The Bell Witch Podcast: Wholesome Spirituality for Magical Folks

96: Reclaiming the Sacred: Witchcraft, Birth, and Feminism as Acts of Resistance Against Patriarchy

Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast. "Witching in the 21st Century" Opening with a person poem, in this Moot Loot episode of TBWP, Swailes welcomes back Katherine Lucy Haworth of Orange Blossom Old Ways, a shamanic practitioner and witch connected to Pendle Hill. Together, they explore witchcraft, feminism, and motherhood through a political and deeply personal lens. Katherine shares her spiritual journey, her connection to the land and witch trial history, and how home birth became a shamanic initiation. They discuss patriarchy's ongoing harm, the sacredness of women's bodies, and the importance of matriarchy as a model of healing and protection. The episode closes with a poem celebrating resilience and hope. Please take care when listening as heavy topics are discussed- Genocide, Gaza, death and tragedy. Follow Kathrine here- https://www.instagram.com/orangeblossomoldways/ [https://www.instagram.com/orangeblossomoldways/] Poetry Matriarchy Rain Upon Me- ES Poetry 2026 Snowdrops by Suzi's House by Alan Maclure Follow TBWP- instagram.com/the_bell_witch_podcast [http://instagram.com/the_bell_witch_podcast] Join Patreon for bonus content- https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast] Discount with 'BELLWITCH' at https://ve-cosmetics.com/ [https://ve-cosmetics.com/] KEYWORDS---------------------------------------- Witch, witchcraft, feminism, motherhood, matriarchy, patriarchy, Pendle Hill, shamanic practitioner, spiritual journey, childbirth, healing, social justice, matriarchy, historical witch trials, empowerment, ancestral ties, natural world, reclaiming power, systemic oppression, home birth, trauma, disempowerment, women's dignity, sacredness, autonomy, creative power, emotional trauma, colonial violence, global suffering, resilience, hope, personal narrative, spiritual practice, historical reflection, social justice issues, compassionate midwives, magic, community healing, wild spirit, nature cycles, women's bodies, Rebel Girls, emotional freezing, solidarity, grief, care, protection, respect, transformation, life honouring, podcast, Bell Witch podcast, Catherine Lucy Haworth, Emma, Orange Blossom Old Ways, modern witch, green witch, paganism, magic, community, spells, Gaza, war, spirituality, wicca, modern witchcraft, meditation.

95: Dakota Fables & Tarot Cards: Symbolism of Ducks in Mythology and Magic

Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast- "Witching in the 21st Century" A show for wholesome spirituality for magical folks. In this 'Solitary Witch' episode of The Bell Witch podcast, host Swailes the Friendly Green Witch of Leeds, opens with a Dakota tribe fable explaining the red ring around the wood duck's eyes. She then shares her personal love of ducks before exploring their rich symbolism across cultures, including Celtic, Egyptian, Norse, and Native American traditions. Covering themes of adaptability, emotional resilience, fertility, and transformation, she also discusses ducks in dreams, tarot, and witchcraft practice. There is even unexpected wisdom from the iconic bath toy- the yellow rubber duck! The episode balances fun light-hearted personal anecdotes with deeper spiritual insights, closing with an invitation to embrace the duck's joyful, resilient spirit in everyday magical life. Sources https://www.worldoftales.com/Native_American_folktales/Native_American_Folktale_37.html#gsc.tab=0 [https://www.worldoftales.com/Native_American_folktales/Native_American_Folktale_37.html#gsc.tab=0] https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Wood-Duck [https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Wood-Duck] https://parlourofwonders.com/blogs/animal-magic/the-symbolism-of-ducks?srsltid=AfmBOooBgOYnOg1o82PreVILGWSA9mKZTjToXjkVLlY5mdcHp8gWoZEW [https://parlourofwonders.com/blogs/animal-magic/the-symbolism-of-ducks?srsltid=AfmBOooBgOYnOg1o82PreVILGWSA9mKZTjToXjkVLlY5mdcHp8gWoZEW] https://grimaudfreres.com/actualite-grimaud-freres/actu/between-duck-and-man-a-kind-of-special-privileged-bond/ [https://grimaudfreres.com/actualite-grimaud-freres/actu/between-duck-and-man-a-kind-of-special-privileged-bond/] https://www.wildgratitude.com/duck-symbolism/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7tY2Z9QuPwYgy8FES0z0pFqE6WcL2o3kSsHVobcxH0B7FXtKb [https://www.wildgratitude.com/duck-symbolism/?srsltid=AfmBOoq7tY2Z9QuPwYgy8FES0z0pFqE6WcL2o3kSsHVobcxH0B7FXtKb] Books- The Dream Dictionary 1974 The Magic of Birds by Mabh Savage 2026 Follow TBWP- instagram.com/the_bell_witch_podcast [http://instagram.com/the_bell_witch_podcast] Join Patreon for bonus content- https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast] Discount with 'BELLWITCH' at https://ve-cosmetics.com/ [https://ve-cosmetics.com/] Please support the show by leaving ratings wherever you listen.  KEY WORDS---------------- Contemporary witchcraft, spirituality, modern witch, green witch, animal magic, Bell Witch, Solitary Witch, Dakota tribe fable, Itomi and the Ducks, wood duck, Skiska, symbolism of ducks, mythology, spiritual correspondences, adaptability, emotional resilience, community, fertility, transformation, water and land, folklore, Celtic, Egyptian, Norse mythology, indigenous religion, eggs, goddess Neith, goddess Brigid, prosperity, abundance, Native American cultures, children’s literature, rubber duck, tarot, Empress card, nurturing, emotional stability, personal practice, collecting feathers, spells, resilience, playful quacks, social nature, cyclical nature of life, lucky omens, family harmony, cultural stories, witchcraft practices, themes of malice, sexual power, survival, personal connections, adaptability in spirituality, joy, gratitude, stay magical, spells, nature, paganism, modern witchcraft, sacred animals, ducklings, water fowl, spell craft, ritual, offerings, feathers

94: Tarot, Poetry and The Great Goddess w/ Thea Ayres

690605e0-4d79-11f1-bf37-db874bfe21f9 Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast, 'Witching in the 21st Century' In this 'Moot Loot' episode of TBWP host Swailes welcomes Thea Ayres, a Leeds-based pro tarot reader, poet, yogini and mystic for her first podcast appearance. Thea shares her spiritual journey, including her devotion to the Great Goddess, how tarot became a form of prayer during her gender transition, and her work reading cards at queer venues across Leeds. Thea is passionate about helping her Tarot clients to look inwards, connect to their spiritual source and find greater peace and freedom in their lives. They discuss influential figures like Rachel Pollack and Kae Tempest, explore the evolving nature of tarot practice, and Thea shares a moving personal poem. Listen out for the Bell Witch Exclusive! Connect and book a reading with Thea- https://www.instagram.com/thea.ayres/ [https://www.instagram.com/thea.ayres/] Golden Lobes Pod Pals mentioned- Limited Time Only- https://open.spotify.com/show/3hQkvLwmjHZ8ZskufDKZVu?si=4c340263121c469a [https://open.spotify.com/show/3hQkvLwmjHZ8ZskufDKZVu?si=4c340263121c469a] Neuroses Journal Podcast- Neuroses Journal [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2541896] Follow TBWP- instagram.com/the_bell_witch_podcast [http://instagram.com/the_bell_witch_podcast] Join Patreon for bonus content- https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast] Please support the show by leaving ratings wherever you listen.  Discount with 'BELLWITCH' at https://ve-cosmetics.com/ [https://ve-cosmetics.com/] KEYWORDS---------------------- Bell Witch podcast, Thea Ayres, tarot reader, poet, mystic, Leeds, modern witchcraft, goddess, personal poetry, Rachel Pollack, Kae Tempest, tarot reading practices, spirituality, tarot decks, inclusivity, pronoun respect, Trans community, Trans rights, Great Goddess, Divine Mother, spiritual awakening, nature spirits, queer community, tarot readings, rituals, cleansing, sage, Divine Feminine Oracle, Tower card, Moon Garden, pop-up readings, queer venues, personal experiences, heart warming interactions, divine masculine, divine feminine, radical concepts, gender balance, Fool card, the tower, spells , Shining Tribe tarot, modern tarot, 78 Degrees of Wisdom, archetypal transsexuality, feminist spirituality, devotional poetry, Bhakti poets, trans feminist poetry, mythology, spoken word, poetry performances, tarot myths, mysticism, Instagram, book chapters, community support, podcast awards, independent podcasters, podcasting journey, LGBTQ+, allyship, privileged, good ally work, feminism, modern witch, chatty podcast, green witch, tarot readings, marginalised folk,    690605e0-4d79-11f1-bf37-db874bfe21f9

93: Celebrating Beltane: Flame, Fae and the Morris Dancers of May

db5c1820-4c4b-11f1-bf61-b758d4874f21 PLEASE VOTE FOR TBWP ON THE LISTNERS LOBE AWARDS HERE-https://podlifeawards.com/vote/the-listeners-lobe-tgl20262 [https://podlifeawards.com/vote/the-listeners-lobe-tgl20262] Welcome to The Bell Witch Podcast- a wholesome show on all things 'Witching in the 21st Century' In this episode, host Swailes the Friendly Green Witch of Leeds celebrates her best Sabat- Beltane: the ancient vibrant pagan fire festival marking life, fertility, and renewal. She explores its historical roots, from Celtic cattle purification rituals to Maypole and Morris dancing traditions. Swailes discusses the sacred union of the May Queen and her Consort, symbolising balance between the masculine and feminine energy. She highlights Beltane's connection to nature, including the colourful tulips, magical hawthorn, buzzing bees, and blossom fae, alongside associated deities like Cernunnos and Bona Dea. The episode concludes with practical celebration suggestions, including lighting fires, bathing in morning dew, making floral crowns, and embracing the May Day community. Mentioned in this episode- The Fabolous Rainbow Morris Dancers of Saltaire-   https://www.facebook.com/rainbowmorrissaltaire [https://www.facebook.com/rainbowmorrissaltaire] Episodes mentioned- Folklore of Trees https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FliuuHrWulFcwQRBwct4P?si=rGs9TVAiQwaem0bDj4fpoQ [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FliuuHrWulFcwQRBwct4P?si=rGs9TVAiQwaem0bDj4fpoQ] Green Man- https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KoBb1t2rAgiwZZyKHQpwG?si=6ed1b964a5324e12 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KoBb1t2rAgiwZZyKHQpwG?si=6ed1b964a5324e12] Mumming for Yule- https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zf061azGMeUlujZMGoXPi?si=VocUtOzhRYqh5xfqzZvP8Q [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zf061azGMeUlujZMGoXPi?si=VocUtOzhRYqh5xfqzZvP8Q] Join Patreon for Bonus content- https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast [https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBellWitchPodcast] PROUDLY SUPPORTING MISSING WITCHES Our friends over at 'Missing Witches' aim not only to do the work but to be the work. It’s brutally obvious how much the "new age" has engaged in an extractive and often appropriative relationship with Indigenous knowledge and people.  As part of the work of reparations, each year, they pay forward all of their May community earnings to the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal AND organize a community Reparations fundraiser. We would love your help, whether it’s donating, signal boosting or joining their squad. Find out more at MissingWitches.com/Reparations [http://missingwitches.com/Reparations]  The Missing Witches Team would like to thank you for your support in sharing our work. We are so grateful to have found YOU as part of our community. KEY WORDS------------------------------- Beltaine, Beltain, Celtic sabat, sabat, wiccan wheel, May Day, May pole, Morris Dancing, Summer, Celebrations, Nature, Fae, Fairy, Goddess, God, May King, May Queen, spirits, trees, blossom, tulips, pagan, ritual, morning drew, Celtic dainties, spiritual significance, balance, unity, fertility, nature, flowers, tulips, trees, bees, fairies, communal ritual, bonfires, purification, sacred ashes, fertility rituals, Walpurgis Night, divine masculine, divine feminine, maypole dance, world tree, nature spirits, going a-Maying, weddings, handfastings, dandelion, hawthorn, blackthorn, rowan, elderflowers, cowslips, foxgloves, cherry blossoms, fairy realm, animal symbolism, Horned God, Cernunnos, goddesses, Artemis, Danu, Diana, Flora, Freya, Bonea Dea, tarot, oracle cards, community celebration, floral crowns, Beltane morning dew, ritual renewal, balance of energies, magic, love, light, sex. ab8bf8e0-4ab1-11f1-b85c-c553578003bf

92: Healers Vox Pocks @ Ilkley Healing Alternatives Festival pt2

Welcome to the 2nd part of the Vox Pocks episodes. This is a special 2 part episode where The Bell Witch Podcast was invited to be official media, covering the Healing Alternatives Festival Ilkley 11 & 12 April 2026. This is a new style of episode where we are on the ground talking direct to the healers on at the show on a wide range of unusual holistic therapies.  Next date September-  https://www.healing-alternatives.co.uk/next-event-details-ilkley [https://www.healing-alternatives.co.uk/next-event-details-ilkley] Featured in this episode in order- Jennifer Leigh Emotional Code Practitioner and Wellbeing Felicitator-  https://bookaby.me/jennifer-leigh/whats-on [https://bookaby.me/jennifer-leigh/whats-on] https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_leigh_intuitive/ [https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_leigh_intuitive/] Darren Ibbetson of Breath of Transformation- https://breathoftransformation.co.uk/ [https://breathoftransformation.co.uk/] https://www.instagram.com/breathoftransformation/ [https://www.instagram.com/breathoftransformation/] I was lucky enough to experience the therapies from both these incredible healers and thought it would add an extra dimension to group them both on the episode with myself as a client. Huge thank you to all above for appearing on the first ever Vox Pocks by TBWP Support the pod by joining Patreon and receive bonus content on Patreon.com/thebellwitchpodcast [https://Patreon.com/thebellwitchpodcast]  Please help the show grow by leaving ratings and reviews wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Thank you for listening, stay magical.  KEYWORDS------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vox pocks, interview, holistic therapies, massage, reiki, healing, light language, sound baths, spiritual art, wellbeing, wellness, mindful, alternative therapies, complimentary therapy, spirit, yoga, sound bowls, festival, likely, Leeds, west Yorkshire, trees, independent business, witch biz, small business, aromatherapy, field mic, on the ground, witch, witchcraft, humans, crystals, support, breathwork, swailes, stalls emotion code, felicitator