Episodes
A Danish folktale collected from various sources. A great land serpent terrorizes a kingdom,and particularly the royal family. A peasant girl is the only one who can end the terror, but familial secrets must be unearthed, and the magical instructions from a wise crone followed exactly! In our next gathering we will discuss the magical themes and symbols of the tale. Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek" https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi...  Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR...
Published 11/09/24
Fairy seer, Rose Aurora, and Prof. Keith Green join the circle to discuss the Magical, Mystical, and Gnostic threads in the cosmology of Tolkien's The Silmarillion, a creation story of Middle Earth, it's pantheon or powers, and the races of Elves, Dwarves, and Humans. How does this reflect, and inform our magical and witchcraft practices? Listen to the full discussion to find out, and please share your own thoughts and reactions in the comments! For more on Witchcraft, Mysticism, and...
Published 10/11/24
Ben Stimpson returns to the circle to discuss magical wisdom in the tale of The Brave Little Tailor. We look at our everyday surroundings to find tools that present themselves useful, apply the literary "Headology" of the tale to improve our own magical security, and explore the witch's role between the community and the supernatural. In conversation with Rev. Laura Gonzalez and Frater Aaron Find more about Ben at https://www.benstimpson.com/ Find Laura at http://bluewitch.org Intro...
Published 09/27/24
Author, podcaster, and scholar Ben Stimpson narrates this tale collected by the Brothers Grimm, AKA "The Valiant Little Tailor" or "The Gallant Tailor". A prudent and clever young tailor boasts his pride as a fly killer and uses his wits to overcome increasingly dangerous opponents until he becomes a king! Ben will join us again in our next episode to discuss the tale, stay tuned! Find more about Ben at https://www.benstimpson.com/ Intro contains music provided by "Vivek...
Published 09/15/24
Nathan King, author of Awakening the Witch Blood: Embodying the Arte Magical joins the circle to discuss The Marvelous Land of Oz, and the influence of feminism and mysticism on the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. We look at how witchcraft in Oz reflects elements of Traditional Witchcraft. Find Nathan King at https://linktr.ee/nathan.witchpath The stage production mentioned in the discussion is available to watch free at https://youtu.be/jCGXsoPM6F8?si=ldCeOjRnWkITQiGg  Intro contains music...
Published 08/25/24
Joanna the Polish Folk Witch joins us again to analyze the Polish folktale "The Legend of Mister Twardowski" and the traditional aspects of witchcraft and ceremonial magic that are reflected in the tale. This appears to be the first time this legend is discussed in an English podcast! Thank you Joanna for translating the tale and sharing it with us!  Find more from Joanna at  https://polishfolkwitch.pl/contactlinks and Dave at  https://www.instagram.com/weathered_wiseman_real/ Intro...
Published 08/17/24
Joanna, the Polish Folk Witch narrates a tale from traditional Polish Folklore, and has personally translated the tale to English for us. A Storybook Witchcraft exclusive! Mr Twardowski struggles with his desire for knowledge and the fate of his soul as he repeatedly sells and wins back his soul from the devil! Find More about Joanna, the Polish Folk Witch at https://polishfolkwitch.pl/contactlinks Intro contains music provided by "Vivek...
Published 08/10/24
Both astrology and Shakespeare's writing would have been understood differently by his original audiences. Kelly discusses how the stars influence the fortunes of Shakespeare's most famous characters, and possibly identifies exactly which star crossed Romeo and Juliet! We also find theurgical references to platonic love, and possible remnants of agrarian ritual sacrifice. You can find more from Kelley Downes at https://www.instagram.com/kelly.m.downes/ Intro contains music provided by...
Published 07/21/24
Morgan Daimler joins the circle to discuss the possible benefits and dangers of dealing with the Fae, as well as Faerie concepts of gender and sexuality, and how the details of the interaction with faerie beings detailed in the English/Scottish Ballad of Tam Lin can inform our craft, in discussion with Dave Gaddy and Frater Aaron. Find more about Morgan Daimler at https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/morgan-daimler Intro contains music provided by "Vivek...
Published 07/12/24
A traditional tale of a brave maiden who braves beast, fire, and fairy magic to save an enchanted knight from the court of the Faerie Queen. Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi...  Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" https://youtu.be/JrNjyEixUEk  Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivekEKhsihbA/  Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivek.abhis...
Published 07/06/24
Author Nathan M. Hall joins the circle to discuss the tale of The White Snake by the Brothers Grimm. We explore elements of animism in the craft, sacrifice, working with local spirits, and mushroom magic! We also discuss legends of sacred kings and magicians, and coming into our own sovereignty through our craft, in discussion with AB Rodriguez, Dave Gaddy, and Frater Aaron. Find More from Nathan Hall at https://beacons.ai/moonlithedge Dave Gaddy's book is available...
Published 06/17/24
A royal servant can't resist the urge to taste the King's secret eucharist, which gives him strange abilities across three realms of creatures, and eventually sovereignty over a kingdom of his own. Subscribe to get notified of our next episode where we discuss the hidden symbolism of the tale! Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi... Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally composed and produced by "Vivek...
Published 05/31/24
Class is in session! Sara Mastros, author and teacher, tells us the story of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. How King Solomon's greatest power was in bringing peace, the secret tradition of Sheba, and what this story can still tell us today. In conversation with AB Rodriguez and Frater Aaron. Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi... Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally composed and produced by "Vivek...
Published 05/05/24
Brett Hollyhead, the Witch of Salopia and Wycke Malliway of Crossed Crow Books return to share tales of frogs and toads in Magic, Witchcraft, and Alchemy. Frogs in folklore have been cast as lovers, familiars, and even as the witches' devil! In conversation with Dave Gaddy and Frater Aaron. Find Brett Hollyhead at https://www.instagram.com/witch_of_salopia/ Visit Crossed Crow Books at https://www.crossedcrowbooks.com/ Check out The Simple Magick of Wild Things by Dave Gaddy Intro...
Published 04/21/24
A princess gains the attention and aid of an extraordinary frog, but does she bargain away more than she is willing to give? Meanwhile a faithful footman mourns the loss of his prince, but will they be reunited? Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi... Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" https://youtu.be/JrNjyEixUEk Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivekEKhsihbA/ Follow on...
Published 04/06/24
Flo, the Trans Folk Witch, shares folklore of a legendary Ozark witch and shapeshifter Mother Red Cap. Flo recalls the cautionary tales she heard as a child, as well as an account published by Brandon Weston. In conversation with Dave Gaddy and Frater Aaron. Would you welcome Mother Red Cap into your circle? You can follow Flo at https://www.instagram.com/the_trans_folk_witch/ Find Dave's latests work at https://www.instagram.com/weathered_wiseman_real/ Intro contains music provided by...
Published 03/20/24
Via Hedera joins us to discuss The Golden Key by George MacDonald. Through the realms explored in the story we find traces of Traditional Witchcraft, Celtic Folklore, Hermetic and Christian mysticism, culminating in a sublime agnostic mystery. Check out more sacred stories and discussions at lnk.bio/StorybookPodcast You can find more about Via Hedera at https://www.viahedera.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/viahedera/ Find Laura's latest event and services...
Published 03/06/24
Called by Tolkien a "vehicle of Mystery," achieving power and beauty. A young boy named Mossy embarks on a quest to find the rainbow's end and it's Golden Key, while his young friend, Tangle crosses through multiple worlds and existences to find him, and together journey over the rainbow.   This is a LibriVox recording narrated by Clive Catterall. Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi...  Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally...
Published 02/27/24
Victoria Raschke (author, host of Witchlit Pod) and Nay Noordsmans (House of Gnomi) join the Circle to discuss Gnomes by Wil Huygen & Rien Poortvliet. An anthropological textbook into the history and culture of Gnomes, this curious book initiated the current popularity of the little men with red hats, and the thoughtful art, and ecological and animistic perspective feel at home in our sacred texts of Witchcraft. You can find Nay and learn more Gnome magic and lore at House of...
Published 02/14/24
Jake Richards, author of Backwoods Witchcraft, and Doctoring the Devil, joins the circle to explore a tale from his own family's oral folklore. We discuss elements of Appalachian religious and magical practices, how this tale informs Jake's own practice, and how it could possibly inspire our own! Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi... Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally composed and produced by "Vivek...
Published 01/27/24
Author Jake Richards shares a tale from his own ancestral folklore! This is a short, but atmospheric tale of Appalachian religious tradition and Witchcraft. Intro contains music provided by "Vivek Abhishek"https://www.youtube.com/user/VivEKhsi... Music used : "1 HOUR OF HORROR MUSIC" originally composed and produced by "Vivek Abhishek" https://youtu.be/JrNjyEixUEk --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storybookpodcast/message
Published 01/23/24
Kind old maid, Queen of Witches, Midwinter Goddess, who is the mysterious Mother Holle? Moss shares with us the rebellious and transgressive characteristics of her native folklore, appearance in witch trial records, and modern veneration.  You can find more of Moss Matthey at https://www.instagram.com/magic_of_the_moss/ and check out AB's Witch Journal for spells, interviews, and more!https://www.youtube.com/@abwitchjournal Intro contains music provided by "Vivek...
Published 12/15/23
A young girl travels down a well to a magical realm where she meets the mysterious Frau Hulda/Mother Holle. Should she trust the frightening, yet friendly old woman? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/storybookpodcast/message
Published 12/08/23
Kelden Mercury discusses the folklore around the Witches' Sabbath, the Goddess's night train, or faerie raid, and shape-shifting witches! In conversation with AB Rodriguez and Dave, The Weathered Wiseman, we compare ways we see Cinderella as an ideal witch archetype, and even remnants of Platonic cosmology. Plus Kelden reveals his next intriguing project.... We are eagerly waiting! You can find more of Kelden's work on his blog https://keldenmercury.wordpress.com/ and check out AB's Witch...
Published 10/28/23