Adult cam sites are all the rage. There has never been a better time to interact with a live cam girl. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we all feel so isolated, and connecting with a live model is more satisfying than watching prerecorded videos.

These days, most adult actresses and models offer their services via virtual camming platforms. There are quite literally hundreds of thousands of cam girls you can video chat with, so how in the world do you choose? These cam sites deliver the goods in terms of adventurous women, seamless camming experiences, and sexual gratification. But each site is unique in its own special way. From private shows to free options and special performers, there is a lot to digest.

We’ve taken the time to break down which cam sites are best and why. Stick to this guide and you’ll certainly have the best cam experience possible.

The Best Adult Cam Sites of 2022

RankBrandBest For1.JerkmateBest modern cam website2.ChaturbateBest overall cam site3.LiveJasminMost gorgeous models4.MyFreeCamsBest free option5.ImLiveGreat for watching couples6.CamSodaGreat for specific fetishes7.Cams.comTeledildonic features8.Flirt4FreeProfessional cam models9.XcamsMost diverse cam models10.StreamateThousands of streams at any given time11.Lucky CrushRandom one-on-one cam shows12.StripchatBeautiful live stripteases13.BongacamsEasiest cam site to navigate14.BabestationBiggest UK cam site

1.  Jerkmate: Popular and modern new cam site

Jerkmate is a really unique cam site because it allows its users to filter the models they search for by personal preference. You can specify your preference in gender, kink, and even body type. It’s a matching system between viewers and cam girls, which makes it feel pretty special. Once you match with someone, you have the option of also becoming a cam model. You can stream a video of yourself watching the cam girl, which is pretty nice. Think of it as if Chatroulette, Tinder, and Chaturbate had a love child. Most people enjoy watching private cam shows because they are longing for a connection, sexual or otherwise. Jerkmate delivers that in spades.

Jerkmate also hires actual pornstars and professional cam girls to stream live. Going one-on-one with one of the pros is unlikely and really expensive. However, if you prefer your cam girl to be an actual pornstar, you can view their live shows with other users on the site. These women will expect you to give them tons of tokens if you want them to do anything specific, but this is pretty normal for camming websites.

Beyond the two unique and exciting options that Jerkmate provides, it’s also very easy to use. It’s got a modern feel to it and selecting a show to watch could not be easier. If you don’t love who you’ve been matched with, you can also browse the expansive list of categories that Jerkmate has to offer. Those categories range from BDSM to Sex Toys and everything in between. As far as pricing goes, it’s up to the model. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour watching one of the Jerkmate shows.

Pros:

Models can see you if you wantIntuitive search functionAdvanced personalized features

Cons:

This is a pricey option

2.  Chaturbate:Number one cam site in the world

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Chaturbate. Not only is the name genius for a camgirl site, but Chaturbate has managed to stand the test of time. We can’t believe it’s been ten years since it was created back in 2011! It’s hailed as the best cam site available by millions of users because it has the most diverse and explicit portfolio of models who use the platform to stream.

When you get to the Chaturbate home page, you’ll be greeted with various thumbnails of women or scenes. That’s your sneak peek for what is to come when you actually click on one of these images. Immediately you’ll be launched into a wonderfully raunchy cam show completely free of charge. At first blush, it looks like most of these cam girls are doing solo shows, but once you take a deeper dive, you’ll find couples, threesomes, and other unique and interesting live shows to choose from. You can also search for shows by filtering by the huge list of categories or tags. Though busy looking, Chaturbate is very easy to navigate and explore with so many live feeds to watch for free.

You’re probably wondering if Chaturbate is completely free. The answer to that is both yes and no. While you can enter any live show for free, you are really walking into a teaser of sorts. The women on Chaturbate are trying to get you to eventually pay for a private show, which is what most people want anyway. We will admit though that the teasers are often very explicit and can usually get the job done before you even grab your wallet.

You likely will reach for your credit card though, because Chaturbate is famous for delivering satisfying one-on-one shows. They operate on a token system. As you spend more time watching the show, your tokens will begin to dwindle.

Pros:

AffordableBest cam site availableGreat one-on-one performancesYou get a lot out of a free account

Cons:

Most models need to reach a certain token amount before they fully perform

Check out our complete Chaturbate review if you’re looking for more info.

3.  LiveJasmin: Known for having stunning models

The most noteworthy thing to say about LiveJasmin is that the women on this site are drop dead gorgeous. They are diverse, in shape, stunning, manicured, and all around perfect cam girls. You will notice this the minute you hop onto the home page. It looks extremely put together, modern, and professional.

These women don’t seem to be filming themselves from dimly lit bedrooms. Instead, it feels like a whole studio operation with professional porn stars. This is a pro for most, but some viewers enjoy that amateurish feel. If you are into the amateur stuff, then steer clear of LiveJasmin because it’s all top notch here. LiveJasmin is full of very recognizable and famous cam girl faces. That’s what makes it one of the best cam sites around.

Other than the beautiful stars and modern interface, there’s not much about LiveJasmin that makes it stand out (except for the fact that they have a nice mobile option, but who wants to watch a cam girl on their cell phone?). It’s set up like many other cam sites and takes you through the same process and the features are the same. A nice perk though is the fact that LiveJasmin caters to every type of gender and sexuality, giving it a distinctly diverse library of models and streams to choose from.

Pros:

Beautiful recognizable modelsMobile optionRange of genders, sexualities, and kinks

Cons:

No amateur option

4.  MyFreeCams: Actual free shows

For those of you shopping for cam sites on a budget, there’s no better site for you than MyFreeCams, also known as Jerk N’ Cum. Yes, the shows on this site are actually free. This is obviously the biggest perk that MyFreeCams has to offer.

Because it’s free and the models don’t charge you to watch their shows, you might be skeptical of the quality but you truly have nothing to worry about. The women on MyFreeCams are as skilled as they are gorgeous. They are also down to get into some very kinky activity, which is why you’re watching cam girls in the first place!

The one thing that you can’t really access on this site is private chat or one-on-one video sessions. But what can you really expect from a cam site that doesn’t cost you a dime? You can of course purchase tokens on MyFreeCams and try your luck asking one of the models for a private show, but it’s not very likely to happen. These models are used to the dynamic of the site and aren’t normally willing to make an exception for anyone. These models also aren’t the most responsive to requests in their chat box. That’s potentially because it’s oversaturated with guys like you asking them to do a million different things. If you’re OK with just being a voyeur for free, MyFreeCams is a fantastic budget-friendly option for you.

If you decide that you’d like to pay for MyFreeCams because you can afford to or you’ve got extra cash lying around, you will be given the keys to their entire library of cam girl archives. You can check out their old videos. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but there are folks out there who
love it.

Pros:

Genuinely freeFantastic performances

Cons:

Can’t view private shows

5.  ImLive: Old-school cam site featuring couples

ImLive is the granddaddy of cam sites. It’s been around for almost 20 years and has managed to continue to captivate viewers with the changing times. ImLive is a streaming site where models and couples perform sex shows for their audiences. There’s not much more to it. However, not all sex cam sites offer couples shows, so if you like watching two people get it on then ImLive is your best bet.

The pay structure at ImLive gives you options, which is a definite plus. You can either pay by the minute or send models tips. There are also plenty of models and shows to choose from, so you’ll never have a dull moment on this popular cam site.

Yes, ImLive dubs itself a free cam site, but we know what that really means. You can watch archived shows for free, but the live goods are going to cost you. The shows are usually worth it, but don’t expect a ton of interaction from the models. They tend to fall short in their personal relationships with viewers and fans; however, the shows themselves are a treat to watch.

Pros:

Great for watching couplesDifferent payment optionsFree archived shows

Cons:

The models aren’t very interactive

6.  CamSoda: Cam girls with the best personalities

CamSoda operates like most cam sites do. There are free rooms that you can enter to view live adult cam shows, but if you want the women to do anything specific during the show, you will need to spend. However, CamSoda is really affordable. This is because the models don’t charge you per minute. It’s based solely on your donations.

The one drawback to CamSoda is their pricing structure. Most cam sites will allow you to enter free cam shows, but not before informing you of what you should tip the model or what each naughty activity costs. Getting a girl to perform a desired sexual act is going to require linking up with the other guys in the chat and pooling that money until the model’s “goal” is reached. Each model comes up with a different money goal per show and tries to seduce the viewers into paying up. You can’t blame them; camming is their job.

Private shows aren’t really a thing on CamSoda. However, the models on this cam site are very interactive. They actually pay a lot of attention to the chat as their show is live and they make you feel like you are actually in the room with them while they are performing. People have complained before that some models on CamSoda talk too much or spend too much time replying to their fans.

Pros:

Interactive models with personalityCaters to a variety of fetishes

Cons:

The models don’t list their prices per naughty activity

7.  Cams.com: Cam site with a teledildonics option

Cams.com is one of the more unique and advanced cam sites on this list. You might not know it by just visiting their website because initially, it looks like your average cam site. There are free shows that you can enter and you have the ability to filter by model, body type, and gender. This is one of the few sex cam sites that contains female shows in addition to male shows, trans shows, and nonbinary shows. We find that to be a huge plus as it caters to a much wider audience of viewers.

Cams.com is not only ahead of the game in terms of their diversity, but they are also very technologically advanced. If you are someone who watches a lot of VR porn, you are familiar with the term teledildonics. In VR, teledildonics are bluetooth sex toys that synch up to what you are watching. For the purposes of cams, it allows you to control the sex toy that the performer is using, which is insanely cool and futuristic! It brings an entirely new level to cam shows and makes you feel like you are intimately interacting with a model right there in the room with them.

This cam site is one where you have to pay by the minute, which can get really pricey if you plan on spending a lot of time on the site. Yes, there are free shows, but they aren’t all that good. It’s worth checking out the paid ones though because of all the unique features.

Pros:

Teledildonics!Advanced search functionDiverse models

Cons:

If you aren’t in it for the teledildonics, there are better options

8.  Flirt4Free: Intuitive search function available

When you visit Flirt4Free you might be inclined to believe that it’s a site like Chaturbate where tons of amateur models can stream their sexual activities. However, Flirt4Free is for the pros. These are seasoned pornstars who deliver gratifying shows to a very hungry audience. And Flirt4Free knows how to give the viewers what they want because it’s been around for so long.

Flirt4Free is certainly one of the most intuitive sex cam sites available because you are able to filter the models on this site by kink and fetish, like BDSM or couples. If you find a model that you particularly love, you can also take a look at their schedule so that you never miss a show.

Flirt4Free might reel in newcomers with the “F” word (free), but cam site enthusiasts know that you’ll end up paying at some point. To their credit though, Flirt4Free allows you to watch public streams and get information about the performers. Private shows will drive you to pay for tokens so that you can direct the lovely cam girl who you’ve chosen to watch. Performers decide their own price-per-minute, so keep an eye out for that before you end up breaking the bank.

Pros:

Free public showsTons of filtering optionsProfessional, pornstar-quality models

Cons:

Models operate on an expensive price-per-minute structure

9.  XCams: Diverse Euro models

XCams is a special cam site for folks who have eyes for European cam models. They flourish on XCams, though it’s a lesser-known site than the rest. It’s surprising that it flies under the radar because there are always so many models available at any given time for anyone to watch.

Diversity is the name of the game over at XCams. While they feature tons of Europeans, these models are really diverse in their backgrounds, performance styles, and kinks that they love to get into. It’s fun to browse through the thumbnails of videos on the XCams homepage because you get a peek at all the unique shows they have to offer.

Each model decides what you’ll pay for a show. Before you commit, you’ll be shown a preview, told where the model is from, and told how many credits you’ll need to pay for your time. You will get 25 free credits just for signing up, which will give you about five minutes on average.

Pros:

Beautiful diverse cam girlsVery kinkyGreat previews for private shows

Cons:

Models operate on an expensive price-per-minute structureSmall amount of free credits when you sign up

10.  Streamate: Most options

If you’re after quantity, Streammate is a good option. There are literally thousands of models online at any given time when you head over to the site. It doesn’t matter if it’s during your 12 PM lunch break or after midnight, this site is always busy. It’s the cam site that never sleeps.

The Streamate performers also love to please. Truthfully, it’s because they want to be tipped well, but you can rest assured that any model you watch on Streamate will work very hard to earn your affection. They are very engaging, personable, and (of course) sexy.

Streamate is a no-frills site that takes you straight to the action. It doesn’t need all the bells and whistles because it provides a large amount of really great shows. You can use their simple and intuitive search function to filter your options, making Streamate one of the easiest sex cam sites to navigate. And their filtering options get really specific, so you can find exactly what turns you on. There is also a “Newcomer” section for the viewers who love to watch fresh talent or want to discover new models.

Pros:

Thousands of models to choose fromAmateurs and professionals available

Cons:

This site has a lot of annoying adsOutdated web design

11.  LuckyCrush: A combo of a cam site and Chatroulette

LuckyCrush is a cam girl site that randomly matches you with flirty ladies. It’s newer, but it has managed to attract millions of users on a monthly basis. People like to say that LuckyCrush is a healthy mix of a cam site and a random chat site like Chatroulette. It’s probably what you wished Chatroulette could be when you were too young to know about cam sites. Men and women are randomly paired for an erotic video chat.

LuckyCrush is confident in its unique model, which is why it offers first-time male visitors a brief free trial. After that, you will need to purchase credits to enjoy the site. Women come to LuckyCrush hoping to make money, so stocking up a little bit will do you some good.

Because LuckyCrush is totally random, you might be paired up with a hottie who is on the other side of the world. Don’t worry if you don’t speak her language. LuckyCrush has a built-in translation feature that makes it easy to communicate with models from all over the world. It’s an exciting approach to cam shows.

Pros:

Personally meet models from all over the worldExclusively private shows

Cons:

You can’t filter or searchNot for everyone

12.  StripChat: Interactive stripteases

StripChat is a cam site with some special perks. On the surface, it’s a way to view beautiful live stripteases performed by stunning models. Some of them just like to strip and others take it up a notch by displaying naughty activities. In that regard, it’s a little different from your average sex cam site. You can check out the videos for free and tip the models, like you normally would. These tips are given in the form of tokens, which you will need to purchase beforehand.

The women on StripChat are not amateurs. They are women who seem to fit right into the porn industry. They really know what they are doing and they are fantastic at putting on a show for an audience. This is also a site that sadly caters exclusively to the male gaze. In other words, there isn’t any real gender diversity unless you head over to their couples section. However, everything, including the lesbian scenes, seems to be shot exclusively for purely heterosexual males.

What separates StripChat from the crowd is their VR feature. Now, if you don’t have a pair of VR goggles, you are going to want to stop reading because this next part is going to make you really jealous. StripChat’s VR function allows you to throw on a headset and opt in for a private show from one of their pretty performers. It takes live interaction to new heights and is a deeply satisfying cam experience. The videos are in HD, so you won’t miss a thing!

Pros:

HD stripteasesVR featuresProfessional cam girls

Cons:

Sometimes, you only get a striptease

13.  BongaCams: Affordable, transparent

On the surface, BongaCams likes to pretend that it’s a free cam site full of women, couples, and trans people. If you’ve made it this far in reading cam reviews, you won’t be surprised to learn that every site is going to squeeze some coin out of you at some point. That’s just how these things work. But BongaCams isn’t going to suck you dry by charging per minute. Their models make a living based on their tips, and you are going to eventually want to tip them through the token payment structure.

The good thing about the BongaCams pricing setup is that there are really no surprises. When you enter a free live show, you are shown a list of the models prices per a given activity. For instance, erotic play between two beautiful lesbian models might cost you 100 tokens. You’ll be informed of everything up front, which helps you figure out which shows are worth watching based on your personal preference and what you can afford. You can also try your luck at jumping into a show and mooching off the other viewers who will send tips, but it might test your patience.

BongaCams delivers incredible shows but doesn’t provide many private show options. In the end, BongaCams is a pretty predictable cam site with a token system and great performers. You’ll find a lot of new girls on this site too, because it’s very welcoming to girls who want to get into camming for the first time.

Pros:

Very transparent about priceGreat site design

Cons:

Not great for private shows

14.  BabeStation: Huge UK cam site

BabeStation has been around for nearly two decades and is the biggest cam site for UK models. Of all the cam sites, BabeStation is not one that you want to breeze past because it has a lot to offer.

Most sites that have been around for as long as BabeStation have pretty much nailed the cam girl experience. This will become clear to you immediately upon visiting the site. Rather than staring at a bunch of thumbnails, you’ll be plopped into a live show right away. You can of course exit and search for a show that’s a bit more your flavor, but it’s nice to know that you can freely view HD cam shows from the jump.

One thing that BabeStation is missing is an easy way for new visitors to browse and filter. Most of the models are great, but this site isn’t designed to cater to unique fetishes because it’s hard to navigate. Some of the performers are also a little dry. They will sometimes just keep their camera on while they go about mundane tasks, which is more of a voyeuristic experience than an interactive cam show.

BabeStation does offer a ton of promotions at any given time, making it feel very affordable when you decide that you do want to tip a model.

Pros:

Biggest UK cam siteCan actually watch shows for free

Cons:

Not an easy site to navigateSome performers lack engagement or personality

How to Have the Best Adult Cam Site Experience

If you’re brand new to cam sites, you might feel a bit lost. There are a lot of them, and they’re not all worth your time. Check out the following four tips to ensure that you end up on the best sites and have a great experience. 

Browse before you buy

Do you buy a car without test driving it? Do you buy a house without seeing it first? When it comes to spending your hard-earned money, it’s always good to avoid wasting it. And a good way to throw away your money is to start spending a ton of it on cam sites.

Your best bet is to browse around some of the top cam sites before you sign up for any subscriptions, premium memberships, etc. Many cam sites can even be browsed for free—even the biggest one, Chaturbate. So, it’s recommended to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the various sites out there before spending any cash. 

Privilege quality over quantity

There are some sites with thousands of cam models who are active at any given time. Yet, all those choices may be overwhelming, and it might feel like finding a needle in a haystack to find something of high quality. So, you might be better off finding a site with fewer models but with a higher percentage of fun and engaged and attractive ones.

That said, the biggest cam sites like Chaturbate give you different filtering options and the default is to show you the cammers with the largest number of viewers. This generally means that you can find high quality content without having to look too far. 

Stick to the big names

Camming has exploded in recent years. As you might expect, there’s been a lot of people trying to get a slice of the pie. Tons of cam sites have popped up, and not all of them are created equal—in fact, it’s not even close.

To avoid getting scammed and wasting your money and/or time, stick to the biggest names in the camming world—sites like Chaturbate and MyFreeCams, for example. 

Participate to maximize the experience

Cam sites are all about participation. This is what inherently separates them from regular porn sites. If no one participated—neither chatting nor giving any tips—the cam site wouldn’t exist. The models depend on tips for it to be worth their while, and the chatting helps keep things fun and engaging. 

So, don’t be shy to participate. You might find that it really enhances your overall experience, especially if you tip to get into private shows. Otherwise, you might as well just stick to regular porn. 

Read More

Throughout history, witchcraft has had a notoriously bad image. Most of the world links witches to Satanism and pure evil, and just looking into the past tells you how much of a bad rep witches have had, with the fatal witch-hunting and numerous trials where witches burned at the stake.

But in recent years, witchcraft has become popularized and romanticized through pop culture, like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and everyone’s favorite movie series, Harry Potter.

Wicca is a modern Pagan religion that incorporates witchcraft and has become an alluring belief system to many. Wicca has links to magic and nature, but not the wands and demon-fighting you see on TV. A key element of modern-day witchcraft is spellcasting, and one of the most popular spells is love spells.

Love spells are used to attract – you guessed it – love! These spells (and curses) come in the form of potions, written text, rituals, or using objects like candles or even dolls.

Intrigued? Keep reading to discover seven love spells and how to cast them. And on top of that, get ready to learn some tips about casting love spells and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you’d like to get a love spell cast for free, click here.

7 Best and Most Powerful Love Spells

Honey JarPink CandleGet an Ex BackMarriageNo-ingredientPoppetUsing Photography

1. Honey Jar Spell

The honey jar spell is probably the most common love spell people use to improve their relationship, intimacy, and connection with others. This spell is for couples already in a relationship to strengthen their bond and bring them even closer.

It earned its name because it represents something sweet. The honey jar spell uses the attraction between two people and grounds the love spell on this positive energy. This spell is said to create more sweetness, intimacy, and affection between two people.

How to Cast a Honey Jar Spell

Write the name of the other person on a piece of blank paper three times.Turn the paper 90 degrees and write your name three times, overlapping the other person’s name.Close your eyes and focus on what you want out of the spell.Next, while thinking hard about the goal, write the wish on the paper so that it circles both the names.When you’re done, fold the paper and place it in a jar filled with honey.Dip your fingers into the honey as you place the paper inside.Remove your fingers from the jar and say the following chant out loud: Just like this honey is sweet, that’s how he/she will be for me.Now, lick the honey off your fingers and seal the jar with the paper inside.Light a candle on top of the jar, but make sure you choose the right one. The candle color will vary according to your specific wish:

White: general purposes

Red: passionate love

Pink: loving love

Once the candle finishes burning, store the jar away where no one will be able to find it.Wait seven days, and light another candle on the same day of the week.Repeat, lighting a new candle once a week on the same day to truly get what you desire.

Final ThoughtThe honey jar spell is a basic love spell, but it only works if you release negative energy and thoughts. Stay focused on your goal, and use your purest intention to attract what you desire.

Try getting a Honey Jar spell cast by a professional for free by clicking here.

2. Pink Candle Spell

Candles are a crucial feature of love spells. They act as a medium driving strong attraction between two people.

In love spells, pink candles symbolize spirituality and love. They don’t generate any negative energy, which is the perfect reason to use a pink candle during a love spell. Pink candle spells make for very strong magic when the intentions behind the spell are pure and dedicated. If your love is pure and intentions are clear, the pink candle spell will get you the results you want.

How to Cast a Pink Candle Spell

Light a new and unused pink candle, preferably on a Friday night.Write your first name and the last name of the other person on a white piece of paper.Draw one circle around both names.Close your eyes firmly and envision the two of you together. Focus on the image. Get deep and visualize the love and happiness you will share.Repeat the following chant three times: Our fate is sealed. We are one so mote it be. It is done.Watch the pink candle until it burns out. (Don’t buy a large one.)Make sure you fully extinguish the candle before leaving it. You can pat the candle to put out the fire, but don’t blow it out, or you will break the love spell.If you want to invoke the strongest love magic, repeat the spell for seven consecutive nights.

Final Thought

Pink candle spells are very potent magic, and witches have used them for centuries. Have pure intention, and you will see your desired result bloom in front of your eyes!

Suggestion: Professionals can cast pink candle spells (or curses) for free.

3. Spell to Get An Ex Back

This spell is popular for those who regret breaking up with their lovers or want to rekindle a past romance. To perform this spell, seek the help of a professional instead of doing it yourself. Professionals can drive out any negative energy that could tear the two of you apart.

Casting a spell to get an ex back is meant to give you the energy and confidence to help you get it done. The most important thing to remember when rekindling a romance is to ensure that it isn’t forced. Love should never be authoritative – it should be mutual and emotionally accepted by both sides.

How to Cast a Spell to Get An Ex Back

Light a red candle and stare at the flame for two to three minutes. Look at a photo of your ex and visualize making up.Write your name and your ex’s name on a piece of paper and draw a circle around them.Drop honey on the names and chant the following incantation: I wish you come back to me with this spell to tighten up our connection forever.Meditate for a few minutes to calm your mind and let go of any resentment or negativity you hold.Blow out the candle.Tear the paper into small pieces and bury them somewhere in your garden.Repeat the rituals the next night with new paper and honey, but with the same candle.Repeat the spell for a third night.

Final Thoughts 

Getting an ex back is tricky business, especially if there’s negative energy and bitterness from either party. With the help of a professional practitioner, you can guarantee that the love spell will be gentle and accurate. For added potency, don’t let anyone know that you are casting this spell!

Kasamba offers professional love spell casting with a free trial and 50% off.

4. Marriage Spells

Marriage spells are for those looking for strength in their marriage or someone looking to get married. They reduce tension in existing relationships and allow two partners to reinforce their sacred bond, adding harmony and love between the spell caster and their partner.

While marriage spells may work for couples experiencing a rough patch, seek a professional practitioner’s help if you are on the verge of a legal separation, divorce, or annulment. White magic simply does not force others to love or have feelings that aren’t there. Going ahead without a professional and forcing it can cause the caster to experience a negative energy backlash.

How to Cast Marriage Spells

There are many marriage spells, ranging in intensity and power. Get professional help when casting powerful marriage spells.

Here is a beginner marriage spell for someone wanting their partner to propose or talk about marriage:

Get a plant called spathiphyllum – it should have white flowers to symbolize a white wedding dress.Replant the spathiphyllum in a new pot when you bring it home. The soil used to replant should be from a place where you and your partner have fond memories together.Place stones at the bottom of the pot for stronger magic.Write your desire on a piece of paper. Roll the paper up, tie it with a white string, and place it at the bottom of the pot. The paper should be under the stones and soil.After re-potting the plant, place it in a room where your partner spends a lot of time.Take a photo of yourself and another of your partner.Roll them up and wrap them separately in foil to protect your relationship.Place your photo on the right side of the plant and your partner’s on the left.Water the plant until it grows at least one new flower.Cut the flower off when it blooms, place it on a paper towel, and dry it.Divide the dry flower into three equal-sized parts.Place 1/3 of the flower in a cup, add sugar and natural tea, then stir the tea clockwise.Then, lean over the cup while chanting the following words: Be my husband! Be my husband! Be my husband! Or, if using the spell on a woman, chant, Be my wife! Be my wife! Be my wife!Offer the tea to your partner and make sure they drink every last drop.Repeat the ritual for the next two days for maximum potency.If your partner doesn’t start discussing marriage, wait until a new moon and begin the process again. Use one of the new flowers that bloomed while you waited.

Final Thought

Although this marriage spell is effective, some things can prevent it from working. It won’t work if you don’t see your partner every day, fight frequently, or have no respect for them and think you are above them. The spell works best when both partners truly love each other.

Spellcaster Special: 3 Free Minutes + 50% Off Your First Spell

5. No-ingredient Love Spell

Some love spells are easy with absolutely no ingredients involved. They use words, chants, imagination, and focus. These no-ingredient love spells are not restrictive, which means the spell caster has the ultimate freedom to choose how they cast the spell and its outcome.

You can cast these love spells for various reasons, whether to improve or spice up an existing relationship, attract a new partner, or improve self-love. They are simple and work effectively, putting positive energy out into the universe.

How to Cast a No-ingredient Love Spell

There are many no-ingredient love spells that all use the power of energy and manifestation. This particular love spell is to attract someone you already have a connection to:

Relax in a quiet room on a Friday night or during the full moon.Be open-minded, clear, and receptive – have faith in your energy and the energy of the universe.Sincerely think about someone particular you want to attract into your life.Imagine yourself with the person and visualize the love and happiness you wish to have between you two.Relax your mind, visualize you two together, and believe in the power of your love and energy.Once a month during the full moon, repeat the spell and you will soon see positive results.

Final Thought

You must love yourself before you can truly love another person. This love spell works beautifully to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem to attract the right person and relationship into your life.

6. Poppet Magic

Poppets are dolls that represent someone when casting spells. Creating a poppet of a person means you do to the poppet will affect the person it represents. A poppet typically uses cloth or fabric, but you can make it from any other material, such as wax, wood, or clay. Fill your poppet with magical items, such as herbs and stones, but include some paper and cotton as well.

Once you create the poppet, you need to connect it to the person it is supposed to represent. Use a magical link, such as hair, nail clippings, body fluids, or a photograph. Once you place the magical link inside, sew up the poppet and customize the outside to look like the person it represents. Add any defining features, scars, or tattoos for maximum accuracy.

How to Cast A Love Spell with Poppets

Have two dolls – one to represent yourself and the other to represent your love interest.If you can, fill the dolls with rose petals, rose quartz crystals, and love artifacts, transforming them into beacons of love energy.Chant something along the lines of, “I have made you, and you are (insert your love interest’s name).”Chant the same to label the doll symbolizing yourself.Use a pink ribbon to wrap around both dolls to tie them together.Envision the both of you together and happy.Let your love energy be put up into the universe, and let the magic happen.

Final Thought

Poppets can be used for love spells as long as you can consciously imagine it happening. Having a clear goal and the means to achieve it, your poppet’s energy combined with yours will give you results.

Kasamba can professionally cast Poppet Magic with 50% off.

7. Love Spell with Photography

Love spells with a photograph are effective ways to bind two lovers or spouses together. It strengthens the bond between a couple or reignites passion between spouses when one has lost interest in the relationship.

Using photography is a powerful binding spell, but it will only work on people who already have an established connection. You cannot use this spell on someone you have never met or do not have a connection with. Seeking help from a professional is recommended to make the love spell truly potent, but you can try this at home if you want to.

How to Cast a Love Spell with a Photograph

Wait until the clock hits midnight to perform this ritual.Take the photo of your partner/spouse and place it in front of you. Behind the photo, place a red candle.The red candle must be the only source of light in the entire room.Next, take a pen and paper and write down the following: Sadness, go to my lover (name of your lover). Go inside his head, so all he could think was me (your name), hugging me, kissing me, loving me. My words are strong and sticky.Take the paper and burn it with the candle flame. Make sure the smoke passes through the photo.As the piece of paper burns, chant the following incantation: The blood’s boiling, unable to keep still. What goes over the head comes into the head, when the fire appears behind the back, the heart of God’s servant (your lover’s name) excites.After the paper is fully burned and there is no smoke left, you have finished your love spell using a photograph!

Final Thought 

For your spell to work, the universe and the person you love must agree with your desire. Love spells with photographs are strong in that you can visualize your partner and the life you have in front of your eyes. If both the universe and your person are willing, your spell will succeed in bringing them into your life.

Now that you familiarized yourself with the most powerful love spells, here are some tips about casting them. These tips will help all beginners perform spell rituals effectively, without the fear of it backfiring.

You have to believe in the magicLove spells are powerful, but the key to making them work to their full potential is to believe in love magic. It’s easier said than done because most beginners have little faith in what they are doing.

Try focusing all your energy on your intention and desired outcome – don’t let yourself be bothered by any negative thoughts or distractions. Since magic is based on faith and spirit, you need to keep strong faith that you will see the results you expect.

Have realistic expectationsWhile you can believe in your magic and have faith in the spell casting, your love spell won’t work in unrealistic expectations. Love spells simply cannot make your celebrity crush fall madly in love with you – spells don’t work like that! If you are focusing your love spell on a specific individual, you need to have an established connection to that person.Have clear intent and be open-minded to possibilitiesAll effective love spells require clearly stated intentions, intense mental concentration, and, most times, physical materials. For your love spell to manifest accurately, you must be specific and have a clear intent.Love is a choice and should never be forced onto someone. When casting a love spell, focus on the qualities and values you want in a lover instead of stating someone’s name. Open your heart to possibilities, even if it’s someone other than your crush who doesn’t know you exist. Casting powerful love spells can potentially bring you closer to finding the love you deserve, sometimes in places you don’t expect!Know the limitations of love magicThere are indeed limitations to love magic. You can’t use white magic as love spells for negative intent. Spells should always be used for positive reasons, to enrich the caster and their love interest with blessings. Using black magic to break apart a marriage or strong union will backfire, inflict negative energy, and cause bad karma for yourself.Familiarize yourself with the best time to cast spellsThe best time to cast love spells is on Friday nights because Venus Day (Venus symbolizes adoration, love, and courtship) is a Friday. Another good time to try spell casting is during the New Moon because a new moon symbolizes turning new opportunities into reality.

FAQs about Love Spells

Q: Can I cast magic spells at home?
There are numerous spells you can do at home for love, luck, and finance. But some may require professional help because of the complexity of the spell or desired result. Just do your research first!

Q: Do love spells work?
Love spells work when you focus clearly on your pure intention and believe in the magic you are performing. You can only cast a great love spell when you have a strong mental focus and the physical materials or tools to help focus you on your goal.

Most magic spells do not work immediately. Not even the most powerful love spell is going to make someone fall into your lap! After performing a love spell and putting your intention into the universe, reach out to someone you’re interested in or join a dating app to hurry the magic along!

Q: Can love spells backfire?
Love spells can backfire if there is any lingering negative energy. If you have any negative thoughts or bad intentions when casting a spell, expect them to come back to you and not in a good way! Consider hiring a professional practitioner to cast spells.

Q: Are there magic spells to break up a couple?
Black magic spells to break up couples in relationships are notoriously negative and will give you bad karma. Some spellcasters claim to have spells or curses to end relationships, but these spells only work for lust and will not build true love, no matter how hard you try. Simply put, you can’t destroy true love, just like you can’t force love between two people.

Read More

As you know by now, the MAGA Six on the Supreme Court eviscerated abortion rights with their recent anti-Roe ruling, thus triggering local laws that instantaneously made abortion illegal in a dozen or so states.

None of which were Illinois. And for that we must at least partially thank former Governor Bruce Rauner. Words I never imagined I’d say.

I offer this not-so-ancient history lesson to illustrate how far to the right the Republican Party has moved in the five years since Rauner signed the abortion-rights bill that eliminated the trigger language and, in so doing, helped cost him reelection.

In 2014, Rauner, a billionaire businessman, ran as a pro-choice Republican. Abortion rights, he went out of way to make clear, would not be an issue if he were governor—so no need to fear, swing voters. 

His reassurance on this issue is part of the reason he got the votes he needed out of DuPage, Lake, and suburban Cook counties to beat former governor Pat Quinn.

Well, you probably remember the disaster that came next . . .

As governor, Rauner waged war against unions. He refused to pass a state budget unless Democrats caved in and voted for his anti-collective bargaining legislation.

The statehouse Republicans stayed with him throughout that fight, even as the state headed toward bankruptcy and unpaid bills grew as high as Mount Everest.

And then in 2017, Rauner got to the bill known as HB 40 and the whole thing fell apart.

This was a bill, pushed by Democrats and reproductive rights groups, that provided Medicaid funding for abortions and elimated the notorious trigger law.

That’s the language which would outlaw almost all abortions in Illinois, if the Supreme Court would do as it just did—overule Roe.

Here’s the precise language. Read it yourself—if only to realize what Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey would undoubtedly try to bring back should he defeat Pritzker in the fall.

“The unborn child is a human being from the time of conception and is, therefore, a legal person for purposes of the unborn child’s right to life and is entitled to the right to life from conception under the laws and Constitution of this State. Further, the General Assembly finds and declares that longstanding policy of this state to protect the right to life of the unborn child from conception by prohibiting abortion unless necessary to preserve the life of the mother is impermissible only because of the decisions of the United State Supreme Court and that, therefore, if those decisions of the United States Supreme Court are ever reversed or modified or the United State Constitution is amended to allow protection of the unborn then the former policy of this State to prohibit abortions unless necessary for the preservation of the mother’s life shall be reinstated.”

HB 40 eliminated that language. Just scratched it right out of law, like it was never meant to be.

When the bill advanced towards his desk to be signed, Rauner got wobbly.

His Republican allies in the General Assembly let him know they expected him to veto the bill. He privately told them he wouldn’t sign it. Then publicly said he hadn’t made up his mind. To which the Republicans accused him of going back on his word.

I never understood what right-wing Republicans expected. Again, Rauner ran as a pro-choice candidate. He and his wife had donated money to Planned Parenthood. The Republicans knew what they were voting for when they voted for him in 2014. 

In September 2017, Rauner signed HB 40 into law, winning praise from Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

But Republicans were livid. And in the Republican primary of 2018, state rep Jeanne Ives ran at Rauner from the right. He beat her, but it was a close and bruising race. 

His old coalition was shredded. He lost much of the independent vote to Pritzker and without rock-solid support from MAGA, he lost.

In the last year or so, Rauner’s old crony and funder, Kenneth Griffin, tried to piece that old Rauner coalition together behind Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin.

Griffin pumped $50 million into Irvin’s campaign, trying to run him as a “moderate”. But this time around MAGA wasn’t looking the other way, as they did with Rauner back in 2014. 

They demanded that Irvin toe the line on abortion. Poor Irvin didn’t know what to do. If he supported abortion rights, he wouldn’t win the primary. If he opposed abortion rights, he wouldn’t be able to peel off enough suburban voters to beat Pritzker in November.

Not knowing what to say on the topic, he tried to get away with saying nothing. Obviously, that didn’t work very well. He wound up coming in third–behind state senator Darren Bailey and Jesse Sullivan.

A few weeks before the election, Griffin sort of raised the white flag. He announced he was moving to Florida, even though Irvin, his candidate, was still running for governor.

First Rauner and now Griffin—you might say MAGA ran two of the richest Republicans right out of the state.

Don’t feel bad for Griffin. Like Rauner, he’s pals with Florida governor Ron DeSantis. Apparently, the terms of the deal for rich Republican “moderates” runs like this . . . 

If you want to elect Republicans who push through tax breaks, you have to toe the MAGA line on guns, gays, race, the environment, and abortion. Especially abortion.

As I said, I have no doubt Darren Bailey would try to restore that inked-out right-to-life language should he be elected governor. You thought the fight was over, people, but really it’s just heating up.

And with that I’ll end this history lesson with this reminder. When it comes to abortion, MAGA won’t rest until it’s as illegal here as it is in Mississippi.

If you don’t believe me, just ask Bruce Rauner. 

The Latest from the Ben Joravsky Show

Read More

Growing Home Inc. is a USDA-Certified Organic urban farm, workforce development center and non-profit social enterprise based in Englewood. They produce more than 35,000 pounds of produce annually, while serving more than 3,500 people through their food access program and providing job training and assistance services for 100 Chicagoans. Growing Home was recently awarded a […] The post Growing for Good with Green Thumb appeared first on Chicago Reader.Read More

Rates of suicide have skyrocketed since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and mental illness is more prevalent today than ever before. However, the societal causes of mental illness are still not widely recognized, so people who suffer mental illness are often treated as though the problem is entirely their own to solve. A new novel, released by Chicago publisher Heeler Books in April, aims to change that. 

A Revolution of the Mind by Chicago author MV Perry, is a striking work of autobiographical fiction that explores mental illness and its manifestations throughout the narrator’s life. The narrator, Ellen “Boo” Harvey, hopes to build a social movement like the civil rights struggle, but the goal of this movement would be to address mental illness and the societal structures that make it so widespread.

Perry is able to write with such insight into the problem of mental illness because he has spent basically his whole life with a disability, advocating on behalf of similarly situated people—first as a psychiatric unit volunteer, then as a master’s student in urban mental health studies, then as a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grantee organizing mental health consumers for political advocacy. Now, Perry is incorporating an Illinois organization called the Legislative Consumer Leadership Conference, which is dedicated to mental health policy and legislation for the consumer. Perry draws from this background when shaping the character of Boo Harvey, a mentally ill advocate for the mentally ill. 

Ultimately, A Revolution of the Mind is a book about the inherent inequality of capitalism and the hopelessness that causes so many of capitalism’s subjects to suffer from mental illness. Fans of the writer Mark Fisher, author of Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative?, will certainly connect with the book, as it opens with this essential quote from Fisher: “The current ruling ontology denies any possibility of a social causation of mental illness. The chemico-biologization of mental illness is of course strictly commensurate with its depoliticization. Considering mental illness as an individual chemico-biological problem has enormous benefits for capitalism. First, it reinforces Capital’s drive towards atomistic individualization (you are sick because of your brain chemistry). Second, it provides an enormously lucrative market in which multinational pharmaceutical companies can peddle their pharmaceuticals (we can cure you with our SSRIs). It goes without saying that all mental illnesses are neurologically instantiated, but this says nothing about their causation. If it is true, for instance, that depression is constituted by low serotonin levels, what still needs to be explained is why particular individuals have low levels of serotonin. This requires a social and political explanation; and the task of repoliticizing mental illness is an urgent one if the left wants to challenge capitalist realism.”

Boo Harvey hopes to do exactly that—repoliticize mental illness by building a social movement—and she takes enormous strides throughout the book, even as she struggles with her own mental health. Growing up in a wealthy white family in the North Shore suburbs, Boo is hyper-aware of the massive scale of injustice in her city. Perry describes it perfectly, writing that: “The story of Chicago, city of broad shoulders and underground abortions, is a story of adjacent inequality. This fact is both homicidal and suicidal, for the same core reasons, though these take on vastly different forms of social ills, none of which are desirable, all of which are potentially fatal.” Mental illness is one of those fatal consequences, but instead of addressing this crisis, Chicago’s politicians have spent a miniscule amount of their massive budget on the people’s mental health. 

A Revolution of the Mind by MV Perry
Heeler Books, paperback, 482 pp., $19.99, heelerbooks.com

A Revolution of the Mind follows Boo from her birthplace to California for college, and back to Chicago, where she works with Jude Freedman, a “suicidal advocate for the mentally ill.” Boo also struggles with her own mental illness, but she and Jude demonstrate that people with lived experience are the ones who have the most insight into the problem. However, as Jude points out, people with mental illness are often shut out of policymaking, so the system does not reflect their often revolutionary goals. People like Boo, Jude, and Mark Fisher understand, through experience, that mental illness is a lot more than one person’s issue. As Boo says to Jude, reminiscent of Fisher, “I don’t have a sophisticated understanding of suffering. They tell you it’s mainly in the brain, but that’s a matter of conjecture. Depression, mania, and schizophrenia do not exist in states of nature, and cannot be physically identified as body pathologies . . . I’d say it’s more about environment. About culture, politics, structures, ideas, and ways of life and how we engage with and against them. How it induces fear, harm, and safety in myriad combinations. Our body enables suffering by predisposing us to it, but the root lies not in the body. It’s in the world.”

This insight would lead one to question just about everything regarding how politicians treat mental health—or don’t treat it, because not many are willing to invest the necessary resources to match the scale of the problem. Fortunately however, there are some trying to change that—such as 33rd Ward alderperson Rossanna Rodriguez Sanchez, who has been an outspoken advocate for increasing public mental health funding. She has been a leading sponsor of the Treatment Not Trauma ordinance, which would send non-police mental health emergency workers to people in the midst of a mental health crisis, because around half of people killed by police suffer from one or more disabilities—something that Perry touches on throughout the book. Sanchez has also advocated for reopening and expanding the public mental health clinics that previous mayors closed—something that Mayor Lightfoot promised to do on the campaign trail, but quickly backed away from once in office. 

Boo discusses the protests around these mental health clinic closures several times in the book, which takes place throughout that same time period. Boo and Jude also travel to Springfield to advocate against former governor Bruce Rauner’s seven-figure mental health budget cuts throughout the book. Today, the lack of mental and physical health care in low-income communities plays a big part in many crises in Illinois, including suicide, substance abuse, and gun violence. 

Boo is forced to listen to fearmongering about Chicago crime from her family when they have political discussions at the dinner table throughout the book, including when her Aunt Mary says, “Oh, the crime in the city . . . That’s why we should stay on the North Shore.” However, Boo points out that these same family members’ conservative politics are a major factor driving the violence in the city, including both their budget cuts to mental health care, and their steadfast support for policing and incarceration, which hoards most of the public resources that could otherwise go to social programs that have been proven to reduce violence. As Boo points out in an argument with her brother: “There are blocks in Austin where we spend a million dollars on incarcerating people. If someone tells me we have the money to do that but don’t have the money for education, I call bullshit.”

Perry’s Boo Harvey is an enthralling character, and you can’t help but root for her and the movement that she hopes to build, especially if you also suffer from a mental illness or love someone who does. Boo writes and speaks in very relatable and accessible language, and the scenes that Perry paints are very impressive—including legislative visits and long nights working with the amazing character Jude, and college parties, classwork, and existential crises with a variety of likable people in California. 

As someone who shares a similar background as Perry, including growing up in a segregated, mostly white and wealthy area of Chicago and suffering from mental illness (“There were blunt, horrific truths about American history—even very recent history, even the present day—that had been dismissed from our upbringing. The psychic implications of these omissions were wide-reaching”), I connected on a personal level with the novel, and found in it great potential for solidarity. Even though the book discusses very difficult topics, like depression and suicide and racism and poverty, it does so in a way that is easy to connect with. I highly recommend the book to anyone in the city, whether you are from the north, south, east, or west side—and especially downtown in the center of the city, where there has been increased security measures put in place by Mayor Lightfoot, who seems intent on turning Chicago into even more of a police state than it already was. 

While Boo is certainly my favorite character in the book, Perry writes with insight through several characters, including Kamil, a Black boyfriend of a cousin who says, reminiscent of Baldwin, “You know, honestly, I wouldn’t want to be white. When you’re white, nobody tells you when you’re wrong, at least not in the ways that I’m told to check myself. You can go years being laughably incorrect and nobody tells you anything. Nobody tells you what’s in your blind spot. They teach you that you don’t have blind spots. It’s an identity of self-deception. If you want to go through life thinking people get what they deserve and the world is fair, you can do that. If you want to go through life thinking that you’re capable of extraordinary talent even as all signs point to your ordinariness, you can do that. If you want news and history that suits your biases, it’s all over the place. You can hold it up, call it the arrogant truth, and elect leaders around it. I don’t see that as a fulfilling life, and that’s why I don’t want it. It’s complacent and insecure at best. I can’t imagine how it would feel to be so distant from your fellow humans and have this vague fear surrounding your view of their existence. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of the line, no matter how big the house or how enormous the fortune.”

Ultimately, A Revolution of the Mind is a great Chicago novel, and it is something that every white Chicagoan should read. Boo’s journey reminds us of the root of many of society’s crises: some people have so little precisely because others have so much. Boo tells her dad,“The city is trying to spend 90 million dollars training new police officers, and therefore it is not strapped for money. There are large stocks of wealth that have been diverted from various authorities and tax districts and set aside for private developers. Chicago has the money. It’s only broke when it needs to allot one million to keep mental health clinics running. It’s racist, frankly.”

The only way to change things, Boo says, is through political struggle that attempts to change the structures that produce inequality in this city, state, country, and world. This can only be achieved through movements, not politicians. People like Boo and Jude, and others with lived experience of mental illness, poverty, housing and food insecurity, racism, and police brutality, should be at the center of policymaking around those issues. Until that happens, and until the necessary investments are made, people will keep dying from interpersonal violence, suicide, substance abuse, and more. Boo recognizes this, but ultimately she concludes that individual change is still possible, and through that collective change becomes more attainable. Perry writes, “A higher ground within this world is possible through the triumph of the mind. It is possible through the courage to recognize that one’s suffering is joined with the suffering of all, and to rearrange the terms of how one lives according to that recognition.”

Read More

Global displacement comes to the stage with Theatre Lumina’s Song of Home, one of many acts of the 2022 Physical Theater Festival Chicago that invites a shared humanity within the immediacy of live performance. Throughout the week, organizations will present a range of pieces including theater, music, juggling, clowning, and more. Marc Frost and Alice da Cunha, the festival’s cofounding couple, curate the participation of international physical theater organizations with such a spread in mind. 

Physical theater lives in the articulations of movement and acting, physicality and theatricality. Da Cunha and Frost met studying theater in London and experienced the vibrant and broad theatrical world of the city and the festivals it offered. Attending live entertainment was rather common, and da Cunha would bring friends to the London International Mime Festival. Growing up in Brazil and Portugal, she attended festivals where she was invigorated by the atmosphere and busyness of multiple performances happening simultaneously, the audience moving about and witnessing as well as being a part of live theater’s irreproducibility. She worked at theater festivals while attending school. Just prior to moving to Chicago, she worked at the Casa Festival in London. 

When speaking with the couple, I imagine a Venn diagram in which physical theater nestles in the conjunction of various performance arts, including theater, dance, and more. When I tell her that, da Cunha says, “I think studying in Europe gave us a certain perspective on what physical theater might be and what those Venn diagrams might be.” She and Frost can define and redefine the bounds of physical theater each year in curating the festival, which is now in its ninth edition. 

Physical Theater Festival Chicago
Sat 7/16, 2-8 PM, Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd, free; then 7/18-7/24, Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee; see physicalfestival.com for complete schedule and ticketing information

The Physical Theater Festival features different theatrical organizations each year. 2022’s festival will welcome a circus company, clown performers, and groups that fuse drama, song, dance, and ritual. The festival uses an open call to seek submissions from organizations worldwide. Da Cunha and Frost reach out to friends and contacts to submit. They also read reviews of theater festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, pursuing groups that were favored well. 

Says da Cunha, “The artists and the shows make us connect to different communities every year depending on the country where they come from or the subject of the show and that’s awesome. . . . We hope to keep everyone that we’ve gathered. And then we have other opportunities to reach out.” She continues, “I know that there are people that are very connected to their own communities and make suggestions.” 

They are supportive of popular groups from Chicago communities as well. Past festivals have featured the city’s own the Era footwork crew, which performed their original piece The Testament. This year, Company To X For, a Chicago-based grassroots contemporary circus company founded by artists Liam Bradley and David Chervony, will be performing Surface Tension, which explores queer friendship through juggling, weight sharing, acrobatics, and dance. 

As the festival has seen unconventional presentation formats in the last few years, the couple approaches this year’s iteration with a program that responds and anticipates. Combining virtual, outdoor, and formal indoor theater performances allows opportunities for unprecedented accessibility, and for the audiences who viewed the festival virtually in 2020 (many of whom were viewing from another country) to return. For example, that year included The Woman Who Dreamed by Cia de Teatro Manual, a company based in Brazil. The piece was constructed for a virtual audience, responding to the pandemic’s shifting demands on theater performance. Da Cunha hopes that communities of her native Brazil will be among those the festival has gathered as returning audience members.  

The festival in 2020, she reflects, “was the first time that I could have a Brazilian audience in a physical festival. Because it was virtual, and it was a Brazilian company. So, I had people from the city where I was born, which was Rio de Janeiro, attending the festival at the same time as some people that have always come to Physical [Theater Festival] . . . And it was what was possible, but it was good to market in some way and to learn those lessons right off the bat and the good that came from that.” 

The festival will open on July 16with family-friendly shows in Nichols Park, such as a magic show by Alexander the Amazing (aka Alexander M. Knapp), an African drumming performance by Kuumba Nia Arts from Oxford, England, and hip-hop and street dance by the Chicago outfit BraveSoul Movement. The kickoff is part of the city’s Night Out in the Parks program. 

The festival then moves to the Den Theatre in Wicker Park for ticketed workshops and performances, including Song of Home (7/19-7/20). Performed in Spanish and English, it follows the lived experiences of three displaced women coming to the United States. Chicago-based Theatre Lumina, led by artistic director Monica Payne, fosters cross-cultural collaboration and international exchange by drawing from diverse artists, subject matter, and influences. This production will be sharing the stages of the Den Theatre with companies from the UK and Argentina, as well as local artists. Kuumba Nia and their fellow UK artists, Unlock the Chains Collective, collaborate on the piece Sold (7/21-7/23), about Mary Prince, a Bermuda-born enslaved woman who became an abolitionist and the author of a narrative about her life (the first such narrative published in the UK).

Virtual events, including two international panels and a performance, will be accessible for free on the festival website and the panels will be available on the Facebook page. Frost describes how virtual performance makes for a different relationship among audience members compared to live performance: “It’s not a natural audience interaction. So they’re so present and vulnerable with one another in a way that we’re not necessarily asked to be in a dark theater.” 

“The State of the Performing Arts 3.0.,” a conversation among theater producers, actors, and directors on the ever-changing performing arts world, will be on July 17at 10 AM. At noon, da Cunha and Frost will moderate a panel discussion titled “Teaching Physical Theater.” A preview excerpt of Spain- and Israel-based company La Percha Teatro’s performance of Marrano, A Tale From the Inquisition is available for free on the website at any time during the festival. 

This year, past adaptations and iterations of the festival’s different formats will play out in real time. Frost explains how the pandemic has influenced him and da Cunha to organize the festival in a calmer way, as they have learned “not how to work harder, but to work a little smarter and just more intentionally. 

“And I think we were enriched. I’m not saying I thought of all this at the time, but in retrospect, I can really see how great it was to have a ten-day festival and do a virtual ten days indoors and do an outdoor fest. And so, everything is sort of finding its way into this latticework for the ninth edition.” 

Read More

The New Vanguard is a creative coalition that seeks to unite Black and other POC creatives who currently work as separate entities under one banner. The coalition was recently launched by Eric “Phero” Lopez, who acts as chief creative officer, and his cofounders—chief of legal counsel, Eddie Sanders; chief of strategy and operations, Pilar McQuirter; and chief of new business, Juan Sanchez.

The quartet’s aim is to amplify creatives’ work by supplying resources and access, while also landing them equitable pay. They’re storytellers and world-builders whose drive is to take Chicago’s artists and mold them into ambassadors for the city—ones who can take their narratives “beyond the walls and streets of their neighborhoods,” Lopez says. 

Though only formed at the beginning of 2022, the New Vanguard’s roster boasts 14 people whose talents run the gamut of entertainment, sports, music, fashion, and visual art: artists Brandon Breaux, Nikko Washington, Julian “Logik” Gilliam, Tubs, Armani Howard, Adrian Octavius Walker, and Crowezilla; fashion designers Sheila Rashid and Alex Carter; plant studio Semillas; musicians Joey Purp and Elton “L10” Cheung; and athletes Jayden Reed and Malik Elzy.

In that little time, the creative coalition has landed partnership deals for its roster with Google, Adidas, Bacardi, Showtime, Facebook, Lululemon, Samsung, Arcteryx, Lifewtr, Nifty Gateway, WNBA, McDonald’s, and the White Sox.

Prior to launching the New Vanguard, Lopez worked as an art and creative director at ad agencies Havas and the Annex, where he gained experience, and then started his production house, Cold Chillen. He saw both as learning from two different schools; while Havas gave him experience in corporate settings, Cold Chillen allowed his entrepreneurial side to flourish. Both helped him see the deficiency in Black and POC representation in the agency, nightlife, entertainment, and art worlds.

It’s not only important for the creative coalition to be as inclusive and diverse as possible but to also remain in Chicago. This conception becomes all the more impactful with the group’s nonprofit arm, the New Vanguard Foundation, which plans to be an educational resource for emerging creatives—and their hope to open a permanent space in the city. “This is something that we feel is lacking,” Lopez says. “It’s something that we wanted to start here in Chicago and we’re super excited to keep it here in Chicago.”

The Reader spoke with Lopez about the nuts and bolts of his organization, what a creative coalition means to him, and the community work that the New Vanguard hopes to accomplish.

Tara C. Mahadevan: What prompted you to start the New Vanguard?

Eric “Phero” Lopez: The higher I climbed up in corporate America, the less I saw people who look like me. The higher I climbed, the more I realized that we have the capabilities to do this ourselves. It’s not rocket science at the end of the day. It’s really understanding what the scope of work is—understanding the brief—and it doesn’t take a team of 100 people in a five-million-dollar building to actually create this work. Nowadays, with technology, some really great ideas, and a really strong work ethic, it means that we can do it too with a team of ten.

I also realized that we’re taking advantage of this talent—agencies take on the fuller budget scale of the scope of work, yet the artist only gets a small fee. Why is that? Why don’t artists own their LLC, why don’t artists own their publishing? Why don’t they own their distribution? Why can’t artists have their own scope when it comes to the content team? If each artist were to run as a brand versus doing whatever to get paid for their craft—if we were to be a little more organized and have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, then the budget goes a lot further.

I think that was the biggest strong point for us when we started the New Vanguard—saying, “We need this creative coalition in Chicago.” There is just a lack of not only representation as you climbed up, but there was a lack of ownership and resources and tools in Chicago. We had to go to either New York or LA or Miami to have some of these resources.

We never properly got the resources or the tools that we deserve. That’s why it’s so important for us to do it here—to start with our own people to have that proper representation. We’re talking about a fully diverse team from Chicago, who are actually creating new change and telling stories better than some of these agencies are. And that’s the real purpose of why I started this whole thing.

What does a creative coalition mean to you?

We call the New Vanguard a creative coalition because we see it like a union. We’re not an agency, we’re not a record label, we’re not a company. We are a unity between different business owners who are coming together as a village to create not only resources and tools, but a fair act of how we get paid out as well. The word union is a vintage word. Of course, we respect them because we are a working-class city—we’re honoring that. For us, it’s the idea of having unified arts and people of color coming together and saying, “Hey, we stand together. We’re going to share these resources and we’re going to keep this momentum and money within us to make sure that we all drive to success.”

Does each artist operate as their own brand under the New Vanguard?

Absolutely. Each artist owns their own business and has individual teams underneath their own umbrella. We come in and help out with giving them that structure. It’s a creative audit. 

It’s really understanding the sense of where they’re at as businesses and as owners.

How have you been selecting the talent you want to work with?

We really look for work ethic. We’re very particular in making sure that the talent we’re looking at has an undeniable work ethic and is looking to scale, but at the same time has a beautiful story and a perspective that’s beyond Chicago. We want to make sure that our talent is thinking beyond the walls and streets of their neighborhoods. How do you represent your neighborhood and put your city on the map while having a say in the industry?

What are you doing that’s focused on community and the city?

We’re super excited to announce that the New Vanguard has a nonprofit called the New Vanguard Foundation. We’ll be creating workshops and panels, and teaching the next generation of diverse creatives how to properly run a business and how to actually create the resources and tools to teach them how to be artists themselves. It’s about education. We see a lot of people who are really creative or really great at their craft, but don’t properly understand how to make it into a living. Biggest thing for us is to teach you how to create a legacy and make sure you get to do what you love. But at the same time, you should get the proper payment as well.

Read More

Adult cam sites are all the rage. There has never been a better time to interact with a live cam girl. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that we all feel so isolated, and connecting with a live model is more satisfying than watching prerecorded videos.

These days, most adult actresses and models offer their services via virtual camming platforms. There are quite literally hundreds of thousands of cam girls you can video chat with, so how in the world do you choose? These cam sites deliver the goods in terms of adventurous women, seamless camming experiences, and sexual gratification. But each site is unique in its own special way. From private shows to free options and special performers, there is a lot to digest.

We’ve taken the time to break down which cam sites are best and why. Stick to this guide and you’ll certainly have the best cam experience possible.

The Best Adult Cam Sites of 2022

RankBrandBest For1.JerkmateBest modern cam website2.ChaturbateBest overall cam site3.LiveJasminMost gorgeous models4.MyFreeCamsBest free option5.ImLiveGreat for watching couples6.CamSodaGreat for specific fetishes7.Cams.comTeledildonic features8.Flirt4FreeProfessional cam models9.XcamsMost diverse cam models10.StreamateThousands of streams at any given time11.Lucky CrushRandom one-on-one cam shows12.StripchatBeautiful live stripteases13.BongacamsEasiest cam site to navigate14.BabestationBiggest UK cam site

1.  Jerkmate: Popular and modern new cam site

Jerkmate is a really unique cam site because it allows its users to filter the models they search for by personal preference. You can specify your preference in gender, kink, and even body type. It’s a matching system between viewers and cam girls, which makes it feel pretty special. Once you match with someone, you have the option of also becoming a cam model. You can stream a video of yourself watching the cam girl, which is pretty nice. Think of it as if Chatroulette, Tinder, and Chaturbate had a love child. Most people enjoy watching private cam shows because they are longing for a connection, sexual or otherwise. Jerkmate delivers that in spades.

Jerkmate also hires actual pornstars and professional cam girls to stream live. Going one-on-one with one of the pros is unlikely and really expensive. However, if you prefer your cam girl to be an actual pornstar, you can view their live shows with other users on the site. These women will expect you to give them tons of tokens if you want them to do anything specific, but this is pretty normal for camming websites.

Beyond the two unique and exciting options that Jerkmate provides, it’s also very easy to use. It’s got a modern feel to it and selecting a show to watch could not be easier. If you don’t love who you’ve been matched with, you can also browse the expansive list of categories that Jerkmate has to offer. Those categories range from BDSM to Sex Toys and everything in between. As far as pricing goes, it’s up to the model. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour watching one of the Jerkmate shows.

Pros:

Models can see you if you wantIntuitive search functionAdvanced personalized features

Cons:

This is a pricey option

2.  Chaturbate:Number one cam site in the world

There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Chaturbate. Not only is the name genius for a camgirl site, but Chaturbate has managed to stand the test of time. We can’t believe it’s been ten years since it was created back in 2011! It’s hailed as the best cam site available by millions of users because it has the most diverse and explicit portfolio of models who use the platform to stream.

When you get to the Chaturbate home page, you’ll be greeted with various thumbnails of women or scenes. That’s your sneak peek for what is to come when you actually click on one of these images. Immediately you’ll be launched into a wonderfully raunchy cam show completely free of charge. At first blush, it looks like most of these cam girls are doing solo shows, but once you take a deeper dive, you’ll find couples, threesomes, and other unique and interesting live shows to choose from. You can also search for shows by filtering by the huge list of categories or tags. Though busy looking, Chaturbate is very easy to navigate and explore with so many live feeds to watch for free.

You’re probably wondering if Chaturbate is completely free. The answer to that is both yes and no. While you can enter any live show for free, you are really walking into a teaser of sorts. The women on Chaturbate are trying to get you to eventually pay for a private show, which is what most people want anyway. We will admit though that the teasers are often very explicit and can usually get the job done before you even grab your wallet.

You likely will reach for your credit card though, because Chaturbate is famous for delivering satisfying one-on-one shows. They operate on a token system. As you spend more time watching the show, your tokens will begin to dwindle.

Pros:

AffordableBest cam site availableGreat one-on-one performancesYou get a lot out of a free account

Cons:

Most models need to reach a certain token amount before they fully perform

Check out our complete Chaturbate review if you’re looking for more info.

3.  LiveJasmin: Known for having stunning models

The most noteworthy thing to say about LiveJasmin is that the women on this site are drop dead gorgeous. They are diverse, in shape, stunning, manicured, and all around perfect cam girls. You will notice this the minute you hop onto the home page. It looks extremely put together, modern, and professional.

These women don’t seem to be filming themselves from dimly lit bedrooms. Instead, it feels like a whole studio operation with professional porn stars. This is a pro for most, but some viewers enjoy that amateurish feel. If you are into the amateur stuff, then steer clear of LiveJasmin because it’s all top notch here. LiveJasmin is full of very recognizable and famous cam girl faces. That’s what makes it one of the best cam sites around.

Other than the beautiful stars and modern interface, there’s not much about LiveJasmin that makes it stand out (except for the fact that they have a nice mobile option, but who wants to watch a cam girl on their cell phone?). It’s set up like many other cam sites and takes you through the same process and the features are the same. A nice perk though is the fact that LiveJasmin caters to every type of gender and sexuality, giving it a distinctly diverse library of models and streams to choose from.

Pros:

Beautiful recognizable modelsMobile optionRange of genders, sexualities, and kinks

Cons:

No amateur option

4.  MyFreeCams: Actual free shows

For those of you shopping for cam sites on a budget, there’s no better site for you than MyFreeCams, also known as Jerk N’ Cum. Yes, the shows on this site are actually free. This is obviously the biggest perk that MyFreeCams has to offer.

Because it’s free and the models don’t charge you to watch their shows, you might be skeptical of the quality but you truly have nothing to worry about. The women on MyFreeCams are as skilled as they are gorgeous. They are also down to get into some very kinky activity, which is why you’re watching cam girls in the first place!

The one thing that you can’t really access on this site is private chat or one-on-one video sessions. But what can you really expect from a cam site that doesn’t cost you a dime? You can of course purchase tokens on MyFreeCams and try your luck asking one of the models for a private show, but it’s not very likely to happen. These models are used to the dynamic of the site and aren’t normally willing to make an exception for anyone. These models also aren’t the most responsive to requests in their chat box. That’s potentially because it’s oversaturated with guys like you asking them to do a million different things. If you’re OK with just being a voyeur for free, MyFreeCams is a fantastic budget-friendly option for you.

If you decide that you’d like to pay for MyFreeCams because you can afford to or you’ve got extra cash lying around, you will be given the keys to their entire library of cam girl archives. You can check out their old videos. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but there are folks out there who
love it.

Pros:

Genuinely freeFantastic performances

Cons:

Can’t view private shows

5.  ImLive: Old-school cam site featuring couples

ImLive is the granddaddy of cam sites. It’s been around for almost 20 years and has managed to continue to captivate viewers with the changing times. ImLive is a streaming site where models and couples perform sex shows for their audiences. There’s not much more to it. However, not all sex cam sites offer couples shows, so if you like watching two people get it on then ImLive is your best bet.

The pay structure at ImLive gives you options, which is a definite plus. You can either pay by the minute or send models tips. There are also plenty of models and shows to choose from, so you’ll never have a dull moment on this popular cam site.

Yes, ImLive dubs itself a free cam site, but we know what that really means. You can watch archived shows for free, but the live goods are going to cost you. The shows are usually worth it, but don’t expect a ton of interaction from the models. They tend to fall short in their personal relationships with viewers and fans; however, the shows themselves are a treat to watch.

Pros:

Great for watching couplesDifferent payment optionsFree archived shows

Cons:

The models aren’t very interactive

6.  CamSoda: Cam girls with the best personalities

CamSoda operates like most cam sites do. There are free rooms that you can enter to view live adult cam shows, but if you want the women to do anything specific during the show, you will need to spend. However, CamSoda is really affordable. This is because the models don’t charge you per minute. It’s based solely on your donations.

The one drawback to CamSoda is their pricing structure. Most cam sites will allow you to enter free cam shows, but not before informing you of what you should tip the model or what each naughty activity costs. Getting a girl to perform a desired sexual act is going to require linking up with the other guys in the chat and pooling that money until the model’s “goal” is reached. Each model comes up with a different money goal per show and tries to seduce the viewers into paying up. You can’t blame them; camming is their job.

Private shows aren’t really a thing on CamSoda. However, the models on this cam site are very interactive. They actually pay a lot of attention to the chat as their show is live and they make you feel like you are actually in the room with them while they are performing. People have complained before that some models on CamSoda talk too much or spend too much time replying to their fans.

Pros:

Interactive models with personalityCaters to a variety of fetishes

Cons:

The models don’t list their prices per naughty activity

7.  Cams.com: Cam site with a teledildonics option

Cams.com is one of the more unique and advanced cam sites on this list. You might not know it by just visiting their website because initially, it looks like your average cam site. There are free shows that you can enter and you have the ability to filter by model, body type, and gender. This is one of the few sex cam sites that contains female shows in addition to male shows, trans shows, and nonbinary shows. We find that to be a huge plus as it caters to a much wider audience of viewers.

Cams.com is not only ahead of the game in terms of their diversity, but they are also very technologically advanced. If you are someone who watches a lot of VR porn, you are familiar with the term teledildonics. In VR, teledildonics are bluetooth sex toys that synch up to what you are watching. For the purposes of cams, it allows you to control the sex toy that the performer is using, which is insanely cool and futuristic! It brings an entirely new level to cam shows and makes you feel like you are intimately interacting with a model right there in the room with them.

This cam site is one where you have to pay by the minute, which can get really pricey if you plan on spending a lot of time on the site. Yes, there are free shows, but they aren’t all that good. It’s worth checking out the paid ones though because of all the unique features.

Pros:

Teledildonics!Advanced search functionDiverse models

Cons:

If you aren’t in it for the teledildonics, there are better options

8.  Flirt4Free: Intuitive search function available

When you visit Flirt4Free you might be inclined to believe that it’s a site like Chaturbate where tons of amateur models can stream their sexual activities. However, Flirt4Free is for the pros. These are seasoned pornstars who deliver gratifying shows to a very hungry audience. And Flirt4Free knows how to give the viewers what they want because it’s been around for so long.

Flirt4Free is certainly one of the most intuitive sex cam sites available because you are able to filter the models on this site by kink and fetish, like BDSM or couples. If you find a model that you particularly love, you can also take a look at their schedule so that you never miss a show.

Flirt4Free might reel in newcomers with the “F” word (free), but cam site enthusiasts know that you’ll end up paying at some point. To their credit though, Flirt4Free allows you to watch public streams and get information about the performers. Private shows will drive you to pay for tokens so that you can direct the lovely cam girl who you’ve chosen to watch. Performers decide their own price-per-minute, so keep an eye out for that before you end up breaking the bank.

Pros:

Free public showsTons of filtering optionsProfessional, pornstar-quality models

Cons:

Models operate on an expensive price-per-minute structure

9.  XCams: Diverse Euro models

XCams is a special cam site for folks who have eyes for European cam models. They flourish on XCams, though it’s a lesser-known site than the rest. It’s surprising that it flies under the radar because there are always so many models available at any given time for anyone to watch.

Diversity is the name of the game over at XCams. While they feature tons of Europeans, these models are really diverse in their backgrounds, performance styles, and kinks that they love to get into. It’s fun to browse through the thumbnails of videos on the XCams homepage because you get a peek at all the unique shows they have to offer.

Each model decides what you’ll pay for a show. Before you commit, you’ll be shown a preview, told where the model is from, and told how many credits you’ll need to pay for your time. You will get 25 free credits just for signing up, which will give you about five minutes on average.

Pros:

Beautiful diverse cam girlsVery kinkyGreat previews for private shows

Cons:

Models operate on an expensive price-per-minute structureSmall amount of free credits when you sign up

10.  Streamate: Most options

If you’re after quantity, Streammate is a good option. There are literally thousands of models online at any given time when you head over to the site. It doesn’t matter if it’s during your 12 PM lunch break or after midnight, this site is always busy. It’s the cam site that never sleeps.

The Streamate performers also love to please. Truthfully, it’s because they want to be tipped well, but you can rest assured that any model you watch on Streamate will work very hard to earn your affection. They are very engaging, personable, and (of course) sexy.

Streamate is a no-frills site that takes you straight to the action. It doesn’t need all the bells and whistles because it provides a large amount of really great shows. You can use their simple and intuitive search function to filter your options, making Streamate one of the easiest sex cam sites to navigate. And their filtering options get really specific, so you can find exactly what turns you on. There is also a “Newcomer” section for the viewers who love to watch fresh talent or want to discover new models.

Pros:

Thousands of models to choose fromAmateurs and professionals available

Cons:

This site has a lot of annoying adsOutdated web design

11.  LuckyCrush: A combo of a cam site and Chatroulette

LuckyCrush is a cam girl site that randomly matches you with flirty ladies. It’s newer, but it has managed to attract millions of users on a monthly basis. People like to say that LuckyCrush is a healthy mix of a cam site and a random chat site like Chatroulette. It’s probably what you wished Chatroulette could be when you were too young to know about cam sites. Men and women are randomly paired for an erotic video chat.

LuckyCrush is confident in its unique model, which is why it offers first-time male visitors a brief free trial. After that, you will need to purchase credits to enjoy the site. Women come to LuckyCrush hoping to make money, so stocking up a little bit will do you some good.

Because LuckyCrush is totally random, you might be paired up with a hottie who is on the other side of the world. Don’t worry if you don’t speak her language. LuckyCrush has a built-in translation feature that makes it easy to communicate with models from all over the world. It’s an exciting approach to cam shows.

Pros:

Personally meet models from all over the worldExclusively private shows

Cons:

You can’t filter or searchNot for everyone

12.  StripChat: Interactive stripteases

StripChat is a cam site with some special perks. On the surface, it’s a way to view beautiful live stripteases performed by stunning models. Some of them just like to strip and others take it up a notch by displaying naughty activities. In that regard, it’s a little different from your average sex cam site. You can check out the videos for free and tip the models, like you normally would. These tips are given in the form of tokens, which you will need to purchase beforehand.

The women on StripChat are not amateurs. They are women who seem to fit right into the porn industry. They really know what they are doing and they are fantastic at putting on a show for an audience. This is also a site that sadly caters exclusively to the male gaze. In other words, there isn’t any real gender diversity unless you head over to their couples section. However, everything, including the lesbian scenes, seems to be shot exclusively for purely heterosexual males.

What separates StripChat from the crowd is their VR feature. Now, if you don’t have a pair of VR goggles, you are going to want to stop reading because this next part is going to make you really jealous. StripChat’s VR function allows you to throw on a headset and opt in for a private show from one of their pretty performers. It takes live interaction to new heights and is a deeply satisfying cam experience. The videos are in HD, so you won’t miss a thing!

Pros:

HD stripteasesVR featuresProfessional cam girls

Cons:

Sometimes, you only get a striptease

13.  BongaCams: Affordable, transparent

On the surface, BongaCams likes to pretend that it’s a free cam site full of women, couples, and trans people. If you’ve made it this far in reading cam reviews, you won’t be surprised to learn that every site is going to squeeze some coin out of you at some point. That’s just how these things work. But BongaCams isn’t going to suck you dry by charging per minute. Their models make a living based on their tips, and you are going to eventually want to tip them through the token payment structure.

The good thing about the BongaCams pricing setup is that there are really no surprises. When you enter a free live show, you are shown a list of the models prices per a given activity. For instance, erotic play between two beautiful lesbian models might cost you 100 tokens. You’ll be informed of everything up front, which helps you figure out which shows are worth watching based on your personal preference and what you can afford. You can also try your luck at jumping into a show and mooching off the other viewers who will send tips, but it might test your patience.

BongaCams delivers incredible shows but doesn’t provide many private show options. In the end, BongaCams is a pretty predictable cam site with a token system and great performers. You’ll find a lot of new girls on this site too, because it’s very welcoming to girls who want to get into camming for the first time.

Pros:

Very transparent about priceGreat site design

Cons:

Not great for private shows

14.  BabeStation: Huge UK cam site

BabeStation has been around for nearly two decades and is the biggest cam site for UK models. Of all the cam sites, BabeStation is not one that you want to breeze past because it has a lot to offer.

Most sites that have been around for as long as BabeStation have pretty much nailed the cam girl experience. This will become clear to you immediately upon visiting the site. Rather than staring at a bunch of thumbnails, you’ll be plopped into a live show right away. You can of course exit and search for a show that’s a bit more your flavor, but it’s nice to know that you can freely view HD cam shows from the jump.

One thing that BabeStation is missing is an easy way for new visitors to browse and filter. Most of the models are great, but this site isn’t designed to cater to unique fetishes because it’s hard to navigate. Some of the performers are also a little dry. They will sometimes just keep their camera on while they go about mundane tasks, which is more of a voyeuristic experience than an interactive cam show.

BabeStation does offer a ton of promotions at any given time, making it feel very affordable when you decide that you do want to tip a model.

Pros:

Biggest UK cam siteCan actually watch shows for free

Cons:

Not an easy site to navigateSome performers lack engagement or personality

How to Have the Best Adult Cam Site Experience

If you’re brand new to cam sites, you might feel a bit lost. There are a lot of them, and they’re not all worth your time. Check out the following four tips to ensure that you end up on the best sites and have a great experience. 

Browse before you buy

Do you buy a car without test driving it? Do you buy a house without seeing it first? When it comes to spending your hard-earned money, it’s always good to avoid wasting it. And a good way to throw away your money is to start spending a ton of it on cam sites.

Your best bet is to browse around some of the top cam sites before you sign up for any subscriptions, premium memberships, etc. Many cam sites can even be browsed for free—even the biggest one, Chaturbate. So, it’s recommended to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the various sites out there before spending any cash. 

Privilege quality over quantity

There are some sites with thousands of cam models who are active at any given time. Yet, all those choices may be overwhelming, and it might feel like finding a needle in a haystack to find something of high quality. So, you might be better off finding a site with fewer models but with a higher percentage of fun and engaged and attractive ones.

That said, the biggest cam sites like Chaturbate give you different filtering options and the default is to show you the cammers with the largest number of viewers. This generally means that you can find high quality content without having to look too far. 

Stick to the big names

Camming has exploded in recent years. As you might expect, there’s been a lot of people trying to get a slice of the pie. Tons of cam sites have popped up, and not all of them are created equal—in fact, it’s not even close.

To avoid getting scammed and wasting your money and/or time, stick to the biggest names in the camming world—sites like Chaturbate and MyFreeCams, for example. 

Participate to maximize the experience

Cam sites are all about participation. This is what inherently separates them from regular porn sites. If no one participated—neither chatting nor giving any tips—the cam site wouldn’t exist. The models depend on tips for it to be worth their while, and the chatting helps keep things fun and engaging. 

So, don’t be shy to participate. You might find that it really enhances your overall experience, especially if you tip to get into private shows. Otherwise, you might as well just stick to regular porn. 

Read More

Throughout history, witchcraft has had a notoriously bad image. Most of the world links witches to Satanism and pure evil, and just looking into the past tells you how much of a bad rep witches have had, with the fatal witch-hunting and numerous trials where witches burned at the stake.

But in recent years, witchcraft has become popularized and romanticized through pop culture, like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and everyone’s favorite movie series, Harry Potter.

Wicca is a modern Pagan religion that incorporates witchcraft and has become an alluring belief system to many. Wicca has links to magic and nature, but not the wands and demon-fighting you see on TV. A key element of modern-day witchcraft is spellcasting, and one of the most popular spells is love spells.

Love spells are used to attract – you guessed it – love! These spells (and curses) come in the form of potions, written text, rituals, or using objects like candles or even dolls.

Intrigued? Keep reading to discover seven love spells and how to cast them. And on top of that, get ready to learn some tips about casting love spells and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you’d like to get a love spell cast for free, click here.

7 Best and Most Powerful Love Spells

Honey JarPink CandleGet an Ex BackMarriageNo-ingredientPoppetUsing Photography

1. Honey Jar Spell

The honey jar spell is probably the most common love spell people use to improve their relationship, intimacy, and connection with others. This spell is for couples already in a relationship to strengthen their bond and bring them even closer.

It earned its name because it represents something sweet. The honey jar spell uses the attraction between two people and grounds the love spell on this positive energy. This spell is said to create more sweetness, intimacy, and affection between two people.

How to Cast a Honey Jar Spell

Write the name of the other person on a piece of blank paper three times.Turn the paper 90 degrees and write your name three times, overlapping the other person’s name.Close your eyes and focus on what you want out of the spell.Next, while thinking hard about the goal, write the wish on the paper so that it circles both the names.When you’re done, fold the paper and place it in a jar filled with honey.Dip your fingers into the honey as you place the paper inside.Remove your fingers from the jar and say the following chant out loud: Just like this honey is sweet, that’s how he/she will be for me.Now, lick the honey off your fingers and seal the jar with the paper inside.Light a candle on top of the jar, but make sure you choose the right one. The candle color will vary according to your specific wish:

White: general purposes

Red: passionate love

Pink: loving love

Once the candle finishes burning, store the jar away where no one will be able to find it.Wait seven days, and light another candle on the same day of the week.Repeat, lighting a new candle once a week on the same day to truly get what you desire.

Final ThoughtThe honey jar spell is a basic love spell, but it only works if you release negative energy and thoughts. Stay focused on your goal, and use your purest intention to attract what you desire.

Try getting a Honey Jar spell cast by a professional for free by clicking here.

2. Pink Candle Spell

Candles are a crucial feature of love spells. They act as a medium driving strong attraction between two people.

In love spells, pink candles symbolize spirituality and love. They don’t generate any negative energy, which is the perfect reason to use a pink candle during a love spell. Pink candle spells make for very strong magic when the intentions behind the spell are pure and dedicated. If your love is pure and intentions are clear, the pink candle spell will get you the results you want.

How to Cast a Pink Candle Spell

Light a new and unused pink candle, preferably on a Friday night.Write your first name and the last name of the other person on a white piece of paper.Draw one circle around both names.Close your eyes firmly and envision the two of you together. Focus on the image. Get deep and visualize the love and happiness you will share.Repeat the following chant three times: Our fate is sealed. We are one so mote it be. It is done.Watch the pink candle until it burns out. (Don’t buy a large one.)Make sure you fully extinguish the candle before leaving it. You can pat the candle to put out the fire, but don’t blow it out, or you will break the love spell.If you want to invoke the strongest love magic, repeat the spell for seven consecutive nights.

Final Thought

Pink candle spells are very potent magic, and witches have used them for centuries. Have pure intention, and you will see your desired result bloom in front of your eyes!

Suggestion: Professionals can cast pink candle spells (or curses) for free.

3. Spell to Get An Ex Back

This spell is popular for those who regret breaking up with their lovers or want to rekindle a past romance. To perform this spell, seek the help of a professional instead of doing it yourself. Professionals can drive out any negative energy that could tear the two of you apart.

Casting a spell to get an ex back is meant to give you the energy and confidence to help you get it done. The most important thing to remember when rekindling a romance is to ensure that it isn’t forced. Love should never be authoritative – it should be mutual and emotionally accepted by both sides.

How to Cast a Spell to Get An Ex Back

Light a red candle and stare at the flame for two to three minutes. Look at a photo of your ex and visualize making up.Write your name and your ex’s name on a piece of paper and draw a circle around them.Drop honey on the names and chant the following incantation: I wish you come back to me with this spell to tighten up our connection forever.Meditate for a few minutes to calm your mind and let go of any resentment or negativity you hold.Blow out the candle.Tear the paper into small pieces and bury them somewhere in your garden.Repeat the rituals the next night with new paper and honey, but with the same candle.Repeat the spell for a third night.

Final Thoughts 

Getting an ex back is tricky business, especially if there’s negative energy and bitterness from either party. With the help of a professional practitioner, you can guarantee that the love spell will be gentle and accurate. For added potency, don’t let anyone know that you are casting this spell!

Kasamba offers professional love spell casting with a free trial and 50% off.

4. Marriage Spells

Marriage spells are for those looking for strength in their marriage or someone looking to get married. They reduce tension in existing relationships and allow two partners to reinforce their sacred bond, adding harmony and love between the spell caster and their partner.

While marriage spells may work for couples experiencing a rough patch, seek a professional practitioner’s help if you are on the verge of a legal separation, divorce, or annulment. White magic simply does not force others to love or have feelings that aren’t there. Going ahead without a professional and forcing it can cause the caster to experience a negative energy backlash.

How to Cast Marriage Spells

There are many marriage spells, ranging in intensity and power. Get professional help when casting powerful marriage spells.

Here is a beginner marriage spell for someone wanting their partner to propose or talk about marriage:

Get a plant called spathiphyllum – it should have white flowers to symbolize a white wedding dress.Replant the spathiphyllum in a new pot when you bring it home. The soil used to replant should be from a place where you and your partner have fond memories together.Place stones at the bottom of the pot for stronger magic.Write your desire on a piece of paper. Roll the paper up, tie it with a white string, and place it at the bottom of the pot. The paper should be under the stones and soil.After re-potting the plant, place it in a room where your partner spends a lot of time.Take a photo of yourself and another of your partner.Roll them up and wrap them separately in foil to protect your relationship.Place your photo on the right side of the plant and your partner’s on the left.Water the plant until it grows at least one new flower.Cut the flower off when it blooms, place it on a paper towel, and dry it.Divide the dry flower into three equal-sized parts.Place 1/3 of the flower in a cup, add sugar and natural tea, then stir the tea clockwise.Then, lean over the cup while chanting the following words: Be my husband! Be my husband! Be my husband! Or, if using the spell on a woman, chant, Be my wife! Be my wife! Be my wife!Offer the tea to your partner and make sure they drink every last drop.Repeat the ritual for the next two days for maximum potency.If your partner doesn’t start discussing marriage, wait until a new moon and begin the process again. Use one of the new flowers that bloomed while you waited.

Final Thought

Although this marriage spell is effective, some things can prevent it from working. It won’t work if you don’t see your partner every day, fight frequently, or have no respect for them and think you are above them. The spell works best when both partners truly love each other.

Spellcaster Special: 3 Free Minutes + 50% Off Your First Spell

5. No-ingredient Love Spell

Some love spells are easy with absolutely no ingredients involved. They use words, chants, imagination, and focus. These no-ingredient love spells are not restrictive, which means the spell caster has the ultimate freedom to choose how they cast the spell and its outcome.

You can cast these love spells for various reasons, whether to improve or spice up an existing relationship, attract a new partner, or improve self-love. They are simple and work effectively, putting positive energy out into the universe.

How to Cast a No-ingredient Love Spell

There are many no-ingredient love spells that all use the power of energy and manifestation. This particular love spell is to attract someone you already have a connection to:

Relax in a quiet room on a Friday night or during the full moon.Be open-minded, clear, and receptive – have faith in your energy and the energy of the universe.Sincerely think about someone particular you want to attract into your life.Imagine yourself with the person and visualize the love and happiness you wish to have between you two.Relax your mind, visualize you two together, and believe in the power of your love and energy.Once a month during the full moon, repeat the spell and you will soon see positive results.

Final Thought

You must love yourself before you can truly love another person. This love spell works beautifully to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem to attract the right person and relationship into your life.

6. Poppet Magic

Poppets are dolls that represent someone when casting spells. Creating a poppet of a person means you do to the poppet will affect the person it represents. A poppet typically uses cloth or fabric, but you can make it from any other material, such as wax, wood, or clay. Fill your poppet with magical items, such as herbs and stones, but include some paper and cotton as well.

Once you create the poppet, you need to connect it to the person it is supposed to represent. Use a magical link, such as hair, nail clippings, body fluids, or a photograph. Once you place the magical link inside, sew up the poppet and customize the outside to look like the person it represents. Add any defining features, scars, or tattoos for maximum accuracy.

How to Cast A Love Spell with Poppets

Have two dolls – one to represent yourself and the other to represent your love interest.If you can, fill the dolls with rose petals, rose quartz crystals, and love artifacts, transforming them into beacons of love energy.Chant something along the lines of, “I have made you, and you are (insert your love interest’s name).”Chant the same to label the doll symbolizing yourself.Use a pink ribbon to wrap around both dolls to tie them together.Envision the both of you together and happy.Let your love energy be put up into the universe, and let the magic happen.

Final Thought

Poppets can be used for love spells as long as you can consciously imagine it happening. Having a clear goal and the means to achieve it, your poppet’s energy combined with yours will give you results.

Kasamba can professionally cast Poppet Magic with 50% off.

7. Love Spell with Photography

Love spells with a photograph are effective ways to bind two lovers or spouses together. It strengthens the bond between a couple or reignites passion between spouses when one has lost interest in the relationship.

Using photography is a powerful binding spell, but it will only work on people who already have an established connection. You cannot use this spell on someone you have never met or do not have a connection with. Seeking help from a professional is recommended to make the love spell truly potent, but you can try this at home if you want to.

How to Cast a Love Spell with a Photograph

Wait until the clock hits midnight to perform this ritual.Take the photo of your partner/spouse and place it in front of you. Behind the photo, place a red candle.The red candle must be the only source of light in the entire room.Next, take a pen and paper and write down the following: Sadness, go to my lover (name of your lover). Go inside his head, so all he could think was me (your name), hugging me, kissing me, loving me. My words are strong and sticky.Take the paper and burn it with the candle flame. Make sure the smoke passes through the photo.As the piece of paper burns, chant the following incantation: The blood’s boiling, unable to keep still. What goes over the head comes into the head, when the fire appears behind the back, the heart of God’s servant (your lover’s name) excites.After the paper is fully burned and there is no smoke left, you have finished your love spell using a photograph!

Final Thought 

For your spell to work, the universe and the person you love must agree with your desire. Love spells with photographs are strong in that you can visualize your partner and the life you have in front of your eyes. If both the universe and your person are willing, your spell will succeed in bringing them into your life.

Now that you familiarized yourself with the most powerful love spells, here are some tips about casting them. These tips will help all beginners perform spell rituals effectively, without the fear of it backfiring.

You have to believe in the magicLove spells are powerful, but the key to making them work to their full potential is to believe in love magic. It’s easier said than done because most beginners have little faith in what they are doing.

Try focusing all your energy on your intention and desired outcome – don’t let yourself be bothered by any negative thoughts or distractions. Since magic is based on faith and spirit, you need to keep strong faith that you will see the results you expect.

Have realistic expectationsWhile you can believe in your magic and have faith in the spell casting, your love spell won’t work in unrealistic expectations. Love spells simply cannot make your celebrity crush fall madly in love with you – spells don’t work like that! If you are focusing your love spell on a specific individual, you need to have an established connection to that person.Have clear intent and be open-minded to possibilitiesAll effective love spells require clearly stated intentions, intense mental concentration, and, most times, physical materials. For your love spell to manifest accurately, you must be specific and have a clear intent.Love is a choice and should never be forced onto someone. When casting a love spell, focus on the qualities and values you want in a lover instead of stating someone’s name. Open your heart to possibilities, even if it’s someone other than your crush who doesn’t know you exist. Casting powerful love spells can potentially bring you closer to finding the love you deserve, sometimes in places you don’t expect!Know the limitations of love magicThere are indeed limitations to love magic. You can’t use white magic as love spells for negative intent. Spells should always be used for positive reasons, to enrich the caster and their love interest with blessings. Using black magic to break apart a marriage or strong union will backfire, inflict negative energy, and cause bad karma for yourself.Familiarize yourself with the best time to cast spellsThe best time to cast love spells is on Friday nights because Venus Day (Venus symbolizes adoration, love, and courtship) is a Friday. Another good time to try spell casting is during the New Moon because a new moon symbolizes turning new opportunities into reality.

FAQs about Love Spells

Q: Can I cast magic spells at home?
There are numerous spells you can do at home for love, luck, and finance. But some may require professional help because of the complexity of the spell or desired result. Just do your research first!

Q: Do love spells work?
Love spells work when you focus clearly on your pure intention and believe in the magic you are performing. You can only cast a great love spell when you have a strong mental focus and the physical materials or tools to help focus you on your goal.

Most magic spells do not work immediately. Not even the most powerful love spell is going to make someone fall into your lap! After performing a love spell and putting your intention into the universe, reach out to someone you’re interested in or join a dating app to hurry the magic along!

Q: Can love spells backfire?
Love spells can backfire if there is any lingering negative energy. If you have any negative thoughts or bad intentions when casting a spell, expect them to come back to you and not in a good way! Consider hiring a professional practitioner to cast spells.

Q: Are there magic spells to break up a couple?
Black magic spells to break up couples in relationships are notoriously negative and will give you bad karma. Some spellcasters claim to have spells or curses to end relationships, but these spells only work for lust and will not build true love, no matter how hard you try. Simply put, you can’t destroy true love, just like you can’t force love between two people.

Read More

As you know by now, the MAGA Six on the Supreme Court eviscerated abortion rights with their recent anti-Roe ruling, thus triggering local laws that instantaneously made abortion illegal in a dozen or so states.

None of which were Illinois. And for that we must at least partially thank former Governor Bruce Rauner. Words I never imagined I’d say.

I offer this not-so-ancient history lesson to illustrate how far to the right the Republican Party has moved in the five years since Rauner signed the abortion-rights bill that eliminated the trigger language and, in so doing, helped cost him reelection.

In 2014, Rauner, a billionaire businessman, ran as a pro-choice Republican. Abortion rights, he went out of way to make clear, would not be an issue if he were governor—so no need to fear, swing voters. 

His reassurance on this issue is part of the reason he got the votes he needed out of DuPage, Lake, and suburban Cook counties to beat former governor Pat Quinn.

Well, you probably remember the disaster that came next . . .

As governor, Rauner waged war against unions. He refused to pass a state budget unless Democrats caved in and voted for his anti-collective bargaining legislation.

The statehouse Republicans stayed with him throughout that fight, even as the state headed toward bankruptcy and unpaid bills grew as high as Mount Everest.

And then in 2017, Rauner got to the bill known as HB 40 and the whole thing fell apart.

This was a bill, pushed by Democrats and reproductive rights groups, that provided Medicaid funding for abortions and elimated the notorious trigger law.

That’s the language which would outlaw almost all abortions in Illinois, if the Supreme Court would do as it just did—overule Roe.

Here’s the precise language. Read it yourself—if only to realize what Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey would undoubtedly try to bring back should he defeat Pritzker in the fall.

“The unborn child is a human being from the time of conception and is, therefore, a legal person for purposes of the unborn child’s right to life and is entitled to the right to life from conception under the laws and Constitution of this State. Further, the General Assembly finds and declares that longstanding policy of this state to protect the right to life of the unborn child from conception by prohibiting abortion unless necessary to preserve the life of the mother is impermissible only because of the decisions of the United State Supreme Court and that, therefore, if those decisions of the United States Supreme Court are ever reversed or modified or the United State Constitution is amended to allow protection of the unborn then the former policy of this State to prohibit abortions unless necessary for the preservation of the mother’s life shall be reinstated.”

HB 40 eliminated that language. Just scratched it right out of law, like it was never meant to be.

When the bill advanced towards his desk to be signed, Rauner got wobbly.

His Republican allies in the General Assembly let him know they expected him to veto the bill. He privately told them he wouldn’t sign it. Then publicly said he hadn’t made up his mind. To which the Republicans accused him of going back on his word.

I never understood what right-wing Republicans expected. Again, Rauner ran as a pro-choice candidate. He and his wife had donated money to Planned Parenthood. The Republicans knew what they were voting for when they voted for him in 2014. 

In September 2017, Rauner signed HB 40 into law, winning praise from Planned Parenthood and the ACLU.

But Republicans were livid. And in the Republican primary of 2018, state rep Jeanne Ives ran at Rauner from the right. He beat her, but it was a close and bruising race. 

His old coalition was shredded. He lost much of the independent vote to Pritzker and without rock-solid support from MAGA, he lost.

In the last year or so, Rauner’s old crony and funder, Kenneth Griffin, tried to piece that old Rauner coalition together behind Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin.

Griffin pumped $50 million into Irvin’s campaign, trying to run him as a “moderate”. But this time around MAGA wasn’t looking the other way, as they did with Rauner back in 2014. 

They demanded that Irvin toe the line on abortion. Poor Irvin didn’t know what to do. If he supported abortion rights, he wouldn’t win the primary. If he opposed abortion rights, he wouldn’t be able to peel off enough suburban voters to beat Pritzker in November.

Not knowing what to say on the topic, he tried to get away with saying nothing. Obviously, that didn’t work very well. He wound up coming in third–behind state senator Darren Bailey and Jesse Sullivan.

A few weeks before the election, Griffin sort of raised the white flag. He announced he was moving to Florida, even though Irvin, his candidate, was still running for governor.

First Rauner and now Griffin—you might say MAGA ran two of the richest Republicans right out of the state.

Don’t feel bad for Griffin. Like Rauner, he’s pals with Florida governor Ron DeSantis. Apparently, the terms of the deal for rich Republican “moderates” runs like this . . . 

If you want to elect Republicans who push through tax breaks, you have to toe the MAGA line on guns, gays, race, the environment, and abortion. Especially abortion.

As I said, I have no doubt Darren Bailey would try to restore that inked-out right-to-life language should he be elected governor. You thought the fight was over, people, but really it’s just heating up.

And with that I’ll end this history lesson with this reminder. When it comes to abortion, MAGA won’t rest until it’s as illegal here as it is in Mississippi.

If you don’t believe me, just ask Bruce Rauner. 

The Latest from the Ben Joravsky Show

Read More