The Priestesses

In this hairy episode, Amanda and Jacob are joined by prolific author, artist, and modern traditional witch, Laura Tempest Zakroff. How do we Paganfolk explore the wrinkles surrounding blasphemy, oaths, curses, and invocations? What textures do the power of words and speech hold? And what's Pan got to do with it? Mentions: - Utah Goddess Temple: https://www.utahgoddesstemple.org/ - The Fallacy of Black or White Magick, by Laura Tempest Zakroff (A Modern Traditional Witch): https://www.patheos.com/blogs/tempest/2018/03/fallacy-black-white-magick.html - Why We Make Oaths, by John Beckett (Under the Ancient Oaks): http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2018/07/why-we-make-oaths.html - Breaking Oaths and Vows, by Laura Tempest Zakroff (A Modern Traditional Witch): https://www.patheos.com/blogs/tempest/2017/09/breaking-oaths-vows.html Sharing Space: - Laura Tempest Zakroff: http://www.lauratempestzakroff.com/ - Weave the Liminal: https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=97807...

In this episode, Jacob travels to the fabled Twin Cities in mystical land of Minnesota, for a field interview with minzoku NEO-shintôist and shrine-runner, Volkhvy. What is minzoku NEO-shintô? How does it connect with the bigger picture of Shinto practice? And how does one go about it? Grab your haraegushi, because this episode is completely shide! Minzoku Neo-Shinto: - shi-yaku-jin no hokora: http://www.shi-yaku-jin-no-hokora.org/ - minzoku NEO-shintô: A Book of Little Traditions: http://www.shi-yaku-jin-no-hokora.org/minzoku_neo_shinto/title_intro.html - Sacred Cedar Shrine: http://sacredcedarshrine.org/ - shi-yaku-jin no hokora / minzoku NEO-shintô (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/pg/shiyakujin.no.hokora/ - minzoku NEO-shintô (Facebook Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/443385432350496/ Volkhvy's Shinto Reading List: - Shinto: The Kami Way, by Sokyo Ono: https://www.amazon.com/Shinto-Kami-Way-Sokyo-Ph-D/dp/0804835578/ - Shinto Norito: A Book of Prayers, b...

In this high-flying episode, the gang saddles up for Studio Ghibli's animated classic, Kiki's Delivery Service and Studio Ponoc's new magical adventure, Mary and the Witch's Flower. What themes in these films speak to real-life Paganism? How do they deal with magick? And what lessons can we find in them for our own self-development? Note: Something was amiss with our equipment that wasn't apparent when we recorded. Please be aware that the sound quality is a little rougher than usual at times. Mentions: - The Sanderson Sisters (Hocus Pocus): http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sanderson_Sisters - Magical Girl (Mahou Shojou): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magical_girl - Madoka Magica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puella_Magi_Madoka_Magica Trivia: - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/may/04/hiromasa-yonebayashi-interview-studio-ghibli-mary-and-the-witchs-flowe r - http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/kiki/faq.html Links: - Website: http://www.theprieste...

The Amanda and the Jacob talk with real-life teenage Pagan and all-around excellent human being, Selje. What's it mean to be young and Pagan today? How's it different from back in the 90's and early-aughts? And where might the future of Paganism be heading? Mentions: - Harry Potter (book series): https://harrypotterbooks.scholastic.com/ - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Mystery_Dungeon:_Explorers_of_Time_and_Explorers _of_Darkness - Final Fantasy (series): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy - Chrono Trigger/Chrono Cross: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrono_(series) - Kami: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/shinto/beliefs/kami_1.shtml - Yokai: http://yokai.com/about/ - Numinous: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numinous - Mysterium Tremendum: https://www.britannica.com/topic/mysterium-tremendum-et-fascinans - Angelfire: http://www.angelfire.lycos.com/ - GeoCities: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...

In this squirrelly episode, Amanda, Aimee, and Jacob look to the matters of direction, intention, attraction, manifesting, and seeking guidance. What do these mean? Where do we find them? And just how the the universe are they supposed to work? Not all who wander are lost, so come along for an encompassing journey about: The law of attraction, thought and behavior patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the drumbeat of time, limitations, mentors, sources of support and guidance, choosing consciously, goal-making, wants and needs, expectations, self-questioning and self-doubt, accountability, geas (actually pronounced "geSH"), rewards, creating new habits and routines, allowing failure, Pavlov's cat, and much, much more... Squirrel! Mentions: - SMART Goals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria - The Pomodoro Technique: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique - Orphan Black: http://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/orphan-black - This Isn’t the Ko...

In this brief, strange trip, Amanda and Jacob sit down with the enigmatic "Shamama," for a little look into the history and use of entheogens and psychedelics in modern Paganism. Are drug culture and Pagan culture somehow inseparable? What connects us to sacred experience? And what made "Neo-Paganism" so "neo," anyways? Mentions: - Timothy Leary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Leary - Ram Dass (Richard Albert): https://www.ramdass.org/bio/ - Terrence McKenna: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terence_McKenna - Peter Max: https://petermax.com/pages/peter-max-biography - Legal history of cannabis in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legal_history_of_cannabis_in_the_United_States - Marijuana Timeline: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html - A Social History Of America's Most Popular Drugs: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/drugs/buyers/socialhistory.html - The Grateful Dead: http://www.dea...

Amanda, Aimee, and Jacob are joined by their friend Sam for a sobering discussion about alcohol, addiction, and recovery in Pagan culture. How do we hold space for those who struggle with addition or those in recovery? What resources does the Paganosphere provide? And just where is that higher power found? In pursuit of those questions, and the answer to life, the universe, and everything, the gang comes clean about: Socio-cultural pressures, alcohol in ritual and sacred spaces, the challenges of shared experience, navigating support groups, AA, twelve-step programs, creating inclusive events and spaces, the will to action, finding what works for you, and a whole lot more. Disclaimer: The Priestesses do not advocate for or condone alcohol abuse or illegal drug use. The purpose of this episode is for topical discussion, storytelling, and the free expression of opinion only. Mentions: - Burger King: https://www.bk.com/ - Bill W. (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_W. -...

The Priestesses go to the movies! Again! In this fresh installment, Amanda and Jacob "Ohm" in on the Studio Ghibli classics, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke . What makes these films so powerful, even today? What lessons and perspectives might Paganfolk find within them? And what makes a Princess a Princess? Wading into the water includes exploring: Thematic similarities, liminal protagonists, complex antagonists, strong female characters, ritual purity, human action and inaction, the power and terror of rage, the might of nature, karma, some Pagan exegesis and eisegesis of the films, and much, much more. Miyazaki-sama, osoreirimasu! Mentions: - Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: https://www.fredrogers.org/media/mister-rogers-neighborhood/ - Return to Oz: https://movies.disney.com/return-to-oz - Cleansing & Purification, pt 1: What is Ritual Pollution?, by Lady Althaea: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/every-day-is-magickal/cleansing-purification-pt-1-w...

In this sticky episode, Amanda, Aimee, and Jacob talk about sex magick. But mostly about sex. And they have a healthy go at masturbation, while they're at it. How does sex and self-love play along with our mental, emotional, and spiritual health? How do they connect us to ourselves and others? What techniques might... come in handy? And moreover, what does it mean to embrace our own power? Mentions: - The Lesbian Kama Sutra, by Kat Harding: https://www.amazon.com/Lesbian-Kama-Sutra-Kat-Harding/dp/0312335857/ - A Druid's Handbook to the Spiritual Power of Plants: Spagyrics in Magical and Sexual Rituals, by Jon G. Hughes: https://www.amazon.com/Druids-Handbook-Spiritual-Power-Plants/dp/1620552655/ - Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant: https://goodcleanlove.com/collections/personal-lubricants/products/almost-naked-organic-personal-lubricant - CBD Oil Lube: https://www.marijuanabreak.com/cbd-as-a-sex-lube - Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (201...

Crafting, creativity, Witchcraft, and Paganism. What threads run through these? How do they shape our paths and practice? Why do many Pagans seem to be makers, artists, or craftspeople? Who is able to take on a particular role? Where does creativity and crafting fit into all this Pagan stuff? In this episode, Amanda, Dani, and Jacob put together the pieces to find out. Mentions: - Hunter-Gatherers: http://hraf.yale.edu/ehc/summaries/hunter-gatherers - Women in Medecine (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_medicine - Amanchu! (anime): http://www.crunchyroll.com/amanchu - Puppetry of the Penis (NSFW): http://www.puppetryofthepenis.com/ - Boléro, by Maurice Ravel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aXwTPQQ1_U&vl=en - Tainted Love, by Marilyn Manson (NSFW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcDIk-Alj28 - Ooh La La, by Tinashe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtCfBdmxR_M - Cruciferous vegetables (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables -...

Hello, and a merry early Spring Equinox/Ostara to you! We just released our latest episode, Episode 38: The Pilgrim's Path . We hope you enjoy listening to it. We'll be back in the recording studio sometime in April, and our next episode may be a good 6-to-8 weeks away from now (mid-March). So, if you find yourself wondering when our next episode is, it'll around Beltane or later. In the meantime, we'll be on a sort of "spring break." Sort of. We hope your spring is a well-deserved wind of warmth. And as always, peace out and Pagan on.

For modern Pagans, what does pilgrimage mean? Largely removed from the paths, places, and practices of ancient Paganism, what is pilgrimage like for us? And what does it mean? Treading the way, Amanda and Jacob are joined by Irish Seabhean and returning guest, Danise Shipley. Along the road, these travelers explore expectations, experience, faith, preparation, planning, relating to places, getting naked, recovery, processing, inner vs. outer travel, journeying, working with limitations, experiences, helpful tips, and so much more. Sharing Space: - Under the Ancient Oaks (Patheos blog), by John Beckett: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/ - The Mead Tenders Who Weren't There (blog post), by John Beckett: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2017/11/mead-tenders-werent.html - The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún (manga): http://www.sevenseasentertainment.com/series/the-girl-from-the-other-side-siuil-a-run/ - The Red-Haired Girl from the Bog: The Landscape of C...

In this cozy half-episode, Jacob field interviews Gary and Michelle about being Pagan in the context of polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships. What challenges are there? What are some misconceptions? How does one share and practice your spiritual path with a partner or partners who may or may not be Pagan? All this, and much more partnering for your earholes await... Michelle's Recommendation for those curious about Polyamory: - More Than Two: Franklin Veaux's polyamory site: https://www.morethantwo.com Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: thepriestesses@gmail.com Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepriestesses Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp ( www.crystalechosound.com )

Ah, the challenges of being Pagan in intimate and/or romantic relationships. Is it harder in interfaith relationships than with other Pagans? What challenges arise for Pagans when discussing faith and practice? How do we deal with change and development in these relationships? In this one, Aimee, Amanda, Dani, and Jacob wail in the dungeon about their experiences (and lessons learned). Along the way, there's talk of enchanted swords, undead and/or robot armies, fisting, necromancers, a little about Hinduism, mixing folkways, Paganish traditions, misfortune and luck, prayer positions, shared experience, family values, and so much more. Sharing Space: - Evernote: https://evernote.com/ - Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray): https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Bebop-Complete-Wendee-Lee/dp/B00NP06DJE - Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (DVD): https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Bebop-Complete-David-Lucas/dp/B00NP06CYU - Kushiel's Dart, by Jacqueline Carey: https://www.amazon.com...

In this freshest of episodes, Aimee's back! And with the recent changeover to 2018 in mind, the gang explores the concept of "new years," along with ideas about reassessment, resolve, resolutions, goal-setting, intention, transformation, and much, much more. Sharing Space: - Fables: http://www.vertigocomics.com/characters/fables - Sword & Laser: http://swordandlaser.com/ - Vaginal Fantasy: http://vaginalfantasy.com/ - Pocket Casts: https://www.shiftyjelly.com/pocketcasts/ - Strange the Dreamer, by Laini Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Dreamer-Laini-Taylor/dp/0316341681 - Lips Touch: Three Times, by Laini Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/Lips-Touch-Three-Laini-Taylor/dp/0545055857/ref=pd_sim_b_2 - Laini Taylor: http://www.lainitaylor.com/ - Pagan Erotica: Anyone? Know someone who writes this? Do YOU write this? Let us know! - Rogue Valley: https://www.lostinroguevalley.com/ - Chris Koza: https://chriskoza.com/ Links: Website: http://www.thepriestess...