Today I am joined by Carla from our coven to talk about death, grief, poisonous plants, her craft and a whole lot more in this episode! This is part one as the interview was so long my software couldn't cope with the duration so I have released as a two parter.

Carla Valentine is a qualified Senior Mortuary Technician, and is currently the human remains conservator at Barts Pathology Museum in London. Her career caring for the dead has spanned over 20 years. She is a writer and broadcaster, featuring on TV shows such as The Bone Detectives, Fatberg Autopsy and Ancient Unexplained Files, and has a podcast called Mortem on BBC Sounds. Her first book, Past Mortems, documents her career carrying out autopsies for a decade, and the follow up, The Language of Bones - out October 1st 2026 - is a deeper exploration of death practices and the human condition. She also penned Murder Isn't Easy: The Forensics of Agatha Christie, and her next book, Planted Evidence - all about gardens, graves and poisonous plants - will be published in 2028.

Carla's career informs her craft and she incorporates death meditation (mortality salience) into her practice as well as the use of body fluids and bones. She runs a small goth gardening business called Morticulture and is obsessed with the dark side of horticulture and its history.

You can find Carla here -
Website: www.carlavalentine.co.uk
Insta (human remains/work): @past_mortems
Insta (personal): @carlavalentineuk
Insta (Morticulture): @morticult
Tik Tok: @carlavalentineuk

Our book review is Collected Curiosities - More Stories and Recipes from the Historical Apothecary Cabinet by Amanda Edmiston.

Find my newly released The Book of Tides, a seasonal grimoire that explores the Summer Solstice through a look at the element of water. We begin with the history and traditions of Litha but the heart of this book is devoted to the mysteries of sacred waters.

Inside you will find the origins, folklore, correspondences and magickal themes of Litha. Tarot/oracle abd journal prompts for Litha, Solar Magick, making Sun Water and how to use it in your craft, a Sun invocation ritual, a delve into the element of water, its magickal correspondences, symbolism and working with its energy in your craft, Waters of the Otherworld - sacred wells, enchanted springs, Celtic lore, Arthurian legend, sea spirits, the River Styx, Achilles and ancient beliefs surrounding magickal waters.

We also look at Waters of the Witch including the folklore and magickal uses of black water, brackish water, dew, fog, hail, fountain/well water, war water, ice, rain water, river/lake, sea, marsh and waterfall water. Also how it was used by witches, healers and cunning folk traditionally.
Learn how to make Witch's Holy Water, explore moon water and guidance on the magickal properties and uses of water from the full, waxing, waning, dark and new moon phases.
We also look at mermaids, selkies and witchcraft connected to them.
We look at Midsummers Eve and its ancient connection to dream and intuitive magick, the witchs grimoire and some kitchen witchery.

Alongside the zine you can order The Book of Tides witch box that includes hand dressed anointed spell candles - The Love Witch blend incorporating rose oil, rose petals, chamomile and lavender for use in self love, confidence, manifestation rituals and spell work. The Love Witch herb blend for spell jars/bags, rituals, spell work, bath rituals or offerings.

Wheel of the Year altar image and incense sticks also included. I ship all over the globe and am a five star Etsy seller - order here - Patreons can benefit from 15% discount -
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/4520151444/the-book-of-tides-a-litha-witch-box

Join us in The Hedge & Hollow to join our Tarot theme. We begin by exploring the history and spirit of tarot, looking at the different ways the cards can be used and how to build a meaningful relationship with your deck.

We explore the foundations of tarot including the four suits, the four elements, numbers, court cards and the rich symbolism that runs through the deck.
Journey through the tarot temple where the card that most wishes to work with you reveals itself. Through a guided meditation you will meet the energy, message or wisdom that is waiting for you within the cards.

In our final week we explore tarot as a tool for self-reflection and transformation. Together we will look at archetypes, shadow cards, repeating cards and the ways tarot can guide us towards deeper self-understanding and future possibilities.

You can access all of this through the sorceress tier for £8 a month and can be cancelled at any time.

https://patreon.com/TheHedgeandHollow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Join us through The Witches who run with the Wolves tier for a Litha gathering on Thursday 18th June via zoom from 7pm UK time. A replay will be live the following day if you cannot make it on the day. We will be looking at the origins of Litha, how you can celebrate it, a Litha meditation and a chance for the coven to catch up and celebrate together. Its £13 to sign up through this tier and you can cancel at any time.

https://patreon.com/TheHedgeandHollow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

For PR, Media, general enquiries please email me at carly@thewhitewitchcompany.co.uk

Find me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewhitewitchpodcast/?hl=en-gb

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