Show notes can be found at the bottom of the page.

51: The World Needs Your Story, So Let It Hatch – Magic, Medicine and Mayhem

So, what’s your story? This is one of the many ways that we modern humans get the conversation going. It’s one that I use a lot, actually. Maybe because I’m a writer, and a trained journalist. And because I'm a curious person, which is probably what drew me to that work in the first place.This podcast has been quieter than usual for a bit because I’ve been following my curiosity to see where it leads me. I feel as if I am molting, and also being asked to step up, so I've been sitting on that. I also feel like the world is crumbling around us—new atrocities, new wars, new human rights violations flash across my screen every day, even if I open up my Instagram for just two seconds. I’ve been ruminating a lot on what it means to be American, now that my country of origin has become intent on destroying itself and the world in the ugliest, most backwards, most hate-filled way possible. More than that, I’ve been thinking about what it means to be a woman in a world still dominated by men, and one which I am convinced is falling apart largely because of that.A very important note: I know plenty of very good men, including my own father and the man I married. Men are not the enemy. The toxic patriarchy is. In fact, going forward, we’re going to need those good men to stand with us so that we can build something better.And just how do we build something better? Us little people, the powerless ones? First of all, we have to stop thinking that we’re powerless. Big changes are made in small ways by many, many “small” people every single day.Second of all, women and women-identifying humans, we need to make our voices heard. We need to provide the compassionate and nurturing leadership that the world so desperately needs—starting in our communities, our families, our homes. Make them a place of love and acceptance where all are welcome, where domination has no place, and where each living thing has a place at the table.How do we do this? It all comes down stories. Stories are THE way that humanity has been learning, growing, and passing down wisdom since the dawn of time. So, you’ll be hearing a lot more from me in the weeks and months to come, as I do what a writer does best and put my life experiences into words. As I answer the question: What’s my story?So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea and let me tell you a story.LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Get the free weekly Crescent Moonletter to stay updated. Give yourself or a loved one the gift of calm & wonder when you sign up for the Grounding Mini Retreat. Monthly witchy gatherings: -Monthly Witchy Gatherings + Witchy Goodies subscription:https://buy.stripe.com/dRmdRa6O8gEa0LQ1eocV20q -Monthly Witchy Gatherings subscription:https://buy.stripe.com/6oUcN62xSgEa0LQ0akcV20t @magicmedicineandmayhem http://www.sylvaflorence.comwww.magicmedicineandmayhem.comMMM FB page

Stories of Magic, Medicine and Mayhem.

Our lives are a constant cycle of change, challenge, celebration and adaptation–and I’m here to guide you through it, with a pinch of hope, a dash of magic and a cauldron of stories to light your path.

Imagine taking dives into every kind of magic–from the wisdom of trees to the Tarot to seasonal spells and rituals and how to be a modern day witch.

Picture being empowered, inspired and even helped by extraordinary stories of overcoming trauma and adversity told by “ordinary” people like you.

Imagine being empowered to heal yourself with help from the plants, animals, rivers and trees in your area, the unseen energies waiting for you tap into them, and the wisdom of your ancestors.

Come along with me on a playful, inspiring and healing romp through what it means to be a human in a world that’s much more enchanting than we’ve been taught to believe.

The Story Behind the Magic

In January of 2022, I broke my hip while cycling on a slippery road outside of Faenza, Italy. In the months of healing that followed, wanting to transform this earth-and-hip-shattering experience into something positive, I decided to learn how to create a podcast. And thus, Magic, Medicine and Mayhem was born.

Actually, this podcast was born with the title Live From Suckville, but it’s evolved as I’ve evolved. Holding space for people to heal through telling their stories lead me to ask the question, “How can I help people even more?” The answer led me to obtain a Reiki Level 2 certificate, go deper into my Shamanic practice, learn how to read Tarot and teach it to others, and, ultimately, inspired me to become an Energetic Healer by profession.

Wouldn’t you agree that this world needs more magic? If you resonate with this podcast, please share it and rate and review it on Apple iTunes so that others can access the magic, healing and hope in each episode.

“I urge each and every one of you to take a moment and listen to this incredible podcast. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of supporting one another during challenging times. Together, let’s lend our ears and hearts to this profound narrative.”

-Jane K.

“I’ve been listening to Sylva’s podcast since she started it. It has been truly inspiring… Please take time to listen to it.”

-Cindy J.

“Just listened again. So powerful! Thanks for capturing slices of time that really helped me feel like I was peaking in the window of other people’s experiences. Towards the end of some of these, I admit I am crying my eyes out!”

-Tom L.

“One of my favorite storytelling podcasts: inspiring and uplifting. Full of true stories about women who’ve faced challenges head on and overcome adversity, expertly interviewed by Sylva. “
-Ella Hoyos

“LOVE the podcast, especially episode 3, Sylva. Well done and may have my clients listen. We all need these words of advice in this crazy time! Thanks for producing this.”

-Amy Lloyd (Therapist)

“I did manage to find your podcast–not an easy thing for old ladies. I REALLY LOVED IT! And I haven’t liked that many podcasts…”

-F.T.

SHOW NOTES

Episode 1: How to Climb the Wall of Grief (with Jacob Shannon)

Hope House

Home

“Ball in the Box” concept of grief

https://psychcentral.com/blog/coping-with-grief-ball-and-box-analogy#grief-as-a-large-ball

Episode 3: How to Go Cold Turkey (With an Emphasis on “Cold), with Jule

Minty Mermaid Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC75H6vt6wlHmQFAudkkqhJA/videos%2C%2520https%3Aescription about this item

Cold Play NS Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/193461932936680/

Episode 4: How to Navigate Pain and Power, with Tiffany Glenn

Kahlil Gibran “The Prophet”

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/kahlil-gibran

“On Dialogue,” by David Bohm

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204526.On_Dialogue

Poem: On Joy and Sorrow (Kahlil Gibran)

https://poets.org/poem/joy-and-sorrow

Episode 5: How to Forgive the Person Who Hurt You, with Amanda Mayes

Amanda’s story (video version)

Episode 25: How to Start Healing Your Trauma, with Justin Sunseri

Deb Dana (Polyvagal Ladder theory and others)

https://www.rhythmofregulation.com/

Episode 48: The Enchanting History of Samhain (and a Modern Protection Spell)

What you need to for the protection spell mentioned in the episode (and you’ll need to prepare it before listening if you want to do the spell with me):

A candle + lighter or match
A handful of salt and a small bowl or cup to put it in
Your favorite incense or smoke cleansing tool*
A rock, cone, stick or leaf from nature**

*I talk about this more in the episode, but I suggest not using white sage or Palo Santo, because both of these are part of a closed practice (unless, of course, you belong to the cultures from which they come).

**If you take something from nature, make sure to leave something in return so that the earth feels some love.

Protection Spell (created by Sylva Florence):

As on this night, the veil grows thin,

Old magic stirs, messages come in.

Protected by flame, wind, soil and sea

I am safe and blessed, so mote it be.

Sign up links for monthly witchy gatherings mentioned in the episode:

-Monthly Witchy Gatherings + Witchy Goodies subscription:
https://buy.stripe.com/dRmdRa6O8gEa0LQ1eocV20q

-1 Month of Witchy Gatherings + Witchy Goodies:
https://buy.stripe.com/00w9AU3BWbjQ526f5ecV20r

-Monthly Witchy Gatherings subscription:
https://buy.stripe.com/6oUcN62xSgEa0LQ0akcV20t

-1 Month of Witchy Gatherings:
https://buy.stripe.com/8x2fZia0k0Fccuy5uEcV20s

Lambs_Wool_Recipe Download

Music by Jonathan MacKay from Pixabay

Episode 49: Creating Deep Friendships with Plants and Trees (with Amy Terepka)

Find more about Amy:
http://www.goldenstone.love
http://www.groundwaterhealing.com
@groundwaterhealing