Mabon to Mooncakes: A Journey Through Autumn Equinox Traditions
Text me your Questions!Join Matt Holloway on The Old Gods and New Pagans Podcast as he explores how various cultures around the world celebrate the autumn equinox. From the Welsh mythology-inspired Mabon to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Japanese moon viewing tradition, discover the diverse ways humanity honors this moment of balance. Learn the history and significance of these celebrations and how to respectfully incorporate elements of them into your own seasonal practices. Whether you're drawn to Celtic traditions, curious about global customs, or eager to create a meaningful autumn celebration, this episode offers insights and inspiration.Support the showWebsiteThe Pagan TempleFacebookInstagramYoutubeElder Futhark Runebook
--------
15:47
--------
15:47
Greek Gods: Divine Disasters with Valuable Lessons
Text me your Questions!Dive into the messy, dramatic world of Greek deities and discover why their flaws make them surprisingly effective spiritual allies in modern life. Unlike distant, perfect beings judging your life choices, these gods and goddesses understand what it means to be beautifully, messily imperfect – because they are too.The psychological advantage of working with Greek gods lies in their relatability. When your deity once turned a lover into a tree because they were having a bad day, suddenly your own relationship mistakes don't seem so catastrophic. There's solid psychological research supporting this approach: working with imperfect divine figures can significantly reduce shame and self-criticism, making it easier to practice self-compassion. But make no mistake – honoring a deity's humanity doesn't mean excusing toxic behavior. Zeus's serial cheating doesn't make infidelity acceptable; these are cautionary tales showing what happens when power goes unchecked.Meet four powerful Greek allies who can transform your life: Athena, goddess of strategic wisdom, helps overthinkers make decisions and navigate complex situations with clarity. Aphrodite, fiercer than Valentine's cards suggest, teaches self-worth and healthy relationships – she's less "draw your soulmate to you" and more "stop settling for people who don't appreciate you." Apollo cuts through bullshit with his truth-telling energy, perfect for creative blocks and honest self-assessment. And Persephone, whose journey from sheltered daughter to Underworld Queen represents the ultimate transformation, shows how sometimes apparent disasters are breakthroughs in disguise.Working with these deities doesn't require literal belief – many practitioners view them as psychological archetypes or symbolic representations of human experience. What matters is whether engaging with these energies helps you live better, make wiser choices, and become more authentically yourself. Through simple practices like offerings, meditation, or asking for guidance, you can access divine perspectives that complement your own thinking.Join our community through the podcast website or the Pagan Temple Discord server at thepagantemple.com to share your experiences with Greek deities or ask questions about incorporating these practices into your life. Remember, even the gods make mistakes – the trick is learning from them. That's where wisdom comes from.Support the showWebsiteThe Pagan TempleFacebookInstagramYoutubeElder Futhark Runebook
--------
24:12
--------
24:12
Ep. 11: Understanding Medusa The Guardian, Not the Victim
Text me your Questions!In this episode of 'Old Gods and New Pagans,' host Matt Holloway delves into the true origins of Medusa's myth. Discover why the well-known tale of Medusa being punished after being assaulted by Poseidon is actually a Roman addition that came centuries later. Revisit the ancient Greek portrayal of Medusa as a powerful protector rather than a victim. Understand the cultural shifts that led to the dramatic reinterpretations of her story, and explore the implications of these myths in both ancient and modern contexts.00:00 Welcome to Old Gods and New Pagans01:52 Medusa: The Original Myth05:56 The Roman Retelling of Medusa10:04 Why the Roman Version Stuck12:34 Medusa as a Protector in Ancient Times15:06 Modern Reclamation of Medusa17:01 Navigating Between Ancient and Modern Interpretations19:15 Conclusion: The Power of the Original MedusaSupport the showWebsiteThe Pagan TempleFacebookInstagramYoutubeElder Futhark Runebook
--------
21:33
--------
21:33
Ep.10 Offerings & Sacrifices - From Food to Fire
Text me your Questions!Think offerings and sacrifices are the same thing? Think again. In this deep dive, we explore one of the most fundamental—and misunderstood—practices in pagan traditions: giving gifts to the gods.From ancient Greek temple ceremonies where entire communities gathered to share sacred meals, to modern pagans leaving apples on kitchen altars, we'll unpack what our ancestors actually did (spoiler: it wasn't all dramatic Hollywood stuff) and how these practices have evolved for the 21st century.We'll cover the real difference between offerings and sacrifices, explore traditions from Greek thusia to Norse blót, and get practical about modern approaches that won't break your bank or get you weird looks from the neighbors. Plus, we'll tackle the environmental considerations that matter in today's world—because littering isn't honoring nature spirits, it's just littering.Whether you're looking to deepen your existing practice or just curious about what pagans actually do when nobody's watching, this episode cuts through the mystical jargon to give you practical, grounded information you can actually use.Topics Covered:The crucial difference between offerings and sacrificesHistorical practices across Greek, Norse, and Celtic traditionsModern adaptations for apartment dwellers and budget-conscious practitionersEnvironmental considerations for responsible practiceCommon mistakes and how to avoid themContent Warning: This episode discusses historical animal sacrifice in an educational context."Old Gods and New Pagans" explores ancient wisdom and modern pagan practices with curiosity, respect, and just enough skepticism to keep things interesting. New episodes drop every [frequency] wherever you get your podcasts.Support the showWebsiteThe Pagan TempleFacebookInstagramYoutubeElder Futhark Runebook
--------
18:33
--------
18:33
Ep 9: Unlocking Ancient Wisdom: Ancestral Veneration and Modern Adaptations
Text me your Questions!The episode explores the significance of ancestor veneration, highlighting its historical roots and practical applications in modern life. By discussing various rituals, shared meals, and spaces dedicated to honoring ancestors, we address the complexities of family history and the importance of healing generational trauma. • Importance of archaeological evidence on ancestor practices• Historical accounts from Romans and Norse culture• Common elements of ancestor veneration found in many cultures• Practical tips for daily rituals and creating an ancestral shrine• Engaging with difficult family histories and trauma• Overcoming barriers to practicing ancestor veneration• Simple ways to integrate ancestor practices into daily lifeSupport the showWebsiteThe Pagan TempleFacebookInstagramYoutubeElder Futhark Runebook
"Old Gods & New Pagans" is a welcoming space for new and curious pagans, heathens, and animists to explore the basics of paganism. Rooted in an Animist perspective, this podcast takes an inclusive approach, covering topics relevant to a variety of pagan paths. Each episode breaks down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand language, with guest discussions, stories, and insights. Whether you're just starting your pagan journey or looking to learn more, join us as we dive into the wisdom of the old gods and the practices of modern pagans.
New Zealand