November Q&A - ask a witch anything!

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I was just out walking and talking on the phone with my mum and I couldn’t help but notice how ORANGE the world is right now 🧡🍂🦊🔥🍁

Last year, do you remember how Storm Beatrice tore up all our autumn leaves and turned everything straight into winter? This year, we’re getting those joyful November colours to the max! Even I (the greenest of spring and summertime witches 🌱) can admit that autumn leaves make the colder days so much better.

It’s time for our November Q&A, where you put your witchiest and writing-filled questions to me. I've loved answering these. So scroll down and let’s go!

1. Have you ever looked into Chaos Magic? I have been hearing more and more about it recently but am struggling to understand it clearly. 

Yes! Chaos magic is something that’s been coming up for me time and time again recently. As someone who loves structure and order, the term ‘chaos magic’ doesn’t seem to be right up my street but I’m determined to understand it too. So, let’s do a deep dive.

Chaos magic is an eclectic magical practice that has come into being over the past 50 or so years. Unlike many traditional forms of magic, chaos magic doesn’t adhere to a specific set of teachings, symbols, or deities. Instead, it emphasises the use of whatever belief systems, symbols, and practices are most effective for the practitioner at a given time. It’s very focused on the individual practitioner (or magician as they appear to be known across the board) and their specific needs.

Put in this way, I can certainly see the appeal!

Chaos magicians often see belief as a tool that can be adopted and discarded to achieve their goals or results. They may change their belief systems and magical practices according to their current needs or desires, drawing from a wide range of sources, including elements of traditional magic, psychology, science, pop culture, and various religious and spiritual traditions. Practitioners are encouraged to use whatever symbols and methods resonate with them personally.

And it’s all done with a pinch of humour! Chaos magic often incorporates a sense of playfulness and fun, with practitioners not taking themselves or their rituals too seriously.

I don’t know if I’m 100% sold on the idea but it’s helpful to have an understanding of other magic(k)al ways of thinking. I hope this has been helpful! 😃

2. I've recently finished reading your newest book The Black Air and enjoyed it very much! I wanted to ask about the character Miss Rillington. I got the feeling that she knew more than she was letting on with regards to the Long Byrne witches. Was this intentional or was she simply acting as a sympathetic ear towards Cate?