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What if someone had pulled you aside when you first started practicing and told you the stuff that actually matters? In this episode, we’re sharing five things we truly wish we’d known at the beginning of our witchcraft journeys. Not the aesthetic advice. Not the influencer version of magic. The real lessons you usually learn through trial, error, and the occasional smoke alarm. We talk about grounding (both the energetic kind and the nervous system kind), why you should stop waiting to feel “ready” and just do the spell already, how much stuff you really don’t need, and why unlearning old programming is just as important as collecting new knowledge.  This is an episode about permission. Permission to be imperfect. Permission to rest. Permission to change your mind. Permission to make mistakes and keep going anyway. Whether you’re brand new to witchcraft or decades in, consider this a cozy check-in from two witches who have definitely learned some things the hard way. Grab your tea. Let’s talk. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In this episode we’re settling into that long, liminal stretch between Imbolc and Ostara. The snow is still hanging around, the days are technically getting longer but it doesn’t always feel like it, and seasonal cranky shut in disorder is very real. This is a quiet and often deeply cold time of the year, where hope flickers but hasn’t fully taken shape yet. That’s exactly why we’re focusing on everyday magick. The simple, doable, low effort kind that helps you keep going when getting out of bed already feels like a heroic act. We share some of our favorite mundane spells that gently weave magic into the rhythm of daily life. Morning candle work for setting one small intention. Decluttering spells that help reset the energy of your space when the vibes are off. Bag and wallet magic to make room for abundance. Even the humble act of making your bed becomes a spell for nervous system care, protection, and coming home to yourself at the end of the day. This isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing one thing with presence. Chelle also brings forward a tarot thread she’s been holding for this season, a simple and reflective way of working with the cards as we move from Imbolc’s inward spark toward Ostara’s outward growth. Think less pressure, more conversation with the cards. Tarot as companion, not assignment. We also talk about how to work magic with your houseplants during this time of year. From tending them as living spell anchors to using them as allies for growth, renewal, and intention setting, especially when the outside world is still frozen. Your plants know spring is coming, even if the ground hasn’t caught up yet. There’s wisdom there. This episode is for anyone who feels tired, restless, or quietly hopeful. For witches who want to stay connected without burning themselves out. For those of us who need reminders that small rituals matter, and that light returns slowly, but it does return. So grab your tea, check in with your plants, and come sit with us for a bit. We’re getting through late winter together, one simple spell at a time. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

Beyond Maiden, Mother, and Crone, there is another face of the Goddess. One that is rarely named, often hidden, and deeply powerful. In this episode of Back on the Broomstick, we continue our Deity Series by exploring the Fourth Face of the Goddess, the Dark Moon. Sometimes called the Warrior, sometimes the Queen, sometimes the Sovereign, this is the aspect that emerges when we stop performing who we were told to be and start living from our truth. We’ll revisit the roots of the Triple Goddess archetype and talk about why it no longer tells the full story. From there, we step into the hidden phase. The one associated with mastery, authority, boundaries, and intentional power. This is the phase where wisdom sharpens instead of softens, where confidence grows quieter and stronger, and where sovereignty becomes lived rather than imagined. We talk about how this archetype shows up around midlife and menopause, but also how it can emerge at any point in life when you claim yourself fully. We explore the light and shadow of the Queen, the responsibility that comes with power, and why patriarchal systems have always been threatened by this phase of feminine authority. You’ll also hear practical ways to recognize and work with this energy in your everyday life, along with a meditation spell to call in and honor the Dark Moon within yourself. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve outgrown old roles, old expectations, or even old versions of your magic, this episode is for you. The hidden face is not gone. She’s been waiting. Light a candle, pour your tea, and join us as we stand in the dark and remember who we are. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In this episode, the witches welcome the quiet, hopeful turning of the wheel with a deep dive into Imbolc, the ancient Celtic festival that marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Traditionally celebrated around February 1st and 2nd, Imbolc is a threshold moment, when the land is still cold and dark, but the return of the light has begun. Laylla and Chelle explore Imbolc’s roots, its meaning of “in the belly,” and its long association with new life, purification, and preparation. They talk about the goddess Brigid, her sacred flame, poetry, prophecy, and craft, as well as her deep connections to hearth, milk, and inspiration. The conversation also weaves in other powerful figures of the season, including the Cailleach, whose weather on Imbolc foretells the length of winter, and Danu, whose fertile waters and ancient presence remind us that life is already stirring beneath the surface.  From there, the episode turns practical. Laylla and Chelle talk about how to celebrate Imbolc today, from candle magic to house cleansing and protection work. They explore why cleaning and warding at Imbolc is so powerful, especially when the festival aligns with a full moon, and share a wealth of simple but potent practices including ritual sweeping, boundary-setting, witch bottles, mirror wards, eggshell protection, and working with house spirits. The episode also includes a detailed look at Brigid’s Fire Tarot Spread, a ten-card layout shaped like a rising flame that helps you see what you’re building, what’s stirring, and what you’re truly reaching for as the year unfolds toward Beltane. Grounded, hopeful, and deeply intentional, this episode invites you to tend your inner fire, clear winter’s residue, and prepare your space, your spirit, and your magic for the season of growth ahead. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In this retrospective episode of Back on the Broomstick, the witches take a thoughtful look back at 2025. Laylla and Chelle reflect on their favorite episodes and events from the year, share highlights from interviews that stood out, and celebrate the episodes that listeners loved most. They also reveal the top 3 listener favorite episodes, the most commented-on conversation, and a few moments that surprised even them. From there, the conversation turns toward the road ahead. The witches talk about what’s coming in 2026, including new episode themes, workshops, festivals, and magical projects they’re excited to step into. It’s a look at growth, community, and the evolving shape of their practice and the podcast. To start the year with intention, they share a simple way to choose a Tarot Card of the Year, offering guidance on how to let one card act as a touchstone for the months ahead. They also walk through an easy candle spell designed to carry the motivation, lessons, and momentum of 2025 forward into 2026. It’s a reflective, hopeful episode that honors where you’ve been while making space for what’s next. Brushwood on a Broomstick radio playlist from 2025 Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

Welcome back to the deity series as the witches turn their attention to the Crone Goddess. In this episode, Laylla and Chelle explore what the Crone represents in modern witchcraft and how this powerful aspect of divinity shows up in real lives, not just at the end of a cycle, but anywhere wisdom, boundaries, and deep knowing are required. They talk honestly about their own relationships to the Crone. Chelle feels ready to step fully into that phase, while Laylla is… not quite there yet. Along the way, they unpack the strengths of the Crone archetype, the cultural prejudices she faces, and why fear of aging and power has shaped how this goddess is often misunderstood or avoided. The episode also includes practical tools for connection and reflection, including a tarot spread and a journaling exercise designed to help you explore the different aspects of the goddess within yourself. As the year shifts from 2025 to 2026, Laylla shares a meditation spell to connect with the Crone’s liminal wisdom, offering guidance for standing at the threshold of time with clarity, courage, and intention. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In this New Year’s Eve episode of Back on the Broomstick, the witches gather in the space between the year that has been and the year that is about to be. This is a liminal space between the old and the new. Laylla and Chelle talk about why setting intentions often feels more powerful and sustainable than making resolutions, and how choosing a single power word for the year ahead can act as a magical anchor when the road gets twisty. The witches also touch on the currently popular 13 Wishes spell (sometimes called or Rauhnächte) and how it fits into New Year and liminal space magic. Laylla offers a slightly revised version of the working, thoughtfully adapted to better suit Chelle’s limited attention span and real-world witchcraft needs, proving once again that magic works best when it’s practical, flexible, and personal. They also share a reflective tarot spread designed to look back at the year that’s ending, helping you name what you’re ready to leave behind, what still needs tending, and what lessons are coming with you into the new cycle. It’s a gentle, honest way to close the year without rushing or forcing transformation before it’s ready. As the clock ticks toward midnight, the witches take time to thank their listeners and benefactors for another deeply witchy year of community, curiosity, laughter, and shared magic. Light a candle, pull a card, and step with intention into the threshold of the new year. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

Pull up a chair, witches, and settle into the Solarium, that warm, herb scented pause between the dark and the returning light, where herb scented smoke and the laughter of friends keeps the night at bay. In this special Yule season Solarium episode of Back on the Broomstick, Laylla and Chelle invite you into a cozy, candlelit ghost tale swap that leans deliciously into the strange and unsettling side of winter magic. The scary ghost stories side of the sugar plum season.  Laylla shares four chilling haunted doll stories. As she researched and recorded these stories, some truly odd coincidences began stacking up. Tech glitches, recording problems, and even something a little more personal.... decide for yourself whether it was coincidence or something else. Chelle then takes us deep into winter folklore with the dark and fascinating tale of Frau Perchta, a Yuletide spirit who walks the long nights judging the living, rewarding the diligent, and punishing those who stray too far from the old ways. Equal parts cautionary tale and seasonal myth, her story reminds us that Yule magic isn’t all twinkle lights and cocoa. Sometimes it stuffs you with stones and straw if you don't do your chores. This Solarium episode is spooky, fun, and perfect for listening by firelight or under a heavy blanket while the wind rattles the bones of winter outside. Pour yourself something warm, maybe cast a circle for comfort, and join us for ghost stories that linger long after the candles burn low. Listener discretion and copious comfort items advised. And maybe don’t leave your dolls uncovered tonight. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

The witches gather at the darkest point of the year to celebrate Yule and the return of the light. In this festive episode, Laylla and Chelle share some of their favorite Yule spells and crafts. Traditions from years past, practices for the present moment, and intentions for winters yet to come. From simple candle magic to honor the longest night to crafting seasonal altar pieces that welcome the sun's rebirth, they explore the many ways witches can work with the energy of the winter solstice. The conversation weaves together the practical and the magical, offering ideas for practitioners at every level. The witches also share tarot spreads designed specifically for this liminal time; one for the winter solstice itself and another for the full Yule season. These spreads help us reflect on what we're releasing with the old year, what seeds we're planting in the dark, and what we're calling forth as the light begins its slow return. Whether you're a seasoned Yule celebrant or new to marking the sabbat, this episode is full of inspiration, warmth, and the quiet magic of midwinter. Pour yourself something warm, light a candle, and join the witches by the fire. BotB's 12 Nights of Yule Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

As the longest night of the year approaches, the witches settle fully into Yule mode with candles lit, trees decorated, and a little seasonal weirdness happily creeping back in. This cozy Solarium episode finds Laylla and Chelle talking Yule preparations, winter self care, and stories of classic Yule cryptids like the Yule Cat, Mari Lwyd, and the ever-watchful Nisse, because of course they do. In the spirit of Yule time giving, Chelle managed to set aside her natural magpie nature to channel Jolly Saint Nick and surprise Laylla with a bag overflowing with gifts sent in by their generous listeners. The witches open mail, read heartfelt letters, and revel in the books, teas, body butters, and beautifully thoughtful surprises that have arrived lately. It’s a warm, laughter-filled episode full of gratitude, gentle spookiness, and winter magic. Pour yourself something comforting, get cozy, and join the witches as they honor the turning of the wheel, the generosity of their community, and the strange and wonderful magic that lives in the darkest nights of the year. voyagerlocale - artist Nature Recycled art The Knarly Knot - Handcrafted Wooden Mugs and More Mystical Blossoms Gift Shop & Tea Bar  Dharma Kelleher Witches of Wiccanburg Series Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In the fifth installment of their seven-part Deity Series, the witches turn toward the Goddess in her season of fullness: the Mother, the Maker, the Manifestor, the one who turns raw possibility into living, breathing reality. She is the bright fullness of the moon, the heat of summer, the hum of productivity, and the heartbeat that keeps community alive. Laylla and Chelle explore the Mother not only as the ancient figure of fertility but as a far more expansive and dynamic archetype for today's witches. This episode looks at the Mother as a creator and nurturer. A maker of art, careers, kinship, knowledge, and paths; as the one who carries the Maiden’s vision forward with commitment and devotion; and as the archetype who teaches us how to choose, shape, and sustain the lives we are building. They also examine the deeper historical roots of the Mother Goddess, from the earliest Venus figurines and Paleolithic mother symbols to the great goddesses of world mythology. The witches unpack how these ancient themes influence modern witchcraft and how the Mother archetype has evolved far beyond biological motherhood into a symbol of agency, of creation, and of strength. Whether you are raising children, raising a garden, raising a business, or raising yourself through another chapter of becoming, this episode offers tools, myth, and magical perspective for awakening the Mother within. So brew something comforting, settle in, and join us as we explore the sacred, complex, profoundly human power of the Mother as Maker. Modern Heathen Celebration of Sunwait Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

The Triple Goddess Called; She Wants to Update Her Resume The witches continue their series on Divinity in modern witchcraft with the first episode on the triple aspect of Goddess. They begin by discussing one of the most well-known frameworks in modern paganism: Maiden, Mother, Crone. They trace where this concept may have come from, how it became rooted in contemporary witchcraft, and why it still holds power for so many people. But they also look honestly at its limitations. In this episode focusing especially on the Maiden aspect, Laylla and Chelle talk about how titles once meant to empower now feel too narrow, too tied to childbearing, and too limited in their vision of womanhood, personhood, and divinity. They explore what it means to honor a Goddess who contains multitudes, and how we might reimagine these archetypes in ways that reflect lived experience, adult autonomy, creativity, sexuality, and identity beyond gender, fertility, or age. It’s a conversation about myth, culture, and the shifting language of the sacred; and an invitation to rethink the Goddess not as a three-part story, but as a vast and evolving presence that grows with us. 2025's Yule Winter Solstice Card Exchange is live! Send us a Holiday card and we'll send you one back! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In this episode the witches sit down with author, teacher, and astrologer Ivo Dominguez Jr. to talk about the re-release of his book Spirit Speak: A Comprehensive Guide to Connect Beyond the Veil. They explore how the book helps witches build clearer relationships with their guides and allies, and what’s changed since he first wrote it. The conversation with Ivo covers a variety of witchy topics. How do daffodil bulbs help explain reincarnation and the oversoul? What do plants have to do with portals and realm walking? And just how many nerdy references can Ivo and Laylla fit into one episode? Naturally, with Ivo in the room, at some point they're going to talk astrology. Together, they unpack the current Mercury retrograde, what this one is stirring up collectively and magically, and some very big astrological events lining up for early 2026. From shifts in collective communication to the energetic themes that may shape the coming year, the discussion makes major astrological shifts understandable. It’s thoughtful, grounded, and full of that signature blend of witchcraft, wisdom, and curiosity; a perfect episode for anyone looking to refine their spirit communication and understand the cosmic weather ahead. Ivo Dominguez jr Website Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In the third installment of our seven-part series on the Aspects of Deity, Laylla and Chelle meet the God as the Sage, the Elder, the Lord of Shadows. This is the God after the battle, after the passion, when the fields have been harvested and the world begins to rest. He is the Holly King, the wise face of the Horned God, the keeper of memory and mystery. In him lives the balance between power and surrender, action and reflection, life and death. The witches discuss His folklore and myth, how to know when the God is reaching out to you, and how to start working with a God. So light your candle against the long night, pour a cup of something your grandpa would appreciate, and join Laylla and Chelle as they follow the God into the deep woods of winter, where silence becomes a teacher and the old gods whisper in the dark. We have an Etsy Shop! Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website

In the second installment of our seven-part series on the Aspects of Deity, the witches turn their attention to the God in his middle face: the Oak King, the Father, the Warrior, and the beating heart of the Sun at its height. This is the God in his full maturity; strong-backed, green-crowned, and alive with the fierce joy of summer. Laylla and Chelle unpack where this Father/Warrior archetype comes from in modern witchcraft, tracing the Oak King’s tangled roots through folklore, Wicca, the Horned God mythos, and the ever-evolving Wheel of the Year. From the midsummer battle with the Holly King, to his role as the wild consort of the Goddess, to his deep connection with the turning of the seasons, the witches explore how this bright, solar force shows up in myth and in lived witchcraft today. They also dig into the bigger question: what does sacred masculinity look like for witches who grew up with Christian Father-God baggage or pop culture’s devil-horn stereotypes?  The Oak King reminds us that strength can be tender, that passion can be holy, and that the body, sweating, laughing, loving, and alive is a temple all its own. He’s the god of green forests and hot sun, the Witch-Father who guards the boundaries of the land and teaches us to walk them with courage. Join us for stories, lore, laughter, and a whole lot of leafy green energy as we meet the God in his middle face,; the Oak King in all his vibrant, responsible, moss-scented glory. Got a question? Send the witches a message here! Support the show Want to send us a letter? Witchy things to review? We have a mailing address! Back on the Broomstick PO Box 106 Salem MA 01970 Email: [email protected] Youtube Facebook Instagram Back on the Broomstick Website