In this episode of The White Witch Podcast we step into the woods of August to explore two powerful allies of witchcraft, mythology and folklore – Bay and the Wild Boar.

We begin with Bay a plant long associated with prophecy, protection, purification and victory. We explore the many ways Bay can be incorporated into your craft, from cleansing and divination to protection and banishing before following its mythological threads through Circe, Apollo and Daphne and into the sacred world of the Priestesses of Delphi. We also work with Bay practically finishing this section with a simple banishing spell using its leaves – ritual can be found here –
https://witchesofthecraft.com/tag/bay-leaf/

Then we travel deeper into the ancient forest to meet the Wild Boar, a creature whose image appears again and again across European mythology as a symbol of ferocity, courage, sovereignty, abundance, protection and the mysteries of the Otherworld.

We follow the boar through the story of Odysseus before travelling north into Norse cosmology and its connections with Freyr and Freyja including the golden boar Gullinbursti and Freyja’s companion Hildisvíni. We visit the great hall of Valhalla where the fallen warriors feast upon the endlessly renewed cosmic boar and explore the animal’s possible connections with the earth and mother goddess Nerthus.

From there we wander through continental and British folklore, meeting the boar god Moccus, seasonal customs such as the Jouluporsas and the animal’s importance within Celtic and Druidic traditions. We explore its links with warriors, death, the afterlife and the Otherworld alongside stories involving Merlin, the Devil, Cerridwen, Manannán mac Lir and the great boar hunt found within the Welsh tale of Culhwch and Olwen.

We also venture into Greek mythology with Heracles and the Erymanthian Boar before looking at what the Wild Boar may represent spiritually when it appears within our own lives, dreams or practice.

Our book review this month is Circe by Madeline Miller.

We finish the episode with a collection of journal prompts inspired by The Odyssey inviting you to consider your own journeys, trials, transformations and homecomings. The journal prompts came from the Instagram page – @the_edit_experience_

• What song do your sirens sing?
• What bow can only you string?
• What is your Troy?
• What is your Calypso?
• What is your Ithaca?
• Why can’t you go back there?
• Can you forgive yourself for the last seven years?
• Can you accept yourself?

So light a candle, gather your Bay leaves, and come with me into the old woods — where gods, witches, warriors and wild creatures are never quite as far away as they seem.

Join Me for Our Mabon Coven Gathering

If you’ve ever wanted to experience witchcraft in person, I’d love to invite you to our very first Coven Gathering in Lincoln.

Together we will celebrate Mabon, the Autumn Equinox through seasonal folklore, magical teachings, practical witchcraft and a guided journey inspired by Baba Yaga’s ancient forest. You will create your own Mabon Harvest Charm to take home, receive beautifully illustrated grimoire pages and spend the afternoon connecting with a wonderful community of like-minded witches over homemade herbal teas.

Whether you are completely new to witchcraft or have been walking the path for many years, this gathering has been created as a welcoming space to learn, practise and celebrate the turning of the Wheel of the Year together.

You can find the booking link below if you would like to join us. I would absolutely love to see you there.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1995695286324?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us in The Hedge & Hollow for a Circe Summer with our August theme – This month we journey to the mythical island of Aeaea to meet one of the most fascinating witches in mythology – Circe.

Often remembered as the enchantress who transformed men into pigs however there is far more to her story. Circe is a woman of solitude, exile, herbal wisdom, magick, transformation and self sovereignty. Her island becomes a place of initiation where those who arrive are forever changed.

Throughout the month we will explore Circe through mythology, folklore and practical witchcraft discovering what her story can teach us about reclaiming our own power and embracing the transformations life asks of us. Across this month we will look at –

A deeper exploration of Circe’s mythology – looking beyond the familiar tales to uncover the symbolism and wisdom hidden within her story.

A guided meditation transporting you to Circe’s island where you will meet Circe herself and discover the messages she has waiting for you.

Two Hedge Witch studies exploring the magical folklore, history and correspondences of Hellebore and Cypress. Two plants deeply connected with liminality, death, rebirth and the ancient witch’s path.

Practical witchcraft including a beautiful Transformation Oil inspired by Circe’s magick alongside banishing practices, reflection and spellcraft to support your own personal transformation.

This month will lean into embracing our own transformations and moving towards them with courage, wisdom and compassion.

I’ll see you on Circe’s island.

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