The Pagan Portal Podcast

What can Pagan traditions teach us about death, grief, and the mysteries that may lie beyond this life?In this special episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by Geraldine Moorkens Byrne, Sian Sibley, and Tiffany Lazic. They look at death not only as an ending, but as an important part of life, nature, and spiritual understanding.Geraldine shares Irish traditions like keening and wakes, showing how these rituals helped people grieve and support each other. Sian discusses the ecology of death, questions modern funerals, and explores natural burial, human composting, and returning our bodies to the Earth's cycle. Tiffany introduces the idea of psychopomps, soul guides from myths, and talks about how they might help us through death and major life changes.Topics covered:- Irish keening and traditional wakes- Communal rituals of mourning and remembrance- Ecological and natural burial- Embalming, cremation and their environmental effects- Human composting and fungal burial- Psychopomps and guides of the dead- The soul’s journey beyond the veil- Pagan perspectives on the afterlife and reincarnation- Maintaining relationships with those who have died- Ancestral responsibility and our duty to future generations- The relationship between science, magic and spiritualityThey discuss how our views on death are changing, ideas about the afterlife and reincarnation, and what we owe to our ancestors and future generations. They also ask how our beliefs about death affect how we care for the world. Can spiritual beliefs comfort us without making us less responsible for the Earth? Do our bonds with loved ones continue after death? And can facing our own mortality help us live with more purpose and connection?Join us for a thoughtful, caring, and sometimes lighthearted conversation about grief, remembrance, nature, the soul, and the mysteries we all share.Subscribe to the Moon Books channel for more talks about Paganism, Witchcraft, mythology, folklore, and spirituality. You can also find audio-only episodes on Spotify.

What does the Divine Feminine really mean, and how could reconnecting with her help us build a more balanced and compassionate world?In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson talks with priestess, author, and Goddess advocate Karen Tate. Together, they have an engaging conversation about Goddess spirituality, sacred feminine values, and the lasting influence of ancient mythology.Karen talks about her journey, from growing up in the American Bible Belt to discovering the feminine side of the Divine. She found her path where spiritual transformation, social justice, and the Divine Feminine meet. She also introduces the “sacred trident” that guides her work: seeing the Divine Feminine as deity, archetype, and ideal.Together, Rachel and Karen explore:- What the Divine Feminine means and why she is more than “patriarchy in a skirt”- The importance of restoring balance between the sacred feminine and sacred masculine- How goddesses can serve as archetypes, role models and sources of empowerment- Sacred feminine values such as empathy, diversity, justice and healthy boundaries- The ancient archaeological evidence for Goddess worship- Whether we can work with deities from cultures and pantheons beyond our own- How patriarchal retellings have shaped myths about Medusa, Persephone and other goddesses- Reclaiming women’s anger, personal power and spiritual authority- What ancient mythology can teach us about gender, sexuality and modern society- Karen’s book, Divine Feminine: Deity, Archetype and IdealThis thoughtful discussion shows how Goddess spirituality can offer sanctuary, inspiration, and practical tools for both personal and collective growth, no matter your gender or spiritual background.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and join us again for another episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast.To listen to the audio-only version, find the Pagan Portal Podcast on Spotify. You can also join as a channel member for early access to new content.

How much of today’s Samhain celebrations come from Irish traditions, and what do we really know about Samhain?In this special episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson talks with Morgan Daimler, Lora O’Brien, and Geraldine Moorkens Byrne about the history, folklore, and traditions of Samhain. Their conversation is lively and engaging.They discuss Samhain as a turning point in the year, marking the start of winter and a time when the unseen world was thought to come closer. They also talk about remembering ancestors, sharing meals, lighting bonfires, playful mischief, divination, and preparing for the winter ahead.They also explore how Samhain relates to Halloween, from carved turnip lanterns and going door to door to today’s commercial celebrations. The guests challenge some common Pagan misconceptions, like the modern 'dumb supper,' and warn that inviting unknown spirits or the Good Folk into your home can be risky.Topics Covered:• What we know about the ancient festival of Samhain• The correct Irish pronunciation of Samhain• Samhain, liminality and the beginning of winter• Ancestor veneration and remembering the dead• The development of Halloween and All Hallows’ Eve• Irish mischief, costumes and door-to-door traditions• Communal feasting and supporting the wider community• The origins of carved turnips and Halloween pumpkins• Traditional lanterns and lights for the departed• The truth behind the “dumb supper”• Why inviting unknown spirits into your home is dangerous• The Good Folk, the Sí and traditional protective practices• Samhain divination involving food, fire, apples, nuts and charms• Barmbrack traditions and the meanings of its hidden tokens• Bringing Samhain traditions into a modern Pagan practiceSamhain is both a time to celebrate and a time for reflection. People gather to remember the dead, consider what to let go of, and get ready for the year ahead. As Morgan says, you can enjoy the fun of Halloween while still honoring the deeper meaning of Samhain.The Pagan Portal Podcast is produced by Moon Books Publishing and hosted by Rachel Patterson. If you want to hear more about Paganism, witchcraft, folklore, mythology, and magical practice, consider subscribing. You can also become a channel member for early access to new episodes.

Rachel Patterson welcomes back author, witch, priestess, and teacher Irisanya Moon to the Pagan Portal Podcast for an engaging conversation about one of Greek mythology’s most mysterious figures: Hecate.What makes Hecate so popular in modern Paganism and Witchcraft? Is she really a “Dark Goddess”? Why do people connect her with crossroads, keys, torches, ghosts, and magic? Can we ever fully define a deity whose nature is to exist between worlds?Rachel and Irisanya look at Hecate’s origins, symbolism, and lasting influence by drawing on mythology, history, and modern Pagan practice. They talk about why Hecate still fascinates witches, scholars, and spiritual seekers, and instead of giving easy answers, they welcome the mystery at the heart of Hecate.In this episode, you’ll learn about:- Hecate’s origins and place within Greek mythology- Why is Hecate associated with crossroads, keys and torches?- The symbolism behind Hecate’s Wheel- Hecate’s connections with Persephone, Demeter, Zeus and Hermes- Why is Hecate known as the Queen of the Witches- Common misconceptions about the “Dark Goddess” and “Triple Goddess”- Shadow work, liminal spaces and spiritual transformation- Building a personal relationship with Hecate- Practical ways to honour Hecate in modern Pagan practice- Why mythology is about meaning rather than certaintyWhether you’re new to Hecate or have worked with her for years, this episode gives a thoughtful look at one of Paganism’s most fascinating deities and the lessons she offers to those at life’s crossroads.If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share in the comments how you work with Hecate or which deity you’d like us to talk about next.

Rachel Patterson talks with bestselling author, folklorist, translator, and witch Morgan Daimler to explore one of European folklore’s most enduring and mysterious traditions: the Wild Hunt.The Wild Hunt is often talked about but not well understood, and it has been part of European folklore for over a thousand years. Stories of ghostly riders, hounds, gods, spirits, witches, and omens of death have changed across cultures but still hold a strong impact. Morgan uses years of research to clear up myths and look at how the Wild Hunt appears in Norse, Germanic, Welsh, Scottish, and Christian traditions, and why it still fascinates modern Pagans, witches, and folklorists.Rachel and Morgan talk about how the Wild Hunt connects to witchcraft, the roles of deities like Odin, Arawn, Frau Perchta, Diana, and others, and stories from history. They also discuss how modern fantasy, including Dungeons & Dragons, has shaped today’s ideas about folklore. The conversation looks at whether the Wild Hunt still matters in modern Pagan practice and what these old stories can teach us now.In this episode you’ll learn:* What the Wild Hunt actually is and why it’s so difficult to define.* How far back can the folklore be traced, and what are the theories surrounding its origins?* The many different forms the Wild Hunt takes across Europe and beyond.* Who leads the Hunt, from gods and goddesses to legendary figures and folkloric spirits?* Who—or what—the Hunt is believed to pursue.* Historic accounts of people witnessing the Wild Hunt.* The connections between the Wild Hunt, witchcraft, fairies, the restless dead, and seasonal folklore.* How Christianity influenced the evolution of Wild Hunt traditions.* Common misconceptions created by modern fantasy and role-playing games.* How contemporary Pagans and witches engage with the Wild Hunt today—and why Morgan urges caution.If you’re interested in Paganism, witchcraft, mythology, folklore, fairy lore, or the traditions that shaped European spiritual beliefs, this conversation gives a thoughtful and well-researched introduction to one of folklore’s most fascinating mysteries.If you like the Pagan Portal Podcast, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear your experiences, research, or favourite stories about the Wild Hunt.