When people ask me about the influences behind my magickal work and the creation of my oracle deck, one figure always stands out: my ancestor, Samuel Wardwell. Samuel was one of the 19 people hanged during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, accused of witchcraft. As his direct descendant, his 8 times great- granddaughter, I’ve always felt a deep spiritual connection to him—a connection that has profoundly shaped my path as a witch, medium, and creator of my oracle deck, Little Witchcrafts.
Samuel’s story has been with me for as long as I can remember. Knowing that he was a fortune-teller who practiced palm reading, casting lots, and reading cards all those centuries ago resonates deeply with my own practices today. His magickal work, though misunderstood and feared in his time, continues to live on in me, in the cards I’ve created, and in the spiritual work I do for others.
Creating my oracle deck wasn’t just a creative project; it was a deeply spiritual experience. The deck was inspired by the magick of Colonial America—the very kind of magick Samuel might have practiced. It pays homage to the traditions of that era, blending ancient rituals, charms, and divination practices into a modern tool for spiritual guidance. Each card in Little Witchcrafts reflects this connection, rooted in those magickal traditions, with Samuel as a guiding force. Some of the cards even have subtle nods to him. I'm happy to share them with you!
For example, the Playing Cards card in my deck speaks directly to Samuel’s use of divination tools. He was known for using cards and other fortune-telling methods, and this card represents the continuation of that practice through me. Also, the numbers of the cards adds up to 22, a direct nod to the date that he was hanged for witchcrat, September 22, 1962.
The Witch Bottle card, which nods to folk magick, represents the kind of protective, everyday spell-work that would have been common in Samuel’s time—practical, powerful, and woven into the rhythms of daily life.
Samuel Wardwell’s influence isn’t just woven into my Little Witchcrafts oracle deck—it’s deeply embedded in my personal magickal practice. As a Priestess in the Society of Witchcraft and Old Magick, a coven founded by another descendant of Samuel Wardwell (whom I "happened" to meet through a mutual friend on Facebook), I feel his presence guiding me in profound ways. When I engage in rituals—especially those centered on ancestral work—Samuel is there. A protector. A teacher. A reminder that magick is an ancient, inherited art that flows through bloodlines.
In my mediumship and divination sessions, I often sense Samuel standing beside me, urging me to trust the ancient wisdom within. His legacy reinforces a truth that resonates deeply in my soul: Magick isn’t just learned—it’s remembered. It’s something passed down, whispering through generations, waiting to be reclaimed by those who dare to listen.
I often wonder how Samuel must have felt, practicing his craft in a time of fear and persecution. To live in a world where magick was seen as a crime, yet still hold onto it—that takes courage. His resilience, despite the dangers, reminds me to stand firm in my own practice, even when faced with challenges or doubt. Samuel’s story is one of both tragedy and strength, and I carry that duality with me in my work.
Reclaiming What Was Lost
In many ways, my magickal practice is a reclaiming of what was silenced by fear and superstition during the witch trials. Through the cards I create, the spells I weave, and the readings I offer, I am honoring Samuel and the generations of practitioners who came before me. Every time I lay down the cards, channel spirit, or guide someone in their own journey, I do it not just for myself or my clients—but for my ancestors, for Samuel, and for all the magickal wisdom that was nearly lost.
Creating my oracle deck and practicing magick feels like rewriting Samuel’s story, giving him an ending where his craft is not condemned but celebrated, honored, and continued. His life and legacy constantly remind me that magick isn’t just something we do—it’s something we are. It flows through us, connecting past, present, and future, a living current of power that cannot be erased, even after 300 years.
Tap Into Your Own Ancestral Magick
During a session with me, we can explore your ancestral lineage, uncover messages waiting for you, and receive insights from those who came before. If you feel the call of your ancestors, if you’re ready to embrace the wisdom they have to share, let’s connect.
✨ Book a session with me today and let’s tap into the magick flowing through your own bloodline.
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