Grimoire of the Gods: Ares, God of War, Courage, and the Inner Battle

Grimoire of the Gods: Ares, God of War, Courage, and the Inner Battle

A quick note before you dive in: you may notice that my audio sounds a little different in this episode. Somewhere along the way, my microphone seems to have decided it had other plans, and despite my best efforts, I couldn't pinpoint the issue before recording. The result is a slightly tinny sound that isn't quite up to my usual standards. Thank you for bearing with me this week while I troubleshoot the problem, and I promise I'll be working on it before next Monday's episode. This week, we're stepping onto the battlefield to meet Ares, the Greek god of war, courage, conflict, and survival. Often remembered only for bloodlust and battle, Ares is one of the most misunderstood figures in Greek mythology. Together we'll explore his myths, his relationship with Aphrodite, his connection to the Amazons, the lessons hidden within his defeats, and the deeper truths he reveals about anger, courage, resilience, and the parts of ourselves we often try to keep hidden. I have to admit, I was genuinely surprised by how relevant Ares still feels thousands of years later. What began as an episode about the god of war quickly became an exploration of the battles we fight every day—against fear, grief, self-doubt, burnout, injustice, and the voice in our heads telling us to give up. Exploring Ares' energy ended up feeling far more empowering than I ever expected. In this episode, we'll also discuss ways to work with Ares in modern spiritual practice, including correspondences, offerings, shadow work, fire divination, a protective candle ward, an armor enchantment for jewelry, and an invocation for strength during difficult seasons of life. So pour yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and join me beneath the willow as we explore the myths and magic of Ares. TikTok and Insta: @WitchBeneathTheWillow Kofi [https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow]

Full Moon Magic: The Flower Moon and Blue Moon

This week, we gather beneath a rare and emotionally charged Flower Moon paired with a powerful Blue Moon in Scorpio. Together we explore the folklore, history, correspondences, and magic surrounding May’s full moon, a lunar season long associated with blooming, abundance, fertility, transformation, sensuality, and new beginnings. But layered within this particular moon is the amplified and truth-seeking energy of a Blue Moon, bringing emotional depth, shadow work, release, and unexpected transformation to the surface. In this episode we talk about: – the history and folklore of the Flower Moon – the spiritual meaning of a Blue Moon – glamour, prosperity, healing, and love magic – an Inner Blossoming spell for growth and alignment – starting an herb garden beneath the full moon – and how to make traditional dandelion wine So make yourself a cup of tea, settle beneath the moonlight, and let’s welcome the season of becoming together. Journal prompts from this episode: • What blessings am I grateful for? • What am I missing that I need in order to truly bloom? • Is there anything I need to release that is hindering my ability to grow? Instagram & TikTok: @witchbeneaththewillow Kofi [https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow]

New Orleans Magic: A City of Spirits, Roots, and Living Tradition

This week’s episode is a little different… and a little special. After a recent trip to New Orleans, I found myself completely enchanted by the spirit of the city—the history, the people, the magic woven into every street, garden, and storefront. So instead of our usual structure, this episode is more of a journey… a storytelling walk through one of the most spiritually alive places in America. Together, we’ll explore the layered magic of New Orleans—from its rich blend of cultural and spiritual traditions to the lives of the women who shaped its mystical legacy, including Marie Laveau, Mary Oneida Toups, and Wilhelmina Mullen. We’ll gently touch on the differences between Voodoo, Hoodoo, and modern witchcraft, and reflect on what it means to practice with reverence in a place so deeply rooted in ancestral tradition. I’ll also share pieces of my own experience in the city—moments that felt sacred, grounding, and quietly transformative—and, of course, we’ll still close with a “Living the Spell” section inspired by the heart of New Orleans magic: community, connection, and care. This episode is just a glimpse—a soft introduction to a city that holds far more than can be captured in a single conversation. And don’t worry… our regular programming will return next week. Until then, come wander with me.

Grimoire of the Gods: Hera — Queen of Heaven, Marriage, Power & Sacred Feminine Rage

Hera is often remembered as the jealous wife. But that is only a fraction of her story. In this week’s Grimoire of the Gods, we sit with Hera—Queen of Heaven, protector of women, goddess of marriage, childbirth, and sacred devotion—and begin to unravel the myth behind the stereotype. Together, we explore her origins, her power, and the stories that shaped her reputation… from her complex marriage to Zeus, to the trials of Herakles, to the quiet strength she carries as both a protector and a force of consequence. This episode is not just about who Hera was— but who she becomes when we allow her to be seen in full. We’ll also step into her magic, including how to recognize when she may be calling to you, how to begin working with her energy, and a guided invocation and spell for reclaiming your power and standing fully in your worth. So make yourself a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s sit beneath the willow together… with a goddess who demands to be understood, not simplified. You can also support the show on Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow]— think of it as buying me a cup of tea or a new candle to keep the magic going. And if you want to continue the conversation, you can find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow.

Beltane Magic: Rituals, Folklore & Celebrating the Celtic Fire Festival

In this week’s episode, we step into the wild, flower-crowned magic of Beltane — the ancient Celtic fire festival that marks the beginning of summer and the fertile turning of the Wheel. Together we wander through Beltane folklore and history, sacred bonfires, fae traditions, maypoles, hawthorn magic, the myth of Etain, and the old rites of protection, abundance, and sacred union woven through this luminous threshold festival. We also explore ways to celebrate Beltane in modern practice, Beltane correspondences, and spellwork. This is an episode about joy as devotion, pleasure as magic, and what it means to let yourself bloom. If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes — and if this podcast has ever felt like a little hearth for you, leaving a rating or sharing the episode helps so much. You can find me between episodes at @witchbeneaththewillow on Instagram and TikTok for more witchy content, updates, and everyday enchantments. And if you’d like to support the podcast, you can always buy me a cup of tea (or a new candle) through Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow]. Settle in, light a candle, and step through the fire.