Gifts Of The Wyrd

Varla Ventura, author of Enchanted Plants: A Treasury of Botanical Folklore & Magic, joins me this episode to talk about .... yes, plants.   Varla is the author of several books about the enchanted realms.  She is a long time lover of plants and their magical connection between the physical realm and that of the beyond.   I can't write this any better, so borrowing it directly from Weiser's write up for her to interest you in her book:  "From fairy tales to your garden, Enchanted Plants is an illustrated treasure trove of the lore and magic in the kingdom of plants. Take a walk through mystical, magical, and folkloric gardens and discover the plants and flowers that have captured our hearts and minds for centuries. From the baneful bog to the garden gate, plant lover and lover of the bizarre Varla Ventura brings together forgotten lore of plants for the ultimate romp through a botanical wonderland, including excerpts from fairy tales and a lively discussion of each plant’s legendary magical and medicinal

Have you felt the call of the Great Queen but thought She was unapproachable, dark, or focused on war/warrior?The Call of the Morigan Oracle Deck may be able to help you decipher those messages and find your place in working with the Morrigan. Joining me to talk about the creative process of the deck are authors Stphanie Woodfield and Karen Storminger and artist Naomi Cornock.  The Morrigan is more than the Celtic goddess of war, she inspires and impacts her followers to their power and fullness of life.  Complete with folklore, spells, rituals, and prose, the deck and guidebook are more than a tool for divination, they are a magical tool of transformation and connection to the land on which you live, the inner being, and the spirit realms.  Stephanie, Karen, and Naomi are all priestesses of the Morrigan who worked closely together with meditation and devotional work to bring this project into being.  They share their work with the Morrigan, how they came together, and how the Morrigan spoke to each of the

Do you take things apart to see how they work? Do you wonder what the symbols on a tarot deck mean? The Tarot Disassembled deck and book by Jennifer Cooper Steidley, helps you do both! And she joins me to talk about the deck and how the idea to deconstruct the images of tarot to go behind the scenes of what we usually see on a card for deeper meanings and inspiration.  Whether starting your journey on tarot or a seasoned reader, this deck has something for everyone. "It's such a multi-layerd system, that there is so many different ways and depths you can get into to read. And this is one little offshoot." The book and deck are sold separately and available from Weiser Books website, your local book shop, or online book seller. The indie version is still available on her website/ Etsy shop. Jennifer Cooper Steidley is a graphic designer by day and a tarot deck collector, creator, and enthusiast at all other times. Also available from Jennifer are the Tarot Assembled and Symdala Tarot. See her website for more

In this episode, I’m joined by Davezilla, graphic artist and author of Magical AI Grimoire, to talk about working with current technology for our sacred work. As technology rapidly advances, it opens up a lot of questions on how it can be legitimately implemented in our practice and daily lives, should we implement (or how much), and what are some of the results? In this book, Davezilla presents ways to use AI technology for ritual work in similar ways of using other programs like search engines, social media platforms, computer assisted art and writing, etc.  He explains how to craft questions to prompt results (promptcrafting) to spark your own creativity and spiritual practice for today’s tech-witches/tech-pagans. There are spells and rituals for a variety of topics crafted for different traditions that can be readily used, adapted, or used to inspire your own promptcrafting experience.  The book is available from Red Wheel/Weiser directly, your local bookshop, or online bookseller. Find more about Davezi

Christian Brunner joins me to talk about his book Alpine Witchery. Christian has researched the accounts of hundreds of witch trials which took place in his native Austrian Alps.  The accounts record the spells men and women were accused of conducting which he has carefully categorized with their elements and ingredients.  This is not a grimoire per se, but does allow for those intersted to see how these folk traditions might be adapted and used today.  Christian shares his connection to the material as well as his process for translating these for this project.  Alpine Witchery is available at Llewellyn, from your local bookshop (ask them to order if not in stock), or online seller.   You can find Christian on Facebook, Instagram, and at his website Christianbrunner.com.    # # # Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr Follow my channels on Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/ Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com Order The Christmast Oracle Deck creat

Are you a fan of Mid-Century Modern, Atomic Style design, cats, and tarot?  Then this is the deck for you! I discovered this deck last year and picked up an early copy as a Yule gift for my husband.  Now Atomic Cat Tarot creator Wendy Miller has launched it on Kickstarter to be able to publish more decks and have it available in the tarot world.  Wendy joins me on this episode to talk about the deck, the process leading into it, the art, and more.  It is a fun conversation with someone who loves cats, tarot, and Atomic style.  Get your Jetsons fix for your readings and fun art. What is your favorite card and cat? The Atomic Cat Tarot is now live on Kickstarter through mid-June 2025.  It's fully backed and delivery is expected in early autumn (in time for Christmas/Yule - so get a copy for a friend). You can see all the cards on the Kickstarter page.  Wendy will also be supporting a couple of cat charities with proceeds from the project.  Find Wendy on Instagram and Facebook: @cardtobelieve and see more of he

What is a witch? How have they been a part of history, pop culture, and in everyday life from history to today? Find out in the revised Witches: A Compendium by Judika Illes from Weiser books.  Witches introduces you to a range of witches and how they have interacted with, impacted, and influenced society through the ages.  Included are witches of history such as Marie Laveau, Tituba, Merlin, and the Countess Erzsebent Bathory to modern practitioners; divine witches; and witches of literature and cinema (TV and film) such as Samantha Stephens and Endora, Elphaba and Glinda, and the Sanderson Sisters. Also included are tools for a modern witch, travel tips, animals associated with witches and more.  This is a great handbook to learn about a variety of witches as well as eplore the question yourself: "Am I a witch?" Pick up a copy from you favorite bookstore (or ask them to order it for you) or from Weiser Books.  Check out Judika's other works and upcoming oracle deck: Protection Spells (due in May 2025). Fol

>Thump< >Thump<   Is that the sound of reindeer hooves on the rooftop?  A knock at the door for a surprise appearance from Santa Clause to bring gifts?  Maaaayyybe.  Or maybe it's Père Fouettard, Belsnickel, or Sinterklaas with his chimney Piets arriving to punish the naughty.  Perhaps Krampus, Gryla, the Yule Cat or Yule Lads, or the Mari Lwyd to take you away or kill you for venturing out in the cold, harsh, dark winter.   Step in to the dark roots of Christmas with The Fright Before Christmas author Jeff Belanger. From shapeshifters to mountain trolls, to elves, to heavy-handed  cohorts of Saint Nicholas, the Christmas holiday has been filled with ghosts and monsters ready to dole out punishment to those who need it. The Winter Solstice is a time to be afraid.  Delve into the folklore of these beings, traditions, and how to make them a part of your holiday practice today.  Find Jeff on Facebook and Instagram: @exploringlegends Get the book from your favorite bookseller (like Barnes & Nobl

Joining the podcast this episode are the incredible and talented creators of the Norse Goddess Rune Oracle - Rebecca Joy "Raven" Stark and Sharon McCleod.  Raven is a rune practitioner, a volva, and a teacher of runes and Norse spirituality.  Sharon is an artist/illustrator inspired by nature, myth, magic, and all thing otherworldly.  Together they created the amazing Norse Goddess Rune Oracle which connects the power of Norse goddesses and beings with the power of the runes for use in divination, magic, and relationship with divine powers.   The deck focuses on the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark; and to increase the number of goddesses to connect with, merkstave cards are included bringing the deck to 39 red-edged cards.   Hear about their wonderful friendship, how they worked with the goddesses of the deck as well as those who are not featured, and other interesting topics of conversation.    You can pick up the deck from your favorite metaphysical shop (support community business when you can), from Llewel

With the upcoming Winter Solstice and Yule season in the Northern Hemisphere, Imelda Almqvist joins me to talk about her upcoming webinars about Vrouw Holle (Frau Holle) and St. Nicholas (Sinterklaas in the Netherlands).  We talk a little about who Vrouw Holle and Sinterklaas are and the interesting connections they have as soul conductors (psycho pomps) especially for children.  In this discussion, get a nice introduction to them both and our experiences growing up with Vrouw Holle and Sinterklaas as part of our Dutch heritage.  It's an intersting discussion with more to come in the webinars.  Sign up for the webinars below. North Sea Water - Vrouw Holle .  Nov 21, 8 pm GMT North Sea Water - Sinterklaas. Dec 5, 8 pm GMT Imelda is an international teacher of Sacred Art and Seiðr/Old Norse Traditions, a painter and author of nine books. She currently teaches in the UK, the US, Sweden and Greenland. https://www.shaman-healer-painter.co.uk/ Follow Imelda on Facebook, Instagram @almqvistimelda, and sign up for

Siri Vincent Plouff joins the podcast to talk about a favorite subject, runes. Their book, Queering the Runes, was just released in November 2024 and we talk about the book, dispel notions that runes are not for everyone (they are!), how they can relate from a queer perspective, and just about runes in general.  The book is an excellent way to introduce yourself to the runes with a fresh look at how they interact with people today.  Or if you are used to working with runes, have a look at them with a new lens and see how they might teach something new or different.   Siri has been a practicing with for nearly 20 years and reading tarot and runes professionally for six. They host The Heathen's Journey podcast, teaches workshops, and is coauthor of Lessons from the Empress with Cassandra Snow.  Order Queering the Runes at your favorite bookshop, directly from Red Wheel/Weiser, or online book seller.  You can find Siri on Instagram: @siri.vincent.plouff and Patreon: @sirivincentplouff # # # Create your podcast 

As October inches towards Samhain, Rick de Yampert joins me to talk about the magic of Crows and Ravens from his book: Crows and Ravens: Mystery, Myth, and Magic of Sacred Corvids.  Rick has been working with Crows and Ravens for a number of years along his path and has dedicated a lot of study to how corvids behave and how we can commune with them to enrich and enhance our connection to nature, magic, and the Web of Wyrd.    Do you have crows or ravens appearing in your path or daily routine? Do they visit your yard or bring gifts? Do you speak with them? Does their presence in your life help you with your magical practice? Rick's book provides some ways to connect with them and build a magical connection to them.    Have a listen as we discuss some of those topics and more.    Crows and Ravens is published by Llewellyn Books and available from Llewellyn, your favorite book seller, or online.  Check out Rick's projects and schedule at: https://rickdeyampert.com/   and see Mr. Crow and other artwork at Mis

"Welcome to the Nine Worlds, home of Gods, Valkyries, Dwarves, and more!" promises MacMillan Publishsers about the latest series by my guest; author and artist George O'Connor. George created the 12 volume series The Olympians and just released Thor in October 2024, the second book of his series The Asgardians. The first volume of The Asgardians series, Odin, was released in March 2024. We talk about his process for bringing the myths of these two popular pantheons as illustrated storytelling.  It was a fun and interesting discussion to hear about George's interest with the Norse stories and how they have been a part of his life for so long and still inspiring ways to be told.  And it's always nice to get a behind the scenes scoop on how ideas come about, the creative process, and other bits of writing and drawing a graphic novel about such interesting characters and adventures.    Both series' can be ordered through your local book store. Find out more about George's works at MacMillan Publishers.  Follow G

Author Gunivortus Goos joins me to talk about the long awaited (by me especially) English translation of his book on Nehalennia.  The book is avaialable in German, Dutch, and now English.  The English title is: Nehalennia: Divine Lady of Prosperity, Trade and Safe Crossings.  It is now available via Amazon throughout the world and in Europe on BoD Buchshop.  Nehalennia is a Dutch Goddess who was revered and honored in the area controlled by the Romans of the first - second centuries in what is now the southern west coast of the Netherlands.  After that time, Nehalennia was lost to the oceans and time and evidence was literally fished up in the 17th century in the form of votive stones, revealing an acitive practice of honoring her.  Goos and I talk about Nehalennia, a bit about her origins,  about the process of researching and bringing the information together for the book, and about bringing in into an English version.    The book has minor updates of new finds and information not in the German or Dutch e

It is great to have Amy Blackthorn on to talk about things botanical - brews, magic, and sacred plant magic. Amy us author of several books on botanical magic, including Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic, Blackthorn’s Botanical Brews, and Blackthorn’s Botanical Wellness. She is the founder of Blackthorn’s Botanicals.  Her upcoming book Blackthorn's Book of Sacred Plant Magic is from Red Wheel/Weiser Books and scheduled for release in August 2024. Pre-order now with your local bookstore (if possible), Weiser's website, or online seller.    Amy Blackthorn shows readers how to bring plant spirits into their daily spiritual practice with therapeutic access, subconscious learning, and divining skills that help them understand plant spirits on a deeper level. Using the power of scent, we can create a sense of the sacred in our daily lives. Part reference guide, part recipe book, and part ritual journey, it offers readers an in-depth exploration of the vital connection between scents and magical practice. Links:  http

Conversations With.... In this episode I invited a good friend to join me whom I've wanted to chat with for a while.  Hilary has been in the Heathen community in the San Francisco Bay Area for several decades. She is a seidhkona, rune worker, and Freya's woman.  This is a casual conversation about her journey in Heathenry and her work in those areas.  Pull join us in our virtual seating area for this delightful time.  * * * Use my special link to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Follow my channel on Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com Order The Christmast Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Please leave feedback on Apple and other podcast providers. This helps the podcast to be found easier. Music.  Intro: Cooking with the Italians. Outgoing: Commercial Bliss. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Please do not add this audio content to the YouTube Co

Life is pretty busy lately and it's made a bit of a challenge to book guests. So I took a couple books off the shelf that I've had for a while adn thought I'd have a little review/chat about them.  Loki and Sigyn: Lessons on Chaos, Laughter & Loyalty from the Norse Gods  by Lea Svendsen. Llewellyn, February 2022. This captivating book takes you deep into the infamous legacy of Loki and the quiet power of Sigyn, the goddess of loyalty and compassion. As a controversial figure in Heathenry, Loki is often approached with trepidation. But this book introduces you to his true self: a trickster, but also a loving husband and creative problem-solver.   Elves, Witches, & Gods : Spinning Old heathen Magic in the Modern Day by Cat Heath, Llewellyn, 2021. Cat Heath has carefully pieced together and recreated Heathen magic techniques, and she shares the theories, skills, and tools you need to begin or deepen your own practice. This book provides explanations and hands-on techniques for galdr, seidr, fiber magic,

The Cartomancer team: Amber Highland, Jaymi Elford, Saphira Stone This episode is recorded during Women's History Month and I'm pleased to bring on to the podcast three incredible women who are the skillfull creators of The Cartomancer Magazine.  Joining in are Publisher Amber Highland, Creative Director Saphira Stone, and Line Editor Jaymi Elford.   We discuss the history of the magazine and a lot of the behind the scenes of what goes into putting together each quarterly issue.    And a lot of other fun and shenanigan discussions - as is normal when getting together with any of these three amazing people.  Check out The Cartomancer Magazine for interesting and well presented topics on divination by many of the best in the divination community.  Including tarot, oracle cards, Lenormand, runes, ogham, and more.    Women's History Month is a special month to celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout history and to support, collaborate, and celebrate all they do today.  But it is not only in March - do

We're honored this episode to have Erika Robinson join us to talk about Lenormand.  She is the author of The Language of Lenormand and Erika's Lenormand of Hope deck.  Erika pulls out some tips for working with the Lenormand system from her book and the approach she took to writing it. Some very interesting information and process.  We also talk about her Lenormand deck which was released in late 2023. This is an American Lenormand created for a modern audience in which the characters are "unapologetically Black." Join us for an interesting discussion to inspire your interest in Lenormand.  The Language of Lenormand is available from Weiser Books and your local or online book seller. Erika's Lenormand of Hope deck is available from La Panthere Studio.      Follow Erika on Instagram at: @divine_withme Website: https://lenormandwitherika.com/ * * * Some tech difficulties in recording create some minor inconsistent audio levels. Not too bad, but apologies for any inconvenience in listening.    * * * Use my spe

What If the Norse went aviking to the stars? Ever wonder what the future might be like if Christianity hadn't taken hold of the Nordic lands? If Norse mythology continued in practice and the Norse ruled the sea - and the stars?   Now, you can live those adventures in a new role playing game set in the Vikingverse.  When the Wolf Comes is a complete tabletop role playing game with everything you need to create and play characters, form warbands in pursuit of fame and plunder, and tell sci-fi sagas with your friends.     Vikingverse creator Ian Stuart Sharpe joins me to talk about the tabletop role playing game, characters, and the process.     Order the game, books, and comics at www.vikingverse.com Follow Ian and the Vikingverse on Facebook, X, and Instagram at: @vikingverse   * * * Use my special link to save 30% off your first month of any Zencastr paid plan. Follow my channel on Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com Order The Christmast Oracle Deck created by