Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast

Jane Bonis
  • 3.0 (2)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast! Jane Bonis—also known on social media as the Aquarian Music Witch (AMW)—is a Philly-based musician, witch, and philosopher on a journey through the realms of spirituality, music, politics, and beyond. In each episode, Jane invites you into their world, where the mystical meets the melodic. Whether diving into personal musings or engaging conversations with captivating guests, this podcast serves as a sanctuary for curious minds and free spirits. Episodes Explore: Spirituality: We talk awakening, divination, alchemy, magic, and energy… and navigate the complexities of these mystical concepts, including issues of whitewashing and appropriation that can obscure or even negate their truth. This podcast embraces a hopeful philosophy that honors magic while also critically examining it, and debunks common skeptical critiques that themselves may be entangled in colonization, to offer a nuanced philosophical understanding of these profound spiritual dimensions.Music: Jane brings an extensive education in the field of music, including multiple graduate degrees and hours of written and released original music, to the table as we discuss how societal structures estrange us from our own musicality and discourage us from realizing that our music is magical. This podcast encourages us to reclaim our own musical energy, and gives practical advice for doing so.Philosophy: We explore the depths of knowledge, meaning, and the divine, guided by principles of semiotics, intersectionality, and critical theory, among other frameworks. This podcast invites listeners to ponder life's deepest questions from diverse philosophical perspectives.Politics & Beyond: We navigate through intersections of politics, society, and spirituality, offering unique perspectives and critical analysis. Drawing inspiration from thinkers like Audre Lorde, Kimberle Crenshaw, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler, among many others, and in light of the transformative potential of the Age of Aquarius, we explore the interconnectedness of these elements that shape and influence our world.With a blend of introspection, wisdom, and a touch of magic, Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast is your guide to an eclectic, thought-stirring journey. Tune in for a symphony of ideas and a magical brew of enlightenment. Don't forget to subscribe, and join Jane on this mystical expedition!

  1. AMWPod S1E28 | Love, Poetry, and Spirituality: Interview With Karishma Singh Jani

    06/21/2024

    AMWPod S1E28 | Love, Poetry, and Spirituality: Interview With Karishma Singh Jani

    In this episode of "Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast," Jane engages in a profound dialogue with the multifaceted Karishma Singh Jani. Karishma, a poet, scientist, and philosopher raised in the Sikh tradition, shares their unique perspective on love, spirituality, and the Age of Aquarius. Karishma also introduces the Namgyalma Mantra, a powerful Buddhist chant, and discusses its significance in her spiritual practice. The conversation flows into the universal themes of living in peace, love, and joy, highlighting how these principles are essential for a fulfilling life. Find Karishma's book Ego Less here: https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Less-Karishma-Singh-Jani/dp/1916070620 Bio: Writer, philosopher, spiritual healer Instagram and TikTok: karishmasinghjani https://amwpod.supercast.com

    1h 16m
  2. AMWPod S1E27 | Oops! All Philosophy: Conversation with Will Cougar

    06/12/2024

    AMWPod S1E27 | Oops! All Philosophy: Conversation with Will Cougar

    In this episode of "Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast," Jane and Will dive deeper into the world of philosophy, exploring themes that challenge the traditional boundaries of the discipline. Join us as we discuss the often-overlooked perspectives within academic philosophy, starting with feminism and critical theory. Why are these crucial frameworks not more prominently featured in philosophy courses? Jane and Will share their insights and experiences, proposing alternative approaches to pedagogy that could create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. We then navigate the complex terrain of what constitutes the philosophical canon. Who decides what is considered essential reading, and what voices are left out? This conversation naturally leads us to postmodernism, examining how this movement questions and deconstructs established norms and truths. And of course, no philosophical discussion would be complete without mentioning Nietzsche. We discuss some of his most polemical ideas, including the notion that God is dead, and Jane explains how this led them to treat life itself as a work of art. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that encourages you to question the status quo and consider the broader spectrum of ideas that shape our understanding of philosophy. https://amwpod.supercast.com

    47 min
  3. AMWPod S1E26 | Witchcraft and Queerness

    06/05/2024

    AMWPod S1E26 | Witchcraft and Queerness

    Welcome to "Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast." In this episode, we dive into the intersection of witchcraft and queerness, honoring Pride month by exploring the historical and cultural ties between these two realms. The episode examines how witchcraft has often been a label for those considered sexually "other" or non-normative by society, and for otherness more broadly. Through stories of figures like Joan of Arc, Sister Benedetta Carlini, and Maria of Ximildegui, we trace connections between queer experiences, behaviors, and stereotypes, and accusations of witchcraft. In the conclusion, we explore how reclaiming magic and witchcraft can be an act of self-empowerment. Sources: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/server/api/core/bitstreams/1757db24-f833-4524-8988-cfc6f8f961d9/content https://ia903204.us.archive.org/8/items/ArthurEvansWitchcraftAndTheGayCounterculture/Arthur%20Evans%20-%20Witchcraft%20and%20the%20Gay%20Counterculture.pdf https://amwpod.supercast.com

    25 min
  4. AMWPod S1E25 | Leaving the Fold: Interview with Karrie Ann

    05/29/2024

    AMWPod S1E25 | Leaving the Fold: Interview with Karrie Ann

    CW: Mentions of child abuse. In this episode of Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast, Jane sits down with Karrie Ann for an intimate and revealing conversation about their parallel journeys growing up in and eventually leaving American evangelical Christianity. Despite belonging to churches that may appear different on the surface, Jane and Karrie share a surprising overlap of experiences, such as studying the Abeka curriculum (a popular but terrible religious and homeschooling program). The discussion also takes a serious turn as they explore how self-governed churches can often become breeding grounds for abuse and the subjugation of women, sharing personal stories and broader observations. As the conversation unfolds, Jane and Karrie reflect on the emotional and psychological impact of their upbringing and the challenges they faced in their paths to healing and self-discovery. The episode concludes on a hopeful note as they discuss the power of music, and the significance of finding new "third spaces" and communities outside of the church environment. Join us for a candid and heartfelt dialogue about faith, freedom, and the search for new ways to connect and belong. Subscribe to Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast for more episodes exploring intersections of music, spirituality, and personal growth. https://amwpod.supercast.com

    1h 27m
  5. AMWPod S1E24 | Philosophy and Spirituality: Interview with Will Cougar

    05/22/2024

    AMWPod S1E24 | Philosophy and Spirituality: Interview with Will Cougar

    In this episode of "Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast," Jane sits down with fellow Aquarius Will Cougar, to explore Will's spiritual journey and thinking. Will shares their quest for understanding, beginning with early questions about God and the nature of existence, which eventually led them to pursue a college degree in philosophy. As the conversation unfolds, Will also recounts transformative experiences with psychedelics, explaining the role they played in integrating and synthesizing philosophical insights with personal spiritual growth. Join Jane and Will for an episode filled with deep reflections, personal revelations, and a shared journey towards spiritual enlightenment. https://amwpod.supercast.com

    50 min
  6. AMWPod S1E23 | Fascism and the Age of Aquarius: Conversation with Will Cougar (Part II)

    05/15/2024

    AMWPod S1E23 | Fascism and the Age of Aquarius: Conversation with Will Cougar (Part II)

    In Part II of the conversation, Jane and Will Cougar continue to explore how Fascism influenced our popular conceptions of the Age of Aquarius and the Biblical Revelation. The pair discuss concepts including nonduality; the black sun and Nassim Haramein; the Philosopher's stone; Christian Zionism; the supremacist roots of chastity and purity; and tantric philosophy. Throughout the conversation, Jane and Will analyze the dangers of Fascism, particularly its tendencies towards division and objectification. They aim for a balanced approach that respects spiritual truths while rejecting extremist ideologies. This episode is part two of a two-part series where Jane and Will untangle complex histories and explore paths towards understanding and reconciliation. https://amwpod.supercast.com

    48 min
  7. AMWPod S1E22 | Fascism and the Age of Aquarius: Conversation with Will Cougar (Part I)

    05/08/2024

    AMWPod S1E22 | Fascism and the Age of Aquarius: Conversation with Will Cougar (Part I)

    In this episode of "Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast," Jane talks with Will Cougar, exploring how Fascism influenced our popular conceptions of the Age of Aquarius and the Biblical Revelation. Jane starts by discussing information from "The Aquarian Message" by Samael Aun Weor, touching on themes like the Age of Aquarius, the Great Reset, the Great Work, Christification, and the belief that Jesus is alive in Tibet. The discussion then shifts to the historical roots of some of these concepts in Fascism, drawing primarily from Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke's "Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity." They discuss figures such as Julius Evola, Helena Blavatsky, and Adolf Hitler, and discuss how Christian Zionism, non-dualism, and tantric philosophy are connected to these ideologies. Throughout the conversation, Jane and Will analyze the dangers of Fascism, particularly its tendencies towards division and objectification. They aim for a balanced approach that respects spiritual truths while rejecting extremist ideologies. This episode is part one of a two-part series where Jane and Will untangle complex histories and explore paths towards understanding and reconciliation. https://amwpod.supercast.com

    58 min
  8. AMWPod S1E21 | Interview with Melissa Dunphy

    05/01/2024

    AMWPod S1E21 | Interview with Melissa Dunphy

    In today's episode of "Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast," Jane sits down with the remarkable Melissa Dunphy, a true luminary in music composition. The conversation begins on the topic of the Hannah Callowhill Stage, an exciting upcoming performance venue spearheaded by Melissa and her husband, Matt, in Old City Philadelphia. Jane and Melissa next touch on Melissa's inspiring journey as a composer, particularly her exploration of political themes through music, and comment more generally on the intersection of politics and classical music. They question the construct of time especially in light of the pandemic's disruptions and its relevance to the realm of music, and discuss the transformative experience of sound walks and the art of deep listening, pondering whether political music holds the power to catalyze change on a global scale. Tune in as they unravel these fascinating threads and embark on a thought-provoking exploration of music's profound impact on our world. Bio: Born in Australia and raised in an immigrant family, Melissa Dunphy herself immigrated to the United States in 2003 and has since become an award-winning and acclaimed composer specializing in vocal, political, and theatrical music. She first came to national attention when her large-scale work the Gonzales Cantata was featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, National Review, and on Fox News and The Rachel Maddow Show, where host Rachel Maddow described it as "the coolest thing you've ever seen on this show." Other notable works include the song cycle Tesla's Pigeon, which won first place in the NATS Art Song Composition Award, and choral work What do you think I fought for at Omaha Beach? which won the Simon Carrington Chamber Singers Competition and has been performed nationally by ensembles including Chanticleer and Cantus. In 2024, Dunphy was awarded and Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts. She was the recipient of a 2020 Opera America Discovery Grant for Alice Tierney, an opera commissioned by Oberlin Conservatory which premiered in 2023 at Oberlin and Opera Columbus. She has been composer-in-residence for the Immaculata Symphony Orchestra, Volti, and the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, and her commissions include works for the BBC Proms, the BBC Singers, VOCES8, Cantus, the Mendelssohn Chorus, ACDA Eastern, the American Guild of Organists, and the Kennett Symphony. Dunphy is also a Barrymore Award-nominated theater composer and served from 2014-2023 as Director of Music Composition for the O'Neill National Puppetry Conference. Dunphy has a Ph.D. in composition from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.M. from West Chester University and is on faculty at Rutgers University. She is president of the board of directors for Wildflower Composers and serves on the board of Lyric Fest. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Matt; the Dunphys are currently the owners and developers of the Hannah Callowhill Stage, a new performance venue in Old City Philadelphia which they hope to open in 2026, and co-hosts of the popular podcast The Boghouse about their adventures in Philadelphia colonial archaeology. https://www.melissadunphy.com https://amwpod.supercast.com

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Welcome to Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast! Jane Bonis—also known on social media as the Aquarian Music Witch (AMW)—is a Philly-based musician, witch, and philosopher on a journey through the realms of spirituality, music, politics, and beyond. In each episode, Jane invites you into their world, where the mystical meets the melodic. Whether diving into personal musings or engaging conversations with captivating guests, this podcast serves as a sanctuary for curious minds and free spirits. Episodes Explore: Spirituality: We talk awakening, divination, alchemy, magic, and energy… and navigate the complexities of these mystical concepts, including issues of whitewashing and appropriation that can obscure or even negate their truth. This podcast embraces a hopeful philosophy that honors magic while also critically examining it, and debunks common skeptical critiques that themselves may be entangled in colonization, to offer a nuanced philosophical understanding of these profound spiritual dimensions.Music: Jane brings an extensive education in the field of music, including multiple graduate degrees and hours of written and released original music, to the table as we discuss how societal structures estrange us from our own musicality and discourage us from realizing that our music is magical. This podcast encourages us to reclaim our own musical energy, and gives practical advice for doing so.Philosophy: We explore the depths of knowledge, meaning, and the divine, guided by principles of semiotics, intersectionality, and critical theory, among other frameworks. This podcast invites listeners to ponder life's deepest questions from diverse philosophical perspectives.Politics & Beyond: We navigate through intersections of politics, society, and spirituality, offering unique perspectives and critical analysis. Drawing inspiration from thinkers like Audre Lorde, Kimberle Crenshaw, Michel Foucault, and Judith Butler, among many others, and in light of the transformative potential of the Age of Aquarius, we explore the interconnectedness of these elements that shape and influence our world.With a blend of introspection, wisdom, and a touch of magic, Aquarian Music Witch: The Podcast is your guide to an eclectic, thought-stirring journey. Tune in for a symphony of ideas and a magical brew of enlightenment. Don't forget to subscribe, and join Jane on this mystical expedition!

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