the VILLAGE Voices
Welcome to The VILLAGE Voices—a podcast by House of Heeling Co., where healing is a collective journey and every voice matters.
At House of Heeling, we believe in the power of shared experiences. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it thrives in community. That’s why The VILLAGE Voices is more than just a podcast; it’s a platform where our guides and members share their unique stories, wisdom, and transformative journeys.
Each episode, we step into the sacred space of storytelling, weaving together the voices of healers, thought leaders, and community members who embody the many facets of holistic healing. From spiritual wisdom and metaphysical insights to practical wellness techniques, we highlight the diverse paths that lead us to wholeness.
As we walk through our 13-month journey together, each month will align with a specific theme, offering conversations that inspire, educate, and empower. Whether it’s meditation, energy healing, eco-therapy, or ancestral wisdom, we explore the modalities that bring us closer to balance—individually and collectively.
The VILLAGE Voices is a living, breathing reflection of our community. We invite you to listen, engage, and share your story. Because when we heal together, we rise together.
Join us in this movement of transformation and connection. Right here. Right now.
Let’s heal—together.
the VILLAGE Voices
Discovering Personal Magic with Alice Estrella Strange
Discover the transformative magic of rituals with our extraordinary guest, Alice Estrella, the visionary behind the Modern Mystic Academy. Alice opens up about her personal journey into the world of plant medicine and energy work, sharing how small, intentional practices have the power to shift our lives and align us with our true selves. She passionately describes her mission to create a nurturing community that fosters growth and self-discovery, inspired by her own challenges in the mystical realms.
Explore the liberating worlds of witchcraft and shamanism as Alice recounts a life-changing encounter with a book on Paganism that set her on her path. We delve into the significance of these spiritual practices as forms of empowerment and freedom, while highlighting the crucial role rituals play in personal growth. At the heart of our discussion is the Modern Mystic Academy, a supportive space where seekers can explore their spiritual paths without judgment, blending modern insights with ancient wisdom.
Step into the enchanting world of herbal magic as we discuss the healing properties of yarrow and American nightshade. Alice shares practical tips on incorporating rituals into everyday life, transforming mundane routines into sacred practices. With stories of transformation and community support, we invite you to embrace your authentic self and view personal growth as a lifelong journey, supported by the vibrant community at the Modern Mystic Academy. Join us and be inspired to reclaim your magic and step into your power with consistency and intention.
Hey guys, so glad you saw the light on. We left it on just for you. Come on in, your cup of tea is still warm, and by tea I mean, we've got some incredible stories and insights to share with you. I'm Carmen Marie, your favorite neighborhood shaman, on a mission to heal the world, one inner child at a time. Now get in here and let me introduce you to my friends and co-hosts.
Speaker 1:Welcome to Voices in the Village, the podcast where we explore the stories, wisdom and transformative journeys within our vibrant community. I'm Shaman Carmen Marie, founder of House of Healing and your host for today's inspiring conversation. Together, we are going to uncover the magic, strength and resilience that unites us seekers and guides on our shared quest for growth and empowerment. So today is all about transformation how small, intentional practices can create powerful shifts in our lives, and how embracing rituals can help us align with our truest selves. And who better to guide us through this conversation?
Speaker 1:Today's episode is all about transformation how small, intentional practices can create powerful shifts in our lives and how embracing rituals can help us align with our truest selves. And who better to guide us through this conversation than our very first guest, alice Estrella? Strange Alice is the founder of the Modern Mystic Academy, a visionary in plant medicine and a powerful guide in the realms of witchcraft and energy work. I've had the honor of witnessing Alice's work firsthand and I can confidently say her wisdom is truly life-changing. She brings a grounded yet deeply magical approach to everything that she does, and I can't wait for you to hear her perspective. So welcome Alice.
Speaker 2:Thank you so much. That's such a wonderful introduction. I appreciate that. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 1:Yes, absolutely. So happy to have you here. So let's dive into Alice's story and explore her incredible work and discover how rituals and consistency can help us in reclaiming our magic and stepping into our power. So let's start with your journey, Alice. What inspired you to create the Modern Mystic Academy and how has your path shaped the work that you do?
Speaker 2:Yes, so I created Modern Mystic Academy because when I was beginning my journey, when I was starting out with magic, it's hard to know what to learn, where to go, who to trust, and that was my biggest struggle. So I really wanted to provide a space where people can come and learn in community and really grow as a collective.
Speaker 1:I love that. I love it, and you're doing just that Awesome. Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that led you to embrace your gifts? Can you think of a moment where you stepped into the role as guide?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think it was a very unexpected, unintentional moment. I was in a community that helped me a lot, really helped me grow, and when I stepped away from the community, there were a lot of former members, a lot of people who loved up to me, who still wanted someone to guide them, and I realized, okay, like now's my opportunity, it's time to embrace my full self and just support these other people through what I already have done for myself.
Speaker 1:So, for those that feel disconnected or overwhelmed, what advice would you give them to start taking that first step toward transformation and stepping into their gifts and their roles in their communities?
Speaker 2:I think if you're feeling disconnected, if you're feeling overwhelmed, it's a good time to step back and reflect and evaluate where you are. As far as taking that step, I think one small, manageable practice that you can dive into and explore and master in a way is a good place to start. Don't overwhelm yourself and allow yourself to make mistakes. Allow yourself to be a beginner, because mistakes are how we grow.
Speaker 1:Mistakes are how we grow Absolutely, and that's all a part of our own personal journey, right? We all step into mistakes as we are on this path of becoming our best selves. So can you share a bit about your personal journey and how you first discovered witchcraft and mysticism?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so I was not intending to find witchcraft. I was meeting some new friends, hanging out with new people, and I was given a book and it was called Paganism, an introduction to earth-centered religions, by Higginbotham, and it really changed the entire game for me. It really opened me up to the fact that our Earth is magic and so is everything else, and I never turned back. That was the beginning of the end.
Speaker 1:I'm curious are you still friends with the person who gave you the book?
Speaker 2:Yes, the person who gave me the book was actually my wife now.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's awesome. That's an awesome twist right there. I wasn't expecting that. That ending in that story. That's amazing.
Speaker 2:I guess she knows how to pick books. She does. She's a very intuitive person.
Speaker 1:That's amazing. Okay, so I have a question that I want to ask, and I just I do want to be honest. I don't quite know how to ask it, and I think that's why I want to ask the question. I am a practicing shaman and so I know that sometimes, around these labels and titles, there's preconceived notions or stories that are told. But what? How did you first feel about the term witchcraft, and what did it mean to you before, and what does it mean to you now?
Speaker 2:I think originally witchcraft felt unattainable. It felt very that's not for me. I love it, but it's not for me, and once I realized that it was for me, it is freedom To me. It is complete and total freedom to be who you are, to do what you want to do and make radical changes that change your life. It's all about the freedom and the power.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 1:I love that and it's the same for me in terms of shamanism is that it's more of a they are, the practices are pillars, really, of values and making a conscious decision to communicate and to be activated with the entire universe and all of its living beings.
Speaker 1:So it's more of a commitment to walk in a path that is conscious of yourself and others. Really. I think that's and thank you for letting me ask it in that way, because I'm going to be honest like the term witchcraft or shamanic or spiritual or energy work to others who aren't practicing or haven't really had a lot of education, or it's not something that they are used to talking about. They don't understand that it could very well be the thing that can give them the transformation or allow them to create the transformation that they're looking for in their lives and to be more empowered and to be conscious creators of their own reality. So it's important that we start talking about these identities, these identifications, in ways that aren't there's no stigma around it, right, like we're just talking about. So thank you, okay, the Modern Mystic Academy emphasizes the power of rituals. Why do you think rituals are so transformative and how can small practices create big shifts in someone's life?
Speaker 2:That's a big question. I think ritual is so special because everything is energy and rituals are making change at an energetic level. And when we do those small intentional changes and take the time to tap into the collected energy within ourselves and within the world, it creates small shifts every day, every time that impact our lives on a greater level.
Speaker 1:Can you explain what the ritual of becoming means to you?
Speaker 2:level. Can you explain what the ritual of becoming means to you? The ritual of becoming to me is a journey stepping into your full self, your authentic self, outside of expectations, outside of fears and doubts and what everybody else thinks, and embracing the full you. And we do it in small intentional actions every day, little intentional pieces all put into place that lay out the groundwork for the journey of becoming yourself.
Speaker 1:And collectively put together, is the ritual of becoming, because it's a constant act and choice. Yeah, to make time for practices and rituals and to ground and center ourselves.
Speaker 2:So beautiful.
Speaker 1:So clearly. Rituals are important to you personally and you've developed the Modern Mystic Academy. Can you tell us how the Academy helps seekers find their footing on their own path?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I think the biggest hurdle when you're starting is just not knowing what direction to take or being overwhelmed. And so, with the Academy, my goal is to give small, manageable, digestible pieces of wisdom that you can slowly integrate into your life, and do it in a community where you can support each other. Plus, I think a big part of the equation here is we're always working in integration and shadow work and providing the healing we need to fully embrace and integrate all of the wisdom.
Speaker 1:Right, and how do you approach, how do you teach this in an academy setting with someone who might not know what any of this means? Right, With someone who's completely new to this journey or maybe they're skeptical.
Speaker 2:I think for myself, the way I hold the academy. Magic is very much a science. Right, we don't have the data, but there are ways we can point to it in nature and all along the way, I'm always teaching them, guiding them toward look at yourself, look at the psychology, look at science and see how this feels real for you. And it's never about changing anyone's mind. It's about allowing them to find their own truth, absolutely.
Speaker 1:You talked about herbs and plants you work closely with them and plant spirits. You talk about plant spirits, and is this what you teach in the academy, and what role do these energies have in your academic structure?
Speaker 2:Yeah, we do teach it a lot. It flows through everything, because the foundation of my practice is that the earth is magic and I think that really does flow into all we do. And so in the academy we bring herbs in more than just a tool, more than just a correspondence, an ingredient. They are an ally, and I teach everyone the process of stepping into an allyship with a plant spirit, in small, manageable steps and bringing them into alignment with your purpose, and I think it's a really powerful transformational journey and relationship to build.
Speaker 1:That really does sound magical. Every time I talk to you, I'm reminded of and it's something that I feel naturally, like you is a connection to plants, but I'm reminded of the ability to use that connection day to day, in every moment. So I have found myself more recently just being more intentional about making time to connect and communicate with allies. So thank you for that, thank you for inspiring that in me. Okay, so for someone who, how can seekers start to connect with allies on their own, in their own practices? What are some things that they can do?
Speaker 2:Yeah, Great question. I think this is the question. You get a lot. How do I even begin? I always say start with where you are, plants that are local to you, Go outside, find a plant if there's one in your house and just start observing, start watching intentionally and talk to them, have a conversation. It sounds silly, but it really does work. Talk to them, have a conversation. It sounds silly, but it really does work. And I think another great way to step into this is meditating with the plant, and intentional teas are also a really good place to start.
Speaker 1:I've been really drinking a lot more tea lately, especially at night. I've been mixing a honey chamomile with bengal spice. It's so good, so good. All right, I'm inspired to ask you if you have a favorite plant nearby, or a favorite ally, shall I say because I'm looking around, I don't have any of my favorite allies alive inside my house.
Speaker 2:I do have my herb bundle here that is mainly made of American nightshade, which is one of my closest allies.
Speaker 1:Can I see it?
Speaker 2:Oh yeah. It's one of the bundles we made for the Academy.
Speaker 1:Amazing. Okay, so these are. You have bundles and you have tools in the Academy as well. That's awesome. I'm going to show you one of mine. Actually, she's right here. This is my pink princess. Let me show you my baby. She is my pink princess. Let me show you my baby. She's a pink princess. That's gorgeous. Oh, my gosh, her name is actually Princess. Oh, isn't she cute. She was so small and she's gotten much bigger now.
Speaker 2:Some real love going into that. My friend back here, this is my newest ally. He is a lemon cypress tree and his name is Azur Azur.
Speaker 1:what a beautiful name Azur, very cool.
Speaker 2:Took me a minute to figure out what he was talking about when he told me.
Speaker 1:I'm sure. Yeah, I love lemons. I like to, just I used to. I grew up around a lemon tree and I would just pull them off the tree, cut them open and throw some salt on it. I'd love it Tastes good.
Speaker 2:I know I'm weird, but Lemons are one of the allies I work with that I don't grow One of the only ones, and they really are such a powerful energy. I love lemons and my cypress. Every time you walk by him, every time you brush him, he smells like lemons and it's a really lovely reminder of two allies in one.
Speaker 1:Makes me want to make a cup of tea. Okay, what advice would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by the idea of starting a spiritual practice?
Speaker 2:First I would say go small, Take it in small chunks, and then I would advise to pick a book, find a book that resonates with you and read through it slowly and take your time, go at your own pace. I think books are a really great way to learn. And, other than that, find people who you resonate with. Find people to connect with and share in that experience, because many people are going through the same things.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. I think what was extremely transformative for me in terms of knowledge about the interconnectedness, or the web between allies right was the book I think it's called the Secret Life of Plants. That was a big one. What a great book just to learn that they truly do communicate with one another, they nurture one another.
Speaker 1:A great book just to learn that they truly do communicate with one another, they nurture one another, they have genuine communities the way that you and I do, and I thought that was beautiful and it really just. You're right. Books really do make a difference in being able to give you new information and new knowledge, because it requires you to be focused in the moment. When we go online, our distraction is everywhere, right, like when we pull up our phone or we're on the web the web I sound ancient right now. There's distractions there on the web and it's hard to really connect with what you're reading and then in the download of information that it is. So it's made a difference for me in terms of whenever I feel a little stagnant or I feel unsure about something, I will go to a book versus seeking answers somewhere else. Right, in your experience, what is the connection between mindset and the success of rituals or manifestations? What makes these rituals successful and what doesn't?
Speaker 2:That's a difficult question because everyone manifests differently, but I think in general it's overarching when we put aside the doubt, even just during the ritual. I like to teach this in the academy doubt before the ritual, doubt after the ritual. But during the ritual, channel your confidence, channel that knowing and you're going to set yourself up for the best experience possible with that doubt. And after you're done, once you've finished work on reframing, because that is also an act of intentional will, of intentional magic, of saying no, this isn't who I am.
Speaker 1:I love that and I think that's what really makes a format like the Academy so important and special is because you have a gift of being able to help shift and reframe blocks and challenges. How do you do that? What allows you to shift and change the way that someone sees their situation?
Speaker 2:In everything I do and all of the services, all the offerings, all the services, all the offerings. I focus on meeting everybody where they're at and gently guiding you through, gently giving you the encouragement and the wisdom you need, and then, along the way, pointing back and saying look, how good you did, look at all you achieved. You did that, not me and reminding people of how great they are, without them even knowing they were great, is a really powerful way to transform that mindset, coming from someone you respect, and that's a really powerful tool. And in the academy we do this all the time Every lesson, every question, every challenge. I'm reminding you that this is wonderful and you're doing great.
Speaker 1:What inspired you to create the Modern Mystic Academy and what do you hope that your students take away from the academy?
Speaker 2:I created Modern Mystic Academy to create a sanctuary where learning and growth can take place, a place that's safe to make mistakes and where seekers come together as a collective to reclaim their personal magic, to heal fearlessly and to stand confidently in their authentic self.
Speaker 1:How do you blend modern ideas and modern practices with the traditional? Because it really feels like you've created something that's unique and special and just this really beautiful blend of everything that is today with still honoring our ancestors and our past and these ancient rituals and practices.
Speaker 2:With my understanding being energy first. It's very it's much easier to see the underlying energies that have been around, since people have been making magic, since people have been here on this planet, and we can look at ancient practices, we can look at traditions and pull from them and synthesize them into a collective and then break them down into solving modern problems.
Speaker 1:So you say we a lot right. The Academy offers a community experience. And why do you think that having a community is so important to spiritual growth?
Speaker 2:Community is so important because it's so easy to feel alone, for everyone. It's so easy to feel alone. And when you're on an alternative, if you will path, if you're doing things that the people around you aren't, it's hard to thrive, it's hard to continue to grow without the people there to celebrate it along with you. And I build community, I create community, I host community, because it really is that place you can go, no matter what, no matter what you're doing, no matter where you are. It's there for you.
Speaker 1:Have you noticed that you cultivated a community and you've had students come through? Have you noticed the difference in someone's journey, right, if they're doing it solo or doing it with a community? Is there maybe a moment that stands out, that you can look back at it, where having a community really benefited the journey or the seeker?
Speaker 2:I have a current member of the Academy who came to me one-on-one and shared that they had wanted to pursue magic and didn't know where to start and felt very skeptical. And it was that nurturing and that connecting thread of the energy through all of the pieces that really transformed it for this person. And now I see them thriving, I see them creating amazing magic and doing so well. So it's really truly incredible the transformations I've seen.
Speaker 1:I love that. And what is the overall vision for the Academy in, let's say, the next year or so? What is your dream and your goal for Modern Mystic Academy?
Speaker 2:people and create small intentional changes within those people that will then ripple out and affect far beyond the borders of the community.
Speaker 1:the collective so Modern Mystic Academy is a virtual academy and typically when you approach a spiritual healing experience, they tend to be in person, one-on-one. Have you noticed any differences between holding space and teaching in person or being online, and why have you chosen a virtual format?
Speaker 2:I have noticed differences. I think the main difference lies in it's not quite as easy to hold the space when that other person isn't in your physical location, but there is a way. With energy, we can create a sacred container and hold space that way, and I've chosen to do an online academy because it's more accessible. A lot of what I do is about ethics and accessibility, and not everyone has the ability to go to a retreat or relocate or find a physical location, and so I'm able to reach people who would not otherwise be able to have those experiences, and that's really important to me.
Speaker 1:I love that and, honestly, that's what makes you such a valued member for us as well is the village is all about accessibility right, Making these experiences, like you said, accessible because we really feel the same way that I do think that retreats are wonderful and encourage everyone to have that experience. But just if because we're not able to or we don't have the time, or maybe we just don't feel that calling doesn't mean that we can't experience these magical and mystical moments in an environment that's in our home, like on a computer, You're in your home, but you're in a different place when you open up your computer and you connect with someone who's on the other side of the world. At times, Like you said, you are able to create a container of energy with intention, and that's what I definitely think makes the virtual space so beautiful is that you're still connected. You may not be physically connected, but through your physical vessel and being, you're able to connect from place to place. So I love that.
Speaker 1:Okay, we are going to go into a rapid fire question. All right, what is your favorite herb or plant to work with?
Speaker 2:Either yarrow or American nightshade.
Speaker 1:Why I said rapid, now I want to know American nightshade. Why I said rapid now, I wanted to know.
Speaker 2:Why. American Nightshade is a very deep soul healer. It is the most healing plant ally I've ever worked with and it's about embracing the shadow. It's about embracing your shadow and healing through that. And yarrow is a very protective and also healing plant. It is related to Chiron, the wounded healer, so it has been so healing for me to heal myself and learn how to heal others in a better way.
Speaker 1:What is your favorite way to activate those herbs? Are these teas, are these tinctures? What is your favorite way to activate in order to work with them as an ally?
Speaker 2:Personally, I prefer sacred smoke. That's my go-to. That's why it was the first month of the academy. I think every herb has their own preference, so I try to go along with what that plant spirit is asking for me. But if it's my choice, smoke.
Speaker 1:Morning rituals or evening rituals what's your go-to?
Speaker 2:I love a good quick start the day right morning ritual, but rituals are where I get my work done.
Speaker 1:If you could teach one lesson to every seeker, what would it be?
Speaker 2:You are the magic, you are the thing that directs all of the power, and there is no magic without you.
Speaker 1:If someone listening today wanted to start a small practice or ritual, what's one thing that they could do right now?
Speaker 2:I think enchanting jewelry or a pendant is a really simple, easy ritual you can put together and carry magic with you all day simple, easy ritual you can put together and carry magic with you all day.
Speaker 1:Can you share a tip for?
Speaker 2:integrating spiritual practices into busy modern life. Oh, make your every day, make the things you're already doing a magical practice. Take your morning shower with a spiritual intent to cleanse your physical and energetic body.
Speaker 1:What's one thing that you hope listeners take away from our conversation today?
Speaker 2:I really hope that everyone walks away feeling that they can do it, that it's okay to make mistakes, it's okay to stumble along the way. The potential is there. We just have to see it. We just have to work through it and embrace our authentic self.
Speaker 1:How can joining Modern Mystic Academy help seekers deepen their journey, and how does the village complement this experience?
Speaker 2:I think Modern Mystery Academy really holds a space where, as often as you have time, you can come, you can commit a day to learning and exploring your magic, growing and always with a new challenge, always with friends. It's a really great way to commit to yourself and your own journey and I think this complements the village wonderfully. Because I thought about this a lot I think not a lot of witches, of mystics, think that they fit into a spiritual community. If you are foremost a witch, it feels a little weird, I think, to step into a spiritual community. But hosting Modern Mystic Academy in the village and showing all of my students that these are your people too, like we're all here in this collective, it's such a beautiful thing. It adds to the energy of the village to bring new perspectives and new energies into the space and also complements the academy by helping them have an even larger community so beautifully said.
Speaker 1:Thank you, and alice. Your journey, the and the work that you're doing are such gifts to the world. I really hope hope that you know that. Before we close, I would like to ask you if there's a mantra or affirmation or a piece of wisdom that you'd like to leave our listeners with.
Speaker 2:I think we can learn a lot from trees, so the wisdom I will share is the trees with the deepest roots have survived the most storms and all of the adversities. All of the challenges in our lives are hard, but they build skills and resiliency that will make every step along the way, every new storm, a little bit easier. And we have to remember that trees grow best in forests. I mean, they don't thrive when they're solo, and it's all about that growing together, absolutely.
Speaker 1:I'm going to throw in another question, and I want to throw in this question because I want our listeners to know that we are all guides, we all have a message and a story to share, and we're all also on a path toward our own healing and our own transformation. What is one thing that you are working on this year intentionally and using your own rituals and practices to reach your highest potential?
Speaker 2:I really love this question because we are always all growing and learning. I think this year, the biggest ritual of becoming that I am doing is learning to embrace the transitions that are thrown my way, because they are putting me on the right path even though they may not be comfortable, and there's a lot of things that I thought I was over. There's a lot of lack of mindset or fears, and revisiting those and healing even deeper has been the theme of this coming year.
Speaker 1:Thank you. Thank you for sharing that. So for anyone inspired by our conversation today, alice's Modern Mystic Academy offers tools, rituals and community to support your journey and, as part of the village, it's a space where seekers and guides come together to create real, lasting transformation. So you can learn about Alice's Academy and the village by visiting us on our websites and I don't know, there's links everywhere. I'm sure you can find it in many different places or just reach out to one of us as well. Actually, what's funny about that is I just realized that this podcast is actually for the village, so all of everyone should be members already. But to join the Academy is really easy and simple. Just check out some of the micro communities in the village and pop in and visit, or reach out to Alice and get in on the next month. So the course is month to month, correct?
Speaker 2:Yes, it is a month to month course and each month is a different theme. We dive into a new theme, exploring different facets and details of the magical experience.
Speaker 1:Thank you, alice, for being a voice in the village and thank you for coming and sharing your magic and your light, and I look forward to transforming with you and growing with you. Is there any? Close quarter that you'd like to share.
Speaker 2:Honestly, I'm just so grateful for the village and every single member. There's been so much growth and so much transformation on my part and I'm just so grateful that it fell into my lap and I'm here now. I would not change it for the world.
Speaker 1:All right, thank you, thanks everybody, and we will see you next time in the Voices of the Village, and if you'd like to be one of our next guests, let us know.