News: This Old Witch Podcast Launches

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I am so excited to announce the launch of our first episode of THIS OLD WITCH, the brand new podcast radio show with my co-host Rev. Alexander Cabot. Despite a few glitches and growing pains, we pulled it off. Starting off with a few introductory episodes before we go to a full out LIVE show and hit the radio waves. We have big plans for upcoming shows including some amazing and well-known guests.

THIS OLD WITCH can currently be found on Spreaker, Youtube, Spotify, Soundcloud, Deezer, Podcast Addict and Podchaser and soon to I Tunes, IHeart Radio, Castbox, Goodgle Podcasts and Facebook LIVE as well. Once we get the go ahead from the radio network we will announce the radio station and LIVE syndication.

This Old Witch Podcast

Ever wonder what happens when a country Witch crosses paths with a city Witch? We did too. This Old Witch Podcast brings two known Witches from two very different environments together to share their perspectives on Witchcraft, spirituality, and Magick. Will they agree on everything? probably not, but there is only one way to find out.

This Old Witch Podcast is a bi-weekly organically open radio show that follows no script or planned focus. Join E. Massey (the country Witch), and Alexander Cabot (the city Witch) and the occasional special guest, as they come together via the magic of technology from their dissimilar locations to explore a new subject every episode. This Old Witch Podcast proves that no matter how different our surroundings and backgrounds are…. we can always find a common ground.

Listen to the First Episode

A “Stay at Home Witch”: Social Media Distancing and Introspection Turns to Extrospection and Back Again During the Pandemic

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Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

 

In the beginning of our “Stay at Home” adventure I saw it as a way to take advantage and write more and work on books and classes. I also decided to take the social distancing recommendations to a completely different level. I reduced my social media interactions to a minimal, only going on, mainly if I am directly contacted or for promotional reasons. It was also a way for me to check on people without having to contact them respecting that they are dealing with their own handling of the situation. From having kids at home all day, working from home, and the anxiety of pending doom. However, over the last few days it took a different grimmer turn. On the moments I do find myself on Facebook, I am confronted with more and more people in my circle that have either contracted or have passed from the coronavirus. Even with all this I have tried to look for a personal silver lining in all this. With having extra time, I have been forced to do a lot of introspection. Unfortunately, with my own anxiety looming over, I have had a hard time connecting to my higher and lower self. So, I started to look at the outer aspects of my life, especially regarding my relationships. As I started to pull away from social media, I began to see less and less communication with those I thought I was close too and who had a place in my life. I did take into consideration that everyone is dealing with this differently, yet it seemed that if I didn’t take the initiative or continue what communication there was, I heard nothing. This was where I began to turn my introspection into extrospection. Unbeknownst to me, it actually caused introspection, as I started to question myself how and why this affected me. Which caused me to investigate where things might need to change or find a new direction. The problem here was I couldn’t consult my guides because of my anxiety. From this I began a rigorous routine of meditation to help ground and cope with my anxiety.

Having so many questions and not being able to turn to my guides for direction has resulted in even more anxiety. I find myself going in circles to try to find a direction. I decided to take it day by day working only on the tasks and issues of that day knowing eventually I will find my path’s direction again. As a reader, I have always found it hard to read myself, so during this time I have turned to those I trust. I feel like I have turned into the types of seekers that get 100 readings in a week to obtain the answers I want to hear. Funny thing is I did get want I wanted to hear, that all will be good, and I will overcome all the obstacles. I just question what those obstacles are, how do I get through them and where is my path headed.

The hardest part of all this has been seeing the truth about people and having to slowly cut people out of my life. I know I am not alone as others have also been experiencing the same in revealing the liars, “victims”, the harmful, manipulators, attackers, and those who rather see failure for their own selfish needs or revenge as well as their supporters. I know that this was something that I have been putting off avoiding the heartache, but also know that it is for the best. It is what must happen to move forward and grow. So, in the darkness of all that is happening around us, we must find the silver lining to be able to get through the darkness and eventually find the light of a new day. Make the most of this time, whether it is being able to spend more time with family, catching up on Netflix, starting projects that you have been putting off, or taking a deeper look at your life and find the light in the dark.

The Pocono Witch Shoppe will be CLOSED for 2 weeks

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Due to the coronavirus and the call to close all non essential businesses The Pocono Witch shoppe will be CLOSED for 2 weeks.

The Pocono Witch Shoppe wants to not only keep our customers safe but support our spiritual community by continuing to offer our classes and workshops online through this time. Beginning with our March 20th class, Tarot Magick & Spell Casting.

For those looking to shop…many of our products can be ordered online as well. We will also be running LIVE Sales online through our facebook page.

E. Massey will also still be offering phone and online tarot readings as well.

Reminder to keep our community safe and wash your hands regularly and if you are sick.. stay home..and support small businesses when possible.

Blessings to all!

News: Online Classes Now Available from The Pocono Witch Shoppe

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Due to the coronavirus and wanting to keep our customers safe we will now be offering our classes and workshops online. Beginning with our March 20th class, Tarot Magick & Spell Casting you will have the option to join us in-person or online.

How it works: Once we receive payment, an email will be sent with the information to join the class. Handouts will either be sent via the streaming platform or email. Online classes will be streamed in two parts with a 10 minute intermission, unless noted. Classes will begin promptly at start time. No Refunds for online classes unless they canceled.

Upcoming Classes & Workshops

tarotmagick

Tarot Magick & Spell Casting – March 20th

pt1: 7pm-7:40pm       pt2: 7:50pm-8:30pm

$30

In this 2-hour workshop attendees will learn how to use tarot cards as a symbolic and spiritual link to specific desired outcomes of spell and magickal workings. Because all one needs is a deck and a positive mind there is no previous knowledge or ability of the tarot necessary to access this type of magick.
Covered Topics
What is Magick and what is a Spell?
What is tarot magick and spells?
Choosing the right cards and how to use them for spells?
Do’s and Don’ts of a spell.
Designing your own Tarot Spells.

For more info and registration visit:  https://poconowitch.com/online-classes/

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VIP & ALL ACCESS TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!

 

“Cantaloupes” and Little Witches, The Best is Yet to Come!

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Happy Samhain and New Year!!!

For those of my readers who keep up on me via social media may have seen the ton of projects and events I have been organizing and participating in. I finally have some time to sit down and write a blog post. As you can see, along with my new and magickal adventures, I decided it was time for a new look to the website. So, with this new look comes so many exciting things that are in the works for 2020. A few months ago, I didn’t think half of what is to come would even happen. I was forced into a depressive state that sent me into a place haven’t been in years. Although, I know that It has always been an ongoing battle, I didn’t see this coming, nor did I see the outcomes that came from it either. Its crazy how one “stupid thing” can create a personal Armageddon. Thanks to some amazing people in my life who stood behind me, I have been able to keep a good head on things and continue on my guided path. Yet despite all the amazing things that have been presented to me on this path, it has been hard to feel the joy and excitement as I work through this bat of depression and hollowness. Self-empowerment and shadow work are what is on the menu for this coming year. That and removing the hurtful and negative “cantaloupes” out of my life. Yes, I did say cantaloupes, I hate them, they ruin fruit salads with their overriding selfish flavor. There aren’t many things I hate in this world but they are number one on my list, next to cucumbers. Yuck!!

Despite all this my fruit salad has seen some great fruition and promise. Especially in the success and overwhelming response to the Pocono Witches Festival & Ball. When my guides said I was going to throw a ball I didn’t expect it to become one of the biggest Witch Gatherings in Eastern Pennsylvania. The support of the community has been beyond modest. The turn out saw over 1200 people over the weekend and despite being protested for being “evil”, we were able to help many children in need receive a warm coat this winter. Where is the evil in that? Not bad for its inauguration, and 2020 will see a bigger and better PWF. From holding this event, I have seen an influx of promotion and support in the Pocono area. In fact, this is how I got tagged in an article as the “Pocono Witch”, Which I still laugh at but I am rolling with it. Which brings me to my newest and next project, happening as we speak. I am days away from signing a lease on a storefront for The Hierophant, which will now become “The Pocono Witch Shoppe”. The Hierophant will remain the name for the online store, but thanks to this silly tittle I thought it would be a great way to tie it all together.

2020 Will also finally see my third book, “THE LITTLE WITCHES CURRICULUM: A parent’s guide to teaching witchcraft, magick, and Pagan spirituality”. Although, this was actually the first book I began writing four years ago, I have been holding off releasing it due to wanting it to be fully organized and reflective of the ever-changing ECE theories and practices.  I finally feel confident in the content that I knew that if it was ever going to happen, it would have to be now. So, for all those people who have asked me over the last 2 years of its release, it will happen this year. And for those who haven’t yet heard about it……

“The Little Witches Curriculum” is a resource for those parents that would like a comprehensive guide to raising their children in a magickal environment. It combines spiritual and magickal education with early childhood development practices and theories that make up one of the most comprehensive curriculums for their “Little Witches”. The curriculum provides hands-on magickal and spiritual activities and experiences that create “teachable moments” for parents rather than the traditional “forced” approach in education. Although, the chapters are broken up into a lesson format the activities are inclusive to the child’s own developmental stage and interests. This is done by allowing the child to dictate how the parents encourage spiritual education through their own interests rather than a direct approach. “The Little Witches Curriculum” explores the topics of meditation, magick, and the common lore found in many Pagan and Witchcraft traditions.

Best of all, the information and lessons in this book are built on the most up to date practices that are commonly used in early childhood education settings and classrooms around the world. Most importantly, the information is communicated in an easy to understand, fun and relaxed language and is relevant to anyone of any magickal tradition or spiritual background. Whereas, other books may only teach the “one-way approach”, “The Little Witches Curriculum” can be an open-ended resource for all Pagan tradition parents. Similar to my second book, “The Modern Witches Curriculum”, the Curriculum and layout can be started at any time of the year and on any day of the week. There is no beginning or ending to this book. It can be used over and over again. This is done by allowing the parent to choose how far and how much they want to explore in the topics. The lessons and activities have been publicly tested with both parents and children and have been well received by members of the Pagan community, known and unknown.

Just to give an idea of some of the activities you will find in the curriculum here is a sneak peek at part of the “Table of Contents”

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I am also in the process of the possibility of releasing two other books within the year. This will also see me doing multiple book tours and Pagan community events, which is my favorite part because I enjoy meeting and talking with all the amazing people of the community.

This is only a taste of what is happening and planned for 2020. With all this I will have no other choice then to have the most amazing fruit salad and what’s best of all is that I get to share it with the community.

Thank you all for your support and kindness.

New Classes and Workshops for 2020

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With 2020 (to be read in your best Barbara Walters voice) just around the corner E. Massey has put together a list of the classes and workshops he will be offering to the community. For this year, you spoke he listened offering more intense topics than his previous classes (which will still be available upon request) that will encourage spiritual exploration and personal growth to students. One of which includes a 2 day intensive version of his Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft class that so many have asked for. In addition to this he has added a brand new fun class, Magickal Candle & Sip, similar to his popular Magickal Paint & Sip.

Booking information can be found at www.e-massey.com or by emailing a request for details to Androide Entertainment at entertainment.robots@gmail.com or emx0912@gmail.com

E. Massey Workshops and Classes 2020

Details of each workshop and class can be found below

Adult Classes and Workshops

  • Magickal Candle and Sip
  • Magickal Paint and Sip
  • Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality
  • Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
  • Pillars of Belief Intensive: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
  • The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity
  • Paranormal Witch: Witchcraft and the Spirit World

“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

  • Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)
  • You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)
  • Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)
  • The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)

Magickal Candle and Sip

E. Massey’s newest sip and craft is a one of a kind workshop that combines an introduction to candle magick and basic candle making with your favorite beverage. Where no previous knowledge or magickal skills are needed, everyone is a magickal candle maker. E. Massey will guide attendees in creating their own personalized magickal candle. Learning how to incorporate magick and spell work into their own made candles with herbs, energy, and intention. All candle making supplies will be provided. Attendees are to bring beverages or any snacks and their intentions.

Time Duration: 3 hrs.

Magickal Paint and Sip

E. Massey’s most popular and one of a kind workshop combines art and magick into a relaxed and fun class. Where no artistic or magickal skills needed, everyone is a magickal artist. E. Massey will guide attendees in creating a one of a kind magickal masterpiece. Learning how to incorporate magick and spell work into art with color, herbs, energy, and intention. All painting supplies, canvases, easels, and aprons will be provided. Attendees are to bring beverages or any snacks. Painting subjects and spell work may vary.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality

Parents will learn how to use early childhood education and developmental theories to encourage and foster a child’s spirituality. Explore non-evasive ways to incorporate the fundamentals of Witchcraft and Pagan beliefs into a child’s chosen spirituality. Based on E. Massey’s tentative book, The Little Witch’s Curriculum this workshop takes a new approach to raising spiritually minded children.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft

E. Massey’s Second most popular class attendees will discover how the Hermetic philosophies found in The Kybalion can be related to the modern teachings and ideals of today’s Witchcraft. Explore these “universal laws” and why they are the pillars of many belief systems found around the globe. Learn new approaches to incorporating these ancient teachings into today’s spiritual world through activities found in E. Massey’s book, “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum”.

Time Duration: 3 hrs.

Pillars of Belief intensive: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft

An Intensive 2-day class based on one of E. Massey’s most popular classes. Attendees will discover how the Hermetic philosophies found in The Kybalion can be related to the modern teachings and ideals of today’s Witchcraft. Explore these “universal laws” and why they are the pillars of many belief systems found around the globe. Learn new approaches to incorporating these ancient teachings into today’s spiritual world through activities found in E. Massey’s book, “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum”. Day 1: An introduction to The Kybalion and the Principles. Day 2: Connecting the Principle to Modern Witchcraft.

Time Duration: 3 hrs/2 Days

Note: This class requires accommodations for E. Massey

The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity

Explore how the Gods and Goddesses of the world’s traditions are more than the faces and names we give them. Go beyond the myths and find the inter-connectedness of various pantheons through energies and not images. Learn how understanding their essence can break down the confines of how we view our own spirituality. Through a group meditation, attendees will tap into the primal energy of a choice Deity to guide the direction of the class. E. Massey Discusses how to build a stronger relationship with your Deities through energy and ritual. Acquire new practices by building upon your own teachings and views of the Gods and Goddesses. Discover how indigenous teachings and the Hermetic philosophies can reshape the modern spiritual concepts of Deities.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

Paranormal Witch: Witchcraft and the Spirit World

Based on E. Massey’s experiences as a Paranormal Psychic/Medium Investigator. This class/Q&A discussion will give attendees a chance to listen, ask questions and learn various practices used by E. Massey during his paranormal investigations. Discuss topics from Seances and spirit boards to protection and banishing. E. Massey explains how Witchcraft and ghost hunting can go hand in hand.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

 

Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)

In this workshop for parents and their children, participants will learn various easy and fun divination methods and ways to foster a child’s intuition and divination practices. Every child receives a set of serpent stones.

Time Duration: 1 hr.

Suggested Price: $25.00 p/p one child included, $10.00 additional children

 

You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)

Parents and children will gain a better understanding of age-appropriate meditation techniques. Children will learn basic meditation teachings and explore creative visualization.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

Suggested Price: $30.00 p/p includes one child, $10.00 additional children

 

Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)

Introduction to the many pantheons and traditions found in Paganism and modern Witchcraft. Parents will be given the tools to allow children to grow spiritually on their own path. Children will enjoy building an ice cream sundae while exploring different pantheons and the many choices of traditions.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

Suggested Price: $40.00 p/p includes one child, $10.00 additional children

 

The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)

Parents will learn how to find teachable moments and celebrate the seasons that create a bond between family and nature. Explore the wheel of the year in a non-evasive way for children to understand the eight seasonal holidays found in Witchcraft, wicca and other earth-based traditions. Children will begin a Wheel of the year project to work on throughout the year on their own.

Time Duration: 2 hrs.

Suggested Price: $30.00 p/p includes one child, $10.00 additional children

 

Previous Classes and Workshops

  1. Massey also offers some of his previous classes and workshops as well. If you are interested in any of the listed classes below please contact E. Massey.

Adult Classes and Workshops

  • The Art of Magickal Art
  • Candle Magick
  • Tarot Magick and Spellcasting
  • Beyond the Athame: Casting creative magick circles
  • Lost Phases of the Moon: Honoring the waning and waxing moons

 “Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

  • The Cow jumped over the full moon
  • The Big Blue Bunny in the Basement

 

List of New Classes and Workshops by E. Massey for 2019

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With 2019 just around the corner E. Massey has put together a list of the classes and workshops he will be offering to the community. In the coming year he will offer more intense topics than his previous classes (which will still be available upon request) that will encourage spiritual exploration and personal growth to students. Booking information can be found at www.e-massey.com or by emailing a request for details to Androide Entertainment at entertainment.robots@gmail.com or emx0912@gmail.com

Massey Workshops and Classes 2019

Details of each workshop and class can be found below

Adult Classes and Workshops

  • Magickal Paint and Sip
  • Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality
  • Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft
  • Beyond the Athame: Casting creative magick circles
  • The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity
  • Lost Phases of the Moon: Honoring the waning and waxing moons

“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

  • Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)
  • You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)
  • Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)
  • The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)

Adult Classes and Workshops Details

Magickal Paint and Sip

Massey’s most popular and one of a kind workshop combines art and magick into a relaxed and fun class. Where no artistic or magickal skills needed, everyone is a magickal artist. E. Massey will guide attendees in creating a one of a kind magickal masterpiece. Learning how to incorporate magick and spell work into art with color, herbs, energy, and intention. All painting supplies, canvases, easels, and aprons will be provided. Attendees are to bring beverages or any snacks. Painting subjects and spell work may vary.

classpic

 

Raising Little Witch’s: Developmentally appropriate approaches to spirituality

Parents will learn how to use early childhood education and developmental theories to encourage and foster a child’s spirituality. Explore non-evasive ways to incorporate the fundamentals of Witchcraft and Pagan beliefs into a child’s chosen spirituality. Based on E. Massey’s tentative book, The Little Witch’s Curriculum this workshop takes a new approach to raising spiritually minded children.

Pillars of Belief: The Hermetic Principles in Modern Witchcraft

Discover how the Hermetic philosophies found in The Kybalion can be related to the modern teachings and ideals of today’s Witchcraft. Explore these “universal laws” and why they are the pillars of many belief systems found around the globe. Learn new approaches to incorporating these ancient teachings into today’s spiritual world through activities found in E. Massey’s book, “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum”.

Beyond the Athame: Casting creative magick circles

Based on E. Massey’s first book, “Casting Creative Magickal Circles”, attendees will learn and discuss the history, ways, and alternatives to casting the magick circle. Books will be available to purchase and sign.

The Faces of Gods and Goddesses: Understanding the essence of a Deity

Explore how the Gods and Goddess of the world’s traditions are more than the faces and names we give them. Learn how understanding their essence can break down the confines of how we view our own spirituality. Attendees discover how indigenous teachings and the Hermetic philosophies can reshape the modern spiritual concepts of Deities.

Lost Phases of the Moon: Honoring the waning and waxing moons

Learn how to honor and harness the power of the often-forgotten moon phases. From rituals to tarot spreads this class will give you the tools you need to utilize the waning and waxing moons. Based on E. Massey’s book “The Modern Witch’s Curriculum” you will explore new ways to expand your magickal calendar.

“Little Witches” Classes and Workshops

Yes, No, Maybe so: An introduction to divination for children (ages 7-11)

In this workshop for parents and their children, participants will learn various easy and fun divination methods and ways to foster a child’s intuition.

You Want a Time Out? Basic meditation for children (ages 4-11)

Parents and children will gain a better understanding of age-appropriate meditation techniques. Children will learn basic meditation teachings and explore creative visualization.

Who wants Ice Cream? Exploring pantheons and Pagan traditions for children (ages 4-11)

Introduction to the many pantheons and traditions found in Paganism and modern Witchcraft. Parents will be given the tools to allow children to grow spiritually on their own path. Children will enjoy building an ice cream sundae while exploring different pantheons and the many choices of traditions.

The Wheels on the Bus: Developmentally approaches to understanding the Wheel of the Year (ages 4-11)

Parents will learn how to find teachable moments and celebrate the seasons that create a bond between family and nature. Explore the wheel of the year in a non-evasive way for children to understand the eight seasonal holidays found in Witchcraft, wicca and other earth-based traditions. Children will begin a Wheel of the year project to work on throughout the year on their own.

newbookMWC

Don’t forget to check out E. Massey’s new Online store The Hierophant

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opening October 31st 2018

Teenagers and Witchcraft: Exploring a Magickal Path On Their Own

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I was recently asked to contribute to a project for Denofgeek.com relating to teenagers and teaching them in the magickal arts. As an educator in both the mundane and the spiritual, this topic has been something I have written and talked about for years. I just never really touched it on my blog, however I thought it would make a perfect follow up to my last post and all the hype over the Sephora bullshit.

One of the concerns that a few had with this “Witch Kit” was that it was easily accessible to teens and that it wasn’t teaching them anything. Despite, how much I could write on that whole topic, the kit is a dead issue.

When I was about eleven years old I began my training in the Gardnerian tradition of Wicca and at thirteen years old I found myself standing naked among my coven mates being initiated. Although, this experience was uncomfortable as a teenager, it allowed me to understand its meaning of birthing into a new way of life. Although, I have walked on from my initial Wiccan teachings, I am grateful of their beginnings and having the privilege of being raised in a magickal environment. However, many children and teenagers do not have this same luxury. Even the ones that do, many of their teachers are their parents or a family member, who only follow one tradition. This was the case with me as well. It was my Aunt who had helped me begin my magickal journey. Unfortunately, I was forced to learn only her tradition and was given no room to explore in fear of being removed from the coven. It was this experience that later resulted in writing “The Little Witch’s Curriculum” (Hopefully to be released in 2019). Although, the book is mainly geared toward the parents of young children, the concepts would also work for teenagers. This is all fine and dandy for those already in a magickal household. But, what about those who are not, where do they go to learn, who do they turn to?

colorful books on shelf

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

To the surprise of many there is no “Hogwarts” or “Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies”. So, where is a budding teenage Witch go to learn? The truth is “NO WHERE!” well not in the sense of a traditional school or place of learning, Sadly, many teens have to turn to books, and dare I say it …the Internet. Many of the Witchcraft and magickal traditions only offer courses and training that is geared toward adults and in some cases young adults, leaving teens to the hopes that there is a local metaphysical store or center in their neighborhood that they can sneak too now and then. These learners are left with no real hands-on experiences with other like minded Witches and mentors. They have to explore and dabble on their own. Not that that is all bad, many have us had to do it that way. But, that doesn’t mean it’s right and fair. This vital spiritual exploratory age is left out. I feel that one reason that this is, is because this can be an area that many teachers and organizations are afraid of the backlash of consent. Teenagers are still minors, where many of them have to hide their interest from their parents and will have to forgo the idea of a commitment to a curriculum. Then there are also funds, many places that offer spiritual education charge a fee, which leave these magickal explorers on their own. Having to save up birthday money to secretly purchase Silver Ravenwolf’s Teen Witch or Ellen Dugan’s Elements of Witchcraft: Natural Magick for Teens on the families next outing to the mall’s bookstore. Although, these are great books they are missing the element of hands-on learning when not in the presence of a real teacher or group setting.

The only ones who have this opportunity are the children who are being raised in a magickal or open-minded household. Where they are able to participate in home or group rituals and gatherings. However, even in these circumstances, I have found that the children are only taught what the parent knows and follows. They are often not given the means to explore on their own. It’s at no fault of the parent, they can only teach in their own state of knowledge. I have discussed before, here and in my classes, the importance of allowing children to explore their own path of spirituality rather than dictating to them one’s beliefs and paths. Which is why in my “Little Witch” classes I give parents the means to give children opportunities to explore spirituality on their own, while laying down general Pagan and Witchcraft foundations. This of course this has nothing to do with one’s family cultural and traditional “ways of knowning” or belief structure, in these cases I feel it is important to extend that knowledge and linage to child’s education.

So, to any of the well-known schools of magick I employ you to rethink your courses to include teenagers, young adults and even the “Little Witches”. FYI, I have a great curriculum already written. LOL.

christening the dew the priest

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Many children who find themselves in Pagan settings often are not given the opportunity to choose their spiritual upbringing. Just like in many Christian homes, they are predestined to receive a Wiccaning and other rites of tradition. In many cases, these seem to be more for the parents rather than the child and might do more harm than good for one’s personal path of exploration. This is one reason I myself will never perform such rites. I will, however, gladly perform a child blessing or an introduction to the elements and universal energies. These initial ceremonies help the child’s own spirit or higher-self open up to the various energies found in spirituality. They also allow the child to choose their own path of spirituality in the future. In many traditions, earth-based and not, what tends to follow next is certain rites of passage and then later, a type of initiation into the parent’s coven or group. Usually, by then these children have already made up their mind if they are going to follow their parents’ tradition or not. They just don’t voice their choice against their parents’ wishes.

Going back to our teenagers of non-magickal households, these children are left to only self-initiate into a tradition out of a book, seemly one written for adults. The only options out there are for those who have been “fortunate” enough to be born into a Pagan spirituality or are able to get their hands on a book to follow, despite the prying eyes and ears of a concerned parent. We as a community need to be a little more willing to extend ourselves in teaching to those who are exploring a spirituality or magickal tradition. Who are we to question whether or not a teenager’s gateway opened up from watching a movie or a beauty store, we should accept with open arms that no matter how they got there, that it was the universe that has placed these children on their current path.