Daniel Scott-Purdy: Seekest thou the path 🌕

I formally started pulling together my one years worth of sketchy notes on this topic and started writing it literally at the start of Autumn. I'm expressing this through messy reflective notes and my lived experience as it comes. Therefore, I have not been influenced by any academic literature at this point to share deeper understandings and insights. Just my typical open reflective conversational style. Without re-treading old ground and repeating myself. I am not new to the area of spiritualism and witchy type stuff. My previous blog posts that feature this topic are as follows which detail my earlier interest origins (newest to old): 'Dreaming, rituals and values', 'Hold the man', 'Roots and beyond' 'The calling, awakening and initiation', 'Energy through numbers', 'Orca-strating', 'Get my rocks on'. If anyone reading this resonates, please get in touch it would be good to hear from others and possibly connect over.

A controversial topic I'm sure, with upmost respect for modern sensibilities, scientific research/evidence and religions. Even some views of my atheist husband ha. Though, we live in modern times and there is much personal and spiritual wellbeing, wholeness, development and mindfulness found and practiced in such work. Especially bringing people together to share and give healing. Though I'm aware me sharing my insights may change others perception of me. My personality and character remains unchanged, I'm still me.

To start this off, I think I'll start by exploring my initial interest in witches, then onto a TV show that motivated me to explore my interests further. My thoughts and curations on witchcraft and then what I have experienced recently and where I am heading.

My interest in all things witchy started as early as I can recall. Maybe with Hocus Pocus and Disney cartoon characters like Ursula the sea witch from the Little Mermaid. So, the fascination of cultural trope representations of a witch figure. Though this is a huge area of influence to be specific. But they remain a popular culture character and story arcs to present day. What attracts me to witches, as portrayed by the media entertainment industry? Evil characters aside, I'll choose individual words, in no particular order: like-minded individuals, belonging, specific skills/specialisms, community, camaraderie, mystery, magic, practice, nature, wildlife, rituals. Community and ritual are quintessentially human after all. I've liked the concept of covens, or working groups, as it's a bunch of like-minded people coming together. The interest in community and belonging aspect may have evolved to TV shows and movies like Desperate Housewives, Sex and The City, etc etc etc which became symbolic to me. I used to think it was just because of the close relationships and camaraderie of the women, but maybe it's just because the the feminist circle and bonds?

I wonder how it might have empowered people to explore and learn more about witchcraft. The influence of the entertainment media industry, especially Disney as they love a good witch arc! Witches have been present in most of our lives through stories and media. In modern times, for some TV and film are often the first entry point of interest to engage and learn more about witches and witchcraft. If it’s not too farfetched in how it is conveyed. I think it could be quite popular and fill a huge gap in this space.

Perhaps I saw that witches were seen as different and outcast, like how I have felt and sometimes feel. Especially because how my interests are very different, and perhaps a weird personality, to that of my family and friends. I see myself in a lot in a general archetypes of a witch, resonating with my working class roots and being underestimated, discriminated and ridiculed for my background, educational upbringings and being homosexual. As that last word pops into my head, without getting into politics. In my opinion this could be linked to old witch hunts, where I feel each decade has as new hate perpetuated by groups and government agendas and propaganda. Currently in the UK, it seems to be immigration and trans rights. Which is often about governments influencing and priming people ahead of big change. Right onto the fun things.

Agatha All Along

This piece wouldn't be written due to this Marvel TV show, Agatha All Along, that aired from 18 September 2024 to 30 October 2024 via Disney+. It was well-received by the public and went onto winning and being nominated for many awards, particularly show production, memorable cast and music. Each year in the spirit of the season and all things witchy, I now have a new annual viewing of Agatha All Along!

Without going into all of the titular character's backstory and discussing the show's story. Agatha Harkness or Agnes as she was masquerading as, first appeared in the Marvel TV show WandaVision - in a surprising iconic reveal [major spoiler]. Though she is a minor comic book character that first appeared in Fantastic Four #94 in October 1969. I recommend watching WandaVision first before Agatha All Along as there is some events and characters that won't make sense otherwise. Agatha All Along is a second entry in a trilogy of miniseries. It explores and tells a deeper story of her character as a witch. That first time Agatha was revealed in WandaVision I was mind blown, more so that witches existed in Marvel Cinematic Universe. I mean it made sense through the comics, which I don't follow. But this made it even more exciting for me. Agatha went onto inspiring the name of our first cat. When WandaVision concluded the way it did I was left waiting 3 years for Agatha to appear again, and this time with her own TV show. When the show was greenlit I found myself scouring the internet for possible storylines, cast etc. Ahead of filming, Marvel had changed business tact and started scaling back their TV show and movie outputs. But I was glad this had proceeded and went onto become a huge success with the public on such a low production budget. Apparently social media increased during its airing period, influencing content creation via YouTube and TikTok. A second season is in demand which it wasn’t meant to have, just a standalone miniseries. Though this remains unconfirmed at the moment, but Marvel have made it clear they want to make a second season, but want to take their time to get the story right.

In July 2024 we got the teaser trailer and I was left in awe and even more excited. The main trailer came out on my birthday on 10th August 2024. In September 2024, I was away in Ireland with friends when it came out and I was on a mental countdown for the show. As part of our trip we stopped in a rural remote cottage. Gorgeous countryside and a few yards away from a grave yard, with a looming full moon. Which all added to the aesthetic! Me and my husband watched the first to episodes the morning it became available and we were hooked!

Like the nerdy person I am, I became a huge fanboy of the show and went onto buying the art of the TV show book with concept drawings etc, official Agatha All Along tarot card deck for my birthday in this August, and I was previously gifted a Agatha character figure by my husband in 2024. It really resonated with me and drew out all of my earlier interests and experiences in me. Like, this is a real interest that could be a hobby or work later down the road, get into it! I took it into my heart so much, quite a profound effect. The inner witch in me has definitely awakened this last year with all I have been involved in. It really did inspire me and push me to use the books, crystals and oracle cards I have had for many years. Giving me the actual reason to use them rather than collecting dust. I really like doing this sort of thing and I should be doing more of it. I'm really glad this motivated me to tune into the mystical side of me more. Just allowing myself to be curious and be inspired with it all. Exploring my spiritual healing skills that I have long been pondering over - which I feel is where I am meant to be heading with this type of work - I talk more of that later.

I feel that, as a non-witch expert, it was a objectively well-researched and consulted TV show, though still fantasy so it is subject to adaption and glamorisations for entertainment purposes. I found some analyses and breakdowns of some witches' perspectives: 'What Agatha Got Right about Witchcraft' and 'Real Witchcraft in Agatha all Along║Plant Folk Names and Glamour Magick'. One on 'What The Craft Got Right about Witchcraft║Movie Magic' and Real Witchcraft in the 'Practical Magic Movie║Black Shuck, Necromancy, Love Spells?'. Whilst I recognise that TV shows and movies on witchcraft can help influence and shape interest in such things, they have done a great job with me - I am a living example of that. Though I appreciate they may or not represent the reality. A lot of real witchcraft and the learning of it is within the coven, of which I believe is not often written in texts, therefore this can be interpreted in many ways to visualise what might happen. But I do think Agatha All Along in my opinion is a more faithful witch grounded TV programme that has accessible practical magic (analogue) and brief Wiccan mentions. The glamourising fantasy bits are done well e.g. CGI energy beams etc, but kept at minimum to not feel like a typical Marvel product. It is well thought through. Grounded in quite a bit of realism and doesn't lean too heavily into daft fantasy. Marvel also had another TV show that aired in the Summer 2025, Ironheart. Superhero series, but lightly explores the interplay between technology and magic - perhaps this is what I can try to explore in my full-time work somehow ha.

The Witches' Road could also be seen as a media version of the 'imaginal realm' that features in shamanism and witchcraft. An individual journey we must take. A bit like in shamanism or a spiritual retreat weekend and the activities and experiences one might be invited to. In fact, through a recent experience of hermetic magic visualisation training I experienced in September, this looks to be loosely applied and very similar to walking up to the trial structures the witches experience. There is a pathway to each one - as visualised in hermetic magic. And the trial is adaptive and personal to each coven member. The Witches' Road was imaginatively created in the show [major spoiler]. Teddy Altman/Hulkling is my husband's favourite Marvel character, who is Billy Kaplan/Maximoff/Wiccan's husband - they are a gay couple, which is not often portrayed well in such media. I guess due to the success of the show, Wiccan has his first solo limited series Wiccan: Witches' Road from December 2025 to April 2026.

Besides it being really engaging mysterious story, character arcs, cast and acting, production values and set design, visuals, fun, soundtrack (exceptional witchy/horror/spooky score and songs) and all the witchy stuff I love. I was fully engaged like I remember when I was young watching Sleepy Hollow (1999) at home with family, not too long after it was on at the cinema. And I was absolutely hooked in and fascinated of the headless horseman, the mystery of where, how and why he appeared. There are many visuals and scenes that standout in Agatha All Along, but a particular standout where a blood moon is looming and the witches 'fly' in front of it - pure joy! The reference to bare feet in respect of the road, reinforced by the actual 'earthing' meaning in the end credits footage. Wiccan's bedroom objects reminded me of my old childhood bedroom. I need to aspire to create something like this again. The show became symbolic to me through the characters, elements, growth and decay, group healing/giving of what desired. Death as a personified witch, genius. I don't think death was included just because of a horror theme. But the lifecycle of all living things. There was a strong sense of practicality that I can learn magic and create my own peaceful witch vibes. Practical analogue magic that seems achievable and can learn outside of the show. It included stereotypes, defying all witches are evil arc, there are good witches and other types. Jac Schaeffer the director did an exceptional and immaculate job of executing this project. I expect this to have long-term cultural impact, just as Hocus Pocus did.

The Ballad of the Witches' Road (sacred chant version) a song designed for the show with key words and themes in mind, and was also inspired by Wicca. It charted at #45 in the UK Official Charts. I think it is the most witchiest pop culture song with high replay value ever in my opinion. In the show it tells the story of how it originated and was changed throughout the generations through the cover version. And then a final Agatha through time version. Though there are a few other versions of the song that appear in it. It even got an official remix, external to the show. It resonates deep with me and perhaps is aligned to life and somewhat loosely the Wheel of the Year (Wiccan/Celtic?) - life to death. The witches road in real life to me, is that again I seem to be forging my own path, often alone. Whilst there are people out there and some friends and family might care, the picture is that I am alone in this interest and therefore need a like-minded community to do this with. However, I can't deny that it brings anxious lonely feelings in me again. Me and my husband put our creative minds together and created our own original Lego version of The Witches' Road!

Being inspired by the Witches' Road, I used ChatGPT to create me a day of my own witches trials, to do in certain periods or for each season. The prompt needs work, but the AI loved my idea.

"Give me four real-world witches road trials based in local woods, like Agatha All Along TV series, close to me in Kirkby in Ashfield Nottinghamshire, for each four elements that align to the four seasons."

I also had the idea of creating my own spell book of intentions etc - I got a pretty looking one for my birthday. Which I have started to use with little ritual guides for burning sage. But I see that I will use this to jot and write things in time

After the show, I first started dabbling with my oracle cards properly again, and the Agatha All Along tarot card deck. These have been reviewed by other buys and are based on the proper Rider-Waite system, and are good for a beginner like me. Though I need to be in the right intuitive state. And I am still active with playfully exploring and working with them. Exciting to see how this is developing and where it is heading. I'm still very much a novice, though in my opinion to use them well and true a bit of grounding and intention setting at beginning needs to be done. This tarot card talk reminds me of the tarot card reading I had not long after I started my first job at a university - it was very accurate of the journey I endured, an odd environment for them to be used in! But turned out true... As they tend to be.

In episode 9 of Agatha All Along in Lilia's divination/card reading trial through the Safe Passage spread. I think it was a hidden message which I interpreted for me as well. Naysayers could say I've spent time making this fit. Though I feel in my heart and gut it was a message/confirmation for me and it only came to realisation in July. To quote the scene and expand with my thoughts. "I am. Queen of Cups. Empathetic, intuitive, inner voice to be trusted." My perceptive and intuitive character, emotional intelligence and ability read people's body language. "What's missing. Three of Pentacles - collaboration, community, singular voices waiting to harmonise." A working group of like-minded people that I have needed for a long time, and envisioned in various experiences. Including more informal work with a friend who does divination work. "The path behind. The Knight of Wands - full of fire. Fights bravely." Born in August I am a Leo. Naturally a fighter and will face challenges head on and question things that don't seem right. And may link back to my working class heritage/lineage, and passion for the growth in my education and career and how I have fought through all of this and adversity faced and overcome. As a result I am very fiery about my ambitions and will protect and defend others from similar journeys and situations. "The path ahead. High Priestess - Immense spiritual power, unable or unwilling to use it." Where I am now and have talked about for years but unsure how to understand (means) and work (skills) with my spiritual energy and supposed healing abilities. "Obstacles. Three of Swords - heartbreak, sorrow, grief." Perhaps my main obstacle is the deep emotion I hold on how, specifically how my family and friends, perceive my personal and professional growth and interests, which at times can emotionally hold me back. Maybe some shame of how I have made a success of my life. The distance and sometimes disconnect between my family. Maybe there's an element of that I recognise I am somewhat different to my family and friends; interest in this work, my career trajectory, and that I am a gay man. Perhaps leaning into the culture of Halloween where some express who they we want to be, so there has to be some hidden message in there. "The windfall. The Tower reversed. Disaster, destruction, sudden upheaval but reversed it means miraculous transformation." Emphasis on transformation, which is the nature of this blog post - finally settling into the idea of spiritual healing work. "The Destination. Death." Perhaps an ego death of engaging in deeper learning in all of this. A new beginning, after the close of my formal education and career goals. Now I see. 😉

A realisation is that what I thought was just only putting myself out there and hard graft, was actually the magic of strong and clear intention and manifestation, maybe through my magic number 22 that I often see. Like The Magician tarot card making goals become reality, some earlier and some later than expected, and The Emperor, confirming my efforts over the years. My now husband was something I wished for, and my early career plans I wrote evidences this. This had several versions, the earliest I could find was 2012, but this is the latest I modified back in 2020. Unedited, as it were, and I'll be honest I didn't look at it all after I had created it. Most of which have become reality, besides those that became redundant/non-mission critical. Though what did I give back in return of these, as such things come at a cost? Sharing of my knowledge and enthusiasm, and mentoring others I guess.

In space of a year I can see and feel how I've taken a huge quantum leap in my own spiritual presence and awareness within and around me. Especially my local neighbourhood nature and how I have not engaged with it in such a deep and meaningful way. I have let the curiosity develop and marinate wildly, and synthesising all of my other experiences and interests in this area. Feeling my way through it all and see what appeals the most and what I actually want to focus on. Just shows it is good to let things just be and not force the curiosity and application. If I did I don't think I would be tuned in as much and would have a completely different relationship with it. In October 2024, I got creative with my local woods and adding a purple tone for a spooky effect - to play with the concept of the Witches' Road.

Since all of this, funny how the books in bookshops presented themselves to me, like it did when I was curious of shamanism. Now it's witch-based publications. Awakening the Wild Witch: an intuitive guide to magical living was the first (though there were many others) that appeared to me as an advert on Facebook randomly during this Summer - I later got it as it a birthday present. Once I read a line in the introduction via online preview, it confirmed it was right for me at this time. The interpretation of what a witch is chimes with how I define it in the next section. In September, when me and friends went to Cresswell Craggs there was a decent witch section in the book shop - turns out there is a witchy connection to that place with the etched witch marks in the caves.

I've recently been interested and observant of Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine). I've not been much of a music fan of her, but she has always gave a witchy performer persona. Her new album Everybody Scream is released on 31st October. In her post-performance interview with graham Norton on 17th October, and the interview with Zayne Lowe she made critical efforts to release this album specifically on this release date. Again on 30th October on Sidetracked with Annie & Nick. In the in Zayne Lowe interview she made some good points about witches and mysticism. A theme on the album is witchcraft which I don't think she has explicitly addressed before, and there's a song on it called Witch Dance. Her 2011 album track Seven Devils was used in the Agatha All Along teaser trailer.

Witchy talk

I think in current times, a witch really doesn't mean any harm, and are often deeply misunderstood through twisted history. But rooted in nature and spiritual wellbeing. I also see a witch as our primal selves, that engage with nature. We once lived and took refuge in trees, no surprise their special to us. I guess when it is said that there is a witch in all of us, perhaps there is. Even seeing a simple tree that might be naturally distorted, we might think it might give witchy vibes. When its just the way it has grown it's natural form. I think modern conditioning made us more materialistic and capitalistic, and from thereon the connection weakened.

Nature-based to me is a collective term for all things natural world; engaging inwardly and outwardly, observing and being part of wildlife, biology, geology etc. Like how the ancient's studied the sky as early cosmologists and astrologists. I would probably categorise modern witchy type magic and practice such as manifesting (incantations, intentions etc), grounding through meditation, embodied movement, yoga, creating vision boards etc - there's an element of bringing peace, calm, clarity, a bit of divining meaning etc. Using natural, people and community-based tools. But also giving back, as magic comes with a cost of some kind. Some rituals and magic still need to be adapted for modern times. For example, when ancients worked with the moon, lunar energy, this is/was a cycle where there were less distractions and no digital technology. So when working in the moon cycle, I feel there needs to be a break after one cycle to learn and integrate more fully. Well especially for me, I need time to digest before commencing the next cycle so imminently. Humans have since become much more busy!

I acknowledge there are ancient and modern witch identifications, and many of them! I am not claiming to be a witch or a type of shaman. However, if I were to, a witch archetype better aligns with me for my feminine energy than the masculine warlock or wizard. I would probably define myself as witchy through my interests and related personal objects throughout my life, symbolism, natural abilities (introspection, intuition, emotional intelligence etc), and the planned and unexplained experiences I've had. Does that make me neo-pagan? But by practice and aesthetic I am not - I don't practice any witchcraft at this point, unless the experiences I mentioned previously are labelled as such. And I certainly don't dress and behave in a particular way, or doing it to be cool and be different to others. I have years of genuine interest, experimental experiences and would like to implement more witchcraft and shamanic practices into my life, perhaps more for developing, working with and relaxing my soul. The deep knowledge and practice kind, not just for an aesthetic. I take this very seriously - it's sacred stuff. To relate and paraphrase to Florence Welch in her interview with Anne and Nick, topic and link later on. I also am quite aimless at the moment, I don't have any discipline with any of this. I have no set practices, rituals, crystal grids/altars etc at the moment. But just fascinated and absorbing the information, curiosity and mystery of it all like I have bene doing for years. A bit like daydreaming, but I also feel the transient and aimless wandering is part of the work, easing in slowly. I'm sure I will eventually get to being more firm with things. Generally, I think anyone can 'claim' to be a witch or shaman, however I respect that genuine practitioners often undertake years of authentic hard study and practice to support this, and shamans are often bestowed the title by authentic leaders/groups. The religious part of witchcraft, Wicca(?), for example the priesthood, initiation, oath of secrecy and life commitment of spiritual work of ourselves and the group (coven) does not appeal to me. I recognise in true Wiccan practices and shamans need to undergo pre-training, training and initiations over a number of years and commit life-long, to earn official titles. I have done none of these but experienced practices in workshops and retreats. Movement Medicine which I have been doing solo for a number of years now, which I now integrate this through an in-person group with Katherine in Derby. Movement Medicine is grounded in shamanism, as with other group healing practices I have engaged in. I do think other spiritual things like witchcraft religions derives from shamanism. As with many things like these days, there seems to be overlapping and blending of philosophies, theories and practices. I'm not interested in committing to a religion and that side of it or changing my lifestyle around such thing, but to incorporate aspects of things as they do align with my philosophy on life and general interest and on personal growth.

These quote extracts from the behind the scenes of The Craft (1996) movie make valid points and that I resonate with. The Craft went onto becoming a cult classic and inspiring many TV shows and movies that came after it.

Fairuza Balk - "Every time that it seems that someone tries to make a film about witchcraft, because they try to market it they have to distort it, to make it into something either evil or silly or stupid and it is something that is very very sacred."
Fairuza Balk - "It's strange to hear this coming from me because I used to believe that you're born you live you die that's it, but I have witnessed things that have proven different you know there's just too many unexplained things and I know that there are things that are bigger than us."
Robin Tunney - "Fairuza was really into it."
Rachel True - "She's [Fairuza] very much Wiccan you know and so she really had a certain understanding of it, I think probably that even though I was into all that stuff I think she had a really deep understanding of it."

I also found this an interesting conversation in the movie:

Rochelle Zimmerman (Rachel True) - "You guys, maybe he'll really listen now."
Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) - "Who?"
Rochelle Zimmerman (Rachel True) - "Manon."
Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) - "What's that? That's like God?"
Bonnie Harper (Nieve Campbell) - "Man invented God. This is older than that."
Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) - "Do you guys worship the devil?"
Nancy Downs (Fairuza) - "It's like God and the devil. I mean, it's everything. It's the trees, it's the ground, it's the rocks, it's the moon. It's everything."
Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) - "It's nature."
Nancy Downs (Fairuza) - "If God and the devil were playing football. Manon would be the stadium that they played on. It would be the sun that shone down on them.
Manon in the film allegedly means "Manon is the all-knowing and all-powerful Creator of the Universe as well as a divine patron of Witchcraft. Manon is believed to be the embodiment of Nature who represents the primal nature and wildness of humankind." - The Craft Wiki.

Speaking of all things nature. I believe myself to operate in a ecosystem in the web of life. Not as a solo egotistic individual that is superior to others.

"Instead of seeing humans (or Man) as the master of the universe, ecocentrism invites us to recognise ourselves in a web of life …"

"This shift in perspective – from pyramid to web, from pinnacle to participant – also invites us to move beyond anthropocentric values and to recognise and respect the intrinsic value of the living world." - Kate Raworth

Open Press University of Sussex

I know there has been change and transformation within me this year, especially on how I am feeling and connecting with nature and being inspired and curious by it all to a deeper level. Appreciating and connecting to trees and wildlife, noticing them more and their energies. Well this did appear on my vision board I made at the start of this year with my friend who delivers the workshops - which is now an annual ritual of mine. I have a growing passion for woods and forests. I had before, but but now it's even bigger. I have felt so many natural textures and took so many pictures this year than I ever have of nature. When I first moved to where I live now back in April 2018, there is local woodlands and I somehow though this might become special to me. It was just a question of when. It's funny as having more green open spaces and woods near where I live currently is now an essential criteria for me, if we ever needed to move home. Due to this increased connection to nature, I was saddened in to learn in July 2025 on a bike ride that a local pine woods, Thieves Woods (and others close by) is the subject of clear felling. A known practice of forest management. Following research there has been plans on place for a few years at different stages. But this doesn't take away the sadness I have for enjoying immersing myself in deep woodland areas. I and wildlife need this deep environment, not bare decimated landscapes. I have since felt a similar feeling with my local park, Kingsway park, that has a really good old railway line come woodland walk. There's now some maintenance work occurring now that might affect this patch.

I have long loved the Avatar movies franchise for it's connection to nature. But I noticed this Summer when the new Fire and Ash trailer was presented in front of Fantastic Four: First Steps. I got really emotional at the trailer, in fact I cried (how lame ha), but because it means a lot to me the spirit of the story and the bio-connection everyone has to the planet. Just as with earth if we choose to connect and listen to it.

The path ahead

I often get the rattlesnake animal spirit oracle card which signifies being a healer. I have talked about my healing connection, interest and abilities previously. If this advice is to be believed, then I align to them. However, I'm still informally exploring my natural in-built gifts. As if I started to think in business and money gain terms at the outset, it would change my relationship to it. Not personal development and growth and the joy of learning new knowledge and skills. If I could relive my life I'd choose a different career. And it would be around spiritual healing stuff or holistic therapy I think. I knew I'd come to this point in my life. On 1st September, me and my friend did an informal tarot card reading online for each other. I received the following from my friend which confirms the change is here. It's very accurate for the space I've made and deep attention I'll be giving to this stuff, and maybe training in reiki in new year. Who knows where it'll take me. Strangely, death appears as the last card - could this be mirroring the safe passage card spread I talked about earlier on, the destination?

All of this is very timely in the synchronicity of completing and letting some work endeavours and ambitions naturally come to a close. 've reduced my external work significantly meaning I can now balance out my spiritual pursuits. Allowing more time for me to focus on the important things, and give space for much needed rest. I don't have the same energy when I was younger, and have different priorities now, and higher demands on my role.

As reminded in Doctor Strange (2016) - "Your intellect has taken you far in life, but it will take you no further. Surrender,...Silence your ego and your power will rise." I think there's truth in this. As when I did reduce my ego, even if briefly, and drop a few work related things that no longer serve me, I noticed a significant change in me and these delicate abilities. However, I have the challenge of finding balance because I am passionate about my educational job and career, from my poor educational origins. And need it for financial stability. Though it's ever more important, as I am increasingly conscious that I am being institutionalised through my full-time work, and the competitive culture that instils in people.

I now turn deep attention to this spiritual and nature-based work that I have been peacefully working on and off for a few years behind the scenes. The world needs more healers not competitive leaders in my opinion. 💚 The world is currently very fragmented, digitally overconnected, chaotic and noisy. I'm glancing at a future pathway outside my house window, that has nothing to do with digital. Non-digital skills and analogue living and wellbeing is equally critical. It absolutely feels right at this time in my life. 💫

Local work

The interest and enthusiasm I mustered led me to do more online searching for local people offering classes and such. I am sure I had done this before when I first moved to north Nottinghamshire. But at the time I didn't think I found anything worthwhile. Well there was Centre for Shamanic Arts, and I attended a ceremony in February 2023 - but I think that was too deep for what I might have been looking for. I recall last November at the Chatsworth Christmas market, that we go to most years, market only, not the house. An interesting healing/pagan like stall caught my eyes and nose. I later went to website and learned about the people and emailed them asking "I wanted to ask a question to Matt if I may. I see that he is a Reiki Master and Intuitive Crystal Healer. I wanted to know more about these roles and what he did to become them." I can't recall the response now, but it obviously didn't give me what I was looking for. Or so it seemed. Looking back now it was very specific what I was asking and seeking. This then took me to Googling local people in Nottinghamshire in December, and The Peaceful Soul popped up. From thereon, a flurry of activity happened. I had a hour-long chat with Detzi with the intention to join some classes in the New Year, and I so did! I got involved in the following and I'm very much an active participant. I'm just glad to access someone local. She was very patient with my pest-like behaviour - I'm still in a very curious but pragmatic state.

Oracle card workshop - 9th January and 27th March. I didn't go with any issue in mind. Just to enjoy curiosity to learn how to read cards better. But I did get some clarity on path I'm going down. In March, I actually said to Detzi in deep focus and meaning, that I needed a teacher or mentor to help me.
Healing drum event on 19th June.
One to one shamanic healing on 24th June. It was like a whole night had past. Kind of an out of body experience and met some elders, though I didn't want to see their faces, and maybe did not receive their gifts as a result? But it can also be about relaxation - which it definitely did. Though I did take the message in the guided meditation of letting the ego labels go, to become more spiritual.
Chaos healing oracle card, Detzi live 4th August.

Me - "Wow, smiling from ear to ear of the card you pulled The Peaceful Soul Nottingham. The card itself and what you said couldn't have been more accurate of recent days! Powerful. Something has changed, thank you. 🌪️🦋"

Detzi - "So pleased to read this. I love these synchronicities!! I look forward to hearing more when I see you next or before. Thanks for watching and joining in 🙏"

Shamanic group healing magic 14th August.
Full moon Autumn's release 11th September
Connecting with spirit guides through drawing 25th September
Healing drum event on 6th November.
Crystal grid workshop: intention setting at New Moon on 20th November
Listening to her monthly free Facebook live meditations - a regular 'me time' space.

I need to think what I am most aligned to out of witchcraft and shamanism. To me shamanism is more connected to spirit guides, healing and journeys. Witchcraft is rituals and spell work and tarot with specific issues. But I think both can be achieved to incorporate both aspects. I see Detzi using a combination of things that are present in witchcraft work. But I think healing is my thing and linking back to my earlier life coaching volunteering to support my friend's business. I can see longer-term goals in this area, maybe reiki. I wrote this for Detzi over the Summer which is worthy a share here.

Me - "After discovering The Peaceful Soul leading to an informative discussion with Detzi in December 2024, about what might align with my current focus and interests. I have since attended and experienced many of her workshops and events such as two oracle card workshops, full moon Winter's release, Summer Solstice healing drum and a shamanic reiki healing session. All of which I have enjoyed thoroughly and have enabled and empowered me to immerse myself to learn more of these practices, with the growing view of undertaking longer-term formal reiki studies with her. I have long felt I have unique qualities and abilities in healing, however I am unsure how to understand (means) and work (skills) with my spiritual energy, and therefore seek a teacher or mentor to help me.
Detzi has a warm, welcoming and approachable personality, balanced with a good dose of humour, and is clearly connected to nature and spirit. She is extremely knowledgeable, well-experienced and rooted in her work, making her and the work itself deeply authentic. She has an inclusive and intriguing way of teaching that is deeply engaging. I could listen and talk to her for hours. She is very generous with her time and knowledge sharing, and I appreciate this given how busy and in-demand she is.

I am excited for the upcoming activities; shamanic group healing magic, full moon Autumn's release and connecting with spirit guides through drawing - and I am sure many more. We have also been in discussion about developing a bespoke 40th birthday ceremonial for me in Summer 2026 which I am excited to see unfold. A deep thank you Detzi."

My current thinking is that, I prefer to learn shamanic and witch-type topics from people that are knowledgeable and active practitioners for many years. As I have learned maybe it's more of a working group I am looking for to practise and share. Covens appear to be very strict and hierarchical for long-term commitment, and with other specific purposes. A coven may be the ancient/medieval way, but I think that a coven can still be a working group. Perhaps working groups can be a more modern approach to a coven; like minded people coming together to practise and share. Sits better with modern living and me fluctuating between the corporate and spiritual worlds.

What I have experienced sometimes with some spiritual healers/leaders, is that there can sometimes be an arrogance in saying here it is, make of it what you will/make a decision - enabling participants to make their own meaning, rather than advise, I get that. But often I need more information and support to make a informed decision. Especially on such abstract subject matter these topics can deal with. As often spiritual healers/leaders are proficient in what they do they forget that journey that others need to undertake themselves to become competent. With Detzi this is somewhat different. A fine balance of both I think.

Bewitching witches

In January 2025, this Facebook event 'The History & Endurance of Witchcraft with Dr Julia Phillips' presented itself to me. Curious about the subject and event, I read further - an in-person talk by Julia Phillips in Nottinghamshire on 5th February. I couldn't make it and reached out to her to see if she is delivering this again. She said that she would do elements of it at the forthcoming Witchcraft May Online Summit. We engaged in a bit of conversation about that, and I asked a curious question if she was interested in researching witchcraft in the entertainment media industry. If she was, I said I'd be willing to be a research participant if she considered it.

Over the Summer, I returned to the idea of the research of witches in the media entertainment industry, and I spoke to her again about my interest and enthusiasm for it, and we exchanged some brief thoughts about it. She shared some of her work as part of this, which I intriguingly queried more of. One of which led to her course that she teaches 'Hermetic Magical Training – 4-Part Course', which I later enrolled. A fascinating course indeed, lots of knowledge on history and practice gained - I highly recommend. As Julia said in one of the sessions that helped me understand some of the work in witchcraft and shamanism type work; we have to transform our human states to access and connect to the mystical/spirit/universe, expanding our consciousness through symbolism and visualisation. In the conversations we had, Julia made me aware of Treadwell's, primarily a bookshop in London, which I had never heard of. It not only offers publications, but many courses, teachings etc, but they also share other pagan related events. I signed up to their newsletter to keep informed. I took this as an opportunity to educate myself through real witch practitioners and teachers to get the best knowledge and viewpoints. The links at the bottom are some findings for my own consumption.

On Sunday 14th September as I were leaving Yorkshire Wildlife park. I had the sense to check my work email, and there was an email from Julia titled 'Bewitching witches!'. Julia had been to a conference and attended a talk that featured witchcraft in the entertainment media industry. Julia invited this academic, Zoe Enstone, to bring on board to collaborate on the project. I was in complete awe that this project is coming to life. It's very early days but I look to be co-writing a publication of some kind with Julia and Zoe, of how witchcraft is represented and influenced through the media entertainment industry - a very broad area that we'd need to narrow down significantly. We met yesterday, how apt for this month! We're still deciding what shape it will take yet; academic or general readership, but we have agreed that it will be academic and likely an edited collection structure. Though it was suggested that we can use that as a springboard to maybe do more popular readership material afterwards. It really is a dream passion project! I acknowledge that whilst I'm not an esteemed and seasoned researcher in witchcraft. Hence why I originally asked about being a participant. However, I can still make a significant contribution through with my interest and background context, they are just as valuable. Even if I end up with a reduced role in it. I am still able to research and input my academic voice. A bit of real imposter syndrome coming out here. I think my main position of contribution would be how the figure of the witch is represented in modern times, and how practical magic/analogue, ritual etc is portrayed in TV and film. If I had to narrow down, and to a particular theme, it would have to be comic book characters, and that translate into TV and film productions. I'd miss out on some key movies as highlighted above, but I can probably find a creative way to mention them. Dare I say, I am the most fitting person to co-write something for it. I am living proof of such interest and influence after all. It was just made for me this project. I can't wait to learn more throughout process too. Down, down, down the Witches' Road I go it seems.