Gifts of the Wyrd

In episode 105 of Gifts of the Wyrd, I welcome back Imelda Almqvist to discuss her latest book, Portals, Patterns, and Pathways: A Handbook for Rune Magicians, Star Gazers and Myth Makers.

We talk about the Uthark system, rune axes, mythology, astrology,  and the many ways this book invites you to explore the runes from an entirely different perspective. 

This is not another book of rune meanings, it is an invitation to turn the rune wheel dial back a notch and take a step through a portal to a whole new adventure in working with the runes. 

Portals, Patterns, and Pathways: A handbook for Rune Magicians, Star Gazers and Myth Makers is published by Collective Ink Books and is available in paperback (via Amazon) and eBook.

You can find Imelda on Facebook and Instagram, but the best place is on Substack where she posts articles on a variety of topics each week. 

Listen to other interviews with Imelda: Episode 84 about Yule traditions and Episode 65 discussing her book North Sea Water in My Veins about pre-Christian spirituality of the Netherlands region.

 

 

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Rune sets also available at the etsy shop. Also look for a Nehalennia pin and challenge coin.

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode I speak again with Rev. Máire Durkan. We talk about Frigg and the twelve goddesses who make up her “Council.”  But from a different perspective and way of getting to know them.

In Frigg’s Twelvefold Flame, Máire's approach to the goddesses shows how they can be worked with to help with pressing matters today including justice, activism, and allyship. They are not (and never have been) “lesser” goddesses in the background to be occasionally referred to when it suits a purpose.  They are vibrant, active, and have a message that is needed in today’s society and climate worldwide.

Although many of the Council do not have a lot of lore, mythology, or archeological remnants, they are reaching through the veil of mystery those absences create to connect with people today to write new stories, create ritual, empower, and inspire creativity and activism.

Frigg’s Twelvefold Flame is available from Llewellyn Books, local book shops, or online sellers.

Máire will be presenting at Lewellyn Con 2026 on Thursday, June 11 at 11 am CDT. 

She is on social media on Facebook and Instagram and her website is: https://www.revmairedurkanauthor.com/

Listen to episode 51 for our previous discussion about Frigg and the Council with Rev. Maire's book Circle of Frith. 

# # #

This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Rune sets also available at the etsy shop. Also look for a Nehalennia pin and challenge coin coming soon.

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode of Gifts of the Wyrd, I’m joined by Jane Matthews, creator of Ogham: Divining the Celtic Way published by Weiser Books.

We talk about the Celtic roots of ogham and Jane shares insights into why she created the deck. We discuss it as a divination tool, working with ogham in everyday practice, and connecting with them for meditation, guidance, and magical work.

We also talk about some similarities between ogham and runes — how both were used as writing systems, are used as tools of magic and divination, and developing a deeper spiritual connection with them. 

The deck comes with a detailed book with Jane's insights to help you learn or gain a different perspective of the ogham. The book includes meanings, spreads, and insights on some specific topics such as relationships, work, and health.

Have a listen and get to know Jane and the ogham. 

Ogham, Divining in the Celtic Way deck can be ordered from Weiser Books, your local metaphysical or book store, or online seller. 

For more about Jane and her work, see https://www.janematthewsmedium.com/ ; Instagram @janematthewsmedium; Facebook @janematthewsmediumship

You can find out about Jane's Ogham, Rune, mediumship, and other workshops at the World Divination Association (WDA) and all the cool things going on there at www.worlddivinationassociation.com

# # #

This deck was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Rune sets also available at the etsy shop. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Urošević Applegate to discuss her book Slava! Slavic Paganism and Dual-Faith Folk Ways, an in-depth exploration of Slavic Pagan traditions and the dual-faith practice that weaves together folk Paganism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

We talk about Anna’s experience growing up in the United States as the child of immigrants, navigating the liminal space between cultures, and how those experiences shaped her spiritual path and worldview.

Slava! brings out the rich traditions of Slavic cosmology, magic, and honoring land and ancestors—wherever you may live. The book offers practical insights into working with Slavic deities, along with guidance on rituals, meditation, altar building, and seasonal practices that can be adapted to where you live and your own experiences.

Whether you have Slavic heritage or feel called by deities such as Perun or Veles, this conversation—and Anna’s work—offers a meaningful resource for deepening your practice.

Notes:

Anna's website: Circle of Rodu

Instagram: @annaurosevicapplegate_author

Artist: Nataša Ilinčić  website.  Instagram: @natasailincic

Slava! is available from Llewellyn Books, your local book shop, or online resources. 

# # #

This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode, I’m joined by Robert Schreiwer, Michelle A. Jones, and Stacey Lynne Stewart to explore Heathen Traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch: An Urglaawe Primer—an interesting look at a distinct expression of Heathenry rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Together, we talk about Urglaawe (or-glaw-VEH), a living spiritual tradition that explores the roots of Germanic Heathen spirituality with regional folklore, language, and lived experience. We discuss its mythology, seasonal practices, and spiritual framework, as well as how other local related traditions like Hexerei and Braucherei intersect with—but remain distinct from—Urglaawe itself.

We talk about what it means to practice a land-based, culturally rooted tradition in the modern world, and how Urglaawe offers a path that is both inclusive and deeply tied to place—integrating the seasons and environment where you live with your practice.

Whether you’re new to Heathenry and exploring its different expresssions or looking to expand your understanding of regional traditions, this discussion will give you insights to a unique practice.

The book is available from Llewellyn on their website, at your local bookstore, and online. 

# # # Resources # # #

The Urglaawe page: https://www.urglaawe.org

Urglaawe Facebook Group: 

Stacey: IG @the_accidental_urglaawer, Blog

Robert: IG @schreiwer

Michelle: Facebook Deitsch Girl Displaced

# # #

This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: giftsofthwyrd@gmail.com

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.