Hi, my name is Tara Host. I am the author of The Eclectic Witch’s Glamoire, a book on glamour magick for the beginner witch. I am also the creative force and owner of Ritual Arts Atelier, an online witchcraft shop, where I offer handcrafted specialty products honoring the dark Goddesses, Hekate and Lilith; demonolatry items, like demon oleums, incenses, powders, and balms; empath protection products; and, some Freya, Hel, and other Norse magick items. And now, I am the content creator behind Ritual Arts with Tara blog and my Patreon site. I also continue to work as an alt model, promoting many small business, gothic, horror, and occult brands. In fact, many times, you wouldn’t even recognize me because I’m transformed into something quite horrific.
I created Ritual Arts with Tara to pass on the occult knowledge I’ve acquired over my many years. I may not look that old; but, trust me, I am. My particular system of magick is a collection of the many different mentors and traditions of occult magick I’ve been exposed to over my lifetime. I was taught Cajun hoodoo throughout my childhood, on the bayous of Louisiana. I learned about using different herbs and other plant materials, to heal, curse, and honor spirits and ancestors. In my preteen a teenage years, I studied numerous occult and witchcraft books, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. In my late teens and early twenties, I sought out mentors, such as Fred Staten, otherwise known as Chicken Man, the Voodoo King of New Orleans. He taught me the art of New Orleans voodoo, the craft of creating potent conditioning oils and gris-gris bags. At the time, I was part of a large, alternative artists community. Many of these artists practiced various forms of occultism, vampirism and witchcraft. We would often combine our rituals to construct a powerful collective. Then, in my late twenties, through my early thirties, after moving to Chicago, I initiated into a large Gardnerian Wiccan coven. There, I learned a new, more nature oriented kind of witchcraft. Through my work with the Wiccans, I was able to meet and learn from Druids, Asatruists, and a few Chaos Magicians. That’s when I decided to put my own system of magick together. I left the coven, after coming to terms that the Wiccan way was just not serving me well. My gypsy soul simply wasn’t getting the nourishment it needed. I set out on the solitary witch’s path, continually seeking knowledge and new ways to perfect my craft.
In my late thirties, all the way through my forties, my path led me to some pretty amazing places. I learned the skill of exorcism, and even worked with the catholic church for four years. Turns out exorcism is a very popular business. During that time, I also did home cleanings and personal healings for others, adding Reiki master, yoga instructor and naturopathic medicine degrees and certifications to my list of accomplishments.
Finally, in 2020, I opened Ritual Arts Atelier, where I featured my handcrafted Cajun hoodoo ritual oils, along with my specialty Hekate and Lilith offerings. In my shop, I’ve received thousands of five star reviews, from my wonderful customers. After reading through them recently, I noticed many customers mentioned having similar experiences with my products. They all mentioned the energy they felt coming from the item they’d purchased. Some even said they felt it before they even opened the box. So, I thought about it more. What if I could teach others how to manipulate energy so efficiently, they could increase their abilities with magick. I mean, the key to manifestation is the manipulation of energy.
That’s what led me to develop the ritual arts system of magick. Of course, I could have easily written a book, outlining the system. But, with the amount of knowledge and practice I have collected over the years, that book would have been huge. Or, I would have had to leave out so much important information. I came to the conclusion, the best thing to do was teach the system, continuously creating written posts, tutorial videos, PDF Book of Shadows pages, and an online forum where I could get together with other witches to discuss the lessons and topics most important to them. Basically, I wanted to create an online coven.
After researching different platforms, I found Patreon, which had everything I needed to do what I wanted to do. Then, I set up four tiers, so you could choose the benefits tofu your needs. At the same time, I could bring in the revenue I needed to continue to offer a continuous supply of content for my coven members.
Next, I created my blog for those who want a taste of knowledge, without the commitment of a coven.
Now you know all about my background, and what has shaped me into the witch I am today. I’ve been a witch for fifty five years now. Yes, I am a crone. I’ve studied many traditions and systems in the occult world, and I’m ready to share it all… what works, even what doesn’t work, because it may work for you. My goal is to build a diverse coven of powerful witches and occultists, so you can all create the lives you truly want.
Blessed Be!
Tara Host