Old Ways for the New Age

Episodes

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  S5E26 - October Astrology: Retrogrades, Rebirth & the Witching Season with Telan Wade 07.10.2026 10m

  October is a particularly retrograde-heavy month, making this a good time to slow down, reassess, realign and take stock of where we’re at.For this month’s Star Notes, we’re guided by astrologer Telan Wade for an overview of October 2026. Rather than trying to cover every transit in the sky, Telan takes us through five key dates and the themes they invite us to work with, from Libra season and Venus retrograde through to Scorpio season, Mercury retrograde and the Taurus Full Moon.In this episode, we explore:* Libra season, balance, connection and the invitation to pause and conserve our energy* Venus retrograde and the age-old question of whether you should really get that impulsive haircut right now* The Libra New Moon and giving ourselves permission to stop, rest and recharge* Scorpio season, transformation, intuition, release and the symbolism of death and rebirth* Mercury retrograde, with some practical advice for backing up your devices and preparing for communication and technology hiccups* Halloween and Samhain, ancestors and the thinning boundary between the living and spirit worlds* The Taurus Full Moon, Venusian pleasure, overindulgence and the art of letting go* Why it can be useful to listen to different astrologers and explore the many ways we can interpret the language of the starsA big thank you to Telan for joining us and leading us through the astrology of October.Wishing you all a magical month ahead! Telan is an Astrology lover, intuitive reader, sound practitioner and newly certified yoga teacher with a passion for exploring the connection between the body and consciousness. Telan prefers a back to basics approach, looking at entry points of understanding and maintaining a keen eye for repetition in messaging.Telan brings together a diverse range of studies and modalities from around the world. Starting with being mentored by her green witch Grandmother. She studies Astrology in Brisbane, having learned from Babula Clement and Tiarnie Vidler. Yoga in Ocean Grove under Bec Duffield, Core Cellular Healing in Australia, Ireland and Canada under Ger Lyons and Ann Marie Mandile. Sound Healing in France under Joseph Schmidlin.Telan is hosting astro workshops in Newstead, QLD in October and Ocean Grove, VIC in December and January. She is available for in-person and Zoom readings, retreat bookings and studio residencies.Find Telan:- https://www.telanwade.com.au/- https://www.facebook.com/telan.wade/- https://www.instagram.com/telanvision/- https://www.linkedin.com/in/telanwade/- https://substack.com/@telan- https://www.tiktok.com/@telanvision Find Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahThe Old Ways podcast is a listener-supported production. If you value my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber! Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E25 - Kitchen Table Chats: Going Analogue, Slow Living & Seasonal Handcrafts 30.09.2026 52m

  Welcome back to Kitchen Table Chats — episodes where I get to relax and hang out with some of my favourite people for low-key, unfiltered conversations about topics that light us up. This week I’m having a long-overdue catch-up with one of my favourite people, Meghan Rhodes, founder of the Heritage School of Herbal Medicine. We chat over cups of cacao about some life updates, ways we are going more analogue in our daily rhythms, and why owning physical items can be supportive of mental health.We talk about handcrafts, seasonal living, family life, and I give my spoiler-free review of Practical Magic 2, diving into the colouring of the film and the shifts in core themes throughout the storyline. If you want an easy-listening episode to pop on while you wash the dishes, run an errand or have a sacred moment to yourself, this might be the perfect episode for you!If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a rating, review or comment to share your thoughts. I’d love to connect with you!Inside this episode:* Why going analogue is about more than nostalgia, and how owning tangible things can support our mental health* The hidden cost of constant convenience, notifications and digital distraction* Finding grounding and joy through hands-on creativity, from sewing and felting to cooking and collecting books* Relearning the art of waiting and rediscovering the pleasure of anticipation* Building sustainable businesses and family life when self-employed* How children learn through participating in the rhythms, rituals and creative practices of everyday lifeMeghan Rhodes is a qualified herbalist and the founder and director of Heritage School of Herbal Medicine, where she guides students on a unique sense-based herbalism course and journey, Awaken Herbal Wisdom, for up to four turnings of the wheel.Meghan’s practice of herbalism is rooted in the belief that we must remember, reclaim and relearn our knowledge of our bodies, our autonomy and how to work with plant medicine in order to bring control of our own health back into our families and homes for a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet. Through her herbalism school, Meghan facilitates the development of confident, empowered herbalists, attuned to the messages of their bodies and the natural world. Living the deep wisdom of herbal medicine within themselves, their homes and their communities, they uplift themselves and others, creating a stronger society organically.Meghan is a member of both the Association of Master Herbalists and the Ayurvedic Professionals Association.Find Meghan:- Heritage School of Herbal Medicine: https://www.heritageschoolofherbalmedicine.com/- Awaken Herbal Medicine Living Apprenticeship: https://www.heritageschoolofherbalmedicine.com/intensive-herbalism-course- Community Herbalist Certification: https://www.heritageschoolofherbalmedicine.com/professional-community-herbalist-certification- Applications for upcoming cohorts: https://www.heritageschoolofherbalmedicine.com/intensive-herbalism-course-application-request- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritageschoolofherbalmedicineFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahThe Old Ways podcast is a listener-supported production. If you value my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber! Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E24 - Virgo Season and The Magic of the Everyday with Emily McQueen 06.09.2026 20m

  Welcome to the first episode of the refreshed Star Notes, our monthly astrology series here on Old Ways for the New Age.This month we are led by intuitive astrologer and soul guide Emily McQueen to explore the energy of Virgo season and the astrology shaping September.We talk about Virgo as a season of grounding, integration and returning to the body, particularly after the intensity and upheaval that can come with eclipse season. Rather than seeing Virgo simply through the lens of organisation, productivity and perfectionism, Emily invites us to look at the deeper, more magical side of this earth sign, and its connection to healing, herbalism, ritual and the natural world.Emily explores:* Virgo season and the astrology shaping September* How eclipse season can bring sudden change, endings, beginnings and emotional intensity* Why Virgo energy can help us ground, integrate and return to the body* Practical ways to care for ourselves after an intense period, from sleep and nourishment to simplifying our routines and tending the home* The connection between Virgo, healing, herbalism and the natural world* Finding meaning and medicine in the ordinary things we do every day* Bringing more magic into everyday life through tea, gardening, cooking, cleaning and candlelight* The art of discernment and learning to distinguish intuition from fear, conditioning and outside influence* Working with the Virgo New Moon as an opportunity to begin again* The question, “What am I willing to tend?”Emily McQueen is a Soul Guide and Intuitive Astrologer who supports empaths, intuitives and spiritual seekers in reconnecting with their inner wisdom and living in alignment with who they truly are. Her work weaves together astrology, intuition, ritual, energy healing and a deep connection to the natural world, bridging the mystical with the practical.Through 1:1 sessions, courses and her Moon Magic membership, Emily creates supportive spaces for self-discovery, intuitive development and embodied transformation. Her approach is grounded in the belief that the answers we seek are already within us, and that through slowing down, listening deeply and tending to our relationship with ourselves, the Earth and the cosmos, we can learn to trust our own inner knowing.Find Emily:- https://www.emilymcqueen.com.au/thewildknowing- https://www.instagram.com/emilymmcqueen/Find Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with Hannah Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E23 - Sacred Water, Pilgrimage & Following Your Purpose with Gerry Taylor-Wood 27.08.2026 1h

  This week on the podcast, I’m joined by my dear mentor Gerry Taylor-Wood for a deeply personal conversation about sacred water, pilgrimage, spiritual guidance and what it means to follow your purpose even when you don’t know what lies at the end of the path.Gerry shares her journey from growing up in London, through a major crisis of faith in her twenties, and into the practices that would eventually shape her life, including yoga, meditation, Eastern spirituality and healing traditions.We talk about the dreams, visions and synchronicities that have guided Gerry and her husband Richard throughout their lives, including a pivotal experience with the ghost of Wellesley Tudor Pole at Chalice Well in Glastonbury, that called them to leave England and travel to Australia in search of a very particular healing water.That journey eventually led them to Grail Haven on Tamborine Mountain, the property they had been searching for. We talk about the water that flows through the land, the springs, crystals and ley lines she believes contribute to its unique energetic qualities, and the garden they created in relationship with the landscape.Gerry also shares some of her experiences with Nature Spirits and Devas, and how these encounters inspired her flower essences and card deck, as well as some of the sacred pilgrimage sites that have deeply influenced her, including Lourdes and Chalice Well.Throughout our conversation, we return to the question of calling: how do we recognise when we’re being guided towards something, and how do we learn to surrender to the next chapter of our soul’s work?Gerry shares some wonderfully simple practices for anyone wanting to develop their own spiritual connection, from meditation and creating altars to astrology, flower essences and dowsing.This was a really special conversation for me, and one I’ve been looking forward to sharing. Gerry has been an important guide and influence in my own journey, so it was a privilege to sit down with her and explore some of the experiences and teachings that have shaped her.Gerry Taylor-Wood has been a professional astrologer since the 1970s. In 1986 she gained a Diploma from The Centre for Psychological Astrology in London, a Jungian-centred paradigm created by Dr Liz Greene and Howard Sasportas.An international conference speaker and writer, Gerry has trained astrologers, appeared on television and radio, and written her own astrology column in the UK. Her work is grounded in a vision of astrology as a sacred, healing art, and she brings the healing grace of Tamborine Mountain Flower Essence Remedies into her consultations.Alongside her astrological work, Gerry has spent decades exploring the spiritual dimensions of nature, sacred landscapes, pilgrimage, the divine feminine and the relationships between people and place. Together with her husband Richard, she is the custodian of Grail Haven, a not-for-profit healing sanctuary based on Tamborine Mountain, where they continue to run regular workshops and 1:1 sessions.Find Gerry:- https://grailhaven.com/- https://www.instagram.com/taylorwoodgerry- Grail Haven Academy: https://grailhaven.com/education/- Contact Gerry to enquire about personal mentoring, tarot readings, astrology sessions and other 1:1 work via gtw.deva@gmail.comFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahMentioned in Episode:- Grail Haven Flower Essence cards: https://grailhaven.com/product/grail-haven-oracle-cards/- Grail Haven Flower Essences ebook: https://grailhaven.com/product/grail-haven-flower-essences-e-book/ and physical book: https://grailhaven.com/product/grail-haven-flower-essences/- Grail Haven Flower Essence kit (single essences also available): https://grailhaven.com/product/flower-essence-set/- Journey to a Sacred Well book: https://grailhaven.com/product/a-journey-to-a-sacred-well/The Old Ways podcast is a listener-supported production. If you value my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber! Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E22 - Reclaiming Wonder in Herbalism with Amma Rosavalon 13.08.2026 59m

  This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Amma Rosavalon, clinical herbalist, herbal educator, plant nerd and devoted Earth lover, for a conversation about something I think many of us in modern herbalism could use a little more of: wonder.Like many herbalists who have trained clinically, Amma found herself navigating the tension between the scientific and intuitive sides of herbal medicine. We talk about her early relationship with plants, her formal herbal training, and the gradual journey that brought her back towards ritual, animism, plant spirits and the more enchanted aspects of herbal practice.We explore what it means to practise embodied herbalism, learning about plants not only through books and clinical knowledge, but through our own bodies, senses and lived experience. We also talk about the importance of getting to know individual plants rather than experiencing Nature as simply a “wall of green”, and how building these relationships can deepen our sense of belonging and help us feel more at home in the world around us.Amma shares her perspective on animism, why she considers paying attention to be one of the best kinds of offering, and how simple acts of curiosity can begin to change our relationship with the natural world.A thread that runs through our entire conversation is the idea of whimsy: why joy, play, awe and enchantment aren’t frivolous additions to herbalism, but can be part of what makes our practice sustainable, nourishing and deeply human.Inside this episode:* Amma’s journey into herbalism and her early relationship with plants* Moving from clinical herbalism and phytochemistry back towards wonder and intuition* What embodied herbalism really means* Why whimsy, wonder and enchantment matter in herbal practice* The relationship between awe, wellbeing and nervous system health* Seeing beyond the “wall of green” and learning to recognise individual plant relatives* Animism and Amma’s understanding of plant, animal and land spirits* Why paying attention can become a spiritual practice* Amma’s relationships with Rose, Mugwort, Marshmallow and Oat* A powerful encounter with an ancient Oak in England* Creating everyday rituals that invite more enchantment into our lives* Finding ways to make time in nature feel playful, intentional and special* How reconnecting with wonder can change the way we practise herbalismThis conversation is a little reminder that herbalism doesn’t have to be either clinical or magical — it can walk both worlds.We can care about phytochemistry and still talk to the plants. We can understand physiology and still experience awe. We can take our medicine seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.Sometimes the most radical thing we can do is to simply slow down.Amma Rosavalon is a plant nerd, herbal educator, clinical herbalist, gardener and devoted earth lover. Based in Southern Oregon, she is deeply passionate about the interconnectedness between human health and the health of the natural world.Her lifelong relationship with nature has shaped her path as an herbalist, weaving together bioregional herbalism, Ayurveda, ethical wildcrafting, clinical herbalism, embodied practice and deep nature connection. She trained through the Hawthorn Institute and continues to explore the many ways plants can support healing, connection and a more intimate relationship with the Earth.Amma believes that connection to the Earth and herbal medicine is our intrinsic birthright, and that this relationship can be a powerful vehicle for healing both ourselves and the world around us.Find Amma:- https://www.ammarosavalon.com/- https://www.instagram.com/mamma.amma/- Living Herbalism Academy 8-Week Mentorship Program: https://www.ammarosavalon.com/lha- Living Herbalism Collective Membership: https://www.ammarosavalon.com/lhcFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahMentioned in Episode:- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/17465709-braiding-sweetgrass Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E21 - Where Herbalism & Witchcraft Meet with Robin Rose Bennett 05.08.2026 1h 7m

  This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Robin Rose Bennett, green witch, writer and passionate herbalist, as we explore the many ways that plant medicine and magic coexist beautifully with one another.We begin with Robin Rose sharing her journey into herbal healing and witchcraft before diving into her understanding of green witchery as a living, embodied practice rooted in relationship, reciprocity and reverence for the natural world. Together, we explore what it means to see plants not simply as medicine, but as teachers, elders and companions, and how rebuilding these relationships can help us remember our place within the web of life.Along the way, we discuss belonging, loneliness, ancestral wisdom, writing, creativity, and the simple yet profound practice of slowing down. Robin Rose highlights a few of her closest plant allies, including Motherwort, Plantain, Yarrow and Sweet Violet, and she also shares some of her own personal practices that keep her connected to the divine spirit running through all of life. Inside this episode:* Robin Rose’s journey into herbalism and witchcraft* What green witchery actually is, and how it can weave into our daily rhythms* Connecting with plants as teachers, elders and lifelong allies* The difference between fitting in and truly belonging* How connection with plants can help ease loneliness and cultivate community* Simple ways to begin building a relationship with one plant at a time* Daily practices for deepening your connection with the natural world* The role of ancestors and future generations in our spiritual lives* Robin Rose’s love of writing, poetry and how weaving words allows her to thrive* Beautiful herbal allies, including Motherwort, Plantain, Yarrow and Sweet Violet* Working with herbs to support both people and animals* Robin Rose’s books, self-paced courses and upcoming projectsThis conversation is a beautiful reminder that herbalism is about far more than learning the medicinal properties of plants. It is an invitation to remember the relationship that we’ve always had with the Earth and all living kin — we are never truly alone, and your unique gifts are needed now, more than ever. Robin Rose Bennett is a story-teller, writer, and herbalist, offering classes in Herbal Medicine and EarthSpirit Teachings since 1986 - at herb conferences, festivals, medical schools, and most joyously, outside with the plants. Robin Rose shares herbal medicine with gratitude for the loving generosity of the plants and the magic, mystery, and beauty of the web of life. She is the author of: Healing Magic - A Green Witch Guidebook to Conscious Living, The Gift of Healing Herbs - Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life, The Young Green Witch’s Guide to Plant Magic - Rituals and Recipes from Nature, and A Green Witch's Pocket Book of Wisdom-Big Little Life Tips.Find Robin Rose:- https://www.robinrosebennett.com/- https://www.instagram.com/robinrosebennett/- https://www.facebook.com/wisewomanhealingways/- Join The Green Witch’s Apothecary: https://www.robinrosebennett.com/the-green-witchs-apothecary- Meet Your Plant Ally Meditative Journey: https://www.robinrosebennett.com/meet-your-plant-ally- Find all Robin Rose Bennett books: https://www.robinrosebennett.com/books-meditationsFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahThe Old Ways podcast is a listener-supported production. If you value my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber! Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E20 - Kitchen Table Chats: Bringing the Wheel of the Year into Family Life with Abi Smissen 16.07.2026 58m

  In this Kitchen Table Chats episode, I’m joined by the lovely Abi Smissen for a relaxed conversation about bringing the Wheel of the Year into everyday family life.Together we explore how motherhood became a catalyst for deepening Abi’s connection with nature, how moving from England to Australia reshaped her spiritual practice, and what it means to celebrate the seasons in a way that feels authentic to the Southern Hemisphere.We chat about simple family rituals, seasonal crafts, books we love, celebrating with food, and why seasonal living doesn’t have to be elaborate to be deeply meaningful. Above all, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, notice the rhythms of the land around you, and create traditions that feel nourishing for your own family.Inside this episode:* Abi’s journey into motherhood and how it deepened her connection with nature* Moving from England to Australia and adapting the Wheel of the Year to Southern Hemisphere seasons* Simple ways to celebrate the changing seasons with children* Seasonal crafts, storytelling, food traditions and family rituals* What paganism and earth-based spirituality can look like in everyday home life* Our favourite books for exploring the Wheel of the Year and seasonal living* Releasing the pressure of “doing it perfectly” and creating traditions that genuinely fit your family* Why paying attention to the natural world is at the heart of any seasonal practiceWhether you’re just beginning your journey with the Wheel of the Year or looking for fresh inspiration, we hope this conversation encourages you to celebrate the seasons in ways that are simple, joyful and deeply rooted in the world outside your window.I am Abi, a mother, a writer/maker, a postpartum doula, and a witness to the most profanely beautiful of beginnings; motherhood.I am based on Kombumerri country, on the south Gold Coast, living, learning and loving with my husband, Toby, and our three beautiful but wild children.Motherhood was both my unravelling and my biggest becoming. I felt firsthand both what an unsupported birthing season could do, and then the redemptive healing of a rite of passage supported. It was in these spaces that I discovered what our society was now lacking and also my calling; the nurturing of those walking in the liminal and the in-between, of watching mothers become reborn alongside their babies.Find Abi:- https://heldbirth.com.au/ - https://www.instagram.com/abismissen/- Shop Abi’s handcrafted herbal goods: https://heldbirth.com.au/shopFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahMentioned in Episode:- The Meadowsweet Year https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18655041.Caroline_Acworth- The Children’s Forest https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52375832-the-children-s-forest?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=9Nwuc4bJIp&rank=2- Glennie Kindred books https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/138709.Glennie_Kindred- The Wheel of the Year: An Illustrated Guide to Nature’s Rhythms https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61271694-the-wheel-of-the-year?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GVYka4fQec&rank=6- Dancing the Sacred Wheel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150406-dancing-the-sacred-wheel?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6hAc1G9hIk&rank=1- Circle Round https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/84260.Circle_Round?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=67nn8LDffQ&rank=2- The Lewellyn Sabbats Almanac series https://www.goodreads.com/series/94941-llewellyn-s-sabbats-annual- Seasons of the Witch oracle serieshttps://www.seasonsofthewitchoracles.com/Old Ways for the New Age is a listener-supported publication. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E19 - Star Notes July 2026: Uranus in Gemini, Mercury Retrograde & New Beginnings 06.07.2026 19m

  July invites us into a powerful new chapter.In this month’s Star Notes episode, Mikailah Rachael from Star Witch Astrology guides us through the astrology of July 2026, exploring a month of transformation, emotional renewal and unexpected breakthroughs as we navigate some of the year’s most significant planetary shifts.Together we explore the long-awaited movement of Uranus into Gemini and its supportive trine with Pluto in Aquarius, opening the door to collective awakening, innovation and personal liberation. We also unpack Pluto’s continued retrograde journey, Mercury retrograde in Cancer, and how these transits invite us to slow down, listen deeply and reconnect with our intuition before moving forward.Rachael shares practical rituals and magical ways to work with July’s New Moon in Cancer and Full Moon in Aquarius, alongside guidance for nurturing your nervous system, honouring your emotions and embracing the changes unfolding within your relationships, home and sense of purpose.Throughout the episode, the invitation is to release outdated stories, trust the wisdom of your own heart, and step courageously into the next chapter that is waiting to unfold.Inside this episode:• Uranus entering Gemini and its trine with Pluto in Aquarius• Collective transformation, innovation and personal breakthroughs• Pluto retrograde and deep inner reflection• Mercury retrograde in Cancer and the gift of emotional honesty• Nervous system care, intuition and sacred self-care practices• The Cancer New Moon and a simple ritual for release and intention setting• Working with candles, crystals, journalling and water magic• The Aquarius Full Moon and visionary thinking for the future• Juno, relationships and evolving partnerships• Jupiter in Leo and opening to courage, gratitude and authentic self-expression• Using your natal chart to understand where transformation is unfolding• Programming clear quartz for intention and personal growth• An invitation to join Rachael’s Mercury retrograde masterclass and online ritualWhether you’re navigating unexpected change, feeling called to begin again, or simply wanting to work more intentionally with the astrology of the month, this episode offers grounded guidance, magical practices and gentle reminders that transformation often begins from within.The practices shared in this episode are invitations rather than instructions. Please approach your craft with care, common sense and respect, taking appropriate safety precautions and adapting rituals to your own circumstances and environment.“Rachael from Star Witch Astrology is a hereditary folk witch, soul astrologer & transpersonal therapist experienced in oracular traditions and Western ritual arts.Her private sessions embody ancient practices in a contemporary form to support people through the planetary cycles, and ultimately, empower their lives with a love of magic and transformation.Rachael spends part of her seasonal year on a sacred mountain in Australia, walking the Indigenous rainforest, whilst pursuing academic studies in cultural anthropology and following her passion for traditional witchcraft and ethnobotany.  She spends the other part of her seasonal year on her ancestral homelands in England.”Find Rachael:- www.starwitchastrology.com- Mercury Retrograde Masterclass: https://www.starwitchastrology.com/event-details/mercury-retrograde-masterclass-psychopomps-underworld-journeys- https://www.instagram.com/starwitchastrology/- Lunar Magick course: https://www.starwitchastrology.com/lunar-magick- 1:1 Sessions with Mikailah Rachael: https://www.starwitchastrology.com/astrology-sessionsFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahOld Ways for the New Age is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E18 - Music as Medicine with Leah Song of Rising Appalachia 25.06.2026 1h 17m

  In this week's episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Leah Song, musician, storyteller, activist and co-founder of Rising Appalachia, for a deeply nourishing conversation about music, plants, place, culture and keeping the old ways alive.Together, we explore how Leah's journey into folk music unfolded alongside her relationship with herbalism and the important role the herbal community played in supporting Rising Appalachia during its early years. Leah shares how she and her sister Chloe were guided and encouraged by the "fairy godmother of modern herbalism," Rosemary Gladstar, and how the worlds of plants, folk traditions and music have remained deeply intertwined throughout their lives and creative work.Leah shares her reflections on mythology and folk traditions as living forms of communication, the role of creativity as both a spiritual and political act, and how music can become a vessel for collective healing, resilience and belonging.We also discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on her community in Appalachia, what it taught her about mutual aid and human connection, and the ways people come together through hardship, song and shared purpose.Along the way, Leah shares about Rising Appalachia’s forthcoming album Trade My Troubles, as well as her beautiful new analogue collaboration with Duncan Wickel, My Hope Lies Down in the Mississippi, recorded entirely on tape.Inside this episode:• Leah’s path into folk music, herbalism and creative expression• How the herbal community helped nurture Rising Appalachia’s journey• Reclaiming folk practices and ancestral ways of knowing• Claiming our lineage and reconnecting with cultural roots• Drawing from the stories, traditions and landscapes of the places that raised us• Mythology, folklore and music as vessels for wisdom and remembrance• Creativity as a spiritual practice and form of activism• Community resilience, mutual aid and healing after Hurricane Helene• Music as medicine and a tool for collective healing• Rising Appalachia’s upcoming album Trade My Troubles• Leah’s new album with Duncan Wickel, My Hope Lies Down in the Mississippi• The Living Traditions Ireland journey and preserving folkways in the modern worldThis conversation is a beautiful reminder that the old ways are not lost. They live on through story, song, place, community and the everyday acts of remembering who we are and where we come from.If you’ve ever felt called to reconnect with your roots, deepen your relationship with place, or explore the healing power of creativity and community, I think you’ll love this one.P.S. Leah shares about the upcoming Living Traditions: Ireland journey, a beautiful exploration of Irish folk culture, craft, story and place. At the time of recording, there were still a handful of spaces available for anyone feeling called to join.Leah Song is a storyteller, song-catcher, musician, poet, and activist known for her role as front woman of Rising Appalachia, alongside her sister. She incorporates sultry vocals, rhythm, banjo, guitar, ballads, Irish drum, spoken-word and storytelling into her work. Her music is based in the traditions of Southern soul and international roots music. Song engages in social activism and is involved with the environment, food justice, human rights and prison outreach. She has studied and worked alongside some of the greatest teachers of our time... including Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Martin Shaw, Joanna Macy, Winona LaDuke, Sobunfu Some, and Rosemary Gladstar among others... Gathering tools and teachings of resilience, mythology, ritual, and rewilding.Find Leah:- Websites: https://www.leahsongmusic.com/https://www.risingappalachia.com/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahsongmusic/https://www.instagram.com/risingappalachia/- Living Traditions: Ireland tour: https://www.leahsongmusic.com/wild-routes-ireland- In Love with the Quiet single: - My Hope Lies Down in the Mississippi album: Find Hannah:- Website: hannahforest.com- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a session: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreMentioned in Episode:- Rosemary Gladstar: https://www.instagram.com/rosemarygladstar/- Starling Arrow music: https://www.instagram.com/starlingarrow/The Old Ways pod is a listener-supported production. If you value my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber! Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E17 - Sleep Herbs, Nervines & Restorative Rituals with Cassidy Moss 10.06.2026 1h 19m

  Sleep is one of the foundations of health, yet so many of us struggle to find the deep, restorative rest our bodies and minds crave.In this episode, I’m joined by herbalist Cassidy Moss of Moss Herbalism for a rich and nuanced conversation about sleep, nervous system regulation and the role herbs can play in helping us return to balance.Together we explore why the same herb can work beautifully for one person and do very little for another, how herbalists match plants to the individual rather than the symptom (plus how there is also a place for quick wins), and the deeper emotional, physical and energetic patterns that often sit beneath sleep disturbances.Cassidy shares her favourite herbs for sleep support, including Chamomile, Ashwagandha, California Poppy, Skullcap and Passionflower, and why plants that aren’t considered hypnotics can positively impact sleep quality, while also offering practical guidance around tinctures, teas, sleep hygiene and creating rituals that gently signal safety and rest to the nervous system.We also venture into the more folk-magical side of herbalism, discussing dream work, plant spirits, the vibrational qualities of herbs and how relationship with plants in the context of Nature connection can become a meaningful part of our healing journey.Inside this episode:• Cassidy’s journey into herbalism and clinical practice• Why sleep is often one of the first things herbalists assess• Understanding different patterns of sleep disturbance• Why herbs work differently for different people• Constitutional herbalism and personalised formulations• Nervines, adaptogens and herbal approaches to stress• Mugwort, Chamomile, Valerian, Skullcap, Passionflower, California Poppy and Ashwagandha• Tinctures versus teas and finding what works for you• Lifestyle factors that influence sleep quality• What sleep looks like for parents• Building sleep rituals and nourishing the nervous system• Dream work, plant spirits and the energetic dimension of herbal medicine• The role of Nature, connection and community in supporting wellbeingThis episode is for anyone seeking a more holistic understanding of sleep and a gentler, more personalised approach to restoring rest.Cassidy Moss is a clinical herbalist and the founder of Moss Herbalism.Her path into plant medicine began in the garden and deepened through years of organic farming, mycology, and bioregional herbalism. As a mother to three she became immersed in the holistic wellness world in the pursuit of a healthy thriving life for her family. She went on to manage a busy naturopathic clinic in Seattle while completing her clinical herbalist training, working alongside naturopathic doctors to refine her integrative approach.Today, Cassidy offers personalised herbal consultations through Moss Herbalism, helping clients reconnect with their health through medicinal plants, land-based wisdom, and evidence-informed care.Find Cassidy:- Website: https://mossherbalism.com- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mossherbalism/- Book a consult: https://mossherbalism.com/schedule-appointment/- Subscribe to the newsletter: https://mossherbalism.com/newsletter/- Learn with Cassidy: https://mossherbalism.com/courses/Find Hannah:- Website: hannahforest.com- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a session: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreMentioned in Episode:- Episode with Mikailah Rachael where we mention creating an oracular dreaming pool by your bedside: https://hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/p/s4e6-interview-with-mikailah-rachael- Person pictures book by Dorothy Hall: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069733-dorothy-hall-s-herbal-medicine Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E16 — Star Notes June 2026: Solstice Waters, Ancestral Healing & Venus in Leo 25.05.2026 26m

  In this month’s Star Notes episode, Mikailah Rachael from Star Witch Astrology guides us through the astrology of June 2026 — a month marked by the transition from intellectually curious Gemini season into the nurturing waters of Cancer at the solstice gateway.Together we explore themes of ancestral remembrance, emotional healing, creativity, belonging and self-worth, along with practical rituals and magical ways to work with the energies of the month.Rachael shares insights into Mercury moving through Cancer and the meaningful conversations and emotional truths this transit may bring to the surface, as well as Venus entering Leo and inviting us back into joy, beauty, pleasure and embodied creativity.We also dive into Chiron’s movement into Taurus and what this may reveal around security, worthiness and healing old wounds connected to belonging and stability.Inside this episode:* The energetic shift from Gemini season into Cancer season* Ancestral remembrance and working with lineage through ritual* Mercury in Cancer and emotional conversations* Venus in Leo and reconnecting with joy, beauty and creativity* Chiron in Taurus and healing wounds around self-worth and security* The spiritual significance of the solstice gateway* Herbal allies, including Mugwort, Lavender and Chamomile* Cleansing water rituals and devotional practices* Ways to work intentionally with the astrology of June in everyday lifeThis month’s episode is especially supportive for those feeling called to slow down, reconnect with their emotional world, deepen connection and create more intentional ritual within daily life.“Rachael from Star Witch Astrology is a hereditary folk witch, soul astrologer & transpersonal therapist experienced in oracular traditions and Western ritual arts.Her private sessions embody ancient practices in a contemporary form to support people through the planetary cycles, and ultimately, empower their lives with a love of magic and transformation.Rachael spends part of her seasonal year on a sacred mountain in Australia, walking the Indigenous rainforest, whilst pursuing academic studies in cultural anthropology and following her passion for traditional witchcraft and ethnobotany.  She spends the other part of her seasonal year on her ancestral homelands in England.”Find Rachael:- www.starwitchastrology.com- https://www.instagram.com/starwitchastrology/- Lunar Magick course: https://www.starwitchastrology.com/lunar-magick- 1:1 Sessions with Mikailah Rachael: https://www.starwitchastrology.com/astrology-sessionsFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahOld Ways for the New Age is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E15 - Practical Protective Magic with Stacey Demarco 20.05.2026 1h 29m

  What does protection magic actually look like in everyday life?In this episode, I’m joined by renowned witch, author and teacher Stacey Demarco for a grounded and deeply practical conversation about protective magic, working with plants and creating rituals that support us in modern life.We explore Stacey’s journey from the corporate world into full-time witchcraft, the evolution of her modern magical practice, and why strengthening nature connection is one of the most powerful spiritual skills we can cultivate. Together, we unpack what protection magic truly is, common misconceptions about curses and baneful magic, and simple ways we can fortify our energy, homes, and boundaries through intentional daily practice.Stacey also shares practical ways to work with protective herbs and plants like Rosemary, Mugwort, Garlic and Lavender, how gardening itself can become an act of magic, and why a reciprocal, ethical relationship with plants matters deeply, especially when working with sacred botanicals such as White Sage.This conversation is filled with realistic, accessible ideas for weaving magic into ordinary life in ways that feel empowering rather than performative, whether through mirrors and talismans, devotional routines, gardening, household rituals or learning to trust your own intuition.In this episode, we cover:* Stacey’s path from corporate life to becoming one of Australia’s most recognised witches* What protective magic actually is and why it matters* Working with nature as a spiritual practice* Daily energetic protection rituals and grounding techniques* Mirrors, disco balls and reflective magic* The reality of curses, psychic attack and ethical magical practice* Protective plants and herbs for the home and garden* Gardening as magic and creating protective spaces* Talismans, charms and infusing intention into everyday objects* Building inner resilience and personal power* Stacey’s upcoming projectsStacey Demarco is The Modern Witch.She is a trusted pagan educator, an internationally best-selling author and has over thirty years of experience in bringing down-to-earth and effective practical magic to everyone. She is the author of 15 oracle decks, including The Queen of the Moon, The Halloween Oracle and her newest deck out in September, the Nature Goddess Oracle-Protectors of the Planet. Her books include the classic Witch in the Boardroom, Plants of Power (co-authored with Miranda Mueller) and Protective Magic. She is the author of the annual Lunar & Seasonal Diary, beloved by two hemispheres, now in its 18th edition.The Old Ways podcast is a listener-supported production. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Find Stacey:- https://themodernwitch.com/- https://www.facebook.com/staceydemarco- Resources: https://themodernwitch.com/library-of-knowledge/- Stacey’s books and decks: https://themodernwitch.com/shop/Find Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Work 1:1 with Hannah: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreMentioned in Episode:- 2027 Lunar Diary: https://themodernwitch.com/product/2027-lunar-and-seasonal-diary-southern-hemisphere-pre-sale/- Protective Magic book: https://themodernwitch.com/product/protective-magic-defend-clear-empower-pre-sale/- Plants of Power book: https://themodernwitch.com/product/plants-of-power-pre-sale-stock-arriving-late-april/ Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E14 - Homeschooling, Motherhood & Building a Heart-Led Herbal Business with Daniela Rey 06.05.2026 1h 17m

  In this episode, I’m joined by Daniela Rey, herbalist, mother and founder of Growing Up Rooted, for a deeply inspiring conversation about balancing motherhood, homeschooling and building a heart-led herbal business.We explore Daniela’s path back to herbalism and how reconnecting with the plant traditions of her Colombian upbringing helped her rediscover a state of wellbeing. From herbal infusions and daily ritual to raising children outside of conventional systems, Daniela shares how these practices have shaped both her family life and her work.We also dive into the realities of homeschooling while running a thriving business, how vital it can be to learn when to outsource or ask for help, the unexpected ways this lifestyle can positively impact not only our children but our wider communities, and the importance of creating supportive spaces for women in business. Daniela shares insights into the group structures of facilitating circles for entrepreneurs and the value of gathering in intentional community.This episode is full of warmth, encouragement and practical reflections for anyone navigating motherhood, creative work and the desire to build a more expansive and meaningful life.In this episode, we cover:* Reclaiming ancestral herbal traditions* Herbal infusions and simple daily rituals* Motherhood, homeschooling and slow living* Building a heart-led herbal business sustainably* Community care and gathering women together in business* Facilitating supportive group spaces for entrepreneurs* Raising children while allowing them to witness what it looks like to work for yourselfDaniela Rey is an herbalist, gardener, and founder of Growing Up Rooted, a small-batch herbal apothecary based on her family’s farm in southern Wisconsin. Her work centres around simple, nourishing rituals that help people feel more grounded and connected to the natural world, particularly through the everyday practice of herbal infusions and home herbalism.Originally from Colombia, Daniela’s relationship with plants began in childhood and deepened through motherhood and her own healing journey. Before stepping fully into herbal work, she spent over 15 years as a creative director and photographer, a background that now shapes the beauty, warmth and storytelling woven throughout her offerings, courses and educational content.Find Daniela:- https://growinguprooted.com/- https://www.instagram.com/growinguprooted/- https://www.youtube.com/@growinguprooted- A Journey Through Medicinal Herbs self-paced course: https://growinguprooted.com/a-journey-through-medicinal-herbsFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Work 1:1 with Hannah: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreMentioned in Episode:- Minimalist Math curriculum: https://researchparent.com/learn/mathematics/minimalist-math-curriculum/The Old Ways pod is a listener-supported production. If you value my work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber! Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E13 - Star Notes May Astrology Forecast | Taurus Season, Scorpio Full Moon & Returning to the Body 27.04.2026 25m

  In this month’s Star Notes episode, Rachael from Star Witch Astrology explores the energies of May through a grounded, practical lens.We begin in Taurus season, a time that invites us to slow down, reconnect with the body, and remember our inherent worth. This is a deeply earth-centred time, asking us to soften, root, and tend to ourselves in simple, meaningful ways.From here, the energy deepens as we move toward the Scorpio Full Moon, bringing themes of release, shadow work, and emotional transformation. This is an opportunity to work with what’s been sitting beneath the surface, letting go of old patterns and creating space for something new to emerge.This month carries a strong undercurrent of water, with a grand water trine supporting intuition, emotional flow, and deeper inner awareness. We also explore the asteroid Hygieia and its connection to health, balance, and the small, everyday ways we care for ourselves.Rachael shares a beautiful ritual around spellcrafting words for Mercury meeting Chiron, highlighting the power of language, voice, and self-expression as tools for healing. We also speak about Venus as the evening star, and how she invites us to listen more closely to the body, the heart, and our own perception of self.With Pluto moving retrograde in Aquarius, there’s an invitation into deeper reflection and inner alchemy, noticing the subtle shifts happening beneath the surface and the ways we are being reshaped over time.This episode also includes a simple dusk ritual for release.The overarching theme for May is a powerful one: you are the spell, you are the altar. A reminder that your practice doesn’t need to live outside of you. It’s found in the way you tend to your body, your energy, and your daily life.We close by moving into the New Moon in Taurus, a time for planting seeds around self-worth, stability, and nourishment, before transitioning into Gemini season.“Rachael from Star Witch Astrology is a hereditary folk witch, soul astrologer & transpersonal therapist experienced in oracular traditions and Western ritual arts.Her private sessions embody ancient practices in a contemporary form to support people through the planetary cycles, and ultimately, empower their lives with a love of magic and transformation.Rachael spends part of her seasonal year on a sacred mountain in Australia, walking the Indigenous rainforest, whilst pursuing academic studies in cultural anthropology and following her passion for traditional witchcraft and ethnobotany.  She spends the other part of her seasonal year on her ancestral homelands in England.”Find Rachael:- www.starwitchastrology.com- https://www.instagram.com/starwitchastrology/- The Venus Magick Evening Star Program- 1:1 Sessions with Mikailah RachaelFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahOld Ways for the New Age is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E12 - Coven, Connection & Reclaiming the Witch with Fiona Horne 22.04.2026 47m

  In this episode, I’m joined by Fiona Horne, one of the most recognisable voices in modern witchcraft and someone who has played a significant role in bringing witchcraft into the public eye since the 1990s.This conversation felt particularly special for me, having followed Fiona’s work since my teenage years, and it was such a joy to sit down together and explore the evolution of her path, from her early days as a witch, to fronting the iconic band Def FX, and into the expansive work she is doing today.We speak about her newest book Coven: Where Witches Gather, and the accompanying Coven Oracle, and explore gathering in community, the courage it can take to be seen, and the kind of magic that becomes available when we step into shared ritual and connection.This is a conversation about remembrance, about trust, and about allowing your path to unfold in unexpected and often extraordinary ways.In this episode, we cover:* Fiona’s journey into witchcraft and her days as a rockstar in Def FX* Her recent 6-week book tour promoting her new book and deck* The evolution of modern witchcraft* Her sacred trips for women to Egypt, Bali, and Transylvania* Fiona’s personal journey reconnecting with her ancestors in Transylvania* Overcoming our fears to connect with others* The extra magick you find when you work in ceremony with other witchesFiona Horne launched a career in the entertainment industry as the lead singer of chart-topping Aussie 90’s electro-rock band, Def FX, before continuing on to author best-selling books on Modern Witchcraft. She is a popular radio and television personality, appearing on many programs around the world.Fiona is also a commercial pilot, humanitarian and animal rescuer, world record holding skydiver, professional fire dancer, yoga instructor, SCUBA/freediver ... and always a Witch and Rock Star! In 2023, Fiona launched her curated, women-only, bespoke, nourishing spiritual adventures called: ‘Meet Yourself In Egypt ... Bali ... Transylvania’.Find Fiona:- https://www.fionahorne.com/- https://www.instagram.com/captainfifi/- Join Fiona on a Meet Yourself journey: https://www.fionahorne.com/meetyourselftravel- Get your copy of Coven: Where Witches Gather and Coven Oracle:https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/covenhttps://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-au/products/coven-oracleFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Work 1:1 with Hannah: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreThanks for tuning in to the Old Ways for the New Age podcast! This episode is public, so feel free to share it. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E11 - Holistic Winter Wellness: Herbal Medicine, Ritual & Seasonal Living 08.04.2026 37m

  In this solo episode of Old Ways for the New Age, I’m sharing a winter conversation from the archives that I never ended up sharing, but feels just as relevant now.This episode explores what it means to approach winter from a truly holistic perspective. Rather than focusing on physical health, we look at how to support the body, mind and energy during the cooler months in a way that feels practical and sustainable (it’s a little early, but we’re being prepared!).I begin by talking through the archetypal energy of winter and its place within the wheel of the year, before moving into herbal medicine for this season, including key herbal actions and specific plant allies you might consider working with.From there, we explore plant energetics and simple approaches to formulation, along with dietary and lifestyle shifts that can help you feel more supported through our descent into the underworld. I also touch on working with winter as a time for reflection and re-evaluation, and share a personal ritual I return to during the cooler months.This episode is designed to give you a well-rounded, accessible framework for supporting yourself through winter in a way that feels both grounded and holistic.You’ll find:– herbal support for the cooler months– plant energetics and balanced formulation– winter as a time of reflection and refinement– small, meaningful ways to tend to yourself during this seasonHannah Forest is a BHSc-qualified naturopath and herbalist devoted to the everyday practices that nurture our physical self and our connection to the natural world.Her work blends clinical herbal medicine with traditional and intuitive approaches, including ritual, seasonal living, and plant-focused support. She is especially interested in how wellbeing is built through small, consistent choices that honour both the body and the spirit.Through one-on-one work, writing, and her podcast, Hannah supports those drawn to a slower, more intentional way of living, where caring for health and home becomes a daily rhythm.Find Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Work 1:1 with Hannah: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreOld Ways for the New Age is a listener-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E10 - Star Notes Monthly Astrology Forecast with Mikailah Rachael April 2026 29.03.2026 33m

  In this month’s Star Notes, Mikailah Rachael of Star Witch Astrology guides us through the energies of Aries season and the shifts unfolding across April.We explore the themes of initiation, movement, and renewed energy that come with the astrological new year, alongside the balancing influence of the Full Moon in Libra, which invites reflection on relationships, reciprocity, and the spaces where tension may be asking for our attention.Rachael also shares insight into working with new moon energy, offering a grounded approach to setting intentions and examining how you align yourself with natural timings. She then touches on the longer-term shift of Uranus moving into Gemini, for a seven-year transit and what this may begin to stir in the collective landscape around communication, learning, and change, along with enhance telepathic abilities. Throughout the episode, Mikailah offers practical magical suggestions for working with Aries season — simple, accessible ways to bring this energy into your spiritual practice, whether through ritual, intention, or everyday action.A steady and supportive guide for navigating the energy of the month ahead.“Rachael from Star Witch Astrology is a hereditary folk witch, soul astrologer & transpersonal therapist experienced in oracular traditions and Western ritual arts.Her private sessions embody ancient practices in a contemporary form to support people through the planetary cycles, and ultimately, empower their lives with a love of magic and transformation.Rachael spends part of her seasonal year on a sacred mountain in Australia, walking the Indigenous rainforest, whilst pursuing academic studies in cultural anthropology and following her passion for traditional witchcraft and ethnobotany.  She spends the other part of her seasonal year on her ancestral homelands in England.”Find Rachael:- www.starwitchastrology.com- https://www.instagram.com/starwitchastrology/- The Venus Magick Evening Star Program- 1:1 Sessions with Mikailah RachaelFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahHannah Forest Herbalist is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E9 - Mutual Aid, Herbal First Aid & Community Care with Dana Aronson 26.03.2026 1h 17m

  In this episode, I’m joined by clinical herbalist Dana Aronson of Wild Kin Botanicals for a meaningful, heartfelt conversation on mutual aid, herbal first aid, and community care.Dana shares her early connection to the natural world and how that shaped her view of health and healing as an adult. From there, we move into mutual aid — what it really means, how it differs from charity or for-profit structures, and why it’s such an important part of community care. Dana shares her experiences working in mutual-aid clinics and offering herbal first aid, wound care, and disaster relief support, along with the realities of this work and how to care for yourself while showing up for others.We touch on her experiences with plant spirit connection, including a memorable moment with Rosemary that connected Dana with her Ancestors, and we also speak to simple ways you can begin getting involved, wherever you are on your path.A thoughtful and important conversation about plants, people, and showing up for one another in a world that desperately needs our humanity. In this episode we discuss:• Dana’s connection to plants and her path into herbalism• What mutual aid is and why it matters• Herbal first aid, wound care, and disaster relief• Supporting community through herbal work• Caring for yourself while caring for others• Boundary plants to protect your energy• Simple ways to begin engaging in mutual aid• Plant spirit experiences, including RosemaryDana Aronson is a clinical herbalist, educator, and holistic practitioner based in Southern Oregon. After her studies, she found herself facilitating herbal first aid pop-ups. These pop up clinics provide herbal first aid and wellness to gatherings, to places that have been hit with natural devastation, and to working with folks who are unhoused and implementing harm reduction and wound care. Dana believes in offering accessible herbal medicines and transparent information. She teaches in the classroom, through 1:1 holistic sessions, and through hands-on learning in the great outdoors.Find Dana:- https://www.wildkinbotanicals.com/- https://www.instagram.com/_wildkin- Work with Dana: https://www.wildkinbotanicals.com/professional-services- Dana’s resources, including the “Herbal First Aid Aftercare for All Who Have Experienced Police Violence” Ebook: https://www.wildkinbotanicals.com/resourcesFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Work 1:1 with Hannah: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreMentioned in Episode:- https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/products/throat-coat-teaThanks for reading Hannah Forest Herbalist! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E8 - Kitchen Table Chats with Ellene Sakis on Money Magic 11.03.2026 1h 16m

  Welcome to the very first Kitchen Table Chats episode — a new segment inspired by the feeling of gathering around the hearth with friends to share stories, ideas, and the lessons we’re learning along the way, along with personal reflections from my own herbal craft and spiritual journey.In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Ellene Sakis of Temple of Ellene for a cosy and open conversation about money magic.We explore Ellene’s experiences creating and working with money bowls, what they are, and how they can be used as a magical tool for inviting prosperity. We also discuss alternative practices like money jars and abundance oils, and the mindset shifts that help support a more abundant relationship with wealth.Our conversation moves into the deeper layers of money magic, including the stories many of us carry about money, and the difference between abundance magic and money magic. I share my plans for building a money bowl in the near future. A funny, thoughtful conversation about prosperity, intention, and creating space to receive more in our lives.In this episode we discuss:• What money bowls are and how they work• Ellene’s experiences creating money bowls• Alternatives like money jars and abundance oils• Mindset shifts around prosperity• Rewriting inherited money stories• The difference between abundance and money magic• Matriarchal wealth modelsFind Ellene:- https://templeofellene.com/- Work with Ellene: https://templeofellene.com/offerings- https://www.instagram.com/temple.of.elleneFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Work 1:1 with Hannah: https://www.bodhiholistichub.com/practitioners/hannah-forest-mooreMentioned in Episode:- https://www.instagram.com/thespiritualtoolbox/- https://www.instagram.com/witchtalkspodcast/ (I was wrong, she definitely is still making episodes!)- https://www.instagram.com/BackOnTheBroomstick/ Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe
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  S5E7 - Star Notes Monthly Astrology Forecast with Mikailah Rachael March 2026 02.03.2026 20m

  In this month’s Star Notes, we step into one of the most potent thresholds of the year. Mikailah Rachael explores the energies surrounding the March lunar eclipse, the beginning of the astrological new year, and the radiant return of Venus as the evening star. We travel through the myth of Inanna’s descent and re-emergence, and the steady, sacred flame of Vesta — two archetypes offering guidance for both personal renewal and collective tending.Rachael shares grounded, heartfelt ritual practices for navigating this season, including working with a mother candle to uplift the collective and offer protection to mothers, children, and families. We also discuss the magic of dreaming herbs like Mugwort and Lemon Balm, and how to weave them gently into daily rituals.An informative and practical conversation for anyone moving through change, seeking deeper alignment, or wanting to anchor into the spiritual medicine of this seasonal transition.“Rachael from Star Witch Astrology is a hereditary folk witch, soul astrologer & transpersonal therapist experienced in oracular traditions and Western ritual arts.Her private sessions embody ancient practices in a contemporary form to support people through the planetary cycles, and ultimately, empower their lives with a love of magic and transformation.Rachael spends part of her seasonal year on a sacred mountain in Australia, walking the Indigenous rainforest, whilst pursuing academic studies in cultural anthropology and following her passion for traditional witchcraft and ethnobotany.  She spends the other part of her seasonal year on her ancestral homelands in England.”Find Rachael:- www.starwitchastrology.com- https://www.instagram.com/starwitchastrology/- The Venus Magick Evening Star Program- 1:1 Sessions with Mikailah RachaelFind Hannah:- hannahforest.com- https://www.instagram.com/hannahforest.herbalist/- Book a 1:1 session with HannahThanks for listening to the Old Ways for the New Age podcast! This episode is public, and sharing it is one of the best free ways to support the work we do. Get full access to Hannah Forest Herbalist at hannahforestherbalist.substack.com/subscribe