Do we detect the slightest chill in the air? This week Christine and Em dial up the goosebumps to discuss the devoted pets of witches — and let’s make one thing clear from the jump. These aren’t just cute, loyal fur babies. They’re spooky little demons! Allegedly controlled by an evil spirit, they had way more tricks up their sleeves than “sit” and “stay.” Take a walk through the blood-spotted history of... familiars ?‍⬛ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

Cool aunts, saints’ body parts, and inescapable demonic possession — this episode has truly got it all. Christine and Em rewind the true* story behind the 1973 horror film, The Exorcist. Is it a tale so chilling your ears will frost over? You gotta listen to find out. Let’s get into the allegedly real-life exorcism of a young boy named Ronald Hunkeler... aka, the infamous Roland Doe ? *maybe completely made-up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

Now *that* is a malevolent look... This week Em and Christine take an around-the-world tour of Evil Eye lore! How much power is there in a hostile stare? And what happens if you’re on the receiving end? (Spoiler: nothing good!) From ancient amulets to modern accessories, Em and Christine are making heads and tails out of the “little blue eyeball-lookin’ thing” that wields so much force ?️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

In the 1940s, an actual rocket scientist tried to summon the goddess of sexuality. Why? To turn her into a flesh-and-blood human being, naturally! This week, Christine and Em open the book on the strange saga of JPL co-founder Jack Parsons, and his quest to create a moonchild using a series of rituals known as... Babalon Working ? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

It’s an ancient artifact rumored to hold the secrets of the universe, including instructions on how to make a Philosopher’s Stone. And it’s shown up in history enough times to make its mystery all the more alluring. So who’s up for a treasure hunt?? Em and Christine chase after the most mysterious document ever — the elusive, priceless Emerald Tablet ? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

You know what makes for a toxic mix? Political power and spiritualism! Which is right where we land with today’s story of a man known as the Mad Monk: fugitive, fortune teller, and self-proclaimed healer. Christine and Em mull over the imperial influence and wild rumors surrounding the ever-controversial figure... Rasputin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

History has shown us that false accusations of witchcraft can be weaponized against vulnerable women. But it’s not a practice we’ve totally left behind. This week Christine and Em talk about the present-day witch camps of Ghana, where women accused of practicing the dark arts are banished. Today’s episode is heavy on some pretty dark facts and stats, but there *is* some light at the end of the tunnel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

Tree bark. Bird brains. Earthworms. Not the most seductive-sounding ingredients! And yet they’ve all been used to charm the socks off potential lovers for centuries. Christine and Em lap up the fascinating history of love potions, from the “love cakes” of the Middle Ages, to an around-the-world tour of concoctions and aphrodisiacs, to modern interpretations of this ~slightly~ problematic practice. Drink up, me hearties? ❤️‍? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

They’ve got souls, they’re soldiers, and while they technically haven’t existed for centuries, some say they’re now a secret society. Christine and Em meet at the intersection of religion and the occult to shake down the origins (and legacy! and curses!) of... The Knights Templar ⚔️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices ..read more

What do invisible astral jellyfish and egg-laying lemurs with eyes in the back of their heads have in common? They each appear in “The Secret Doctrine,” the masterwork of a famed occultist known for co-founding the Theosophical Society and SERIOUSLY messing with biographers. So, how much of this episode is even true?! Em and Christine root around for the real truth surrounding… Helena Blavatsky ? This is the last episode of Rituals. On behalf of everyone here at Parcast, thank you for listening! You can still catch Christine and Em each week on their other podcast, And That's Why We Drink. Le ..read more