Witches in the Stacks: Charmed Chatter

In Charmed, Season 3, Episode 18, “Sin Francisco”, the Halliwell sisters are up against a series of attacks tied to the seven deadly sins—but the twist? Even they aren’t immune. Sloth, gluttony, lust, and pride creep into their own lives, amplified in ways that are equal parts dangerous and revealing. Today, Lex and T will dive into the fascinating history of these sins and explore how they’ve been reinvented in modern pop culture. We’ll also touch on the flip side: the Seven Virtues, the moral counterpoints that offer courage, wisdom, and hope.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of violence, murder, and graphic or disturbing content, including depictions of death, self-destruction, and a brief reference to suicide. It also explores heavy themes such as sin, moral corruption, and psychological distress that may be sensitive for some listeners.Learn More: Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Avarice. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Avarice Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Envy. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Envy Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Gluttony. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Gluttony Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Lust. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Lust Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Pride. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Pride Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Sloth. Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Sloth Darksiders Wiki. (n.d.). Wrath (Character). Fandom. https://darksiders.fandom.com/wiki/Wrath_(Character) DC Extended Universe Wiki. (n.d.). Seven deadly sins. Fandom. https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/Seven_Deadly_Sins Siddiqui, M. (2019, March 27). The factory of seven sweet sins. Medium. https://medium.com/@madinasid/seven-sweet-sins-61599c13c95e ThoughtTheory. (2023, December 30). The 7 deadly sins; A modern perspective. Medium. https://medium.com/@ThoughtTheory_/the-7-deadly-sins-a-modern-perspective-3c5d9fffc735 UOSenki. (2025). Se7en: The series killer didn’t complete the 7 deadly sins. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/CharacterRant/comments/1gn02vr/se7en_the_series_killer_didnt_complete_the_7/ University of St. Thomas. (2026). The seven virtues. https://www.stthomas.edu/about/our-campuses/minneapolis/frescoes/the-seven-virtues/ Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). The Seven Deadly Sins (manga). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Deadly_Sins_(manga) 

In this episode of Witches in the Stacks: Charmed Chatter, Lex & T unpack Season 3, Episode 16 “Death Takes a Halliwell,” where Prue comes face-to-face with the Angel of Death while deadly seekers hunt Cole. As chaos unfolds, the real focus turns inward - exploring grief, control, and what it means to accept the inevitable. From the Grim Reaper to La Catrina and shinigami, we dive into how cultures across the world personify death, not as a villain, but as a guide and balance-keeper. Drawing on mythology, religion, and Tarot, we explore death as transformation rather than an end.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions of death, dying, grief, violence, and brief references to suicide, as well as religious and cultural perspectives on the afterlife. We also explore existential themes and symbolic imagery (including disease, decay, and mortality) that may be sensitive for some listeners.Learn More: Cereal Ventures. (n.d.). Day of the Dead: Who is La Catrina? Day of the Dead. https://dayofthedead.holiday/traditions/who-is-la-catrina/ Dhwty. (Ancient Origins. (2019, March 14). Shinigami: The grim reaper and god of death in Japanese folklore. Ancient Origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/shinigami-grim-reaper-japanese-folklore-006072 Sandoval, M. (2023, October 29). How “La Catrina” became the iconic symbol for the Day of the Dead. PBS News. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/how-la-catrina-became-the-iconic-symbol-for-the-day-of-the-dead Wikipedia contributors. (2026, April 22). La Calavera Catrina. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=La_Calavera_Catrina&oldid=1350524215 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, April 17). Shinigami. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shinigami&oldid=1349425426 Yokai.com. (2026). Shinigami. https://yokai.com/shinigami/ 

Get ready for a supernatural soundscape! We’re talking Charmed season 3, episode 10, “We All Scream for Ice Cream”—where the Halliwell sisters face off against a magical menace straight out of music theory: the Devil’s Chord. From creepy ice cream truck melodies that mesmerize demon kids, to real-world tales of the tritone in horror flicks and heavy metal, we riff on music’s role as spell, weapon, and healer. Plus: lore about sirens, Pied Pipers, and magical instruments, with a dip into how tunes manage emotions, scare us silly, or save the day.Learn More: Fender. (n.d.). The Devil’s Chord: The eerie history of 'diabolus in musica'. Retrieved from https://www.fender.com/articles/chords/the-devils-chord-the-eerie-history-of-diabolus-in-musicaLibraryThing. (2021, November 4). Group discussion: Music in fantasy? In FantasyFans. Retrieved from https://www.librarything.com/topic/333697Melanie, K. (2025). Tuning out the dark: Music as a defense and folk solution. All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present, 102. Utah State University. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1100&context=gradreports2023 Mental Floss. (2016, March 28). A brief history of the devil’s tritone. Retrieved from https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/77321/brief-history-devils-tritoneMusic & Memory. (2012, April 13). (official) Alive Inside Film of Music and Memory Project - Henry's Story [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/5FWn4JB2YLUMusic Mentor. (2025, April 3). The Devil’s Chord: Its haunting history and controversial uses in music. Retrieved from https://musicmentor.ai/the-devils-chord-its-haunting-history-and-controversial-uses-in-music/Neely, A. [Adam Neely]. (2017, June 5). The Devil in music (an untold history of the Tritone) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/eR5yzCH5CsM?si=f_fkt0qi7Ry7pbPgPop Culture Madness. (2023, April 18). 100+ magical songs in popular music. Retrieved from https://popculturemadness.com/100-magical-songs-in-popular-music/Reddit. (2024, January 23). Music based magic systems? : r/Fantasy. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/19e75zg/music_based_magic_systems/Reflections of Pop Culture & Life's... (2009, July 29). Songs about magic & mystery. Retrieved from https://coolrain44.wordpress.com/2009/07/30/songs-about-magic-mystery/Schulter, M. (n.d.). Tritones in early music: Were they always prohibited? Medieval Music & Arts Foundation. https://www.medieval.org/emfaq/harmony/tritone.html Smith, K. (2022, February 1). Infradonic sound and horror movies. Donut tasting 101 reloaded: A community audio journal. North Carolina State University Department of Communication. https://classapps.chass.ncsu.edu/com304/?p=432 TV Tropes. (n.d.). Magic Music. Retrieved from https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MagicMusicVice. (2024, July 27). A brief timeline of magic in music. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en/article/timeline-magic-music-bowie-hole-princess-nokia-iamddb/

Piper gets possessed in Charmed Season 3, Episode 9, “Coyote Piper,” while Prue juggles reunion prep and rising chaos. Join us as we dive into alchemy, necromancy, and all things spooky—exploring the real history behind alchemists and wandering into the darker side of magic, yes, including talking to the dead.TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussion of possession, necromancy, and resurrection of the dead. We also briefly references mental health conditions. There are mentions of ritual practices, blood use, and historical treatments related to possession, including some that may be distressing.Learn More: Astrosofa. (n.d.). The mysteries of necromancy. https://www.astrosofa.com/nz/esoterism/Occultism/The-Mysteries-of-Necromancy Bartlett, R. A. (2007). Real alchemy: A primer of practical alchemy. Ibis Press. Bone and Sickle. (2018, October 31). Ancient necromancy. https://www.boneandsickle.com/2018/10/31/ancient-necromancy/ Britannica Editors (2025, December 24). necromancy. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/necromancy Giralt, S. (2006). Medieval necromancy, the art of controlling demons. Sciencia.cat. https://www.sciencia.cat/temes/medieval-necromancy-art-controlling-demonsJack, A. (2024, July 19). Necromancy in medieval Christendom: A history. History’s Page. https://www.historyspage.com/post/history-necromancy-in-medieval-christendom Libertarianism.org. (n.d.). The last great magicians: Albertus Magnus and Roger Bacon. https://www.libertarianism.org/publications/essays/last-great-magicians-albertus-magnus-roger-bacon-alchemy-cult Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Alchemist. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alchemist Ogden, D. (2024, May 28). Lay that ghost: Necromancy in ancient Greece and Rome. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/daily-life-and-practice/ancient-necromancy/ Pierre, J. (2023, December 5). A differential diagnosis of demonic possession. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen/202305/a-differential-diagnosis-of-demonic-possession RPG Storytellers. (2025, December 30). The dark arts unveiled: Necromancers through the ages and the tomes that summon them. https://rpgstorytellers.com/article/the-dark-arts-unveiled-necromancers-through-the-ages-and-the-tomes-that-summon-them Sedgwick, I. (2018, October 4). Speaking to the dead: Necromancy in magic and folklore. Folklore Thursday.  https://folklorethursday.com/folklife/speaking-to-the-dead-necromancy-in-magic-and-folklore/ Shadowhawk, N. (2023, December 17). What is alchemy? Medium. https://medium.com/@nyxshadowhawk/what-is-alchemy-09384c8f2e03 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 8). Alchemy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alchemy&oldid=1342367133 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 18). Necromancy. Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Necromancy&oldid=1344163955 Wikipedia contributors. (2026, March 17). Spirit possession. Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spirit_possession&oldid=1344044725 Wikipedia contributors. (2025, September 22). Watseka Wonder. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Watseka_Wonder&oldid=1312691608 

We’re back! Thanks for being patient as we worked through an unexpected hiatus, but we’re back and ready to dive in again!! In today’s episode of Charmed Chatter, we’re discussing Charmed Season 3, Episode 6, “Primrose Empath.” When Prue tries to help a reclusive empath named Vince, she accidentally absorbs his power, suddenly feeling the pain and emotions of everyone around her and unknowingly unleashing a demon on San Francisco. Today we’ll explore different types of real-world empaths, share a quick quiz to help you see where you fall on the empath scale, and follow T down a rabbit hole as she examines how empathy might show up across the 16 MBTI personality types. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of trauma, abusive family dynamics, mental health struggles, burnout, death, and paranormal themes including mediumship and spirits. Learn More:Hayes, C., & Wang, M. (2024). Psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and burnout in psychologists. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 31, 100724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100724Heal Your Nervous System. (2023). Empath burnout: Harness the power of empathy without damaging your mental and physical health. Retrieved from https://healyournervoussystem.com/empath-burnout-harness-the-power-of-empathy-without-damaging-your-mental-and-physical-health/Storm, S. (2022, September 1). The unique empathy of each Myers-Briggs® personality type. Psychology Junkie. https://www.psychologyjunkie.com/the-unique-empathy-of-each-myers-briggs-personality-type/Sun, J., & Wang, P. (2022). Emotional labor, empathy, and teacher burnout: Evidence from a longitudinal study. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 35(6), 703–715. https://ijomeh.eu/pdf-2164-2233Wei, W., Chen, Q., Gu, S., Li, J., & Zhang, W. (2025). Differential effects of deep acting and surface acting on exhaustion: The mediating role of negative mood and the moderating role of emotional regulation self-efficacy. Scientific Reports, 15(1), Article 11304. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11304-3 Wilkinson, H., Whittington, R., Perry, L., & Eames, C. (2017). Examining the relationship between burnout and empathy in healthcare professionals: A systematic review. Burnout Research, 6, 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burn.2017.06.003 Personality Test: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

In Charmed Season 3, Episode 4, “All Halliwell’s Eve,” the Halliwells are thrown back in time to protect their ancestors and the future of witchcraft. We use their journey to unpack Samhain, an ancient night of thinning veils, restless spirits, and necessary endings, where death, rebirth, and magic walk hand in hand. From Halloween’s pagan roots to its modern myths, this episode explores why the dark has always been a place of power.Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of death, mortality, historical and mythological violence, supernatural and horror themes, religious and spiritual practices, and folkloreLearn More:The Apple and The Pentagram. (2010, September). Amayodruid. https://amayodruid.blogspot.com/2010/09/apple-and-pentagram.htmlAnderson, L. The Witches’ Apothecary: How to Make Magical Potions for the Wheel of the YearBuckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications. Cunningham, S. (1988). Wicca: A Guide for the solitary practitioner. Llewellyn Publications. Eason, C. (2017). A little bit of Wicca: An introduction to Witchcraft. Sterling Ethos. Farrars, J. & Farrars, S. (1987). A Witches’ bible: The Complete witches’ handbook. Phoenix Publishing. History.com Editors. (n.d.). Why do witches ride brooms? The history behind the legend. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/articles/why-witches-fly-on-broomsNettle. (2018, March 13). Totems, familiars, power animals and where to find them – animal magick and witchcraft. The Old Craft. https://www.theoldcraft.com/2018/03/13/totems-familiars-power-animals-find/Bitel, L. (2024, October 29). The ancient Irish get far too much credit for Halloween. USC Dornsife. https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/ancient-irish-get-too-much-credit-for-halloween/IrishMyths. (2022, October 12). Why do we bob for apples on Halloween? https://irishmyths.com/2022/10/12/bobbing-for-apples/McCann, S. (n.d.). Celebrating Halloween from an Irish perspective. Lesley Bannatyne, Cabinet of Curiosities. https://www.iskullhalloween.com/Irish_cabinet.htmlWarmund, M. (2022, October 5). Bobbing for apples: A tasty autumn tradition. University of Missouri: Integrated Pest Management. https://ipm.missouri.edu/meg/2022/10/applebobbing-MW/Gifford, D. (2015, October 27). The new woman meets the old witch. Smithsonian National Museum of American History. https://www.americanhistory.si.edu/explore/stories/new-woman-meets-old-witchConnor. (2019, December 10). The Dullahan of Celtic mythology. The Irish Place. https://www.theirishplace.com/heritage/the-dullahan/

In this episode, we dive into Charmed Season 3, Episode 3, “Once Upon a Time,” where fairy dust, invisible trolls, and childhood innocence collide. Using the Halliwell sisters’ battle to protect a fairy princess as our guide, we unpack the darker folklore roots of fairies and trolls, creatures that have always thrived in liminal spaces like forests, crossroads, and dusk itself. From ancient Celtic legends to modern romantasy vibes, this episode asks what we lose when we stop believing and what kind of magic waits in the in-between.Trigger Warning: This episode includes references to child abandonment, child kidnapping, and harm against children. It also references threats of harm, murder, and death. Learn More:alyssanicolepallotta. (2023, May 8). Fairy folklore. Read It Or Weep. https://readitorweep.org/2023/05/08/fairy-folklore/ Barone, F. (2020, March 12). Luck of the Irish: Folklore and fairies in rural Ireland. Human Relations Area Files. https://hraf.yale.edu/luck-of-the-irish-folklore-and-fairies-in-rural-ireland/ Briggs, K. M. (1976). An encyclopedia of fairies: Hobgoblins, brownies, bogies, and other supernatural creatures. Pantheon Books.Chamberlain, S. (2017, December 4). Liminal thresholds: The spaces between. Stephen Chamberlain, Author. https://www.stephenchamberlain.net/storytelling/liminal-thresholds-the-spaces-between ceridwensilverhart. (2021, April 28). Quarterly bestiary: Trolls from hostile magic to lovable goofs. https://illuminatingthefoolsmirror.wordpress.com/2021/04/28/quarterly-bestiary-trolls-from-hostile-magic-to-lovable-goofs/ Dragons and Beasts Live. (n.d.). Where did the trolls myth come from? https://www.dragonsandbeastslive.com/blog/where-did-the-trolls-myth-come-from Dundes, A. (1980). Interpreting folklore. Indiana University Press.Faircloth, K. (2025, February 13). “Faerie smut” is having a moment — just like it did in 1500. Culture. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/romantasy-history-acotar-celtic-folklore Goikhberg, M. (2021, April 19). The in-between. Brizo: For the Artist and the Intellectual. https://brizomagazine.com/2021/04/19/the-in-between/ Halpin, D. (2024, May 17). Fairies in folklore versus popular culture. The Druids Cauldron. https://thedruidscauldron.net/2024/05/17/fairies-in-folklore-verses-popular-culture/ Heckel, J. (2018, July 13). Charmed, I’m sure: A closer look at everyone’s dream prince. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/prince-charming-everyones-dream-prince/ The Irish Pagan School. (2022, July 13). The Sídhe: Irish fairy folklore. https://irishpagan.school/sidhe-irish-fairy-folklore/ Jones, M. (2015). The role of trolls in Scandinavian folklore and their modern adaptations. Folklore Studies Quarterly, 42(3), 210–225. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/fsq.v42i3.1234Lee, S. (2025, May 28). Exploring liminal spaces in mythology. Number Analytics. https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/liminal-spaces-in-mythology Lindow, J. (2001). Norse mythology: A guide to the gods, heroes, rituals, and beliefs. Oxford University Press.MacCulloch, J. A. (1911). The religion of the ancient Celts. T. & T. Clark.Muratore, G. (2022, November 1). Charmed: 10 demons who actually had roots in myth and literature. Collider. https://collider.com/charmed-demons-with-roots-classical-myth-literature/ Mythos Anthology. (n.d.). Trolls: The giants of myth, folklore, and fantasy. https://mythosanthology.com/385-2/ Rainbolt, D. (2022, January 20). Irish folklore, myth, and legend: The fairies. Wilderness Ireland. https://www.wildernessireland.com/blog/irish-folklore-fairies/ Smith, L. (2018). Fairies and the concept of childhood innocence in European folklore. Journal of Mythological Studies, 12(1), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jms.v12i1.5678Valentinelli, M. (2020, December 4). Five fascinating magical beings from the original Charmed. Reactor.  https://reactormag.com/five-fascinating-magical-beings-from-the-original-charmed/ 

Wedding bells (and binding spells) are ringing in the stacks! In this episode of Witches in the Stacks: Charmed Chatter, we hyperfocus on Charmed’s Season 3 wedding-heavy episodes (“Magic Hour,” “Bride and Gloom,” and “Just Harried”) from forbidden love and corrupted rituals to Piper and Leo’s iconic midnight handfasting. Along the way, we unpack the real-world origins of familiar wedding traditions and explore how the show blends them with authentic Wiccan practices.Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to non-consensual marriage and rigid gender and sexual norms.Learn More:Allen, K. (n.d.). The surprising truths behind common wedding superstitions. Bridal Guide. https://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-ceremony-traditions/wedding-superstitions Buckland, R. (1986). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications.Covino, E.. (2021, November). 14 wedding traditions, explained. Johnson & Wales University. https://www.jwu.edu/news/2021/07/wedding-traditions.htmldhwty. (2019, February 14). The origins of the bridal veil and its protection from evil spirits. Ancient Origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/origins-bridal-veil-0011480 Farrar, J., & Farrar, S. (1984). A witches’ Bible: The complete witches’ handbook. Phoenix Publishing.IMDb. (n.d.). Charmed: Bride and gloom (season 3, episode 13) – Plot summary. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0539336/plotsummary/ IMDb. (n.d.). Charmed: Just harried (season 3, episode 15). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0539379/ IMDb. (n.d.). Charmed: Magic hour (season 3, episode 2). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0539389/ jeanniehalliwell. (2021). Season 3 episode 2: I started sobbing when leo was crushingly summoned when piper and leo's wedding was about to start. Im broken even though i know good stuff will happen. But they both looked wonderful. [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/charmed/comments/nnp4qv/season_3_episode_2_i_started_sobbing_when_leo_was/Jenn. (2025, April 26). Charmed 3.2, Magic Hour: The Rutabaga Dilemma. ‘90s Flashback. https://90sflashback.wordpress.com/2025/04/26/charmed-3-2-magic-hour-the-rutabaga-dilemma/ Larsschade. (n.d.). Charmed - spells guide. http://www.larsschade.com/e_spell.htm Levey, J. (2023, August 15). Charmed wedding inspiration from Piper & Leo’s midnight Wiccan handfasting ceremony. American weddings blog. https://theamm.org/articles/1783-charmed-wedding-inspiration-from-piper-leo-s-midnight-wiccan-handfasting-ceremon mainAbwif (2023, August 12). The origins of bridal veils. A Beautiful Wedding in Florida. https://abeautifulweddinginflorida.com/the-origins-of-bridal-veils/ MasterClass. (2022, December 14). Handfasting ceremony: What is handfasting? https://www.masterclass.com/articles/handfasting-ceremony Title, S. (2024, April 15). Is it bad luck to see each other before the wedding? Here's the history. The Knot. https://www.theknot.com/content/can-we-see-each-other-before-the-wedding Universal Life Church. (n.d.). Wiccan/Pagan handfasting ceremony script. https://www.ulc.org/wedding-ceremony-scripts/wiccanpagan-handfasting-ceremony-script Universal Life Church Wedding Officiants. (n.d.). How to perform a Wiccan wedding. Wedding Officiant Search and Guide. https://www.ulcweddingofficiants.com/officiant-training/how-to-perform-a-wiccan-wedding/ Wedgewood Weddings. (n.d.). 6 beautiful wedding traditions with evil roots. https://www.wedgewoodweddings.com/blog/beautiful-wedding-traditions-evil-roots The Wiccan Lady. (n.d.). Handfastings. https://www.thewiccanlady.co.uk/handfastings Wikipedia contributors. (2025, December 29). Handfasting. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Handfasting&oldid=1330148338 Wildling Weddings. (n.d.). Celtic Pagan wedding traditions: Planning, practices, and superstitions! https://wildlingweddings.com/celtic-pagan-wedding-traditions-planning-practices-and-superstitions/ 

Half man, half demon, and endlessly conflicted, Cole Turner (aka Balthazar) becomes one of Charmed’s most compelling figures in Season 3. In this episode, we change things up a bit as we trace Cole’s emotional and moral arc, from assassin to lover to would-be redeemer, while unpacking the ancient, biblical, and occult origins of the name “Balthazar” to reveal how myth, magic, and duality collide in his character. From forbidden romance to fallen kings and demon lore, this is a deep dive into why Cole was never just a love interest, he was a legend in disguise.Trigger Warning: This episode touches on themes of death and grief, illness, fictional and historical violence, historical discussions of race, and emotionally complicated (including manipulation) relationship dynamics.Learn More:BibleTools.org. (n.d.). Daniel 5:22 (King James version). https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/bible.show/sVerseID/21897/eVerseID/2190Duncan, Z. (2024, April 16). Belshazzar: The fictional Babylonian king who actually lived. Medium. https://medium.com/@zduncan/who-was-belshazzar-c82d7dc23574 Givens, D. M. (2023, January 5). The blackening of Balthazar: Epiphany and race in the European middle ages. Comment. https://comment.org/the-blackening-of-balthazar/ Jones, D. N. (2024, September 23). Recognizing a master manipulator. University of Nevada, Nevada Today. https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2024/atp-recognizing-a-master-manipulator King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Narkive. (n.d.). Can someone tell me who exactly Balthazar demon is (for a book I’m writing)? Folklore Culture Forum. https://folklore.culture.narkive.com/qhDehF2f/can-someone-tell-me-who-exactly-balthazar-demon-is-for-a-book-i-m-writing Poell, N. (2019, August 20). The original Cherokee story of two wolves. Dr. Nicole Poell, Psy.D. https://www.drnicolepoell.com/blog/2018/7/10/blog-headline-376gb-tm28t Sonshine. (2011, January 3). Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar: Who? What? bible.org Blogs. https://blogs.bible.org/gaspar-melchior-and-balthazarwho-what/ Wikipedia contributors. (2025, November 6). Bael (demon). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bael_(demon)&oldid=1320768773 Yokai.com. (n.d.). Oni no Kan’nebutsu. https://yokai.com/oninokannebutsu/

In this episode, we dive into Charmed’s genie chaos—where French Stewart pops in, Dan pops out (at warp-speed aging), and the sisters’ well-intentioned wishes go predictably sideways until a remorseful genie helps set the timeline right. From there, we open the lamp on the real lore: exploring the deep history of jinn and genies, their origins in pre-Islamic belief and Islamic theology, their many types, their fears, their role in modern Muslim contexts, and how pop culture turned them into wish-granting icons. It’s a whirlwind tour of smokeless fire, tricky magic, and the surprising differences between the djinn of myth and the genies we grew up with.Trigger Warning: This episode includes mentions of slavery and references to violence.Learn More:Al-Dirassa Institute. (n.d.). Protection against jinns in Islam: Invocation and significance. Al-Dirassa. https://al-dirassa.com/en/protection-against-jinns-in-islam-invocation-and-significance/Arabian Tongue. (2023, September 14). What are jinns scared of in Quran: Unveiling the mysteries. ArabianTongue.com. https://www.arabiantongue.com/what-are-jinns-scared-of/Biblioteca Natalie. (2024, October 24.). Jinns: Beings of light and fire in Arabian folk. BibliotecaNatalie.com. https://bibliotecanatalie.com/home/f/jinns-beings-of-light-and-fire-in-arabian-folkIslamic Dua Ghar. (2024, June 23). Signs of jinn in house - detection and protection tips. IslamicDuaGhar.com. https://islamicduaghar.com/signs-of-jinn-in-house/Jinn. (n.d.). Jinn Wiki. https://jinn.fandom.com/wiki/JinnKhan, A. M. (n.d.). Getting involved with jinns and the unseen. IslamQA.org. https://islamqa.org/hanafi/darululoomtt/52160/getting-involved-with-jinns-and-the-unseen/Life With Allah. (n.d.). Magic and Jinn. LifeWithAllah.com. https://lifewithallah.com/articles/ruqyah/magic-and-jinn/Misra, A. A. (2011, July 31). The jinn: The reality of their existence and how to protect ourselves from them. SeekersGuidance.org. https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/the-jinn-the-reality-of-their-existence-and-how-to-protect-ourselves-from-them/Mission Islam. (n.d.). Question and answer. MissionIslam.com. https://www.missionislam.com/health/questionjinnnowscared.htmlMythos Anthology. (n.d.). Genie: The wish-granting spirit of Middle Eastern and Western folklore. MythosAnthology.com. https://mythosanthology.com/genie/Praveen, D. (2023, 25 Oct.). Jinn and Genies: Exploring the Differences. Super Natural Saga. https://supernaturalsaga.com/difference-between-jinn-and-genies/ Saber, I. F. (2022, February 20). Jinn: Who are the supernatural beings of Arabian and Islamic tradition? Middle East Eye. https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/jinn-islamic-arabian-tradition-supernatural-beingsSagers, A. (2019, May 25). A history of genies in folklore and pop culture. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/05/25/a-history-of-genies-in-folklore-and-pop-cultureSuhail, A. (2022). Exploring the 10 types of jinn as described in Islamic belief. Vocal Media. https://vocal.media/journal/exploring-the-10-types-of-jinn-as-described-in-islamic-beliefTimes of India. (2023, November 20). City of jinn: Magical myths haunt ancient Omani oasis. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/city-of-jinn-magical-myths-haunt-ancient-omani-oasis/articleshow/105345293.cmsUmmah Welfare Trust. (2019). Ruqyah booklet: A remedy for illnesses, evil eye, magic and jinn from the Qur’ān and Sunnah [PDF]. https://uwt.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ruqyah-Booklet.pdfVenkataraman, U. (2011, May 22). All about jinn: Creatures that dwell in dark places, caves, toilets, and now also in parliaments. Al Arabiya English. https://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011%2F05%2F22%2F150083Vocabulary.com. (n.d.). Djinn. In Vocabulary.com Dictionary. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/djinn Wikipedia contributors. (2025, December 8). Jinn. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jinn&oldid=1326347993 

In Charmed’s “Apocalypse, Not,” (Season 2, Episode 21) Prue is pulled into a vortex with a Horseman of the Apocalypse, leaving Phoebe and Piper to choose between saving their sister or stopping the end of the world. We break down the real origins and symbolism of the Four Horsemen, how Charmed reimagines them, and how these apocalyptic figures have shaped everything from medieval history to modern pop culture. Along the way, we explore the show’s Eleven Planes of Existence and why humanity can’t stop retelling stories about the end of days.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of religious themes, war, famine, disease, death, cannibalism, and historical antisemitism.Learn More:AmazingGraceLyrics. (2017, October 10). Johnny Cash - The Man Comes Around lyric video [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/nJhgEMKLuHI?si=SMSScbCxQ9PbHpVd Apocalypse, Not. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Apocalypse,_Not​ Baugh, T. (2018). The Four Horsemen in popular culture. Digital Literature Review, 5, 108–119. https://doi.org/10.33043/DLR.5.0.108-119  ​TheBigOReview. (2023). The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Reddit r/Bible. https://www.reddit.com/r/Bible/comments/177c7qs/the_four_horsemen_of_the_apocalypse/ De Jager, E. (2024, November 20). Who are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? The Collector. https://www.thecollector.com/four-horsemen-apocalypse-revelation/ Enter_RandomNameHere. (2023). What is the origin of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Reddit, r/mythology. https://www.reddit.com/r/mythology/comments/19finbm/what_is_the_origin_of_the_four_horsemen_of_the/ Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Four_Horsemen_of_the_Apocalypse ​Halliwell, M.L. (n.d). Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Charmed. Amino. https://aminoapps.com/c/charmed-amino/page/item/four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse-charmed/wKe3_VpkcpIB1MVVpxMNB7KmQDqrL8oZr0PIMDb. (n.d.). “Charmed” Apocalypse, Not (TV Episode 2000). https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0539326/ IMDb. (n.d.). “Charmed” Apocalypse, Not (TV Episode 2000) – Plot summary. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0539326/plotsummary/ Luecke, P. (2025). What are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Life, Hope & Truth. https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/end-times/four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse/ ​Marquette University. (n.d.). Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. https://academic.mu.edu/meissnerd/4horses.htm ​May, S.S. (2016, March 17). Buddhist rebirth in different planes of existence. British Library Asian and African Studies Blog. https://www.bl.uk/stories/blogs/posts/buddhist-rebirth-in-different-planes-of-existence The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (n.d.). The Four Horsemen, from”The Apocalypse,” Albrecht Dürer German, 1498 (Object No. 336215). https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/336215 ​New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Four_Horsemen_of_the_Apocalypse ​The Public Domain Review. (n.d.). The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-four-horsemen-of-the-apocalypse ​Raconteur, Mythology & History. (2022, February 12). The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0ypBL8s5v4 ​Wikipedia contributors. (2025, November 4). Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Four_Horsemen_of_the_Apocalypse&oldid=1320469220Wikipedia contributors. (2025, March 14). Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (painting). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Four_Horsemen_of_the_Apocalypse_(painting)&oldid=1280485870Wikipedia contributors. (2025, November 15). Plane (esotericism). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from ⁠https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Plane_(esotericism)&oldid=1322225772⁠

This episode covers episodes 19 and 20 of the series Charmed. In “Ex Libris,” the sisters face the uneasy line between human wrongdoing and supernatural evil when a murdered student’s spirit seeks justice. Then in “Astral Monkey,” a doctor’s experiment with the Halliwells’ blood goes wildly wrong, sparking questions about science, consent, and the cost of curiosity. Without further ado, let’s dig into grimoires, demonology, and real-world stories of medical research and the violation of human rights. Note: The Annabelle Doll is noted as being located in the Warren Occult Museum. While the Warren Occult Museum is still in operation, it has since changed guardianship and as of late 2025 it and Annabelle are on tour in the U.S.Trigger Warning: Discussions of murder and beheadings; human experimentation; racial injustice and unethical medical research (e.g., Tuskegee Study, Henrietta Lacks); and violation of consent and bodily autonomy. Learn More:American Medical Association. (n.d.). Code of Medical Ethics. https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/Bane, T. (2012). Encyclopedia of demons in world religions and cultures. McFarland & Company, Inc. https://ia601901.us.archive.org/24/items/BaneTheresaEncyclopediaOfDemonsInWorldReligionsAndCultures/Bane%2C%20Theresa%20Encyclopedia%20of%20demons%20in%20world%20religions%20and%20cultures.pdfBrown, D. L. (2017, May 16). 'You've got bad blood': The horror of the Tuskegee syphilis experiment. Washington Post. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A491817116/ITOF?u=txshracd2566&sid=summon&xid=56b1f841Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). “About Bartonella bacilliformis”. https://www.cdc.gov/bartonella/about/about-bartonella-bacilliformis.htmlDavies, O. (2023, October 31). Art of the grimoire: 7 spell books through history. https://yalebooksblog.co.uk/2023/10/31/art-of-the-grimoire-7-spell-books-through-history/Demonology. (2025, October 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DemonologyEd and Lorraine Warren. (2025, November 8). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_and_Lorraine_WarrenGrimoire. (2025, November 9). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GrimoireGuiley, R. E. (2009). The encyclopedia of demons and demonology. Facts on File. https://www.deliverancechronicles.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Encyclopedia-Of-Demons-And-Demonology.pdf-PDFDrive.com-.pdf - click at your own risk, can’t guarantee a demon won’t show upHenrietta Lacks. (2025, November 2). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henrietta_LacksJacques Collin de Plancy. (2025, June 19). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacques_Collin_de_PlancyJones, J. H. (1993, January 15). Bad blood: The Tuskegee syphilis experiment. Free Press.Ralph Sarchie. (2025, October 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_SarchieSDSU Library. (n.d.). Grimoires and occult revival. Witchcraft Studies. https://libguides.sdsu.edu/c.php?g=905875&p=6686265Simon, E. (2022, February 23). “A history of demonology is a history of the world: Ed Simons offers a demonic poetics”. Literary Hub. https://lithub.com/a-history-of-demonology-is-a-history-of-the-world/Skloot, R. (n.d.). “About the book”. Rebecca Skloot. https://rebeccaskloot.com/the-immortal-life/about-the-book/Spector-Bagdady, K. (2017, January 25). “The privacy debate over research with your blood and tissue”. University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation. https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/privacy-debate-over-research-your-blood-tissue Willow. (2014, September 1). “What’s the difference: Grimoire vs. book of shadows”. Flying the hedge: A modern approach to hedgecraft. https://www.flyingthehedge.com/2014/09/grimoire-vs-book-of-shadows.html

A demon who steals skin, a deal for eternal beauty, and a sisterly crisis of vanity — it’s all in a day’s work for the Charmed Ones. Join us as we peel back (pun intended) the demon of vanity, the sin behind it, and what it really means to grow older magically.Trigger Warning: This episode contains content like violence, murder, human skin/flaying, sensitive commentary on prostitution and vulnerable individuals, references to mental health disorders and addiction, and religious symbolism and gendered punishment.Learn More: Astaroth (2025). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astaroth Britannica. (n.d.). Xipe Totec. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Xipe-Totec Britannica. (n.d.). Whore of Babylon. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/whore-of-Babylon Carter, P. (2018, June 14). Who is the whore of Babylon (and why does it matter?). The Gospel Coalition Canada. https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/who-is-the-whore-of-babylon-and-why-does-it-matter/ Church of the Great God. (n.d.). Bible verses about Satan's vanity. https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/verses/id/8440/satans-vanity-verses.htm Haynes, C.L., (2023, August 7). What does the Bible say about the dangers of vanity? Bible Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-dangers-of-vanity.html Johnson, B. (2017, January 9). The story of Burke and Hare. Historic UK. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/Burke-Hare-infamous-murderers-graverobbers/ Magis Center (2020, 31 August). 8 Deadly Sins in Literature: Vanity. Retrieved from https://www.magiscenter.com/blog/8-deadly-sins-in-literature-vanity Psychology Today. (n.d.). Narcissism. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/narcissism#:~:text=Narcissism%20is%20characterized%20by%20a Rhodes, R. (2024, September 25). How did Lucifer fall and become Satan? Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/angels-and-demons/how-did-lucifer-fall-and-become-satan-11557519.html Vanity (2025). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanity​ Xipe Totec (2025). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xipe_Totec 

Get ready for an episode filled with dark omens, cosmic warnings, and a little bit of Charmed chaos. This week, we’ll talk about season 2, episodes 15 and 16. In these episodes we see Prue being kidnapped by Bane Jessup, the Halliwells’ first mention of “The Source,” and the many signs Phoebe misreads along the way — before diving into a whirlwind of history and folklore on omens, from ancient Mesopotamia to Scottish death harbingers. Plus, in honor of Murphy’s Luck and St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll explore the tricky nature of luck itself and why sometimes it feels like everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.Trigger Warning: The episode covered includes the topic of unaliving oneself. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider seeking help via national and international hotlines:988 Lifeline:  The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States and its territories. The 988 Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining local care and resources with national standards and best practices. https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=oneboxLifeLine International: LifeLine International is a member-based organisation. Our Members deliver crisis support helplines and community-based suicide prevention services across the world.LifeLine International promotes, supports and affiliates our Member organisations in their delivery of lifesaving services to people in crisis. https://lifeline-international.com/our-network/ Learn More:Annus, A. (2009). Science and superstition: Interpretation of signs in the ancient world [Seminar]. The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. https://isac.uchicago.edu/research/symposia/science-and-superstition-interpretation-signs-ancient-worldCroal, L. (2023, August 28). Seeing death: Exploring dark omens from Scottish folklore. Psychopomp. https://psychopomp.com/deadlands/issue-28/scottish-folklore/Dhwty. (2014, March 11). Ten famous and infamous omens from the ancient world. Ancient Origins. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/ten-famous-and-infamous-omens-ancient-world-001437The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica (2024, August 15). omen. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/omen Faerywolf, S. (2024, March 16). The gold at rainbow’s end: St. Patrick, paganism, and celebrating Irish heritage. The Wild Hunt. https://wildhunt.org/2024/03/the-gold-at-rainbows-end-st-patrick-paganism-and-celebrating-irish-heritage.html#:~:text=With%20this%20understanding%2C%20some%20modern,this%20idea%20often%20see%20StThe Irish Pagan School. (2024, March 13). The myth and truth of Saint Patrick. The Irish Pagan School. https://irishpagan.school/saint-patrick-myths-and-truths/Mendiola, R. (2018, March 15). St. Patrick’s Day: The history behind the luck. The Pearl Post. https://www.thepearlpost.com/18779/showcase/st-patricks-day-the-history-behind-the-luck/TalkDeath. (2017, September 18). Omens of death around the world. TalkDeath. https://talkdeath.com/omens-death-around-world/

In Charmed S2E14 “Pardon My Past,” Phoebe’s 1920s reincarnation opens the door to a deeper conversation on past lives, déjà vu, and spiritual karma. We explore reincarnation through Buddhist and Hindu lenses, past-life regression therapy, and real-world cases of children recalling previous lives—all against the backdrop of Prohibition-era San Francisco’s magic and mysticism. So pull up a chair, pour yourself some giggle water, and enjoy the listen, doll.Please pardon the dog barking in the background - T had a very grumbly chi-weenie who demanded attention.Trigger Warning: Some use of dated/offensive language, body shaming, and a reference to violent death.Learn More:Division of Perceptual Studies. (n.d.). Children who report memories of previous lives. University of Virginia School of Medicine. https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/our-research/children-who-report-memories-of-previous-lives/Division of Perceptual Studies. (n.d.). Concerns about hypnotic regression. University of Virginia School of Medicine. https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/resources/concerns-about-hypnotic-regression/Fox, J. S. (2014, December 8). The Roaring Twenties and spiritualism. Janet S. Fox. https://janetsfox.com/2014/12/roaring-twenties-may-not-know-post-8-spiritualism/Greschler, G. (2022, August 25). A rare 1920s photo shows S.F. police raiding a Barbary Coast speakeasy. The San Francisco Standard. https://sfstandard.com/2022/08/25/san-francisco-history-photograph-police-barbary-coast-prohibition/Hartlaub, P. (2017, January 20). Where San Francisco hid its speakeasies during Prohibition. SFGate. https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Where-San-Francisco-hid-speakeasies-Prohibition-10877818.phpHistoriola. (2023, September 13). When the paddy wagon came for the speakeasy. Historiola (Substack). https://historiola.substack.com/p/when-the-paddy-wagon-came-for-theHollis, M. (2022, July 18). When children remember past lives. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-seekers-forum/202207/when-children-remember-past-livesInstitute of Clinical Hypnosis. (n.d.). What is past life regression therapy? https://instituteofclinicalhypnosis.com/hypnosis/what-is-past-life-regression-therapy/Jan Whitaker. (n.d.). Gypsy tea rooms. Restaurant-ing Through History. https://restaurant-ingthroughhistory.com/tag/gypsy-tea-rooms/Jerusalem Post Staff. (2023, September 14). Can children remember past lives? The Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/mind-and-spirit/article-759050Phillips, B. (2024, December 5). Children who remember past lives: Astonishing stories and what they teach us. Medium. https://medium.com/spiritual-not-religious/children-who-remember-past-lives-astonishing-stories-and-what-they-teach-us-efbe16822b26Tsomo, S., Tso, P., Namgyal, D., Gyal, R., Tsering, L., Gyal, D., Kyab, O., Tso, N., & Gyaltsen, K. (2024). Development and testing of a new Tibetan medicine constitutional self-assessment tool. Explore (NY), 20(4), 580–587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.03.004 

We’re talking Charmed season 2, episode 13, “Animal Pragmatism.” It’s Valentine’s Day for the Halliwell sisters: Piper’s torn between Dan and mortal Leo, Prue is jobless and restless, and Phoebe’s classmates turn animals into disastrous dates. We dig into the episode’s wild mix of spells gone wrong, humans-as-animals (and vice versa), Circe’s mythology, and a dash of evolutionary psychology. Note: For some reason, this session’s audio did not like us talking at the same time and would cut in and out (on Lex in particular). Additionally, there were weird moments of interference. Please pardon weird interjections or blip/burp noises.Trigger Warning: Discussion of evolutionary psychology includes a theory of male attraction to females who would be considered underage. Reference to using poison to commit mariticide (murdering one’s husband). Harm against animals is mentioned, especially against rabbits.Learn More:Antigone Journal. (2023, November). Circe, Odysseus, and Hermes. https://antigonejournal.com/2023/11/circe-odysseus-hermes/Bear, L. & Zhuckkahosee, T. (n.d.). Brother Bear: A true Menominee story retold by Louise Bear and Terri Zhuckkahosee. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Retrieved from https://www.uwosh.edu/coehs/cmagproject/ethnomath/legend/legend8.htmConway, D.J. (1994). Mother, maiden, crone: The myth and reality of the triple goddess. Llewellyn PublicationsEncyclopedia Britannica. (n.d.). Evolutionary psychology. https://www.britannica.com/science/evolutionary-psychologyEverypaw. (n.d.). Mating in rabbits. https://www.everypaw.com/all-things-pet/mating-in-rabbits#:~:text=The%20male%20rabbit%20will%20chase,act%20is%20a%20quick%20process.Korea.net. (2014, July 10). Korean folk tales: The tale of the grateful crane. https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=121092Kurzban, R. (2014, June 12). Flirting. Evolutionary Psychology Blog, University of Pennsylvania. https://web.sas.upenn.edu/kurzbanepblog/2014/06/12/flirting/Llewellyn Worldwide. (n.d.). How to write your own spells. https://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1864?srsltid=AfmBOor4Fx8YHKcJ0NPOmWoCvYYHAglX9cEcAGYLacRk4oGgNIAMpX0zPeople. (n.d.). Joaquin Phoenix, PETA fight for release of Disney ‘Brother Bear’ bears. https://people.com/pets/joaquin-phoenix-peta-fight-for-release-disney-brother-bear-bears/Qitsualik, R. A. (2007, July 5). Shapeshifter: An Inuit tale. ICT News. https://ictnews.org/archive/qitsualik-shapeshifter-an-inuit-tale/Schroeder, Tali M. (2013) "Inuit Myth in the Film “Brother Bear”," Oglethorpe Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 1 : Iss. 1 , Article 3. https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/ojur/vol1/iss1/34University of Notre Dame, Medieval Institute. (2021, May 28). From the Medieval Research Blog: Medieval rabbits: Ancient symbolism, English migration, and manuscript marginalia. https://medieval.nd.edu/news-events/news/from-the-medieval-research-blog-medieval-rabbits-ancient-symbolism-english-migration-and-manuscript-marginalia/wikiHow. (n.d.). How to write a spell. https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-SpellWikipedia. (n.d.). Legend of the White Snake. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_the_White_SnakeWikipedia. (n.d.). Tsuru no Ongaeshi. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsuru_no_Ongaeshi

In this episode, we’ll dive into the myth of Cupid, his dark opposites, love-related phrases from the show, and some fun talk about potions and aphrodisiacs featured in Season 2, Episode 10, “Heartbreak City,” of Charmed.Trigger Warning: References to incest, war, bloodshed, murder, rape, and forced cannibalism.Learn More: Allina Health. (n.d.). Aphrodisiacs: Foods that put you in the mood. Fact or fiction? Healthy Set Go. https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/nourish/foods-that-put-you-in-the-mood-fact-or-fictionBrandeis University. (2022, February 14). Joel Christensen: The origins of Cupid. BrandeisNOW. https://www.brandeis.edu/now/2022/february/joel-christensen-cupid.html Britannica. (n.d.). Cupid. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cupid Britannica. (n.d.). Eris. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eris-Greek-and-Roman-mythology Britannica. (n.d.). Samael. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Samael Britannica. (n.d.). Shaitan. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/shaitanCronbach, J. (1927). The demon Asmodeus in Jewish legend. The Open Court, 1927(4), 217-231. https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4312&context=ocjDispatch.ist. (n.d.). Belial: The demon of lawlessness and corruption. Dispatch.ist. http://www.dispatch.ist/architecture/demons/belial/Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). Asmodeus. In Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/bible/biblical-proper-names/asmodeus English Stack Exchange. (2014, August 25). Origin of the phrase “there’s a fine line between A and B.” English Stack Exchange. https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/211081/origin-of-the-phrase-theres-a-fine-line-between-a-and-b GreekMythology.com. (n.d.). Eris. Greek Mythology. https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Eris/eris.html History.com Editors. (2022, February 14). Who is Cupid? HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/who-is-cupid Loudenback, T. (2016, August 10). Do aphrodisiacs actually work? Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/science/do-aphrodisiacs-work/ Museum Hack. (n.d.). 15 facts about Cupid. Museum Hack. https://museumhack.com/cupid/ Perseus Digital Library. (n.d.). Eris. Tufts University. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DE%3Aentry+group%3D6%3Aentry%3Deris-bio-1 Phrases.org.uk. (n.d.). Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. The Phrase Finder. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/better-to-have-loved-and-lost-than-never-to-have-loved-at-all.html Phrases.org.uk. (n.d.). Home is where the heart is. The Phrase Finder. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/home-is-where-the-heart-is.html Occult World. (n.d.). Asmodeus (Asmoday). Occult World. https://occult-world.com/asmodeus-asmoday/ Theoi Project. (n.d.). Eris. Theoi Greek Mythology. https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Eris.html Turndorf, J. (2018, March 19). It's a thin line between love and hate. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mysteries-love/201803/it-s-thin-line-between-love-and-hate UCI Health. (2018, February 14). Do aphrodisiacs work? UCI Health. https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/02/aphrodisiacs WebMD Editorial Contributors. (n.d.). Aphrodisiacs: Foods and herbs that may stimulate your sex life. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/sex-aphrodisiac-foods  Wikipedia contributors. (2024, July 29). Shaitan. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaitan&oldid=1278690618 Story focusing more on Psyche’s side: Tamed Wild. (n.d.). Storytime: The myth of Psyche and Cupid. Tamed Wild. https://tamedwild.com/a/blog/storytime-the-myth-of-psyche-and-cupid 

Does T get to tip toe into true crime this episode?!?! Join Lex and T as they discuss Charmed, season 2, episode 9, “Ms. Hellfire.” In the episode, Prue goes undercover as a deadly assassin after surviving an attempted hit and discovering a hit list targeting her and her sisters. As she navigates the dangerous underworld, the Halliwells work to uncover who ordered the attacks while dealing with Prue’s unexpected (yet overdue) release of her wilder side. With some chat about smudging, protection spells, a little stroll in the Greek myths territory, T does in fact get to bring in a little true crime. It’s going to be explosive!Trigger Warning: References to serial killers, murders via shootings and bombs, and ritual sacrificing. Learn more:Atsma, A. J. (n.d.). Deimos & Phobos. Theoi. https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Deimos.htmlB., R. (n.d.). How to sage (smudge) your home, office, and yourself. Spirit & Muse Blog. https://www.spiritandmuse.com/spirit-muse-blog/how-to-sage-smudge-your-home-office-and-yourself  Deimos. (2018, June 10). Greek Gods and Goddesses. https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/deimos/    Dengrove Collection Writeup. (n.d.). Arne Cheyenne Johnson. University of Virginia School of Law, Special Collections. https://archives.law.virginia.edu/dengrove/writeup/arne-cheyenne-johnsonDenning, M. and Phillips, O. (1979). Practical Guide to Astral Projection: The Out-of-Body Experience. Llwewllyn Publications.Harman, S. (2023, August 10). This day in history: Infamous serial killer “Son of Sam” arrested in 1977. WDSU News. https://www.wdsu.com/article/this-day-in-history-serial-killer-david-berkowitz-son-of-sam-arrested-1977/40856978History.com Editors. (2024, February 19). The Amityville murders. History. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/amityville-horror-true-story-defeo-family-murdersMiller, G. (2024, March 27). The devil made me do it: The viability of demonic possession as a murder defense. Vermont Law Review. https://lawreview.vermontlaw.edu/the-devil-made-me-do-it-the-viability-of-demonic-possession-as-a-murder-defense/Myth of the day: Baubas. (2025, January 10). Gods and Monsters. https://godsandmonstersinfo.substack.com/p/myth-of-the-day-baubasPhobos. (2019, October 21). Greek Gods and Goddesses. https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/phobos/Scott, M. (2021, March 15). “I am the demon”: A look at letters “Amityville horror” killer Ronald DeFeo sent to PIX11’S Marvin Scott. PIX11+. https://pix11.com/news/local-news/long-island/i-am-the-demon-a-look-at-letters-amityville-horror-killer-ronald-defeo-sent-to-pix11s-marvin-scott/“Son of Sam” serial killer David Berkowitz denied parole after 12th board appearance. (2024, May 28). CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/son-of-sam-denied-parole-serial-killer-david-berkowitz/The ultimate guide to protection spells in witchcraft: A comprehensive guide to creating and performing effective protection magic. (2022, December 10). Witchy Spiritual Stuff. https://witchyspiritualstuff.com/how-you-can-protect-yourself-with-a-protection-spell-while-doing-witchcraft/  Th Unexplained. (2024, February 13). Unmasking the sinister pishacha. Medium. https://medium.com/@TheUnexplained/unmasking-the-sinister-pishacha-bdb2e7ac2625  

Join Lex and T as we explore Charmed Season 2, Episode 8, “P3 H2O”. During this episode, the Halliwell sisters investigate a deadly water demon that has been drowning people at a local lake—the same entity responsible for their mother's death. As Prue struggles with her grief and desire for vengeance, the sisters must find a way to vanquish the creature before it claims more victims. Lex and T take some time to investigate different water spirits - the good, the bad…and occasionally the ugly! Hold on tight, we’re about to dive in!Trigger Warning: Shared stories that mention the murder of children, child brides, mutilation, and murder in general.Note: T recently learned more about the fallacy of Stockholm syndrome. To learn more and challenge your own beliefs, check out: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-23/is-stockholm-syndrome-a-myth/102738084 Learn more:Ashliman, D. L. (2024, January 21). How the devil married three sisters and other folktales of Aarne-Thompson-Uther type 311. University of Pittsburgh. https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/type0311.html#fillmoreBradley, L. (2019, April 19).The curse of La Llorona: The real legend behind the horror film. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/04/la-llorona-real-mexican-legend-curse-of-la-llorona-movie?srsltid=AfmBOooW7Y2RS5MxzGMBhxS1M51ORbWYOH4Q8lP4lVTMbYxHeLXyzl04The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2025, February 3). Leviathan: Middle Eastern Mythology. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Leviathan-Middle-Eastern-mythologyThe legend of La Llorona. (2022, November 1). Origin Mexico. https://originmexico.com/blogs/news/the-legend-of-la-llorona?srsltid=AfmBOooE4L7BSo7GXlTM2liLvmacbv4BrYAsfPDm5OTDlcEodNFgJEVALisenby, K. & Belew, K. (n.d.). Book of the Gods. Tamed Wild. Lisenby, K. (n.d.). Book of Spirits. Tamed Wild. Sea monsters. (2024, September 20). University of Southern California Libraries. https://libguides.usc.edu/c.php?g=1277406&p=9373485Wikipedia contributors. (2025). Category: Water spirits. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Water_spiritsWikipedia contributors. (2025, March 10). Leviathan. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leviathan&oldid=1279831887 

In Charmed Season 2, Episode 7, guest star Eric (Misha Collins) deciphers an ancient map to the Akashic Records—a mystical book said to contain all knowledge and predict the future. In today’s episode, we’ll break down what the Akashic Records actually are, look at mythological knowledge-stealing creatures, and briefly explore if you can test for telepathic abilities. Trigger Warning: Some reference to animal mutilations and death.Learn more:Atsma, A. J. (n.d.). Lethe. Theoi. https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/PotamosLethe.html  Baku. (n.d.). Yokai.com. https://yokai.com/baku/  Brain bug. (n.d.) Starship Troopers Wiki. https://starshiptroopers.fandom.com/wiki/Brain_Bug   Glawackus. (n.d.). Cryptid Wiki. https://cryptidz.fandom.com/wiki/Glawackus Lupyan, G. & Clark, A. (2023, February 6). Super-cooperators. Aeon. https://aeon.co/essays/how-might-telepathy-actually-work-outside-the-realm-of-sci-fi   McGovern, U. (Ed.). (2007). Akashic records. In Chambers Dictionary of the Unexplained (1st ed.). Chambers Harrap. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6MzgwNjUz?aid=103130 Nash, A. (2019). The Akashic Records: Origins and Relation to Western Concepts. Central European Journal for Contemporary Religion, 2, 109–124. https://doi.org/10.14712/25704893.2020.3 Ofgang, E. (2020, March 18). How a blood-thirsty hybrid beast terrified townsfolk in the ‘60s. CT Insider. https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticutmagazine/news-people/article/How-a-blood-thirsty-hybrid-beast-terrified-17045202.php O’Hara, K. (2023, December 31). Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the legend of the salmon of knowledge. The Irish Road Trip. https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/the-salmon-of-knowledge/  Starr, M. (2014, September 3). Brain-to-brain verbal communication in humans achieved for the first time. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/science/brain-to-brain-verbal-communication-in-humans-achieved-for-the-first-time/ Wikipedia contributors. (2024, September 17). Baku (mythology). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baku_(mythology)&oldid=1246132661  Wikipedia contributors. (2023, September 4). Glawackus. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glawackus&oldid=1173863920 Wikipedia contributors. (2025, March 4). Illithid. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Illithid&oldid=1278707650 Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 25). Lethe (daughter of Eris). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lethe_(daughter_of_Eris)&oldid=1277503778  Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 20). Salmon of Knowledge. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salmon_of_Knowledge&oldid=1264083805  

Join Lex and T as they chat about Charmed Season 2, Episode 6, “That Old Black Magic”. The Halliwell sisters must stop an evil witch, Tuatha, who has been resurrected and seeks to reclaim her powerful wand. To defeat her, they must train a reluctant teenage boy, the prophesied "Chosen One," who is the only one capable of wielding the weapon against her. Let’s talk witch familiars, seventh sons of seventh sons, scrying and more!!Trigger Warning: Reference to cannibalizing infants and recently deceased, murdering of children, incest, and rape.Learn more:Buckland, R. (2018). Buckland’s complete book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications.Greenberg, M. (2021, February 8). Gwydion: The trickster of Welsh legends. Mythology Source. https://mythologysource.com/gwydion-trickster-welsh-legend/Grimassi, R. (2003). The Witch’s familiar: Spiritual partnerships for successful magic. Llewellyn publications. I.E. (2023, November 15). Who are the Tuatha Dé Danann? Demystifying the “god-folk” of Irish mythology. Irish Myths. https://irishmyths.com/2023/11/15/tuatha-de-danann/Jewish Treats. (2013, September 30). The seventh descendant. National Jewish Outreach Program. https://njop.org/the-seventh-descendant/Johnson, J. (2022). The seventh son of a seventh son. Geeks, Vocal. https://vocal.media/geeks/the-seventh-son-of-a-seventh-sonThe legend of Gwydion. (n.d.). School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University. https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~gwydion/gwydion.htmlNuwer, R. (2014, December 29). Argentina has a superstition that seventh sons will turn into werewolves. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/argentina-has-superstition-7th-sons-will-turn-werewolves-180953746/Seventh son. (n.d.). In Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology. https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/seventh-sonShesso, R. (2007). Math for mystics: from the Fibonacci sequence to Luna's labyrinth to the golden section and other secrets of sacred geometry. Weiser BooksVirginia. (2018, June 26). What is the fascination of the seventh son of a seventh son? Do seven daughters count? Rosepoint Publishing. https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/06/26/what-is-the-fascination-of-the-seventh-son-of-a-seventh-son-do-seven-daughters-count/Wright, G. (2022, November 29). Gwydion. Mythopedia. https://mythopedia.com/topics/gwydion

Episode Description: Join Lex and T as they explore Charmed Season 2, Episode 5, She's a Man, Baby, a Man! In this episode, Prue is transformed into a man as the sisters track down a succubus preying on men in San Francisco. While adjusting to her temporary male form, Prue struggles with newfound masculine urges, and the sisters race to stop the demon before she claims another victim. Lex and T chat about the mythology around incubi and succubi and share lots of info on the tantalizing Mother of Demons, Lilith. From sleep paralysis to gender symbols, there’s lots to explore!Trigger Warning: Heavy references to sex, incest, sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assault.Learn more:Buckland, R. (2018). Buckland’s complete book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications.Conway, D.J. (1994). Maiden, Mother, Crone: The myth and reality of the Triple Goddess. Llewellyn Publications.Cox, A. M. (2015). Sleep paralysis and folklore. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 6(7), 1-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2054270415598091  Hurd, R. (n.d.). The succubus reconsidered: Sexuality in sleep paralysis. Dream Studies. https://dreamstudies.org/succubus-and-supernatural-assault/Kelly, J. (2017, February 24). Where do the male (♂) and female (♀) symbols come from? Mashed Radish. https://mashedradish.com/2017/02/24/where-do-the-male-%E2%9A%A6-and-female-%E2%99%80-symbols-come-from/Mcdermott, A. (2016, June 24). Incubi and succubi: Crushing nightmares and sex-craving demons - Part I. Ancient Origins: Unravelling the mysteries of the past. https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/incubi-and-succubi-crushing-nightmares-and-sex-craving-demons-part-i-006157Mclemore, E. (2022, September 30). Unearthing the vampire: Succubi, secrets, and women’s monstrosity. Medieval Studies Research Blog: Meet Us at the Crossroads of Everything, University of Notre Dame. https://sites.nd.edu/manuscript-studies/2022/09/30/unearthing-the-vampire-succubi-secrets-and-womens-monstrosity/NAU Mudeum Studies. (n.d.). Succubus and mother of demons. Lilith: The demonization of female power and sexuality. https://ac.nau.edu/omeka-s/s/lilith/page/demonic-originsWikipedia contributors. (2023, February 26). An Act of God. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=An_Act_of_God&oldid=1141738522  Wikipedia. (2025, May 27). Lilith. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lilith&oldid=1292469242Wikipedia. (2025, May 30). Succubus. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Succubus&oldid=1293025768 

Episode Description: Get your late 90s, early 2000’s club gear on, P3 is officially open!! Glammed out in our stretchy choker necklaces, Lex and T dance into Season 2, episode 4 of Charmed, The Devil’s Music. Join us as we discuss Faustian Deals and other devilish temptations at the sacrifice of morality. What would you be willing to sacrifice for power and fortune? Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of infanticide, death, and rape. There is also a reference to quid pro quo sexual harassment. Learn more:Boyle, N. (2025, February 12). Faust of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe/Faust   Butler, J. M. (2019, March 4). Crossroads myth. Mississippi Encyclopedia. https://mississippiencyclopedia.org/entries/crossroads-myth/    The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, February 24). Faustian bargain. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Faustian-bargain    English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/ Faustian Bargain Books. (n.d.). Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/faustian-bargain   Hecate. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Hecate    Hoedje100. (2009, December 3). Hellhound on my trail by Robert Johnson [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/OHAIgpih86E?si=LJ-8zJnHZYkOwVin     Julia. (n.d.). Gothic tropes: The Faustian bargain. The Gothic Library. https://www.thegothiclibrary.com/gothic-tropes-the-faustian-bargain/   Kellermeyer. M.G. (2018, May 29). W. W. Jacobs’ The monkey’s paw: A detailed summary and literary analysis. The Classic Horror Blog in Oldstyle Tales Press. https://www.oldstyletales.com/single-post/2018/05/29/w-w-jacobs-the-monkeys-paw-a-two-minute-analysis-of-the-classic-horror-story   Kennedy, J.A., & Kray, L.J. (2014). Who is willing to sacrifice ethical values for money and social status?: Gender differences in reactions to ethical compromises. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 5(1), 52-59. https://gap.hks.harvard.edu/who-willing-sacrifice-ethical-values-money-and-social-status-gender-differences-reactions-ethical   King Midas and his touch. (n.d.). Greeka. https://www.greeka.com/greece-myths/king-midas/   Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. https://www.gvsu.edu/cms4/asset/F51281F0-00AF-E25A-5BF632E8D4A243C7/milgram_behavioral_study_1963.pdf    Pleasure Island (Pinocchio). (n.d.). The Disney Wiki. https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Pleasure_Island_(Pinocchio) Quirk, C. (2024, September 23). Are modern politicians really making a deal with the devil? Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine. https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2024/09/23/are-modern-politicians-really-making-deal-devi l  Smith, E. (2024, July 9). A deal with the devil: What the age-old Faustian bargain reveals about the modern world. Literary Hub. https://lithub.com/a-deal-with-the-devil-what-the-age-old-faustian-bargain-reveals-about-the-modern-world/   TheDeuceWithin. (2013, July 17). Robert Johnson – Me and the devil blues with lyrics [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/YYsnRc09csQ?si=Ezia1jMuaKUPuvY4   Wikipedia contributors. (2025, March 7). Faust. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Faust&oldid=1279253255    Wikipedia contributors. (2025, March 7). Johann Georg Faust. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johann_Georg_Faust&oldid=1279199689 

Join Lex and T as they explore Charmed Season 2, Episode 2, "Morality Bites". In this episode the Halliwell sisters travel ten years into the future after Phoebe has a premonition of her own execution. The episode has heavy references to witch hunts, prompting Lex and T to deep dive into the rhetoric around that phase and how it’s being used in modern times. Lots to discuss! Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to slavery; rape and sexual harrassment/assult; castration; and  abuse, torture, murder, and mistreatment of women.Learn more:Chollet, M. (2022). In Defense of witches, The Legacy of the witch hunts and why women are still on trial (C. M. Machado, Trans.). St. Martin’s GriffinFranks, M. A. (2019). Witch hunts: Free speech, #metoo, and the fear of women’s words. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 2019(5). https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1641&context=uclf Grube, K. (2020).Which witch is witch: The appropriation of women’s pain in the use of the witch hunt metaphor in modern political rhetoric.[Master’s thesis, North Dakota State University]. NDSU Repository.  https://hdl.handle.net/10365/31499 Hight, A. S., & Hernandez, P. L. (2022). Women’s History Month 2022: Book Chat with 2 Difficult Women. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc56O3QXz88   Jen. (n.d.) Satisfying Satire: Taylor’s “I Did Something Bad” Meaning, Explained. https://swiftlysungstories.com/i-did-something-bad-meaning/ Leva, L. H. (2023, September 6). From witch trials to witch tok. The Long Now Foundation. https://longnow.org/ideas/from-witch-trials-to-witchtok/ West, L. (2019). The witches are coming (First ed.). Hachette Books.Sherwin, B. D. (2023). Hocus pocus: Modern-day manifestations of witch hunts. Northwestern Journal of Law and Social Policy, 19(1). https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1243&context=njlsp

In this episode, Lex and T dive into Charmed Season Two, Episode One: “Witch Trial.” They examine key moments from the episode, like the Charmed Ones facing their first major challenge after Andy’s death and the Book of Shadows being stolen. Their research takes them to discovering more about topics like the Wheel of the Year, to be nude or not while practicing witchcraft skyclad, the demon Abraxas, reverse speech, and so much more! Feasts, dancing naked, subliminal messages, there’s lots to cover in this engaging episode!Corrections* At one point Lex refers to Ostara as Spring Solstice, when she meant Spring Equinox. Apologies 🙂 TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes references to suicide, an assassination, and sexual assault.Learn More: Buckland, R. (2018). Buckland’s complete book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications.Eason, C. (2017). A little bit of Wicca: An introduction to Witchcraft. Sterling Ethos. Starhawk (2011). The Spiral dance: A Rebirth of the ancient religion of the goddess: 10th Anniversary Edition. HarperCollins. Back Masking. (2016). Back masking. https://www.backmasking.com/ Bustamante, N. (2023, September 7). What is Gestalt Psychology? Theory, principles, & examples. Simple Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-gestalt-psychology.html Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, February 17)). Abraxas. In Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/abraxas-sequence-of-Greek-letters Ferre, L. (2017, June 11). Abraxas (Abrasax, Abraxis). Occult World. https://occult-world.com/abraxas-abrasax-abraxis/ Newbrook, M. & Curtain, J. (1998). David Oates’ theory of reverse speech. Australian Skeptics. https://web.archive.org/web/19980207000019/http://www.skeptics.com.au/journal/revspeech1.htm Norman, M. & Byrne, T. (2000). The demon-haunted sentence: A skeptical analysis of reverse speech. Skeptical Inquirer, 24(2). https://skepticalinquirer.org/2000/03/the-demon-haunted-sentence/ Oates, D.J. (2001). Reverse speech: Voices from the unconscious. Reverse Speech. https://web.archive.org/web/20090224145854/http://www.reversespeech.com/article0903.htm Prof. Geller. (2016, October 30). Abraxas. Mythology.net. https://mythology.net/greek/greek-concepts/abraxas/ 

In this episode, we focus on the Charmed season 1 finale, “Deja Vu All Over Again”. In this episode, the sisters get stuck in a deadly time loop thanks to Tempus, a demon who keeps rewinding the day so an assassin, Rodriguez, can take them out. Phoebe starts sensing déjà vu, and the sisters slowly realize what’s happening. Meanwhile, Andy risks everything to protect Prue, leading to a heartbreaking loss. With time working against them, the sisters must break the loop before it's too late. Join Lex and T as they explore deja vu through theories and science, temporal and time loops, Greek mythology, and more!Trigger Warning: References to death are frequently made throughout this episode.Learn More: Atsma, A. J. (n.d.). Caerus (Kairos). Theoi Project. https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Kairos.html Barowsky, J. (2023, November 21). Cronos in Greek mythology: God of time origin [Slideshow Presentation]. Study.com. https://study.com/academy/lesson/cronos-the-god-mythology-lesson-quiz.html#:~:text=Cronos%20was%20known%20as%20the,personification%20in%20ancient%20Greek%20mythology. Batchelor, J. (31 July 2019). Learn, reset, repeat: The intricacy of time loop games. GamesIndustry.biz.Caerus. (n.d.). Greek Mythology. https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Minor_Gods/Caerus/caerus.html Caerus. (2019, October 19). Greek Gods and Goddesses. https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/caerus/ Caerus Greek god of opportunity. (n.d.). Greek Gods and Goddesses. https://www.greek-gods-and-goddesses.com/caerus-greek-god.html Clark. (2022, August 16). Caerus: Personification of opportunities. Classical Literature. https://ancient-literature.com/caerus/ Cleary, A. M., & Claxton, A. B. (2018). Déjà Vu: An Illusion of Prediction. Psychological Science (0956-7976), 29(4), 635–644. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797617743018   Cleary AM, McNeely-White KL, Huebert AM, & Claxton AB. (2021). Déjà vu and the feeling of prediction: an association with familiarity strength. Memory (Hove, England), 29(7), 904–920. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2018.1503686 Déjà vu. (2000). In R. M. Youngson, The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6MTU0ODU1Ng==?aid=103130 Douglass, J. (2007). Command Lines: Aesthetics and technique in interactive fiction and new media. Santa Barbara, Cal.: University of California, Santa Barbara. pp. 333–335, 358. The Elders. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki.https://charmedlegacy.fandom.com/wiki/The_Elders Epilepsy. (2000). In R. M. Youngson, The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia (2nd ed.). Bloomsbury. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6MTU0ODk3OA==?aid=103130 García-Catalán, S., & Navarro-Remesal, V. (2015). Try Again: The time loop as a problem-solving process in save the date and source code (M. Jones, & J. Ormrod, Eds.). Time Travel in Popular Media: Essays on Film, Television, Literature and Video Games. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. pp. 206–209.Tempus, the devil's sorcerer. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki. https://charmedlegacy.fandom.com/wiki/Tempus,_the_Devil%27s_Sorcerer Wells CE, O’Connor AR, & Moulin CJA. (2021). Déjà vu experiences in anxiety. Memory (Hove, England), 29(7), 895–903. https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2018.1538418 The wheel of life: Samsara. (n.d.) Thangka Mandala. https://www.thangka-mandala.com/blog/the-wheel-of-life/For the full list of resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N8r0QPPk0EGnp-uO_P-Iv2kC-npNc5byjF7an9X5uz0/edit?usp=sharing  

This week, we cover Charmed episode, “The Power of Two,”  where Prue and Phoebe get into some spirited trouble after Phoebe’s trip to Alcatraz. Lex and T dive deep into the world of ghosts, phantoms, and the eerie history of the island. Grab your salt circles and your best ghost-hunting gear as we explore different types of entities, the spirits of Alcatraz, and the island itself. Expect some unexpected research rabbit holes, because when it comes to the supernatural (and research), you never know where you'll end up!Trigger Warning: This episode contains reference to suicide, torture, slavery, holocaust, and solitary confinement.Learn more: Alcatraz Experience. (n.d.). 3 famous ghosts that haunt Alcatraz Island. https://alcatraz-experience.com/3-famous-ghosts-that-haunt-alcatraz-island/ Benson, K. F., Newman, R. A., & Jensen, G. S. (2015). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and skin regenerative properties of an Aloe vera-based extract of Nerium oleander leaves (nae-8(®)). Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 239–248. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S79871  Bloodroot. (2023, May 12). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/bloodroot#:~:text=Bloodroot%20is%20a%20perennial%20flowering,growth%20of%20new%20blood%20vessels. Charon. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Charon Cheung, T. (2018, October 16). The premonition code: The science of precognition, how sensing the future can change your life [Audiobook]. Blackstone Publishing.  Dr. Weird. (n.d.). Alcatraz: Island of evil spirits, historical essay. FoundSF. https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Alcatraz:_Island_of_Evil_SpiritsThe Editors of  Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2025, January 7). Charon. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Charon-Greek-mythology   Ghost. (n.d.). Phasmophobia Wiki. https://phasmophobia.fandom.com/wiki/Ghost  Grey Line. (n.d.). The haunting mystery of Alcatraz: Unveiling the supernatural tales. Grey Line San Francisco. https://graylineofsanfrancisco.com/alcatraz-haunted/ Hollyhock. (n.d.). Web M.D. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-610/hollyhock Morbidly Fascinating Archives. (n.d.). Do ghosts haunt the Alcatraz prison in San Francisco? The Horror Zine. https://www.thehorrorzine.com/Morbid/GhostsOfAlcatraz/AlcatrazGhosts.html  National Park Service. (2024, April 10). American Indian occupation - 50th anniversary. Golden Gate, National Recreation Area, California. https://www.nps.gov/goga/red-power-on-alcatraz.htm  National Park Service. (2024, January 12). Island of Incarceration, Island of Freedom. Alcatraz Island, California. https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm  Orange, T. (2018). There there. Alfred A. Knopf. Passos, I. D., & Mironidou-Tzouveleki, M. (2016). Hallucinogenic plants in the Mediterranean countries. In Neuropathology of drug addictions and substance misuse. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800212-4.00071-6  Phantasm. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phantasm Phasmophobia [Video Game]. (2020). Kinetic Games. The power of two. Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/The_Power_of_Two Reade, S. (2021, May 18).  Ghosts can’t cross running water. USC Digital Folklore Archives. https://folklore.usc.edu/ghosts-cant-cross-running-water/ r/Ghosts [Online forum thread]. (2025). Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghosts/?rdt=52658 Rosemary, E. G. (2006). The encyclopedia of magic and alchemy. Visionary Living, Inc. Skulls in the Stars. (2011, February 13). Why is water considered ghost-proof? (1884). https://skullsinthestars.com/2011/02/13/why-is-water-considered-ghost-proof-1884/ Spirit. Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Spirit  For the full "Learn More" list: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mUyljBaHeHzpgKXRcqFwdyOhY-0UE1Ksfzdbe6TxCSA/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of Witches in the Stacks, Trisha and Lex discuss Season 1 Episode 19 of Charmed: Out of Sight. In the episode of the television show, a young boy is kidnapped by demons who steal the sight of innocent children to see the auras of good people, in order to murder them in the endless battle between good and evil. Trisha discusses her research on where the name of the demons (Grimlocks) could have come from and where we see the name elsewhere in pop culture, and Lex does a deepdive into auras and how to “read” them! Our research takes us everywhere from Christian art to chatting with our friend Joe about color blindness. So join us as we take this journey into grimlocks and auras!Trigger Warning: During this episode there is a minor reference to a creature eating humans. Additionally, there is a discussion related to child sacrifice/violence against children. Learn more: Britannica. (n.d.). Moloch: ancient deity. In Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Moloch-ancient-god  Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications.  Butler, W. E. (1978). How to read the aura, practice psychometry, telepathy and clairvoyance. Warner Books.  Dale, C. (2016). LLewellyn’s complete book of chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications.  Fandom. (n.d.). Grimlock. Dungeons & Dragons Wiki. https://dungeonsdragons.fandom.com/wiki/Grimlock  Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d.). Ancient Jewish history: The cult of Moloch. Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-cult-of-moloch  Margaritoff, M. (2021, September 2). The true history of Moloch: The ancient god of child sacrifice. All That's Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/moloch  Morlock. (2025, February 6). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Morlock&oldid=1274223918  Regan, S. (2023, May 9). An aura color quiz for discovering your soul shade. Mind Body Green. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-color-is-my-aura-quiz (Lex got white. You have a very quick mind and a tendency for perfectionism and nervous energy. Trisha got purple. You are a spiritual soul who is deeply intuitive and empathetic.) Rushdoony, R. J. (2003, May 1). Molech worship and baptism. Chalcedon Foundation. https://chalcedon.edu/resources/articles/molech-worship-and-baptism  Web MD. (n.d.). Schisandra - Uses, side effects, and more. Web MD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-376/schisandra

This week, we unravel the magical mysteries of Charmed Season 1, Episode 15, "Is There a Woogy in the House?". When a supernatural force beneath the Halliwell Manor awakens, Phoebe finds herself drawn to its dark power. We dive deep into the lore of ley lines and explore the pentagram as a symbol of protection and power, breaking down how its five points represent earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. Let’s woogy!!Learn More:  The Alchemy Editorial Team. (2020, March). Baphomet and the inverted pentagram. Alchemy England Blog. https://www.alchemyengland.com/site/index.php/2020/03/baphomet-and-the-inverted-pentagram/  Beyer, C. (2024, May 17). The 5 Elemental Symbols: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, and Spirit. Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/elemental-symbols-4122788#:~:text=Some%20call%20it%20Spirit.,being%20more%20material%20and%20base  Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications.  Dale, C. (2016). LLewellyn’s Complete Book of Chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications.  Dominguez, I., Jr. (2021). The four elements of the wise: Working with the magickal powers of earth, air, water, fire. Weiser Books.  Eason, C. (2017). A little bit of wicca: An introduction to witchcraft. Sterling Ethos. Eldridge, A. (n.d.). Pentagram. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/pentagram Franklin, A. (2023, February 25). Ley lines. Hearth Witchery. https://annafranklinhearthwitch.wordpress.com/2023/02/25/ley-lines/  McGovern, U. (Ed.). (2007). Earth mysteries. In Chambers Dictionary of the Unexplained (1st ed.). Chambers Harrap. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6MzgwOTA3?aid=150018  Miller, K. (2024, September 11). The mysteries of ley lines: A journey through spiritual and magical energies. Medium. https://medium.com/our-mystic-road-trip/ley-lines-guide-e87d902e7bc3  Serena, K. (2004, April 23).The controversial history of ley lines, from the theory’s origin to its new age connection to UFOs. All That's Interesting. https://allthatsinteresting.com/ley-lines  Taub, B. (2023, December 12). What are ley lines and do they really exist? IFL Science. https://www.iflscience.com/what-are-ley-lines-and-do-they-really-exist-71960  Universal Life Church Ministry. (2017, October 10). The surprising story behind the pentagram. https://www.universallifechurch.org/2017/10/10/the-surprising-story-behind-the-pentagram/  Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Pentagram. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentagram 

In this episode, Lex and T dive into Season 1, Episode 14 of Charmed, Secrets and Guys. As Prue, Piper, and Phoebe protect Max, a budding good witch that Leo was sent to help, Lex and T are inspired to explore the symbolism of white light - with an aside on near death experiences, the role of guiding spirits across different cultures, and how the Nephilim legend ties into the world of magic. Learn more: Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications. Dale, C. (2020). Llewellyn’s complete book of chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications.  The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Guardian spirit. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/guardian-spirit Edgren, E. (2012). The near death experience. Reflections, California State University, East Bay. https://www.csueastbay.edu/philosophy/reflections/2011-2012/contents/erik-edgr.html Holden, J. M., & Loseu, S. (2015). Shedding light on the tunnel and light in near-death experiences: A case study. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 34(1), 27-43. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc948094/m2/1/high_res_d/34-1%205.%20Holden%20cx%202018.pdf Khalil, A. (2020, June 19). Science, religion, and the challenge of near-death experiences. Renovatio. https://renovatio.zaytuna.edu/article/science-religion-and-the-challenge-of-near-death-experiences Latin American Studies Association. (n.d.). Rajawal or Nawal (Guardian spirit, protector). Maya Spirituality: Indigenous Paintings 1957-2020. https://mayaspirituality.lasaweb.org/en/rajawal/ Milwaukee Public Museum. (n.d.). Religious and ceremonial life. Wisconsin Indigenous Resources Program. https://www.mpm.edu/content/wirp/ICW-45 MY HERO. (2019, March 20). Native American spirituality. MY HERO. https://myhero.com/native_am Ohr Somayach International. (n.d.). The bigger they are.... Ask the Rabbi. https://ohr.edu/ask_db/ask_main.php/289/Q3/ Petruzzello, M. (2025, February 12). Nephilim. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nephilim San Filippo, D. (2006). Angels as spiritual guides. National Louis University Faculty Publications, 55. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1054&context=faculty_publications u/X-Professor-men. (2024). Gaurdian angels confuse me because I thought whitelighters were the guardian angels? [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/charmed/comments/184eotp/gaurdian_angels_confuse_me_because_i_thought/?rdt=62420  Whitelighter. (n.d.). Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Whitelighter Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 10). Angels in Islam. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Angels_in_Islam&oldid=1275063267  Wikipedia contributors. (2024, November 28). Eudaemon (mythology). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eudaemon_(mythology)&oldid=1260067007  Wikipedia contributors. (2025, February 13). Genius (mythology). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Genius_(mythology)&oldid=1275535577  Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 9). Guardian angel. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guardian_angel&oldid=1268471173  Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 30). Kami. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kami&oldid=1272870367 

Beware Friday the 13th! Yawns can invite Satan in!! Keep a steady supply of salt to cast away the Devil!!! Join us as we discuss season 1, episode 13 of Charmed, From Fear to Eternity, as we dive into the fascinating world of superstitions and where they come from.Trigger Warning: This episode contains a brief reference to animal cruelty - those poor black kitties.Learn more:Carnegie Museum of Natural History. (2024). Superstitions and black cats. https://carnegiemnh.org/superstitions-and-black-cats/#:~:text=In%20some%20European%20folklore%2C%20black,reliable%20weather%20predictor%20(3) Dell’Amore, C. (2025). Myth busted: Friday the 13th. National Geographic Kids. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/myth-busted-friday-13th#:~:text=Origin%20story,unfortunate%20things%20happened%20on%20Fridays Hathaway, D. (2022, April 21). Are ladybugs good luck? Understanding this superstition. Love to Know. https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/design-decor/ladybugs-bring-good-luck Morton Salt Company (n.d.). The history of salt. https://www.lib.uchicago.edu/ead/pdf/century0030.pdf Mutual Benefit Group (2025). Bad-luck ladders: Ladder accidents and how to prevent them. https://www.mutualbenefitgroup.com/insurance-101/safety-on-the-job/bad-luck-ladders-ladder-accidents-and-how-to-prevent-them#:~:text=While%20origins%20of%20this%20myth,destined%20for%20the%20gallows%20yourself Neufeld, C. (1999). Speakerly women and scribal men. Oral Tradition, 14(2), 420-429. https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10355/64783/OralTradition14-2-neufeld.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y O. Walusinski, O., Meenakshisundaram, R., Thirumalaikolundusubramanian, P., Diwakar, S., & Dhanalakshmi, G. (2004). Yawning : comparative study of knowledge and beliefs, popular and medical. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7445.963-a S. D. (2024, February 13). Salt as warding off evil: Exploring the mysterious tradition across the globe. Medium. https://medium.com/@barkarole224/salt-as-warding-off-evil-exploring-the-mysterious-tradition-across-the-globe-fd602132073c Shesso, R. (2007). Math for mystics: from the Fibonacci sequence to Luna's labyrinth to the golden section and other secrets of sacred geometry. Weiser BooksTrasser, S. (2024, February 12). The power of black cats: Legends that haunt them, responsible adoptions. Mount St. Joseph University. https://www.msj.edu/news/2024/02/the-power-of-black-cats.html Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. (2025). Black cats: Bad Luck or misunderstood?. https://education.turpentinecreek.org/2022/10/29/black-cats-bad-luck-or-misunderstood/#:~:text=Black%20cats%20are%20the%20source,evil%2C%20connected%20with%20the%20devil 

T found the research for season 1, episode 12 on windigos so fascinating, she decided to dig a little deeper. In this brief special episode, join T as she recaps the lore around windigos and introduces what is known about skin-walkers! From cannibalism to dark magic, there is so much to explore! Trigger Warning: This episode references cannibalism, killings, and violence. Learn More: Alexander, K. (2023, February). Navajo skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest. Legends of America. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/navajo-skinwalkers/  Alford, P.E. (1992). Anglo-American perceptions of Navajo skinwalker legends. Contemporary Legend, 2, 119-136. https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/cl/article/view/34775/37978  Kellen. (2013, October 27). Skinwalkers, wendigos, and the witchery way. Denver Public Library Special Collections and Archives. https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/skinwalkers-wendigos-and-witchery-way  Mentz, S. (2020, October 9). Skin-walkers. Paranormal Investigation: Ghosts, Folklore, & More. https://blogs.uww.edu/paranormalinvestigation/2020/10/09/skinwalkers/  Navajo Traditional Teachings. (2023, September 11). Skinwalkers,demons, and the Evil One [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/YC6ImkQLohE?si=FqxXJYN98Lv6qwhg  Shanclen Shadow Productions. (2023, September 1). Truth of skinwalkers... Stories from the Navajo Nation [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/xKg1pYvhIYw?si=QgtK8n7wrerWcSnR  Skin-walker. (2024, October 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin-walker  Sky History. (n.d.). What is a skinwalker? Facts about the Native American legend. Sky History. https://www.history.co.uk/articles/from-skinwalkers-to-wendigos-4-native-american-myths-and-legends  UPARS. (2019, May 8). Navajo Ranger Jonathan Dover (04-16-19) skinwalkers, UFOs, Bigfoot & paranormal exploits [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/oMhIaLvlw1E?si=dzKWFuEymo7vw3ds 

In this chilling episode, we delve into the haunting legend of the Wendigo. Rooted in Indigenous folklore, this cannibalistic spirit embodies greed, hunger, and the perils of losing one’s humanity. We explore the origins of the Wendigo myth, its cultural significance, and its cautionary themes. Then, we shift our focus to pop culture, examining how the Wendigo has been reimagined in movies, TV shows, and literature—from terrifying monsters to psychological metaphors. Join us as we uncover the complex evolution of this legendary creature and what it reveals about our collective fears. Trigger Warnings: This episode contains topics of violence and cannibalism.   Learn More: DeSanti, B. (2018). Classroom cannibal: A guide on how to teach Ojibwe spirituality using the windigo and film. Journal of Religion & Film, 22(1), Article 36. https://doi.org/10.32873/uno.dc.jrf.22.01.36 McCauley, E. (2016, November 23). The mythology and misrepresentation of the windigo. Backstory. https://backstoryradio.org/blog/the-mythology-and-misrepresentation-of-the-windigo/  Ostberg, R. (2024). Wendigo. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved August 29, 2024 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/wendigo  Smith, K. (2021, November 30). More than monsters: The deeper significance of wendigo stories. Facing History and Ourselves. https://www.facinghistory.org/ideas-week/more-monsters-deeper-significance-wendigo-stories  Storied. (2019, August 28). Windigo: The flesh-eating monster of Native American legend [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/guiuXIMZ2vE?si=4fwFhPANNNXY95vr  Turner, D. H. (1977). Windigo Mythology and the Analysis of Cree Social Structure. Anthropologica, 19(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.2307/25604977 Wendigo. Charmed Wiki. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Wendigo Literature Referenced: The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1851) Pet Sematary by Stephen King (1983) “Romance and Real Estate” (essay) by Walter Benn Michaels (1987) The Round House by Louise Erdrich (2012) Sacred Legend of the Sandy Lake Cree by James Stevens and Carl Ray (1971) Strange Things: The Malevolent North in Canadian Literature by Margaret Atwood (1995) Tracks by Louise Erdrich (2004) The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood (1910) The Wendigo Border by Catherine Montrose (1995) Windigo (poem) by Louise Erdrich (1984)

This episode takes you on a journey through the realms of the mystical and the ancient. We delve into the mysteries of the third eye, exploring its spiritual significance across cultures and its connection to heightened perception. Next, we traverse the astral plane, unpacking the phenomenon of astral projection and its place in both lore and practice. Finally, we step into the tombs of ancient Egypt to unravel the sacred art of mummification, uncovering its spiritual purpose and enduring fascination. Tune in for a fascinating blend of metaphysics, history, and culture! Learn More:  Baum, H. (n.d.). Egyptian funerary practices and the first intermediate period. https://www.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/cont-ed-62/olli/21-fall/egypt3.pdf Blanke, O., Landis, T., Spinelli, L., & Seeck, M. (2004). Out-of-body experience and autoscopy of neurological origin. Brain : a journal of neurology, 127(Pt 2), 243–258. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awh040  Buckland, R. (2018). Buckland’s complete book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications. Buckley, L. (2024, October 24). Astral projection: How to have an out-of-body experience. Dreams. https://www.dreams.co.uk/sleep-matters-club/astral-projection Cox, D. (2015, October 30). Vampires, ghosts and demons: the nightmare of sleep paralysis. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/oct/30/vampires-ghosts-and-demons-the-nightmare-of-sleep-paralysis Crawford, A.. (2023, April 27). Seeking truth in an age of lies [remarks]. Journalism department's annual scholarship awards ceremony, Connecticut. https://journalism.uconn.edu/2023/05/01/seeking-truth-in-an-age-of-lies/ Dale, C. (2020). Llewellyn’s complete book of chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications.  Handy, A. B., Greenfield, S. F., Yonkers, K. A., & Payne, L. A. (2022). Psychiatric Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle in Adult Women: A Comprehensive Review. Harvard review of psychiatry, 30(2), 100–117. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000329 Herbert, E. (2009, August 11). Once-a-month psychic: How PMS can make you more clairvoyant and how to hone your skills. Elle. https://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/advice/a10376/once-a-month-psychic-338020/ McKee, T. (2024, November 4). How to perform astral projection. wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-Astral-Projection Mudgal, V., Dhakad, R., Mathur, R., Sardesa, R., & Pal, V. (2021, August 09) Astral projection: A strange out-of-body experience in dissociative disorder. Cureus, 13(8). doi:10.7759/cureus.17037 Preparation of the Mummy. (n.d.). Mortuary practices of ancient Egypt. http://myweb.usf.edu/~liottan/prepofthemummy.html Radford, B., McKelvie, C. (2022, February 25). Astral projection: Facts and theories. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/27978-astral-projection.html Restivo, J. (2023, October 20). Sleep paralysis: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/sleep-paralysis-causes-symptoms-and-treatments Sheridan, A. (2020, April 6). Preserving the soul for the afterlife. Iowa State University: University Museums. https://www.museums.iastate.edu/virtual/blog/2020/04/06/preserving-the-soul-for-the-afterlife … For more resources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BGciIwoXKmhEmHHTbUv1WqNOiQRg6HFP3RD762se8VE/edit?usp=sharing

Lex briefly discusses Episode 9 of Season 1 Charmed with “The Witch is Back.” In the episode, the sisters summon their ancestor to help defeat a warlock she cursed. The sisters learn more about the Craft from their ancestor. Inspired by this, Lex shares a few resources, websites, books, and podcasts that may be of interest to anyone new or interested in Wicca or general witchy and pagan things.  Learn more:  Reading Resources:  Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications.  Cunningham, S. (1988). Wicca: A Guide for the solitary practitioner. Llewellyn Publications.  Farrars, J. & Farrars, S. (1987). A Witches’ bible: The Complete witches’ handbook. Phoenix Publishing.  King James Bible. Psalms 113:2-3. Retrieved from https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/PSA.113.2-3  McShane, R. (2023). TAMUC History Professor Busts Myths About The Salem Witch Trials. East Texas A&M. Retrieved 27 Nov. 2024. Starhawk (2011). The Spiral dance: A Rebirth of the ancient religion of the goddess: 10th Anniversary Edition. HarperCollins.  Wigington, P. (2019). Biography of Gerald Gardner and the Gardnerian wiccan tradition. Learn Religions. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-gardnerian-wicca-2562910   – (2024). Blessed be: Wiccan phrases and meanings. Learn Religions. Retrieved from: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-blessed-be-2561872  – (2019). NeoWicca: Definition and meaning. Learn Religions. Retrieved from: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-a-neowicca-2561935  https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/baby-witch  https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/how-to-beginner-witch  Listening Resources: Bundy, S. (Creator). (2023-2024). The Moon in Carolina. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moon-in-carolina/id1705751990  Burgess, C. C. (Creator). (2018-2021). The Word Witch. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-word-witch/id1439486956  Mack, L. (Founder). (2017-2024). Tarot for the Wild Soul. [audio podcast].https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tarot-for-the-wild-soul-with-lindsay-mack/id1253597385  Rise up! Good witch podcast (2018-2024). Rise up! Good witch: self care as resistance [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-up-good-witch-podcast/id1378799340  Sanders, K. & Holmes, S. (hosts and producers). (2003-2024). The Herbal Highway [audio podcast]. 94.1 KPFA. https://kpfa.org/program/the-herbal-highway/page/98/  Tamed Wild (Creator). (2020-2024). Magick & Alchemy. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/magick-alchemy/id1540643661  Witchy Business (Creator) (2023-2024). Witchy Business. [audio podcast]. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/witchy-business/id1663300836  Yates Garcia, A. & Pennypacker Riggs, C. (Creators). (2018-2024). Between the Worlds. [audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-the-worlds-podcast/id1437333094  Websites: https://www.ritualcravt.com/  https://tamedwild.com/ 

In this episode, we dive into the mystical world of Charmed to explore two powerful goddesses—Hekate and Kali. We uncover their fascinating origin stories, their roles in mythology, and the ways they have been worshipped or feared throughout history. Then, we shift focus to how these deities are represented in the series, examining the creative liberties taken and what it says about their place in popular culture. Join us as we blend mythology, magic, and media in this spellbinding discussion! TRIGGER WARNING: Some references to kidnapping, rape, sexual coercion, and violence are included in this episode as related to the episodes and to mythology.  Learn more:  The Arcana Wiki. (2019). Lasa. http://arcana.wikidot.com/lasa  Atsma, A. J. (2019). Hekate. Theoi Project. https://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html  British Museum and London Durgotsav Committee (2022, September 20). Feminine power: Welcoming a new goddess Kali icon. The British Museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/feminine-power-welcoming-new-goddess-kali-icon  Cartwright, M. (2013, June 21). Kali. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/Kali/  Charmed Wiki. (n.d.). Jeweled poignard of the Order of the Stephanine Cross. https://charmed.fandom.com/wiki/Jeweled_Poignard_of_the_Order_of_the_Stephanine_Cross  Conway, D. J. (2023). Maiden, Mother, Crone: The myth and reality of the Triple Goddess. Llewellyn Publications . Doniger, W. (2024, December 7). Kali: Hindu goddess. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kali  Grimassi, R. (2003). The Witch’s familiar: Spiritual partnerships for successful magic. Llewellyn publications.  Mackay, D. (2024, June 13). Everything you need to know about Hecate (Maiden, Mother, Crone). The Collector. https://www.thecollector.com/hecate-goddess-magic-witchcraft/  The Met. (2024). Goddess Kali. Site name. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/849495  Natesan, S. (2020, November 20). Ma Kali. Hindu American Foundation. https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/ma-kali  Palmer Museum of Art (n.d.). African brilliance: A diplomat’s sixty years of collecting, catalogue 27. https://exhibitions.psu.edu/s/african-brilliance/page/catalogue-27  Struck, P. T.  (2020). Dictionary. University of Pennsylvania: Arts & Sciences Department of Classical Studies. https://www2.classics.upenn.edu/myth/php/tools/dictionary.php?regexp=HECATE&method=standard  Took, T. (2013). Lasa. The obscure goddess online directory. https://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/lasa.php  Toothpickings. (2018, August 30). Vampires & mirrors: Shattering a myth. Medium. https://toothpickings.medium.com/vampires-mirrors-shattering-a-myth-bcb4199e0531 

S1E5, Dream Sorcerer introduces the world’s most dangerous animal: man! Can you die in your sleep if you die in your dream? What is an unreliable narrator? Why did the actor for Berman decide to use THAT voice? This episode, we take a deep dive exploring a topic that is a little more serious and parallels the horrors of reality.  TRIGGER WARNING: Throughout this episode there is frequent reference to sexual assault and aspects associated with this topic. Learn more:  https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2018/hallucinations-full-moons-and-coffee-baylor-sleep-expert-debunks-common-sleep-myths https://www3.nd.edu/~ghaeffel/OnineDating_Aron.pdf https://reporter.rit.edu/tech/dear-online-dating-we-are-never-ever-getting-back-togetherlike-ever https://www.bu.edu/com/articles/dating-apps-not-best-way-to-find-soulmate-but-still-worth-it-survey-says/

We’re moving on to Charmed, season 1 episode 4, “Dead Man Dating.” Mark, the only other man Trisha would have accepted for Piper if she couldn’t be with Leo, is a ghost who seeks help from the Charmed Ones. Meanwhile, Phebe dons her best I Dream of Jeannie costume and chases a man down about a wallet. During this episode, Lex and Trisha talk a bit about divination and explore Chinese beliefs in the afterworld. Learn more:  Buckland, R. (2002). Buckland’s complete book of witchcraft (2nd Edition). Llewellyn Publications.  Dale, C. (2016). LLewellyn’s Complete Book of Chakras: Your definitive source of energy center knowledge for health, happiness, and spiritual evolution. Llewellyn Publications.  Mythology Worldwide. (2024, February 29). Ghosts and spirits in Chinese mythology. Mythology worldwide. https://mythologyworldwide.com/ghosts-and-spirits-in-chinese-mythology/ Tadd, R. (2020, July 17). A journey through DI Yu - “Chinese hell”. China beasts and legends. (https://www.chinabeastsandlegends.com/blog/a-journey-through-di-yu-chinese-hell/a-journey-through-di-yu-chinese-hell Weatherhead East Asian Institute. (2024). The ten magistrates of the underworld realm. The Chinese cosmos. https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/cosmos/prb/underworld.htm Yama. (2024, September 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama

We’re not done with talking about the “evil eye” yet! This episode features special guest, Joe Hernandez, colleague and fellow Latino scholar who rubs that egg all over himself to get rid of those negative vibes! We take some time discussing the analytical mind versus the cultural tradition/superstition mind. We also take a deeper dive looking at personal experiences. Enjoy and feel free to share your own experiences in the comments!  Learn more:  Alejandrez-Prasad, J. (2024, June 27). A Latina Bruja's guide to an egg cleanse (huevo limpia). Pop Sugar, Vox Media. https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/how-to-do-egg-cleanse-huevo-limpia-ritual-48963277 Pagliarulo, A. (2023) The evil eye: The history, mystery, and magic of the quiet curse. Weiser Books. 

We’re on to the 2nd episode of Season 1 of Charmed with, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Still establishing the world, we felt it important to follow chronologically for a bit for now. In this episode, we explore religion - with some exploration of our resident Catholic’s opinions peppered in, the Salem Witch Trials, mal de ojo (evil eye), the Hand of Fatima, and so much more! TRIGGER WARNING: At around 0:21:36-0:21:59, sexual assault is briefly mentioned as a motivator during the historical witch trials. Note1: Opinions and commentary on organized religions will be shared by hosts and are based on personal experiences, perceptions, and the research presented by others. Despite this, the hosts would like to clarify that they respect the right for individuals to choose and practice their chosen faiths or religions without discrimination or persecution. Note2: Anatomy shows that both men and women have "Adam's apples", though it is more prominent in those assigned male at birth.... Still found the meme funny, though :). Learn more:  Alejandrez-Prasad, J. (2024, June 27). A Latina Bruja's guide to an egg cleanse (huevo limpia). Pop Sugar, Vox Media. https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/how-to-do-egg-cleanse-huevo-limpia-ritual-48963277 American History: A virtual museum. (n.d.). The Salem witch trials: The history of women as witches.https://blogs.shu.edu/americanhistory/project/the-salem-witch-trials-the-history-of-women-as-witches/ The D'Angelo Law Library. (2020). The Salem witch trials: Legal resources. The University of Chicago. https://www.lib.uchicago.edu/collex/exhibits/salem-witch-trials-legal-resources/  Hartford International University. (2023, May 16). What are the roles of chaplain, minister, pastor, or priest. https://blog.hartfordinternational.edu/2023/03/16/similarities-differences-between-chaplaincy-roles/ Lister, L. (2017). Witch. Unleashed. Untamed. Unapologetic. Hay House.  Magazine, S., & Blumberg, J. (n.d.). A Brief History of the Salem Witch Trials. Smithsonian Magazine.https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/a-brief-history-of-the-salem-witch-trials-175162489/ Moulton, S. (2011). Witchcraft: Creation of the “evil other”. Presentation for the Office of Resources for International and Area Studies (ORIAS). https://orias.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/2011-moulton-ppt.pdf  Pagliarulo, A. (2023) The evil eye: The history, mystery, and magic of the quiet curse. Weiser   Books.  Priest, R. (2012, July 5). Bible translation and the witch. Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. https://henrycenter.tiu.edu/2012/07/bible-translation-and-the-witch/ Seariac, H. (2024, January 31). Why people accused women of being witches. Deseret News. https://www.deseret.com/u-s-world/2022/5/15/23070690/salem-witch-trials-witch-panics-why-women-accused-heinrich-kramer-john-demos-anne-hutchinson-tituba/ Salem witch trials. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Salem_witch_trials&oldid=1215727230

Join us as we explore Season 1, Episode 1 of Charmed, “Something Wicca This Way Comes.” This first episode establishes the world of Charmed, introducing us to different Wicca elements along the way. Learn more of some of those elements, their significance, and how the show presents them; along with an exploration of the symbolism of the number 3, light and shadow, water, and so much more! Learn more:  Buckland, R. (2018). Buckland’s complete book of Witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications. Conway, D. J. (2023). Maiden, Mother, Crone: The myth and reality of the Triple Goddess. Llewellyn Publications . Eason, C. (2017). A little bit of Wicca: An introduction to Witchcraft. Sterling Ethos.  Greeley, J. (2017). Water in Native American spirituality: Liquid life—blood of the earth and life of the community. Green Humanities: A Journal of Ecological Thought in Literature, Philosophy & the Arts, 2, 157-179.Grimassi, R. (2003). The witch’s familiar: Spiritual partnerships for successful magic. Llewellyn Publications.  Hartford International University. (2021, July 2). An interfaith exploration of light representation in the celebration, practice and interpretation of religion. Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. https://blog.hartfordinternational.edu/2021/07/02/interfaith-representation-of-light-in-religion/. Shesso, R. (2007). Math for mystics: From the fibonacci sequence to Luna's labyrinth to the golden section and other secrets of sacred geometry. Weiser Books.