A blog exploring the intersections of gender, sexuality, queerness, geek culture, Paganism, polytheism, and modern magic and witchcraft.

Beltane, as Viewed from Outside the Maypole Dance

April 18, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

I wondered how many people were here, taking part in a glorification and valorization of gender and sexual roles from which they were, and would always be, excluded. Read more

Marks of the Witch: The Bend, the Need, and the Will

April 13, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

It’s not necessary to be born a witch or to be made one by someone else, but there are certain traits—witches’ marks, if you will—shared by most of us drawn to witchcraft… Read more

Book Review: “Becoming Dangerous” (ed. Katie West and Jasmine Elliott)

April 11, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

Hello, beautiful creatures. My mailbox, inbox, and shopping cart have been insidiously delightful places of late. Some of this is due to the number of ridiculously talented people I’m privileged to know, and some of it is due to the fact that they all seem to know one another. To give you an example of what I mean, my partner and I went to Norwescon 41 a couple of weekends ago and came home with a paper sack quite literally… Read more

#FollowFriday: Scarlet Magdalene, Brandy Williams, and Laura Tempest Zakroff

April 6, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

These are some of the sharpest, wisest, best-educated folks writing about magic right now, and their work can engage your minds, energize your spirits, and enrich your practice. You’re welcome! Read more

Bedroom Temples and Broom Closets: On Praxis, Space, and Community

April 4, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

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I enjoy group rituals and Pagan and polytheist conferences, but at the end of the day, I want to commune with the gods and spirits of my path in the places closest to my heart. Read more

The Grail Question: An Annoyingly Useful Discernment Tool

March 30, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

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Rather than simply accepting things as they are because we don’t want to “rock the boat,” let us ask why they are as they are, and who is served by them being as they are. Read more

Book Review: “Sex Magic” by Frater U∴ D∴

March 28, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

The book generally does a stellar job of addressing its topic in a clear, conversational tone. That it’s hobbled by a perspective firmly rooted in mid-20th century views on gender and syncretism is unfortunate, because there really is a lot here to love. Read more

Horses and Zebras: Some Further Thoughts on Abuse in Our Communities

March 23, 2018 By Misha Magdalene

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For a movement that places so much value on personal, spiritual, and sexual autonomy, we sure do seem to have a problem with abuse, and with serial abusers. Read more