Are We Witches...Under the Influence?

This week, Lisa Marmur and Sarah Drummond ask a deliciously intoxicating question: are we witches under the influence? From broomstick balms to biodynamic Burgundy, this episode dives deep into the relationship between witches and altered states, whether induced by plants, potions, mushrooms, or fermented magic. From medieval “flying ointments” made with deadly nightshades to modern ayahuasca ceremonies and the psychedelic rituals of ancient Mesoamerica, we examine what’s history, what’s myth, and what might still be very much in practice.

Citations for Who, What Witch, Where?:

Carhart-Harris, R. et al. (2018). “Psychedelics and the essential importance of context.” Neuroscience of Consciousness

Duerr, H.-P. (1985). Dreamtime: Concerning the Boundary Between Wilderness and Civilization

Griffiths, R. et al. (2006). “Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences.” J. of Psychopharmacology

Harner, M. (1973). Hallucinogens and Shamanism. Oxford University Press

Hillman, D. (2008). The Chemical Muse: Drug Use and the Roots of Western Civilization

Hutton, R. (1999). The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft

Metzner, R. (2004). Sacred Mushroom of Visions: Teonanácatl

Palhano-Fontes, F. et al. (2023). “Ayahuasca and brain network plasticity.” Nature Mental Health

Ruck, C. A. P. (1974). The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries

Rudgley, R. (1993). The Alchemy of Culture: Intoxicants in Society

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/women-used-dominate-beer-industry-until-witch-accusations-started-pouring-180977171/

https://www.icysedgwick.com/wine-and-witchcraft/#:~:text=In%20northern%20Italy%2C%20people%20feared,battle%20against%20the%20bad%20witches.

Show & Spell:

Tarot Vin workbook by Julie Albin available at https://tarotvin.com/

Tarot card definitions from https://labyrinthos.co/

Note: We do not recommend or endorse the use of any of the substances discussed in this episode.

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Any problem you want a magical solution for, please write in for a bit of advice and a magical prescription. It's important we practice as much as possible to get our witchy credentials! We also want to hear how your spells are going, so please write in if you have practiced any magic mentioned in the show.

We are new to this community and these practices. All advice, tips and feedback will be gratefully received. After all, it takes a village to raise a witch.

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Keywords: witchcraft, psychedelics, ayahuasca, mushrooms, magic, potions, herbalism, trance, ritual, absinthe, nightshade, broomstick, healing, Wicca, tarot, mysticism, entheogens

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