Episodes

  • Episode 99: A Return Visit from the Incomparable Judika Illes

    Episode 99: A Return Visit from the Incomparable Judika Illes
    Oct 15 2024

    In this episode, Judika Illes returns to talk about her new book, Witches: a Compendium.

    This conversation delves into the intricate themes of human connection, creativity in writing, the unique blend of horror in literature, and the evolving nature of storytelling. Judika shares insights on her writing processes, the impact of different genres, and her future literary projects.

    You can find Amberle on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge.

    www.thehearthandhedge.com
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    51 mins
  • Episode 98: Minisode: The Blood of the Covenant is Thicker Than the Water of the Womb

    Episode 98: Minisode: The Blood of the Covenant is Thicker Than the Water of the Womb
    May 30 2024

    In this episode, Amberle discusses the difference between blood family and chosen family. She also addresses a controversy regarding the National Park Service and pride events. Amberle shares childhood memories of her close-knit family and how relationships change over time. She emphasizes the importance of choosing our own family and the bonds formed through friendship and shared experiences.

    You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, on my website, thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email me at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. I also have a Patreon at patreon.com/thehearthandhedge.

    Keywords: family, blood family, chosen family, National Park Service, pride events, childhood memories, relationships, bonds, friendship, shared experiences
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    20 mins
  • Episode 97: Life is a Love Spell - A Conversation with Irisanya Moon

    Episode 97: Life is a Love Spell - A Conversation with Irisanya Moon
    May 13 2024
    In this episode of the Hearth and Hedge podcast, host Amberle interviews Iris Anyamoon, an author and practitioner of witchcraft. They discuss Iris's love for Aphrodite, Hecate, the Norns, and Iris, and her passion for the idea that life is a love spell. They also talk about the books Iris is currently reading and writing, her favorite metaphysical and mundane books, and her process of choosing which goddesses to write about. Iris shares her spiritual experiences and the turning point in her journey to becoming a witch. They also discuss the importance of writing and the impact it can have on readers. In this conversation, Irisanya Moon discusses her book on Artemis and shares a practice for connecting with the wild. They also talk about grief, the impact of childhood experiences, and the importance of using our voices and voting. Irisanya mentions her other books and upcoming projects, including a book on Hestia and the Greek pantheon. They end the conversation with a tarot reading and a discussion about altars and community. You can find Irisanya on her website, https://www.irisanyamoon.com/ You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, on my website, thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email me at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. I also have a Patreon at patreon.com/thehearthandhedge. Keywords: witchcraft, goddesses, books, writing, spirituality, Artemis, wild, grief, childhood experiences, voices, voting, books, Hestia, Greek pantheon, tarot, altars, community
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    52 mins
  • Episode 96: Interview with Nicolette Miele

    Episode 96: Interview with Nicolette Miele
    Apr 30 2024
    In this episode, host Amberle interviews Nicolette Miele, a pagan, writer, rune worker, and herbalist. They discuss various topics including the Equinox, favorite books, writing process, and daily practices. Nicolette also talks about her recently published book, Runes for the Green Witch, an herbal grimoire. In this conversation, Nicolette discusses various topics related to witchcraft and spirituality. She shares the essential items on her altar, including dried blue lotus flowers, her personal set of runes, and a vintage candelabra. Nicolette also talks about the process of creating her own runes and the importance of making them a personal and sacred item. Nicolette shares a devotional ritual to nurture the bond between oneself and nature. She also talks about her online shop, Handfuls of Dust Apothecary, where she offers ritual oils, incense, handmade runes, and other herbal goods. Nicolette discusses the significance of rune readings and the psychic witchy energy associated with them. She mentions the Lunar Apothecary, an online course on astrological herbalism that she recommends. Nicolette shares her upcoming events and bookstores she plans to visit. Finally, she talks about her fear of saying the wrong thing and how doing presentations and podcasts helps her overcome that fear. Takeaways
    • The Equinox is a time for reflection and setting intentions.
    • Rachel Pollack's book, 78 Degrees of Wisdom, is a highly recommended tarot book.
    • Nicolette Miele's book, Runes for the Green Witch, explores the intersection of rune and plant magic.
    • Writing nonfiction can be a meditative and enjoyable experience.
    Chapters 00:00Introduction and Welcome 00:14Guest Introduction 00:46Discussion about Equinox 01:15Conversation about Drinks 02:19Favorite Metaphysical or Occult Book 03:24Favorite Mundane Author 04:17Discussion about Rachel Pollack 05:23Discussion about Tarot Questions 06:23Favorite Fiction Genre 07:21Discussion about Stephen King 08:01Discussion about New Book: Runes for the Green Witch 09:06Writing Process for the Book 11:20Favorite Part of Writing the Book 12:04Least Favorite Part of Writing the Book 12:42Writing Fiction vs Nonfiction 14:38Future Writing Projects 15:20Daily Practice 19:04Creating Personal Runes 20:23Different Divination Tools 24:13A Devotional Ritual 27:56Handfuls of Dust Apothecary 29:29Rune Reading and Psychic Witchy Energy 31:23Online Shop and Lunar Apothecary 35:19Upcoming Events and Bookstores 36:06Overcoming the Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing You can find Nicolette on Instagram @handfulsofdust and her website www.handfulsofdust.com You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, on my website, thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email me at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. I also have a Patreon at patreon.com/thehearthandhedge.
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    39 mins
  • Episode 95: Interview with Erika Robinson

    Episode 95: Interview with Erika Robinson
    Apr 8 2024

    This was such a fantastic interview. Erika is a darling human and was a delight to chat with.

    In this episode, Amber Lee interviews Erika Robinson, author of 'The Language of Lenormand.' They discuss Erika's background and how she got into Lenormand, as well as her favorite books and authors. Erika shares the story behind her book and how she became a professional reader. She also gives insights into using Lenormand for personal guidance and conducts short readings for Amber Lee. Finally, Erika talks about her upcoming events and provides her contact information. Takeaways
    • Lenormand is a lesser-known divination system, especially in the United States.
    • Erika Robinson's book, 'The Language of Lenormand,' is a practical guide for everyday divination.
    • Lenormand cards are like words in a language, and their meanings come alive when combined with other cards.
    • Lenormand can be a helpful tool for personal guidance and providing comfort and support.
    • Erika Robinson offers readings and has upcoming events in Canada.
    Sound Bites Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 02:10Personal Stories and Favorite Books 06:14Writing 'The Language of Lenormand' 12:36Using Lenormand for Personal Guidance 29:55Short Reading on Writing a Novel 38:22Upcoming Events and Contact Information In this episode Erika discusses Tarot for the Hard Work by Maria Minnis. You can find Erika on Instagram @divine_withme Her Linktree can be found here: Erika Robinson | Linktree You can find me on instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, on my website, thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email me at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. I also have a Patreon at patreon.com/thehearthandhedge.
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    41 mins
  • Episode 94: Interview with author Deborah Blake

    Episode 94: Interview with author Deborah Blake
    Mar 27 2024
    In this episode, Amberle welcomes author Deborah Blake to the podcast. They engage in casual conversation about pets, animal behavior, and the joy of living with animals. Deborah shares insights into her writing process and discusses her recently released books. She also talks about the challenges of revisions and the importance of feedback. The conversation concludes with a discussion on upcoming events and conferences for authors. They discuss upcoming books 'Witchcraft on a Shoestring', 'Circle, Coven, and Grove', and an upcoming deck, "The Everyday Witches Familiars Oracle Deck," which features 40 different animals and mythical creatures. She explains the process of grouping the animals and creating the deck, including the challenges of deciding which animals to include. Deborah also talks about the surprise release date change and upcoming books she has in the works. She emphasizes the importance of supporting authors and artists and discusses the issue of piracy. Deborah shares her perspective on incorporating witchcraft into daily life and the joy of everyday witchcraft.

    You can find Deborah on Instagram and Threads @deborahblakeauthor

    You can find Amberle on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, her website, www.thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email her at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. She also has a Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehearthandhedge. If you like what you hear, consider leaving a review wherever you find you podcasts.

    Special thanks to ksbrmusic on fiverr.com for the wonderful intro music, and Michael of L12 Graffix (l12graffix@gmail.com) for the beautiful logo and graphic arts needs.

    Production team: Amberle Light

    Chapters

    00:00Introduction and Warm Welcome 00:42Casual Conversation and Small Talk 03:03Living with Animals and the Joy They Bring 04:08Reading and Writing 05:20Recent Books and Writing Process 06:18Challenges in Writing and Editing 07:39Being a Professional Author 08:07The Importance of Revisions and Feedback 09:26Newly Released Books 10:24Book Releases and Reprints 12:19The Eclectic Witches Book of Shadows Companion 13:42Author's Excitement and Book Openings 14:47Upcoming Events and Conferences 21:32Missing In-Person Interactions 24:02Paganicon and Other Conferences 25:28Sacred Space Conference in Baltimore 26:32Traveling and Family 27:27Cruises and River Cruises 29:31Bird Watching and Bears 34:02Witchcraft on a Shoestring 36:20Circle, Coven, and Grove 42:16The Year of Magical Practice 46:25Upcoming Tarot Deck 46:40Introduction to the Everyday Witches Familiars Oracle 47:23Grouping Animals and Mythical Creatures 48:24The Process of Creating the Oracle Deck 48:56Surprise Release Date Change 49:50Upcoming Books: Llewellyn's Little Book of Spellcraft 50:48Supporting Other Authors and the Issue of Piracy 53:40The Challenge of Keeping Up with Reading 54:42The Importance of Supporting Authors and Artists 56:43The Impact of Piracy on Tarot Decks 58:46The Challenges of Being an Author 01:00:05The Reality of Making Money as an Author 01:02:02The Everyday Witch Way of Life 01:04:12Adapting Rituals and Practices 01:05:16Incorporating Witchcraft into Daily Life 01:06:18The Joy of Everyday Witchcraft 01:07:44Enjoying Podcast Interviews 01:08:17Closing Remarks

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 93: Interview with Creator of The Wyrd Sisters Oracle Deck, Casey Zabala

    Episode 93: Interview with Creator of The Wyrd Sisters Oracle Deck, Casey Zabala
    Mar 12 2024
    SummaryIn this episode of the Hearth and Hedge podcast, host Amber Lee interviews Casey Zabala, an author, artist, and intuitive witch. Casey shares her journey into spirituality and the creation of her tarot decks. She discusses her latest deck, the Weird Sisters, which is a deck of spells and rituals. Casey also talks about the importance of personal magic and the power of Oracle decks. She shares her favorite and least favorite parts of creating the Weird Sisters deck and offers insights into altars and their significance. Casey also shares upcoming events and where listeners can find her online. Takeaways:
    • Casey Zabala has been studying tarot and working with intuitive and symbolic realms for 20 years.
    • The Weird Sisters deck was created after working with the Norns, the three who weave the webs of fate.
    • Oracle decks invite creativity and personalization in magic, while tarot decks offer occult symbolism and structure.

    Casey can be found on Instagram @wandererstarot and @witchesconfluence, on Substack @notesfromthehedge, on her websites, wandererstarot.com and modernwitches.org, and on Patreon, at patreon.com/modernwitches.

    April 4, 2024 Casey will be in London at She's Lost Control and on April 5, also in London, at The Atlantis Bookshop.

    You can find Amberle on Instagram and Facebook @thehearthandhedge, her website, www.thehearthandhedge.com, or you can email her at thehearthandhedge@gmail.com. She also has a Patreon at www.patreon.com/thehearthandhedge. If you like what you hear, consider leaving a review wherever you find you podcasts.

    Special thanks to ksbrmusic on fiverr.com for the wonderful intro music, and Michael of L12 Graffix (l12graffix@gmail.com) for the beautiful logo and graphic arts needs.

    Production team: Amberle Light

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    28 mins
  • Episode 92: Interview with author Rick de Yampert

    Episode 92: Interview with author Rick de Yampert
    Feb 26 2024

    Buckle up! This is a long one!

    In this episode, Amberle interviews author Rick de Yampert about his new book, 'Crows and Ravens: Mystery, Myth and Magic of Sacred Corvids.' They discuss the fascination with crows, their memory and communication abilities, and the importance of understanding crow vocabulary. Rick shares his background as a writer, musician, and artist, and talks about his favorite metaphysical and mundane authors. They also discuss Rick's experience interviewing Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and his inspiration for writing the book on crows. The conversation highlights the magical and playful nature of crows and the accessibility of forming a connection with them in everyday life. In this part of the conversation, Rick de Yampert discusses altering consciousness to access other realms and the importance of creating a physical altar. He shares his personal experiences with crows and ravens, including a stone he brought back from Ireland and the significance of Maeve in his spiritual path. Rick also explains his method of using crows in divination and shares a ritual for letting the crows shuffle his tarot deck. Lastly, he explores the dark side of corvids and compares different crow-themed tarot decks. In this conversation, Rick and Amberle discuss the process of analyzing oracle cards and the significance of the cards they draw. They explore the themes of freedom and cashing, relating them to practical and spiritual aspects of life. The importance of memory and the act of cashing memories are also discussed, highlighting the value of preserving and cherishing personal experiences. The conversation touches on the concept of living in the eternal now and the wisdom of embracing the present moment. The chapters also delve into the idea of saving for the future and the balance between adulting and maintaining a sense of playfulness and joy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on future pagan gatherings and the role of music in pagan practice. You can reach Rick on Instagram @rickdeyampert, or his websites mistercrowart.com or wanderingspiral.com. Takeaways:
    • Crows have remarkable memory and communication abilities, and they can remember humans who have favored or been aggressive towards them.
    • Understanding crow vocabulary can help forge a deeper connection with these creatures and enable better communication.
    • Rick de Yampert's book, 'Crows and Ravens: Mystery, Myth and Magic of Sacred Corvids,' explores the magical and playful nature of crows and provides insights into their significance in pagan spirituality.
    • Observing and interacting with crows can be a powerful way to connect with nature and tap into our own sense of playfulness and wonder. Altering consciousness can provide access to other realms and spiritual experiences.
    • Creating a physical altar can serve as a focal point for spiritual practice and connection.
    • Crows and ravens hold significance in various mythologies and can be used in divination practices.
    • Different tarot decks with crow themes offer unique perspectives and symbolism.
    • Exploring the dark side of corvids can deepen understanding of the circle of life and the complexities of nature.
    Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 00:35The Fascination with Crows 01:31Crows' Memory and Communication 03:19Understanding Crow Vocabulary 04:34Introducing Rick de Yampert 05:18Rick's Background and Career 06:41Rick's Music and Art 07:56Shared Connection to New Mexico 08:41Favorite Drinks and Current Reading 11:40Favorite Metaphysical and Mundane Authors 14:05Interviewing Kurt Vonnegut Jr. 21:12Rick's New Book: Crows and Ravens 23:49The Inspiration Behind the Book 25:28Observing Crows in the Backyard 27:23Crows as Magical Creatures 29:21The Science of Corvids 31:16The Playfulness of Crows 34:31Writing the Book as a Magical Act 37:05Connecting with Crows in Everyday Life 41:09The Playful Nature of Crows 42:07Altering Consciousness and Accessing Other Realms 45:55Creating a Physical Altar 48:31Connecting with Ancestral Heritage 52:44Meeting Maeve and Exploring Ancient Artifacts 56:11Using Crows in Divination 58:08Letting the Crows Shuffle the Tarot Deck 01:09:14Exploring the Dark Side of Corvids 01:10:41Comparing Tarot Decks 01:12:20Analyzing Oracle Cards 01:12:49Freedom and Cashing 01:14:22Living in the Eternal Now 01:15:07Cashing Memories 01:16:18The Importance of Memory 01:18:43New Old Memories 01:19:13Ravens and Memories 01:20:22Interpreting the Oracle Cards 01:21:39Cashing Memories and Freedom 01:22:31Saving for Freedom 01:23:02Adulting and Financial Responsibility 01:24:09Playfulness and Joy 01:26:27Raven Tales and Chaos Witchcraft 01:28:07Future Gatherings and Music 01:31:30Communion and Tribe 01:35:12Sharing and Interviewing 01:37:11Closing Remarks
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    1 hr and 39 mins