Ologies with Alie Ward
Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT) Part 2 with Fio Gede Parma
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Witchcraft has deep roots in ancient practices and has contributed to fields like chemistry and science.
- The use of crystals and stones in witchcraft is not new age but has been a part of magical practices for centuries.
- Witchcraft is intertwined with folklore, legends, and the celebration of seasonal festivals that have ancient origins.
Deep dives
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Exploring the Complexities of Witchcraft and Wiccan Beliefs
The podcast delves into the often misunderstood and historically marginalized world of witches and Wiccan practices through a conversation with an expert on the subject. They discuss the intersectional aspects of witchcraft, the challenges faced by witches, and the need for respectful practices and cultural inclusion.
Debunking Stereotypes and Examining the Realities of Witchcraft and Magic
The podcast separates fact from fiction by addressing common misconceptions like witches melting in contact with water or the appearance of green skin. It explores the history, mythology, and pop culture representations of witches, shedding light on the diverse practices and beliefs within the witchcraft community.
The Power of Witchcraft and Witches' Associations with Herbs and Plants
Witches have a deep understanding of the secret intelligence of plants and herbs, with ancient Greek terms for witch translating to pharmacist. Many early witches were pioneers in chemistry, and science often originated from occult ideas. However, the persecution by the church created a division between scientists and witches. The use of tinctures, potions, and crystals in witchcraft is not a new age concept but has ancient roots. Witches harness the power of stones, gems, and crystals, understanding that everything in nature possesses inherent magical power. While the psychology of crystal beliefs can be attributed to the placebo effect, the intentions and focus applied through the use of crystals can lead to transformative experiences.
Exploring the Origins and Legends of Witches and Their Associations
Witches have been linked to broomsticks, primarily domestic tools, and the notion of witches flying on brooms may have originated from a legend of witches jumping on broomsticks in fields to show crops how high to grow. Additionally, the concept of witches using flying ointment on poles, staffs, and broomsticks to induce ecstatic trances and experiences of flight is another intriguing aspect. The theory that witches were associated with the bubonic plague due to the killing of cats and subsequent rat infestations is inconclusive. The Salem witch trials were also often attributed to ergot poisoning, but research casts doubt on this explanation. The celebration of seasonal festivals and the origins of Halloween in witchcraft are deeply rooted in ancient Celtic traditions. Witchcraft keeps practitioners in awe of the power of magic and creates a strong connection to nature and the cycles of life.
More witches! History! Lore! Wardrobes! Movie trivia! And some advice from your elders? Part 2 is here with the wonderful, informed, and charming writer, speaker, spirit-worker, witch, and witchologist, Fio Gede Parma, who has most recently authored the book “The Witch Belongs to the World.” We chat cats, commercialization, witch trials, environmentalism, fashion, hallucinogenic tinctures, broomstick legends, sex positive witchery, celebrity witches, science history, cosmological ghost theories, and what to do if you think you might be a witch. Also: don’t call people wizards.
Content warning: we do touch on some of the historical brutality suffered by those outside of dominant religions and the stigmas faced by people worshiping or observing religions that are considered fringe. Opinions and spiritual or religious beliefs are those of the guest and may conflict with yours, but we are learning about their first hand customs, culture, and lived experience.
Visit Fio Gede Parma’s website and follow them on Instagram, Patreon and YouTube
Browse books by Fio including The Witch Belongs to the World: A Spell of Becoming, Elements of Magic: Reclaiming Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit, and Ecstatic Witchcraft: Magick, Philosophy & Trance in the Shamanic Craft
A donation went to Mudgin-Gal
More episode sources and links
Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes
Other episodes you may enjoy: SPOOKTOBER episodes, Vampirology (VAMPIRES), Demonology (EVIL SPIRITS), Genealogy (FAMILY TREES), Geology (ROCKS), Epidemiology (DISEASES), Neuroendocrinology (SEX & GENDER), Cucurbitology (PUMPKINS), Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING)
Transcripts and bleeped episodes
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Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions
Transcripts by Emily White of The Wordary
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn
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