Sigils, Ritual & Living Your Magic through Witchcraft w/ Swailes (The Bell Witch Podcast)
In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson is joined by Swailes from The Bell Witch Podcast for a candid conversation about discovering effective magic and releasing what doesn’t work. They discuss their first experiences with sigil magic, including the meaningful act of baking and eating a sigil as a ritual for self-worth and growth. The talk then shifts to the impact of words, the importance of speaking kindly to yourself as an act of magic, and how we often slip into patterns of self-criticism without noticing. Swailes describes their personal method for creating sigils, which is a slow, meditative practice that takes hours, followed by daily work and charging. They also talk about simplifying your craft, moving away from spiritual consumerism, and trusting your instincts rather than sticking to rigid guidelines. There’s a reflection on using inherited tools, the practice of using a single crystal for Reiki, and the magic found in objects that carry history. The episode wraps up with a discussion about witchcraft as a journey home, one that reshapes boundaries, self-worth, and how you navigate the world. Topics covered include:
Sigil magic and embodied ritual
The power of words and intention
Simplifying witchcraft practice
Reiki, crystals, and ancestral tools
Witchcraft as a path of personal change
