Goddess, Witch, Woman

In this episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman , we descend into the glass coffin and meet the most famous witch of them all — the Evil Queen of Snow White. Drawing from Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Maria Tatar, Sandra Gilbert & Susan Gubar, and ancient goddess myths, we explore what lies beneath her envy: the ache of aging, the inheritance of silence, and the shadow of the mother. We go deep in: The mirror...

A dark fairy tale becomes a mirror. We explore the witch of Hansel and Gretel as an archetype of hunger, danger, and initiation. 🔮 Featuring Baba Yaga, devouring mothers, historical witch hunts, and Gretel’s fire of transformation. Includes myth, analysis, and prompts for reflection. 📚 References & inspirations: The Interpretation of Fairy Tales by Marie-Louise von Franz The Uses of Enchantment:...

In the shadowy forest of Slavic folktales, Baba Yaga waits — death crone, devourer, and initiator. In this episode, we journey through her myths, symbolism, and archetypal wisdom. Why does she frighten us? What does she demand? And what do we gain if we pass her tests? We explore the tale of Vasalisa the Wise through the lens of Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, look at the origins of Baba Yaga’s name,...

What Makes a Witch? | Episode 12In this threshold episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman , we begin a new series. One that turns the spiral from goddess to witch — from devotion to accusation, from memory to myth. We trace her steps through folktale, persecution, and power. From Baba Yaga to Hecate. From bruxa to crone. From burning times to broomsticks. This is a remembrance of all she is: shadow and h...

What if your inner season doesn’t match the outer one? In this short, reflective episode, Marianna explores seasonal dissonance, mythic rhythm, and Persephone as guide of the in-between. A gentle permission slip for anyone feeling quiet in a loud world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack...

This midsummer episode walks with Sulis, Celtic goddess of healing waters and solar fire. We explore the sacred spring at Bath, the Solstice's paradox, the Cancer New Moon, and offer a bath ritual for radiant healing. May Sulis meet you where fire and water touch. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaporte...

Goddess, Witch, Woman | ep. 10 - Hecate, archivist of grief, midwife of deathTW: pregnancy lossIn this final episode of the Hecate series, we meet her as Psychopomp — guide of souls, guardian of grief, Queen of the Dead. We explore her ancient names, her connection to the weasel, the Necromanteion of Thesprotia, and how she holds what the world forgets. Personal story, myth, and reflection woven i...

This episode comes with a warning: if you listen too closely, you might start dreaming of magickal gates! In this second part of our Hecate series, we keep walking with Her. She carries keys. Garlic. Stories. And truth. We explore:– garlic offerings in the Deipnon– Hekate’s role in magical papyri and ancient texts– the myth of Bluebeard’s bleeding key– Pharmakeia, Circe, Medea, and plant witches–...

Hecate of the Crossroads In this first episode of our Hekate series, we meet the goddess who walks beside us when the path is unclear. Part myth, part personal story, and part invocation, we explore Hecate’s role as guardian of the crossroads: the liminal, holy space where choices are made. We walk with Persephone, unravel patriarchal myths, and sit in the mess of personal grief and becoming. Sour...

Episode 7: Inanna – Life, Death, and Rebirth Inanna returns from the Underworld, but not unchanged. This final chapter in her mythic journey explores resurrection, rage, sacred choices, and the cost of rising. I also share personal stories of my own descents and returns: through sobriety, miscarriage, motherhood, and migration. If you've ever come back from something without being mourned, this on...

In this episode, we walk with Inanna as she chooses to descend into the Great Below. You’ll hear about: What it means for a Queen to give everything away, willingly The Seven Gates and the sacred stripping of power and ego The figure of Ninshubur, the sacred monster who holds the memory of us How the descent is not a punishment, but an initiation Teachings from Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés on death,...

Welcome to Goddess, Witch, Woman Episode 5 Inanna, Bright Queen of Heaven & Earth In this episode, Marianna Portela brings you into the mythic world of Inanna, one of the oldest and most powerful goddesses of ancient Mesopotamia. You’ll hear: • How Inanna seduced the mes (sacred tablets of wisdom) from the god Enki• A radical act of self-love as Inanna admires her vulva in the garden• The sacred t...

In Episode 4 of Goddess, Witch, Woman , we move from theory into practice, exploring what it truly means to walk Lilith’s path . Through ritual, reflection, and personal stories, we reclaim our voice, power, and wild authenticity. Lilith invites us to live, not just learn, her truths. Listen deeply and let your journey begin. Subscribe & explore more: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public...

In this bonus episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman , we gather under the April Full Moon — the Pink Moon in Libra — for a ritual of balance, sacred beauty, and breath. ✨ We call in Aphrodite Ourania, celestial goddess of harmony and truth🌬️ We reflect on boundaries, beauty, and joy🕯️ We light a candle together, reclaiming softness as power This ritual is a reminder that balance is not about shrinking...

In Episode 3 of Goddess, Witch, Woman , we explore Lilith and the Feminine Shadow —the parts of us labeled as too angry, too dark, too much. Lilith guides us into the depths, teaching us that our shadows are sacred, not shameful. 🌘 Dive in, and meet the woman you buried long ago. Listen and read more: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with ot...

In this episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman , we meet Lilith : not the demoness of distortion, but the First Woman. I share stories, myths, and personal reflections on her exile, her anger, and the reclaiming of her power. 🌑 This is a descent into the truth they tried to bury. And an invitation to meet the Wild Feminine within. Listen + read more at: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public epi...

🌑 Goddess, Witch, Woman Podcast - Episode 1 | Lighting the Inner Flame Welcome to the very first episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman —a podcast for exploring feminine wisdom, Goddess archetypes, moon magick, and empowering stories. In this episode, I (Marianna Portela) share reflections inspired by this week’s fiery Aries New Moon and transformative Solar Eclipse energy: In this episode: Understandi...