Awakening the Witch Within

Eric Marquette

Welcome back to The House of Ravenbrook. I’m Eric Marquette, and as always, I’m joined by the ever-spirited Ruby Sturt. Today’s episode is called “Awakening the Witch Within”—and, honestly, I think it’s a conversation a lot of folks have been waiting for. Ruby, how are you feeling about diving into this one?

Ruby Sturt

Oh, I’m buzzing, Eric! I mean, this is the stuff that gets me out of bed in the morning. We’ve talked a lot about deconstructing dogma and finding your own path, but today we’re really getting into the nitty-gritty of what it means to step away from religious orthodoxy and, well, embrace your inner witch. And I know you’ve got a story or two up your sleeve about that journey, don’t you?

Eric Marquette

Yeah, I do. And, you know, it’s funny—when I look back, it wasn’t a single lightning-bolt moment. It was more like a slow, persistent whisper. I was a minister for years, and there was this growing sense of unease, like I was living in a beautifully decorated cage. The rituals, the sermons, the certainty—it all started to feel hollow. I found myself drawn to the quiet of the woods, the sunrise, the wind. Nature became this, I don’t know, living scripture for me. I started questioning everything I’d been taught, and it was terrifying, but also—liberating.

Ruby Sturt

I love that. And I think a lot of people listening will relate. There’s this idea that leaving a faith tradition is this big, dramatic break, but for most of us, it’s a slow burn. You start noticing the cracks, right? The dogma doesn’t fit anymore, and suddenly the world outside—trees, rivers, the moon—starts to feel more real, more sacred, than anything inside four walls.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And it’s not about throwing away everything you believed. It’s about expanding it. I remember this one morning—I was at Stonehenge, actually, for a sunrise ritual. It wasn’t a big, formal thing. Just a few of us, standing in the cold, watching the sun break over those ancient stones. There was this moment of absolute awe. The kind of awe that makes you feel tiny and infinite at the same time. That’s when I realized: the sacred isn’t somewhere else. It’s right here, in the earth, in the breath, in the light. And that’s what paganism, and witchcraft, started to mean for me—a way to belong, to wake up to the interconnectedness of all life.

Ruby Sturt

That’s so good. And it’s wild how ancient symbols and rituals—circles, spirals, trees—start to take on new meaning when you see them as gateways, not just decorations. Like, you’re not just performing a ritual, you’re participating in the dance of the universe. And, honestly, it’s a bit rebellious, isn’t it? To say, “I’m going to trust my intuition, I’m going to find the sacred in the everyday,” instead of waiting for someone else to tell me what’s holy.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. And it’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. About listening to the land, to your own soul, and letting that guide you. That’s the real awakening, I think—the moment you realize the divine spark is within you, and within everything around you.

Ruby Sturt

So, let’s get practical. Because, Eric, I know a lot of people hear “witchcraft” and immediately think of, like, pointy hats and cauldrons bubbling over with questionable substances. But the heart of modern witchcraft—especially green witchcraft—is so much more grounded, right? It’s about connecting with nature, with herbs, with the cycles of the earth. Where do you start if you’re curious?

Eric Marquette

Yeah, the Hollywood version is fun, but the real thing is much more, well, earthy. Green witchcraft is all about building a relationship with the land. The first thing I always suggest is grounding—literally. Go outside, take your shoes off, feel the earth beneath your feet. It’s about anchoring yourself, letting the energy of the earth steady you. And then, creating a sacred space. That could be a windowsill with a few stones and a candle, or a corner of your garden. The point is to make a space where you can focus your intention and connect with the natural world.

Ruby Sturt

And then there’s the whole ethical side, which I think gets overlooked. Like, it’s not just about grabbing a bunch of herbs and chucking them in a jar. There’s a real responsibility—only taking what you need, making sure you’re not harming the plant or the ecosystem. I remember my first attempt at making a protection sachet. I was maybe sixteen, and I snuck into my grandma’s garden to pinch some rosemary. She caught me, of course, and instead of getting mad, she showed me how to harvest it properly—thanking the plant, leaving enough for it to thrive. That stuck with me. It’s about honoring the lineage, the land, and the energy you’re working with.

Eric Marquette

That’s such a good story. And it’s true—every herb, every stone, has its own energy, its own story. When you gather ingredients for a spell, you’re not just collecting objects, you’re entering into a relationship. And then there’s the ethics of spellcasting itself. The intention is everything. Are you trying to control someone else, or are you working for healing, protection, growth? The best spells, in my experience, are the ones that align with the well-being of all involved. Like, if you’re making a protection sachet, you’re not wishing harm on anyone—you’re creating a shield, a safe space. And always, always respect free will. That’s the heart of ethical magick.

Ruby Sturt

And it’s not just about people, either. It’s about the earth. If you’re harvesting herbs, you do it sustainably. If you’re making offerings, you use biodegradable materials. It’s about stewardship, not exploitation. And honestly, that’s what makes green witchcraft so powerful—it’s a practice of reciprocity. You give back as much as you take, and you do it with gratitude.

Eric Marquette

Exactly. And, you know, for anyone starting out, you don’t need a fancy grimoire or a cupboard full of rare ingredients. Start with what you have. A sprig of rosemary, a stone from your favorite walk, a candle. The magic is in the intention, the relationship, the respect. That’s what makes it real.

Ruby Sturt

Alright, so we’ve talked about the roots, we’ve talked about the practice, but here’s the big question: what kind of witch are you? Because, Eric, there are so many paths—green, sea, kitchen, hedge, storm, you name it. And I think a lot of people get stuck thinking they have to pick one and stick with it forever. But that’s not really how it works, is it?

Eric Marquette

No, not at all. I mean, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that witchcraft is as individual as the person practicing it. Some people are drawn to the sea, to the tides and the moon. Others find their magic in the kitchen, in the act of baking bread or brewing tea. Some are hedge witches, working in the liminal spaces, the in-betweens. And honestly, most of us are a bit of everything. Your path is yours to define, and it can change as you grow.

Ruby Sturt

And there are so many misconceptions out there. Like, I still get people asking if I worship the devil, or if I can turn them into a frog. Hollywood’s done a real number on the word “witch.” But the truth is, most of us are just trying to live in harmony with the earth, to heal, to grow, to connect. It’s about reverence, not rebellion for rebellion’s sake. And, honestly, the resurgence of earth-based spirituality is about people wanting something real, something rooted. It’s not about escaping reality, it’s about engaging with it more deeply.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. And I think that’s why community is so important. You see it at gatherings—Beltane, Samhain—people coming together to celebrate, to heal, to explore. These aren’t just parties; they’re spaces for collective transformation. I’ve seen people who felt completely alone in their journey find a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose, just by showing up and sharing a ritual, a story, a song. It’s powerful. And it’s not about everyone believing the same thing. It’s about honoring the diversity, the individuality, and the shared longing for connection.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and I think that’s the real magic—finding your own way, but knowing you’re not alone. Whether you’re a green witch, a kitchen witch, or just someone who feels the call of the wild, there’s a place for you. And if you’re listening and you’re not sure where you fit, that’s okay. The journey is the path. Try things, make mistakes, change your mind. That’s how you find your own flavor of magic.

Eric Marquette

Couldn’t have said it better. And, you know, as we wrap up, I just want to remind everyone—your path is yours. There’s no right or wrong way to be a witch, a seeker, a lover of the earth. The only rule, really, is respect. For yourself, for others, for the land. The rest is up to you.

Ruby Sturt

And that’s a wrap for today’s episode. Eric, as always, it’s a pleasure wandering through the wilds of spirituality with you. And to everyone listening—thanks for joining us in The House of Ravenbrook. We’ll be back soon with more stories, more practices, and more ways to awaken the magic within. Take care, Eric!

Eric Marquette

Thanks, Ruby. Take care, everyone. Until next time—step outside, listen to the wind, and remember: the house is always calling.