folk beliefs – New World Witchery – The Search for American Traditional Witchcraft

Episode 255 – Yuletide Cheer! 2024

Wassail! Wassail! All over the town!

Summary: We share our annual episode of carols, wassails, lore, poetry, and more with you to help you get in the festive folkloric mood!

Please check out our Patreon page! You can help support the show for as little as a dollar a month, and get some awesome rewards at the same time. Even if you can’t give, spread the word and let others know, and maybe we can make New World Witchery even better than it is now.

Producer for this show: This episode is supported by all of our Patreon listeners. Thank you so much to all of you for making this year and all the other years possible!

Play: Episode 237 – Yuletide Cheer! 2024
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Our holiday playlist this year is:

“Here We Come a Wassailing” – Primary School Singers – Archive.org
“Carol of the Bells (Music Box)” – Christmas Music Box – Audiosocket (licensed)
Intro – Welcome all to Yuletide 2024! (playing under: Music box version We Wish You playing under: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Music Box Version)” – WaveMaster from Pixabay)
“The Boar’s Head” – The Randolph Singers – Archive.org
“Gloucestershire Wassail” – BBC Radio Chorus – Archive.org
“Good King Wenceslas” by the US Army Band (Archive.org/Public Domain)
The Posadas tradition – from the Encyclopedia Britannica (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Las-Posadas) (playing under: “In the Bleak Midwinter” – Julius H. from Pixabay)
Some holiday Nursery Rhymes from The Annotated Mother Goose by W. Sabine Barring-Gould
“Fum Fum Fum” – US Army Band (Archive.org )
“Patapan” by Primary School Singers (Archive.org)
“Green Growth the Holly” – The Pagan Carolers – Archive.org
“I Saw Three Ships/Kerry Jig” – The Morrison Players – Audiosocket (licensed)
Hungarian Holidays with Laine
Some Country Christmas traditions: Belsnickling in Appalachia – A description from Gerald C. Milne; Yule straw, from Over Nine Forests by K.M. Koppana; and a Christmas Eve fortune-telling rite from The Devil’s Plantation by Nigel Pearson.
(music under these: O Christmas Tree and The Holly and the Ivy – music box versions – Pixabay)
“Greensleeves” – Alfred Deller Consort – Archive.org
“To Shorten Winter’s Sadness” – English Singers of London – Archive.org
“Christmas Mumming” and “The Redesdale Hornpipe” – Alan Lomax Recording – Archive.org
“Quid Petis” – The Randolph Singers – Archive.org
“Marmion: A Christmas Poem,” by Sir Walter Scott (https://allpoetry.com/Marmion:-a-Christmas-Poem) (music under these: O Christmas Tree, music box version – Pixabay)
“Soul Cake” – The Pagan Carolers – Archive.org
Farewells and happy new years and outro (music under: The Holly and the Ivy music box – Pixabay)
“Da Day Dawn,” by Samantha Gillogly (artist permission)

Transcripts are available on our Transcripts page (NOTE: No transcript available for this episode)

Some upcoming publications from us:

It’s here! You can now order our collaborative book Conjuring the Commonplace: A Guide to Everyday Enchantment and Junk Drawer Magic from 1000Volt Press! It’s available for purchase on Bookshop, Amazon, or from your local bookstore!

You can now buy Cory’s book, New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic! (also available from Amazon) and the recent release Llewellyn’s Complete Book of North American Folk Magic as well (also available on Amazon)!

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

If you have feedback you’d like to share, email us at compassandkey@gmail.com or newworldwitcherypodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment at the website: www.newworldwitchery.com . We’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to follow us at Twitter! And check out our Facebook page! For those who are interested, we are also on TikTok now. You can follow us on Instagram (main account, or you can follow Laine as well) or check out our new YouTube channel with back episodes of the podcast and new “Everyday Magic” videos, too (as well as most of our contest announcements)!

Promos and Music: All music is licensed from Audio Socket, Pixabay, or the Public Domain, with the exception of “Da Day Dawn,” by Samantha Gillogly (used with artist permission).

Please consider supporting us by purchasing our promotional items in the New World Witchery Threadless shop or by joining our Patreon supporters. If you like us AND you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you will love our new show: Myth Taken: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast, now available through all the podcatchers! Please think about checking out our Audible Trial program. Visit Audibletrial.com/newworldwitchery to get your free trial of Audible, where you can download over 180,000 titles (including some narrated by Cory). Your purchases help support this show, and there’s no obligation to continue after the free trial

Episode 242 – Rivers and Dreams with Elhoim Leafar

We’re speaking with author, witch, Yoruban initiate, and activist Elhoim (Elo) Leafar about his new book Dream Witchery, growing up surrounded by Indigenous spirituality, and discovering the intersection of multiple magical and spiritual paths

The Crossroads of Traditions

Summary: This time we’re speaking with author, witch, Yoruban initiate, and activist Elhoim (Elo) Leafar about his new book Dream Witchery, growing up surrounded by Indigenous spirituality, and discovering the intersection of multiple magical and spiritual paths.

Producer for this show: This episode is brought to you by listener Bree. We appreciate your support and will be visiting you with an important message in your dreams soon. Yes, the talking horse wearing the party hat is us.

Play: Episode 242 – Rivers and Dreams with Elhoim Leafar
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You can find out much more about Elo and his work at his website. You might also want to follow him on Instagram to keep up with his work and activism.

Elo’s latest book is Dream Witchery, published by Llewellyn.

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

You can also buy Cory’s book, New World Witchery: A Trove of North American Folk Magic! (also available from Amazon) and the 2023 release Llewellyn’s Complete Book of North American Folk Magic as well (also available on Amazon)!

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 241 – Slow Spells and Magical Maintenance

Laine and Cory discuss long-term magical workings, maintaining magical altars and tools, and Laine’s fear of stage magicians. Plus we answer emails about the Golden Ratio and Leap Day traditions!

Enchantment for the long haul

Summary: Laine and Cory discuss long-term magical workings, maintaining magical altars and tools, and Laine’s fear of stage magicians. Plus we answer emails about the Golden Ratio and Leap Day traditions!

Producer for this show: This episode is brought to you by 1000Volt Press, publishers of the Voices of the Dead series, Verona Green, the Renegade Tea Cookbook, and our book Conjuring the Commonplace! We offer our gratitude by generously filling your mailbox with all the leftover ketchup, taco sauce, and relish packets we found in our junk drawer. Not the horseradish sauce though. That’s ours.

Play: Episode 241 – Slow Spells and Magical Maintenance
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We draw from several resources for this discussion, including:

The Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints, and Sages by Judika Illes
The Master Book of Candle Burning by Henri Gamache
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom by Rachel Pollack
Grimoire for Modern Cunningfolk by Peter Paddon
Conjuring the Commonplace by Cory and Laine!

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 240 – Designing Tarot with Evvin Marin

We chat with artist, animist, and awesome person Evvin Marin about creating tarot in the modern world

Possums and Prognostications

Summary: We interview artist, animist, and all-around engaging magical person Evvin Marin about their new Interrobang Tarot, the allure of a locked case of cards, creating while facing physical limitations, and…possums?

Producer for this show: This episode is brought to you by listener Lauren. We are grateful to you Lauren, and we’ve decided to pull a tarot card for you to determine just how much good luck you will get from listening to this episode…and…wait…it’s the Tower…but..is that person falling off of the tower holding a Three of Swords? How even…?

Play: Episode 240 – Designing Tarot with Evvin Marin
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We open with a quote from (and reference freely) Rachel Pollack’s 78 Degrees of Wisdom (highly recommended!)

You can find Evvin Marin’s info at their website, including more on the Interrobang Tarot, blogs about cartomancy, and more!

Consider supporting Evvin’s Kickstarter campaign and getting some amazing bonuses!

Evvin recommends the work of Meredith Graves for those interested in occult creativity, doing Kickstarter campaigns, and just being all-around amazing.

We talk about a few non-witchy artists we recommend, such as Neko Case and the Decemberists

We also talk a bit about Laura Tempest Zakroff’s Sigil Witchery as an influence, and Evvin wanted to mention the 1930’s Zener Cards as one of the big visual influences on the minimalist deck as well

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 239 – Magic Numbers

We discuss numerology, folk magic, and numbers in our latest episode!

Is three really the one?

Summary: Laine and Cory talk about numbers and their place in folk magic. We discuss numerology, angel numbers, the role of counting in witchcraft, and zero through nine with their folk associations. You can count on this episode to be your number one choice for mathe-magic!

Producer for this show: This episode is brought to you by listener Sierra, upon whom we are bestowing the fruits of our latest quest into the Otherworld–three pomegranate seeds! We hear they are very lucky for whoever eats them, so let us know how it goes!

Play: Episode 239 – Magic Numbers
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We break down a number of magical, well, numbers by using resources such as:

The Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells by Judika Illes
The Frank C. Brown Collection of North American Folklore
Ozark Magic and Folklore by Vance Randolph
A Dictionary of Superstitions by Opie and Tatem
Conjuring the Commonplace by Cory and Laine!

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 238 – Chinese Folk Religion with Xueting C Ni

We speak with author and scholar Xueting Christine Ni about Chinese folklore and myth in the past and present

From Kuan Yin to Chairman Mao

Summary: We have a conversation with scholar and author Xueting Christine Ni about Chinese folk spirituality old and new, the evolution of folk deities over time, and how folk religion influences popular culture in China and among the Chinese diaspora today.

Producer for this show: This episode is supported by listener Lisa. We want to thank Lisa for her generosity and will be rewarding her with a ride on our personal New World Witchery luck dragon, which we recently hatched from an egg bathed in a mystical wishing well! The good news is that the dragon is healthy and happy! The bad news is that dragons grow very slowly, so Lisa, you may have to wait a millennium or two before he’s ready to ride.

Play: Episode 238 – Chinese Folk Religion with Xueting C Ni
Stream: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cjyt95iunbr94rubzaeud/Episode-238-Chinese-Folk-Religion-with-Xueting-C-Ni.mp3?rlkey=g021sajaf6yz6rffefgsjqkm1&dl=0

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You can read more about Xueting Christine Ni and her work at her webpage, or you can read her books:

Our two folktales for this episode are “The Foolish Dragon” and “The Parable of the Farmer“

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 237 – Yuletide Cheer! 2023

It’s time for our annual lessons and carols with music, poetry, and more!

Merry Happy and Fa La La La La to You!

Summary: It’s our annual “lessons and carols,” with holiday music, a poem, some alternative holiday traditions, and just a general holly jolly good time.

Producer for this show: This episode is supported by all of our Patreon listeners. Thank you so much to all of you for making this year and all the other years possible!

Play: Episode 237 – Yuletide Cheer! 2023
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Our holiday playlist this year is:

“We Three Kings (Acoustic),” Mark Petrie – Audiosocket
“Yorkshire Wassail,” by the Pagan Carolers (Archive.org)
“Carol of the Bells,” Ivan Luzan – Pixabay
“Un Flambeau Jeanette Isabella,” Emma Wallace – Audiosocket
“Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy” – Western Horizon Productions – Audiosocket
Incidental Music: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Music Box Version)” – WaveMaster from Pixabay
“Sing We Noel Once More,” by the The Harmony Choristers (Archive.org)
“Pat-a-Pan,” by the Concordia Choir (Archive.org)
“Wassail Wassail,” Panorama Jazz Band – Audiosocket
“Mrs Fogerty’s Christmas,” Trillium – Audiosocket
Incidental Music: “In the Bleak Midwinter” – Julius H. from Pixabay
“Good King Wenceslas,” by the US Army Band (Archive.org/Public Domain)
“Soul Cake,” the Pagan Carolers
“O Christmas Tree,” Mike Cole from Pixabay
“Silent Night” – Zakhar Valaha – Pixabay
Incidental Music: “The Holly and the Ivy” – Leigh Robinson from Pixabay
“Da Day Dawn,” by Samantha Gillogly (artist permission)

Readings are:

“[little tree]” by e.e. cummings
“Sitting Out” from The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch
Jolabokaflod
The Christmas Pickle
Joulusauna

Transcripts are available on our Transcripts page (NOTE: No transcript available for this episode)

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: All music is licensed from Audio Socket, Pixabay, or the Public Domain, with the exception of “Da Day Dawn,” by Samantha Gillogly (used with artist permission).

Episode 236 – Anti-Curses

We take some time to consider the role of curses, counter-curses, cleansing, and even mental health as we discuss this important aspect of magical practice.

An incantation…or even a blessing?

Summary: We take some time to consider the role of curses, counter-curses, cleansing, and even mental health as we discuss this important aspect of magical practice.

Producer for this show: This episode is supported by listener Donna. Our immense thanks to Donna for providing the power to charge our magical amulet to reverse the curse that transformed Cory into a Bichon Frise recently. Good news! It mostly worked! Bad news: Cory takes all his meals on the floor now.

Play: Episode 236 – Anti-Curses
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We discuss several methods of countercursing found in sources ranging from Judika Illes’ Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, Draja Mickaharic’s Spiritual Cleansing, cat yronwode’s Hoodoo Herb & Root Magic, Vance Randolph’s Ozark Magic & Folklore, Brandon Weston’s Ozark Folk Magic, and the Frank C. Brown Collection of North Carolina Folklore.

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 235 – There and Back Again

Travels overseas and listener emails please!

Summary: Laine shares her experiences from her recent trip to Hungary (including some cool folklore) and we answer a series of listener emails about school supplies, military lore, and more!

Producer for this show: This episode is supported by listener Colby. Thanks so much Colby for helping us stay in ink, paper, and sealing wax for responding to all of our magical missives! As a special treat we’re sending you a personal bluebird of happiness with a message of gratitude. Be careful, though. Those birds can be awfully smug.

Play: Episode 235 – There and Back Again
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Laine discussed some of the folklore from her recent trip to Hungary, including stories about the legendary bird called the Turul and St. Elizabeth’s Miracle of the Roses.

Cory also mentions his previous post on military folklore.

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page.

Some upcoming publications from us:

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).

Episode 234 – Back to School Witchery

Papers, Pencils, and Pentagrams!

Summary: This time we’re looking back at how we’ve both learned and taught aspects of witchcraft and folk magic over the years, as well as some of the magical lore around common school supplies.

Producer for this show: This episode is supported by listener Liz, and to show our thanks we’re putting a very magical sticky note in your lunchbox. Be careful, because it’s been known to summon demons. And fluffernutter sandwiches. Use at your own risk

Play: Episode 234 – Back to School Witchery
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We talk a bit about our previous episode on this topic from 2012, Special Episode – Learning Witchcraft.

The transcript for this episode is available on our Transcripts page. [EDIT: This episode does not currently have a transcript, but transcripts of most episodes are available at that link]

Some upcoming publications from us:

Be on the lookout for our upcoming collaborative book Conjuring the Commonplace: A Guide to Everyday Enchantment and Junk Drawer Magic also coming in 2023 from 1000Volt Press.

Please note that clicking on links may provide some monetary compensation to New World Witchery.

Image via Pixabay (Used under CC 2.0 License, modified by New World Witchery)

Promos and Music: Title music is “Woman Blues,” by Paul Avgerinos. All music is licensed from Audio Socket (#35954).