Witch Beneath the Willow

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.

What does it mean to cast a glamour? From the goddess Isis weaving divine disguises, to the Morrígan’s battlefield transformations, to Aphrodite’s irresistible allure—glamour magic has always been about more than appearances. It’s the art of aligning your inner power with your outer presence so the world sees you exactly as you intend.In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we’ll explore the history of glamour magic, its roots in Celtic, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman traditions, and how it continues to shape beauty and power today. You’ll learn practical ways to weave glamour into your daily life through mirror work, enchanted skincare, hair rituals, color and gemstone correspondences, scent sorcery, wardrobe choices, and more.Living the Spell: I’ll also guide you through a step-by-step glamour ritual you can use before an interview, a date, or any moment you want to radiate your most magnetic self.Your beauty is a spell. Your presence is power. Let’s enchant both.Journal Prompts:Where in my life do I want to be seen differently and how can my presentation support that truth.Which color/metal/stone feels like my signature for this season?What story did I inherit about beauty? What parts am I keeping and what parts am I composting?

Mabon—the Autumn Equinox—marks the threshold into the darker half of the year. Day and night stand in perfect balance, the harvest is gathered, and gratitude meets release as the wheel turns once again.In this episode of Witch Beneath the Willow, we’ll explore the many layers of Mabon: its history, myths, and global celebrations—from the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece to Korean Chuseok, Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and Welsh tales of Mabon ap Modron. We’ll wander through correspondences of color, crystals, herbs, and deities, and reflect on the themes of balance, reciprocity, and preparation for the winter to come. Please forgive my pronunciation throughout this episode, I don't know what was going on.I’ll also share simple ways to celebrate the season today: feasting, gratitude rituals, seasonal crafts, and magical recipes—plus a simmer pot, a harvest bruschetta, apple candles, and a longer Mabon blessing to use in your own rituals.Join me under the willow tree as we honor the harvest, embrace the turning of the wheel, and step into the wisdom of the equinox.Follow Witch Beneath the Willow for more seasonal magic, and message me with your own Mabon traditions—I’d love to hear them.Mabon Blessing:As the wheel turns and the days and nights stand equal,I honor the sacred balance of this season.I give thanks for the fruits of the harvest,for grain and grape, for root and vine,for the work of my hands and the blessings of the earth.I call upon the light of the fading sunand the shadow of the growing night.Together they weave the tapestry of life and death,rest and renewal, giving and receiving.As leaves turn and fall, so too may I releasewhat I no longer need.I lay down my burdens, my griefs, my outworn patterns,and make space for rest, reflection, and peace.I welcome the gifts of darkness:the time to dream, to heal, to listen inward.And I carry within me the spark of the sun,a flame to guide me through the winter nights.Blessed be the balance of light and shadow,Blessed be the turning of the seasons,Blessed be the harvest and all who gathered it.On this Mabon, I am grateful.On this Mabon, I am whole.So mote it be.

From Persian nightingales and Greek goddesses to Cleopatra’s chambers and Tudor England, the rose has always been more than just a flower—it is a story, a spell, and a medicine chest in bloom.In this episode, we wander through centuries of rose lore: myths of Aphrodite and Venus, the wars of roses in England, and the secretive phrase sub rosa. We’ll explore the rose in art and literature, the language of flowers, and its deep connections to love, passion, and protection in magical practice.You’ll also learn the rose’s gifts as an herbal ally—from soothing the skin and calming the heart to the nourishing power of rosehips. And, as always, we’ll end with a Living the Spell segment, where I’ll guide you through making your own rose water, a simple divination ritual with rose petals, and a refreshing rose & hibiscus lemonade potion.The rose teaches us that beauty is both delicate and thorned, that love can heal and wound, and that magic can be found in the petals we hold close.

Step into the seafoam and the stories of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, passion, and desire. In this episode, we explore her origins, her many lovers and children, her role in sparking the Trojan War, and the myths that reveal both her blessings and her fury. From golden apples to tragic punishments, Aphrodite was never content to remain on Olympus—she moved through the lives of mortals with as much intensity as she did the gods.Along the way, we’ll talk about how to honor her in modern practice: self-love rituals, mirror work, beauty magic, sensual devotion, and even simple offerings that invite her radiant energy into your life. And in the Living the Spell segments, I’ll share a self-love ritual and a tea blend to help you connect more deeply with her gifts.Whether you’re drawn to Aphrodite’s gentleness or her rage, her myths remind us that love is never passive—it can heal, it can wound, and it can transform. If this episode inspires you, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might love a little goddess magic in their life. And come connect with me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow for daily rituals, spells, and a growing witchy community.

This year’s Harvest Moon rises as a supermoon in fiery Aries, glowing brighter and closer than most full moons. Known throughout history for guiding farmers through late-night harvests, this moon is also steeped in folklore, cultural celebrations, and magical energy.In this episode, we explore the Harvest Moon’s history, its many names, and how it’s been celebrated across cultures—from Chinese lantern festivals to Celtic feasts. We’ll talk about its magical correspondences, from gods and crystals to herbs and colors, and then move into practical ways you can connect with its golden light today.You’ll also receive ritual inspiration and journal prompts to guide your reflection under this full moon:🌙 Who in my community am I thankful for?🌙 What is one thing I did this season that I am proud of?🌙 What is asking to be released and moved on from?🌙 What do I want to cultivate more of?🌙 What do I need to store away for winter?Whether you charge moon water, take a moonlit walk, or simply pause to honor what you’ve gathered this season, the Harvest Moon offers a moment of culmination, gratitude, and gentle release. Listen now and celebrate the magic of this moon with me—then share your reflections, rituals, or Harvest Moon sightings. Tag me or send a message; I’d love to know how you’re honoring this turning of the seasons.

Step across the threshold of a brand-new month with me as we explore the magic, folklore, and rituals woven into the very first day of the calendar. From ancient Roman offerings to Juno, to whispering “rabbit, rabbit” for luck, to tucking silver into your pocket for abundance—this episode gathers traditions old and new to help you set the tone for the weeks ahead.We’ll dive into practical witchcraft for the first of the month: abundance spells with cinnamon and money bowls, protective wards with black salt, cleansing rituals to sweep out stagnant energy, and reflective practices with tarot or oracle cards. Plus, I’ll guide you through making your own black salt and share affirmations to anchor your intentions in fresh beginnings.Whether you’re seeking prosperity, protection, or simply a chance to reset, this episode invites you to honor the first of the month as a sacred doorway—and step through it with clarity, magic, and purpose.Living the Spell: DIY black salt recipe & affirmation for fresh starts.Affirmation: As I step into this new month, I cross a threshold of fresh beginnings. I release what no longer serves me and open my heart to the blessings waiting to unfold. Abundance flows easily into my life, and I welcome it with gratitude. My homeis protected, my spirit is grounded, and my path is guided by clarity and purpose. Each day ahead is a chance to grow, to heal, and to create magic in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. I honor this new beginning, knowing I am supported, safe, and aligned with the flow of the universe.

In this first entry of the Apothecary Notes series, we wander into the fragrant world of lavender—a flower beloved by healers, witches, and dreamers across centuries. Together we’ll explore lavender’s rich folklore, from fairy circles and Tudor love charms to the eerie ghost of the Lavender Lady. We’ll uncover her magical uses in spells of protection, prophecy, and sleep, and learn how to weave her calming power into everyday rituals. And of course, we’ll dive into lavender’s medicinal gifts—soothing stress, easing pain, and healing both body and spirit.Whether sipped as tea, tucked beneath your pillow, or burned as incense, lavender is a bridge between worlds: practical, protective, and profoundly magical.You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow — I’d love to hear from you! Send a message anytime with your questions, thoughts, or magical topic requests.

Step into the golden dawn with Apollo — radiant god of the sun, prophecy, music, healing, and truth. In this episode of Gods& Grimoire, we trace his myths from serpent-slaying to oracle-building, from doomed love stories to divine revelations. We explore Apollo’s dual nature as both healer and harbinger, creator and destroyer, artist and avenger.You'll learn how to recognize his signs, work with his energy in your craft, and connect with his light through daily devotion, ritual, and reflection. Plus: a spoken spell and intentional teablend to carry Apollo’s fire with you long after the episode ends.For the seekers, the singers, the truth-tellers, and the healers—this one's for you.You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow — I’d love to hear from you! Send a message anytime with your questions, thoughts, or magical topic requests.

This full moon, we cast our circle beneath ancient waters. The Sturgeon Moon rises, red with summer haze, calling forth resilience, release, and deep remembering. In this episode, we wade through folklore, August energies, lunar spellwork, and a ritual bath to cleanse what clings. Stir the shadows. Call back your magic. Emerge glowing.Journal prompts from the episode:What emotional or energetic weight have I been carrying that I’m ready to release?What is surfacing from my depths right now that needs my attention or healing?What parts of my authentic self am I ready to reclaim or reveal?You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow — I’d love to hear from you! Send a message anytime with your questions, thoughts, or magical topic requests.