Speaker 1: 0:00

Welcome back to the House of Ravenbrook. I'm Eric Marquette and, as always, I'm joined by the ever-spirited Ruby Sturt. Today's episode is called Awakening the Witch Within and, honestly, I think it's a conversation a lot of folks have been waiting for. Ruby, how are you feeling about diving into this one?

Speaker 2: 0:17

Oh, I'm buzzing, Eric. I mean, this is the stuff that gets me out of bed. In the morning We've talked a lot about deconstructing dogma and finding your own path, but today we're really getting into the nitty-gritty of what it means to step away from religious orthodoxy and, well, embrace your inner witch. And I know you've got a story or two up your sleeve about that journey, don't you?

Speaker 1: 0:37

Yeah, I do, and you know, it's funny when I look back. It wasn't a single lightning bolt moment, it was more like a slow, persistent whisper. I was a minister for years and there was this growing sense of unease, like I was living in a beautifully decorated cage. The rituals, the sermons, the certainty, it all started to feel hollow. I found myself drawn to the quiet of the woods. The sunrise, the wind, nature became this. I don't know living scripture for me. I started questioning everything I'd been taught and it was terrifying but also liberating.

Speaker 2: 1:15

I love that and I think a lot of people listening will relate. There's this idea that leaving a faith tradition is this big, dramatic break, but for most of us it's a slow burn. You start noticing the cracks right, the dogma doesn't fit anymore and suddenly the world outside trees, rivers, the moon starts to feel more real, more sacred than anything inside four walls.

Speaker 1: 1:38

Exactly, and it's not about throwing away everything you believed, it's about expanding it. I remember this one morning I was at Stonehenge, actually for a sunrise ritual. It wasn't a big formal thing, Just a few of us standing in the cold watching the sun break over those ancient stones. There was this moment of absolute awe, the kind of awe that makes you feel tiny and infinite at the same time. That's when I realised the sacred isn't somewhere else, it's right here in the earth, in the breath, in the light. And that's what paganism and witchcraft started to mean for me A way to belong, to wake up to the interconnectedness of all life.

Speaker 2: 2:18

That's so good. And it's wild how ancient symbols and rituals circles, spirals, trees start to take on new meaning when you see them as gateways, not just decorations, Like you're not just performing a ritual, you're participating in the dance of the universe. And honestly, it's a bit rebellious, isn't it, To say I'm going to trust my intuition, I'm going to find the sacred in the everyday, instead of waiting for someone else to tell me what's holy.

Speaker 1: 2:44

Find the sacred in the everyday, instead of waiting for someone else to tell me what's holy, absolutely. And it's not about perfection, it's about presence, about listening to the land, to your own soul, and letting that guide you. That's the real awakening, I think the moment you realise the divine spark is within you and within everything around you.

Speaker 2: 2:59

So let's get practical Because, Eric, I know a lot of people hear witchcraft. Let's get practical Because, Eric, I know a lot of people hear witchcraft and immediately think of like pointy hats and cauldrons bubbling over with questionable substances. But the heart of modern witchcraft, especially green witchcraft, is so much more grounded right. It's about connecting with nature, with herbs, with the cycles of the earth. Where do you start if you're curious?

Speaker 1: 3:24

Yeah, the Hollywood version is fun, but the real thing is much more well earthy. Green Witchcraft is all about building a relationship with the land. The first thing I always suggest is grounding. Literally Go outside, take your shoes off, feel the earth beneath your feet. It's about anchoring yourself, letting the energy of the earth steady you, and then creating a sacred space. That could be a windowsill with a few stones and a candle, or a corner of your garden. The point is to make a space where you can focus your intention and connect with the natural world.

Speaker 2: 3:57

And then there's the whole ethical side, which I think gets overlooked, like it's not just about grabbing a bunch of herbs and chucking them in a jar. There's a real responsibility only taking what you need, making sure you're not harming the plant or the ecosystem. I remember my first attempt at making a protection sachet I was maybe 16, and I snuck into my grandma's garden to pinch some rosemary. She caught me, of course, and instead of getting mad, she showed me how to harvest it properly, thanking the plant, leaving enough for it to thrive. That stuck with me. It's about honouring the lineage, the land and the energy you're working with.

Speaker 1: 4:36

That's such a good story. And it's true. Every herb, every stone has its own energy, its own story. When you gather ingredients for a spell, you're not just collecting objects, you're entering into a relationship. And then there's the ethics of spellcasting itself. The intention is everything. Are you trying to control someone else or are you working for healing, protection, growth? The best spells, in my experience, are the ones that align with the well-being of all involved, like if you're making a protection sachet. You're not wishing harm on anyone, you're creating a shield, a safe space, and always, always respect free will. That's the heart of ethical magic.

Speaker 2: 5:16

And it's not just about people either. It's about the earth. If you're harvesting herbs, you do it sustainably. If you're making offerings, you use biodegradable materials. It's about stewardship, not exploitation, and, honestly, that's what makes green witchcraft so powerful. It's a practice of reciprocity. You give back as much as you take and you do it with gratitude.

Speaker 1: 5:38

Exactly. And you know for anyone starting out, you don't need a fancy grimoire or a cupboard full of rare ingredients. Start with what you have A sprig of rosemary, a stone from your favourite walk, a candle. The magic is in the intention, the relationship, the respect. That's what makes it real.

Speaker 2: 5:56

All right. So we've talked about the roots, we've talked about the practice, but here's the big question what kind of witch are you? Because, eric, there are so many paths Green sea, kitchen, hedge, storm, you name it and I think a lot of people get stuck thinking they have to pick one and stick with it forever. But that's not really how it works, is it?

Speaker 1: 6:16

No, not at all, I mean. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that witchcraft is as individual as the person practicing it. Some people are drawn to the sea, to the tides and the moon. Others find their magic in the kitchen, in the act of baking bread or brewing tea. Some are hedge witches working in the liminal spaces. The in-betweens, and, honestly, most of us are a bit of everything. Your path is yours to define and it can change as you grow.

Speaker 2: 6:42

And there are so many misconceptions out there like I still get people asking if I worship the devil or if I can turn them into a frog. Hollywood's done a real number on the word witch, but the truth is most of us are just trying to live in harmony with the earth, to heal, to grow, to connect. It's about reverence, not rebellion for rebellion's sake and, honestly, the resurgence of earth-based spirituality is about people wanting something real, something rooted. It's not about escaping reality, it's about engaging with it more deeply.

Speaker 1: 7:16

Absolutely, and I think that's why community is so important. You see it at gatherings, beltane, samhain, people coming together to celebrate, to heal, to explore. These aren't just parties, they're spaces for collective transformation. I've seen people who felt completely alone in their journey find a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, just by showing up and sharing a ritual, a story, a song. It's powerful, and it's not about everyone believing the same thing. It's about honouring the diversity, the individuality and the shared longing for connection.

Speaker 2: 7:50

Yeah, and I think that's the real magic finding your own way, but knowing you're not alone. Whether you're a green witch, a kitchen witch or just someone who feels the call of the wild, there's a place for you. And if you're listening and you're not sure where you fit, that's okay. The journey is the path. Try things, make mistakes, change your mind. That's how you find your own flavour of magic.

Speaker 1: 8:13

Couldn't have said it better, and you know. As we wrap up, I just want to remind everyone your path is yours. There's no right or wrong way to be a witch, a seeker, a lover of the earth. The only rule really is respect For yourself, for others, for the land. The rest is up to you.

Speaker 2: 8:35

And that's a wrap for today's episode. Eric, as always, it's a pleasure wandering through the wilds of spirituality with you and to everyone listening. Thanks for joining us in the House of Ravenbrook. We'll be back soon with more stories, more practices and more ways to awaken the magic within. Take care, eric.

Speaker 1: 8:49

Thanks, ruby. Take care everyone Until next time, step outside, listen to the wind and remember the house is always calling.