The Pagan Portal Podcast

Dragons appear in almost every culture, but were they always the frightening creatures we imagine today? In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson chats with stone carver, artist, and author Dave Stone about the deeper history of dragons and serpent stories. Drawing on mythology, archaeology, folklore, and his own experiences, Dave shares what he discovered while writing his la...

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson talks with Sam Wise about how witchcraft, queer identity, community, and spiritual practice all connect. They talk about the history of Lavender Witchcraft, the close ties between queer communities and magical traditions, and why it’s important to make Pagan and witchcraft spaces openly inclusive. Sam also shares thoughts on ancestor wo...

People often put runes into simple categories like divination tools or mystical symbols, making them seem distant and mysterious. In this episode, we challenge that idea. Rachel Patterson talks with Imelda Almqvist to explore what runes really are and what they have always meant. They discuss common misconceptions, such as the belief that runes are only for magick, and connect them back to their o...

Rachel Patterson sits down with Carly Rose from The White Witch Podcast for a relaxed chat about what modern witchcraft is really like, from the messy moments to the magical ones and everything in between. They discuss how witchcraft becomes part of your everyday life, not just something you do occasionally. They share early influences like Merlin, Arthurian legends, and trips to places such as Ti...

Most of us are taught from a young age not to question death. We’re handed a set way of doing things. But what if you step outside that and take a closer look? In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson and Kristoffer Hughes talk about death, dying, and what it truly means to return to the earth. They cover topics like the environmental impact of cremation and the process of hum...

Beltane is often described as a fire festival, a fertility festival, or a date on the calendar, but it is much more than that. In this special Beltane episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson speaks with Jessica Howard, Lucya Starza, and Katie Ness to discuss what Beltane really feels like in practice. They cover everything from Jack in the Green processions and Victorian folk cu...

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson is joined by Swailes from The Bell Witch Podcast for a candid conversation about discovering effective magic and releasing what doesn’t work. They discuss their first experiences with sigil magic, including the meaningful act of baking and eating a sigil as a ritual for self-worth and growth. The talk then shifts to the impact of words,...

In this episode, Rachel Patterson is joined by author and practitioner Maevius Lynn to open the gateway into the world of Thelema; its roots, rituals, and relevance today. From personal experiences with the concept of True Will, to the diverse ways Thelemites relate to Aleister Crowley himself, this conversation peels back the layers of a philosophy that’s often misunderstood and rarely explored i...

What does it mean when a voice becomes a spell and silence becomes a rebuke? In this rich, resonant episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson sits down with Irish poet, folklorist, and witch Geraldine Moorkens Byrne to explore the deep, often overlooked magic of sound, silence, and language. From the everyday enchantments of our ancestors to the lyrical rhythm of Hiberno-English,...

In this deeply honest episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson speaks with Morgan Moss (Inked Goddess Creations, Busy, Gritty, Inked, & Witchy Podcast) about modern witchcraft, tattoos, Avalon, and personal transformation. From the freedom and power of being a witch to the soul-healing stories behind tattoos, they explore the lived experiences that have shaped their practices...

In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by the amazing Embracing Magick Podcast crew, Steph, Toni and Lizzy, the leaders and members of Lunar and Wild Coven, which is an online spiritual communication where modern witchcraft, paganism and heartfelt connection meet. They talk about: - How the Lunar and Wild Coven began and what makes it special - The beauty of r...

In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by Thea Prothero to explore modern Heatherny, Norse Mythology and how ancient traditions can shape modern day life. This conversation travels from candle magic to animism to elemental symbolism to the Gods themselves. They upack the Nine Worlds asa framework for balance, the difference between the sagas, the eddas as well...

In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by author, priestess and Greek Mythology expert, Irisanya Moon, to explore the timeless and inspirational power of the Muses and the deep well of creativity that flows through their myths, magic and into everyday life! Together, they explore: - Who the Muses were and how they might look in the modern world - Greek myths,...

In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, stepping in as host, Irisanya Moon sits down with hded, and magical conversation on Prosperity, abundance, and the magic of everyday living. Together they discuss: - The true meaning of Prosperity beyond money- How to layer in spell working for better results- The im[rpce pf graditude, offerings and balance- Meditating with AC/DC and Metallica- Communit...

In this warm and insightful Yule special episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined again with guests, Jessica Howard, Lucya Starza and Katie Ness, for a deep dive into Yule, the Winter Solstice, their individual practices and how they weave magic through the darkest months of the year. Grab a warm drink and settle in for a brilliant episode! Together, they explore: - How...

In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson sits down with Mitchell King, author of The Many Veils of the Moon, to discuss the magic of the moon, his spiritual pathway, being a green witch and what exactly a Hex Bag is. Plus much more on this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast!

Divine Wounds is a new anthology from Moon Books, spearheaded by High Priestess Nierophant and author Ness Bosch (Sacred Bones, Magic Bones), and in this podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by Ness, alongside best-selling authors, Morgan Daimler, Irisanya Moon, Sian Sibley and Annwyn Avalon, all of whom have contributed to Divine Wounds. Together, they discuss the project and explore multiple...

Birds have always captured the human imagination. They walk the land, swim the waters, and soar through the skies—crossing boundaries we can only dream of. In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson speaks with author Mabh Savage about the symbolism, myths, and magic of birds in Paganism, Witchcraft, and folklore. Together they explore:- Why birds are seen as liminal beings...

In this special Samhain episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, we embrace the turning of the wheel as the nights draw in and Halloween approaches. It’s the perfect time to honour the ancestors, share stories, and perhaps indulge in a comforting cottage pie. Join host Rachel Patterson alongside guests Jessica Howard, Lucya Starza, and Katie Ness, as they share their wisdom, insights, and seasonal mag...

Words hold power. In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by author and priestess Katie Ness for a deep exploration of word magic—from ancient hymns and love charms to modern poetry and spellwork. Together, they discuss: ✨ The role of chanting inward and outward in ritual and energy work ✨ Whether intention or wording matters more in spellcraft ✨ Ancient pra...

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson speaks with Barbara Meiklejohn-Free and Flavia Kate Peters about their life’s work, magical practices, and deep spiritual callings. Barbara shares the powerful origin of Spirit Visions, born from a four-day vision quest in the Badlands, and the story of Arnemetia — the ancient water and grove goddess of Buxton whose sacred well sti...

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson is joined by author and plant witch Dawn Leith Dougherty for a rich, grounded conversation about the art and history of smoke cleansing. Together, they explore: - The global traditions behind burning herbs and resins - Why white sage isn’t the only option, and what to use instead - Creating your own incense blends for ritual, rest, or e...

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by best selling author Morgan Daimler to dive deep into the tangled roots of Irish mythology, fairies, and spiritual practice. Morgan shares insights from their upcoming translation project Tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, highlighting how Victorian mistranslations, poetic wordplay, and modern fantasy games have all shaped...

In this rich and expansive episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson is joined by author, scholar, and Druid Kristoffer Hughes to explore the myth, meaning, and mystery of Arianrhod, one of the most enigmatic figures in Welsh mythology. Together, they delve into:- The origins and evolving spelling of her name (Aranrhod vs Arianrhod)- What it means to “make” a goddess in contempora...

Rachel Patteson sits down with Laura Perry, author of Pantheon: The Minoans, to explore the fascinating world of Minoan spirituality and their sacred connection to the cosmos. In this engaging podcast episode, they uncover how archaeoastronomy reveals the Minoan sacred calendar, aligned with solstices, equinoxes, and the heliacal rising of stars like the Pleiades. Together, they dive into the trut...