Ologies with Alie Ward – Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT) Part 1 with Fio Gede Parma

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” host Alie Ward interviews Fio Gede Parma, a witchologist and author, about witches, witchcraft, and the history of both. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from witch trials to the commercialization of witchcraft and the role of gender and environmentalism in witch fashion. This episode is split into two parts due to the length of the conversation.

Main Takeaways

History and Study of Witchcraft

• Witchcraft has been studied under different terms such as Wicology and Mageology, but the speaker prefers the term “which.”
• Paganology is too broad as not all witches consider themselves under that umbrella.
• The speaker is a practitioner devoted to the historical and folkloric study of witchcraft.
• Witchcraft has a diverse range of beliefs and sources, varying among cultures and religions.

Personal Journey and Experiences

• The speaker’s interest in witchcraft started at a young age and was influenced by their family’s non-western perspective on magic and spirit work.
• Popular culture, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Harry Potter, sparked interest in magic and witchcraft.
• Many witches have a self-knowing moment that clicks into place, which can happen at any age.
• The speaker’s family lived in a haunted house and experienced spirit phenomena, validating their experiences.

Concepts and Beliefs in Witchcraft

• Witchcraft is an ecstatic magical spirit work that challenges societal norms and requires breaking down common concepts for others to understand.
• Witch magic comes from the ground and the poor and marginalized, requiring intimacy with the elements of life and sensuality.
• Witches cast spells and venerate mysterious forces such as the darkness between the stars, the earth, water, rain, and storms to achieve change in the world.
• Transgressive, ecstatic, and spirit worker are important concepts in witchcraft.

Witch Trials and Gender

• The witch trials lasted for about 350 years, with a historical connection between witchcraft and feminine magic.
• Gender inclusion in witchcraft has historically been complicated, with some groups being transphobic.
• The body of the witch has always been deeply femme and deeply queer, challenging binary gender concepts.
• The popular iconography of old haggard witches with broken crooked noses has anti-Semitic origins.

Summary

Witchcraft: History, Beliefs, and Personal Journeys

In this episode, Alie Ward interviews Fio Gede Parma, a witchologist and practitioner, about the fascinating world of witches and witchcraft. The conversation covers the historical and folkloric study of witchcraft, including different terms used to describe it. Fio shares their personal journey, influenced by their family’s non-western perspective on magic and spirit work. They discuss how popular culture has sparked interest in magic and witchcraft, and the self-knowing moments that many witches experience. Fio also shares their experiences living in a haunted house and the validation it provided. The concepts and beliefs in witchcraft, such as transgressive, ecstatic, and spirit work, are explored, highlighting the intimate connection with the elements of life. The episode also delves into the witch trials, the historical connection between witchcraft and feminine magic, and the challenges of gender inclusion in witchcraft. The origins of anti-Semitic iconography associated with witches are discussed as well.

Conclusion

This episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward” provides a captivating exploration of witches, witchcraft, and their history. Fio Gede Parma’s expertise and personal experiences shed light on the diverse practices and beliefs within witchcraft. Listeners gain insight into the transgressive and anti-oppressive nature of witchcraft, as well as its deep connection to the elements and sensuality of life. The conversation also highlights the historical challenges faced by witches, particularly in relation to gender. Overall, this episode invites listeners to expand their understanding of witchcraft and appreciate its rich cultural and historical significance.