Season of the Witch

Welcome to this week’s episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken, where we're getting real about healing the inner teen. After a brief hiatus due to personal loss I’m back, and it feels fitting to dive into something personal! This episode isn't just about looking back at our teenage selves with a mix of nostalgia and cringe; it's about understanding how those years have shaped us, acknowledging the pain, the confusion, and the moments of growth. In the episode I will compare healing the inner child to healing the inner teen, discussing how these phases impact us differently. The inner teen phase, with its identity crises, first heartbreaks, and quests for independence, requires a unique approach to healing. I’ll share some personal stories and explore signs that you might have unresolved issues from your teenage years and what you can do about it. From journaling reflective prompts like your relationship with authority or how peer pressure influenced you, to reconnecting with your teenage self through hobbies or music, we’re covering it all. And, of course, we’ll get a little witchy with it. Expect a spell or two to help embrace and heal your inner teen. If you’ve got thoughts, feelings, or just want to share your journey, hit me up on Instagram @SOTWWITHROWAN or shoot me an email at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com. Let’s keep the conversation going. Stay witchy, bitchy, sassy, and classy. As promised in the episode, here are the journal prompts: Describing the Teenage Experience: What were your teen years like? Reflect on the general atmosphere of this time in your life, considering both the highs and the lows. Safety and Support: In what ways did you not feel safe or supported as a teen? Consider emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects. Coping Mechanisms: How did you handle your feelings about not feeling safe or supported? Reflect on both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms you might have adopted. False Self: What kind of "false self" did you have to develop as a result of your experiences? How did you present yourself to the world to protect your true feelings or to fit in? Relationship with Your Mother: What was your relationship with your mother (or primary caregiver) during your teen years? Consider both the positive aspects and the challenges. Influence of Peers: How did your friendships and peer relationships influence your perception of yourself during your teenage years? Dreams and Aspirations: What dreams or aspirations did you have as a teenager? Reflect on how these have changed or evolved over time. Inner Teenager in Adulthood: How is your inner teenager showing up in your life right now as an adult? Consider behaviors, reactions, fears, and dreams. Unmet Needs: What were the unmet needs of your teenage self? Reflect on emotional, physical, and social needs that were not addressed or fulfilled. Messages Received: What messages did you receive about your worth, your body, and your capabilities as a teen? How have these messages influenced your self-perception? Regrets and Forgiveness: Are there things you regret doing or not doing during your teen years? Explore the possibility of forgiving yourself and others. Lessons Learned: What important lessons did you learn during your teenage years? Consider how these lessons have shaped your adult life. Expression of Emotions: How did you express or suppress your emotions as a teenager? Reflect on the outlets you had or wished you had for emotional expression. Changes in Beliefs: How have your beliefs (about yourself, others, and the world) changed since your teen years? Letter to Your Teenage Self: Write a letter to your teenage self. What would you want to tell her? What advice, comfort, or warnings might you offer? Celebrating the Teenage Self: What aspects of your teenage self are you proud of? Reflect on the strengths and unique qualities you possessed, even in the midst of challenges.

Episode Dedication: A shoutout to Apple podcast reviewer “Mr. Fullbottom.” Episode Highlights: Historical Roots in Hinduism and Vedic Traditions: Exploration of mindfulness or "attentive awareness" in early Hindu scriptures. Discussion on Hinduism's evolution over 4,000 years and its religious traditions in Vedic writings. Introduction of concepts like dharma in Hinduism, and their significance in mindfulness. Paths in Hinduism and the Modern Interpretation of Yoga: Overview of different yogas in Hinduism, focusing on Jhana, Bhakti, Karma, and Raja yoga. Critique of Yoga's modern commercialisation, especially in the Western world. Mindfulness Beyond Emotional Management: Hinduism views mindfulness as a step towards higher states of consciousness. Contrast between spiritual mindfulness in Hinduism and the secular approach in modern practices. Buddhist Influence on Mindfulness: Impact of Buddhist teachings on mindfulness. The Buddha’s introduction of mindfulness as part of the Eightfold Path to enlightenment. Concerns about the dilution of mindfulness in contemporary society. Jon Kabat-Zinn and Western Adaptation of Mindfulness: Kabat-Zinn's role in popularising mindfulness in the West. Development of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Critique of mindfulness becoming a tool for stress management in capitalist societies. Personal Views on Mindfulness: I share my opinions on mindfulness being used to manage stress symptoms but not stressors. Discussion on mindfulness as a means of creating passive workers rather than addressing corporate issues. Benefits of Mindfulness: APA study findings on mindfulness reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. Harvard Health's remarks on mindfulness enhancing brain efficiency and perception. Witchy Business Shoutout: Lucas Katz: Lucas Katz work in assisting LGBTQIA+ individuals through mindful coaching. Critical Mindfulness in Witchcraft and Paganism: Integration of mindfulness in witchcraft and pagan practices. Encouragement for a critical and attentive approach to mindfulness. Personal Experience with Mindfulness: An exploration of my journey through grief and mental health, and the role of mindfulness in my life. A call for embracing emotions and connecting with them mindfully. Mindful Activism Activity: A guided activity to connect mindfulness with nature and self-activism. Steps include choosing a natural setting, engaging senses, journaling, and setting activism intentions. Contact Info: @SOTWWITHROWAN on insta or email at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com.

The Midnight Society Specials are back!! This time with episodic story-telling... Oooh how contemporary. For this spooky season I am sticking with the annual tradition of telling ghost stories with the new and original tale 'Straw-Man'. This story unveils the eerie adventure of Amir who, in a bid to secure essential funding for his flagging research, ventures into the isolated town of Fairfield to unearth the mysteries shrouding the unpublicized Straw-Man Festival. As a closeted gay man, he grapples with the town’s murky legacy and his own concealed sexuality, finding both solace and support in Ethan, the town’s devoted librarian covertly distributing banned literature. As their investigation begins to tug at the seams of the town’s tight-knit conservative community, Amir finds himself navigating the shadows of his identity amidst a town ensnared by fear and ancient secrets - all while balancing the thin line between the supernatural and a murderous reality. If you have Spotify, you can now interact with the story too making predictions about what you think might happen next.

Hello my sassy witches and a warm welcome back to another episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken. This week, we voyage into rites of passage and transformational journeys, shedding light on transitions, trauma and much more. Unseen Transitions: I delve into the unnoticed transitions of life, painting a contrast with celebrated milestones like graduations, and unravel a yearning for rites of passage. Quest for Purpose: We’ll explore the allure of quests and primal urge to seek purpose, journeying through diverse cultural practices like the Vision Quest of certain indigenous cultures, while reflecting on modern-day quests in the Western realm. Unveiling the Cauldron of Candor: Before we step onto today’s enchanted path, I unveil a new segment, Cauldron of Candor, a sassy, witchy alcove for pondering life’s riddles. Send in your musings to have them discussed. You can do that over on Instagram @sotwwithrowan or via email (seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com). Make sure to have Cauldron of Candor (COC) in the subject line. Tales of Transformational Treks: Through a tapestry of personal narrative, I recount a transformative venture on the West Highland Way, intertwining threads of parenthood, personal tribulations, and the elusive quest for answers amidst the tranquil yet voiceless Scottish vistas. Mystique of the Mountains: Diving into my introspective voyage, we’ll explore how the mountains may magnify, rather than mollify, personal traumas, and how the quest for transformation often circles back to the mundane realms of daily existence. Illusion of Transformation: I reflect on the glorified perception of trailhead transformations and the realisation that sometimes the journey doesn’t morph us; it merely escorts us to the next threshold, urging an appreciation for the small, unnoticed steps amidst the grandiose quest for purpose. Redefining Rites of Passage: We’ll unearth alternative avenues to self-discovery and transformation that don’t demand grand gestures or epic quests. I encourage a recognition of our daily slog, the unnoticed trails we navigate every day, emphasising that perhaps, the real adventure is the one we embark upon each day amidst the mundane.

Join me Rowan Oaken, the Bob Ross of Hocus Pocus, in this week’s episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken. Here's a cauldron full of what we have brewing in this episode: Unveiling the Unseen: Catching up on where the show’s been, Tess’s new adventures, and a sneak peek into Rowan’s mystical yet mundane life. The Veil of Grief: As Samhain approaches, the veil between worlds thins, stirring emotions and memories of the dearly departed. We delve into Rowan’s personal journey through losing a loved one and how it intertwines with the witchy ways of grieving. Grief Through a Western Window: We'll dissect how societal norms, rooted in Christian traditions, have shaped our approach to mourning. How has the modern world boxed up grief and what can we, as practitioners of the old ways, learn from this? The Grief Order: Walking through the Elizabeth Kubler Ross model, we unfold the stages of grief, exploring how each phase has its own magical essence and how Rowan crafted a personal mourning ritual to process and honor these emotions. Grieving the Living and the Life: Grief isn't always about death. We'll explore how transitions, even the seasonal shift into autumn, can stir the cauldron of loss and how to magically maneuver through these moments. Rituals of Remembrance and Release: For the loved ones lost but forever in our hearts: Cooking a meal, setting up an altar, creating an outdoor sacred space, and inviting them to dine with us in spirit. For severing ties: Engaging in rituals with string, cord, or ivy to cut the energetic cords, setting boundaries with the aid of hawthorn, and penning letters to release the old bonds. We'll also touch on the soothing powers of moonstone for emotional healing. Closing the Circle: We'll wrap up our mystical journey through grief, shedding light on how embracing and processing our sorrow can foster a deeper connection to ourselves, the spirit realm, and the ever-turning wheel of life.

Well, we are almost there my lovely witches, 365 days of Season of the Witch! Celebrate with me (as I also celebrate my birthday) by delving into the pagan origins of birthday candles and cakes, gift giving and a few of my thoughts around horoscopes and planetary returns. If you’re looking for your individual planetary returns, here’s your link: https://horoscopes.astro-seek.com/planet-revolutions-returns See you all soon. Rowan x

Join me Rowan Oaken, the Bob Ross of Hocus Pocus, in this week’s Sabbat Special episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken. In this week’s episode, I will be talking all things Lughnasadh, Lammas, Bron-Trogain Hlafmaess or just loaf mass if you're nasty. Come join me as we discover some of the origins and folklore of this festival and also investigate some of the different ways that we can observe it in the 21stcentury: there will be bread. Unite also on my quest to unearth one of the greatest Lughnasadh mysteries – The enigma of the corn. If you solve the enigma, let me know on social media @SOTWwithRowan on Facebook and Instagram, or by sending me an email at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com Come eat cheese and talk witchcraft here in our Cheese Witch Coven: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156201159705298

Hey-y’all, get ready to talk the hide of a mule in an extra chatty chapter in the Season of the Witch catalogue as I spill the tea on the occult and thicccly read the leaves to filth with my two erect podcast friends – Listening to the show will help that make sense… sort of… kind of. Yes, this week we are humbly graced with the presence of 2020’s Outstanding Podcast of the Year, Texas’ best export, Charlye and Macy - the hosts of The Witch Bitch Amateur Hour. In this week’s episode, we will be talking about what it means to admit that you will always be an amateur in the world of the occult, spiritualism, paganism, and the craft. Join us as we open up discussions on the impact of being a witchcraft practitioner in Texas but mostly – above all -  come for the chat and stay for the laughs. This has been my favourite episode to edit, and I am sure you will have even more fun listening to it. *** DISCLAIMER *** We do not condone kicking geese or swans unless in confirmed self-defence in a court of law. *** REDACTION *** Geese don’t have lizard eyes. Links: SOTW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotwwithrowan/ Cheese Witch Coven: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156201159705298 Witch Bitch Amateur Hour Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-witch-bitch-amateur-hour/id1398452484 Witch Bitch Amateur Hour Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WitchAmateurHour/ Witch Bitch Amateur Hour Twitter: https://twitter.com/bitchhour?lang=en Witch Bitch Amateur Hour Website: http://www.witchbitchamateurhour.com/ Witch Bitch Amateur Hour Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/witchbitchamateurhour/?hl=en

Join me Rowan Oaken, the Bob Ross of Hocus Pocus, in this Week’s Sabbat Special episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken. In this week’s episode, I will be talking about all things Midsummer, Litha and the Summer Solstice. Perhaps you are Swedish – or Ari Aster - and call it Midsommar?  Come along for a dip into some of the histories behind Summer Solstice celebrations around the world from the Greeks, Saxons, Druids and the Chinese along with a flavour for some of the folklore and superstition that surround this time. This episode will give outline some activities you can get involved with during this time, along with advice about herbs that are best harvested during this time. I will be uploading the solitary ritual mentioned on the show as a bonus episode so if you are already subscribed, keep an eye out for notifications of that one coming soon. If you were interested in joining the Cheese Witch Coven mentioned on the show, you can do so here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/156201159705298 Or, come chat with me on Instagram @sotwwithrowan

Join me, Rowan, in this week’s episode of Season of the Witch where I will be talking all about the moon from history, folklore and associations. Moon Magick? I have you covered. Moon Phases? Got those. Moon Months? Yes. Moon deities? I even have that! What about the blue moon? I have something… It’s not great but I have something. Come cheese out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/156201159705298 Come chat with me on Instagram @sotwwithrowan

Oh my – This week I am covering one of my favourite and most used magickal tools, The Wand. But, because I am feeling giving and loving, I will be delving into the history and lore behind other magickal wand shaped items including the staff, stang, apotropaic wand, dowsing rod and more! In the show I will also be talking about how you can make your own simple magickal wand from wood along with some different tree correspondences, cited from the 2007 Llewellyn Almanac. Join me also as we discover ways you can start using your magickal wand today. Don’t forget to continue the conversation on Instagram and Facebook by following me @SotWwithRowan or by joining in on our new Cheese Witch Coven. Interested in our Cheese Witch Coven Lives? Join us on Sunday 11th April at 20:30BST where we will be continuing the conversation on Wands in our first Zoom special, you will need to be a member of the private Cheese Witch Coven Facebook Group to join. See you all soon. Rowan. X

Join me, Rowan, in this week’s episode of Season of the Witch as we dive into the spring equinox, the sabbat of Ostara and the goddess’ Eostre. Let’s have a chat about what we can do as pagan practitioners at this time of year both magickal and mundane. Join me at the end of the episode where I will be dropping a cheeky bonus spell to balance your physical and mental health. Continue the conversation over on Instagram or Facebook @SotWwithRowan, or send me an email at seasonofthwitchpodcast@gmail.com

Join me this week on Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken as I submit our next story for the approval of the Midnight Society. You’re in for a bit of a surprise this week: I’m submitting a love story. It is Valentine's Day after all! Of course it wouldn’t be a SotW story without something a little bit spooky so make sure you’ve got the blanket ready to hide under. Crimson & Clover “Devoted. This was the word everyone used to describe Hazel at her funeral. In 1968, the year she met her wife, she was the only black girl in her town with no allies except Lori, whose family were of local lore – they were the neighbourhood witches. In a time and place when your love is not recognised, how do you ensure it lasts forever?” If you want to continue the conversation about this week’s special, get in touch over on social media @SotWwithRowan on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Or, send me an email over on seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com.