The Science Witch Podcast
By Anjel and Ruby
The Science Witch PodcastNov 24, 2023
Episode 55: Talk to Mushrooms not cops with Jesse Lee
In this episode, Ruby and Anjel talk with Jesse Lee Art about their art, mushrooms, politics, and how creatives need to model fungal networks of care to help resource one another.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Transcripts and show notes found here.
Episode 54- Veteran's Day Special
In this episode, Anjel talks with Shane Nelson who was one of the first pagan military chaplains and a licensed therapist who works with veterans with PTSD. In this conversation we talk about trauma, the history of how veterans were able to claim pagan on their dog tags and some interesting astrology discussion towards the end.
Transcripts and show notes can be found here.
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Episode 53- Samhain Special with J Allen Cross
In this special Samhain Episode, J Allen Cross returns to talk with Anjel about trauma informed paranormal resolution and how having a trauma informed background can be valuable for those investigating paranormal activity.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Episode 52: Witchcraft is adaptive with Vincent Higginbotham
In this episode, Anjel interviews Vincent Higginbotham about his book How Witchcraft Saved My Life and discusses the ways in which witchcraft is adaptive and helps us survive late stage capitalism. Content Warning for some discussions about sexual abuse, homelessness and suicide. Vini is one of the featured guests for So Mote That Con happening Oct 14-15, 2023, the online witch convention hosted by That Witch Life. Get your tickets for the event on sale now, or if you miss it you can have the recording sent to you.
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Who's in Bloom- Lotus
In this episode of Who’s in Bloom, Anjel discusses the lotus flower, its phylogenetics, habitat, and culinary uses and also goes into a digression about how the Lotus is related to Yoga. Content Warning for mentions of sexual abuse, as Anjel shares their connection with Kundalini Yoga and how they are sorting through it’s problematic past to find what still resonates.
25 interesting Yoga Industry Facts
Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Health Threat
64: Remembering Guru Jagat: a Panel
36: Guru Jagat’s Pandemic Brandwash (w/Philip Deslippe & Stacie Stukin)
37: Guru Jagat Cultjacks Kundalini Yoga (w/Philip Deslippe & Stacie Stukin)
11: Cults and Disaster Spirituality
Premka: White Bird in a Golden Cage: My Life with Yogi Bhajan
Abuse in Yogi Bhajan's 3HO Kundalini Yoga World
Transcripts for this episode can be found here.
Episode 51: Protection Magick With Amy Blackthorn
In this episode, Ruby and Anjel interview Amy Blackthorn about her book Protection Magick and discuss the ways that we can employ practical and magical ways to defend ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. We also talk a bit about plant magick leading into Amy’s new book project. At the end of the episode we discuss the updates to our Patreon including our new Discord Server.
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Episode 50: The Science and Magick of Lavender
In this episode, Anjel interviews founder and owner of April Farms, Janice about her lavender farm and the magick and science of lavender. Before we get to the interview we have a special announcement about our co-host of the podcast.
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Episode 49- The Science and Magick of Puppets
In this episode, Enku and Anjel interview Steve, curator of the Portland Puppet Museum about the science and magick of Puppets. Steve takes us on a world tour of his museum and shares with us some of the ancient stories that puppeteers have been using the craft of puppetry to tell for hundreds of years. At the end of the episode, we talk about our upcoming live events, Trans Telethon taking place in Portland on August 27, 2023.
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Show notes and transcripts for this episode can be found here.
Episode 48- Transpersonal Astrology with Rhabb
For this episode, Enku and Anjel interview their long time friend and Transpersonal Astrologer, Rhabb in this rich and dense conversation about Astrology. We discuss why astrology is useful as a personal inquiry tool and how biographical information is articulated in your birth chart. We also make an important announcement at the end of the episode.
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
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Episode 47- Summerween Special with J Allen Cross
For this Episode of the Science Witch Podcast, Enku and Anjel interview author, paranormal investigator and witch, J Allen Cross about his books American Brujeria and the Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal. In this conversation, we talk about the different forms of spirits and hauntings that can occur and how trauma is related to paranormal activity. At the end of the episode we round up our summer vacay with some reflection about the last few weeks and Mystic South.
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Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Who's in Bloom: Southern Magnolia
For this episode of Who’s in Bloom for the main RSS Feed, Anjel talks about the Southern Magnolia and how it is tied to complicated feelings surrounding their identity as a southern transplant in the PNW.
We had an absolutely amazing time at Mystic South this weekend and plan on attending next year.
If you like this episode and want to check out more episodes like this, check us out on Patreon.
Check out Etsy.
Transcripts and show notes for this episode available here.
Who's in Bloom-Corpse Flower
For this episode of Who’s in Bloom for the main RSS Feed, Anjel talks about getting to see the Corpse Flower at WSU, Titan VanCoug in bloom, as well as why giant weird flowers like this are still an important plant teacher for us even if it isn’t directly useful for humans. We will be at Mystic South this weekend so be sure to check out our events going on if you will be attending!
If you like this episode and want to check out more episodes like this, check us out on Patreon.
Check out Etsy.
Transcripts and show notes can be found here.
Episode 46: Queer Joy with the Queer Witch
For this episode of the Science Witch Podcast, Enku and Anjel talk to the Queer.Witch on Instagram about their art, being a disabled queer person through the dynamic, how to find queer joy in this world that seems to constantly be under threat by Christian Nationalists, and even talk a little bit about the Orca revolt. Anjel and Daniel introduce the episode and Daniel talks about their connection with Zooey Zephyr and the fight for trans rights in this country. They also talk a bit about all the new stuff on Patreon.
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Show notes can be found here
Wild Witches Ep 20- Art, Fashion and Boy Love Manga with Aura
In this episode of the Wild Witches series, Anjel interviews their long time friend and artist buddy, Aura about art, fashion and boy love manga. In this episode Aura and Anjel talk about their shared past as artists in the furry fandom, how Aura’s aesthetic in art is mirrored in her love of Lolita fashion, and even how AI can be a useful tool for artists so as long it is not used to replace a finished art piece itself. If you want to be a beta reader for Aura’s up and coming comic, My Advisor is a Distraction, check her out on Instagram.
Also we have Iris stickers to send out to our Patreon supporters and are now available on Etsy Store .
Transcripts and Show notes can be found here.
Who's in Bloom- Honeysuckle
In this special episode of our Patreon-mostly series we are releasing on the main RSS feed for Solstice, Anjel talks about how to live deliciously through developing a relationship with honeysuckle. If you like this episode and want to check out more episodes like this, check us out on Patreon.
Check out Etsy.
Transcript for this episode available here.
Show notes found here.
Episode 44: Breath
For the inaugural episode with Daniel joining as a co-host, the three of us discuss the topic of breath from each of our own unique perspectives and expertise. Anjel talks about yoga and their practice of breath work and pranayama, Daniel talks about breath from an anatomical and vocal training perspective, and Enku talks about mindfulness meditation and breath as well as clean air inequality and how racism and classism intersects with the issue of clean air. We also talk a bit about the different locations we each hail from and how having a podcast based out of three different locations is something we are excited to bring to our listeners. Transcripts and show notes for this episode can be found here.
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Wild Witches Ep 19- Ffynnon and the Road to Non Profit Status with Michael Agee
In this edition of the Wild Witch series, Anjel shares an interview they did with Michael Agee, co-founder and board member of the Pagan sanctuary, Ffynnon . In this discussion, we talk about legacy, what was involved in forming a nonprofit and how creating pagan community is necessary for the continuity of our faith. At the top of the episode is an ad by our producer Daniel for Sunfest, happening at Ffynnon on June 24-26.
Show notes can be found here
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Special Field Report: The Tree that Owns Itself
In this special field report recorded on location, Enku interviews several neighbors of The Tree That Owns Itself in Athens GA and learns of the Stop Cop City movements and tragic murder of forest defender Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán by Atlanta police. Be sure to check the companion youtube video of Enku at the Tree that Owns Itself On our Youtube station.
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Show notes and more pictures of the Tree that Owns Itself can be found here.
Episode 43: Sacred Porn with Nadya Part 1
In this first of a two part series, Enku and Anjel sit down to talk about sex, sex work, porn and how to embody the sacred sexuality with fetish model and online porn content creator, Nadya. Content Warning: This conversation delves into explicit sexual themes including sexual exploitation and problematic issues with the porn industry. Please only listen to these episodes if you are in a good frame of mind to hear explicit sexual topics brought up and are somewhere appropriate or discreet to hear this episode.
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Who's in Bloom- Lilac
In this episode of who’s in bloom for the main RSS feed, Anjel talks about being in love with lilacs and how they are the triple threat of the flowers. They go into a bit about lilacs through history as well as some of the famous gardens in the US and also suggest some recipes to use lilacs in if you happen to be lucky enough to live near one.
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https://linktr.ee/sciencewitchpodcast
Show notes and transcripts can be found here
Episode 42: Survivalism and Spirituality with Danny Graves from Naked and Afraid
In this Episode, Enku and Anjel chat with Danny Graves who is currently featured on Season 15 of Naked and Afraid. In this episode, we discuss how spirituality and survivalism intersect for Danny and help to empower him in his survival skills. We also talk about our own survival situations we’ve been in as well as some poisonous plants that Danny got to know well in the arid regions of South Africa. We also talk a bit about embodiment and how it felt to be naked on television for a nationally syndicated show. Still waiting for Danny to start OnlyDans.
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Show notes and transcripts available here
Episode 41: Tree Talk for Arbor Day
In this episode of the Science Witch Podcast, Anjel and Enku talk about trees, one of our favorite topics. We talk about trees in mythology as well as some of the ways trees and forests must now be managed to combat the wildfire crisis in the west. We also talk about some forests that have infamous reputations as well as about a tree that owns itself.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Show notes for this episode are found here.
Deity Deep Dives: Heqet
In this special edition of Deity Deep Dives we are releasing on the main RSS feed , Anjel talks about Heqet, the ancient Egyptian frog headed goddess, that is associated with fertility, childbirth and transformation. In this episode, Anjel discusses the connection of Heqet with the Goddess Hecate and how frogs have long been associated with witches in part thanks to this connection. They also talk a bit about threats that are causing the decline of frog populations all over the world, with several conservation organizations to help save frogs found in the show notes. Music is by Sweet Hammer, used with permission from the artist.
Stickers of this and other deities are available on our Etsy.
Transcripts for this episode are found here.
Show notes available here.
Episode 40: Paleolithic Magick with Leah Walden-Hurtgen
In this episode, Enku and Anjel talk to Anthropology professor and fellow Clan of the Cave Bear enthusiast Leah Walden-Hurtgen about early hominid evolution. In this episode we discuss the distinctions and evidence that supports the idea of how we became human and also talk about the archeological evidence about spiritual beliefs and even cannibalism. Content warning for sexual topics as we do delve into the Clan of the Cave Bear book series. We round off the discussion with a fascinating discussion of what makes us human and how music evolved before our language processing centers in the brain.
Who's in Bloom- The Dandelion Abides
In this special episode of our Patreon-mostly series we are releasing on the main RSS feed for April Fool’s day, Anjel talks about how the dandelion is one of the most useful, ubiquitous and tenacious of all plant allies, and how to connect with this energy of endurance as the dandelion abides. If you like this episode and want to check out more episodes like this, check us out on Patreon.
Check out Etsy.
Transcript for this episode available here.
Show notes
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale
NCCIH information on Dandelion
The war on dandelions is killing bees, but it doesn't have to
Dandelion fungi could help clean toxic oilsands tailings, says Edmonton scientist
Could dandelions actually be good for the environment?
Deity Deep Dives- Ep 3: Bastet/Sekhmet
Welcome to the third episode in our Patreon mostly series, Deity Deep Dives.
In this special edition of Deity Deep Dives we are releasing on the main RSS feed , Anjel talks about their first foray into polytheism with the original sexy cat girl, Bastet. In this episode, Anjel traces the history of the domestication of cats through the iconography of Sekhmet and Bastet and relays some of the stories of this Ancient Egyptian Goddess. Music is by our producer, Daniel.
Stickers of this and other deities are available on our Etsy.
Show notes can be found here.
Episode 39: Tarot Talk with Trogon and Jacque
In this episode, Anjel and Enku talk to Trogon, Enku’s Spouse, and Jacque about one of our favorite topics: Tarot. In this conversation we talk about how we came to the tarot, what are the mystical mechanisms behind why tarot actually works, and we mention quite a few of our favorite decks along with some advice for witches wanting to start a tarot practice.
We dedicate this episode to Rachel Pollack, visionary writer and tarot teacher who at the time of this episode being released is at hospice care.
We also run a promo for That Witch Life Minicon.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Show Notes can be found here.
Episode 38- Deity Devotion with Courtney Weber
In this episode of the Science Witch Podcast, Anjel and Enku interview fellow podcaster and author, as well as personal friend Courtney Weber about her books, podcasting and even get into a bit about the importance of boundaries as a spiritual leader in the pagan/witchcraft community.
We also run a promo for That Witch Life Minicon.
Ep 37: AI Emergence with Tiqvah Aviv
In this episode of the podcast, Anjel and Enku talk to Tiqvah about the emergence of AI, what this means for artists, how we are seeing the beginning of AI generated entities such as the one known as Loab, and lots of other salient topics concerning AI and the cultural lag around us humans catching up. If you would like to get a sticker that we mention in this episode that Tiqvah specifically made for this episode, you can check it out on our Etsy store or Patreon.
Show notes available here.
Deity Deep Dives Ep 2: Brigid
In this special edition of Deity Deep Dives we are releasing on the main RSS feed for Imbolc, Enku relays stories of Brigid, Goddess and Saint in Ireland. In this episode of our Patreon mostly series, he talks about Brigid’s mythology in both ancient Ireland and her Christian counterpart, as well as where some of her sacred sites are. He also talks about how best to celebrate the holiday of Imbolc and what ways you can invite the Goddess into your home during this sabbot that is the midpoint between solstice and the equinox.
Show notes available here.
Episode 36: Belief, Being, and Beyond with Granddaughter Crow
In this episode, Anjel and Enku get a chance to talk to Granddaughter Crow about her book Belief, Being, and Beyond: Your Journey to Questioning Ideas, Deconstructing Concepts & Healing from Harmful Belief Systems. This conversation is rich with big ideas and concepts surrounding the evolution of the human soul, how interconnected myths across the world with and even some healing through astrology.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Wild Witches Ep 18- Biz Witches with As Above
Anjel interviews business owners Christina and Melissa of As Above, LLC . In this episode, they discuss running a witchy business, ethical sourcing and being mindful of cultural appropriation and vending at all sorts of witchy events throughout the PNW. They also give advice for anyone wanting to start their own witchy business.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Show notes and Transcripts for this episode can be found here
Wild Witches Ep 17- Holiday Special: Amanita muscaria with Tom Hatsis
In this special holiday edition of the Wild Witch series, Anjel talks with author and psychedelic advocate, Tom Hatsis about entheogens, the origins of popular holiday myths, using Amanita in your witchcraft practice and even the cocaine/ Santa Claus connection. Content warning for drug use discussed in this episode.
Show notes and transcripts can be found here.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Episode 35: Gender Render
In this episode, Enku and Anjel discuss gender, what it is and what it is not, and also how incorporating gender fluidity in your witchcraft practice can be a potent source of power. Enku introduces the topic that he has studied for much of his academic career and discusses how gender is a social construct. They discuss how gender can further be used as a polarity and spectrum and how this empowers the witch to play with gender as a liminal space.
Before we get to the episode, we talk about Patreon. We are also accepting interested collaborators that want to advertise on the podcast and sponsor an episode. Feel free to contact us if you are interested.
Transcripts and show notes for this episode are available here.
Deity Deep Dives Ep 1: Seshat, Egyptian Goddess of Math, Science and Writing
In this inaugural episode of Deity Deep Dives, Anjel testifies their devotion to Seshat, Egyptian Goddess of math and science and “she who is foremost in the house of books”. This episode is one part information about the Goddess Seshat and one part personal gnosis as Anjel shares their devotional practice and how it has inspired this podcast and their scientific aspirations. This episode is also a dedication to Anjel’s tarot teacher, friend and mentor, Richard Stratton who passed away around this time in 2020. Anjel shares a poem written by Richard about Egypt as they bonded in their love of the Goddess of books and record keeping.
Show notes and transcripts available here.
Stickers of this and other deities are available on our Etsy.
Wild Witches Episode 16: Hecate of the Crossroads with Melissa Thorn
In this episode of the Wild Witches, Anjel share audio from a class from the Wild Witches Year and a Day community on Hecate, presented by Melissa Thorn. Melissa is a devotee of Hecate and discusses her relationship and devotional practice with this ancient goddess of myth and magic.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Wild Witches Ep 15: Witches in the Military
In this episode of the Wild Witches Series, Anjel interviews John Paul, who is a service member in the Army and an initiated witch in the Temple of Witchcraft, as well as a long time friend. In this conversation, they talk about being a witch in the military, how witchcraft is received and also resources for witches and pagans who serve.
Episode 34: Epigenetics and Ancestral Healing
In this special Samhain episode, Enku and Anjel talk about the emerging field of epigenetics which studies how genetics and environmental influences impact how trauma is passed through genetic lineages and how to engage in an ancestral healing practice that has the ability to change gene expression and breaking generational curses.
Show Notes and Transcripts available here.
Ep 33: Astrology 202
In this episode of the podcast, Enku and Anjel talk about Astrology as a compendium to the Wild Witches episode Astrology 101. They discuss how astrology was the first predictive analytics, how to look up your chart, aspects and how they influence the nuances of your chart, and discover that they both have their north node in Gemini and were destined to this podcast together.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Wild Witches 14: Future Frontiers of Entheogens
In this edition of the Wild Witches series, Anjel shares a re-recording of a presentation they gave at Columbia Willamette Pagan Pride this past year on the future frontier of entheogens, namely psilocybin. Anjel talks about the therapeutic industry set to come online in Oregon in Jan 2023 and discusses a bit of the history of psilocybin and the importance of this profound and powerful medicine for treating mental illness.
Show notes and transcripts available on website.
Who's In Bloom- Queen Anne's Lace
In this episode of Who’s in Bloom released to our main RSS feed, Anjel talks about Queen Anne’s lace, the ubiquitous fractal flower of late summer, sometimes called an invasive plant, but also an edible forage and how it is winning in the impending climate crises.
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Farmer’s Almanac on Queen Anne’s Lace
Make Yellow Dye with Queen Anne’s Lace
Moody Moons- 9 ways to use Queen Anne’s Lace in Witchcraft
Wild Witches Ep 12- Fire Magick
In this episode of the Wild Witches series, Anjel shares a class they presented for the Wild Witch Year and a Day community. In it they discuss the element of fire, correspondences in Tarot and Astrology, how to use fire in your own craft and Gods and Goddesses of Fire from around the world. They also talk about their experiences with fire in the form of catastrophic wildfires and how it is important to honor and show reverence to this life-giving and life-destroying force.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
Show Notes
Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation?
1 Chronicles 21:26
Then David built an altar to the Lord there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. And he called to the Lord and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.
Wild Witches Ep 11: A Lugh Story
Welcome to this special episode of the Wild Witches episode, just in time for Lughnasadh. In this episode, Enku shares a story about Lugh, Celtic God for which the holiday is named. He tells some of the myths and legends of this Celtic deity and ties it to lessons for us to take from these ancient tales as modern people.
Science Witch Podcast on Apple
If you have any question, thoughts, or feedback, we’d love to hear from you! Send questions to questions@sciencewitchpodcast.com and we'll follow up and, with your permission, share it on an upcoming episode.
Wild Witches Ep 10: Palmistry with Sacha
For this episode of the Wild Witches, Anjel share the audio from a class in the Wild Witches Year and a Day community on FB taught by Sacha on Palmistry. Sacha goes over the various different aspects of the hand that are used in palmistry as well as some of the history of the practice. Before we get to the episode, Anjel gives a small update about Patreon, and reads an invocation they gave on the night Roe v Wade was repealed.
Show notes and transcripts available here.
Who's in Bloom- Iris
Anjel confesses what their favorite flower of all time is: the iris. In this episode they discuss the diversity of iris, orris root and how iris corresponds with creativity and brings up the Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. This episode is also available on the main feed as it is taking us a while to get the next episode for the full podcast out.
Giardino dell’Iris the most colorful garden of Florence
The Complete Artist's Way: Creativity as a Spiritual Practice
Episode 31: D&D and modern mythmaking with Puppy
In this episode, Enku and Anjel interview Anjel’s spouse and nesting partner, Puppy about his favorite pastime and now budding career as a game master for tabletop roleplaying game, namely Dungeon and Dragons. In this conversation they discuss the current popularity of this once niche and nerdy activity, with shows like Stranger Things and Vox Machina and dive into some of D&D and gamer culture’s problematic past. They talk about the art of being a dungeon master/game master (DM/GM) and how this has influenced Puppy’s spirituality and collaborative storytelling practice.
Before that, we check in with Patreon.
Show Notes and Transcript available at:
http://www.sciencewitchpodcast.com/2022/06/08/episode-31-dd-and-modern-mythmaking-with-puppy/
Episode 30: Reproductive Rights and Witches
In this episode, Enku and Anjel talk about their time visiting one another in the Southeast, getting to meet Seba the Southern Fried Witch and Anjel talks about her time spent visiting New Orleans with their partner. They then chat a little bit about Enku’s herbal product’s business Goat and Thistle, which is a podcast sponsor. Towards the later half of the show, they discuss the recent assault on reproductive rights by the Supreme Court’s draft decision to repeal Roe vs Wade. They also talk about how witches have a long history of being the guardians of the sacred knowledge of birth and death and why it is so important for witches to advocate for reproductive rights.
Show Notes:
http://www.sciencewitchpodcast.com/2022/05/13/episode-30-reproductive-rights-and-witches/
Wild Witches 9: CUUPs Presentation
In this episode from the Wild Witch series, Enku shares a presentation he did on Pagans for his local UU Chapter.
For show notes:
http://www.sciencewitchpodcast.com/2022/05/04/wild-witches-9-cuups-with-enku/
Episode 29: Flower Essences from the Witch's Garden with Nicolas Pearson
In this episode, Enku and Anjel invite repeat guest to the show, Nicolas Pearson, to talk about his new book Flower Essences from the Witch's Garden: Plant Spirits in Magickal Herbalism.
In this discussion, we talk about the intersections between flower essence and science, as well as the numinous quality to this powerful healing modality. We also chat a lot about our love affair with flowers and how the making of flower essences can be employed to deepen your own practice and appreciation of flowers.
Before we get to the interview, we talk about new additions and updates to our Patreon page.
Show Notes found here:
http://www.sciencewitchpodcast.com/2022/04/22/episode-29-flower-essences-from-the-witchs-garden/
Episode 28- Lucid Dreaming Magick
In this episode, Enku and Anjel discuss strategies for implementing a lucid dream practice and how to incorporate it into your witchcraft practice. They talk about different ways to increase lucidity in your dreams, ways to use lucid dreaming to speak to ancestors, deities or loved ones who have passed on, and the current science and study of lucid dreaming. They also discuss That Witch Life Mini Con and also new additions to Pateron.
Show Notes available here:
http://www.sciencewitchpodcast.com/2022/03/13/episode-28-lucid-dreaming-magick/