In this captivating episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Tea, the visionary behind Grandma Baby Apothecary and creator of the Black Gold Lenormand and 52 Blues Oracle decks. Tea shares her journey into Hoodoo, revealing how ancestral connections and spiritual reliance shape her creative work.
The discussion delves into the heart of Hoodoo, dispelling misconceptions and emphasizing its role as a practice of listening, community, and spiritual rebirth. Tea reflects on the importance of family stories, archival research, and honoring the grandmothers who guide us. She also explores the inspiration behind her divination decks, highlighting their role as bridges to the past and tools for self-discovery. Listeners are treated to insights on decolonizing spirituality, the power of Black storytelling, and the profound impact of Tea’s art.
Connect with Tea
Tea’s Safe Relocation Gofundme 🚨
IG: grandmababyapothecary
Substack: grandmababyapothecary.substack.com
In this compelling episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan welcomes Zahira Cabrera—activist, artist, and the voice behind Bad Dominicana—for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about survival, feminism, and reclaiming identity. Zahira shares her deeply personal journey, from enduring emotional abuse and racism in her marriage to becoming a global advocate for Black Latinx women. She recounts how her viral hashtag, #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou, shed light on the insidious nature of non-physical abuse, resonating with countless women and even leading to a TED Talk in Mexico.
The episode delves into the flaws of mainstream feminism, critiquing its elitism, performative sex positivity, and failure to protect marginalized women, especially young girls facing coercion and exploitation. Zahira challenges respectability politics, emphasizing that anger is justified and necessary when fighting systemic oppression. She also reflects on the complexities of motherhood, describing how raising her autistic daughter deepened her activism and exposed the harsh realities Black mothers face, from societal disdain to institutional neglect.
Art and cultural identity weave through the conversation as Zahira discusses her evocative watercolor paintings, which capture the essence of Caribbean life while honoring faceless, diasporic figures. She reveals how her creative roots trace back to her mother, a seamstress whose unrealized dreams in fashion mirror the erasure of Black and Latinx talent. The episode closes with Zahira’s vision for the future—her return to fashion and her unapologetic commitment to uplifting Black and Afro-Latina voices.
Blending humor, vulnerability, and sharp critique, this episode is a rallying cry for self-liberation, artistic expression, and the transformative power of speaking one’s truth.
Support Zahira’s Art & Activism
Shop: shopzahirakelly.com
IG: @Bad_Dominicana2.0
Twitter: @Bad Dominicana
Patreon: Bad_Dominicana
Download ‘The Alt Domi Mixtape’
Soundcloud
In this profound episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Rish De Terra, a cultural memory keeper, curator of The Annual Hoodoo Conference, and creator of Nine Minds Radio. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming ancestral roots, the role of community in spiritual practice, and the power of remembering as an act of resistance.
Rish shares her journey of spiritual awakening, from leaving the Nation of Islam to discovering Hoodoo and confronting cultural commodification by outsiders. She recounts pivotal moments, such as her transformative encounter with Mama Jean Taiwo and her viral Conjure Culture Demystified series, which sparked a movement to reclaim Hoodoo from exploitation.
The discussion explores themes like:
Cultural Memory Keeping: Honoring ancestors without the need for external validation.
Community as Protection: The resurgence of communal living and mutual support in spiritual practice.
Neurodivergence and Ancestral Gifts: Reframing "mental illness" as ancestral communication and the importance of grounding practices.
The Hoodoo Renaissance: How digital spaces like The Witches Brew fostered a decolonial resurgence in Black spirituality.
Rish also teases her upcoming docuseries, Conjure, which will spotlight Hoodoo’s elemental roots (Earth, Fire, Air, Water) and feature elders’ wisdom. The episode closes with a playful word-association game and a call to support Rish’s work.
A must-listen for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to ancestral traditions and the magic of authenticity.
Connect with Rish:
IG @NineMindsRadio
IG @freestyle_since_1984
LarishaStone@gmail.com
In this deeply enriching episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Gerard Miller—hoodoo practitioner, herbalist, doula, and textile artist—for a conversation that bridges ancestral wisdom, plant medicine, and the liberatory power of queer spirituality.
Gerard, a Baltimore-born, Seattle-based rootworker, shares their journey of returning to Chesapeake Bay conjure traditions after exploring Vodou, Ifá, and other diasporic paths. "We got spirits at home," their ancestors told them—a reminder that healing lies in the land, plants, and practices of their own lineage. From foraging Pacific Northwest herbs like devil’s club and salmonberry to adapting Igbo and Yoruba cosmologies, Gerard reveals how Black Southern hoodoo thrives through reinvention.
The discussion unfolds like a communal kitchen table chat, blending practical magic with profound insights:
Herbalism as Survival: Tips on garlic’s medicinal power (let it sit 10 minutes after chopping!), okra water for childbirth, and why white sage isn’t universal.
Queer Ancestral Liberation: Stories of gender-fluid orishas like Logunedé and Igbo traditions of "female husbands," challenging colonial binaries.
Craft as Resistance: The resurgence of Black quilting, broom-making, and basket-weaving as spiritual acts.
Nature as Nervous System Care: Why forest bathing isn’t a trend—it’s how humans are meant to live.
Gerard also critiques the hypocrisy of "conservative" values in spiritual spaces ("Why take morality lessons from a system that enslaved us?") and offers resources like Working the Roots by Michele E. Lee for those reclaiming herbalism.
This episode is a call to remember: Spirit work has always existed beyond binaries, and liberation grows where we tend it—whether in the soil, the stitches of a quilt, or the stories we refuse to let die.
To support the podcast, consider subscribing to The Boneyard on Substack for as little as $8 a month! For in-depth articles and commentary on afro-disasporic traditions, additional resources, and show notes: soulthings.substack.com
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Follow Gerard Miller & Altared Roots
www.altaredroots.com
Altared Roots Bookshop
IG: @altared.roots
FB: Altared Roots
In this captivating episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with her lifelong friend and unconventional thinker, Giovanni Luna, for a deep dive into spirituality, dreams, and the unseen connections that shape our lives. Titled "From Taft to The Astral Plane: Gio's Unconventional Wisdom," the conversation explores Gio's unique journey—from his formative years training at Harlem’s legendary Karate Institute under Dr. Hyman to his profound experiences with lucid dreaming, ancestral visits, and the spiritual energy of New York City’s parks.
Gio shares personal stories of out-of-body experiences, synchronicities with loved ones across dreams and reality, and the importance of honoring family traditions and intuition. The two also reflect on how their shared roots in Caribbean culture influence their spiritual practices, the significance of dreams as messages, and the power of creative expression as a form of liberation.
With laughter, nostalgia, and raw honesty, Nikki and Gio remind us that magic is everywhere—whether in the streets of East Harlem, the mangroves of Puerto Rico, or the depths of our subconscious. Tune in for a conversation that blurs the lines between the physical and the mystical, and discover how to embrace your own "unconventional wisdom."
"Dream, On!" dream journals are available for purchase at soulthingsbotanica.com
In this enlightening episode of How To Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with Mel of Luminary Wings to explore the power of an abundance mindset, spiritual healing, and the transformative journey of self-discovery. Mel shares her personal story of overcoming trauma, embracing Reiki, and building a community rooted in love and light. From debunking misconceptions about group rituals to discussing the magic of spiritual tools like tarot and crystals, this conversation is a heartfelt guide to living authentically and manifesting abundance.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
How Mel’s near-death experience led her to transform through love and create Luminary Wings.
The truth about group healing rituals and why individualism thrives in shared energy spaces.
The profound impact of Reiki—beyond relaxation—and how it unlocks hidden gifts.
Mel’s unexpected talent for spirit baby predictions and the divine messages behind them.
Honest reflections on parental relationships, forgiveness, and breaking generational cycles.
A fun detour into urban lit, drama, and the joy of fictional chaos (because balance is magic too!).
Whether you’re new to spirituality or deepening your practice, Mel’s wisdom on authenticity, courage, and creating your own magic will leave you inspired. Tune in and learn how to embrace your light—and maybe even predict a celebrity baby or two along the way.
🔗 show notes: soulthings.substack.com
Follow Mel: @luminary_wings (Twitter & TikTok) @luminarywings (BlueSky)
Follow Nikki: @iamdecd (Twitter) @soulthingsbk (IG & TikTok)
Follow HTBM: @howtobemagical (Twitter) @howtobemagicalpodcast (IG & TikTok)
In this electrifying episode of How to Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with the visionary Ace Blackwood of Hip Hop and Hoodoo for a conversation that blends spirituality, pop culture, and unapologetic Black femme magic. From the nostalgic allure of Y2K aesthetics to the rebellious power of mythology’s unruly women, Ace shares their journey as a filmmaker, illustrator, and conjure woman reclaiming ancestral traditions with a fierce, glamorous twist.
Highlights:
🔗 Show notes: soulthings.substack.com
Follow Ace: @HouseofBLKWD (Twitter) @hiphopandhoodoo (IG) @aceblackwood (TikTok)
Follow Nikki: @iamdecd (Twitter) @soulthingsbk (IG) @soulthingsbk (TikTok) | soulthingsbotanica.com
Follow HTBM: @howtobemagical (Twitter) @howtobemagicalpodcast (IG) @howtobemagicalpodcast (TikTok)
Host Nikki Buchanan (Soul Things Botanica) sits down with priestess and spiritual practitioner Iya Ajewole Osundara for a lively discussion blending spirituality, pop culture, and real talk.
Spiritual Paths: Iya’s journey from candle magic to becoming an Iyanifa, and the realities of Orisha practice.
Community Wisdom: Misconceptions about initiation, vetting elders, and why discernment matters more than ever.
Ancestral Work: Simple steps to begin (or deepen) your practice, plus why spiritual baths are non-negotiable.
Beyond the Altar: Iya’s love for romance novels, wrestling drama, and anime—and how hobbies keep her grounded.
Social Media Spirituality: The dangers of "instant guru" culture and honoring the "long game" of tradition.
Funny, unfiltered, and full of gems—perfect for seekers and seasoned practitioners alike.
🔗 Show notes: soulthings.substack.com
Follow Iya: @BrujaBanton (IG/Twitter/Bluesky) | iyalodescorner.com
Follow Nikki: @SoulThingsBK | soulthingsbotanica.com
Happy Women's History Month, yall!
In this episode of How To Be Magical host Nikki Buchanan unpacks what it means to be a Black woman in America, how stereotypes about Black women harm the collective and explores what it looks like to heal from these perceptions.
Head over to soulthings.substack.com for longer form articles and think pieces about this topic and many others.
Happy Black History Month Yall! Welcome back to the How To Be Magical podcast!
In this week's episode host Nikki Buchanan shares some tips and methods for staying cool, centered, and focused amid this political hellscape of a timeline we've found ourselves in. How can we center joy, community, and mental peace now? And how did our ancestors navigate the world with considerably "less" technology than we have today?
For more blog posts, articles, and community head over to The Boneyard on Substack at soulthings.substack.com.
Happy 2025! New year, new season of HTBM.
In this episode of HTBM host Nikki Buchanan discusses current events, the transit of Pluto in Aquarius, liberation, and what it means to be free in a time of deepening restriction and regression.
Our ancestors were considered unlawful because they refused to take bigotry, enslavement, and terrorism lying down.
Follow Nikki and Soul Things Botanica online at soulthingsbotanica.com and connect on Substack, BlueSky, and Instagram.
In this episode host Nikki Buchanan has an intimate chat with Midwest Hoodoo, spiritualist, early childhood educator and coffee lover, Miss Honey aka H.H. Jupitera. Author of "The Guide To A Sweet Life", Miss Honey shares the way she connects with spirit, her journey as an educator and how she uses her platform to help others connect with the Divine.
Follow Miss Honey on Twitter and TikTok at @Misshoneymagick and subscribe to her substack for daily devotion, inspiration and magical musings at Miss Honey | Substack
Happy Hoodoo Heritage Month, y'all!! In this episode of The How To Be Magical Podcast host Nikki Buchanan of Soul Things Botanica sits down with Hoodoo, conjurer, pythoness, and love witch Nessy Whitmire. Listen in as Nikki and Nessy talk all things low country, astrology, love work and the importance of glamour as a magical practice.
For show notes, clips and resources from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, Twitter at @howtobemagical, and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
In this episode of the How To Be Magical Podcast host Nikki Buchanan of Soul Things Botanica sits down with Loli Moon of Mystic Moon Medicine about her work as an astrologer, ancestral roots in Jamaica, and women's liberation. Check out Mysticmoonmedicine.com to learn more about Loli and her practice. For show notes, clips and resources from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, Twitter at @howtobemagical, and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
In this episode of How To Be Magical host Nikki Buchanan has a chat with Bronx native Angelica Crespo aka Angie Thee Brujx. Angie is multidisciplinary brujx that specializes in herbal medicine, reiki, tarot, sound therapy. Angie is also a practicing doula and birth worker. To learn more about Angie Thee Brujx and her practices follow them on Instagram @theebrujx.
For show notes, clips and resources from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, Twitter at @howtobemagical, and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
Host Nikki Buchanan talks about her new book "The Lil Book of Glamour Baths" and the importance of using glamour magic in our everyday lives.
Download a free digital version of the book at Soulthingsbotanica.com.
In this episode of How To Be Magical, host Nikki Buchanan sits down with singer, author, and Hoodoo Jay St. Flono to discuss about their new book "Black American Magic: A Feast of Food & Folklore". Available for purchase at Barnes & Noble.
Follow Jay on instagram at @jaysaintflono and on Twitter at @zorascreation
For show notes, resources and clips from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, on Twitter at @howtobemagical and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
In this last installment of "The Good Spirits Return" and the second half of host Nikki Buchanan's conversation with Alex and his Yayi Mercedes, Alex continues his tale of discovering which house was best for him, his journey as a medium, and his relationship with his godmother Mercedes.
To learn more about navigating your natural gifts from Mercedes follow her on Instagram at @Cubanthingssynergy. To keep up with Alex and his astral adventures follow him on TikTok at @itsalexsiwa.
For more show notes, resources and clips from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, on Twitter at @howtobemagical and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
In the final installment of The Soul of Masquerade host Nikki Buchanan speaks with her good friend - native Brooklynite, Orisha devotee, carnival enthusiast, and flight attendant, N'ima Alston.
N'ima shares her connection to carnival culture, how it's transformed her personhood, and how she incorporates the culture into her life.
To follow N'ima's adventures in the sky and on the ground follow her on Instagram at @nimasco.
For more show notes, resources and clips from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, on Twitter on @howtobemagical and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
In the third installment of "The Good Spirits Return" host Nikki Buchanan of Soul Things Botanica speaks with multi-disciplinary practitioners Alex and his Godmother Mercedes about their roots and experiences with different spiritual systems.
To learn more about navigating your natural gifts from Mercedes follow her on Instagram at @Cubanthingssynergy. To keep up with Alex and his astral adventures follow him on TikTok @itsalexsiwa.
For more show notes, resources and clips from this episode follow the podcast on Instagram at @howtobemagicalpodcast, on Twitter at @howtobemagical and bookmark the website soulthingsbotanica.com
