What It Means To Be A Witch: The Rise of Witchcraft, The "Witch" Label, Religion & MORE

[@st.bedlam1299]

As a lone practitioner, these are the conversations that I am desperately craving. 🖤

[@IvyTheOccultist]

🖤🖤🖤

[@ArtCroneO]

This is internet-ing at its best ❤

[@squidpope9344]

Find your community! Its out there I promise!

[@breannaanglin2645]

I love what Thorn said about the conversations we don’t have.. I had friends of mine tell me I was a seer, and I thought, no way, they don’t get what I’m trying to explain to them, because I don’t see things with my literal eyeballs. A couple years later a friend actually explained what many people mean when they say they “see” things, and the lightbulb went on for me! I am autistic and I take things LITERALLY 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 I wish more people would go into depth about the things they see/hear/experience, and exactly how that works for them specifically. Anywhoo, great episode as always!! ✨🤍✨

[@robertlamoureux2858]

Two of my favorite witches. For me it's like Star Wars and Star trek coming together. I was so excited to see you both together. So many excellent points. Thanks for doing this!

[@IvyTheOccultist]

What an amazing analogy! I am honored!! 😆

[@scorpion_witch]

I screamed! I 🖤 Thorn! My favorite collab yet. You both are so insanely intelligent and I enjoyed every minute of this conversation! Thank you ✨

[@thepeonyreign]

I love Thorn. Her first book was my first book on witchcraft and what helped me become a witch. Great conversation Ivy!

[@Honore7413]

Absolutely loved this conversation! Wasn’t familiar with Thorn before but found her perspective on religion and witchcraft so eye-opening and nuanced. Great video 🙏

[@IvyTheOccultist]

She's an OG!

[@PumpkinMozie]

Two of my favorite witchy KZbinrs! Thorn is a legend.

[@kylaallen822]

Dear lawd! I had so many medium experiences as a child, but have not had that capability as an adult. I was also diagnosed neuro-divergent 2-years ago at 62 and Thorns comments at 32-34 minutes are SO danged obvious once it's been stated. Thank you thank you!

[@Asoka_79]

I, too, have been connecting to the trees here, particularly oak, which is a protected tree in my state. Milton came through, and a few oaks fell and lots of big branches. I've been collecting what I can find and plan to use. I even found a 5-foot branch (which is also my height) that I'm using as a walking staff. I've connected with it, and it brings me joy and protection when I hold it.

[@IvyTheOccultist]

That sounds so magical! 🖤🖤

[@MichaelaBennison]

The point about giving people with a secular upbringing 'religion' really hit home. Great conversation x

[@katiepylman]

Thorn's comments about being neurodivergent and how it influences communication with spirits blew my mind. Is THAT why it's so hard? Because I'm using my neurodivergent coping skills that barely work in HUMAN relationship building?

[@henry1050]

FanTASTIC conversation. It was so honest and vulnerable with great moments of laughter interspersed... Tbh, I forgot about the sword by the time it reared its head and watching Ivy's face in that moment where Thorn whipped it out was priceless. This produced that particular satisfaction that you get when hanging out with the coolest people you know.

[@LennanSmith]

WITCHES AMONG US right here! I enjoyed this immensely. The topics, the honesty, and the humor engaged me so much. Thanks and love to you both.

[@guelkaratas5164]

So good to have listened to you two❤ Thorn is such a great creator. Thank you Ivy🧿

[@ostera15]

Thank you for access to a wonderful conversation!💚

[@C4L4M1TY]

Just have to say, I have the hugest academic crush on Thorn 😂 I was a PhD student myself and she reminds me so much of the professors that I worked with and it makes me miss those grad school conversations. I've followed her KZbin channel for a few years, and I'm currently reading The Witch's Path. She's just someone that I vibe with and look up to so much. Thank you for having her on your channel, Ivy. I really enjoyed listening to 2 people interact that I've followed separately for a long time.

[@elainecouch4476]

Very cool video! I am an older woman that has dabbled on and off for years. I am starting again but this time I’m more dedicated. I do sort of have to hide my practice, so the online community is great for me. These conversations are so inspiring, so thank you to you both!

[@klwilliams7553]

“A gap in the literature” spoken by a true PhD! From a fellow candidate, props to you for undertaking that. Just made me giggle as to how many times I’ve had to say gap in the literature in the dissertation process 😊

[@drawingKenaz]

OMG now I’m going to notice and cringe every time I say it 😂💙

[@NikkiPisces]

This was a fabulous interview! Thank you for hosting & to Thorn as well for such great conversation. I found it so intriguing. Very thought provoking as well. You always have such great interviews. Looking forward to who you chat with next. 🔥🧙🏻‍♀️

[@Littlehomesofmagick]

I love thorn, and the whole take in just "its fucking fun" 😂 From a fellow neurodivergent, I totally view it as I way to navigate my spiritual life. So many things to explore, learn, nerd out on...all the hyperfixations and doing things with my hands crafting has been huge for me coming into myself. Almost thirty now, and it's been huge getting to know myself with the lens of practicing magic.

[@amandaavena7169]

This was so great to hear your conversation and discussion. It made me think about many topics in a different light.

[@willowthewanderingwitch]

Re-listening to this crossover episode because it’s that good. Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge and energy to this worldwide web of witches ✨

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Thank you so much for the support!! 🖤🙏

[@modernmonologue]

The most spiritual experience I've had was to "see" Ganesha in my minds eye (on my third eye) during savanna (corpse pose) at the event of a yoga class. Ganesha was dancing and throwing kicks and punches. It was cute! Some of the peculiars of this experience were that we had live music (sitar) throughout the whole class and it was a long savanna. Sometimes I really wish I had that experience again.

[@GramaSagefeather]

This turned me around on Thorn. I enjoyed her, and learned so much in this conversation. Thank you Ivy for being so joyous and passionate about occult wisdom. You bring out the best in your guests.

[@TheWitchOfEnchantment]

Absolutely fantastic interview

[@IvyTheOccultist]

High praise coming from an absolute gem!! 💎

[@RedFoxWitch8176]

Thorn Mooney and Ivy together, talking Books and The Craft..... Damn Best thing since Sliced Bread!!!! Thanks Ladies, Lovely, interesting and thought provoking Vid. Many Blessings Love 's!!🎃

[@RoseMcDaniel-h8h]

This is such an amazing video! I really really appreciate this as a young beginning witch! I'm so excited to read Thorn's books. Thank you so much, and many blessings!

[@margaretkellymurphy5537]

What a great conversation, this is my first introduction to Thorn. I look forward to reading some of her books. Ivy you have a gift for interviewing people. You have this great balance between being grounded, approachable, and smart at the same time. ❤

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Thank you so much! I am trying to become a better interviewer with each episode. Still need to work on speaking slower but I'm getting there. 😂🖤

[@Artemis583]

The part about spending every waking moment keeping the doors shut hit me like a TON of bricks 🤯 Damn, that explains so much 😅 If either of you want to go ahead and write that book, I'm a guaranteed pre-order. Just saying.

[@AmandaPelland]

My favorite two content creators, together!! Yeah

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Wooo!!

[@Vanessa__Pauls]

Thank you for the beautiful conversation ladies.

[@DrDino123]

Amazing interview with two amazing and inspiring people in this community!!

[@seekingvision]

I’ve got Thorn’s latest book on preorder as it’s not available in the U.K. yet. I actually need to give it to my youngest son’s partner as she is a bit freaked out by me at times (my deity altars & working altar are in my lounge with dead creatures etc on display 😂). I’ve watched Thorn on KZbin since the start of her channel & I could listen to her speak about witchcraft all day long even though her personal tradition isn’t for me ♥️ Thank you so much Ivy for this wonderful video chat 🖤

[@IvyTheOccultist]

So sorry to hear your son's partner feels a little weird about your practice. I hope the book can help her conceptualize what we actually do! And I'm so glad you adore Thorn as much as I do!

[@ArcanistOfLore]

Stabby things make the best magical tools.

[@amalathisdreaming]

You have such a great chemistry with your guests.

[@AryaJade69]

The water oaks from my childhood have been grounding me for years. When I moved away and went to therapy- they had me envision a tree w deep roots - i envisioned these. When i manifested my house - its within the same root sustem a few miles from where i grew up! 300k house for 150 just like i intended "Twelve Oaks"❤❤✨️✨️✨️

[@soniakimball]

I've always loved Thorn and I really enjoyed this discussion between you both.

[@Corin013]

What a refreshing conversation. Thank you!!! 🕯️🙏🏽✨

[@thistle.thieves]

I was sooo freaking excited to listen to this! Thank you so much Thorn & Ivy! 🖤🩶🤍

[@TarynWhelan]

I just found your channel and this video has made me want to start studying and practicing witchcraft. I love how in-depth this conversation is.

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Ah, I'm so glad! Welcome to the community!

[@TarynWhelan]

@@IvyTheOccultist thank you very muchly

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

4:49 it makes me think of a modern version of Drawing Down The Moon. Which is such a one of a kind book I think it’s good that there is sort of an updated version, written for a modern audience and I guess more approachable because a lot of people aren’t going to want to read a literal academic paper (even though I think everyone should, lol)

[@cosmic.creeper]

Such a refreshing conversation from two amazing witches. I'm so glad you got together for this. I'm currently with covid, so have nothing of value to add sadly but you were both great company.

[@drawingKenaz]

I hope you feel better soon!

[@cosmic.creeper]

@ thank you 🖤

[@kimapts]

A great interview, thank you!!!

[@rebjones1000]

Inspiring conversation! Thank you both.

[@MultiParallelGirl]

The same sort of thing happened to me with wands!! I never even considered using a wand because I relate to how you said you felt silly. But there was a fallen branch I passed one day and I didn’t pick it up at first. But I could not stop thinking about that branch. It was calling me and the next day I went and picked it up and I didn’t even know why, I didn’t have a use in mind for it. Seriously months passed before I was like wait…is this my wand?? The way it looks is very symbolic for me and I was definitely drawn to it for a reason. I think it was from a catalpa

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Let’s not forget that Drawing Down the Moon, by Margot Adler (1984?) blazed the trail for this work.

[@squidpope9344]

On your topic about the online space and people's tendancy towards self-aggrandizment; I like to refer to it as "Main Character Syndrome"

[@samkraft5542]

Love your bangs!!

[@StacyRainwater]

Amazing!!! I love Thorne so much! New sub here.

[@Blu-skies]

Thank you for this conversation. I must definitely read her 2nd book! I don't read many witchcraft books but I do want a better understanding of the practice. I've been cautious what I read and absorb

[@juliaforsyth8332]

I love swords too. Daughter really into reenactment, so we have swords parked in various corners of rooms in the house, which gets a few raised eyebrows from visitors!]And bows, chainmaile, helmets, etc.

[@veryaries_Awndreea]

In academic religious studies, I was taught that Ninian Smart's Seven Dimensions of Religion is the gold standard when studying cultural anthropology and those related disciplines. In order to it be considered a "Religion" it had to have seven... I'm trying to remember them so I'm sure this isn't all 1) God or Deities 2) Creation stories and other myth stories (Adam and Eve, Abraham almost sacrificing his son Issac, etc) 3) Dogma and Doctrine 4) Institutional hierarchy (Pope, Jeff Warren, bishops, nuns) 5) Rituals (babtism, washing before enering mosque) 6) Experiential emotions felt by practiciners or believers (praying and healing hands over an afflicted) 7) Buildings & Institutions (Stone Henge, pyramids) 8) Religious art. That's new, and I did a really interesting paper in that. How Hindu artists meditate and connect to the diety they're going to carve. They're in a transe while doing this, which, as we know, is infusing the statue with magic. The Cistine Chappel is another good example. This is why Buddhism isn't considered a religion.

[@drawingKenaz]

Ninian Smart is classic, but his work is quite old at this point! He came up for me in undergrad, but he's not on a lot of syllabi anymore. It just goes to show how there really has never been a singular definition, even amongst people who think about this professionally.

[@NorthbertR]

That’s a treat :-) thank you for sharing that video 💜

[@TirzaTheSmilingGoddess]

And another one for my wishlist! 😅

[@PyhaUkkonen]

@56:45, Geary State Fishing Lake is that place for me 🖤

[@jenniferjohanns5156]

Wow… Amazing video!

[@LisatheWeirdo]

It's archery for me, but I have done historical fencing in university. I personally love the cane.

[@TirzaTheSmilingGoddess]

My personal definition of advanced means that you have gained power and are better able to harness and direct it more focused. And that goes hand-in-hand with self-mastery, working on your own personal development as a person wholistically, because to me spirituality means one aspect of life and that it's a tool to advance in all areas and aspects of your life. It has nothing or very little to do with the complxity of rituals or how many books you read or languages you’ve learned if you can't apply that knowledge to your craft and through it, life in general, with wisdom, integrity, focus and skill to your life or the liflves of those you serve/help. Which is also an aspect of yourself and your own lifepath. Getting all philosophical here, but you can take it.😂❤🎉

[@jnuy764]

Thanks for the interview 👍

[@pamelasavage5157]

Great video I've and Thron thank you!

[@jyemichael]

Loooove listening to smart people

[@vannesagannon4555]

❤❤❤i am a witch in IRELAND I PRACKTISE IRISH ANTIENT CELTIC WITCHCRAFT❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@PumpkinMozie]

As soon as thorn brought up AI, I had flashbacks of Ivy vehemently calling out Mari Silva 🤣 (also yes I am commenting twice days apart because I didn’t finish the video the first time lol)

[@kathymalm1053]

Now I know what to get my sister for Christmas. A book explaining my choice.

[@IvyTheOccultist]

♥️♥️♥️ I hope it brings understanding!

[@celinahuezo5518]

Get her something she would like. I learned not to get my family gifts that I like or are related to me, but to get them something I know (hopefully) they would like. I'm not saying this in a negative bad way. I'm a wiccan myself.

[@kathymalm1053]

@@celinahuezo5518 I don't know my sister very well to know what she likes. Maybe the book and something else.

[@kathymalm1053]

@@IvyTheOccultist My niece knows I am a witch and she is very cool about it. My sis is a whole other story. Maybe this gift is more for me than her. So, I most likely will find something else to get her, less serious.

[@ScottishWitchSorcha]

16:44 .Clean your room! 🧹🧼🫧 Fantastic 👏🏼 😂 Loved this. I also feel very much like a Witch... now being registered ®️ as Reverend/Minister, I do feel very religious in a Professional sense with taking it seriously.... especially for others whilst hired as their Handfasting Celebrant or what have you. Though I am very much a pick'N'mix Witch. Eclectic. Very much a Polytheistic, Animistic, Priestess of ALL kinds of Magick. Very much love it all! I bounce all over in a chaos fashion at times. When I look back at later times in life, when I wasn't Spiritually Awakened yet...l can now see how there was Witchy woos coming out of my words, or context of old posts & messages etc 😂 I definitely believe I was Born for the craft..For example I trace Medusa right back to my childhood. When my uncle would put on a movie with Medusa 🐍 & he would tell me stories of her....this.was for years.... I now work with her as My dark mother. She is so amazing but also brutally honest & almost like a tough love. But motherly protection I've never had.....not even from my actual birth mother. Happy Samhain 🤘🏼🎃🫴🏼🌬🖤🩶🤍 Blessed be🦇🐦‍⬛🥀

[@scottstickel8285]

Ears to hear,eyes to see. Silence and the dark. All you need.

[@christinemorrissey5274]

Salem Me too We had my uncle buried at St. Thomas Aquinas cemetery that was a throne stone away and I said “Mom, why the heck why is he buried here? she said to me don’t ask questions.” And guess what? I did not. I didn’t have to. This is being married to Wicker Figures 😅❤❤❤

[@rivvix]

Did neither of you touch on the damage that AI wreaks on the environment during that segment, or did I just miss that? Either way, thank you for talking about it.

[@IvyTheOccultist]

I don't think we discussed that aspect of AI books as this was more of a random, unplanned rant. I'm sure there are many unfortunate side effects of AI books that we did not cover! I could make a whole video about this topic but I don't want to because it pisses me off. 😂😂

[@rivvix]

@IvyTheOccultist Totally fair!

[@tonym2744]

I want more😮😮😮

[@sandyblack9698]

Samain blessings my dear..x

[@veryaries_Awndreea]

How about starting a witchy Zoom group and portal in together?? Would you do it with me Ivy and Thorn?? Pleeeaase

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

To me, I think… in cases where witchcraft IS a religion- it’s not a “faith based religion.” It’s dependent on systems and actions (rituals, spells, crafts, workings, etc) and manipulation of ENERGY, not the strength of your *belief* in those things.

[@samkraft5542]

Has anyone else thought of the correlation between last names and witches???? Mine is in my username and even that I think connects to the “kraft” lol. But there’s MOONey, CORVUS, I’ve heard so many other others and witchy creators with special sounding and magical last names. Anyone else think there’s a correlation? (I don’t mean to be exclude anyone based on names they can’t control, I believe anyone can be a witch)

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Idk about thorn but Ivy Corvus is her chosen magical name and not her real name. She mentioned it in a video once, can’t remember which one as I saw it a while ago.

[@samkraft5542]

@ oooo, thank u 💜

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Ivy Corvus is my chosen name and Thorn Mooney is a chosen name as well I believe. Most of us content creators online use magical names 🥰 I don't really know of any occult creator that uses their legal name.

[@samkraft5542]

@ that makes a lot of sense, plus it means there’s no correlation, which adds to the fact that anyone can be a witch. Ty for the response!

[@pamelasavage5157]

Questions for Thron please. What do you mean the Southern Baptist practices witchcraft or magic? I was raised in a Baptist Christian faith family so you stirred my curiosity. Because I was also raised in the USA in Georgia so yeah do tell I'd honestly love to know. I was interested to Wicca years ago by 2 of my friends and Co workers and when I read the book I laughed and cried because all the sudden things didn't make sense all the sudden made sense and I felt like I was reading a book about me.

[@IvyTheOccultist]

I wish I could answer but I'm not familiar with Southern Baptist practices 🖤

[@timelord_tori]

Anything from communion (ingesting the body and blood of Christ) to lighting candles for Advent. The simple act of invoking the Holy Spirit is INCREDIBLY witchy😂. The Christian church’s rituals are incredibly pagan in nature. I encourage you to study the birth of Christianity from a secular, historical sense. It’s amazing how *similar* some of the stories are to much older religions that were prominent in the regions Christians invaded.

[@PyhaUkkonen]

@55:47, allow me to translate: "Mine's bigger than yours." 😁😈✊🏾

[@IvyTheOccultist]

😂😂

[@haileygalbraith6260]

Already amazing vibes, but I just got to say the hair is hairing!!

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Thank you!!! (I'm taking that as a compliment towards my hair haha)

[@caro4486]

What is the difference between practicing magic or witchcraft?

[@PluCa-or4ys]

The label. There are plenty of cultures/practices that people would say fit the 'witchcraft' label. But for those people being referred to as witches, or their practice as witchcraft, would be incredibly offensive. Take Christianity for instance, they have plenty of things that would otherwise be considered magical practices. But I doubt it would go over too well if you try telling them they're doing magic or they're witches.

[@Blu-skies]

Wow! AI books? Never heard of that. How can we tell it's AI?

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Unfortunately, there is no clear cut way of identifying what books are AI generated and that's why they continue to be so prevalent. Lots of plagiarism from other books, too, which is just awful. One of the best tricks I have found is to research the author you are purchasing a book from. For example, Mari Silva is a pretty well known name producing AI generated content. Research the author and see if you can find any credible information about them. In the case of Mari Silva, if you Google them, you can find next to nothing about who this person is. No social media presence, only a stock photo for a profile pic and a very generic bio. Authors don't need to have social media of course, but it can be helpful to look people up. In addition, with Mari Silva, this person has written dozens and dozens of books, all within a very short amount of time. You'll see TONS of books being pumped out all in the same year. One person simply cannot write books that fast unless they have "help." Another thing to look at is assess what topics the author is discussing. You'll see Mari Silva has books about everything from the African Orishas, to Norse Paganism, to the pineal gland. It is highly unlikely that one person possesses that much expertise in that many opposing practices. Once you read an AI book, you can also tell by the writing. It is written usually like a robot, with zero personal gnosis or personal stories to make it relatable. If it sounds like a Google search engine, maybe look into the author a bit more!

[@OriginalFallofMind]

There is no need to change definitions that already exist. U.S. law is vague in description on purpose to not exclude protection under the constitution. You are protected. Asatru found away to be recognized even with the scarcity of literature. As far as religion as a descriptor, maybe just make one that best defines what you do. Maybe we are overwhelmed with labels because the people practicing can't define or agree exactly what they do in first place. I can see how it would be difficult without structure. A church is a totally different story, although Asatru found a way to do that also. "Capitalism is bad" 🤦‍♂️😂

[@redwarrior2424]

Like like like like like like like like like like like like like (like as in filler words, not as in opposite of "dislike"). I really was interested in the content but I had to turn it off.

[@Gypsythatiwas]

Loved this! 🤎 Thank you for the great video today. I really needed to just relax and engage with these important topics.

[@C.C.369]

The "show & tell" is such a cool thing to put at the end of the podcast. I wish that would be a usual thing to do on eveeery podcast. Ivy can you please integrate this question in future episodes too? ☺️🙏🩷

[@terriec1650]

Thank you, ladies! This was so enjoyable and informative 🫶 I am making a wand from the bamboo branch Hurricane Helene left me.

[@IvyTheOccultist]

Wow that's going to be one powerful wand!

[@ArtCroneO]

Thank you both so much for this conversation! Thoroughly enjoyable and yes, capitalism IS bad but all the aesthetic is 🤗🫠