The Hidden Circle began as a letter to my daughter.
I watched how excited she got over the most wonderful whimsical letter (ask me more about it) it was something mysterious, so special and immersive, and addressed just to her. I went looking for more of that kind of thing and couldn’t find it. So I decided I’d make something for her myself.
I started writing her a secret letter with stories, a small ritual, recipes, the kinds of things I learned were important and sacred. My desire was to support a practice of reflecting and trusting herself. I wanted to share the things that are hard to hear coming from “mom,” and I wanted those words in an envelope to feel like magic when she received them. Her first letter invited her to build a sacred space of her own. A corner of the world that belonged to her. Each of my Hidden Circle subscribers get a version of the first letter I made for her, an invitation and initiation.
Along the way, I noticed I wasn’t only writing to her. I was writing to the teenager I used to be. The girl who was looking for meaning and truth. I was looking for somewhere to belong and didn’t know yet that all of it was already inside me.
Writing these letters is healing something in me. They give me a place to put everything I love; teaching, coaching, herbalism, tarot, astrology, art, ritual, and turn it into something you can hold in your hands, that I can share.
So, that’s how The Lore Keeper began, as a secret gift for my daughter. Now it is a soul offering where I get to send a little wisdom and wonder through the mail to anyone who wants to slow down, come back to themselves, and remember their life is sacred too.
Sometimes the path home looks like an envelope with your name on it.
Caitlin Petrillo is an eclectic practitioner of spirituality, a teacher, and a guide. She blends folklore, herbalism, astrology, tarot, and creative ritual into accessible practices for seekers of all ages. As an eclectic, Caitlin honors many traditions rather than following one single path; drawing wisdom from the rhythms of nature, the turning of the seasons, and the Truths hidden in the stories we tell ourselves.
With a background in coaching, education, and herbalism, she has spent years supporting young people in building confidence, creativity, and emotional resilience. She created The Lore-Keeper as a way for people on their healing path to explore practical magic through letters, lore, and self-discovery.
Her work is rooted in the belief that magic is both imaginative and practical: a way to connect with nature, discover inner strength, and create rhythms of peace and empowerment.
She loves her husband and kids, of course! Long walks over the causeway, book club, teaching, creating art, and studying plants and the stars.
The Lore Keeper is for anyone who:
longs for a slower, more meaningful rhythm
loves folklore, plants, or seasonal living
enjoys journaling or creative reflection
wants a gentle, tangible way to reconnect with themselves
or simply misses the magic of receiving real mail
If you’ve ever wished life felt a little more sacred and intentional, you’re in the right place.
Every letter includes a seasonal message from me, the Lore Keeper, guided practices or rituals, nature or plant-based wisdom, reflection prompts, and collectible pages you can add to your own grimoire or journal. Occasionally, you may also receive creative activities, recipes, or small surprises.
Letters are sent between the 23rd - 5th of the month.
No. The Lore Keeper is spiritual in a nature-based, reflective sense, but not tied to any specific religion or belief system.
Think seasonal living, mindfulness, folklore, and personal ritual. Practices you can adapt to your own traditions and values.
Not at all. Everything is beginner-friendly and gently guided.
If you’re brand new, you’ll feel supported. If you already practice these things, you’ll find deeper inspiration and structure.
As little or as much as you’d like.
Some people spend 20 quiet minutes with their letter and journal, others turn it into an afternoon ritual. The experience is meant to feel nourishing, never like homework.
Both.
While many subscribers are adults seeking a slower, more intentional rhythm, the letters are family-friendly and can easily be shared with teens or children. The Hidden Circle actually began as letters written for my own daughter.
The letters are physical. Your letter arrives by post, designed to be held, read slowly, and kept. No screens required, just paper, pen, and presence.
Online Community option. If you choose to be part on the online community hosted by substack, you can participate with other letter subscribers. This online community also offers addtional content that compliments the letters you receive in your mail box.
Grimoire pages are collectible half-sheets that hold the month’s wisdom—recipes, rituals, plant notes, reflections, or lessons. Over time, you’ll gather them into a binder or journal to create your own personal Book of Magic. I will send a video of the binding process that gathers sheets into a bound booklet.
Yes. You can pause or cancel your subscription anytime — no pressure or long-term commitment. Stay as long as it feels aligned.
I do not, however, offer refunds for multi-month subscriptions.
For instructions on pausing, upgrading, or changing your payment method, go here: https://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/8309-manage-square-subscriptions