Witches in the Stacks: Charmed Chatter

Gone With the Sin, Baby!

In Charmed, Season 3, Episode 18, “Sin Francisco”, the Halliwell sisters are up against a series of attacks tied to the seven deadly sins—but the twist? Even they aren’t immune. Sloth, gluttony, lust, and pride creep into their own lives, amplified in ways that are equal parts dangerous and revealing. Today, Lex and T will dive into the fascinating history of these sins and explore how they’ve been reinvented in modern pop culture. We’ll also touch on the flip side: the Seven Virtues, the moral counterpoints that offer courage, wisdom, and hope. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of violence, murder, and graphic or disturbing content, including depictions of death, self-destruction, and a brief reference to suicide. It also explores heavy themes such as sin, moral corruption, and psychological distress that may be sensitive for some listeners. Learn More:  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Avarice. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Avarice [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Avarice]  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Envy. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Envy [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Envy]  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Gluttony. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Gluttony [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Gluttony]  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Lust. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Lust [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Lust]  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Pride. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Pride [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Pride]  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Sloth. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Sloth [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Sloth]  * Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Wrath (Character). Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Wrath_(Character) [https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Wrath_(Character)]  * DC Extended Universe Wiki. (n.d.). Seven deadly sins. Fandom. https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins [https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins]  * Siddiqui, M. (2019, March 27). The factory of seven sweet sins. Medium. https://medium.com/@madinasid/seven-sweet-sins-61599c13c95e [https://medium.com/@madinasid/seven-sweet-sins-61599c13c95e]  * ThoughtTheory. (2023, December 30). The 7 deadly sins; A modern perspective. Medium. https://medium.com/@ThoughtTheory_/the-7-deadly-sins-a-modern-perspective-3c5d9fffc735 [https://medium.com/@ThoughtTheory_/the-7-deadly-sins-a-modern-perspective-3c5d9fffc735]  * UOSenki. (2025). Se7en: The series killer didn’t complete the 7 deadly sins. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/CharacterRant/comments/1gn02vr/se7en_the_series_killer_didnt_complete_the_7/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/CharacterRant/comments/1gn02vr/se7en_the_series_killer_didnt_complete_the_7/]  * University of St. Thomas. (2026). The seven virtues. https://www.stthomas.edu/about/our-campuses/minneapolis/frescoes/the-seven-virtues/ [https://www.stthomas.edu/about/our-campuses/minneapolis/frescoes/the-seven-virtues/]  * Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). The Seven Deadly Sins (manga). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Deadly_Sins_(manga) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Deadly_Sins_(manga)]

“Do you guys ever think about dying?”: We’ve Got You Barbie!

In this episode of Witches in the Stacks: Charmed Chatter, Lex & T unpack Season 3, Episode 16 “Death Takes a Halliwell,” where Prue comes face-to-face with the Angel of Death while deadly seekers hunt Cole. As chaos unfolds, the real focus turns inward - exploring grief, control, and what it means to accept the inevitable. From the Grim Reaper to La Catrina and shinigami, we dive into how cultures across the world personify death, not as a villain, but as a guide and balance-keeper. Drawing on mythology, religion, and Tarot, we explore death as transformation rather than an end. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of death, dying, grief, violence, and brief references to suicide, as well as religious and cultural perspectives on the afterlife. We also explore existential themes and symbolic imagery (including disease, decay, and mortality) that may be sensitive for some listeners. Learn More:  * Cereal Ventures. (n.d.). Day of the Dead: Who is La Catrina? Day of the Dead. https://dayofthedead.holiday/traditions/who-is-la-catrina/ [https://dayofthedead.holiday/traditions/who-is-la-catrina/]  * Dhwty. (Ancient Origins. (2019, March 14). Shinigami: The grim reaper and god of death in Japanese folklore. Ancient Origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/shinigami-grim-reaper-japanese-folklore-006072 [https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/shinigami-grim-reaper-japanese-folklore-006072]  * Sandoval, M. (2023, October 29). How “La Catrina” became the iconic symbol for the Day of the Dead. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/how-la-catrina-became-the-iconic-symbol-for-the-day-of-the-dead [https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/how-la-catrina-became-the-iconic-symbol-for-the-day-of-the-dead]  * Wikipedia contributors. (2026, April 22). La Calavera Catrina. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Calavera_Catrina&oldid=1350524215 [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Calavera_Catrina&oldid=1350524215]  * Wikipedia contributors. (2026, April 17). Shinigami. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shinigami&oldid=1349425426 [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shinigami&oldid=1349425426]  * Yokai.com. (2026). Shinigami. https://yokai.com/shinigami/ [https://yokai.com/shinigami/]

Songs That Bewitch: The Devil’s Chord, Sirens, and Magical Minstrels

Get ready for a supernatural soundscape! We’re talking Charmed season 3, episode 10, “We All Scream for Ice Cream”—where the Halliwell sisters face off against a magical menace straight out of music theory: the Devil’s Chord. From creepy ice cream truck melodies that mesmerize demon kids, to real-world tales of the tritone in horror flicks and heavy metal, we riff on music’s role as spell, weapon, and healer. Plus: lore about sirens, Pied Pipers, and magical instruments, with a dip into how tunes manage emotions, scare us silly, or save the day. Learn More:  * Fender. (n.d.). The Devil’s Chord: The eerie history of 'diabolus in musica'. Retrieved from https://www.fender.com/articles/chords/the-devils-chord-the-eerie-history-of-diabolus-in-musica [https://www.fender.com/articles/chords/the-devils-chord-the-eerie-history-of-diabolus-in-musica] * LibraryThing. (2021, November 4). Group discussion: Music in fantasy? In FantasyFans. Retrieved from https://www.librarything.com/topic/333697 [https://www.librarything.com/topic/333697] * Melanie, K. (2025). Tuning out the dark: Music as a defense and folk solution. All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present, 102. Utah State University. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1100&context=gradreports2023 [https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1100&context=gradreports2023]  * Mental Floss. (2016, March 28). A brief history of the devil’s tritone. Retrieved from https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/77321/brief-history-devils-tritone [https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/77321/brief-history-devils-tritone] * Music & Memory. (2012, April 13). (official) Alive Inside Film of Music and Memory Project - Henry's Story [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/5FWn4JB2YLU [https://youtu.be/5FWn4JB2YLU] * Music Mentor. (2025, April 3). The Devil’s Chord: Its haunting history and controversial uses in music. Retrieved from https://musicmentor.ai/the-devils-chord-its-haunting-history-and-controversial-uses-in-music/ [https://musicmentor.ai/the-devils-chord-its-haunting-history-and-controversial-uses-in-music/] * Neely, A. [Adam Neely]. (2017, June 5). The Devil in music (an untold history of the Tritone) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/eR5yzCH5CsM?si=f_fkt0qi7Ry7pbPg [https://youtu.be/eR5yzCH5CsM?si=f_fkt0qi7Ry7pbPg] * Pop Culture Madness. (2023, April 18). 100+ magical songs in popular music. Retrieved from https://popculturemadness.com/100-magical-songs-in-popular-music/ [https://popculturemadness.com/100-magical-songs-in-popular-music/] * Reddit. (2024, January 23). Music based magic systems? : r/Fantasy. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/19e75zg/music_based_magic_systems/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/19e75zg/music_based_magic_systems/] * Reflections of Pop Culture & Life's... (2009, July 29). Songs about magic & mystery. Retrieved from https://coolrain44.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/songs-about-magic-mystery/ [https://coolrain44.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/songs-about-magic-mystery/] * Schulter, M. (n.d.). Tritones in early music: Were they always prohibited? Medieval Music & Arts Foundation. https://www.medieval.org/emfaq/harmony/tritone.html [https://www.medieval.org/emfaq/harmony/tritone.html]  * Smith, K. (2022, February 1). Infradonic sound and horror movies. Donut tasting 101 reloaded: A community audio journal. North Carolina State University Department of Communication. https://classapps.chass.ncsu.edu/com304/?p=432 [https://classapps.chass.ncsu.edu/com304/?p=432]  * TV Tropes. (n.d.). Magic Music. Retrieved from https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicMusic [https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicMusic] * Vice. (2024, July 27). A brief timeline of magic in music. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/timeline-magic-music-bowie-hole-princess-nokia-iamddb/ [https://www.vice.com/en/article/timeline-magic-music-bowie-hole-princess-nokia-iamddb/]

We Declare…ALCHEMY!!

Piper gets possessed in Charmed Season 3, Episode 9, “Coyote Piper,” while Prue juggles reunion prep and rising chaos. Join us as we dive into alchemy, necromancy, and all things spooky—exploring the real history behind alchemists and wandering into the darker side of magic, yes, including talking to the dead. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of possession, necromancy, and resurrection of the dead. We also briefly references mental health conditions. There are mentions of ritual practices, blood use, and historical treatments related to possession, including some that may be distressing. Learn More:  Astrosofa. (n.d.). The mysteries of necromancy. https://www.astrosofa.com/nz/esoterism/Occultism/The-Mysteries-of-Necromancy [https://www.astrosofa.com/nz/esoterism/Occultism/The-Mysteries-of-Necromancy]  Bartlett, R. A. (2007). Real alchemy: A primer of practical alchemy. Ibis Press.  Bone and Sickle. (2018, October 31). Ancient necromancy. https://www.boneandsickle.com/2018/10/31/ancient-necromancy/ [https://www.boneandsickle.com/2018/10/31/ancient-necromancy/]  Britannica Editors (2025, December 24). necromancy. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/necromancy [https://www.britannica.com/topic/necromancy]  Giralt, S. (2006). Medieval necromancy, the art of controlling demons. Sciencia.cat. https://www.sciencia.cat/temes/medieval-necromancy-art-controlling-demons [https://www.sciencia.cat/temes/medieval-necromancy-art-controlling-demons] Jack, A. (2024, July 19). Necromancy in medieval Christendom: A history. History’s Page. https://www.historyspage.com/post/history-necromancy-in-medieval-christendom [https://www.historyspage.com/post/history-necromancy-in-medieval-christendom]  Libertarianism.org. (n.d.). The last great magicians: Albertus Magnus and Roger Bacon. https://www.libertarianism.org/publications/essays/last-great-magicians-albertus-magnus-roger-bacon-alchemy-cult [https://www.libertarianism.org/publications/essays/last-great-magicians-albertus-magnus-roger-bacon-alchemy-cult]  Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Alchemist. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alchemist [https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alchemist]  Ogden, D. (2024, May 28). Lay that ghost: Necromancy in ancient Greece and Rome. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/daily-life-and-practice/ancient-necromancy/ [https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/daily-life-and-practice/ancient-necromancy/]  Pierre, J. (2023, December 5). A differential diagnosis of demonic possession. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202305/a-differential-diagnosis-of-demonic-possession [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202305/a-differential-diagnosis-of-demonic-possession]  RPG Storytellers. (2025, December 30). The dark arts unveiled: Necromancers through the ages and the tomes that summon them. https://rpgstorytellers.com/article/the-dark-arts-unveiled-necromancers-through-the-ages-and-the-tomes-that-summon-them [https://rpgstorytellers.com/article/the-dark-arts-unveiled-necromancers-through-the-ages-and-the-tomes-that-summon-them]  Sedgwick, I. (2018, October 4). Speaking to the dead: Necromancy in magic and folklore. Folklore Thursday.  https://folklorethursday.com/folklife/speaking-to-the-dead-necromancy-in-magic-and-folklore/ [https://folklorethursday.com/folklife/speaking-to-the-dead-necromancy-in-magic-and-folklore/]  Shadowhawk, N. (2023, December 17). What is alchemy? Medium. https://medium.com/@nyxshadowhawk/what-is-alchemy-09384c8f2e03 [https://medium.com/@nyxshadowhawk/what-is-alchemy-09384c8f2e03]  Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 8). Alchemy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alchemy&oldid=1342367133 [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alchemy&oldid=1342367133]  Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 18). Necromancy. Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Necromancy&oldid=1344163955 [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Necromancy&oldid=1344163955]  Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 17). Spirit possession. Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spirit_possession&oldid=1344044725 [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spirit_possession&oldid=1344044725]  Wikipedia contributors. (2025, September 22). Watseka Wonder. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Watseka_Wonder&oldid=1312691608 [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Watseka_Wonder&oldid=1312691608]

I Feel That...No Seriously, I Feel It All

We’re back! Thanks for being patient as we worked through an unexpected hiatus, but we’re back and ready to dive in again!! In today’s episode of Charmed Chatter, we’re discussing Charmed Season 3, Episode 6, “Primrose Empath.” When Prue tries to help a reclusive empath named Vince, she accidentally absorbs his power, suddenly feeling the pain and emotions of everyone around her and unknowingly unleashing a demon on San Francisco. Today we’ll explore different types of real-world empaths, share a quick quiz to help you see where you fall on the empath scale, and follow T down a rabbit hole as she examines how empathy might show up across the 16 MBTI personality types.  Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of trauma, abusive family dynamics, mental health struggles, burnout, death, and paranormal themes including mediumship and spirits.  Learn More: Hayes, C., & Wang, M. (2024). Psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and burnout in psychologists. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 31, 100724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100724 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100724] Heal Your Nervous System. (2023). Empath burnout: Harness the power of empathy without damaging your mental and physical health. Retrieved from https://healyournervoussystem.com/empath-burnout-harness-the-power-of-empathy-without-damaging-your-mental-and-physical-health/ [https://healyournervoussystem.com/empath-burnout-harness-the-power-of-empathy-without-damaging-your-mental-and-physical-health/] Storm, S. (2022, September 1). The unique empathy of each Myers-Briggs® personality type. Psychology Junkie. https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/the-unique-empathy-of-each-myers-briggs-personality-type/ [https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/the-unique-empathy-of-each-myers-briggs-personality-type/] Sun, J., & Wang, P. (2022). Emotional labor, empathy, and teacher burnout: Evidence from a longitudinal study. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 35(6), 703–715. https://ijomeh.eu/pdf-2164-2233 [https://ijomeh.eu/pdf-2164-2233] Wei, W., Chen, Q., Gu, S., Li, J., & Zhang, W. (2025). Differential effects of deep acting and surface acting on exhaustion: The mediating role of negative mood and the moderating role of emotional regulation self-efficacy. Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 11304. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11304-3 [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11304-3]  Wilkinson, H., Whittington, R., Perry, L., & Eames, C. (2017). Examining the relationship between burnout and empathy in healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Burnout Research, 6, 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2017.06.003 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2017.06.003]  Personality Test: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test [https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test]