Wiccan Magic: A Coincidence Cooperation with Cerridwen Fallingstar

Magic can be described as the art of sensing energy, then learning how to flow with the energy rather than resisting it. It’s spiritual aikido. As humans we find comfort in what is predictable and unchanging. However, the nature of reality is that everything changes, everything is in flux, everything is moving, and is interdependent. This deep dialogue looks into a nature-oriented religion having rituals and practices that are derived from pre-Christian religious beliefs. Even though this much maligned form of religion has been associated with Witchcraft, in April 2007, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs agreed to allow Wiccans to display their symbols on the gravesites of soldiers. Here, an avowed Wiccan Priestess talks about this form of spiritual practice and celebrations. She says, “In our current culture, we act as if this earth is like a stage for us to strut around in, like a backdrop for our self-important play. The term environment implies something sterile instead of understanding that everything is alive, everything is present, everything is trying to communicate with you. That includes not just the animals and the birds, the plants, but the elements themselves, the air, the fire, the water, the earth. The minute you start showing up and paying attention, they'll all talk to you and guide you.”  (hosted by Justine Willis Toms)

Bio

 Cerridwen Fallingstar refers to herself as a Shamanic Witch and has taught classes in magic and ritual for over 40 years. She gives lectures tying together psychology, spirituality, history, contemporary issues, and politics. She is the author of three historical novels based on her past lives. 

Cerridwen Fallingstar’s books include: 

• White As Bone, Red As Blood: The Fox Sorceress (Cauldron Publications 2009)
• White As Bone, Red As Blood: The Storm God (Cauldron Publications 2011)
• The Heart of The Fire (Cauldron Publications 2021)
• Broth from the Cauldron: A Wisdom Journey Through Everyday Magic (She Writes Press 2021) 

To learn more about the work of Cerridwen Fallingstar go to https://theheartofthefire.com/

Topics explored in this dialogue include: 

• What is magic from a Wiccan point of view
• What is the role of a shaman
• What are examples of casting a circle to bridge the communication gap between species
• What is meant by the language of the elements: wind, water, fire, earth
• How Wicca respects all life forms including what is considered inanimate
• How she uses the New Zealand greenstone and a tree for healing
• What was her childhood like and how did her psychic abilities show up
• How a bear circled her as a young woman when she cast a circle
• What was her recurring nightmare and how did a child release her from it
• What is a new interpretation of the monkey icon of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”
• How we can redeem the titles Witch and Crone
• Why animals, unlike humans, are not afraid of learning new things
• How animals are able to employ abstract thought with the example of racoons
• How we can actually hear people’s thoughts and “read” one another
• What Cerridwen taught her son regarding being safe
• How the Wiccan path is like a willow and bends and moves in the wind
• What are Episcapagans who follow rigid rules of practice
• Why there is a need to dismiss a circle that has been cast 

Host: Justine Willis Toms   Interview Date: 12/7/2021   Program Number: 3747

Music Playlist

From Album: Eirlandia
Artist: Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning

Opening Essay: Track 03 Oran Môr
Music Break 1: Track 04 A Wonder Voyage
Music Break 2: Track 07 Tara Hill
Music Break 3: Track 06 Under the Summer Stars