New World Witchery - The Search for American Traditional Witchcraft

Episode 203 – Dabbling in Witchcraft with Don Martin

·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

Author Dawn Martin explains why his book 'The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft' embraces beginners and challenges serious magical norms.

This episode of New World Witchery features an interview with author and podcast host Dawn Martin, recorded at the start of 2022. Hosts Cory and Laine introduce Martin as the author of 'The Dabbler's Guide to Witchcraft' and former host of 'Inciting a Riot', now rebranded as 'Head on Fire'. Martin explains why he chose the title 'dabbler' to challenge the stigma against beginners in witchcraft communities. He discusses demographic trends, noting that spiritual but not religious people represent a growing group seeking magic that aligns with modern values. Martin defends the importance of expertise in witchcraft, using plant safety as an example to argue that traditional knowledge prevents harm. He describes his 'spell canvases' method, which encourages beginners to use everyday items like teabags for magic instead of prescribed ingredients. The conversation explores pop culture magic, with Martin citing inspirations from shows like Kipo and X-Men, and how these sources can inform spiritual practices. Martin reflects on social media identity, discussing how audiences engage with curated versions of creators like himself. He shares personal anecdotes, such as using masks in ritual from his theater background. The interview touches on Martin's future projects, including a novel and potential follow-up witchy books. Throughout, the hosts and guest maintain a conversational tone, blending serious topics with humor and personal insights.

As heard by us

A grounded case for making magic with what is already close at hand.

New World Witchery frames beginner anxiety around a useful question: what changes when witchcraft is understood as practice, not a shopping list?

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Why you'd press play

You can press play when a spellbook's ingredient list starts looking more like a shopping assignment than a magical practice.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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