Oh how I agree! As a VERY OLD CRONE I’ve started to fear I’m going senile through all the rubbish I’ve read lately. It concerns me greatly because my youngest granddaughter has become interested in the craft. I worry for her future.
Agreed 100%! I mean, I do understand that some people want to make their livings with their Craft, and that has always been a thing, but exploitation is a whole other thing....
My "Grimoir" is a notebook. I write all my thoughts and ideas. I write down the runes I pull each morning. I have a dream diary too which I love. If anyone read my dream diary I would most likely be put in a special hospital 🤣 I've seen people online put more effort into the asthetics of their grimoir/notebook than the content.
I think the act of writing out the pages of your grimoire by hand gives them more weight. I never think what I do looks particularly good, but it carries so many layers of meaning, intent & possibility. You can't get that in something mass produced.
Interestingly, I felt called to a practice several years ago, entered through a more "mainstream" and surface level way, and after not connecting through a number of books and sources (many which were like the one you went over here), I did not make headway in my practice until I started studying in my ancestral pre-colonial practice and doing in-depth research. It's a shame that there are so many of these types of books out there because I have to wonder how many people get way laid by this kind of faulty info.
i'm in the same boat! i've always been interested in my local traditional way to view the world and live, but a lot of the knowledge has been lost or been written over. it was easier to find information on "conventional witchcraft", but so much of the info is surface level or didn't speak to me deeply/feel "right" (i'm from a different culture). lately i've felt a strong calling to get back into the topic, and this time i've found way more information and resources that actually speak to me and my path. maybe the time is right this time for both of us!
Honestly the first story, makes me feel good about people. No one treated you differently about your face paint to the point that you didn't realize it was still on. I am sure most of it was that you were more worried about your spouse. But still no one was overtly rude.
From one grumpy old crone to another--this one Stateside. I tuned in and thought this was a great and timely presentation. I also had just been reading a chapter on the phenomenon of pop-culture witchcraft from a highly recommended book A History of Witchcraft - Sorcerers, Heretics & Pagans by Russell and Alexander. The morning read and your video went well together for the thought for the day. The acceptance of witchcraft in popular culture has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, folk magic and Neopagan and Woman Spirituality are out of shadows--on the other, all this under the aegis of "witchcraft" redefined has become fodder for pop culture and fad identity-culture (style rather than substance). Just as the 60s counterculture scene became commercialized, so too is the Craft scene. The New Age manifestation magic and Baby Witch scenes --and the ongoing conflating of witchcraft and Wicca--has sabotaged and mercilessly dummied down the movement IMO. I think more advanced, mature--and scholarly-minded-practitioners should just continue to be a voice and see how things continue to evolve.
Spot on. It's depressing seeing the parallels between 60s counterculture and the Craft with regards to how the general public view them. It's taking something powerful and vibrant and reducing it to the lowest common denominator.... You are absolutely correct though.
It's not gatekeeping to call out sheisters that are packaging up free and the utmost basic information that is repeated ad nauseum literally everywhere online, slapping together some lame stuff on canva, and then selling it as pdfs. This is stuff that would have done better as yet another blog or substack or pinterest board. It's one thing to spend months (or, in the case of witchcraft, YEARS) studying and researching and then months writing a book. Sure, sell that. But this is a money grab. EDIT: Just got to the part where you were talking about how you found a ton of the same information in other "Grimoires". That got me remembering a Facebook ad I had run across a year or two ago. It was a complete witchcraft marketing/business set that had thousands of these pdf sheets, cut and paste post templates, and illustrations so that people could sell and market their "witchcraft business" simply by packaging stuff up and cutting and pasting posts. Seems like that's what's going on there (or something similar). (aaaand...just got to the bit where you mention that haha. I really should watch the ENTIRE video before commenting). Ugh. Even more disgusting than I originally thought.
Still makes me angry thinking how many innocent people - hungry for real information and leadership - are suckered into parting with hard-earned money.
@ Agreed. It’s a nasty business and I wish there were less people falling victim to it. I’ve even attempted to warn people about these scams and I get shouted down in the comments. So, I suppose if they’re so blindly willing to be victims so be it. What ever happened to good old research?
Thanks for sharing your salty truths! Love it. I remember bulletin boards with amazing talented people who chatted back and forth sharing knowledge. You were lucky to find a decent mail order occult house. If you did, you mailed your order and patiently waited 6 weeks😅 You grew your herbs, and made most of your tools. I dug through dusty lovely book stores for the occasional gem. Things have changed a lot. I haven't 😉 I was taught to observe my elders, ask them and write it down. Before you knew it you had a nice little reference of things that have worked. Learn about the basics. Plants, planets, seasons, correspondences and you will know if someone is off the mark or if they try and lead you down the garden path. One size does not fit all!😅
Laughing. You are so bang on with your read of this. You read them to filth. The author seems to have reduced connecting to the divine to a kind of magical pick-n-mix. There is so much reductive, watered down utter crap available now that it actually saddens me. As a belief and practice it’s gone down the road of first it’s feared, then it’s persecuted, then it’s ridiculed and finally it’s marketed which is where we are now. I’m so so tired of the nonsense. I sometimes think if some of the self proclaimed social media witches actually had a genuine experience with Hecate for instance, they would probably sxxx themselves. Im so over it.
This is exactly right. It's why I've given up trying to claim I'm not a gatekeeper. I believe some gates need to be kept in order to prevent this watering down and reductive bollocks. More of us should do it. Stand up for the sacredness of our beliefs. Nobody shouts "Gatekeeper!" at Christians who say you should be confirmed in order to receive communion....
The gods and deities is the one that gets me... No one can agree on the number of Gods and Goddesses in Norse and Anglo-Saxon culture, how many of them are separate entities, or how many are the same deity under a different name, the deities of Ancient Egypt that are referred to often by pagans and scholars only scratch the surface, so 14 pages won't cover that. These printables seem to be a quick money making exercise for digital sellers.
A friend contacted me off-UA-cam and said that she'd had an advert for how to AI-generate these. So it would appear that they aren't even written by a bad person. No person at all! I'm even angrier now!
On the subject of Ron Hutton's ubiquity, I think that guy must have mastered the occult art of bilocation or something. He lives near me in Bristol and I am constantly seeing him all over the place. In fact it seems to freak him out a bit. About a year ago, I went to Chorleywood in Hertfordshire to visit my parents. It turned out that he was actually giving a talk at the local memorial hall in the village at the same time!
Instead of Karren ! You are more of a female Gandalf " THOWWWW SHALLLL NOT PAAAASSSSSS,😆👌👏👏👏🍎✨ Your teaching me so much 👏👏💗What a massive bibliography you just gave me 😵😆👌
I love Hearthwitch and it's so wonderful to see crones out here on UA-cam giving sound advice on this pathworking. I, myself, am 61 and though I love the young witches out there doing their thing, it's great to see the Crones step up... grumpy or not. ;) Love your presentation here and this video is my first introduction to your channel. Had to find out what you considered 'rubbish' and it was worth the time listening. From smoke-inhalation Southern California, I applaud you! :D
23:05 Omg you mention Lughnasa and my first thought was "I wonder what Ronald Hutton has to say on this...", then you bring him up! Brilliant! Also, thanks so much for signposting resources at the end. I'm re-engaging with my eclectic paganism after two decades and it was really helpful to have some pointers.
I'm not even SLIGHTLY surprised. It sounds AI, and now I've seen adverts for this AI generated bollocks. Makes me so angry!!!!! But having you subbed is a happy thing, so thanks for that !
What part of the Bible belt are you in? I'm in the middle of Arkansas, very Very rural. And even though there's crystal mines Everywhere around me, finding like minded is harder than finding water in the desert.
@faustina9328 - Oh, Texas is Easy! Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin are virtual HUBS of witchy activity! There's groups in El Paso, Lubbock, Texarkana and everywhere in between! One of the gatherings I used to go to (30 yrs ago) got so big... that they had to do admission by lottery! Ah, those were the days! 😁
I just found you. Grumpy caught my eye. Love your Honesty, Attitude. I like how you have set your ideas/subject. I can't wait to listen and learn from you, along with having some laughs.
People looking for meaning in their life are getting scammed. I hate it. Interestingly, I got a comment from someone hugely offended by this video. I suspect they sell the book I mentioned....
The witchcraft museum at Boscastle is amazing, I loved it when I went a few years ago. Also love Glastonbury, it’s my favourite place ever and I have recently come back from a trip there for Samhain. I recently found your channel, loving it and subbed 🥰
Two of my favourite places in the world. Can't wait to go back to both! I missed a Glastonbury trip this year because I caught Covid after Fantasy Forest Festival. I'm still a bit bitter about it....
@ totally understand that, I would be too! Glastonbury is just amazing I love it so much. No matter what I was doing if someone said “do you want to go to Glastonbury?” It would be a yes straight away lol 🥰
Thank you for saying something. I do make slapdash journals and logbooks to print and sell but those are straight neutral data collection books, and not this "fluffy bunny" "witchy aesthetic". Ive been practicing solitary for decades now, and still don't feel I have gained enough knowledge to claim the authority to write a book on it. - I also think the fact that I got burned a few times early on with crap books has something to do with that. But I also learned that the gifts and secrets of witchcraft will not drop in PDF form into ones lap, one has to do a little bit of digging and be persistent in seeking out what it is that they want and seek to know and discern the validity and value of the knowledge that is revealed to them. And that skill has been priceless. I am a huge fan of Silver RavenWolf and her books were a really good resource early on, and the notes and bibliography she included was fantastic.
I bloody love a good bibliography, me! I just bought the paper copy of Tracy Borman's "Witches: James I and the English Witch Hunts" purely because I wanted the bibliography and footnotes after listening to the audiobook whilst driving.
Cringes in *has a grimoire in a binder with naff stickers on*, hahaha. Very on point though. These videos are the highlight of whatever week you post them.
Love your take on everything I am a crone witch practicing for many years, your path sounds similar to mine, I was wiccan left it and now I’m solitary. One book and author who I have met and recommend for anyone not wanting to follow the wiccan path is Cassandra Eason I love all her books, very wise woman. Also you must try to get to St Nectans Glen it is amazing the energy is lovely, they have a meditation room too.
I'm totally going to go back to St Nectan's. The recommendation is to go super early in the morning, so I'm going to do that. The husband may not be such a big fan.... (He likes late mornings on holiday)
I'd like to reassure you, as part of that gen and the wider community, and now in my thirties, we're also cringing at these PDFs and buying books instead! I still think of myself as a beginner even though I've been practising for some time. I don't think Ariana is being a Karen here in that her arguments are reasonable! Value should have standards. I personally love 'Spells for Change' by Frankie Castanea as an introductory book.
Hearth is really such a good source for not only starters. I enjoy her videos a lot. 🍀 I agree with you on the topic of fake shitty pdf grimoire stuff. 👹 I really want to visit the UK next week and the Witchcraft Museum is on my list to visit. Cornwall is so pretty. 💚
I love Hearth! And you are right that she's got a lot of content for every level. I do think she's an excellent place for someone to start though, as she gives such clear information and lots of choices about different paths without judgement. Cornwall is gorgeous! I'd never been before, but it won't be my last visit.
❤Hello. This is my 1st watch of your channel. You got me hooked with your humor towards being called a, "Karen". Labels are a pet peeve of mine...I dislike them soooo much!!! I get called one all the time because I speak up when I see wrongs and ignorance in the world...oh well if you don't like me, no one else wears my shoe size.😊
I was subscribed to a monthly box at £25 a month. At first I was happy but as time went on and there was basically Chinese crap as part of it I woke up and cancelled it. It was a retail therapy as the time progressed. I wish I'd saved my money and the drawer space the various herb jars and stuff are not now taking up.
I just found your channel, and I actually love how genuine and informative you are. I believe there's a lot of crap out there on the internet that scammers want beginners to buy. Because I believe people that sell pages like that are scammers. I also agree that published media has to hold up a high standard, just because there is a lot of nonsense and misinformation everywhere, especially on apps like TikTok etc. If anyone wants to truly learn something valuable, we have to research, compare, read a lot of different books on the subject, and research again, and again. Real learning takes a lot of time and work, there's no quick fix. It's as simple as that.
😂 As a pagan nun, I don't even bother writing in my Book of Shadows anymore. The amount of research I've done over the years wouldn't fit into a 500 page book. These 'pagan' trash that people sell I don't even give a second look. Yes, I am a Karen too.
I love your content! I also missed it but I was also sick with Covid so I completely understand why there were no videos. It kicked my behind! I’m not a huge fan of gate keeping but I have respect for someone who presents a damn good argument as to why they feel that way and you’re spot on. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
I think there are some different ways and levels of what we term "gatekeeping". I'm totally against people who stop others from joining in a hobby because they don't fit the gatekeeper's sense of ... something. As a long-time female roleplayer, I have seen this a LOT. There's a certain kind of person who doesn't want women playing *their* game. I usually delight in taking these knobends down a peg or two. I've been playing since I was 16, and met every single partner I've ever had through roleplaying, usually whilst running the game myself. But the medieval role of a gatekeeper was not just to keep people out, but to welcome them in, and direct them on their onward journey. And *that's* the kind of gatekeeper I want to be.
Thank you for putting good, authentic, and accurate content out. There's way too much rubbish out there that is inaccurate spreading ignorance. You're so refreshing!
Absolutely here for witchy karen lol. I am also traditional, but was raised with folk practices from the ozarks and appalachia. I'm working on getting back to my family's roots, which can be tedious. I'm just happy to see someone keeping the gate for those who don't pay attention to what technology is doing to us. Like, I hate that people take advantage of the newbies. They didn't do that as much back in our day because everyone was too afraid to do so. At least that was the case in my community. People would hesitate to teach, now people are too excited to hop on being an ""expert"" and just throwing this shit out. Rubbish indeed. --Vyvyan
Oh, and I know about the ER... I spent the entire night in drag after a performance and didn't get home until like 8am (rather then 1am like normal). --Vyvyan
Taking advantage of people - that's the crux of my problem with it, I think. I've long thought one of the most profound quotes about the state of the world was from Terry Pratchett, through the mouth of Granny Weatherwax: "Sin, young man, is when you treat people like things." Treating people like things and things like people - that's just wrong. I agree that there was none of this "I know a little, so I'll broadcast that and make up the rest" culture when I started out in the 80s. You read Starhawk and found your way from there, really.
Well said! I’ve just stumbled across your channel, this being the first video of yours I’ve seen! But I loved listening to you ranting🤣 in all seriousness I completely agree with your point about dodgy stuff to buy. I’m very late to the witches table and I’ve no idea where to find solid reliable and credible information. I really appreciate your list of authors. I’ll certainly be checking them out. Thanks for the laugh!❤
I have plans to do beginners' book video in the very near future, which might be worth keeping an eye out for? I'm self-employed (not as an influencer!) and I have a huge pile of work this week, but when I've motored through it, I'll get on with the video :-)
My husband and I used to do historical reenactments of the fur trade era and was on our way to a festival. He was dressed up in beaded buckskins, moccasins, I even think he had a knife on his belt, and went into a local store on the way. I followed at a discrete distance to watch people's reactions to him and was very disappointed no one seemed to notice anything peculiar.
Ooooh, that feels a bit edgey... Would I get thrown out of Waterstones before getting my cheese toastie? How brave am I? (Don't want to get banned - I like the toasties!)
Thinking of books that help - my path is basically Alexandrian, and my literary mentors from very far back have been Janet and Stewart Farrar. 'A Witches Bible' (NB: not _the_ Witches' Bible, there's no such thing) is good as a reference book and sort of Wiccan primer. Stewart's 'The Pagan Path' is a pretty good non-specific introduction to paganism. This is from a male perspective, Stewart was very nuts-and-bolts in his approach. I kind of like Amoura's 'Green Witch', mainly as a starter for various practices. I think I got a lot of useful info from the Man Myth and Magic series in the 70s but I don't know if there's an omnibus edition anywhere. Alexandrian Wicca varies quite a lot from Gardnerian in character, we tend to be more experimental and less insistent on convention. I know at least two Alexandrians who combine their path with Buddhism. There are strong parallels between Wicca and Eastern religions and it's likely that Gardner drew from Hindu and Buddhist beliefs when inventing the Festivals. It could therefore be argued that there is a very ancient historical tradition behind Wicca, just not a Western one. Be careful with weight reducing diets generally, they almost invariably throw your metabolism out of whack and throw you into 'fasting mode', which means that the moment you liberate the diet you're on a road to putting on more weight. The low carb diet is something I have serious issues with. It was shown in the early 2000s that you very rarely achieve ketosis and that this is essentially a just another calorie reducing diet based on the high satiety value of a high fat intake. This might be okay if fat wasn't an issue, by relying on fat for your calories, you risk fatty liver, gallstones and kidney stones, along with Cholesterol imbalance. I'm a cardiac rehabilitation nurse and I've encountered several patients with incredibly high cholesterol levels because their diabetic nurse had recommended a low carbohydrate diet. The problem is that they don't specify what kind of fat to eat and, if you have any of the Nordic inherited blood fat disorders it can become a ticket to a heart attack. I don't know if either of you is diabetic, but there has been a commercially motivated drive to encourage diabetics to pursue this kind of diet and it stinks. The best way to lose weight if you can do it is a normal, balanced intake and regular exercise. If your ability to exercise is limited, just do what you can and eat a balanced intake (the NHS healthy eating advice is free online). The thing is that we are genetically programmed for famine and plenty. We lay down fat during plenty to prepare for famine. If you put your body into false famine by dieting, once your body gets a bit of plenty, it will just lay down _more_ fat because it expects famine to be more frequent and you can end up on a vicious spiral.
The museum in Boscastle is amazing! Thank you for the recommendations. Ive been practising for 10 years and even then I don't feel like i do or know anywhere near enough. I don't even remember the wheel of the year so im glad that it doesn't mean anything 🤣 id recommend the glen! But go EARLY IN THE MORNING!!!! When i went it was full of screming children and i couldn't take the place in properly
That's good advice about the Glen. We're definitely going back, and will take that on board! I'm a firm believer that you should use things that have meaning for you. If the Wheel has meaning, great! If not, or you can't remember it, I wouldn't worry about it!
Missed your videos too! Kept checking…👀 enjoyed and agreed …keep embracing Kar…Annie!!! 😉 Sorry you’ve been ill, but sounded like you managed to have a great time. Boscastle is on my list of places to visit!
In my personal experience, based on everything I've felt about myself, my soul, how I connect with whatever comes across my radar...Witchcraft is, to me, simply very, very cosmic. From the soil we dig up to plant a garden, to the telescopes we use to gaze in wonder at the stars, moon and planets, and all Nature-appreciating things in between -- like cultivating good relationships with the Fae, to communing with the peaceful energies of a favorite tree. Some, like myself, use music to transport ourselves into a meditation state, or make shamanic journeys. When I was as young as 6, I would beg my father to put the "Cosmos" LP on. That classic theme Dr. Carl Sagan used for his beloved "Cosmos" series (broadcast on American PBS stations), was one that Greek musician Vangelis (R.I.P.) originally wrote and produced for his 1975 "Heaven and Hell" album. And it always made me feel like, if the music were played long enough, I might just grow wings, the sound layering is just that masterful. (I still feel like that, 40 years later!) And that's just a fraction of what I can put into words w/o someone wanting to give me serious (Sirius? 😂) side-eye. I have yet to truly, fully keep a "proper" Book of Shadows, really. Maybe it's part of my Celtic ancestry/past lives-- nothing of import got written down in case it fell into the wrong hands. Maybe it's just me being my neurodivergent self, not quite managing to get everything recorded in a "proper, executive function" way. Maybe I feel like the knowledge and experiences I've had feel so...particular to me that trying to gather everything I've learned so far into a specific book feels too confining, even if I use my laptop to create a word processing document of any kind. So yeah...these very limiting PDFs you're showing have my mystical self going "Say whaaat? There's no way you can sum up a working, flowing relationship with specific Beings, or Tarot decks, or crystals, etc. in these few pages." It's like trying to write notes about a recipe in a cookbook w/only two pages for notes. No freaking way! As you say, Annie, it's bollocks! 😅
This is perfect - I agree with everything 100%. Music and sound (and sometimes the lack of it) is something I use a LOT in my practice. My current favourite is Nigel Shaw and his soundscapes of Dartmoor along with his beautiful flute playing. I will definitely look out for "Cosmos" though - it sounds glorious
@@GrumpyOldCrone It's easiest if you look up the music here on YT, as the music is considered older (the classic show itself is from the 1980s). And the selections Dr. Sagan made for the soundtrack are not all Vangelis. There's quite a bit of variety. 😅 It's Vangelis' music I fell in love with. 😅
So pleased you are better after all the illness and glad your Husband is on the mend. My parents went to Boscastle years ago and brought me back a flying witch doll. They loved it. It’s definitely on my ‘to visit’ list. Anyway keep being a Karen and gatekeeping! I got told I was gatekeeping horror because I said Shirley Jackson’s ‘The haunting of hill house’ was more of a ghost story 🤔 in a horror book group. Seems gatekeeping is the in word at the moment 😂 however I quite like the idea of being a gatekeeper (not gamekeeper though) 😊
It's another of those phrases like "narcissist" that get thrown around willy nilly, isn't it? As I've said elsewhere, the old definition of a gatekeeper was not only someone who kept people out, but also someone who welcomed visitors in, and directed them on their way. That's the kind of gatekeeper I think I'd like to be...
Ivy the Occultist has straight-up called out Mari Silva at least twice for being AI thought you might want to add that to your list of authors to beware of.
@@GrumpyOldCrone I've played around with AI art a bit. Dall-e 2 which is old hat now, and quite rough around the edges, and gives it a certain character. Like an oracle at times. It feels a bit like we've created some kind of new lifeform. Very hard not to project notions of sentience onto it. And I mean, if our statues and idols become repositories of spirit, then why not? So monstrously energy hungry though. That's a huge worry. And there are already models in use in warfare, for target selection, to terrifying effect..
Hi Annie, I am with you here. These so-called grimouires are such a load of rubbish and only have one use that they are useful for, and that's the shit house. I hope you enjoyed the little witch museum as much as I did when I went several years ago. We are planning on returning again soon.
Hello! Just watched a couple of your videos and as someone just dipping my toes into all things Witch, i had to subscribe and will watch you much more! I'd also like to ask your advice, if i may please, on a little blunder i made a couple of weeks ago regarding the lovely Hawthorn tree over the road from our house... But I'll wait for a reply from you first as you might not be willing to assist in this way. Thank you for the fab vids thus far, Annie. You're very down to Earth and remind me of a cross between my fave cousin and one of my best friends! Love, Mel in Devon x 🍰🌻
@@GrumpyOldCrone aha, you've spotted my reply! Thank you very much. Here goes... Well, it was either equinox or the following day by the by, when daughter and I popped to the little play park opposite our house for a wander around and maybe collect some fir cones or acorns or whatever as we always decorate the dining room for each season. I spotted the gorgeous red berries on the Hawthorn tree in the far corner and snipped off three little twigs with berries to add them vase of flowers brought to me days before by a friend. We picked up a bit of litter on our way home like usual and left. As we came through the front door I suddenly stopped as my dear old Nan's words rang in my ears saying 'No don't bring Hawthorn into the house!' (she was really superstitious). I dropped the bag of sticks in the porch, left the door open and checked out Google for more info on Hawthorn. I KNOW not to bring in flowers but does that also apply to berries..? Also I did not ask the tree for permission before I cut! Anyway, I discovered this had all been a bad idea and so returned the sticks with their berries and apologised to the tree and fairies. I left a little blob of honey on a clean stone and said I meant no harm. The next day I spotted a Hawthorn Shield Bug in the kitchen tap! I returned it to the tree with daughter and it scampered up the branch as if happy to be home. Later I brought bread and more honey to the tree as an offering and said I meant no harm. Disposed of some litter into the bin there in the park and came home. I've been a bit nervous ever since Annie as I did not want to piss off the tree BUT especially not the fairies.... There are four of us and our cat living in our house and three of us have chronic illnesses so am very concerned at my stupidity with the lovely Hawthorne tree. I've tried to make amends in a small way. I've since seen one more shield bug (on our car) but when I turned around it had vanished so I couldn't take it to the tree... Have I done enough do you think..? I'm remain a little scared for family. Is there any more I can do or do you think it'll all be OK..? Thank you very, very much for taking the time to read this looong reply and Thank you in advance for some advice and/or reassurance. Thanks Annie 🥰 Love Mel in Devon x 🍰🌻
Sorry for the delay - lots of stuff happening here! I think you've done exactly the right thing. The folklore is - as you very rightly say - to not cut hawthorn or bring it into the house except on May 1st. You realised your error, returned it and made reparations. I'd say you did 100% the right thing. I would also say that you have started a good relationship with that tree, so continue making little offerings and connecting with it, and not only will reparations be made, but you'll open up a new line of spirit connection. Just my opinions!
@@GrumpyOldCrone Annie, thank you very much for your words of wisdom on this. It's really been upsetting me and so I appreciate your words hugely. I will do as you suggest and take more offerings to the lovely tree and continue to connect with it. Thank you again, I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for this. Looking forward to your next video. Love, Mel xx 🍰🌻
I have a pro tip for all of you, if you paint your face to look properly scary, nobody will sit next to you on the train. 😊 (most useful if you need to do some work while traveling)
Wow! I got to visit Boscastle in ‘99; I didn’t know there was a museum like that there; I did see the labyrith design carved in rock. There is one very like in NM! I also went to Tintagel; the wondeerful statue hadn’t bee erected yet but there was plenty of magic to go arouned! Visited a small stone circle and was invited to see if I could ‘doiuse’ etheric currents within it. The rods crossed when I walked over the middle so perhaps…? I also went through the hole at MeA-Tol…it’s supposed toi free you from ever having back pain. I did the 3 passes and am glad to say it seems to have worked. I love the UK, and saw a lot of it but am quite sorry to have missed this!
The museum is right down the end of the harbour, one of the last buildings at the ground level. It's fabulous! I'm also a fan of a bit of dowsing. I will admit to being a bit sceptical about dowsing to start with, but I've been completely convinced since!
Well I think the book is mass leading you can't learn everything about Witchcraft and one book and thank you for making this video you're just telling the truth and you're not morning Old Crow I've I have been practicing witchcraft for sometime and I also talked about it my UA-cam channel and I would say you're a wonderful person this year's wonderful knowledge and I look forward to seeing more of your content❤
So many. It makes me so sad, because I wonder how many people starting their journey are getting this rubbish peddled to them and failing to find their path because of it.
Cunningham is excellent for Wiccans, I think, but not so much for different paths. But his information is really useful - I have his encyclopaedia of correspondences and it is probably the book that I use most out of anything.
Wearing that scary make up probably explains why you were seen so promptly in A&E. They prioritise cases in accordance with perceived urgency via the triage system. They probably saw your face and thought you must be dying or something. I once had to wait all night to be seen for a broken arm. So, maybe the best thing is to actually take the make up with you rather than take it off beforehand.
Cochrane was a Gardnerite (his term). He was as much of an inventor as Gardner was, though Cochrane borrowed from "Morning of the Magicians", local folkloric materials etc. Certainly the 1734 and other permutations of Cochrane's offspring recognize how much re-casting of Gardner's materials is in Cochrane. The eight fold wheel was an excuse for eight parties a year, agreed upon by the members of what would become OBOD and the London Coven, per two people who were there at the time. Neither group had enough members for a rocking good 1950's time, but together, they did. Besides, both Gardner and Nichols told people to attend their local agricultural festivals-which is why these materials are basically absent from OBOD and Gardner's groups.. The nonsense of the online pdf non-books on subjects is depressing. Cut and paste from Wikipedia, etc. The multi level marketing approach of these pdf pastiches is depressing, regardless of what the topic may be. My experience is that elders are ignored, at least here in the States. If something isn't online, or on Amazon, it isn't considered real. There's always the Pagan Federation or the various online lists of groups.
Perfectly put! I personally think Cochrane had some serious flaws in his theories, and was more interested in "being different" than anything else. But it's the closest I've found to what I feel is right, so I try to forge a personal gnosis which is somewhat informed by some of his ideas. And I do kind of like the Wheel of the Year, although the furkling that had to happen to make it an even 8 spokes sits badly with me. So my Wheel is a bit wonky. I don't really do Lughnasadh or Mabon or Imbolc, so my wheel may fall over.... Elders being ignored - yeah, you have a very valid point. It never used to be a thing. Back in the 80's talking an elder was the way into the Craft. Now? Witch Tok? Bleurgh.
I hate to break it to you, but when there's a large gathering of people where there's a 1st aid team required on site, the nearest A&E dept will most likely have been made aware and know what to expect, up to and including the potential of unusual dress and costumes worn by patients. They will not have surprised
I wouldn't call you a Karen, no. "Karen" tends to refer to the stereotypical middle aged white woman who abuses service staff over cold tea and demands to speak to the manager, and that's certainly not what you're doing. 😂 I've been a self-identified witch since I was twelve, and my explorations have ranged wide over the last twenty-eight years. (Also looked through Wicca, found some things that resonated, gathered them in with the rest.) And I'm right there with you dismayed by these... essentially soulless digital organizer files passing themselves off as useful "starter grimoires". I mean, as far as grimoires go, I have a compilation of recipes in one book and a compilation of knitting and embroidery patterns in another book. (Blank sketchbooks that have been handwritten and drawn in.) Mostly just so I'll have something to hand off to my kids one day. 😂
Have you checked your MB personality test ? I'm an INFJT... Initiative , feeling ,Judging and turbulent lol 👍I'm wondering which one you are. Noisy ? Nooooo, I'm a Phsychology nurd... 16 personality Test ... This is the official test. IT's very interestimg. ✨🍎
I love her way of imparting information. She comes across as a helpful, open person who has her own path but is very willing to discuss other paths and help those who need it. A new Hearth Witch video makes me happy - as a keen gardener, I'm loving her garden videos at the moment!
Lol at people caling you Karen 😂 I disagree with this. I deal with Karens daily in my job... i can't escape them because the customer is always right, right? Or they think they are anyway 😂 having a rant on YTube does not make you a karen and lets face it, people can always scroll if they don't like you! Sorry to hear you had your fun cut short with the A and E visit 😢😢 but lolll at the makeup, love it 😂😂 and oooohhh I won't be spending my very limited and precious lucre on this book but I would bloody love to read it one day when I need a chuckle 😂😂😂 and no, you aren't gatekeeping by protecting newbie witches from wasting their money on poor quality books thatarentevenabook lol. I wish there was one book that did it all but nope. If you want to practice then not even 100 books will tell you it all. Not even 1000. You could read allllll the books and you still wouldn't know it all!! This all smacks of AI written books to me!
So true! I kind of think there's a bit of a clue to my attitude to stuff in the title of the channel.... But still, I embrace it! I think you are absolutely right about the AI thing....
That's not even what a Karen is! They're absolutely misusing/misunderstanding. There's nothing Karenish about calling rubbish out as rubbish! Especially as someone who has experience.. it's helping to clear out the smoke and mirrors/clutter for beginners.
I got a cold. Then I went on holiday. Then I got a crippling ear infection. Then I went to a festival. Then my whole family got Covid. I'm finally back and feeling well!
Haha "grimoire made simple". Yeah thats the first red flag. I think they mean a book of shadows. No grimoire is simple because grimoires arent a how to on the basics. Grimoires are complex magic rituals to achieve a specific outcome. Most of them are to conjure spirits to gain power. Im currently writting a family grimoire to pass down to my descendants. Its not simple at all. Also, the famous ones that cerimonial people do are not simple at all. The lesser key of solomon takes most people a year to do properly and thats the one everyone starts off with as a beginners grimoire. Ive known people who have spent 5 years or more doing the spell work in a grimoire.
I'm bouncing up and down pointing at the screen and shouting "YES!". Exactly this. I know my limitations. I'm never going to manage the Abramelin. But a Book of Shadows, maybe.
Yep. I have a kindle and I've signed up for a couple of sites that let you know about free and low cost books. It's been useful, but I tend to only look for authors I know because I came across a bloke who had written 10+ books over the last couple of years and I suspect he uses AI to write them. On Instagram I had an ad recommended to me a set of witchcraft books (something like 8 or 10 in all), for a cheap price - I tried looking for the books on amazon to see if the books were legit, couldn't find them, so either the books don't exist, the books are AI generated or it's plagiarized content if it is. Plagiarism is something you have to be on the look out for, especially with self-publishing. I don't have anything against Lulu, though because the Troth uses it to publish their books and newsletters so it's a useful company if it's used properly. I couldn't find anything on the witchcraft book author and the kindle guy doesn't even have a page on Fantastic Fiction. AI generated content is the worst not just because it steals stuff, but it also takes away people's critical thinking and research skills.
Karen is a female name. Any other use is abusive, misogynistic, and ageist. For those who want to make the BS excuse that a term was needed to describe a racist, privileged white woman, there were already plenty of words to cover that condition. Ask yourself this, especially if you're a young woman: How is it the culture "just happened" to land on a name that now primarily belongs to post-menopausal women? Women who are past the culture's ideal of desirability, but finally coming into their personal power. Did you know that up through the early 2000s, sexy female characters were often named Karen? But around that time, most women named Karen turned 45, and the sexy usage dropped off, and now that most women of that generation have turned 60, the name has been turned into an insult. It's an obvious prediction that in another 30-40 years, the same thing will happen to a name like Sierra or Emma, unless we finally eliminate the sexism and ageism that turns older women into objects of scorn.
![Method Writing: The First Four Concepts - Jack Grapes [FULL INTERVIEW]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ba9jAVzADY0/mqdefault.jpg)
"If something is gonna have value, there need to be standards."
I absolutely love this sentimemt.
It's surprisingly unpopular, but I will die on this hill.
Oh how I agree! As a VERY OLD CRONE I’ve started to fear I’m going senile through all the rubbish I’ve read lately. It concerns me greatly because my youngest granddaughter has become interested in the craft. I worry for her future.
Yes yes yes to gatekeeping and non-exploitative pathways. Knowledge and practice not comercial gain for those who see Craft purely as a money-spinner
Agreed 100%! I mean, I do understand that some people want to make their livings with their Craft, and that has always been a thing, but exploitation is a whole other thing....
I'm here for the judgey old witch vents. I'm usually listening while knitting and drinking coffee.
My "Grimoir" is a notebook. I write all my thoughts and ideas. I write down the runes I pull each morning. I have a dream diary too which I love. If anyone read my dream diary I would most likely be put in a special hospital 🤣 I've seen people online put more effort into the asthetics of their grimoir/notebook than the content.
I Couldn't agree more. So much modern social-media-driven witchcraft is about aesthetics. It makes me both sad and angry...
I think the act of writing out the pages of your grimoire by hand gives them more weight. I never think what I do looks particularly good, but it carries so many layers of meaning, intent & possibility. You can't get that in something mass produced.
Interestingly, I felt called to a practice several years ago, entered through a more "mainstream" and surface level way, and after not connecting through a number of books and sources (many which were like the one you went over here), I did not make headway in my practice until I started studying in my ancestral pre-colonial practice and doing in-depth research. It's a shame that there are so many of these types of books out there because I have to wonder how many people get way laid by this kind of faulty info.
i'm in the same boat! i've always been interested in my local traditional way to view the world and live, but a lot of the knowledge has been lost or been written over. it was easier to find information on "conventional witchcraft", but so much of the info is surface level or didn't speak to me deeply/feel "right" (i'm from a different culture).
lately i've felt a strong calling to get back into the topic, and this time i've found way more information and resources that actually speak to me and my path. maybe the time is right this time for both of us!
Honestly the first story, makes me feel good about people. No one treated you differently about your face paint to the point that you didn't realize it was still on. I am sure most of it was that you were more worried about your spouse. But still no one was overtly rude.
You know, I hadn’t thought of that! Yes, looking back, that is rather lovely, isn’t it?
I love Hearth Witch! And the oak Witch! Great references.
They are both brilliant!
@GrumpyOldCrone yes they really are I must agree.
if everything is magical than nothing is
Agrred 100%!
From one grumpy old crone to another--this one Stateside. I tuned in and thought this was a great and timely presentation. I also had just been reading a chapter on the phenomenon of pop-culture witchcraft from a highly recommended book A History of Witchcraft - Sorcerers, Heretics & Pagans by Russell and Alexander. The morning read and your video went well together for the thought for the day. The acceptance of witchcraft in popular culture has become a double-edged sword. On the one hand, folk magic and Neopagan and Woman Spirituality are out of shadows--on the other, all this under the aegis of "witchcraft" redefined has become fodder for pop culture and fad identity-culture (style rather than substance). Just as the 60s counterculture scene became commercialized, so too is the Craft scene. The New Age manifestation magic and Baby Witch scenes --and the ongoing conflating of witchcraft and Wicca--has sabotaged and mercilessly dummied down the movement IMO. I think more advanced, mature--and scholarly-minded-practitioners should just continue to be a voice and see how things continue to evolve.
Spot on. It's depressing seeing the parallels between 60s counterculture and the Craft with regards to how the general public view them. It's taking something powerful and vibrant and reducing it to the lowest common denominator.... You are absolutely correct though.
Gods, you are a breath of fresh air! So glad I've found you, thank you.x
That's so kind! Thankyou
It's not gatekeeping to call out sheisters that are packaging up free and the utmost basic information that is repeated ad nauseum literally everywhere online, slapping together some lame stuff on canva, and then selling it as pdfs. This is stuff that would have done better as yet another blog or substack or pinterest board. It's one thing to spend months (or, in the case of witchcraft, YEARS) studying and researching and then months writing a book. Sure, sell that. But this is a money grab. EDIT: Just got to the part where you were talking about how you found a ton of the same information in other "Grimoires". That got me remembering a Facebook ad I had run across a year or two ago. It was a complete witchcraft marketing/business set that had thousands of these pdf sheets, cut and paste post templates, and illustrations so that people could sell and market their "witchcraft business" simply by packaging stuff up and cutting and pasting posts. Seems like that's what's going on there (or something similar). (aaaand...just got to the bit where you mention that haha. I really should watch the ENTIRE video before commenting). Ugh. Even more disgusting than I originally thought.
Still makes me angry thinking how many innocent people - hungry for real information and leadership - are suckered into parting with hard-earned money.
@ Agreed. It’s a nasty business and I wish there were less people falling victim to it. I’ve even attempted to warn people about these scams and I get shouted down in the comments. So, I suppose if they’re so blindly willing to be victims so be it. What ever happened to good old research?
Thanks for sharing your salty truths! Love it.
I remember bulletin
boards with amazing talented people who chatted back and forth sharing knowledge.
You were lucky to find a decent mail order occult house. If you did, you mailed your order and patiently waited 6 weeks😅
You grew your herbs, and made most of your tools.
I dug through dusty lovely book stores for the occasional gem. Things have changed a lot. I haven't 😉 I was taught to observe my elders, ask them and write it down. Before you knew it you had a nice little reference of things that have worked. Learn about the basics. Plants, planets, seasons, correspondences and you will know if someone is off the mark or if they try and lead you down the garden path. One size does not fit all!😅
Laughing. You are so bang on with your read of this. You read them to filth. The author seems to have reduced connecting to the divine to a kind of magical pick-n-mix. There is so much reductive, watered down utter crap available now that it actually saddens me. As a belief and practice it’s gone down the road of first it’s feared, then it’s persecuted, then it’s ridiculed and finally it’s marketed which is where we are now. I’m so so tired of the nonsense. I sometimes think if some of the self proclaimed social media witches actually had a genuine experience with Hecate for instance, they would probably sxxx themselves. Im so over it.
This is exactly right. It's why I've given up trying to claim I'm not a gatekeeper. I believe some gates need to be kept in order to prevent this watering down and reductive bollocks. More of us should do it. Stand up for the sacredness of our beliefs. Nobody shouts "Gatekeeper!" at Christians who say you should be confirmed in order to receive communion....
The gods and deities is the one that gets me... No one can agree on the number of Gods and Goddesses in Norse and Anglo-Saxon culture, how many of them are separate entities, or how many are the same deity under a different name, the deities of Ancient Egypt that are referred to often by pagans and scholars only scratch the surface, so 14 pages won't cover that. These printables seem to be a quick money making exercise for digital sellers.
A friend contacted me off-UA-cam and said that she'd had an advert for how to AI-generate these. So it would appear that they aren't even written by a bad person. No person at all! I'm even angrier now!
On the subject of Ron Hutton's ubiquity, I think that guy must have mastered the occult art of bilocation or something. He lives near me in Bristol and I am constantly seeing him all over the place. In fact it seems to freak him out a bit. About a year ago, I went to Chorleywood in Hertfordshire to visit my parents. It turned out that he was actually giving a talk at the local memorial hall in the village at the same time!
I mean... it wouldn't surprise me....
Instead of Karren ! You are more of a female Gandalf " THOWWWW SHALLLL NOT PAAAASSSSSS,😆👌👏👏👏🍎✨ Your teaching me so much 👏👏💗What a massive bibliography you just gave me 😵😆👌
I love Hearthwitch and it's so wonderful to see crones out here on UA-cam giving sound advice on this pathworking. I, myself, am 61 and though I love the young witches out there doing their thing, it's great to see the Crones step up... grumpy or not. ;) Love your presentation here and this video is my first introduction to your channel. Had to find out what you considered 'rubbish' and it was worth the time listening. From smoke-inhalation Southern California, I applaud you! :D
Thankyou for giving some of your time - I really appreciate it
23:05 Omg you mention Lughnasa and my first thought was "I wonder what Ronald Hutton has to say on this...", then you bring him up! Brilliant!
Also, thanks so much for signposting resources at the end. I'm re-engaging with my eclectic paganism after two decades and it was really helpful to have some pointers.
"Sara S" is an AI author. PS, your channel popped up in my feed today, and I love it! I subbed. ❤
I'm not even SLIGHTLY surprised. It sounds AI, and now I've seen adverts for this AI generated bollocks. Makes me so angry!!!!! But having you subbed is a happy thing, so thanks for that !
I'm solitary live in the United States in the Bible belt so not a lot of options and friends like minded here.
That's harsh! I have family in Indiana, such a conservative, right wing, red place. It's hard to be ones own self in that sort of situation.
What part of the Bible belt are you in? I'm in the middle of Arkansas, very Very rural. And even though there's crystal mines Everywhere around me, finding like minded is harder than finding water in the desert.
@teebee9735 I am from the Northeast Georgia Appalachian mountains.
I'm in Texas.
@faustina9328 - Oh, Texas is Easy! Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and Austin are virtual HUBS of witchy activity! There's groups in El Paso, Lubbock, Texarkana and everywhere in between! One of the gatherings I used to go to (30 yrs ago) got so big... that they had to do admission by lottery! Ah, those were the days! 😁
I just found you. Grumpy caught my eye. Love your Honesty, Attitude. I like how you have set your ideas/subject. I can't wait to listen and learn from you, along with having some laughs.
Love the brutal honesty, it really needs flagging up. Thank you.
People looking for meaning in their life are getting scammed. I hate it. Interestingly, I got a comment from someone hugely offended by this video. I suspect they sell the book I mentioned....
The witchcraft museum at Boscastle is amazing, I loved it when I went a few years ago. Also love Glastonbury, it’s my favourite place ever and I have recently come back from a trip there for Samhain. I recently found your channel, loving it and subbed 🥰
Two of my favourite places in the world. Can't wait to go back to both! I missed a Glastonbury trip this year because I caught Covid after Fantasy Forest Festival. I'm still a bit bitter about it....
@ totally understand that, I would be too! Glastonbury is just amazing I love it so much. No matter what I was doing if someone said “do you want to go to Glastonbury?” It would be a yes straight away lol 🥰
Who can be bothered to read something that someone couldn't be bothered to write?
EXACTLY!!!!
Thank you for saying something. I do make slapdash journals and logbooks to print and sell but those are straight neutral data collection books, and not this "fluffy bunny" "witchy aesthetic". Ive been practicing solitary for decades now, and still don't feel I have gained enough knowledge to claim the authority to write a book on it. - I also think the fact that I got burned a few times early on with crap books has something to do with that. But I also learned that the gifts and secrets of witchcraft will not drop in PDF form into ones lap, one has to do a little bit of digging and be persistent in seeking out what it is that they want and seek to know and discern the validity and value of the knowledge that is revealed to them. And that skill has been priceless. I am a huge fan of Silver RavenWolf and her books were a really good resource early on, and the notes and bibliography she included was fantastic.
I bloody love a good bibliography, me! I just bought the paper copy of Tracy Borman's "Witches: James I and the English Witch Hunts" purely because I wanted the bibliography and footnotes after listening to the audiobook whilst driving.
I'm currently sat full of Covid ughhhh. Your cheering me reet up 🤗🙏🍎
Cringes in *has a grimoire in a binder with naff stickers on*, hahaha. Very on point though. These videos are the highlight of whatever week you post them.
Thankyou!!!!!
Love your take on everything I am a crone witch practicing for many years, your path sounds similar to mine, I was wiccan left it and now I’m solitary. One book and author who I have met and recommend for anyone not wanting to follow the wiccan path is Cassandra Eason I love all her books, very wise woman.
Also you must try to get to St Nectans Glen it is amazing the energy is lovely, they have a meditation room too.
I'm totally going to go back to St Nectan's. The recommendation is to go super early in the morning, so I'm going to do that. The husband may not be such a big fan.... (He likes late mornings on holiday)
I absolutely adore your commentary. You are so well spoken and educated!
I'm just a grumpy old idiot, really. The English accent makes me seem cleverer than I am to people not used to hearing me speak, I suspect!
The Harry Potter generation has come of age. 😂😂😂
Horrifying! (And so very true)
I'd like to reassure you, as part of that gen and the wider community, and now in my thirties, we're also cringing at these PDFs and buying books instead! I still think of myself as a beginner even though I've been practising for some time. I don't think Ariana is being a Karen here in that her arguments are reasonable! Value should have standards. I personally love 'Spells for Change' by Frankie Castanea as an introductory book.
Hearth is really such a good source for not only starters. I enjoy her videos a lot. 🍀 I agree with you on the topic of fake shitty pdf grimoire stuff. 👹 I really want to visit the UK next week and the Witchcraft Museum is on my list to visit. Cornwall is so pretty. 💚
I love Hearth! And you are right that she's got a lot of content for every level. I do think she's an excellent place for someone to start though, as she gives such clear information and lots of choices about different paths without judgement. Cornwall is gorgeous! I'd never been before, but it won't be my last visit.
"Hours?" I mean… we both know authors. Anything less than "months" sound, at best, slapdash
SPOILER ALERT: it was, in fact, minutes. in Canva. AAARGH!
❤Hello. This is my 1st watch of your channel. You got me hooked with your humor towards being called a, "Karen". Labels are a pet peeve of mine...I dislike them soooo much!!! I get called one all the time because I speak up when I see wrongs and ignorance in the world...oh well if you don't like me, no one else wears my shoe size.😊
I mean... they were kind of right! I am an opinionated white woman.... Name calling isn't about to stop me though!
I was subscribed to a monthly box at £25 a month. At first I was happy but as time went on and there was basically Chinese crap as part of it I woke up and cancelled it. It was a retail therapy as the time progressed. I wish I'd saved my money and the drawer space the various herb jars and stuff are not now taking up.
I fully intend to do a "retail therapy" video at some point, because you are 100% correct.
I just found your channel, and I actually love how genuine and informative you are. I believe there's a lot of crap out there on the internet that scammers want beginners to buy. Because I believe people that sell pages like that are scammers.
I also agree that published media has to hold up a high standard, just because there is a lot of nonsense and misinformation everywhere, especially on apps like TikTok etc.
If anyone wants to truly learn something valuable, we have to research, compare, read a lot of different books on the subject, and research again, and again. Real learning takes a lot of time and work, there's no quick fix. It's as simple as that.
I'm nodding so violently in complete agreement that my glasses might fall off!
😂 As a pagan nun, I don't even bother writing in my Book of Shadows anymore. The amount of research I've done over the years wouldn't fit into a 500 page book. These 'pagan' trash that people sell I don't even give a second look. Yes, I am a Karen too.
I love your content! I also missed it but I was also sick with Covid so I completely understand why there were no videos. It kicked my behind! I’m not a huge fan of gate keeping but I have respect for someone who presents a damn good argument as to why they feel that way and you’re spot on. Looking forward to hearing more from you!
I think there are some different ways and levels of what we term "gatekeeping". I'm totally against people who stop others from joining in a hobby because they don't fit the gatekeeper's sense of ... something. As a long-time female roleplayer, I have seen this a LOT. There's a certain kind of person who doesn't want women playing *their* game. I usually delight in taking these knobends down a peg or two. I've been playing since I was 16, and met every single partner I've ever had through roleplaying, usually whilst running the game myself.
But the medieval role of a gatekeeper was not just to keep people out, but to welcome them in, and direct them on their onward journey. And *that's* the kind of gatekeeper I want to be.
Thank you for putting good, authentic, and accurate content out. There's way too much rubbish out there that is inaccurate spreading ignorance. You're so refreshing!
Absolutely here for witchy karen lol. I am also traditional, but was raised with folk practices from the ozarks and appalachia. I'm working on getting back to my family's roots, which can be tedious. I'm just happy to see someone keeping the gate for those who don't pay attention to what technology is doing to us. Like, I hate that people take advantage of the newbies. They didn't do that as much back in our day because everyone was too afraid to do so. At least that was the case in my community. People would hesitate to teach, now people are too excited to hop on being an ""expert"" and just throwing this shit out. Rubbish indeed. --Vyvyan
Oh, and I know about the ER... I spent the entire night in drag after a performance and didn't get home until like 8am (rather then 1am like normal). --Vyvyan
Taking advantage of people - that's the crux of my problem with it, I think. I've long thought one of the most profound quotes about the state of the world was from Terry Pratchett, through the mouth of Granny Weatherwax: "Sin, young man, is when you treat people like things." Treating people like things and things like people - that's just wrong.
I agree that there was none of this "I know a little, so I'll broadcast that and make up the rest" culture when I started out in the 80s. You read Starhawk and found your way from there, really.
That's a level of "GIVE ME MAKEUP REMOVAL WIPES BEFORE MY EYES DRY UP!" that I don't think I could deal with. :-(
I went to the museum of witchcraft in May for my 50th, its amazing
It is one of my favourite places now. So warm and welcoming!
Well said! I’ve just stumbled across your channel, this being the first video of yours I’ve seen! But I loved listening to you ranting🤣 in all seriousness I completely agree with your point about dodgy stuff to buy. I’m very late to the witches table and I’ve no idea where to find solid reliable and credible information. I really appreciate your list of authors. I’ll certainly be checking them out. Thanks for the laugh!❤
I have plans to do beginners' book video in the very near future, which might be worth keeping an eye out for? I'm self-employed (not as an influencer!) and I have a huge pile of work this week, but when I've motored through it, I'll get on with the video :-)
Be yourself and be who you are and don't apologise for being your which yourself❤
Thankyou! Absolutely my intention!
My husband and I used to do historical reenactments of the fur trade era and was on our way to a festival. He was dressed up in beaded buckskins, moccasins, I even think he had a knife on his belt, and went into a local store on the way. I followed at a discrete distance to watch people's reactions to him and was very disappointed no one seemed to notice anything peculiar.
I'd definitely has sneaked a peek - sounds like an amazing look!
Not the Temu stickers! 😂😂😂
Awwwww GLASTONBURY👏👏👏👏👌✨YES!!!! I spent years going to that place 👏Naughty 90s fence climbing 😆😬Don't tell on me though 😆👏👍
You should make videos criticizing bad witchy books! like the corporate-feeling spell books in a barnes and nobel. id definitely watch that
Ooooh, that feels a bit edgey... Would I get thrown out of Waterstones before getting my cheese toastie? How brave am I? (Don't want to get banned - I like the toasties!)
Thinking of books that help - my path is basically Alexandrian, and my literary mentors from very far back have been Janet and Stewart Farrar. 'A Witches Bible' (NB: not _the_ Witches' Bible, there's no such thing) is good as a reference book and sort of Wiccan primer. Stewart's 'The Pagan Path' is a pretty good non-specific introduction to paganism. This is from a male perspective, Stewart was very nuts-and-bolts in his approach. I kind of like Amoura's 'Green Witch', mainly as a starter for various practices. I think I got a lot of useful info from the Man Myth and Magic series in the 70s but I don't know if there's an omnibus edition anywhere.
Alexandrian Wicca varies quite a lot from Gardnerian in character, we tend to be more experimental and less insistent on convention. I know at least two Alexandrians who combine their path with Buddhism. There are strong parallels between Wicca and Eastern religions and it's likely that Gardner drew from Hindu and Buddhist beliefs when inventing the Festivals. It could therefore be argued that there is a very ancient historical tradition behind Wicca, just not a Western one.
Be careful with weight reducing diets generally, they almost invariably throw your metabolism out of whack and throw you into 'fasting mode', which means that the moment you liberate the diet you're on a road to putting on more weight. The low carb diet is something I have serious issues with. It was shown in the early 2000s that you very rarely achieve ketosis and that this is essentially a just another calorie reducing diet based on the high satiety value of a high fat intake. This might be okay if fat wasn't an issue, by relying on fat for your calories, you risk fatty liver, gallstones and kidney stones, along with Cholesterol imbalance.
I'm a cardiac rehabilitation nurse and I've encountered several patients with incredibly high cholesterol levels because their diabetic nurse had recommended a low carbohydrate diet. The problem is that they don't specify what kind of fat to eat and, if you have any of the Nordic inherited blood fat disorders it can become a ticket to a heart attack. I don't know if either of you is diabetic, but there has been a commercially motivated drive to encourage diabetics to pursue this kind of diet and it stinks.
The best way to lose weight if you can do it is a normal, balanced intake and regular exercise. If your ability to exercise is limited, just do what you can and eat a balanced intake (the NHS healthy eating advice is free online). The thing is that we are genetically programmed for famine and plenty. We lay down fat during plenty to prepare for famine. If you put your body into false famine by dieting, once your body gets a bit of plenty, it will just lay down _more_ fat because it expects famine to be more frequent and you can end up on a vicious spiral.
These mass produced, ready made for three ring binders spell book pages take the craft out of Craft.
The museum in Boscastle is amazing! Thank you for the recommendations. Ive been practising for 10 years and even then I don't feel like i do or know anywhere near enough. I don't even remember the wheel of the year so im glad that it doesn't mean anything 🤣 id recommend the glen! But go EARLY IN THE MORNING!!!! When i went it was full of screming children and i couldn't take the place in properly
That's good advice about the Glen. We're definitely going back, and will take that on board! I'm a firm believer that you should use things that have meaning for you. If the Wheel has meaning, great! If not, or you can't remember it, I wouldn't worry about it!
Missed you. Glad to have you back
Thankyou! It's been a whole lot of feeling quite grotty, and not having time to recuperate, but I'm feeling much better now!
Missed your videos too! Kept checking…👀 enjoyed and agreed …keep embracing Kar…Annie!!! 😉
Sorry you’ve been ill, but sounded like you managed to have a great time.
Boscastle is on my list of places to visit!
BOSCASTLE IS THE BEST! Capital letters entirely intentional! We're definitely going back. Maybe when we're off this diet though....
Bang on!! Well said that woman!
Thankyou!
In my personal experience, based on everything I've felt about myself, my soul, how I connect with whatever comes across my radar...Witchcraft is, to me, simply very, very cosmic. From the soil we dig up to plant a garden, to the telescopes we use to gaze in wonder at the stars, moon and planets, and all Nature-appreciating things in between -- like cultivating good relationships with the Fae, to communing with the peaceful energies of a favorite tree.
Some, like myself, use music to transport ourselves into a meditation state, or make shamanic journeys. When I was as young as 6, I would beg my father to put the "Cosmos" LP on. That classic theme Dr. Carl Sagan used for his beloved "Cosmos" series (broadcast on American PBS stations), was one that Greek musician Vangelis (R.I.P.) originally wrote and produced for his 1975 "Heaven and Hell" album. And it always made me feel like, if the music were played long enough, I might just grow wings, the sound layering is just that masterful. (I still feel like that, 40 years later!)
And that's just a fraction of what I can put into words w/o someone wanting to give me serious (Sirius? 😂) side-eye. I have yet to truly, fully keep a "proper" Book of Shadows, really. Maybe it's part of my Celtic ancestry/past lives-- nothing of import got written down in case it fell into the wrong hands. Maybe it's just me being my neurodivergent self, not quite managing to get everything recorded in a "proper, executive function" way.
Maybe I feel like the knowledge and experiences I've had feel so...particular to me that trying to gather everything I've learned so far into a specific book feels too confining, even if I use my laptop to create a word processing document of any kind.
So yeah...these very limiting PDFs you're showing have my mystical self going "Say whaaat? There's no way you can sum up a working, flowing relationship with specific Beings, or Tarot decks, or crystals, etc. in these few pages." It's like trying to write notes about a recipe in a cookbook w/only two pages for notes. No freaking way! As you say, Annie, it's bollocks! 😅
This is perfect - I agree with everything 100%. Music and sound (and sometimes the lack of it) is something I use a LOT in my practice. My current favourite is Nigel Shaw and his soundscapes of Dartmoor along with his beautiful flute playing. I will definitely look out for "Cosmos" though - it sounds glorious
@@GrumpyOldCrone It's easiest if you look up the music here on YT, as the music is considered older (the classic show itself is from the 1980s). And the selections Dr. Sagan made for the soundtrack are not all Vangelis. There's quite a bit of variety. 😅 It's Vangelis' music I fell in love with. 😅
Rachel Patterson is a fabulous author and educator too
So pleased you are better after all the illness and glad your Husband is on the mend. My parents went to Boscastle years ago and brought me back a flying witch doll. They loved it. It’s definitely on my ‘to visit’ list. Anyway keep being a Karen and gatekeeping! I got told I was gatekeeping horror because I said Shirley Jackson’s ‘The haunting of hill house’ was more of a ghost story 🤔 in a horror book group. Seems gatekeeping is the in word at the moment 😂 however I quite like the idea of being a gatekeeper (not gamekeeper though) 😊
It's another of those phrases like "narcissist" that get thrown around willy nilly, isn't it? As I've said elsewhere, the old definition of a gatekeeper was not only someone who kept people out, but also someone who welcomed visitors in, and directed them on their way. That's the kind of gatekeeper I think I'd like to be...
@@GrumpyOldCroneme too! ❤
you're not gatekeeping at all, you're pointing new witches to good resources! that's literally the opposite of gatekeeping.
Ivy the Occultist has straight-up called out Mari Silva at least twice for being AI thought you might want to add that to your list of authors to beware of.
That's worth knowing. I'd missed that from Ivy. I rate her very highly.
Your daughter looked great; no one could object to such a magical visitor.
Thankyou!
Manon through me, nice Welsh name to be sure.
I have to wonder if it was even written by a human, or concocted with the help of chatgpt.
I'm now 100% convinced it's AI generated, so I agree entirely with you!
@@GrumpyOldCrone I've played around with AI art a bit. Dall-e 2 which is old hat now, and quite rough around the edges, and gives it a certain character. Like an oracle at times.
It feels a bit like we've created some kind of new lifeform. Very hard not to project notions of sentience onto it. And I mean, if our statues and idols become repositories of spirit, then why not?
So monstrously energy hungry though. That's a huge worry. And there are already models in use in warfare, for target selection, to terrifying effect..
Hi Annie, I am with you here. These so-called grimouires are such a load of rubbish and only have one use that they are useful for, and that's the shit house. I hope you enjoyed the little witch museum as much as I did when I went several years ago. We are planning on returning again soon.
Absolutely correct on the only possible use for a "grimoire" like this :-D. Boscastle is sooooo cool!
Unremitting s... I howled🤣
Thankyou! I think.... :-D
Hello! Just watched a couple of your videos and as someone just dipping my toes into all things Witch, i had to subscribe and will watch you much more!
I'd also like to ask your advice, if i may please, on a little blunder i made a couple of weeks ago regarding the lovely Hawthorn tree over the road from our house... But I'll wait for a reply from you first as you might not be willing to assist in this way.
Thank you for the fab vids thus far, Annie. You're very down to Earth and remind me of a cross between my fave cousin and one of my best friends!
Love, Mel in Devon x 🍰🌻
Fire away, Mel! Happy to listen - I never claim to be an expert, just a grumpy and opinionated biddy!
@@GrumpyOldCrone aha, you've spotted my reply! Thank you very much.
Here goes...
Well, it was either equinox or the following day by the by, when daughter and I popped to the little play park opposite our house for a wander around and maybe collect some fir cones or acorns or whatever as we always decorate the dining room for each season. I spotted the gorgeous red berries on the Hawthorn tree in the far corner and snipped off three little twigs with berries to add them vase of flowers brought to me days before by a friend. We picked up a bit of litter on our way home like usual and left.
As we came through the front door I suddenly stopped as my dear old Nan's words rang in my ears saying 'No don't bring Hawthorn into the house!' (she was really superstitious).
I dropped the bag of sticks in the porch, left the door open and checked out Google for more info on Hawthorn. I KNOW not to bring in flowers but does that also apply to berries..? Also I did not ask the tree for permission before I cut!
Anyway, I discovered this had all been a bad idea and so returned the sticks with their berries and apologised to the tree and fairies. I left a little blob of honey on a clean stone and said I meant no harm.
The next day I spotted a Hawthorn Shield Bug in the kitchen tap! I returned it to the tree with daughter and it scampered up the branch as if happy to be home.
Later I brought bread and more honey to the tree as an offering and said I meant no harm. Disposed of some litter into the bin there in the park and came home.
I've been a bit nervous ever since Annie as I did not want to piss off the tree BUT especially not the fairies....
There are four of us and our cat living in our house and three of us have chronic illnesses so am very concerned at my stupidity with the lovely Hawthorne tree.
I've tried to make amends in a small way. I've since seen one more shield bug (on our car) but when I turned around it had vanished so I couldn't take it to the tree...
Have I done enough do you think..? I'm remain a little scared for family.
Is there any more I can do or do you think it'll all be OK..?
Thank you very, very much for taking the time to read this looong reply and Thank you in advance for some advice and/or reassurance.
Thanks Annie 🥰
Love Mel in Devon x 🍰🌻
Sorry for the delay - lots of stuff happening here! I think you've done exactly the right thing. The folklore is - as you very rightly say - to not cut hawthorn or bring it into the house except on May 1st. You realised your error, returned it and made reparations. I'd say you did 100% the right thing. I would also say that you have started a good relationship with that tree, so continue making little offerings and connecting with it, and not only will reparations be made, but you'll open up a new line of spirit connection. Just my opinions!
@@GrumpyOldCrone Annie, thank you very much for your words of wisdom on this. It's really been upsetting me and so I appreciate your words hugely.
I will do as you suggest and take more offerings to the lovely tree and continue to connect with it.
Thank you again, I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for this.
Looking forward to your next video.
Love, Mel xx 🍰🌻
I have a pro tip for all of you, if you paint your face to look properly scary, nobody will sit next to you on the train. 😊
(most useful if you need to do some work while traveling)
This is an excellent tip. A "life hack" even. Add a bit of aggressive growling and I feel you get an entire four seat to yourself with minimal effort!
Wow! I got to visit Boscastle in ‘99; I didn’t know there was a museum like that there; I did see the labyrith design carved in rock. There is one very like in NM! I also went to Tintagel; the wondeerful statue hadn’t bee erected yet but there was plenty of magic to go arouned! Visited a small stone circle and was invited to see if I could ‘doiuse’ etheric currents within it. The rods crossed when I walked over the middle so perhaps…? I also went through the hole at MeA-Tol…it’s supposed toi free you from ever having back pain. I did the 3 passes and am glad to say it seems to have worked. I love the UK, and saw a lot of it but am quite sorry to have missed this!
The museum is right down the end of the harbour, one of the last buildings at the ground level. It's fabulous! I'm also a fan of a bit of dowsing. I will admit to being a bit sceptical about dowsing to start with, but I've been completely convinced since!
Just grabbed a copy PDF of World Witch 👍🎸🎶🎵🎶THaNkIng YouUooooU💗🎵🎶🎵✨👩🏫Bloody new witches ay 😆I bet I'm doing your head in already 😁😂👩🏫✨🍎
You're absolutely brilliant 😂😂😂👍👌👏
I try!
Well I think the book is mass leading you can't learn everything about Witchcraft and one book and thank you for making this video you're just telling the truth and you're not morning Old Crow I've I have been practicing witchcraft for sometime and I also talked about it my UA-cam channel and I would say you're a wonderful person this year's wonderful knowledge and I look forward to seeing more of your content❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
We're saturated with garbage books and fake decks at the moment.
So many. It makes me so sad, because I wonder how many people starting their journey are getting this rubbish peddled to them and failing to find their path because of it.
I'm so glad I don't have a Facebook account anymore .... Off grid socially lol 👍
I'd rather buy the 'witchcraft for Dummies' book than that crap and there is no way I'd buy witchcraft for dummies 🤣🤣🤣
I’m curious now - is there a “Witchcraft for Dummies?” I’m off to Amazon to look!
Oop. You’re 100% right! There are a few of them!
AI with bot comments. That is the entirety of what that grimoire thing is.
what do you think about Scott Cunningham's books? I love Rae Beth I just have Hedge witch, but really looking to get more. :)
Cunningham is excellent for Wiccans, I think, but not so much for different paths. But his information is really useful - I have his encyclopaedia of correspondences and it is probably the book that I use most out of anything.
Wearing that scary make up probably explains why you were seen so promptly in A&E. They prioritise cases in accordance with perceived urgency via the triage system. They probably saw your face and thought you must be dying or something. I once had to wait all night to be seen for a broken arm. So, maybe the best thing is to actually take the make up with you rather than take it off beforehand.
To be fair, it was pretty quiet, and I wasn't the patient.... But you raise a valid point!
Cochrane was a Gardnerite (his term). He was as much of an inventor as Gardner was, though Cochrane borrowed from "Morning of the Magicians", local folkloric materials etc. Certainly the 1734 and other permutations of Cochrane's offspring recognize how much re-casting of Gardner's materials is in Cochrane.
The eight fold wheel was an excuse for eight parties a year, agreed upon by the members of what would become OBOD and the London Coven, per two people who were there at the time. Neither group had enough members for a rocking good 1950's time, but together, they did. Besides, both Gardner and Nichols told people to attend their local agricultural festivals-which is why these materials are basically absent from OBOD and Gardner's groups..
The nonsense of the online pdf non-books on subjects is depressing. Cut and paste from Wikipedia, etc. The multi level marketing approach of these pdf pastiches is depressing, regardless of what the topic may be.
My experience is that elders are ignored, at least here in the States. If something isn't online, or on Amazon, it isn't considered real. There's always the Pagan Federation or the various online lists of groups.
Perfectly put! I personally think Cochrane had some serious flaws in his theories, and was more interested in "being different" than anything else. But it's the closest I've found to what I feel is right, so I try to forge a personal gnosis which is somewhat informed by some of his ideas. And I do kind of like the Wheel of the Year, although the furkling that had to happen to make it an even 8 spokes sits badly with me. So my Wheel is a bit wonky. I don't really do Lughnasadh or Mabon or Imbolc, so my wheel may fall over....
Elders being ignored - yeah, you have a very valid point. It never used to be a thing. Back in the 80's talking an elder was the way into the Craft. Now? Witch Tok? Bleurgh.
I hate to break it to you, but when there's a large gathering of people where there's a 1st aid team required on site, the nearest A&E dept will most likely have been made aware and know what to expect, up to and including the potential of unusual dress and costumes worn by patients. They will not have surprised
This story is fabulous, I've once did the same ut my face was Marilyn Monroe. I'm a guy
I am sure you were an AMAZING Marilyn :-)
I need some elders. ☕
It looks like a dead seahorse in you cupboard 😮
I think it’s the horn of my handfasting headdress! I can promise you it isn’t a dead seahorse! 🤣🤣🤣
Links to recommended sources in the description would be awesome.
Done!
I wouldn't call you a Karen, no. "Karen" tends to refer to the stereotypical middle aged white woman who abuses service staff over cold tea and demands to speak to the manager, and that's certainly not what you're doing. 😂 I've been a self-identified witch since I was twelve, and my explorations have ranged wide over the last twenty-eight years. (Also looked through Wicca, found some things that resonated, gathered them in with the rest.) And I'm right there with you dismayed by these... essentially soulless digital organizer files passing themselves off as useful "starter grimoires". I mean, as far as grimoires go, I have a compilation of recipes in one book and a compilation of knitting and embroidery patterns in another book. (Blank sketchbooks that have been handwritten and drawn in.) Mostly just so I'll have something to hand off to my kids one day. 😂
How absolutely refreshing ! Gladly subscribed
Thankyou very much!
Will you do a book recommend book video that you recommend please.
I really need to!
Saw the nomb
Misspell sorry
I think I was just born in the wrong country lol but I do have a very Celtic Ancestory and heritage.😊❤
I am on a mission to tell US witches that they live in an incredibly amazing country! Scotland has too many midges! The US is brilliant!
@GrumpyOldCrone Well thank you Annie! 😊
Have you checked your MB personality test ? I'm an INFJT... Initiative , feeling ,Judging and turbulent lol 👍I'm wondering which one you are. Noisy ? Nooooo, I'm a Phsychology nurd... 16 personality Test ... This is the official test. IT's very interestimg. ✨🍎
Agree with everything especially Hearth Witch. She’s so knowledgeable ❤
I love her way of imparting information. She comes across as a helpful, open person who has her own path but is very willing to discuss other paths and help those who need it. A new Hearth Witch video makes me happy - as a keen gardener, I'm loving her garden videos at the moment!
AI generated books are a blight and too many folks have not picked up on how to identify them. You absolutely should call it out. #notAkaren
A lot of those things are being written by AI as well.
Lol at people caling you Karen 😂 I disagree with this. I deal with Karens daily in my job... i can't escape them because the customer is always right, right? Or they think they are anyway 😂 having a rant on YTube does not make you a karen and lets face it, people can always scroll if they don't like you! Sorry to hear you had your fun cut short with the A and E visit 😢😢 but lolll at the makeup, love it 😂😂 and oooohhh I won't be spending my very limited and precious lucre on this book but I would bloody love to read it one day when I need a chuckle 😂😂😂 and no, you aren't gatekeeping by protecting newbie witches from wasting their money on poor quality books thatarentevenabook lol. I wish there was one book that did it all but nope. If you want to practice then not even 100 books will tell you it all. Not even 1000. You could read allllll the books and you still wouldn't know it all!! This all smacks of AI written books to me!
So true! I kind of think there's a bit of a clue to my attitude to stuff in the title of the channel.... But still, I embrace it! I think you are absolutely right about the AI thing....
That's not even what a Karen is! They're absolutely misusing/misunderstanding. There's nothing Karenish about calling rubbish out as rubbish! Especially as someone who has experience.. it's helping to clear out the smoke and mirrors/clutter for beginners.
Were have you been ive missing you
I got a cold. Then I went on holiday. Then I got a crippling ear infection. Then I went to a festival. Then my whole family got Covid. I'm finally back and feeling well!
Complete?! Since when can you put a whole ass practice in one book?!
14 pages!
🖤😆🖤
Welcome!
Haha "grimoire made simple". Yeah thats the first red flag. I think they mean a book of shadows. No grimoire is simple because grimoires arent a how to on the basics. Grimoires are complex magic rituals to achieve a specific outcome. Most of them are to conjure spirits to gain power. Im currently writting a family grimoire to pass down to my descendants. Its not simple at all. Also, the famous ones that cerimonial people do are not simple at all. The lesser key of solomon takes most people a year to do properly and thats the one everyone starts off with as a beginners grimoire. Ive known people who have spent 5 years or more doing the spell work in a grimoire.
I'm bouncing up and down pointing at the screen and shouting "YES!". Exactly this. I know my limitations. I'm never going to manage the Abramelin. But a Book of Shadows, maybe.
its most likely written using AI
I'm positive you are correct on that one. It makes me sad.
Welcome to the Matrix! A lot content is AI generated its all cr@p
So true. I'd just never really been aware of it before. It's so baaaaad :-(
Yep. I have a kindle and I've signed up for a couple of sites that let you know about free and low cost books. It's been useful, but I tend to only look for authors I know because I came across a bloke who had written 10+ books over the last couple of years and I suspect he uses AI to write them. On Instagram I had an ad recommended to me a set of witchcraft books (something like 8 or 10 in all), for a cheap price - I tried looking for the books on amazon to see if the books were legit, couldn't find them, so either the books don't exist, the books are AI generated or it's plagiarized content if it is. Plagiarism is something you have to be on the look out for, especially with self-publishing. I don't have anything against Lulu, though because the Troth uses it to publish their books and newsletters so it's a useful company if it's used properly. I couldn't find anything on the witchcraft book author and the kindle guy doesn't even have a page on Fantastic Fiction. AI generated content is the worst not just because it steals stuff, but it also takes away people's critical thinking and research skills.
Your make-up? Goth, m'dear, you looked like a Goth, and you probablly wasn;t the first. 😀
Nowhere near cool enough to be a goth. Just.... dirty and odd!
Karen is a female name. Any other use is abusive, misogynistic, and ageist. For those who want to make the BS excuse that a term was needed to describe a racist, privileged white woman, there were already plenty of words to cover that condition. Ask yourself this, especially if you're a young woman: How is it the culture "just happened" to land on a name that now primarily belongs to post-menopausal women? Women who are past the culture's ideal of desirability, but finally coming into their personal power. Did you know that up through the early 2000s, sexy female characters were often named Karen? But around that time, most women named Karen turned 45, and the sexy usage dropped off, and now that most women of that generation have turned 60, the name has been turned into an insult. It's an obvious prediction that in another 30-40 years, the same thing will happen to a name like Sierra or Emma, unless we finally eliminate the sexism and ageism that turns older women into objects of scorn.