A historical seamstress tells her witchy friend about the most macabre aspects of the Victorian era. A new topic focusing on the 1800s every week, as well as a collective tarot reading and spiritual advice! Dive into the past with Conjuring Curiosities, a conversational yet educational podcast where a historical seamstress takes her witchy friend on weekly adventures through the shadows of Victorian history. Settle in as these best friends discuss tales of intrigue, uncovering the weirdest and most macabre aspects of the 1800s.Join our dynamic duo as they chat about everything from eerie mourning customs to the secrets of Victorian seances!From mummy medicine to arsenic-laced fashion, Conjuring Curiosities offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era, all through the lens of friendship. So, grab your favourite cozy blanket and join us for a leisurely stroll down memory lane as we unravel the mysteries of Victorian life, one stitch at a time. Tune in for an enchanting journey through history with your new favourite best friends! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Doorways, crossroads, and hotel hallways at midnight. The places where nothing really happens…but somehow, everything feels like it could. This week, Sabrina gives us a spiritual perspective on liminal spaces, and encourages us to embrace the in-between. After all, transformations can’t happen without transitions. Leap into the unknown with us this week as we explore the power of liminal spaces!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Mysterious Mansion of Mazes (01:02:57)
What happens when a wealthy widow tries to outbuild her ghosts? In this case, a confusing labyrinth of staircases to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows that overlook nothing. Back from hiatus, Clara and Sabrina wander the endless halls of the Winchester Mystery House, uncovering how Sarah Winchester turned her fortune (and maybe her fears) into one of the strangest architectural enigmas in history. Was she haunted by the spirits of those killed by her family’s rifles, or simply a passionate architect? Grab a map and stay close as we take you through the winding maze of madness, mourning, and meticulous design!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESWinchester Mystery House - TimelineWinchester Mystery House - HistoryUS Ghost Adventures - Why the Winchester House Is HauntedSFGATE - Everything you think you know about the Winchester Mystery House probably isn't truePaulette Kennedy - THE ONE ABOUT SARAH WINCHESTERBeck Technology - Rebels of Construction—Sarah Winchester and Her Mysterious HouseWinchester Mystery House - The Untold Story of Isabel Merriman: Sarah Winchester's Spirited SisterWikipedia - Sarah WinchesterWikipedia - Winchester Mystery HouseCPI Inflation Calculator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Death By...Molasses? (00:46:39)
What would happen if a giant tank of molasses exploded in the middle of Boston? Unfortunately, that is not a hypothetical question, because over 100 years ago, one did. In January 1919, a massive storage tank burst, unleashing an unfathomable wave of deadly syrup that tore through the streets faster than anyone could run. But even after the molasses settled, the chaos was far from over. Grab your favourite molasses catching mug and some waders and join us to hear about the stickiest year Beantown ever had!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESHistory.com - Why the Great Molasses Flood Was So DeadlyCity of Boston - 100 years ago today: Molasses crashes through Boston's North EndScientific American - The Science of the Great Molasses FloodUSN History - A Sticky Situation: The Navy and the Great Molasses FloodWikipedia - Great Molasses FloodThe Guardian - The Great Boston Molasses Flood: why the strange disaster matters todayBoston Public Library - Molasses Disaster, Boston, Mass., 1919Britannica - How Fast Is the World’s Fastest Human? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #14: The Spells of Sappho (00:15:51)
In this episode of Brief Bewitchments, we’re lighting a candle for the original lesbian icon and lyrical enchantress herself, Sappho of Lesbos! As one of the most prolific poets of Ancient Greece, her words are still widely known today, and Sabrina will dive into the sacred and spell-worthy power of her poetry. Her passionate words can be used in modern witchcraft, and have become a part of queer magic for many who practice. So whether you’re manifesting desires, setting intentions, or trying to increase your sapphic longing, Sabrina will explain how Sappho has got you covered!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Peculiar Possession of Lurancy Vennum (01:05:33)
Long before Freaky Friday made body swaps an onscreen trope, a small-town teen in the 1870s started the trend. This episode, we’re covering the Watseka Wonder, a very odd case that has us asking: did this 13 year old girl actually get possessed…or was she just really committed to the bit? In 1870s Illinois, Lurancy Vennum started having seizures, slipping into trances, and claiming she was Mary Roff, a girl who had died 12 years earlier. Mary’s family were all too happy to take her in and treat her as their daughter, but was it too good to be true? Or had a spirit really slipped through the veil and traded places with Lurancy? Hop on our wagon to Watseka, and travel with us to this unique occurrence that gives Victorian Spiritualism a new perspective!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES: THE CASE OF LURANCY VENNUM - A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY, AND AUTHENTICATED INSTANCE OF SPIRIT MANIFESTATION. BY E. W. STEVENSAncestry.com - Mary Lurancy Vennum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #13: The Witch Wound (00:19:27)
Ever feel like speaking your truth, setting boundaries, or showing your magic might get you metaphorically (or emotionally) burned at the stake? You might be feeling the effects of the Witch Wound, but don’t worry, Sabrina’s here to explain. In this episode, we dive into the ancestral, cultural, and collective trauma passed down from centuries of witch hunts, silencing, and spiritual repression. From the fear of being “too much” to the hesitation to take up space, this wound runs deep, but it doesn’t have to define you. Sabrina walks us through the roots of this wound, how it still shows up today, and how we can start to heal it through reclaiming our power, reconnecting with magic, and refusing to stay small. It’s time to stir the cauldron, break the spell, and put on your high-beams!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Bard's Curse (01:08:07)
Double, double toil and… total disaster? In this drama-packed episode, we’re diving into the legendary curse of Macbeth…I mean, The Scottish Play. We’ll explore some of the most infamous examples of the curse in action, from alleged fatalities to production disasters. And while we’re talking theatre history, we’ll pull back the curtain on other thespian superstitions. Like why whistling backstage might seriously injure you, and why an actor definitely will not thank you for wishing them “good luck”. Grab your ruffs and join us on stage for a behind-the-scenes look at the haunted, hexed, and hilariously dramatic world of theatre lore.See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!***CORRECTION: Daemonologie is a series of 3 books and a news pamphlet in one volume, and was published by King James VI of Scotland, who later became King James I of England and Ireland. Wikipedia - DaemonologieDEEPDIVE:CBR - How Superman Secretly Wrote Shakespeare’s MacbethSOURCES:The Austin Chronicle - Macbeth's Myriad of MisfortunesPenguin Random House - The curse of Macbeth: is it more than superstition?Wikipedia - The Scottish PlayPA Shakespeare - The Curse of Macbeth: “The Scottish Play”Broadway Direct - 13 Theater SuperstitionsLitcharts - Macbeth Translation - Act 4, Scene 1Ernestthesiger.org - “Macbeth”Stratford Festival - THE MACBETH CURSERoyal Shakespeare Company - The Curse of the Scottish PlayIndependent - Did Chris Rock suffer the curse of the Scottish Play? ‘Macbeth’ theory gains traction on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #12 - The Big 3 (00:20:24)
Say hello to your Big 3: your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs. In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the astrological basics and gets real about what each of the Big 3 actually means. Whether you're a loud Leo Moon with a Scorpio Rising or a triple threat, Sabrina’s here to help you decode your chart without the cosmic confusion. And now, when your tinder date asks you for your time of birth, you’ll know what they’re really trying to figure out!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Lost Keepers of Eilean Mòr (00:39:13)
What could be spookier than a lighthouse on a remote Scottish island in 1900? How about the unexplained disappearance of 3 Lightkeepers from that very setting…Join us this episode as we shine a big ol’ beam on the baffling mystery of the men that vanished without a trace. Was it a wave? Madness? Aliens? Sea ghosts? (Hey, we’re not ruling anything out.) We’re diving into the facts, the theories, and folklore that surround Eilean Mòr. So light a candle, don your oilskins, and get ready to keep the lamp alight on this maritime mystery!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:History Hit - Flannan Isle Mystery: When Three Lighthouse Keepers Vanished ForeverNational Records of Scotland - Flannan Isles Lighthouse Keepers: The disappearanceThe Flannan Isle Mystery - the mysterious disappearance of the Eilean Mor Lighthouse KeepersWikipedia - Flannan IslesNorthern Lighthouse Board - Flannan IslesAll That's Interesting - Inside The Chilling Flannan Isle Mystery Of The Three Lighthouse Keepers Who Suddenly Vanished In 1900All Poetry - Flannan IsleWikipedia - Rogue Wave Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #11: Mercury Retrograde (00:21:49)
Is your phone glitching, your ex texting, and every conversation turning into a full-blown miscommunication meltdown? Don’t panic! It might just be Mercury Retrograde, and Sabrina is here to break it all down (without the doom and gloom). We’re talking tech troubles, travel mishaps, and text messages you probably shouldn’t have sent…but also how to use this chaotic cosmic energy for reflection, rest, and a little bit of magical mischief. So light a candle and back up your files, mercury will be out of the microwave in no time!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All The Spinster Ladies (00:33:20)
Before “spinster” meant “unmarried woman with too many cats,” it actually referred to women who made their own money (gasp!) and didn’t need a husband to survive. In this episode, we unravel the origins of the word spinster, the shifting attitudes toward single women, and the absolute gold that was Tit-Bits Magazine, which asked Victorian women why they weren’t married, and got some brutally honest, highly relatable answers. Spoiler: not much has changed. So grab your spindle and your many cats, and join us as we celebrate the spinsters who spun their own fate, no husband required! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESWikipedia - SpinsterSmithsonian - ‘Spinster’ and ‘Bachelor’ Were, Until 2005, Official Terms for Single PeopleCosmopolitan - A brief history of the word "spinster" and how it's still used todayAwesome Inventions - An 1889 Magazine Asked Women Why They Think They’re Single. The Replies Were Hilariousr/historicalromance on Reddit - Tit Bits Magazine 1889- asked Victorian Single ladies the reason for their spinsterhood - and they DID NOT COME TO PLAY ! Which reply is your most favourite ? (all 20 replies transcribed in the post) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #10: Knot Magic (00:21:46)
Ready to tie up loose ends, literally and magically? In this episode, Sabrina breaks down the basics of knot magic, one of the oldest and simplest forms of spell-work. Whether you’re binding negativity, setting intentions, or storing energies for later; knot magic is all about using string, thread, or even your own shoelaces to work a little witchy wonder. So grab some rope and get ready to weave some magic into your life!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A Spoonful of Suffering (01:07:45)
You recognize the name “Kellogg” on your box of cornflakes, but Dr. John Harvey Kellogg wasn’t just a breakfast innovator, he was a full-blown health fanatic with some very questionable ideas. From his obsession with healthy living, to his extremely aggressive stance against certain…personal habits, Kellogg was on a mission to cleanse the body, mind, and…well, let’s just say he had a lot of thoughts about digestion. In this episode, we’re diving into the wild world of Kellogg’s sanitarium, his strange (and often horrifying) medical treatments, and how a cereal empire was born from a crusade against pleasure. Was he a forward-thinking health guru, a quack with a God complex, or just a man who really hated seasoning? Let’s find out! Grab a bland, fiber-rich snack and tune in. See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESBBC - Seventh-day AdventistsWikipedia - History of the Seventh-day Adventist ChurchWikipedia - John Harvey KelloggMcGill - The Enigmatic Dr. KelloggMelMagazine - The Disturbing True Story of Kellogg’s Anti-Masturbation CerealHistory.com - Dr. John Kellogg Invented Cereal. Some of His Other Wellness Ideas Were Much Weirdernpr - How The 'Battling' Kellogg Brothers Revolutionized American BreakfastForbes - The Surprising Reason Why Dr. John Harvey Kellogg Invented Corn FlakesAll That’s Interesting - The Wild Story Of John Harvey Kellogg, The Eccentric Wellness Guru Who Invented Corn FlakesUniversity of Michigan - “To Rid Society of Imbeciles”: The Impact of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s Stand for EugenicsBattle Creek Inquirer - How John Harvey Kellogg was wrong on raceWikipedia - Sojourner Truth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #9: The 12 Universal Laws (00:16:44)
This episode, Sabrina lays down the 12 laws…of the universe! If you’ve ever felt like life is playing by a set of rules you didn’t get the memo on, don’t worry. We’ll walk through how these principles shape our lives, because it’s always a good idea to reassess how we interact with the world. Whether you want to get better at attracting opportunities, or you’ve been hoping for a little karma to kick in, tune in for a new perspective! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Sewing Machine Wars (01:10:35)
The invention of the sewing machine was supposed to make life easier, so why did it spark one of the messiest patent wars in history? In this episode, we unravel the dramatic story of the sewing machine, from arsonist tailors and prophetic dreams, to legal battles and backstabbing. And of course we have to mention Isaac Singer, who was a real life Count Olaf and treated adultery as an olympic sport. Who knew sewing could be so scandalous? Grab your thimble and thread and join us as we stitch together the crazy history of sewing!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESGoldstar Tool - The Complete History of a Sewing MachineWindham Textile and History Museum - Sewing Revolution: The Machine That Changed AmericaSmithsonian Magazine - The Many, Many Designs of the Sewing MachineWikipedia - Sewing machineWikipedia - Barthélemy ThimonnierThoughtCo. - History of the Sewing MachineNational Museum of American History - 1854 - Walter Hunt’s Patent Model of a Sewing MachineWikipedia - Walter Hunt (inventor)Wikipedia - Elias HoweWikipedia - Isaac SingerBiography.com - Isaac SingerAmerican Business History Center - The Sordid Saga of Mr. Singer and his Sewing MachineWikipedia - Winnaretta SingerWikipedia - Overlock Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #8: Fire Ritual for Imbolc (00:09:04)
The days are getting longer, the ice is starting to melt (hopefully), and it’s time to shake off that winter slump…Imbolc is here! Sabrina walks us through a fire ritual to spark new beginnings, clear out stagnant energy, and bring a little warmth (literal and magical) into your life. So grab a candle, set your intentions, and join us as we welcome the return of the light. But remember, fire safety is key! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mary Did You Know? That You Spread Disease... (01:04:09)
Grab your masks and wash your hands reallyyyy thoroughly to join us on a journey through disease, denial, and the early days of germ theory. In this episode, we’re discussing Typhoid Mary, the cook whose meals came with an unexpected side of contagion. Tracking down this “living culture tube” was a real life Sherlock of disease, Dr Soper. Will Mary ever accept the truth that Dr. Soper is so desperate to make her understand? Tune in to find out! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCESWikipedia - Typhoid FeverWikipedia - Plague of AthensWorld Health Organization - TyphoidNational Library of Medicine - Mary Mallon (1869-1938) and the history of typhoid feverNational Library of Medicine - The Curious Career of Typhoid Mary by George Soper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #7: Self-Love Spell Jar (00:11:20)
In this magical mini-episode, Sabrina shares how to create a self-love spell jar that’s all about attracting positivity, boosting confidence, and embracing the magical masterpiece that is you! From choosing empowering herbs and crystals to sealing it all with intention (and a little wax), Sabrina walks you through every step. So grab your ingredients, channel those good vibes, and tune in for a dose of enchantment and empowerment! **Suggested ingredients listed on our instagramSee photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Terror on the Trail (00:47:08)
Pack your bags (or maybe don’t) and join us on a trip to the wild frontier of Kansas in the 1870s! We’re uncovering the chilling story of the Bloody Benders, a family of innkeepers who turned their home into a death trap for unsuspecting travelers. We’ll also explore the public’s obsession with their gruesome crimes, the manhunt that followed their disappearance, and the lingering mysteries of what really happened to the Benders. Hop on our horse and buggy as we piece together the grisly tale of America’s first serial killer family! See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:Wikipedia - Bloody BendersA&E - Who Were the 1870s Serial Killing 'Family' Known as the 'Bloody Benders'?Slate - The Story of the “Bloody Benders,” the Serial-Killing Family That Terrorized the Wild West—Then DisappearedCrime Reads - The Bloody Benders: America's First Family of Serial KillersMental Floss - The Bloody Benders, America's First Serial Killer Family Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #6: Manifestation 101 (00:14:07)
In our first episode of 2025, Sabrina is sharing her top tips for manifestation, so we can start the New Year on the right foot!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have a Spooky, Scary, Christmas (00:39:07)
After a brief hiatus, we’re coming back at you with some Victorian Christmas traditions! Think your holiday traditions are weird? The Victorians would like a word. In this episode, we unwrap the strange and spooky side of Victorian Christmas, because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like ghost stories by the fire, oysters for dinner, and Christmas cards featuring… dead birds? So grab some figgy pudding (whatever that is), and join us under the mistletoe as we deck the halls with a little Victorian weirdness!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!SOURCES:English Heritage - Victorian Christmas TraditionsVictoria & Albert Museum - Victorian Christmas traditionsCinema Live - 5 Fascinating Victorian Christmas TraditionsMental Floss - 11 Odd Victorian Christmas TraditionsKat Devitt - 7 Weird Victorian Christmas TraditionsHistory.com - Some of the Earliest Christmas Cards Were Morbid and CreepyAlexander Meddings - Victorian Christmas Traditions: the Good, the Bad & the Batsh*t MadFriends of Dalnavert - Have Yourself a Creepy Little ChristmasRanker - 25 Bizarre and Disturbing Victorian Christmas CardsThe Guardian - Shock of the old: 11 murderous and macabre Victorian Christmas cardsThe Conversation - Charles Dickens and the birth of the classic English Christmas dinnerCultura Colectiva - 17 Creepy Vintage Christmas Cards For The Ones Who Enjoy a Dark Holiday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #5: The Four Elements (00:15:04)
For our fifth episode of brief bewitchments, Sabrina covers the 4 elements, which are commonly used in witchcraft. Tune in for some bite-sized info on earth, air, fire, and water!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BB #4: Ouija for Beginners (00:16:09)
If you’ve been curious about using a spirit board, this is the episode for you! After Clara covered the history of ouija, Sabrina wanted to share her beginners guide on how to use it. P.S. Halloween flipped the order of episodes a bit, so this was recorded before the halloween episode!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Scares and Screams on Halloween (00:48:25)
Ever wondered how Halloween became the holiday of haunted houses, costumes, and candy? In this episode, we’re unraveling the eerie origins of Halloween and diving into some of the strange (and spooky) ways Victorians celebrated it. From its ancient Celtic roots as Samhaian, a night when the veil between worlds thinned, to the blend of superstitions and traditions that made it a night of magic, we’ll trace Halloween’s transformation into the holiday we know today. And Victorians put their own spooky spin on it! We'll explore their unique customs, from apple-bobbing to fortune-telling rituals meant to reveal future loves, and way more tricks than treats.***This episode starts with some noise interruptions, but they clear up less than 10 minutes in. CORRECTION: Clara refers to Lemongrab from Adventure Time as “Lemonhead” and does not realize her mistake!SOURCES:History.com - Halloween 2024History.com - Halloween Was Once So Dangerous That Some Cities Considered Banning ItFriends of Dalnavert - Victorian Hallowe’en: Love, Poetry, and Stingy JackCNN - From pagan spirits to Wonder Woman: A brief history of the Halloween costumeThe New York Times - Boo? Halloween Used to Be About Finding True LoveIrish Archaeology - Halloween in Irish FolklorePilgrimage In Medieval Ireland - Irish Halloween Traditions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ouija Play With Me? (01:01:10)
Get your candles and planchettes ready, because we’re summoning the story behind one of the most well known tools of the supernatural: the Ouija board! We’ll uncover its spiritualist roots, how it became a pop culture sensation, and the reputation it acquired during the satanic panic. And of course, Sabrina has a spooky Ouija story that further convinces Clara she won’t be handling a planchette any time soon. Tune in to say “GOODBYE” to any misconceptions you may have heard about this unique method of spirit communication!See photos discussed in this episode on our instagramFollow us on tiktok for videos that cover a condensed version of each topic!Luigi Board VideoSOURCES:Mysterious Planchette - Collection GalleryWikipedia - Fuji (planchette writing)Wikipedia - PlanchetteHistory Hit - The Strange History of the Ouija BoardVox - What "Ouija" actually means, and how the game has changedThe Guardian - The Ouija board’s mysterious origins: war, spirits, and a strange deathMental Floss - A Brief History of the Ouija BoardBuried Secrets Podcast - The History of Automatic Writing PlanchettesSmithsonian - The Strange and Mysterious History of the Ouija BoardBaltimore Magazine - Not Dead YetAtlas Obscura - How the Ouija Board Got Its NameWilliamfuld.com - New York Daily Tribune “THE NEW PLANCHETTE”Reader’s Digest - 10 Chilling Crimes Involving Ouija Boards Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
