The Witch Wave

BONUS EPISODE: In honor of the brilliant Rachel Pollack who passed away on April 7th, we're rereleasing our episode with her. May you rest in peace and power, Rachel, our eternal High Priestess of Heresy. <3***Rachel Pollack was a legend who is perhaps best known as one of the world’s foremost tarot experts, having written such classics as Seventy Eight Degrees of Wisdom and The New Tarot Handbook. She’s also the creator of The Shining Tribe Tarot and co-creator with Robert Place of The Burning Serpent Oracle and the Raziel Deck.But tarot is just of tip of the iceberg, as she was the author of 43 books of fiction and non-fiction, many of them in the speculative or sci-fi genres, including Unquenchable Fire which won the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and Godmother Night, which won the World Fantasy Award. She was also an accomplished comic book writer and pioneer, and during her run for DC Comics’ Doom Patrol in the 1990s, she introduced one of the world’s first transgender superheroes - and is now considered by many to be a transgender superhero herself.Rachel’s work has been translated into 16 languages, and she has taught and lectured on tarot, creative writing, gender, and innumerable other topics in the U.S. Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and China. And until her retirement, she was a senior faculty member of Goddard College’s MFA in Writing program.Rachel’s most recent book is The Beatrix Gates, a volume which collects several of her most visionary stories as well as a brand new essay on magic and transgender living. In 2020, it was nominated for a Lambda Award.One can see why poet Cat Fitzpatrick called Rachel “a living national treasure.”On this episode, Rachel discusses the relationship between tarot and comic books, the importance of visionary transgender storytelling, and why her religion is Heresy.Pam also speaks about following magical clues long term, and answers a listener question about practicing fire magic in the home.

Evan Doherty is the Toronto-based creator of Arcane Bullshit, a darkly hilarious, many-tentacled project with a cult following that encompasses weird merch, macabre memes, the Arcane Bullshit Oracle Deck - and now an upcoming book. Arcane Bullshit juxtaposes vintage found imagery from mythology, biology, and history with surreal, absurdist captions. The Arcane Bullshit Oracle Deck is Evan’s twisted send-up of tarot, with 106 cards designed by him, and he’s been making these cards since 2011. He’s run two successful Kickstarter campaigns - one in 2018 and another 2021 - and just launched his third for the forthcoming Arcane Bullshit book called Stop Looking at My Tiny Town. As Evan puts it: “Arcane Bullshit has you covered for all your cosmic confusion needs.”On this episode, Evan discusses his evolving ideas about belief and skepticism, the inspiration behind his various satirical art projects, and how he maintains his foolish, nonsensical sensibility.Pam also talks about the divinity of humor and answers a listener question about how to lift an ailing friend’s spirits.Our sponsors for this episode are Rosarium Blends, Imbue Jewelry, Snowy Owl Tea, Heal the Witch Wound out from Weiser Books, BetterHelp, Mithras Candle, and Black Phoenix Alchemy LabAnd please consider donating to The Missing Witches fundraiser for Native women’s shelters

Tessa Perlow is an artist specializing in embroidery and beading. Her work is inspired by magic and nature, and she uses stitching to transform second hand materials into special, one of a kind pieces. Tessa was born and raised in New Jersey and grew up with a passion for arts and crafts. She went on to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC and then fell in love with embroidery post-grad while pursuing a path as an independent working artist. Symbols play a large role in her work often with recurring themes of plants and animals in a dreamy fantasy space. This year Tessa launched a YouTube channel, creating videos showing behind the scenes processes as well as tutorials. Tessa is currently based in Philadelphia, PA, and when she is not in her workroom stitching in the company of her cats Uzi and Dru, she is usually going on nature walks in the nearby parks and forests. On this episode, Tessa discusses the magic of adornment, the power of combining of art with Craft, and favorite influences on her bewitching work. Pam also talks about hands as magical conductors and answers a listener question about connecting to the divinity of her own backyard. Our sponsors for this episode are VVITCH Digital, UBU Skills, Heal the Witch Wound out from Weiser Books, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, BetterHelp, Pendulum Swings Tarot, and Bloom Stories. We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here. And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Andrea Stein is a children's book author and the owner of Moon Dust Press, an independent publisher of magical books for kids based in Austin, Texas. As a mother of 3 and practicing Pagan witch herself, she’s committed to creating resources for kids in earth-based households and changing the narrative around witchcraft in children’s literature. Andrea started writing books about witchcraft for kids in 2019 and has since made it her full time job, creating her own books and publishing other authors and illustrators through Moon Dust Press. She also publishes magical worksheets, and has a kids podcast called Mini Magic. On this episode, Andrea discusses why she decided to focus on making magical children’s books, her own path to Paganism, and how to appropriately introduce witchcraft to kids.Pam also talks about spring beginnings and favorite witchy books from her youth, and answers a listener question about ways to share magic with her young son.***PLEASE NOTE: even though we talk about magical kids content, what you’re about to hear is an adult conversation, and not intended for children. ***Our sponsors for this episode are Rosarium Blends, Snowy Owl Tea, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, BetterHelp, and Mithras CandleWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Diana Rose is a relational astrologer, tarot reader, writer, and facilitator currently living near the Angeles National Forest in southern California. Her practice aims to bring fellow humans into a more ferociously loving and compassionately honest relationship with themselves, the Earth, and the heavens. She has been a three-time invited speaker at the Northwest Astrology Conference, is a repeat guest on The Astrology Podcast, and has been a guest on many, many other podcasts including Jonathan Van Ness’s Getting Curious. Diana also wrote a piece on responsible astrology for WIRED; created the guidebook for The Rosebud Tarot; and is the editor of Revelore Press’s forthcoming Kalliope series. On this episode, Diana discusses her decolonized approach to the cosmos, the significance of knowing one’s rising sign, and how astrology can help us live with more meaning and magic here on Earth.Pam also talks about how the media can do better when covering occult topics, and answers a listener question about witchcraft and academia.Our sponsors for this episode are VVITCH DIGITAL, Earth Spirit, BetterHelp, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Bloom, and Mithras CandleWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Tino Rodriguez and Virgo Paraiso are metaphysical painters who create solo work and collaborative work.Tino Rodriguez expertly weaves together elements from Catholic idolatry, European Fairy Tales, Celtic fables, Mexican myths, and Native American legends as he explores the complexity of spirituality, sexuality, and transformation. The duality found in Western religions- good and evil, heaven and hell, spirit and body- intermingle in a vision that makes such distinctions irrelevant. Tino was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico. A graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute, he holds an MFA from the University of Albuquerque. His work has been shown in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Jose, Boston, Washington DC, and Berlin, and resides in permanent collections at the San Jose Museum of Art (San Jose, CA, The Crocker Art Museum (Sacramento, CA), and the Nevada Museum of Art (Reno, Nevada).Virgo Paraiso describes his work thusly: “Through your divine light, the universe awakens and consciousness blooms…The visions in my paintings are of deep, lush paradise worlds that depict the profound connection between all sentient beings, the oneness of all things. These mindscapes are portals that can open up our sense of perception and remind us of what we truly are in essence, which is infinite love and beauty. We are true divine wisdom. We are the source of existence. We are life itself.” Virgo was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. He grew up between Okinawa, Japan, Hawaii, and San Francisco, and he has studied art, and exhibited in all of these places, as well as New York, Boston, and Berlin. Both Tino and Virgo have done work for The Wachowskis including their Netflix series Sense8, a music video for Antony and the Johnsons, and films including Jupiter Ascending and The Matrix Resurrections.On this Valentine’s Day episode, Tino and Virgo discuss creative collaboration as an act of love, the power of mystical art, and the inspiration they get from their community of radical magic-makers.Pam also talks about the concept of the Third Mind, and answers listener questions about bringing some witchcraft to their weddings.Our sponsors for this episode are Juanita Benedicto, Rosarium Blends, BetterHelp, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, and The Pendulum Swings TarotWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Shantelle Malawski is a Canadian professional wrestler. She is signed with Impact Wrestling, where she performs under the ring name Taylor Wilde - otherwise known as “The People’s Witch.”Taylor was under a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) contract from 2006 to 2007. She then joined TNA in 2008 and would go on to become a one-time TNA Women's Knockout Champion and also went on to become the inaugural and two-time TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion while also becoming the first wrestler to have held both titles.After departing from TNA in December 2010, Malawski announced her retirement from professional wrestling and wrestled her final match in 2011. She then stepped away from wrestling for about a decade to become a professional firefighter. But the ring called her back, and she recently returned to wrestling with Impact Wrestling, unveiling her new, more authentic witch persona.Taylor has a podcast and YouTube show called Wilde On, and in addition to seeing her perform for Impact Wrestling, you can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.On this episode, Taylor discusses how she embodies the witch both in and out of the ring, how witchcraft supports her role as a firefighter, and the ways that wrestling balances her feminine and masculine energies.Pam also talks about getting weird for Aquarius season, and answers a listener question about a spiritually diverging friendship.Our sponsors for this episode are Mithras Candle, BetterHelp, The Pretty Cult, and Black Phoenix Alchemy LabWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Nanse Kawashima is a Japanese artist and founder of Sibylline Vein where she offers a variety of spiritual services. She is certified in Advanced Reiki and has been reading Tarot for clients since 2011. Her approach to tarot reading is a combination of wisdom derived from tarot archetypes and intuitive insight which is made applicable for our modern day lives. In 2016 she started studying Western Astrology (Placidus System) and has been infusing it in her sessions with her clients. Many of the women in her maternal lineage have shared the gift of intuition; she in turn is happy to share this with her generation and growing community. Nanse’s offerings include private client readings and reiki sessions, group readings,  and public events. In the past she has done readings hosted by Tom Sach’s Bodega Pop Up Store, CFDA x Swarovski, Fortnight Institute, The Oracle Club, and more. As a visual artist specializing in painted collage, her work invites the viewer into a realm of subconscious stillness yielding images that are magical, haunting, and nostalgic. She has shown her work in galleries both in New York and Japan.On this episode, Nanse discusses her intuitive tarot and art practices, astrological guidance for the start of 2023, and New Year’s rituals to ensure magical months ahead.Pam also talks about starting the Chariot Year with slow magic, and answers a listener question about manifesting a new job.Our sponsors for this episode are The Nearness, Rosarium Blends, BetterHelp, and The Path 365.We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave

Rena Anakwe is an interdisciplinary artist, performer, poet and healer working primarily with sound, visuals, and scent. Exploring intersections between traditional healing practices, spirituality and performance, she creates works focused on sensory-based, experiential interactions using creative technology. She has performed or composed music for such venues as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, Pioneer Works, and Le Poisson Rouge, and she has been awarded countless honors and residencies, most recently a 2022 Art Matters Artist2Artist Fellowship, a 2021-2022 MacDowell Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Arts, a 2022 Jack Nusbaum Artist Residency at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) and the 2021 Canadian Women Artists’ Award from NYFA & the CWC (Canadian Women’s Club) of New York.Under the moniker ‘A Space for Sound’, Anakwe has released two albums: “Sound Bath Mixtape vol. 1” in Summer 2020, followed by "Sometimes underwater (feels like home)" which was released in the Fall of 2021. She is based in Brooklyn by way of Nigeria and Canada.On this episode, Rena discusses the healing power of music, the gifts of sound bathing, and how to find peace amongst the noise.Pam also talks about deep listening for the Solstice, and answers a listener question about a communal ritual for difficult loss.Our sponsors for this episode are Rosarium Blends, BetterHelp, Blessed Be Magick, and The Path 365.We also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwaveA Space For Sound songs featured in the episode:“A1” from Sound Bath Mixtape vol 1“Tank Drums and Singing” from Sometimes underwater (feels like home)“Sometimes underwater (feels like home) (Part 1)” from Sometimes underwater (feels like home)

Starhawk is the legendary author, activist, permaculture designer and teacher, and a prominent voice in modern earth-based spirituality and ecofeminism. She is the author or co-author of thirteen books, including The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great Goddess and the eco-topian novel The Fifth Sacred Thing, and its sequel City of Refuge. Her most recent non-fiction book is The Empowerment Manual: A Guide for Collaborative Groups, on group dynamics, power, conflict and communications. Starhawk is a cofounder of Reclaiming, an activist branch of modern Pagan religion, and continues to work closely with the Reclaiming Community. She also founded Earth Activist Training, teaching permaculture design grounded in spirituality and with a focus on activism. She travels internationally, lecturing and teaching on earth-based spirituality, the tools of ritual, and the skills of activism.On this episode, Starhawk discusses the history of the Goddess Movement and The Spiral Dance; the relationship between magic and activism; and why witchcraft is a practice of poetry, science, and hope. Pam also reflects on 100 episodes of The Witch Wave, and answers a listener question about deities of divine masculinity.Our sponsors for this episode are Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Trued Apparel, Snowy Owl Tea, Weiser Books, The Many Moons Planner, BetterHelp, Blessed Be Magick, and the Psyche Magic PodcastWe also have brand new print-on-demand merch like Witch Wave shirts, sweatshirts, totes, stickers, and mugs available now here.And if you want more Witch Wave, please consider supporting us on Patreon to get access to bonus Witch Wave Plus episodes, Pam’s monthly online rituals, and more! That’s patreon.com/witchwave