On Wednesdays we like to feature witches from the community that inspire us. Today we would like to introduce you to our Boss Witch, Jane Jackalope! Not only did she create the community of Witch Swap, but she also runs Spirit + Bones, as well as co-created a new venture called Coven.Market with the folks from Witch.With.Me.

It has been a while since we have shown the face behind the swap, and this week’s theme over at Witch.With.Me is #bosswitches so it was perfect timing! Jane is the one who does all the match making, customer service, and coordinating behind the scenes of all of the swaps! Chances are, if you’ve ever had questions or problems with your swap- you’ve talked with her!

Take a few moments and get to know her better by reading the following interview about her and her practice!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your practice:

I came across witchcraft at a young age, through a middle school friend. As I had been exploring many different religions and beliefs, finding something so different was really exciting. It spoke to my true self and gave me the autonomy I really desired. I felt like those around me had just been following a path someone else had dictated. Witchcraft appealed to my outsider and punk influences. It was like the DIY version of belief. No God-No Masters. Choose your own adventure- being a Sagittarius that was very appealing.

Unfortunately, growing up the the Southern US, witchcraft didn’t go over well with those around me. I was almost expelled from school and basically grounded for life when I was outted from the broom closet. Its never easy to tell someone you’re a witch- especially not when you’re a 13 year old- but it’s even harder when they find out on their own.

The word ‘witch’ is definitely a polarizing one. it draws a line in the sand for most folks- its repulsive or intriguing. For me, it has always meant owning your power. I began practicing from a Wiccan perspective, but as I have matured in my practice I have fallen away from most labels.

I pray to the goddess Kali Ma, and sometimes to the God Ba’al. I usually don’t cast circles unless its for a very formal ritual. I am just starting to learn about Tantra. My favorite way to cast a spell is to do candle magick- which is also my favorite way to make offerings to Kali. I enjoy venturing into the upper and lower worlds through trance meditation. I also like to make ritual artwork through the process of creating dyes from natural materials and imparting their energies with bones.

The process of artwork is very important as a part of my spiritual journey, and I find a lot of serenity and power in the surrender of the act of creation. Its very similar to an action meditation, letting things unfold before me- not judging, just flow.

Can you explain your process of creating artwork for Spirit + Bones?

Definitely! For me, everything begins with meditation. I’ll sit with an intention or idea- and allow it to unfold in front of me. I take notice of what emotions, colors, or images come to the surface and begin working from there. A lot of time I am just literally sitting with death- bones, blood, fur. The process is how I honor the spirit- Letting the work speak through my actions.

All of my dyes are coaxed out of plants and metals in a manner not far from alchemy. To me, the blending of color and intention is a powerful way to convey messages and I am able to communicate a lot through simple symbols.

For example, one of my favorite dyes is a pomegranate iron dye. It comes out jet black- which is a color of protection, power, stillness. The plants and metal its made from correspond with protection-iron, but also the underworld-pomegranate. I use these ideas as metaphor to make pieces that function as spirit vessels, which can allow a person to connect with the unseen. Its a very powerful thing.

Each bone speaks to me, and tells me stories of its life and the lives around it. It reminds me of how inner-connected we all are, and how death is nothing more than a doorway. Even in the simplest way- we are food for something, and then we become a part of that. Our bodies are comprised of the lives of thousands of others. When we die, our bones provide nourishment for animals, the soil, and plants. It’s a beautiful way to visualize how we are all a part of the same thing.

Tell us about why you created Witch Swap?

I live in a very isolated area- its 5 miles down a dirt road just to get to my mail box. The feelings many are experiencing right now due to the quarantine are what I was experiencing when I came across the idea for the package swap. I yeared to be apart of a community that I didn’t have access to. I missed being around like-minded folks.

During a meditation, a guide came through with the idea for this community. At first it was wildly exciting, and at the same time terrifying and impossible. Surely I couldn’t do something as big a creating an international community! If only the reality was as easy as the idea! Haha!! Its been quite a learning process, with lots of ups and downs.

I hoped to help bring a community to those who were hoping for this space. I wanted to bring a bit of happiness and joy into the lives of others. Gifting is one of my favorite ways to share a bit of myself with people. I love being able to make someone else happy! Giving gifts is such a beautiful experience, because it makes everyone joyful. Nothing puts a smile on my face quicker than giving a gift straight from my heart!

I think that part of being a witch can mean a lot of loneliness. So many of us are looking for our tribe, trying to find like minded folks! I made this space for people like that- The ones who wish they had more witchy friends. It can be hard to find other witches in “real life” because of a lot of us are in the broom closet. I hope to provide a space where anyone who wants to make a new friend will find the space to do so!