The Priestesses

For an exploration of the gender binary in Paganism, Amanda and Jacob are joined by their friend and guest, Jess, who's a non-binary individual, solitary Pagan, and current UW student. In this episode: Gender pronouns, the problems of gender identity, the meaning of genderqueer, the power and problems with labels, the possibilities of non-binary Paganism, the gendered nature of deities and worship,  how to craft inclusive rituals, trying to find a place in the community, the forms of deity, defining elements of pagan culture, being undefined, the stereotypes and ideals of masculinity and femininity, the rise of patriarchy, sacred gender roles, the evolution of Western cultures, how to broaden our Pagan experience, the power of acceptance in community, shaping the future, inclusivity and equity in community, the Jolly Green Giant, solitary vs. group challenges, building inclusive ritual spaces, the importance of communication, mystery traditions, scary animals, sex characteristics...

Samhain and Halloween are upon us once again! Falling at the same time, do these holidays clash or compliment one another? Is Halloween too commercialized? Is Samhain too secular? As we explore those questions and more, we talk about: The mainstreaming of the occult, family traditions, mixed feelings over Samhain and Halloween, planning and pacing for the fall season, secular and sacred circles, where the celebrations meet, Day of the Dead, trick or treating rituals, honoring ancestors, dealing with death and loss, making time to honor the dead, the veil between worlds, the possibility of an afterlife, the life cycle, ownership of our own terms, and much more. Website: www.thepriestesses.com Email: thepriestesses@gmail.com Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

For a discussion on relationship(s) with deity/deities, we're joined by our friend and guest, Danise Shipley, who is a teacher and practitioner of Irish Shamanism. Along the way we explore: Journeying, encountering the gods, mixing pantheons, modes and methods of relationship, communication with the gods, personal vs. impersonal relation,  synchronicity, callings, gods in the past and here in the present, divine changeability, mysticism, goddess spirituality, the feminine and masculine divine, origins and roots of the gods, individualized experience, humanity in divinity, gods as exemplars, etymology, epistemology, modern mythology, pop pantheons, benefits and difficulties to divine relationships, and so much more. Website: www.thepriestesses.com Email: thepriestesses@gmail.com Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp ( www.crystalechosound.com )