Magick & Alchemy

Episode 173: Eclipses

Magick & Alchemy

Show Notes

In episode 173 of the Magick & Alchemy podcast, hosts Kristin Lisenby and Kate Belew investigate the folklore, superstitions, and astrological significance of eclipses. Beginning with the myriad of eclipse mythologies from around the world, they consider the stories of monstrous Apep and heavenly Selene. They contemplate eclipses as omens, bolstering agents for medieval magicians, and course correctors for modern spellcasters. They also highlight the influence of these celestial phenomena...

More from Magick & Alchemy

Oct 14, 2026

In episode 186 of the Magick & Alchemy podcast, hosts Kate Belew and Kristin Lisenby reflect on magickal representation in pop culture. Beginning with the mythical daemon, a spirit who serves as a messenger and muse, they consider 'demonic' displays of divine embodiment in the music of Lana Del Rey and Stevie Nicks. Next, they introduce listeners to the concept of the monstrous feminine and share depictions of the Witch from a feminist horror perspective. They also discuss patriarchal fea...

Sep 30, 2026

In episode 185, hosts Kate Belew and Kristin Lisenby gather oracular insight from the ancient world. Rooted in Latin’s orare, meaning “to speak,” an oracle in Greco-Roman mythology was a divine seer and sibyl with direct access to higher truths and prophecy. In this conversation, Kristin and Kate discuss the Delphic Oracle, a cave-dwelling prophetess whose sanctuary was considered the ‘navel’ of the earth. Also known as the Pythia, this woman was the prophetess at Apollo’s temple, a holy spac...

Sep 16, 2026

In episode 184 of the Magick & Alchemy podcast, hosts Kristin Lisenby and Kate Belew kick off season seven! Magic practitioners know that words are spells. That's why we set intentions and recite prayers, study old myths and fairy tales, and petition the spirit word for guidance. In this conversation, they begin with the origins of open sesame and hocus pocus, speaking about the sacredness of words. Next, they discuss invocations and the power of speaking aloud, and the mysterious origins...

Aug 19, 2026

In episode 183 of the Magick & Alchemy podcast, hosts Kristin Lisenby and Kate Belew head to the harvest time fields to summon the haunts and cryptids of our reaping season. They begin with the Headless Horseman, a fictional rider with possible ties to Crom Cruach, the Dullahan, and other ancient spirits from Irish folklore. Next they meet the Puca, a trickster, shapeshifter, and faerie spirit who watches over our crops in exchange for a “puca’s share” of the harvest. Lastly, they share s...

Jul 15, 2026

In episode 182 of Magick & Alchemy, hosts Kate Belew and Kristin Lisenby welcome back Perdita Finn to the podcast. Perdita is an author, educator, and co-founder of the feral fellowship, The Way of the Rose. In this conversation, Perdita talks about channeling the old ones and working with our beloved dead in the spirit world. She contemplates romantic animism and asks, if your mother was an animal, what animal would she be? Perdita also introduces us to her new book, Mothers of Magic: Su...

See all episodes →