Author: bunnypudding

#WitchyType Book Review: Wicca Herbal Magic by Lisa Chamberlain

The #WitchyType Book club reviews Wicca Herbal Magic by Lisa Chamberlain.

Hello there Coven! 

We’ve recently launched the #witchytype book club which is where we read books and share our thoughts on themas well as opening the floor via our digital channels (And upcoming book clubs) to hear your thoughts too.

Check out our book list here: https://digital-coven.com/witchytype-book-club/

Including the upcoming witchcraft, Tarot and spiritual books that we are going to be reviewing as well as books and goodies that you can win in competitions. We also have the Digital Coven book depository with Witchcraft, Tarot and spiritual books available to borrow or lend out. If you want to donate or borrow a book from our book depository, you can find out what books are available in our sharing network here: 

This was gifted to us for review but all of our views are honest so rest assured we’d never recommend anything we don’t like. Our Review and Affiliate link disclosure are located here. 

About The Book:

Today we are reviewing  Wicca Herbal Magic A Beginner’s Guide to Herbal Spellcraft  By Lisa Chamberlain. 

Myself and  AJ don’t practice Wicca so this review is based on a novice reading the book – if you’ve read the book we’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Reviewed By: Emma aka Bunnypudding 

Hardback: https://amzn.to/3w7IJKg

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3w4LGvd

So let’s dive in. 

The Synopsis: 

Since the beginning of human history, healers and shamans have understood the nutritional, medicinal, and magical properties of herbs. Whether you’re well versed in magic but are just discovering herbs, or are new to  Wicca altogether, this handy guide by popular author Lisa Chamberlain covers all the basics, from creating your own magical garden to the gathering, harvesting, drying, and storing the herbs. She centres the spells around 13  herbs, most easy to find and inexpensive: basil, bay laurel, chamomile, cinnamon, dandelion, elecampane,  hibiscus, lavender, mugwort, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Because they’re primarily culinary and/or medicinal herbs too, you’ll have plenty of options for using the leftovers from your spellwork. The spells include magical teas, baths, and oils to smudging (more on that below), blessing, and healing rituals. 

Books Construction: 

The book is full of beautiful illustrations and the quality of the book was fantastic. I  love a good hardback with quality paper, what can I say, I am one of those people! It’s also a nice A5 size so good to carry around with you when you are out and about. 

Pages: Hardcover: 130 

#Witchytype Book Review: 

The Positives:

I was worried at first that the book would be very heavy on Wiccan practices but pleasantly surprised that whilst it did discuss wiccan elements, it was also a very informative book about using herbs in general.  

It focuses on 13 main herbs which is a great place to build upon your knowledge if you are just getting started and is also a great refresher book if you are experienced but need some herb magick inspirations. 

I loved how she went into the various ways that you can perform herb magick such as in cooking and in teas – I’ve even got inspired to revisit my tea-making practices by bringing in new blends.

The Negatives: 

As mentioned above, this book is great to use if you are wishing to learn about herbs and it doesn’t go too in-depth into the Wiccan side of practising but if you have strong issues with Wicca, and I am aware some do, then this may not be the best book for you. Otherwise, it’s a great little book to help you really get comfortable working with herbs. 

My one and only personal gripe with the book is the use of the word ‘Smudge’ and ‘Smudging Stick’ when discussing smoke cleansing. I know many people use this word but I personally prefer to refer to any form of herbal or natural wood burning cleansing as ‘Smoke Cleansing’ rather than Smudging, as that is a practice performed within a closed practice of some Indigenous peoples of the Americas. They use Sacred white Sage and hold a unique ceremony for the practice of ‘Smudging’ – so it is wrong to use it as a blanket term for smoke cleansing in general as they are two completely different ceremonies and we need to respect them both and appreciate when something is closed and sacred and when something is open for us to explore as a practice. Hopefully, later editions will tweak this wording. 

Overall? I highly recommend it and will read other works by Lisa Chamberlain. For those practising Wicca or seeking to start the path of practising Wicca then this is certainly a good investment for you but it’s also got lots of useful information for those wishing to learn general information on Herbs and their magickal uses. 

Cat Rating (yes, you read that right) 

3 out of 5 Cats

You can get the Book over at Amazon here which is also where I sourced my images from this post from. 

Have you read this book, what are your thoughts? I’d love to hear your feedback on the comments or on social, just make sure to use the #witchytype when discussing on social media. 

More books to come over the next few weeks but as mentioned above, if you have a recommendation, please let me know! 

As mentioned on my social channels: 

Facebook 

Instagram 

Tiktok 

Until next time Coven, 

Why is 8th August the luckiest day of the year? – What is The Lions Gate Portal

It’s the 8/8 which means it’s the Lions Gate Portal! Here is how to use it to super charge your manifestations.

Top Level: 

  • Key Date: 8th August 2022 is considered the Peak of The Lions Gate Portal.
  • Magick: Is a great time to manifest your goals dreams – if using the moon is the moon phase will be Waxing Gibbous in the sign of Sagittarius. (Also see spells below)
  • Ends:12th August ends. 

What is The Lions Gate Portal? 

Put simply, The Lions Gate Portal is considered one of the strongest magickal periods of the annual astrological calendar. It celebrates the alignment of Earth, The Sun in Leo, Sirius (The dog star, the brightest star in the sky and not the Harry Potter Character but he does have the star as his namesake) and the constellation Orions belt. This alignment happens every year and at the same time, from 28th July to 12th August. 

The activation happens on the 8th of August and is believed to be when the period is at its peak for manifesting and spell work. Yey!

*Featured top image credit: Hubble Peers into the Mouth of Leo A by NASA Goddard Photo and Video

Image: star collage (leo)
by bitmask

Why is The Lions Gate portal important to witches and spiritual practitioners? 

We can use this energy to empower our manifesttaions and spell work. 8th August can often be refered to as the luckiest day of year, so it’s a perfect time to try your luck by going large with your manifestations. Dream house? Go for it. Perfect job change? Make it happen. Want love? Attract that energy to you.

The key to this period is keeping that energy up and truly believe that anything is posible and making sure you’re intent and desires are clearly expressed. Don’t chase, attract, honey!

Astrology:

  • The Sun is the ruler of Leo, therefore when The Sun enters Leo every year to mark Leo season, this creates really positive and powerful energy which is hypercharged during the Lion’s Gate Portal period. 
  • Leo is a sign of ‘self’:  ego, of understanding yourself on the inside and how you present outwardly, self-confidence, confidence and bravery. Basically, it’s a perfect time for manifesting the dreams and desires that are associated with you and your goals.  Go big or go home is certainly an apt phrase for Leos and their approach to life and also this period energetically. Therefore, it’s a great period to manifest career or life goals. 
  • Locate where Leo is in your birth chart and what house it is in, this will guide you in where you should be focusing your attention when it comes to manifesting goals during this period.

Numerology:

  • 8/8 is considered a very powerful number in numerology meaning: Abundance, luck and growth. The number 8 is considered lucky and powerful in cultures throughout the world.

Symbology:

  • The infinity symbol  ∞ equals 8 and is considered the symbol for manifestation. As above, so below.

How can I use it for my magick? 

Some start from the 28th July and build up (like me!) but the peak period is considered to be the 8th of August (8/8) to use this energy in spell work is very simple, so for those just starting out below is a simply but effective way to manifest your desires. 

Perfect for beginners: 

The Everyday Extra Empowerment: 

  • Meditating in the Sun – and visualising what you desire in detail is fabulous way to use that strong the Sun in Leo energy.
  • Journaling – every morning with prompts to help progress you towards your goal. 
  • Affirmations – choose 8 affirmations that present what you wish to achieve over the next year and say them to your self in the mirror. I recommend doing an affirmation in mirror every morning anyway.
Meditation time
by _Hadock_

Simple Manifestaion practice on the day: 

  • The Diary Method: 

What you will need: 

  • Pen or pencil..hey, why not even use a quill, add some drama!
  • Paper (or parchment…you see where I am going here!) 

Method: 

What is your dream life? No really, what is your dream life and if you were to live your dream life what would you be doing in a day of that desired existense, say, in a years time? Really visualise this and do not hold back. This is your absolute dream. Really think about it and visualise the reality of living it for a few minutes. This will help setup your vibration and help you performed the next step: 

  • Get your paper or note book and write the date as a year from now:  8th August 2023 
  • Under the date begin to  write a diary entry as if you were living your dream life on that day in a years time. Be detailed, the more detail the better.
  • Once completed, release the intention of what you have just written into the universe, speak out loud or silently to yourself that you are accepting it as done and thank the universe for sending that desire to you. 
  • Seal up the letter if not in a notebook and store somewhere safe and don’t open/read for a year. 
  • Open in a year and see how much as come true – honestly, I have done this a few times and have aways been surprised! 

If you like this method you can regularly keep up entries in your books of spells, grimore or similar. I personally keep a separate manifestation journal which keep writing in to help me maintain focus on my goals and allow me to look back at my progress. 

“diary writing” by freddie boy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Ritual for those who want a side of ‘ceremony’: 

Some of us love to use ingredients in our spell craft , or we just like a bit of drama, some of us it’s both…I certainly love to make things ceremoinial! The Lions Gate Portal is a perfect time to make to add extra ingredients to your usual manifestation methods such as candle, herb and craft magick. The below if simple but effective way to use fire (Leo’s element family) in your manifestion practices.

You will need: 

  • Bayleaf – you can get this fresh but store brought is fine, and the one we mainy use at Digital Coven (We should invest in stocks the amount we use it to be fair) 
  • A Candle (lighter or matches if you don’t have a candle to hand..all witches run out!) 
  • Fireproof bowl or Cauldron 

How to Manifest on The Lion Gate Portal: 

I personallylike to do these spells in the moon light and outside if posible. I have also lived in a flat and shared houses so rest assured, if you can do either of the things, your magick will be just as potent – this is all about your intent and belief of course…you’re the main ingredient for this spell! 

“Bay Leaf, Fresh and Dried” by Clint__Budd is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
  • Get a Bay leaf and hold it close, envision the intention/dream/desire that you wish to attract
  • You have to visualise this as if it has already happened making sure to really envision how you will feel when you receive this desire and all the things that you will do with it. 
  • Write your intention onto the Bay leaf and burn in the fireprool bowl (or cauldron) . You can use any colour pen but if you have Silver or Gold marker I would recommend using this to further highlight your goals.
  • Release your intention into the universe and give thanks to universe for it abundance. Then, wait and trust the process (it works quicker than you think!) 

For more info on using Bayleaf, check out my post on why Baeleaf is Bae and if you’re planning on doing moonwork for these spells then, AJ goes in-depth on her Witchcraft for beginners post here. 

  • For those working with the moon specifically,  the moon phase will be Waxing Gibbous in the sign of Sagittarius. 
Waxing moon, North Window
by ArchesNPS

So Coven, hopefully we’ve got you all excited about the Lions Gate Portal? If so,will you be using the Lions Gate Portal to manifest your dreams and goals this year? Let us know below or on our social channels. 

Happy practising, darlings…may your dreams come to pass <3 

Love, Emma 

 

Witchcraft at work Interview with Joseph, creator of Money, Mindset & Strategy.

We interview Joseph, from coaching business called Money, Mindset & Strategy. We discuss coaching and empowering people to step into their power with money.

Bunnypudding (Emma) here, sorry we’ve been quiet for a few weeks, Coven. We’ve been doing huge life changes which has certainly kept us busy but we have loads of fabuous content coming up. Including work with the fabulous Joseph from MMS Strategy who we are interviewing in today’s Witchcraft at Work.

Take it away, Joseph!

First, tell us about yourself!

I’m Joseph, I live in Ibiza and run a coaching business called Money, Mindset & Strategy. I specialise in coaching and empowering my clients to step into their power with money, build wealth and get comfortable charging a lot more for their services. 

I host a podcast and run an online academy called MMS Academy. 

I love coaching on money because it affects almost every area of out lives and I believe it’s a reflection of our relationship with ourselves.

What is witchcraft to you?

I think it’s personal to everyone which is what makes it so beautiful and powerful. To me, witchcraft is using your own natural power, inner wisdom and intuition to create changes in your life that are meaningful for you. 

It gives you different things depending on what you need at that time in your life. Whether you are using your intuition to plan some next steps or tapping in to your personal power to manifest your goals or simply feeling calmer and more grounded, it’s all witchcraft. 

How do you use witchcraft in your day to day life?

It varies depending on what I need or am working on but I like to make sure I am always covering the basics of energetic cleansing, protection and gratitude. For me, those form the foundation of a strong spiritual or magical practice. 

I am also a huge fan of maintenance magick, rather than waiting for a problem before doing a spell, I think it;s really important to protect and appreciate the things in your life that are going really well. 

And professional life?

If I have a goal or intention I am working on, I will usually do a vision board around it and some candle spells. I have tried many forms of spell work and always see the most results from candle magick.

I also feel it;s really important to regularly study and learn so I make time every day for either reading or listening to material relating to magick or something I’m working on. 

I host a weekly mindset and coaching call as part of the Academy I run and before each class I set an intention and do a quick meditation to deliver messages that are helpful and empowering to everyone listening. I’ve done that with all of my work for years whether it;s writing a book, delivering a workshop or coaching a client in a 1 2 1 session, I always use the power of intention. 

How have you used witchcraft to support in shaping your career?

When I first started my coaching business, I created vision boards and did weekly candle spells to help manifest my goals. 

I also try and meditate most days and tune into my inner wisdom, I think this is a really under rated part of manifesting your goals. Its not just about setting the intention, it’s about understanding that you are the magick and that your actions are a beautiful and important part of the manifestation process. 

I tauge a course about magick a few years ago and something that kept coming to me during the writing of it was “magick works through you not just for you” so it’s important to always remember that the power is within you already, never outside of yourself. 

Does your work know about your practice?

I’m very open about my beliefs on my podcast and in my workshops, I also have quite a few magical looking tattoos on my arms so it’s definitely not a secret! .

Where can people find you?

You can check out my website and blog 

MMS Academy page

My podcast is called Money, Mindset & Strategy and is available across all platforms

I upload weekly coaching videos to my new YouTube channel 

You can check out the kindle collection on Amazon 

You can sign up for a free money mindset class and join my newsletter here 

If you’d like to know more about working together, you can email us on support@moneymindsetandstrategy.com to arrange a free consultation about your goals. 

Fabulous, Thanks Joseph!

And remember Coven, we love to hear about how you bring Witchcraft into your Work over on our social channels and the comments as well.

Witchytype Book Club: Ask The Authors Claire Askew & Alice Tarbuck

To celebrate the launch of ‘The Modern Craft’ Edited by Claire Askew & Alice Tarbuck and our fabulous giveaway*

The Digital Coven ‘Witchy Type Book Club’ are super excited to announce that we will be interviewing the fabulous Editors Claire Askew & Alice Tarbuck. Of course, as a coven we want to offer you the chance to ask them your question too.

If you have a question, you can let us know below in the comment, via email: digitalcovenuk@gmail.com or just fill in this form here and add your question: https://forms.gle/DhxhwRvhA3bp2QSL7

We will be sending over our questions on the 30th June 2022, so make sure to send us your questions before then.

About ‘The Modern Craft’:

Offering inspiring glimpses from the brink of the contemporary Craft, these essays show how anyone, no matter who they are, can find positivity and the force for change in the subversive unknown.

Dr Claire Askew is the author of three novels: All The Hidden Truths, What You Pay For and Cover Your Tracks. A fourth, A Matter of Time, is out this year. Also a poet, Claire’s second
collection How to burn a woman features voices from the European Witchcraft Hysteria. Claire’s accolades include the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, a Jessie Kesson Fellowship and the McIlvanney
Debut Prize.

Dr Alice Tarbuck is a writer, author of A Spell In The Wild and academic specializing in witchcraft and environmental humanities. She has been featured in Nasty Women and The Dangerous Women
Project, and she has spoken on witchcraft at Scottish PEN, Freedom TV and the Arthur Conan Doyle Centre.


With courage, conviction, and a
fierce love and respect for the
craft, this fiery collection is poised
to spark vital conversations and
radical change in the world of
witchcraft and beyond.

Kristen J. Sollée, author of Witches, Sluts, Feminists and
Witch Hunt

Looking forward to seeing yoru questions, and make sure to continue the conversation over on our social channels.

Tiktok

Instagram 

Until next time, Stay dazzling!

Love,

Win – A copy of ‘The Modern Craft’ & other goodies!

Ahhhhhh we are sooooo excited to share this with you, Coven!

The Celebrate the release of the launch of ‘The Modern Craft’ Edited by Claire Askew & Alice Tarbuck we have partnered with Watkins Publishing to offer 3 lucky Digital Coven followers one of their ‘The Modern Craft’ Book Lunch Bundles.

How To Enter:

The bundles include a copy of the book which is released 14th June 2022. To enter please leave your details below (Don’t worry we won’t use them for anything else) to enter the prize draw. To get a futher entry please visit our instagram to take part in our Instagram giveaway.

Entry Form: https://forms.gle/XwkZNFvFGzNFzHED8

Two books are on offer in a prize draw so Just fill out this form to enter. You can get a second entry into the competition by following digital coven over on Instgram and commenting on this post what The Modern Craft means to you.

Closing Date for Entries is 30th June 2022

About ‘The Modern Craft’

Edited Claire Askew & Alice Tarbuck

Launch: 14TH JUNE 2022
Price: £12.99 / $16.95
9781786786449

Amazon Link (Digital Coven Affiliate) https://amzn.to/3HrrqJC

Amazon Non Affiliate: Amazon

An eclectic and radical collection of essays on witchcraft practice and the ethics of magic, The Modern Craft gives that much-needed modern context to timeless wisdom. It offers a fascinating snapshot of Powerful voices on witchcraft ethics and contemporary occult practice viewed through an intersectional lens.

Touching on a number of timely conversations, essay topics include:

  • the ethics of decolonization
  • meditations on what it means to honour
  • Mother Earth during the Anthropocene
  • the reclamation of agency for workingclass & queer witches through spellwork
  • a gender-fluid perspective on breaking
  • down hierarchies in magical symbolism
  • a day in the life of a disabled Pagan
  • Irish practitioner


The book features contributions from Claire Askew, Lisa Marie, Basile, Stella Hervey Birrell, Jane Claire Bradley, Madelyn Burnhope, Lilith Dorsey, AW Earl, Harry Josephine Giles, Simone Kotva, Iona Lee,
Briana Pegado, Megan Rudden, Sabrina Scott, Em Still and Alice Tarbuck.

Offering inspiring glimpses from the brink of the contemporary Craft, these essays show how anyone, no matter who they are, can find positivity and the force for change in the subversive unknown.


With courage, conviction, and a
fierce love and respect for the
craft, this fiery collection is poised
to spark vital conversations and
radical change in the world of
witchcraft and beyond.

Kristen J. Sollée, author of Witches, Sluts, Feminists and
Witch Hunt

We’ve also got a few more oher suprises for this launch, so what this space Coven!

If you wish to be featured in our #WitchyType Book Club email list please use our sign up form here

You can also continue the coversation over on our social channels as wel love to hear from you:

Tiktok

Instagram 

Until next time, Stay dazzling!

Love,

Witches At Work: Interview With Olivia aka Ostara

This weeks #WitchesAtWork interview is the Olivia, the owner of Ostara.

We are super excited to speak to one of our favourite social media and #WitchesAtWork to follow, The Fabulous Oliva AKA Ostara. Soooo many questions and we highly recommend you spend a few moments deep diving into her fantastic tiktok viral (and national media coverage earning) introduction to whimsigothic videos and, saving the best for last…the beautiful products on the newly launched Ostara Shoppe site. Ahhh so fabulous! Anyway, let’s jump in….

First, tell us about yourself!

My name’s Olivia, and I own Ostara, which stocks magickal wares for your hearth and home. I’m a Taurus Sun, Capricorn Moon and Virgo Rising, so an earthy homeware shop is perfect for me! I believe your home should be a solace, a special space in place and time where once you step over the threshold, you can be at peace. Creating a safe, comforting environment is an art, and I want to help my customers achieve this through carefully selected heirloom pieces.

And now what you do and your career journey up until now

I’m from the North, and moved all around the country from the age of 21 working in Film and TV. I then settled in London, where I continued to art direct and design sets for high end shows, films, and commercials. During the pandemic, my husband and I decided to pursue a slower life by the sea, and moved to Kent to renovate an old Edwardian house. I then decided this was the perfect time and place to leave the film industry and follow my dreams to open Ostara! Seeing so much waste and consumption in the film industry left a bitter taste in my mouth. I wanted to slowly, carefully, handpick items for my shop, choosing heirlooms for peoples homes that have a deeper meaning and symbology to each piece.

Items From the ostarashoppe.com

What is witchcraft to you?

Witchcraft to me is simply stepping into your power as a human being. Trying to see and feel the beauty and miracle of nature, trying to live a deeply embodied life. Connecting with ancestors is very important to me, and understanding where you came from, and the environment around your ancestors – what shaped your blood line. Learning folklore, mythology and traditional stories can help you have a deeper understanding of human nature and I love learning from them.

I also deeply believe in being of service to whatever greater good you believe in. I’m a triple earth sign – so I passionately care about Mother Nature! My shop Ostara is part of that – I don’t want to contribute to the fast fashion, over consuming nature of interior decor trends. I want to save items from landfill, from going to scrap, and to breathe new life into them, so they can live a new life in someone’s home. Filling your life with knowledge and reverence doesn’t have to stay contained within your practice – it can be displayed in your home too.

How do you use witchcraft in your day to day life?

I suppose it has to do with my idea of being of service again. I am a total gardening geek, and I garden as an act of service to Danu, Gaia, Mother Nature. I plant food to honour my ancestors, and learn herb lore to keep the knowledge alive. I use tarot, the Wild Wood deck, and am constantly trying to learn as much as I can about astrology – there’s just so much to learn!

Image From Instagram: @ostara_shoppe

And professional life?

I only do ‘spells’ very very occasionally, and it’s usually a more direct, ritualistic way of connecting with my ancestors to receive wisdom and advice. These very occasional rituals are usually asking advice to do with my career, as this is the only area of major life choices where I struggle with decisions in my life! When it came to leaving the film industry (which was incredibly stressful and damaging to my health) I believe I was being shown signs to leave for a long time. When I directly asked, I got the answer I was waiting for – it just didn’t come in the way I was thinking! But I was still very grateful for the nudge in the right direction.

How have you used witchcraft to support in shaping your career?

When leaving Film, I had an idea of what I might like to move into, but just didn’t feel the confidence. Leaving a career of 10 years is hard! I knew what I loved doing, I knew I had a passion for interiors, but I didn’t know how to tie it all together. Using tarot was brilliant in shaping my decision to open a store.

Image feed of Instagram: @ostara_shoppe



Does your work know about your practice?

I think now they do! I want my store to be different in that it offers homeware or furniture that come with a deeper meaning behind each piece – whether that’s the traditional symbolism behind the wood that’s used to make the piece, or another bit of folklore attached to it. That’s why I spend so much of my time researching not only antiques and vintage homewares but mythology and folklore. I want my customers to know that they’re buying from not only a reputable source of ethically gathered antiques, but a genuine lover of magick and folklore.


How do colleagues/clients respond?

I’ve been overwhelmed with the response from my customers – I’ve had orders from all over  the UK, Europe and America! I hope that people enjoy the unique blend of quality vintage and magickal flare to each piece that I source.

There are a few exciting bits and pieces brewing for the future – one of which is establishing a bricks and mortar shop for Ostara to dwell in. I can’t wait to be able to let people see, touch and hold their items before they buy. And who doesn’t love a good witchy shop?

Instagram feed : @ostara_shoppe

Where can people find you?

The store is found at www.ostarashoppe.com 

I’m on instagram as @ostara_shoppe 

And on Tik Tok as @Ostara_Shoppe

Ah thank you so much Olivia!

Let’s us know any qustions that you may have for Olivia in the comment below or via our channels, as we do love chatting with you!

Until Next time!

Event: 3 Wishes Fairy Festival

Exciting news from Karen Kay, aka The Fairy Lady & founder of the 3 Wishes Fairy Festival

COME AWAY WITH THE FAIRIES TO MAGICAL CORNWALL!

Exciting news from Karen Kay, aka The Fairy Lady & founder of the 3 Wishes Fairy Festival

We couldn’t be more excited here at Digital Coven as we love a good festival! The 3 Wishes Fairy Festival, dubbed the UK’s most magical event, returns to Cornwall in June after a two year pandemic absence. 

The family and pet friendly event takes place from Friday June 17 to Sunday June 19 at Mount Edgcumbe country estate, near Torpoint and will feature 100s of workshops, talks and performances, a big top circus and music among its attractions (all included in the ticket price). 

Alongside the entertainment many festival-goers will be embracing their inner ‘fairies’ or ‘elves’ creating a fun and colourful experience for everyone. Ahhhhh, we are so there, Bunnybunny (Emma) has always been partial to dressing like a fairy!

Woman dressed as a fairy
Emma still has the outfit and is willing to get it out with little notice

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to bring the festival back to Celtic Cornwall, the home of fairies, for the first time since 2019. This year, we’ve got music, activities, great vegan food, workshops, circus shows, special guests, meet and greets, and so much more. We even have a magical mermaid grotto with ‘real’ mermaids. There will be more magic than you can shake a fairy wand at,” Karen Kay said. 

Visitors to previous festivals have described the experience as ‘like stepping into a real-life fairy land’, and this year’s event promises to be even more magical with fantasy creatures such as gnomes, mermaids, elves, pixies and fairies wandering the site and fairy tea parties celebrating the festival’s 16th birthday. You has us at gnomes to be honest but ended strong on fairy tea pary, we can’t lie.

The festival was founded by the former BBC journalist in 2007. Karen, who lives near Truro, is a fairy author and is known as The Fairy Lady. She was guided to create a Midsummer gathering by the fairies she has been communicating with since she was a child. 

‘The Fairy Lady’ Karen Kay who is founder of The 3 Wishes Fairy Festival

She said: “I first saw fairies when I was a little girl, around the age of five or six. I would help my grandmother as she pruned the roses in her garden, and I would gather up the rose petals to make perfume for the flower fairies! I’d leave the concoction (rose water) out overnight for my fairy friends, and when I’d check in the morning, the perfume would be gone! 

“My fairy friends appear as tiny vibrant lights and have stayed with me since childhood and into my adult life, and I can honestly say, there’s never a dull moment when the fairies come out to play!

For three days and nights, the grounds of Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park on the outskirts of Torpoint will be transformed. Day tickets for the festival are available, yet for those wishing to stay, the event accommodates tents, caravans and campervans and there’s also a glamping option to rent bell tents, ‘shire’ homes and traditional caravans. A camping area is also available for disabled festival-goers which does need to be booked in advance. 

Picture by Danniella-Jaine who specialises in ‘fairy’ photography – https://www.danniellajaine.com

The 3 Wishes Fairy Festival is the first UK fairy festival to be totally vegan, with all food on-site provided by vegan caterers, with gluten-free options available. 

Ticket prices have been held at early bird prices until the end of April with a three-day ticket at £100, day tickets £40 for adults and £20 for children with free admittance for children under the age of seven. For more information visit www.fairyfestival.co.uk

Will you getting a ticket? If so let us know below or via our digital channels, as we want to know and we really, really want to see your outfits!

Instagram

Tiktok

Until Next time, Coven!

Love, love,

Everyday Witchcraft – Tea Magick Supplies: Rose Tea Sets.

Due to popular demand, here is where Bunnypudding gets her teaware from…

Well hello there Coven, I’ve been pretty active over on my Tiktok and Instagram recently making lots of fabulous everyday witchcraft and lifestyle content and well, I hate to say this but the breakout star of my labour isn’t me. Oh no, it’s my bloody Rose Enamel Glass Tea Pot that I treated myself to as a moving in present. 

Here she is in all of her glory. I call her Roseline after my grandmother and well, it has a bloody rose on it and some days I am more creative than others. 

Red Rose Tea Pot:  Store:https://amzn.to/3LGtaQy  

I’ve been asked about where I get my supplies and homewares on my videos and DMs so here is the list of kitchenware items used in my April Social Videos below. Some of the items are from different stores so if you are looking for a specific colour click the link below the picture 🙂 

Of course, I will also be sharing recipes and how to’s for my tea blends in another post so watch this space (or check out my social media!)

Please note that there are some affiliate links on the copy on this page, this means that I get a commission for any purchases made via this post. 

Tea Pots and Tea Pots Sets: 

You can get my stunning rose tea pot in either red (Picture above) or blue. I am not going to lie, I want them all. It’s an issue, it really is. 

One thing I need to stress though is that the tea pot is pretty small, so great for those who want to make one or two cups for tea or herbal spellwork but not so good if you are want to pour for several people at the same time. Great excuse to get two, otherwise, pay heed! 

Blue Rose Tea Pot Page: https://amzn.to/3OUUxYX

Price: £19.95

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/3OUUxYX

Blue Rose Tea Pot Set (Tea pot+ 6 cups): https://amzn.to/3LDt1gC

Price: £24.99

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/3LGtaQy

This is a rare set to get cheap, thus why I haven’t had it yet as these weren’t on offer when I was getting mine. I am truly gutted about this fact but it is also why I have two links below as I am sure they will be gone pretty quick. 

Red  Rose Tea Pot Set (Tea pot +  6 cups): https://amzn.to/3KH6

Price: £26.99 

Otherwise, 

Brand store: https://amzn.to/3vGz7HE

Has another set for £34.99 

Red Rose Tea Pot Page:  https://amzn.to/3F5tsxT

Price: £19.99

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/3LGtaQy 

Rose Enamel Kitchenware:

Now if you really cannot help yourself, and I clearly cannot, you can also get the matching cups, and mugs (and there are even wine glasses but that is another post!) So I have listed the options for the blue and red designs below. They are honestly so beautiful and so much fun. Leave me to my life of staying at home drinking tea out of my fancy cups. 

Rose Enamel Rose Flower Glass Tea Cup with Spoon Set Page: https://amzn.to/3OUUxYX

Price: £7.99 

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/3y9CCYA

Blue Enamel Rose Flower Glass Tea Cup with Spoon Set:

https://amzn.to/3LBeNN3

Price: £8.99

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/3LBeNN3

and it’s bigger counterpart

Blue Enamel Rose Flower Glass Tea Mug with Spoon Set

https://amzn.to/3LBeNN3

Price: £9.98

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/3OPUrBY

Blue Enamel Rose Flower Glass Tea Mug with Spoon Set, lid and placemat set 

Price: £26.99

Brand Store: https://amzn.to/38HJCkK

Phew! Be still my beating heart….Let me know if you have taken up any team making or decided to treat yourself to some new magick tea brewing kit below or via our social channels as we love to hear from you:

Tiktok

Instagram 

Until next time, Stay dazzling!

Love,

Emma

Witchcraft Around The World: 30th April -Walpurgis Night

Witchcraft Around The World: The fabulous Tanja, shares her insight into Walpurgis Night.

We love learning about all different type of Witchcraft here at Digital Coven and today we have the fabulous Tanja, sharing her insight into Walpurgis Night.

Take it away, Tanja!

Greetings fellow witches! You may or may not be prepping to celebrate Beltane this weekend, so I thought I would make you familiar with what I like to call its “German goth counterpart”, – Walpurgisnacht, or the Night of the Witches, which takes place on the night of the 30th of April.

About Beltane

As you may know, Beltane is the pagan festival held halfway between the spring and summer equinox, celebrating the blossoming of trees and flowers and the days getting warmer. It takes place between 30th of April and 1st of May and therefore traditionally includes May Day celebrations which span across many different cultures – Celtic, German, Hawaiian and Greek, to name a few. They include dancing around a May Pole, making flower crowns and crowning a May queen (not to be confused with the customs of Midsommar – neither the Swedish festival nor Ari Aster’s horror masterpiece).

“Children perform the Maypole Dance at the 2010 Downton Cuckoo Festival, Wiltshire” by Anguskirk is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The Fire Festival

Beltane, from the Gaelic Bealtaine, can be roughly translated to “bright fire”. On the eve of May 1st, Pagans would gather to light bonfires and dance around them – since fire typically stands for purification and new beginnings, this ties in with Beltane’s themes of renewal and summer returning. 

Like on Halloween (Samheim) and Midsummer, the veil between the realms of the living, dead and spirits is supposed to be especially thin this time of year. It is therefore no wonder the night became associated with witchcraft, its literal Dutch translation being “Heksennacht”, the night of the witches, which in German folklore became associated with a night where evil witches gather to plan their mischievous schemes.

“File:Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival 2012 – Procession.JPG” by Stefan Schäfer, Lich is marked with CC BY-SA 3.0.

The History of Walpurgis Night

For this negative association, we can thank the Catholic Church – as pagan beliefs did not fit in with the Christian religious ideals, during the Middle Ages they attempted to stamp out any other religion’s customs, including those of Beltane, throughout Europe. Walpurgisnacht i.e. “Walpurgis Night” derives its name from the Catholic missionary turned Saint Walpurga, who was celebrated for succeeding at putting an end to “pagan sorcery”. 

Ironically, the image I associated with Walpurga until researching this date stems from a popular German children’s cartoon about a teenage witch – In this, she is the leader of the coven and looks like this:

Walpurgia | Bibi Blocksberg Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia
Image Souce

As someone who grew up Catholic, that doesn’t look very pious to me, which goes to show that Walpurga today is associated way more with witches than she would have liked. Sorry, gal!

To give her credit, Walpurga actually did see to it that the pagan rituals didn’t completely die out: She was canonised on the 1st of May, and therefore, likely by accident, Christian and Pagan customs became entwined. Pagans could continue their celebrations without fear of being condemned, by doing it under the guise of honouring Saint Walpurga (article). 

So, these practices could be continued quite freely in Medieval Germany, until the 16th century, which saw a massive hysteria about witchcraft followed by one of the most gruesome and bloody witch hunts in history taking place in Germany.

During that time, hysteria led people to believe that witches would gather on Mount Brocken, the highest peak in Germany’s Harz Mountains, to have orgies, dance, and meet with Satan to discuss how they could bring the most mischief and evil to the coming year (no, really).

Ein Bild, das Text, Zeichnung enthält. Automatisch generierte Beschreibung
The actual Saint Walpurga

 

According to some legends, witches would gather in the valley and then ride up to the mountain’s peak – not just on broomsticks, but even on cats or goats!

In an attempt to protect themselves from evil spirits and witches, locals would gather on April 30th to light bonfires, burn straw men and make loud noises to chase away evil. The joyous pagan rituals for fertility and summer returning therefore morphed into a gathering driven by fear. Well done, Catholic Church!

Die Nacht, in der Hexen auf Besen reiten
“Witches going to their Sabbath” (1878) by Luis Ricardo Falero

Luckily, those superstitions began to gradually die out and Walpurgis Night celebrations carried on but became more light-hearted, as people would gather around the fire, celebrate, and sing folk songs. The festival might not still be part of the German Zeitgeist today had it not been for Goethe’s famous poem Faust, published in the 19th century, which sees the protagonist travelling to Mount Brocken and taking part in the witches’ celebrations.

This poem, loathed by German highschoolers throughout the country, re-popularised Walpurgisnacht and is likely to thank for why it is still popular today.

Modern Day celebrations

Today, Walpurgisnacht remains part of German popular culture, with many other stories about the Witches’ mountain gatherings having sprung up in the century following Goethe’s Faust.

As for the celebrations, most that remains of them is the lighting of and gathering around bonfires, although this is now being celebrated under the new motto of Tanz in den Mai – “Dance into May”. Turns out, pagans, legendary witches and normal human beings alike love a bit of revelry and dancing around a fire! Due to the first of May being a bank holiday, Labour Day, people still traditionally like to go dancing at clubs which do “Tanz in den Mai” themed nights. I have taken part in many of these club nights and regardless of alcohol levels, the night has always felt special to me. Maybe there is something to the veil between the worlds being more permeable. Or maybe I just feel very seen as a witch on this holiday which is, in a way, dedicated to us. 

Thanks, Tanja!

You can stay in touch with Tanja and find her shitposting and creating other digital content about drag, queer and witchy stuff on Instagram @tanjaktx and Tiktok @tanjatix

If you wish to write an article for Digital Coven please get in touch on our contact page or just pop an email over to us on digitalcovenuk@gmail.com or you can always reach out via our social channels:

Tiktok

Instagram 

Until next time,

Love,

Featured Image: “File:Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival 2012 – Bonfire.JPG” by Stefan Schäfer, Lich is marked with CC BY-SA 3.0.

Witchcraft at work: Interview with The Word Witch

We speak to the fabulous ‘Witchy Freelancer’ and Word Witch, Emma Cownley in todays Working Witches interview!

We love everyday witchcraft here at Digital Coven and we know you do too, so we partnered with some fabulous real life witchy types to dicuss how they bring witchcraft into their daily lives. Today’s interview is with the fabulous Emma Cownley, or as we like to refer to her, The Word Witch! She is not only kicking ass in life but also in the business word, we love a Witch who means business!

Let’s get started shall we?

First, tell us about yourself!

My name’s Emma, and I’m a freelance writer from London. When I’m not busy being a pen monkey, you’ll find me playing the drums, riding horses, turning dead animals into works of art, or sitting in seat J13 at The Prince Charles Cinema. 

And now…what you do and your career journey up until now

I’m a freelance writer for B2C brands in the music, fashion, and lifestyle space. I mostly write for alternative brands or super luxe brands. If I’m lucky, I’ll get a client who’s a mix of the two!

I started in a customer service role for an online aquatic retailer, and I slowly edged my way into the copywriting side of the business. Once I got a taste for writing, I went for my first proper copywriting job at printed.com. 

After about four years, I realised I’d gone as far as I could with that company, and I decided to go solo. I’m a bit of a wimp and don’t have a lot of confidence, so I thought freelance life would help me own my power a bit more. And boy, has it. Trial by fire!

I’ve been freelance for five years now, and it’s been a real journey. In the best way, of course. One look at my website will show you how much of a hoot I’m having.

What is witchcraft to you?

It’s a grounding force and a guide. I’m a real dreamer — a romantic prone to floating away into space like an untethered balloon! I’m also a worrier. My practice gives me a sense of control and helps keep me rooted in the here and now. By reconnecting with nature, the cycle of the moon, and the turn of the seasons, I find firm and tangible grounding. It’s real, and it’s right there to enjoy.

Witchcraft is also a great lens for self-growth and self-examination. By moving with the seasons, journaling with tarot cards, and meditating with spirit guides, I can look at myself truthfully and gently course-correct towards being happier, kinder, and more content.

How do you use witchcraft in your day to day life?

I start the day by setting my intentions with a daily devotion (always gotta be walking in love and light!). I usually write in my dream journal each morning and I like to draw an oracle card for the day before I start work (I use The Literary Witches Oracle Deck). I also draw a tarot card at the full moon each month. 

I’ll finish my day with a gratitude devotion where I think about how fucking lucky I am. I think about all the small delights I enjoyed during the day, the things that tested me and what I learned, and I take a minute to think about all my loved ones. It helps me decompress and unpack everything that happened, rather than letting each day slip past without a second thought.

My practice is mostly rooted in the practical, day-to-day side of things. I’d probably call myself a hearth witch — I’m very invested in cultivating good energy in my home and using it to help others.

Emma Cownley – Professional Word Witch

And professional life?

When I’m writing, I work with a muse spirit, and I sometimes light a candle for her. Whenever I sit down to work, I take a quick minute to think about how it feels when I’m struck by the excitement of a cool idea — your heart flips, and you get a sudden flush of energy. That’s the spirit of my muse! By making that small connection with the spirit of inspiration, I’ve ‘invoked’ her, and I’m ready to work. 

I also use sigils for everything. As a writer, they’re my favourite magickal tool. I have sigils for my Filofax, for client jobs, and one that I use to ‘activate’ my home office. I’ve carved the office sigil into the side of an orange pillar candle, and I light it each morning to open up my office energies. I also smudge my office with sage once a week to clear out the nasties — I see my desk as a writing altar, so I like to keep it sacred.

How have you used witchcraft to support in shaping your career?

Tarot cards have played a huge part in shaping my career. I do a full yearly spread every Samhain and pay special attention to my business during that. 

I also use Esbats and Sabbats to perform any magickal nudges needed to get me back on track. As a freelancer, a huge part of my business success comes directly from my own mindset and confidence levels. If I’m stuck in a pit of self-doubt or trapped in a scarcity mindset, I can really hurt my own progress. Magick helps me refocus and tap back into my personal power.

The Witchy Freelancer



Does your work know about your practice?

Absolutely. It’s become part of my brand at this point! Last year I came out of the broom closet by launching an mini eBook called The Witchy Freelancer and, to my delight, the freelance community rallied to support me. I was surprised by some of the people who bought it, too — people I’d never have suspected would be into all this ‘woo-woo’ stuff. 

A few freelance colleagues recently called me out on Twitter asking for a witchy newsletter. After giving it some thought, I realised there actually was a lot of interest and a gap in the market for something like that. So I launched a monthly newsletter called The Copy Coven. It’s packed with writing exercises, creativity boosting ideas, and a section on the moon cycle of the month and how to work with it. I’d never have thought of the idea without my colleagues! 

I’d love to make my practice a bigger part of my work life by joining forces with Wiccan and new age brands. It’s actually one of my goals for the year! Someone like Witchy would be great. I adore their products and their brand tone of voice.

How do colleagues/clients respond?

Really bloody well, actually! I try not to be preachy with my beliefs because I understand they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. I’d never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. But, to be fair, I don’t think anyone was surprised when I ‘came out’! I even had two of my clients download my eBook — that’s how you know you’re working with the right people!

Where can people find you?

You’ll find me over on my website, Jot Jot Boom or on Twitter. If you’d like to hear more from me, check out my newsletter or grab a copy of The Witchy Freelancer. Come and say hi — I don’t bite (not all the time, anyway).

Ah, thank’s Emma, you super star!

Let’s us know any qustions that you may have for Emma in the comment below or via our channels, as we do love chatting with you!

Until Next time!