Dine with the Divine

Ashley welcomes Aaron, the creator of the 'Sacred Lore of Witchcraft' podcast, to discuss fairy tales and storytelling. Aaron shares his fascination with fairy tales from childhood and how it led to creating his podcast. The conversation delves into the profound impact of fairy tales, cultural insights, and the often-untold historical context. They then explore the life and contributions of the Brothers Grimm, from their struggles with poverty to their eventual fame as collectors of folklore. The episode wraps up with a delightful retelling of the Grimm fairy tale 'Maid Malene' and a discussion about a traditional German rhubarb almond cake.

00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine

00:14 Meet Our Guest: Aaron

00:35 Aaron's Journey into Fairy Tales

03:10 The Symbolism in Fairy Tales

03:48 Cultural Insights from Fairy Tales

08:14 Dish of the Week: German Rhubarb Almond Cake

13:52 The Brothers Grimm

41:21 The Tale of Maid Malene

Frater Aaron is a graduate of the mystery school seminary of the Fellowship of the Phoenix, an initiate in Traditional Witchcraft, and a student of Hermeticism and classical grimoires.

Aaron's Facebook group

@sacredloreofwitchcraft on Instagram

Aaron's Website

Aaron on YouTube

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

We delve into the mystical world of animism with special guest Althea Sebastiani, a full-time spirit worker and religious educator. Althea shares her personal journey into witchcraft, detailing how she developed her practice rooted in animism and witchcraft. They discuss the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of respecting and connecting with the land, and the spiritual realm. Althea also talks about her book 'Alive with Spirits,' which offers practical exercises to deepen one's spiritual practice. Additionally, the episode features a delicious corn dish recipe and an engaging discussion about the goddess Artemis.

00:37 Introducing Althea Sebastiani

12:46 Dish of the Week: Sumac and Sage Corn

14:41 Understanding Animism

39:41 Exploring the Deity Artemis

Althaea Sebastiani is a spiritworker and religious educator whose work focuses on helping people navigate the realities of deep spiritual practice. Their work is punctuated by strong emphasis on doing the work and encourages learning through direct experience. A spirit-led witch with nearly 30 years’ experience, their personal practice is land-based and devotional, focused on being responsive to the spirits of the land wherever their travels take them and doing right by the Gods Who have called them into Their service.

Althaea's Facebook page

@LadyAlthaea on Instagram

@LadyAlthaea on X

Althaea's Website

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Support Dine with the Divine

• Sumac and Sage "Street Corn" — Adventure Kitchen

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

In this episode of Dine with the Divine, host Ashley welcomes Deborah Lip, an experienced Wiccan high priestess and author, to delve into the elements of ritual, particularly the goddess Inanna. Deborah shares her journey in Wicca, and discusses the importance of understanding the deities one chooses to invoke. The show features a delicious recipe for lemon chicken from 'A Kitchen Witch's Cookbook' and explores the rich mythology of the Sumerian goddess Inanna. The episode also includes practical tips for structuring rituals and honoring deities, aimed at both beginners and advanced practitioners.

00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine

00:25 Introducing Deborah Lip

01:07 Deborah's Journey into Wicca

06:11 Dish of the Week: Lemon Chicken

09:01 Discussing 'The Elements of Ritual'

33:19 Exploring the Goddess Inanna

https://www.deborahlipp.com/about-me/

Deborah 's Facebook page

@Deblippauthor on Instagram

@Deblippauthor on X

Deborah 's Website

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Support Dine with the Divine

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley is joined by Amy Blackthorn, an award-winning author known for her work with magical plants. The discussion delves into the use of various herbs and plants for spiritual cleansing and protection, offering alternative options to commonly used sage. Amy shares her journey into the world of magic and plants, highlighting her early fascination with Wicca and horticulture. The conversation also touches on the importance of intention in magic, ethical sourcing of materials like sandalwood and palo santo, and the rich traditions behind botanical practices. Additionally, the show includes recipes for protective seasonings and concludes with a retelling of the classic fairy tale, 'Jack and the Beanstalk.'

00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine

00:24 Introducing Amy Blackthorn

01:45 Amy's Journey into Magic

16:24 Protective Poultry Seasoning Recipe

18:59 Alternative Herbs for Clearing

50:59 Jack and the Beanstalk Retelling

Amy Blackthorn is the award-winning author of the best-sellers, ‘Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic,’ ‘Sacred Smoke,’ ‘Blackthorn’s Botanical Brews,’ ‘Blackthorn’s Protection Magic,’ and ‘Blackthorn’s Botanical Wellness.’ She has been described as an “arcane horticulturalist” for her lifelong work with magical plants and teaching. She incorporates her experiences in British Traditional Witchcraft with her horticulture studies. She has a certification in aromatherapy and is ordained through the Order of the Golden Gryphon. Amy’s company, Blackthorns Botanicals, creates tea based on magical associations. She has appeared on HuffPoLive, Netflix’s Top Ten Secrets and Mysteries in an episode about Supernatural Abilities & the AP Newswire. Amy lives in Delaware. You can view Amy’s tea shop at BlackthornsBotancials.com.

@Amy_Blackthorn_author on Instagram

Amy's Website

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Support Dine with the Divine

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

In this episode of Dine with the Divine, host Ashley is joined by Annwyen Avalon, a water priestess and author, to delve into the magical world of water mysteries. Anwen shares her fascinating journey from her childhood in Florida to becoming a renowned water priestess based in Glastonbury, and discusses her deep connection to water and its spiritual significance. They explore various aspects of water magic, mermaid folklore, and Arthurian legends, including lesser-known mermaid stories in the UK. The episode also features a delicious salmon and orzo recipe and insightful discussions about the Lady of the Lake and Merlin's complex character.

00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine

00:21 Introducing Anwen Avalon: Water Priestess

32:54 Dish of the Week: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon and Orzo

35:46 Tea Time: The Lady of the Lake

59:02 Mermaids in British Folklore

01:13:47 Conclusion and Farewell

Annwyn Avalon is a Water Priestess and Celtic Water Witch. She is the Author of The Way of the Water Priestess, Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition and The Celtic Goddess Grimiore. She is the founder of Water Priestess Training, The Water Priestess Confluence, Bewitching the Waters Symposium, and Triskele Rose Witchcraft a Avalonian Witchcraft Tradition. She has devoted her life to the study of Esoteric Water Mysteries. Her path is one of sacred service to the waters of this world and her ancestors. She is an initiated Witch and Priestess. She is the author of the Patheos Blog The Water Witch. She now lives in Glastonbury as the sacred steward of Chalice Orchard, the former home of the famous occultist Dion Fortune and is a Keeper and Lead Ceremonialist at the White Spring, one of the sacred springs located in Glastonbury.

@annwynavalon on Instagram

Annwyn's Website

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

• Merlin
• Lady of the Lake - Wikipedia
• Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon & Orzo - How to Make Salmon & Orzo

Support Dine with the Divine

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley discusses the Wheel of the Year calendar and features an Anansi story with special guest Emma Catherine. Emma, an award-winning author and seasoned writer for multiple blogs and magazines, shares her journey with witchcraft and spirituality. The episode delves into Obeah, an Afro-Caribbean spiritual system, and discusses its origins and practices. The duo also covers the eight seasonal celebrations of the Wheel of the Year, providing insights and traditions associated with each. The story segment features an Anansi tale involving Brother Death, illustrating the cleverness and trickster nature of Anansi. The episode is rich with cultural, historical, and spiritual discussions, providing listeners with a deep dive into various mystical traditions.

00:22 Introducing Emma Catherine

01:37 Emma's Journey into Witchcraft

14:25 Dish of the Week: Cardamom Yogurt Semi Frito

19:00 Exploring the Wheel of the Year

34:57 Anansi Stories: Brother Death

48:09 Podcast Conclusion and Guest Info

Emma Kathryn is a witch and obeah woman, a practice that incorporates all of her heritage. Emma is also an author, her latest book, Season Songs, Rediscovering the magic in the cycles of nature helps witches and other magically inclined folk form a relationship with the land where they live and the spirits that reside there!

Emma's Facebook page

@EK_WildWitch on X

Emma's Website

Emma on YouTube

• Owuo - Wikipedia
• Wheel of the Year - Wikipedia
• Raspberry-Cardamom Yogurt Semifreddo Recipe | Bon Appétit

Support Dine with the Divine

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

In this episode of Dine with the Divine, host Ashley interviews Moss Mattai, a witch, pagan, and cult survivor, who shares his journey from a high-control religious group to discovering Welsh mythology and witchcraft. They discuss the importance of community, confronting emotions, and celebrating pagan traditions. The episode transitions into a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, providing insights into mythology and its cultural significance. Ashley also shares her contact information, including email addresses and social media handles, inviting listeners to connect with her. She thanks the audience for their support and looks forward to the next episode.

Moss's Facebook page

@Magic_of_the_moss on Instagram

Moss on YouTube

Moss's Website

00:25 Introducing Moss Mattai

11:40 Writing the Book: A Celebration of Joy

41:08 Dish of the Week: Offerings for Fairies

55:38 Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tale

01:11:01 Conclusion and Farewell

• The Elfin Hill - A Hans Christian Andersen Tale | Pook Press
• Fairy - Wikipedia

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Support Dine with the Divine

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

TW: We talk about sexual assault this episode for a about a minute starting at 32:50. Please be advised.

In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley welcomes Jill McLennan, a certified death doula and grief coach, to discuss her journey through death and grief, and how Buddhism has shaped her life and work. Jill shares her personal experiences and the core teachings of Buddha that influence her practice. The conversation extends to the historical impact of Buddha's teachings and their potential influence on other philosophies, including those of Jesus. Jill also talks about her podcast 'Seeing Death Clearly' and her work at 'End of Life Clarity.' The episode concludes with a vegetarian recipe for Buddha's Delight and reflections on life's impermanence.

00:29 Meet Jill McLennan: Certified Death Doula

02:17 Jill's Journey to Becoming a Death Doula

25:03 Introducing Buddha's Delight: A Vegetarian Dish

27:55 Exploring Buddhism: Jill's Personal Journey

50:30 Introduction to Buddhism

01:03:18 The Story of Buddha

01:16:12 Conclusion and Farewell

Jill McClennen is a certified death doula, grief coach, and the "Seeing Death Clearly" podcast host.

Jill's Facebook group

Jill's Facebook page

@endoflifeclarity on Instagram

Jill's Website

• Buddhism - Wikipedia
• Pork roll - Wikipedia
• Life of Gautama Buddha and the origin of Buddhism | Britannica

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Support Dine with the Divine

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley welcomes Sarah Lynch Thomason, a song leader, documentarian, folklorist, and illustrator from Western North Carolina. They delve into the world of traditional and contemporary songs, discussing how these connect to historical practices, struggles, and rituals. Sarah shares insights into her year-long course 'Singing the Wheel of the Year,' which integrates folk traditions with neo-pagan holidays through song and ritual. The episode features Sarah's enchanting performances of traditional and adapted songs, highlights the importance of singing in communal and ceremonial contexts, and explores the emotional and historical significance of various musical forms.

00:35 Introducing Our Special Guest: Sarah Lynch Thomason

24:50 Dish of the Week: What Did Sailors Eat?

29:43 Join the Diner's Club Membership

30:46 Welcome to the Diner's Club

31:07 Introduction to Sorrow's Class

31:47 Exploring Pagan Holidays Through Song

Saro Lynch-Thomason is a song leader, documentarian, folklorist and illustrator from Western North Carolina. She loves to use traditional and contemporary songs to connect people to historical practices, struggles and rituals. She currently teaches a year-long course called "Singing the Wheel of the Year."

Sara's Facebook page

@songspeaksaro on Instagram

Sara's Website

Sara on YouTube

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley and spiritual advisor Dom explore the profound spiritual realms of Catholicism by delving into the intricacies of Marian apparitions. The discussion spans various manifestations of the Virgin Mary, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima, highlighting their historical, cultural, and spiritual impacts. They examine the intersections of folk Catholicism and indigenous beliefs, the complexities of Marian devotions, and the reimagined practices that can foster spiritual healing. The episode accentuates legendary tales, personal spiritual experiences, and culinary delights, featuring a crispy tofu stir-fry recipe.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

28:06 Crispy Tofu Recipe

31:52 Podcast Recommendation

33:07 Marian Apparitions

58:02 Our Lady of Guadalupe

01:42:53 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

I am a spiritual advisor and practitioner of Folk-Catholicism, Spiritism, and Plant Magic. I am also an author, psychic medium, and Guadalupana, and I am THE Queer Catholic Mystic.

Dom 's Website

If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on!

Follow the podcast on Instagram

Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine

Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram

Email me with your questions and comments at [email protected]

Dine with the Divine website

Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon