Season of the Witch Rowan Oaken

Welcome to this week’s episode of Season of the Witch with Rowan Oaken, where we're getting real about healing the inner teen. After a brief hiatus due to personal loss I’m back, and it feels fitting to dive into something personal!

This episode isn't just about looking back at our teenage selves with a mix of nostalgia and cringe; it's about understanding how those years have shaped us, acknowledging the pain, the confusion, and the moments of growth.

In the episode I will compare healing the inner child to healing the inner teen, discussing how these phases impact us differently. The inner teen phase, with its identity crises, first heartbreaks, and quests for independence, requires a unique approach to healing.

I’ll share some personal stories and explore signs that you might have unresolved issues from your teenage years and what you can do about it. From journaling reflective prompts like your relationship with authority or how peer pressure influenced you, to reconnecting with your teenage self through hobbies or music, we’re covering it all.

And, of course, we’ll get a little witchy with it. Expect a spell or two to help embrace and heal your inner teen.

If you’ve got thoughts, feelings, or just want to share your journey, hit me up on Instagram @SOTWWITHROWAN or shoot me an email at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Stay witchy, bitchy, sassy, and classy.



As promised in the episode, here are the journal prompts:

Describing the Teenage Experience: What were your teen years like? Reflect on the general atmosphere of this time in your life, considering both the highs and the lows.

Safety and Support: In what ways did you not feel safe or supported as a teen? Consider emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects.

Coping Mechanisms: How did you handle your feelings about not feeling safe or supported? Reflect on both healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms you might have adopted.

False Self: What kind of "false self" did you have to develop as a result of your experiences? How did you present yourself to the world to protect your true feelings or to fit in?

Relationship with Your Mother: What was your relationship with your mother (or primary caregiver) during your teen years? Consider both the positive aspects and the challenges.

Influence of Peers: How did your friendships and peer relationships influence your perception of yourself during your teenage years?

Dreams and Aspirations: What dreams or aspirations did you have as a teenager? Reflect on how these have changed or evolved over time.

Inner Teenager in Adulthood: How is your inner teenager showing up in your life right now as an adult? Consider behaviors, reactions, fears, and dreams.

Unmet Needs: What were the unmet needs of your teenage self? Reflect on emotional, physical, and social needs that were not addressed or fulfilled.

Messages Received: What messages did you receive about your worth, your body, and your capabilities as a teen? How have these messages influenced your self-perception?

Regrets and Forgiveness: Are there things you regret doing or not doing during your teen years? Explore the possibility of forgiving yourself and others.

Lessons Learned: What important lessons did you learn during your teenage years? Consider how these lessons have shaped your adult life.

Expression of Emotions: How did you express or suppress your emotions as a teenager? Reflect on the outlets you had or wished you had for emotional expression.

Changes in Beliefs: How have your beliefs (about yourself, others, and the world) changed since your teen years?

Letter to Your Teenage Self: Write a letter to your teenage self. What would you want to tell her? What advice, comfort, or warnings might you offer?

Celebrating the Teenage Self: What aspects of your teenage self are you proud of? Reflect on the strengths and unique qualities you possessed, even in the midst of challenges.


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Welcome to our next episode looking at ways to protect yourself over the holiday period.

Episode Dedication: HighlySensitiveSoulPodcast

If you'd like to show your love and leave a review, please head over to Apple Podcasts and share your thoughts. It helps the show immensely.

Enforced Fun: The Holiday Struggle

Now, onto the topic of enforced fun. Enforced fun is that special category of social events like birthday parties, holiday gatherings, and New Year's celebrations. These occasions demand not just your presence but also your participation in spreading joy, hugging, smiling, cheek kisses, laughter, and merriment. But let's be real; enforced fun isn't everyone's cup of tea. It might even make you sound like a Scrooge, but I have to admit, it's the one thing I dislike the most about the holiday season.

Identifying Enforced Fun


Your desire to attend: If you'd rather not be there, that's a clear indicator. We should normalize saying no to things that make us uncomfortable.


Pressure to attend: Are you being coerced into going? Is there social pressure or judgment for not participating?


Pre-planned: If it's an event that's meticulously planned weeks or months in advance, it's likely enforced fun.


Uncomfortable small talk: Is there a lot of small talk and repetitive questions? That's a classic sign.


Unwanted company: Are there people you'd rather avoid, like family members you don't get along with?


Lack of joy: Simply put, if it doesn't bring you joy, it's enforced fun.



Now that we've defined enforced fun, let's talk about how to navigate it, especially during the holiday season, in a way that's safe and respectful to yourself and others.

Navigating Enforced Fun: Strategies


Protection Magick: You can protect yourself with crystals like black tourmaline or obsidian. Visualize shields or barriers to block negative energy.


Find Joy: Even in uncomfortable situations, find something that interests you, like helping with jobs or wearing bright colors to lift your mood.


Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your limits, like specifying the time you'll spend at the event or taking breaks for yourself.


Assertiveness: Be polite but firm when asserting your boundaries.


Grounding: Connect with the earth's energy to stay centered and calm.


Cleansing: Use herbs like sage or rosemary to cleanse your space before and after the event.


Shadow Work: Reflect on past events that triggered discomfort and work on healing your inner child.



Remember, enforcing boundaries and taking care of your mental well-being is essential during enforced fun events. It's not about being an butt hole, but rather ensuring you're in a healthy state of mind.

For more tips and discussions, follow us me Instagram @SOTWWITHROWAN, and don't hesitate to reach out at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com.


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Episode Dedication: A shoutout to Apple podcast reviewer “Mr. Fullbottom.”



Episode Highlights:


Historical Roots in Hinduism and Vedic Traditions:


Exploration of mindfulness or "attentive awareness" in early Hindu scriptures.
Discussion on Hinduism's evolution over 4,000 years and its religious traditions in Vedic writings.
Introduction of concepts like dharma in Hinduism, and their significance in mindfulness.


Paths in Hinduism and the Modern Interpretation of Yoga:


Overview of different yogas in Hinduism, focusing on Jhana, Bhakti, Karma, and Raja yoga.
Critique of Yoga's modern commercialisation, especially in the Western world.


Mindfulness Beyond Emotional Management:


Hinduism views mindfulness as a step towards higher states of consciousness.
Contrast between spiritual mindfulness in Hinduism and the secular approach in modern practices.


Buddhist Influence on Mindfulness:


Impact of Buddhist teachings on mindfulness.
The Buddha’s introduction of mindfulness as part of the Eightfold Path to enlightenment.
Concerns about the dilution of mindfulness in contemporary society.


Jon Kabat-Zinn and Western Adaptation of Mindfulness:


Kabat-Zinn's role in popularising mindfulness in the West.
Development of the Mindfulness-Based Stress




Critique of mindfulness becoming a tool for stress management in capitalist societies.


Personal Views on Mindfulness:


I share my opinions on mindfulness being used to manage stress symptoms but not stressors.
Discussion on mindfulness as a means of creating passive workers rather than addressing corporate issues.


Benefits of Mindfulness:


APA study findings on mindfulness reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.
Harvard Health's remarks on mindfulness enhancing brain efficiency and perception.


Witchy Business Shoutout: Lucas Katz:


Lucas Katz work in assisting LGBTQIA+ individuals through mindful coaching.


Critical Mindfulness in Witchcraft and Paganism:


Integration of mindfulness in witchcraft and pagan practices.
Encouragement for a critical and attentive approach to mindfulness.


Personal Experience with Mindfulness:


An exploration of my journey through grief and mental health, and the role of mindfulness in my life.
A call for embracing emotions and connecting with them mindfully.


Mindful Activism Activity:


A guided activity to connect mindfulness with nature and self-activism.
Steps include choosing a natural setting, engaging senses, journaling, and setting activism intentions.





Contact Info:

@SOTWWITHROWAN on insta

or email at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com.




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Join me Rowan in the next installment of Straw-Man, where our stranded protagonist, Amir, finds himself in the home of Mr. Harvey Blackwater, the town's mayor, whose fatherly warmth masks an unsettling secret in the muffled cries upstairs.

Meet our newest character, the enigmatic Ethan, a bohemian rebel with a charming smile, who is committed to distributing banned literature to quaint rural towns across America. As he and Amir cross paths under the shroud of Fairfield's mysteries, a connection forms that promises more than just shared secrets. But is Ethan hiding more than he cares to let on?

Let me know what you think of this episode over of Instagram @SOTWwithRowan

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Hellooo a big sassy to our first-ever Cauldron of Candor (COC) episode on Season of the Witch.

We kick off with a heartfelt letter from Lost in Limbo, who's found themselves in a tangle with their fiancé after they moved to a small town away from family and friends.

With a cauldron full of witchy wisdom to share, I will be exploring how to turn those heated debates into warm, easy laughs again.... hopefully - all while being a little witchy too.

For links mentioned in the show see below:


1. Witchy Spiritual Stuff: How to Cast a Communication Spell for Improving Relationships

2. Backyard Banshee: Herbs for Love, Self-Love, Relationship Support and Attraction

3. GreenWitch: Harmony

4. Magic Spells and Potions: Spell Ritual To Improve Family Harmony

5. Llewellyn Worldwide: Spell: Promote harmony in Relationships and Spell: Family Harmony Ritual

6. Raven and Crone: Harmony, Peace, Inspiration Spells


If you are interested in sending in your letters, you can do so by DMing me on insta of FB @SOTWwithRowan

or you can email me at seasonofthewitchpodcast@gmail.com


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The Midnight Society Specials are back!!

This time with episodic story-telling... Oooh how contemporary.

For this spooky season I am sticking with the annual tradition of telling ghost stories with the new and original tale 'Straw-Man'.


This story unveils the eerie adventure of Amir who, in a bid to secure essential funding for his flagging research, ventures into the isolated town of Fairfield to unearth the mysteries shrouding the unpublicized Straw-Man Festival. As a closeted gay man, he grapples with the town’s murky legacy and his own concealed sexuality, finding both solace and support in Ethan, the town’s devoted librarian covertly distributing banned literature. As their investigation begins to tug at the seams of the town’s tight-knit conservative community, Amir finds himself navigating the shadows of his identity amidst a town ensnared by fear and ancient secrets - all while balancing the thin line between the supernatural and a murderous reality.


If you have Spotify, you can now interact with the story too making predictions about what you think might happen next.


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