About the Owner, Shivian Balaris

I thrive within design and magick, starlight and music, laughter and love. I find joy in close friends, amateur photography, warm bonfires, starlit nights, and a vegan diet.

I am a witch; one who walks the crooked path and practices my arte in a way that's often ecstatic, woven amongst the spirits and gods, stars and land.

Witching interests include moving betwixt the spirits of the garden and greenwood seeking phytognosis; weaving amongst the stars and the black road between; brewing potions of life and death; scrying the fate of men and women amongst card, star, or bone; and horsing for the gods and spirits of lands seen and unseen.

Inspiration for my craft oft comes from traditional European practices, amongst others; and I work with the Elder Gods, revered by the ancient peoples of Greece.

Professionally, aside from running Potionwood, I am a website and graphic designer & developer, over the years having worked for the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Hyatt, and Sears.

I live with my two cats in Chicago, IL where I run Potionwood; create Oh My Gods! my pagan based comic strip; and am a member of the Brotherhood of the Phoenix, a neopagan order for men who love men.

For more information about me visit shivian.com.

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About Potionwood

A witchcraft parlor specializing in unique solutions for your every wish. Tarot readings & Astrology consultations for the inquisitive; spells, potions, and charms for the resolute; and the magick of witchcraft for any desire you yearn for.

Potionwood was founded under the Sign of the Ram in 2009 as a home for the witching arts, and a way for the public to access the numerous offerings of magick and craft often unknown or unavailable to those who would ask for them. Seeking to offer services to a wide audience, but also not dilute the full range of craft available (from blessings to curses), Potionwood acknowledges and accepts the full gambit of magick, and pulls no punches in it's offerings or explanations.

The future of Potionwood is still being charted and guided by the spirits that watch over the arts. Beginning as a offering specifically to the Chicago communities, Potionwood may some day expand to facilitating it's specific crafts to a wider audience. Further, additional services might appear such as workshops, additional consultation offerings, and more.