Witch Beneath the Willow

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.

Moon Magic: Working with Lunar Cycles, Phases & Energy

In this episode, the longest yet, we step beneath the moon together and explore the magic of the lunar cycle—from the quiet darkness of the new moon to the radiant fullness of the full moon and every phase in between. We’ll walk through the history, folklore, and mythology of the moon across cultures, uncovering the stories of Selene, Chang’e, Máni, and more. We’ll also explore how to work with each phase of the moon in your own practice—through intention setting, manifestation, release, divination, and ritual—along with a deep dive into lunar correspondences, moon magic, and the connection between the moon and the body. Whether you are just beginning your practice or returning to the roots of your magic, this episode is an invitation to align with the natural rhythm of the moon… and in doing so, reconnect with yourself. In this episode: * The history, folklore, and mythology of the moon * Lunar phases and how to work with each one * Moon magic practices: manifestation, cleansing, divination & more * Moon correspondences (crystals, herbs, deities, and beyond) * The connection between the lunar cycle and the menstrual cycle * A guided Moonlight Intention Ritual to work through an entire lunar month If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow witch who loves the moon as much as you do. And if you’d like to support the show, you can “buy me a cup of tea” over on Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow]. Your support helps keep this space cozy, magical, and growing You can also find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow for more spells, rituals, and everyday enchantments.

Herbalism 101: How to Use Herbs, Herbal Magic, & Folk Medicine Basics

In this week’s episode, we step gently into the world of herbalism. Not as something to master, but as something to build a relationship with. Together, we explore what herbalism truly is at its core: the oldest form of medicine, rooted in observation, intuition, and the quiet wisdom of the natural world. We’ll walk through the history of plant medicine, the language of herbal actions, and the many ways herbs can be woven into your daily life. From simple teas and tinctures to the magic of working with plants intentionally, this episode is an invitation to slow down, notice, and begin. Whether you’re completely new to herbalism or looking to deepen your connection, this is your starting place. In this episode, we explore: * My personal journey to herbalism (1:55-4:29) * An introduction to what herbalism actually is ( 4:30-6:06) * A history of herbalism ( 6:07-9:28) * Herbalism's connection to modern medicine (9:29-10:37) * Understanding Herbal Actions (10:38-16:36) * Types of Herbal Preparations (16:37-20:21) * My Herbal Routine (20:21-21:55) * Respect and Reciprocity (21:56-23:28) * Herbalism and Magic (23:28-26:08) Plus, in this week’s Living the Spell, we build a tea blend together, create a nettle tincture for allergy support, and begin a simple “meet an herb” practice. You don’t need to know everything. You just need to begin. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to support the podcast, you can do so through Ko-fi [https://ko-fi.com/witchbeneaththewillow], or come find me on Instagram and TikTok @witchbeneaththewillow for more cozy magic, herbal wisdom, and behind-the-scenes moments. New episodes every Monday. Come sit under the willow