#120 - Stephen Ellcock, Image Alchemist

Renowned image alchemist Stephen Ellcock is a London-based curator, writer, researcher, and online collector of images who has spent the last decade creating an ever-expanding virtual museum of art that is open to all via social media, attracting more than 600,000 followers worldwide. He is the author of many art books including All Good Things, The Book of Change, and The Cosmic Dance, and he is co-author of England On Fire and Jeux de Mains. His new book is Underworlds: A Compelling Journey Through Subterranean Realms, Real and Imagined.

On this episode, Stephen discusses the dark beauty of underworlds, the alchemical power of imagery, and why he sees his books as visual spells.

Pam also talks about Winter Solstice magic, and answers a listener question about invoking the goddess Hecate.

Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Witch Lit, BetterHelp, Sphere + Sundry, and Mithras Candle

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#119 - Nikoo Bafti, Meditative Art Magus

Nikoo Bafti is an Iranian-British visual artist and illustrator currently based in Rome, Italy. After graduating with an honors BA degree in Illustration from the Arts University of Bournemouth, Nikoo began her early career as an animation intern at Disney Channel UK, and has since been working independently as an illustrator as well as exhibiting her fine art internationally. 

Inspired by the traditional miniature paintings of her Persian heritage, Nikoo combines intricate narrative imagery with a deep curiosity for the esoteric and metaphysical phenomena to create ethereal visions of a vibrant, holographic reality. With her spiritual and art practices closely intertwined, she uses her work as a vehicle to explore and understand what lies behind the veil.

Nikoo’s latest project, The Transmutation Oracle: A Metaphysical Guide To Navigating Reality, will be released by The Philosophical Research Society in January 2024 and is available now to pre-order at PRS.org.

You can find more of Nikoo’s work on her website nikoobafti.com & on Instagram @nikoobafti.

On this episode, Nikoo discusses the meditative nature of her artwork, the magical and  aesthetic influences of her Persian roots, and how she developed her holographic outlook.

Pam also talks about the wounded healer archetype, and answers a listener question about staying magically anchored during their travels.

Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Open Coven, Sphere + Sundry, BetterHelp, Psyche Magic Podcast, Mithras Candle, and The Meta Muse Tarot

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#118 - Juliet Diaz of Spirit Bound Press

Juliet Diaz returns to The Witch Wave! She is an Indigenous Taino Cubana from a long line of brujx and spiritualists. She is also a Behike, which is medicine woman and keeper of the Higuayagua Taino tribe.

She is also a spiritual & literary activist, an award-winning writer, and a remarkable seven-time bestselling author, with her works being translated into twelve languages.

Her literary contributions including the books Witchery, Plant Witchery, and her most recent, The Altar Within, as well as the Seasons of The Witch Oracle Deck series, the Earthcraft Oracle Deck, and the Little Cauldron Academy children's book series releasing in 2024.

She is also the publisher at Spirit Bound Press and Little Cauldron where she challenges existing narratives and promotes the importance of diverse and inclusive books.

She is also actively involved with the Indigenous People's Movement, a global coalition bringing awareness to issues affecting Indigenous peoples and the planet.

Juliet’s mission is to help thousands of people worldwide heal, spiritually grow, decolonize their practice, amplify their magic, and connect to their truth and ancestors.

On this episode, Juliet discusses her death and rebirth experience that completely changed her course, the pitfalls and vast potential of the modern spirituality movement, and how she’s diversifying the publishing industry with her own magical press.

Pam also talks about breakdowns and breakthroughs, and answers a listener question about “missing” ancestral magic.

Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Snowy Owl Tea, Open Coven, Benebell Wen’s book, I Ching, The Oracle (North Atlantic Books), BetterHelp, The Meta Muse Tarot, and Sphere + Sundry

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#117 - Ketzirah Lesser, Jewitch Art Priestess

Ketzirah Lesser, haMa’agelet (The Circle Maker), is a maker and teacher of the sacred arts who is an ordained Kohenet and Celebrant as well as holding a BFA from the University of Miami. Through Devotaj Sacred Arts, she explores Jewishly-rooted making, mussar, and magick to connect past, present, & possible future(s); cræfting artifacts for a forgotten future that is more equitable, just, and spiritually alive. The second edition of her oracle deck, Eit/Aht: a Netivot Wisdom Oracle, which is based on Jewish teachings recently funded in only five days on Kickstarter and will be available to the public soon. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, two pet rabbits, and a house filled with ensouled teddy bears, enchanted appliances, and magickal creatures.

On this episode, Ketzirah discusses her peace amulet for Israel-Palestine, the history of Jewish witches, and how she crafts magic in all aspects of her Jewitchery.

Pam also talks about her current thinking about Israel-Palestine and intergenerational wounds, as a Jewitch who believes in manifesting peace for all.

Donate to Doctors without Borders

Ketzirah’s sigil for peace is here

Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Snowy Owl Tea, Open Coven, BetterHelp, The Many Moons 2024 Lunar Planner, Benebell Wen’s book, I Ching, The Oracle (North Atlantic Books), Sphere + Sundry, and the Psyche Magic podcast

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#116 - Bri Luna, Author of "BLOOD, SEX, MAGIC" and Creator of The HoodWitch

Bri Luna returns to the show in celebration of her new book, BLOOD, SEX, MAGIC, a gorgeous visual grimoire teeming with spells, photography, artwork, and personal anecdotes meant to inspire the reader’s own witchcraft and self-expression. Luna is the founder of The HoodWitch, a web platform and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering, educating, and cultivating community through meaningful rituals supporting self-care and wellness. She is devoted to offering “Everyday Magic for the modern mystic,” through her art, and is an advocate for the use of traditional healing practices to address modern-day challenges. She and her work have been featured internationally and in major publications including Vogue, I.D, and The New York Times.

On this episode, Bri discusses her ancestral spiritual influences, the power of sex magic, and how her aesthetics enhance her witchcraft.

Pam also talks about the rise of the esoteric art movement, and answers a listener question about occultism in academia.

Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Snowy Owl Tea, Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, New Moon Magic by Risa Dickens and Amy Torok (North Atlantic Books), Sphere + Sundry, and The Many Moons Lunar Planner.

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#115 - Chris Fleming, Alchemical Comedian

Welcome to Season 7 of The Witch Wave! Chris Fleming is an American comedian whose viral videos and standup specials have earned him millions of fans. His blend of gender-bending fashion, elastic physicality, obscure observations, addictively silly original songs, and adoration of unhinged puppets is an irresistible comedic brew. He is perhaps best known for his YouTube series Gayle, in which he stars as the titular high-strung suburban mom Gayle Waters-Waters, though Pam first encountered his work a couple years back when his TikTok video “Witch Summer” got sent to her by pretty much every witch she knows. Chris’s tremendous new standup special, HELL, is out on Peacock now. He is currently based in LA, and you can catch him live in a city near you soon.

On this season premiere episode, Chris discusses his ongoing fascination with witches, his relationship to spirituality and subversive feminine forces, and how comedy can transmute fear into magic.

Pam also talks about the potent and playful aspects of her recent Grecian odyssey, and answers a listener question about how to reanchor oneself after a loss.

Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, New Moon Magic by Risa Dickens and Amy Torok (North Atlantic Books), Sphere + Sundry, and The Psyche Magic podcast

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#114 - Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz and Sad13

Sadie Dupuis is the guitarist, songwriter, and singer of rock band Speedy Ortiz, whose albums include Major Arcana, Foil Deer, Twerp Verse, and their forthcoming album, Rabbit Rabbit which is about to be released on Sept 1 of this year. She is also the producer and multi-instrumentalist behind the pop project Sad13, through which she’s released the albums Slugger and Haunted Painting. She’s also collaborated with artists such as Lizzo, Ben Lee, and the New Pornographers.

In addition to all that Sadie heads the record label Wax Nine, edits its poetry journal, and is a regular contributor to Spin, Tape Op, Talkhouse, and more. She holds an MFA in poetry from UMass Amherst, where she also taught writing. Mouthguard, her first poetry book, was published in 2018 by Gramma, and Cry Perfume, her second poetry collection, was released in 2022 from Black Ocean. She is also an organizer with the Union of Musicians & Allied Workers and its local UMAW Philly.

On this season finale episode, Sadie discusses the magic of music-making, the powerful pull of poetry, and why she embraces glitch witchery in her work.

Pam also talks about upcoming summer sorcery, and answers a listener comment about the Witch Wave community.

(Songs featured in the episode:

“Plough” from Major Arcana by Speedy Ortiz

“Ruby Wand” from Haunted Painting by Sad13

“Puffer (Lazerbeak Remix)” by Speedy Ortiz, Lizzo, and Lazerbeak

“Scabs” from Rabbit Rabbit by Speedy Ortiz

“Ghost (of a Good Time)” from Haunted Painting by Sad13

“Coming Into Powers” from Slugger by Sad13)

Our sponsors for this episode are VVITCH Digital, The Spacious Tarot, Hallowed Haircraft, BetterHelp, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, and Ritual+Shelter

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#113 - Priestess Stephanie Rose Bird, Author of African American Magick

Priestess Stephanie Rose Bird is the author of numerous books of magic including the COVR award-winning Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones, as well as The Healing Power of African American Spirituality, A Healing Grove, Four Seasons of Mojo, 365 Days of Hoodoo, and her most recent book, African American Magick: A Modern Grimoire for the Natural Home. She also illustrated two of her published books and is illustrator for the upcoming book, Motherland Herbal.

Priestess Stephanie is a Black magick maker and healer, and her writing brings to the fore her eclectic practices, combined with her passion for mythology, folklore, and fairytales from around the world, but especially of her ancestry - the African diaspora. She is an accomplished fine artist with works in major collections. Bird has exhibited in numerous galleries, universities, libraries, institutions, and programs such as the Arts-in-the-Embassies program where she is being exhibited at the US Malaysian Embassy, Kuala Lumpur. A Fulbright Senior Scholar, Bird did her fieldwork in anthropology and art in Australia, studying in various Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Outback.

She holds a BFA cum laude from Temple University, Tyler School of Art, and a MFA from University of California at San Diego, where she was a San Diego Opportunity Fellow. A former Professor of Fine Art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she has been interviewed on PBS Madison WI, ABC-7 news, BBC London, Urban Gardener, WNPR, WBEZ, in the Smithsonian, and many other venues.

On this episode, Priestess Stephanie discusses the magic of the African diaspora, the gifts of intuitive gardening, and why seasonal living can make spiritual practice more potent.

Pam also talks about getting to know her new garden, and answers a listener question about a feline altar-cation.

Our sponsors for this episode are Feline, VVITCH Digital, On Venus Botanica, Ritual+Shelter, BetterHelp, and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#112 - Brian Cotnoir, Artful Alchemist

Brian Cotnoir is an alchemist, artist and award-winning filmmaker. He is the author of many books including Alchemy: The Poetry of Matter. Practical Alchemy: Guide to the Great Work, The Emerald Tablet, Alchemical Meditations. and a series of Alchemical ‘Zines. His newest book, On Alchemy: Essential Practices and Making Art as Alchemy will be out on June 13th, and is available for pre-order now.

Brian has also presented seminars and workshops around the world on various aspects of alchemy including at the Occult Humanities Conference. He is also the founder of Khepri Press which was started in 2014 through which he organizes and distribute his alchemical work of all sorts, including books, zines, and prints.

On this episode, Brian discusses the origins of alchemy, the relationship between transmutation and magic, and why the creative process is an alchemical one.

Pam also talks about the union of opposites, and answers a listener question about an otherworldly cat.

Our sponsors for this episode are BoneArrow, Lunar Leos, Hallowed Haircraft, BetterHelp, and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#111 - Untitled Queen, Shapeshifting Storyteller

Untitled Queen is a queer Filipinx / Boricua artist based on the stolen land of LenapeHoking otherwise known as Brooklyn. She is a storyteller creating deeply emotional and visceral performances while exploring what it means to be a queer millennial working artist in New York. Through an interplay of drag, installation, and drawing her work explores the growing pains and joys of queer adolescence into adulthood, while challenging and dissolving colonial notions of culture and belonging.

Untitled Queen is the recipient of the Brooklyn Nightlife Award for Drag Queen of the Year 2015. She is a resident performer for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 Winner Sasha Velour’s NightGowns show. She has exhibited her artwork at such spaces as Kishka Gallery, The Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts, The University of Connecticut, The Kitchen, Boston Center for the Arts, and the Bureau of General Services-Queer Division.

She is also the creator and editor of the Queer Creatives Community Directory: a free, open resource google sheet that features over 1400 Queer artists and freelancers from across the world. In 2020, she created and produced Untitled (America), the first digital drag show to feature 51 drag artists of color, each representing one state in the United States, as well as Untitled (World), the first global digital drag show featuring 47 drag artists each representing one country. Her monthly Untitled (Show) drag series can be seen at Brooklyn’s queer bar and venue C’Mon Everybody, and her recently announced drag competition called Untitled (Art Star) will be happening there from June through October.

On this episode, Untitled Queen discusses the power of embodying witch and shaman archetypes through her drag, art as a practice of decolonization, and the liberating magic of queer spaces.

Pam also talks about magical beings with Asian roots, and answers a listener question about shifting into a new physical realm.

Our sponsors for this episode are The Spacious Tarot, Midge Blitz, Earth Spirit, Theyfriend Candles, BetterHelp, and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#110 - Katherine May, Author of "Enchantment" and "Wintering"

Katherine May is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster based in Whitstable, UK. Her most recent book, Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age became an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. Her internationally bestselling hybrid memoir Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times was adapted as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week, and was shortlisted for the Porchlight and Barnes and Noble Book of the Year. The Electricity of Every Living Thing, her memoir of a midlife autism diagnosis, was adapted as an audio drama by Audible. Other titles include novels such as The Whitstable High Tide Swimming Club, and The Best, Most Awful Job, an anthology of essays about motherhood which she edited. Her journalism and essays have appeared in a range of publications including The New York Times, The Observer and Aeon.

Katherine’s podcast, How We Live Now, ranks in the top 1% worldwide, and she has been a guest presenter for On Being’s The Future of Hope series.

On this episode, Katherine discusses why enchantment matters, the differences between British and American attitudes toward spirituality, and the magic of connecting to the natural world.

Pam also talks about her own enchanted exploration, and answers a listener question about learning the beginning elements of witchcraft.

Our sponsors for this episode are Snowy Owl Tea, Bonearrow, The Moon Studio, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, BetterHelp, and Mithras Candle.

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

BONUS EP: CC Paschal, Future Ancestor (and Fairy Podmother)

The Witch Wave fairy podmother and sonic sensei, CC Paschal, has been on a spiritual - and material - journey to save their family's ancestral home *by the end of this month!* Please share CC's GoFundMe widely and do contribute if you are able to!

CC Paschal (she/they) currently heads editorial content and development at the audio production house, Molten Heart. She also teaches audio documentary art, most recently at The Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at Maine College of Art & Design. Their book, "Audiocraft, The Art and Business of Making Podcasts that Mean Something" is out later this year from Routledge.

Previously, CC was the series editor of NPR’s critically acclaimed narrative series Louder Than a Riot, about the interconnected rise of mass incarceration and hip-hop culture; as well as Malcolm Gladwell’s Broken Record, and the award-winning independent show about intimacy and power, The Heart. In 2017, CC was a lead producer on Gimlet Media's Peabody award-winning production Uncivil where she honed her genealogical research skills and first discovered her Melungeon / Free People of Color ancestry.

On this bonus episode of The Witch Wave, CC discusses their magical mission to save their family's home, the importance of Black land stewardship in America, and the spiritual synchronicities that helped them heed this ancestral call.

(Here’s CC’s GoFundMe page once again!)

#109 - Andrea Gutiérrez-Glik, Therapy Witch

Andrea Gutiérrez-Glik is a therapist who specializes in treating trauma and PTSD/c-PTSD for women and queer & trans folks, using EMDR, IFS, and feminist therapy practices to help clients come home to themselves. 

She began as a crisis counselor at a peer led, grassroots organization and quickly found her calling, going on to serve at many organizations and non-profits that provide therapeutic services for women & LGBTQ folks. Over the years Andrea has been able to serve the LGBTQ+, feminist, sex worker, and survivor community in many capacities as a trauma therapist, sex educator, facilitator, intake coordinator, and community organizer, and more recently, career coach. 

Andrea received her LMSW in 2017 from Hunter College School of Social Work and her LCSW in 2020. In 2023 she became certified in EMDR. Her ultra-popular Instagram account @somaticwitch also provides followers with advice and insights around integrated healing.  

She is proud to be an out queer lesbian therapist, and currently lives and practices on occupied Osage, Sioux, Kaskaskia and Kickapoo land, at the confluence of the Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois Rivers. She sees clients in St. Louis, MO at EMPOWERED Spaces.

On this episode, Andrea discusses why honoring the body is a key part of therapy, (super)natural ways to heal trauma, and ways that we can all transmute stress into strength.

Pam also talks about magical embodiment, and answers a listener question about releasing anxiety during spell work.

Our sponsors for this episode are Imbue Jewelry Studio, UBU Skills, Midge Blitz, Lilith Amberly, BetterHelp, Heal the Witch Wound out from Weiser Books, and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

BONUS EP: Remembering Rachel Pollack (Rerelease of #55 - Rachel Pollack, Tarot Titan and Radical Writer [Ad-Free])

BONUS EPISODE: In honor of the brilliant Rachel Pollack who passed away on April 7th, we're rereleasing our episode with her. May you rest in peace and power, Rachel, our eternal High Priestess of Heresy. <3

***

Rachel Pollack was a legend who is perhaps best known as one of the world’s foremost tarot experts, having written such classics as Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom and The New Tarot Handbook. She’s also the creator of The Shining Tribe Tarot and co-creator with Robert Place of The Burning Serpent Oracle and the Raziel Deck.

But tarot is just of tip of the iceberg, as she was the author of 43 books of fiction and non-fiction, many of them in the speculative or sci-fi genres, including Unquenchable Fire which won the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and Godmother Night, which won the World Fantasy Award. She was also an accomplished comic book writer and pioneer, and during her run for DC Comics’ Doom Patrol in the 1990s, she introduced one of the world’s first transgender superheroes - and is now considered by many to be a transgender superhero herself.

Rachel’s work has been translated into 16 languages, and she has taught and lectured on tarot, creative writing, gender, and innumerable other topics in the U.S. Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and China. And until her retirement, she was a senior faculty member of Goddard College’s MFA in Writing program.

Rachel’s most recent book is The Beatrix Gates, a volume which collects several of her most visionary stories as well as a brand new essay on magic and transgender living. In 2020, it was nominated for a Lambda Award.

One can see why poet Cat Fitzpatrick called Rachel “a living national treasure.”

On this episode, Rachel discusses the relationship between tarot and comic books, the importance of visionary transgender storytelling, and why her religion is Heresy.

Pam also speaks about following magical clues long term, and answers a listener question about practicing fire magic in the home.

#108 - Evan Doherty of Arcane Bullshit

Evan Doherty is the Toronto-based creator of Arcane Bullshit, a darkly hilarious, many-tentacled project with a cult following that encompasses weird merch, macabre memes, the Arcane Bullshit Oracle Deck - and now an upcoming book. Arcane Bullshit juxtaposes vintage found imagery from mythology, biology, and history with surreal, absurdist captions. The Arcane Bullshit Oracle Deck is Evan’s twisted send-up of tarot, with 106 cards designed by him, and he’s been making these cards since 2011. He’s run two successful Kickstarter campaigns - one in 2018 and another 2021 - and just launched his third for the forthcoming Arcane Bullshit book called Stop Looking at My Tiny Town. As Evan puts it: “Arcane Bullshit has you covered for all your cosmic confusion needs.”

On this episode, Evan discusses his evolving ideas about belief and skepticism, the inspiration behind his various satirical art projects, and how he maintains his foolish, nonsensical sensibility.

Pam also talks about the divinity of humor and answers a listener question about how to lift an ailing friend’s spirits.

Our sponsors for this episode are Rosarium Blends, Imbue Jewelry, Snowy Owl Tea, Heal the Witch Wound out from Weiser Books, BetterHelp, Mithras Candle, and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

And please consider donating to The Missing Witches fundraiser for Native women’s shelters

#107 - Tessa Perlow, Witch-Crafter

Tessa Perlow is an artist specializing in embroidery and beading. Her work is inspired by magic and nature, and she uses stitching to transform second hand materials into special, one of a kind pieces. Tessa was born and raised in New Jersey and grew up with a passion for arts and crafts. She went on to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and then fell in love with embroidery post-grad while pursuing a path as an independent working artist. Symbols play a large role in her work often with recurring themes of plants and animals in a dreamy fantasy space. This year Tessa launched a YouTube channel, creating videos showing behind the scenes processes as well as tutorials. Tessa is currently based in Philadelphia, PA, and when she is not in her workroom stitching in the company of her cats Uzi and Dru, she is usually going on nature walks in the nearby parks and forests.

On this episode, Tessa discusses the magic of adornment, the power of combining of art with Craft, and favorite influences on her bewitching work.

Pam also talks about hands as magical conductors and answers a listener question about connecting to the divinity of her own backyard.

Our sponsors for this episode are VVITCH Digital, UBU Skills, Heal the Witch Wound out from Weiser Books, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, BetterHelp, Pendulum Swings Tarot, and Bloom Stories.

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#106 - Andrea Stein of Moon Dust Press

Andrea Stein is a children's book author and the owner of Moon Dust Press, an independent publisher of magical books for kids based in Austin, Texas. As a mother of 3 and practicing Pagan witch herself, she’s committed to creating resources for kids in earth-based households and changing the narrative around witchcraft in children’s literature. 

Andrea started writing books about witchcraft for kids in 2019 and has since made it her full time job, creating her own books and publishing other authors and illustrators through Moon Dust Press. She also publishes magical worksheets, and has a kids podcast called Mini Magic. 

On this episode, Andrea discusses why she decided to focus on making magical children’s books, her own path to Paganism, and how to appropriately introduce witchcraft to kids.

Pam also talks about spring beginnings and favorite witchy books from her youth, and answers a listener question about ways to share magic with her young son.

***PLEASE NOTE: even though we talk about magical kids content, what you’re about to hear is an adult conversation, and not intended for children. ***

Our sponsors for this episode are Rosarium Blends, Snowy Owl Tea, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, BetterHelp, and Mithras Candle

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#105 - Diana Rose, Astrological Luminary

Diana Rose is a relational astrologer, tarot reader, writer, and facilitator currently living near the Angeles National Forest in southern California. Her practice aims to bring fellow humans into a more ferociously loving and compassionately honest relationship with themselves, the Earth, and the heavens. She has been a three-time invited speaker at the Northwest Astrology Conference, is a repeat guest on The Astrology Podcast, and has been a guest on many, many other podcasts including Jonathan Van Ness’s Getting Curious. Diana also wrote a piece on responsible astrology for WIRED; created the guidebook for The Rosebud Tarot; and is the editor of Revelore Press’s forthcoming Kalliope series.

On this episode, Diana discusses her decolonized approach to the cosmos, the significance of knowing one’s rising sign, and how astrology can help us live with more meaning and magic here on Earth.

Pam also talks about how the media can do better when covering occult topics, and answers a listener question about witchcraft and academia.

Our sponsors for this episode are VVITCH DIGITAL, Earth Spirit, BetterHelp, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Bloom, and Mithras Candle

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#104 - Tino Rodriguez and Virgo Paraiso, Mystical Art Partners

Tino Rodriguez and Virgo Paraiso are metaphysical painters who create solo work and collaborative work.

Tino Rodriguez expertly weaves together elements from Catholic idolatry, European Fairy Tales, Celtic fables, Mexican myths, and Native American legends as he explores the complexity of spirituality, sexuality, and transformation. The duality found in Western religions- good and evil, heaven and hell, spirit and body- intermingle in a vision that makes such distinctions irrelevant. Tino was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. A graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, he holds an MFA from the University of Albuquerque. His work has been shown in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Jose, Boston, Washington DC, and Berlin, and resides in permanent collections at the San Jose Museum of Art (San Jose, CA, The Crocker Art Museum (Sacramento, CA), and the Nevada Museum of Art (Reno, Nevada).

Virgo Paraiso describes his work thusly: “Through your divine light, the universe awakens and consciousness blooms…The visions in my paintings are of deep, lush paradise worlds that depict the profound connection between all sentient beings, the oneness of all things. These mindscapes are portals that can open up our sense of perception and remind us of what we truly are in essence, which is infinite love and beauty. We are true divine wisdom. We are the source of existence. We are life itself.” Virgo was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. He grew up between Okinawa, Japan, Hawaii, and San Francisco, and he has studied art, and exhibited in all of these places, as well as New York, Boston, and Berlin.

Both Tino and Virgo have done work for The Wachowskis including their Netflix series Sense8, a music video for Antony and the Johnsons, and films including Jupiter Ascending and The Matrix Resurrections.

On this Valentine’s Day episode, Tino and Virgo discuss creative collaboration as an act of love, the power of mystical art, and the inspiration they get from their community of radical magic-makers.

Pam also talks about the concept of the Third Mind, and answers listener questions about bringing some witchcraft to their weddings.

Our sponsors for this episode are Juanita Benedicto, Rosarium Blends, BetterHelp, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, and The Pendulum Swings Tarot

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

#103 - Taylor Wilde, Pro Wrestling Witch

Shantelle Malawski is a Canadian professional wrestler. She is signed with Impact Wrestling, where she performs under the ring name Taylor Wilde - otherwise known as “The People’s Witch.”

Taylor was under a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) contract from 2006 to 2007. She then joined TNA in 2008 and would go on to become a one-time TNA Women's Knockout Champion and also went on to become the inaugural and two-time TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion while also becoming the first wrestler to have held both titles.

After departing from TNA in December 2010, Malawski announced her retirement from professional wrestling and wrestled her final match in 2011. She then stepped away from wrestling for about a decade to become a professional firefighter. But the ring called her back, and she recently returned to wrestling with Impact Wrestling, unveiling her new, more authentic witch persona.

Taylor has a podcast and YouTube show called Wilde On, and in addition to seeing her perform for Impact Wrestling, you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

On this episode, Taylor discusses how she embodies the witch both in and out of the ring, how witchcraft supports her role as a firefighter, and the ways that wrestling balances her feminine and masculine energies.

Pam also talks about getting weird for Aquarius season, and answers a listener question about a spiritually diverging friendship.

Our sponsors for this episode are Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, The Pretty Cult, and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.

And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave