok and Insta: WitchbeneaththewillowKofi: link here

The Snow Moon rises at the heart of winter — a time of deep stillness, endurance, and quiet transformation. Peaking on February 1st and aligning with Imbolc, this full moon marks a powerful threshold between the coldest days of the year and the first subtle stirrings of spring.In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we explore the magic, folklore, and symbolism of the Snow Moon. From its many names across cultures — including the Hungry Moon, Ice Moon, and Storm Moon — to its connection with fire, creativity, and inner strength, this lunar moment invites us to slow down, listen inward, and trust what is growing beneath the surface.We’ll talk about:• The history and folklore of the Snow Moon• Lunar timing and seasonal symbolism• Magical correspondences, deities, herbs, crystals, and animals• Why this full moon is ideal for release, renewal, and intention setting• Snow Moon rituals including cord cutting, moon water, journaling, and creative magicThis episode is a reminder that winter is not empty or stagnant — it is fertile, sacred, and alive with unseen change. Under the Snow Moon, we are asked not to rush forward, but to surrender gently, reclaim our energy, and prepare for what comes next.✨ Next episode: Imbolc — releasing a day or two early to honor the turning of the season.Support the podcast and book ritual work: Ko-fiFollow along on TikTok & Instagram: @WitchBeneathTheWillowBlessed Snow Moon

Six months ago, I released the very first episode of Witch Beneath the Willow — and this week, I wanted to pause beneath the branches and properly introduce myself.In this special anniversary episode, I’m sharing my story: who I am beyond my witchcraft, how magic has shaped my life from childhood to now, why the willow became my sanctuary, and how this podcast was born during a season when I needed light, joy, and connection the most.We talk about living with anxiety, working in child welfare, balancing professionalism with magic, redefining rest, and learning that wellness itself is spellwork. I reflect on six months of showing up every week, the lessons that consistency has taught me, and the quiet power of community and shared wonder.This episode is less about teaching and more about being — a soft, honest conversation meant to feel like sitting beneath the willow together, where it’s safe to rest, dream, and be exactly who you are.Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re just finding your way, I’m so glad you’re here.Brew some tea, get comfortable, and meet the witch beneath the willow.If you’d like to support Witch Beneath the Willow, you can do so on Ko-fi. Every bit of support helps keep the podcast growing and means more than I can say.Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @Witchbeneaththewillow

Cinnamon is more than a pantry staple — it is fire wrapped in bark, a spice once worth more than gold, and a plant steeped in magic, myth, and medicine.In this episode of Apothecary Notes, we trace cinnamon’s journey from the forests of Sri Lanka through ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe, where it was used in embalming rites, funeral ceremonies, sacred anointing oils, and even fueled wars over the spice trade. We explore the folklore of the phoenix, beliefs of protection and rebirth, and why cinnamon has long been associated with divine favor, wealth, and transformation.We then open the apothecary to cinnamon’s magical uses — prosperity and luck work, protection magic, gratitude rituals, love and passion spells (with an important ethical reminder), and its role in divination and intuition-enhancing practices. You’ll also learn cinnamon’s elemental, planetary, and deity correspondences, making it a powerful ally for spellwork and ritual.On the herbalism side, we explore the differences between true cinnamon and cassia, its role in Ayurvedic medicine, its warming and antimicrobial properties, and the many ways cinnamon supports digestion, circulation, immunity, and overall vitality — along with important safety considerations.To close, we step into Living the Spell with a Masala Chai ritual designed to invite protection, abundance, and passion, and a simple cinnamon spell you can weave into your daily practice.Light a candle, stir your tea, and join me as we honor cinnamon — a spice of fire, fortune, and ancient magic.Instagram and TikTok: @WitchBeneaththeWillowKofi @ https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow

Zeus is often remembered as the god of thunder — but his power reaches far beyond the storm.In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we open the Grimoire of the Gods to explore Zeus, King of the Olympians and guardian of law, order, oaths, and hospitality. From his miraculous escape from Kronos to the decade-long Titanomachy, from the forging of the thunderbolt to the delicate balance of justice and authority, this episode traces the rise of Zeus as a god who shaped both the cosmos and human civilization.We’ll examine:Zeus’s role as enforcer of xenia, the sacred law of hospitalityHis epithets, symbols, and mythic contradictionsThe wars that secured Olympian rule — Titanomachy, Gigantomachy, and TyphoeusHis complex relationships, power, and legacyHow Zeus’s myths reflect authority, responsibility, and consequenceWe then move into practical magic and living myth, exploring how to work with Zeus’s energy today — not through domination or fear, but through clarity, integrity, and embodied leadership. This episode invites you to reflect on power, voice, boundaries, and the weight of your word.Perfect for listeners interested in:Greek mythology • deity work • folklore • witchcraft • astrology • personal power • ritual and reflectionIf you enjoy Witch Beneath the Willow and wish to support the podcast, you can find ways to do so at my Ko-fi — your support helps keep this space growing beneath the branches.

January’s full moon rises as the first supermoon of 2026, illuminating the deepest heart of winter and calling us back to instinct, intuition, and the wild wisdom within.In this episode, we explore the folklore, mythology, and magic of the Wolf Moon, including where its name comes from, why wolves have long been linked to moonlight, and how this lunation reflects our own dual nature — both civil and primal. We journey through ancient myths, from werewolves and Celtic folklore to Norse tales of Ragnarök and the Roman she-wolf Lupa, uncovering how wolves have been both feared and revered across cultures.You’ll also learn about the magical correspondences of the Wolf Moon, why winter full moons are powerful for protection magic and shadow work, and how this Cancer-ruled moon heightens emotions, intuition, and self-care themes. I share a personal reflection on visiting a wolf sanctuary, working with wolf symbolism, and walking more intentionally with this energy in the year ahead.Whether you’re honoring the moon with ritual or simply listening beneath the winter sky, this episode is an invitation to trust your instincts, protect what is sacred, and remember the wild strength that lives within you.If you enjoy Witch Beneath the Willow and feel called to support this work, you can do so through my Ko-fi. Your support helps keep the podcast growing and allows me to continue creating magical, folklore-rich episodes for our community.Share this episode with a fellow witch who could use a little moonlit wisdom — and don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss an episode beneath the willow.

Shadow work is the practice of meeting the parts of ourselves we’ve learned to hide—the fears, desires, wounds, instincts, and even the magic we were taught was “too much” or “not acceptable.”In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we explore shadow work as a form of sacred self-care, weaving together Jungian psychology, witchcraft, mythic descent, and gentle lived experience. This is a soft, lantern-lit introduction to the shadow self—what it is, how it forms, why it influences our lives, and how learning to acknowledge it can bring healing, wholeness, and deeper self-trust.We talk about:What shadow work actually is (and what it is not)How the shadow self forms through childhood, culture, and survivalWhy shadow work can feel emotionally intense—and why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrongThe connection between shadow work, self-care, and magical life forceHow witchcraft, myth, and ancient traditions have always honored journeys into the darkPractical, gentle ways to begin shadow work through journaling, ritual, meditation, and supportThe importance of professional mental health care alongside spiritual practiceReclaiming the wild self—the instinctual, feeling, human parts of us that long to be seenThis episode closes with a Living the Spell segment, including beginner-friendly shadow work journal prompts, a soothing tea blend for emotional aftercare, and an affirmation for radical self-acceptance.Shadow work is not about fixing yourself.It’s about bringing every part of you home.Please note: Witchcraft and at-home practices are not a substitute for professional mental health support. If shadow work becomes overwhelming, it is okay to pause, rest, and seek help. You are never required to push through pain to be worthy of healing.If you’d like to support Witch Beneath the Willow and help keep these episodes growing beneath the branches, you can visit my Ko-fi. Your support helps fund research, recording time, and the creation of future rituals, reflections, and stories—and it is deeply appreciated.If this episode resonates, consider sharing it with someone who may need permission to meet themselves with a little more gentleness.Insta and TikTok: @WitchBeneaththeWillowJournal Prompts:What parts of myself did I learn to hide in order to be loved?What emotion do I judge most harshly—and where does it live in me?What part of me is asking to be witnessed rather than fixed?

Step into the longest night of the year as we explore Yule: Myth, Magic, and Winter’s Wisdom. In this episode, we walk through the folklore, traditions, and spiritual meaning of the winter solstice, tracing its roots through Germanic, Celtic, Norse, and other ancient cultures. From the battle of the Oak and Holly Kings to Odin’s Wild Hunt, from the prophetic dreams of the Twelve Nights to crafting pomanders and writing your thirteen wishes, this episode offers both history and practical witchcraft for your modern practice.Yule holds a special place in my personal journey as a witch. It was the first sabbat I ever celebrated, and it has become a deeply cherished tradition that I now share with loved ones each year. In this episode, I reflect on my personal rituals while guiding you in creating your own midwinter magic, whether you prefer feasting and community or quiet, introspective work by candlelight.In this episode, you will learn:• The origins and meaning of Yule and the winter solstice• Key myths and figures of the season, including Frigga, Odin, the Cailleach, Baldr, and the Oak and Holly Kings• The magical themes of Yule: rebirth, protection, divination, introspection, and resilience• How to work with the Twelve Days of Yule• Pomander making and the Thirteen Wishes ritual• Correspondences, herbs, crystals, foods, and symbols connected to midwinterWhether this is your first Yule or a beloved yearly celebration, may this episode support you as you honor the stillness, the returning sun, and the wisdom found only in winter.If this episode resonates with you, please consider sharing it with a fellow witch who may need a little midwinter light.Support the podcast or book spellwork at my Ko-fi

In this week’s Olympian deep dive, we step into the glowing heart of the forge to meet Hephaestus — god of fire, metalwork, craftsmanship, and the quiet resilience that rises from adversity.Born imperfect and cast from Olympus, Hephaestus grew into one of the most revered creators of the ancient world: maker of divine weapons, enchanted objects, automatons, and Pandora herself. His myths shimmer with themes of rejection, reinvention, creative mastery, and the beauty of imperfection — all woven into a life shaped by flame and determination.In this episode, we explore:• His origins, both tragic and transformative• His marriages to Aphrodite and Aglaea• His legendary creations, from Achilles’ armor to the cursed Necklace of Harmonia• His role as teacher, healer, and patron of artisans• The magical correspondences and themes tied to his craft• How modern witches can work with Hephaestus for resilience, inspiration, and creative empowermentPlus, a “Living the Spell” segment featuring a forge-inspired chant, a creation ritual, and a warming tea blend to help you alchemize challenge into strength.If this episode lights a spark for you, share it with a fellow witch who could use a reminder of their hidden fire — and if you'd like to support the podcast, you can do so through my Ko-fi.TikTok and Insta: @WitchBeneaththeWillow

The Full Cold Moon rises on December 4th, bringing a quiet, crystalline stillness and the reminder that rest is a sacred, necessary part of the cycle. As the final supermoon of the year, it invites us to release what weighs us down, soften into silence, and return to the inner fire that carries us through the deepest part of winter.In this episode, we explore the folklore and origins of the Cold Moon, why this lunation symbolizes endurance and resilience, and how its placement in Gemini highlights clarity, communication, and community. We also walk through a tender, rhyming cord-cutting ritual for release, along with journal prompts for shadow work and gentle introspection. You’ll find correspondences, deities, herbs, crystals, and reflections to guide your practice, as well as a look into how I am personally honoring this moon through rest, therapy-supported shadow work, and intentional stillness.A reminder that while witchcraft is a powerful source of support, it is not a substitute for mental health care or medical treatment. If you are struggling, you are not alone. My Instagram and TikTok messages are always open.For those who feel called to deeper support, my cord-cutting spell offerings are available through Ko-fi. Link below.Journal Prompts: What do you feel called to release?What is sitting beneath the surface that needs to be acknowledged?How can you bring more slowness and peace into your life?What is a strength of yours that you don’t give enough credit toWhat is your relationship with rest?Tiktok: Witch Beneath The WillowInstagram: Witch Beneath the WillowKofi: https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow

This week, we’re diving into the fiery, protective, and deeply nourishing world of stinging nettle — one of the most misunderstood and magical plants of the green world. From ancient folklore and fairie-touched legends to herbal wisdom and practical kitchen witchery, nettle has carried a reputation for equal parts sting and salvation.In this episode, we explore:The mythic history of nettle as a liminal guardianFolklore from Ireland, Scotland, the Nordics, and Indigenous communitiesIts role in The Wild Swans and the Saxon Nine Herbs CharmNettle’s magical properties: protection, boundaries, growth, fertility, and fireHerbal benefits for allergies, anemia, skin health, the menstrual cycle, and moreA boundary-setting spell (especially helpful for the holiday season)A nourishing nettle + red raspberry leaf tea to support your cyclePlus, I share how nettle has become one of my most trusted allies in my herbalism practice.If you loved this episode, share it with a fellow witch who could use some herbal magic today. And if you’d like to support the show, you can do so through my Ko-fi.

This week, we’re slowing down together. After a long, draining week, I’m diving into the magic of Witchy Wellness — exploring how soulful self-care can become ritual, and how tending to our bodies and spirits keeps our magic alive.In this cozy, heart-led episode, I share personal stories, the deep historical roots of witchcraft and healing, and a five-part wellness practice you can use to restore your energy: Cleanse, Ground, Charge, Protect, and Nourish.Whether you’re moving through burnout, craving stillness, or simply ready to refill your cup, this episode is your invitation to come home to yourself — mind, body, and magic.Listen, breathe, and reclaim your softness.If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow witch who could use a little light today — and if you’d like to support Witch Beneath the Willow, you can do so through my Ko-fi link.As always, may your tea stay warm, and your spirit wild.

Step softly into the dawn-lit woods and meet Artemis — goddess of the hunt, the moon, and the untamed wilderness.In this episode, we explore her origins, myths, and sacred duality: protector of the young, bringer of both healing and wrath, and the embodiment of sovereignty and self-trust.From her moonlit birth on Delos to her fierce defense of boundaries, Artemis reminds us that freedom is sacred — and that the wild within us deserves tending, not taming.We’ll journey through her most powerful stories — Orion, Actaeon, Callisto, and more — and close with a spell for Artemis, The Huntress’s Light, to call in protection and self-sovereignty beneath the full moon.Topics include:Artemis’s role as moon goddess and protectorMyths of Orion, Actaeon, and CallistoFestivals, offerings, and correspondencesA modern spell for sovereignty and protectionIf this episode speaks to you, share it with a kindred spirit, follow Witch Beneath the Willow for more folklore and spellcraft, or visit my Ko-fi to support the podcast and my magic under the willow.

The Beaver Moon rises on November 5th, 2025 — the closest supermoon of the year — glowing bright with grounding, steady energy. In this episode, we explore the folklore behind November’s full moon, the beaver’s quiet wisdom, and how to work with this moon’s magic of rest, stability, and transformation.Join me under the willow as we talk about the spiritual meaning of the Beaver Moon in Taurus, seasonal correspondences, grounding rituals, and gentle ways to recharge before winter deepens.Themes: rest, security, transformation, emotional grounding, seasonal magicCorrespondences: beaver, Hestia, Frigg, cinnamon, topaz, smoky quartzLiving the Spell: create a sanctuary space, charge moon water, journal for stabilityIf you’d like to help keep Witch Beneath the Willow growing, you can now support my work on Ko-fi. Every bit of support helps me create more cozy, magical content for our willow circle. Journal Prompts:What in my life is supporting my long-term growth?What projects or goals would I like to complete before the end of the year?What practices and people help me feel grounded and secure — and how can I bring more of that energy into my daily routine?

As October fades and the air turns sharp with smoke and spice, we arrive at Samhain — the Celtic new year and the sacred night when the veil between worlds grows thin.In this episode, we journey into the origins of Samhain: the final harvest, the fire festivals atop Tlachtga and Tara, and the ancient customs that inspired our modern Halloween. You’ll hear tales of the fae and the restless dead, learn the meanings behind apple divination and dumb suppers, and explore the powerful magic that stirs when the world stands between endings and beginnings. I also include a brief section on Dia de los Muertos.We’ll close with a Living the Spell segment featuring a protective hag stone charm and the traditional soul cake recipe — a sweet offering for the ancestors who still walk beside us.May this episode guide you through the shadows with reverence, remembrance, and renewal.Support Witch Beneath the Willow by following the show or leaving a tip through my Ko-fi link — every candle lit and cup of tea shared helps the magic continue.For the article referenced on Dia de los Muertos, go hereShadow work prompts:1. What part of myself am I still clinging to that is ready to diewith the old year? Samhain marks the turning of the wheel — the death before rebirth. Reflect on what habits, fears, or stories no longer serve you. What would it mean to lay them to rest beneath autumn’s fallen leaves?2. Whose voice echoes within me when I am afraid of my own power? Consider the influences — past relationships, family beliefs, cultural conditioning — that have shaped your perception of your strength and intuition. Which voices are truly yours, and which can be released to the dark?3. What wisdom have my own shadows tried to teach me?The things we hide often hold the keys to our greatest growth. Look gently into the places you avoid. What lessons are waiting there, quietly asking to be seen and integrated?

Beneath the drooping branches of the elder tree, the veil grows thin. Said to be the dwelling place of the Elder Mother and a gateway to the fae realm, this sacred tree has long stood at the threshold between worlds—where healing and haunting intertwine.In this week’s Apothecary Notes, we wander into the folklore, magic, and herbal medicine of the elder. From Celtic tales of fairy dances to the whispered songs said to drift from her branches, the elder teaches us of protection, renewal, and the power of endings that birth new beginnings.You’ll learn her myths, her gifts, and her warnings—and how to honor her spirit through a simple ritual: crafting your own elderberry syrup for protection and everyday wellness.Sit with me beneath her shade, and listen closely.You just might hear her sing.If you’d like to support the show, you can follow, share an episode with a fellow witch, or leave a little offering through my Ko-fi link—help me brew a fresh cup of coffee or light a new candle for the next recording.

Fleet-footed and silver-tongued, Hermes moves between worlds — god of travelers and thieves, of luck, language, and dreams. In this episode, we follow his mythic path from the cradle’s first trick to the gates of the Underworld, exploring the stories that made him messenger, guide, and divine boundary-walker.Learn how to honor Hermes through simple rituals of movement and expression, and close with a “Living the Spell” segment featuring a blessing, a communication spell, and a tea blend for luck and eloquence. Journal prompts invite you to reflect on your own crossroads — the places where wit, curiosity, and courage meet.If you’d like to help keep the candles lit and the tea steeping beneath the willow, you can support the show through this link — every cup shared helps the magic continue to grow.Listen now and let Hermes remind you that every road, no matter how winding, can lead you home. Journal Prompts:Where am I standing at a crossroads in my life right now?What choices are before me, and what would Hermes whisper in my ear if he were walking beside me?How do I communicate with the world around me?Am I speaking my truth clearly and kindly, or am I holding something back out of fear or uncertainty?What words or symbols carry meaning for me right now?How can I use language as a form of magic — to connect, to heal, and to bring intention into form?

On October 6th, 2025, the Hunter’s Moon rises in all its brilliance—an orange-tinged supermoon, the first and brightest of the year. For our ancestors, this was a moon of survival, guiding hunters through the bare fields and darkening woods. For us, it is still a moon of preparation, protection, and honoring cycles of life and death.In this episode, we explore the history and lore of October’s full moon—from Celtic Samhain traditions and Odin’s Wild Hunt to the Mid-Autumn Festival. We’ll gather magical correspondences, dive into practices for shadow work, ancestor connection, and protection spells, and close with journal prompts and rituals for living the spell in your everyday life.Whether you spend this full moon carving protective pumpkins, cooking ancestral recipes, or simply pausing to breathe beneath its glow, the Hunter’s Moon invites you to find balance between abundance and stillness.Let’s wander together into the glow of the Hunter’s Moon.Shadow Work Journal Prompts:How do you feel about the darker half of the year?What steps can you take to prepare for the coming winter?What is your relationship with death, and how has it been shaped by belief or experience?What is something from autumn you’d like to preserve, and what would you like to release?How can you harmonize with the season of preparation?Thank you for joining me tonight under the willow. If you try any of these practices—or cook an ancestral recipe—I’d love to hear about it. You can always find me on Instagram or TikTok @WitchBeneathTheWillow.