In episode 105 of Gifts of the Wyrd, I welcome back Imelda Almqvist to discuss her latest book, Portals, Patterns, and Pathways: A Handbook for Rune Magicians, Star Gazers and Myth Makers.

We talk about the Uthark system, rune axes, mythology, astrology,  and the many ways this book invites you to explore the runes from an entirely different perspective. 

This is not another book of rune meanings, it is an invitation to turn the rune wheel dial back a notch and take a step through a portal to a whole new adventure in working with the runes. 

Portals, Patterns, and Pathways: A handbook for Rune Magicians, Star Gazers and Myth Makers is published by Collective Ink Books and is available in paperback (via Amazon) and eBook.

You can find Imelda on Facebook and Instagram, but the best place is on Substack where she posts articles on a variety of topics each week. 

Listen to other interviews with Imelda: Episode 84 about Yule traditions and Episode 65 discussing her book North Sea Water in My Veins about pre-Christian spirituality of the Netherlands region.

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Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Rune sets also available at the etsy shop. Also look for a Nehalennia pin and challenge coin.

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode I speak again with Rev. Máire Durkan. We talk about Frigg and the twelve goddesses who make up her “Council.”  But from a different perspective and way of getting to know them.

In Frigg’s Twelvefold Flame, Máire's approach to the goddesses shows how they can be worked with to help with pressing matters today including justice, activism, and allyship. They are not (and never have been) “lesser” goddesses in the background to be occasionally referred to when it suits a purpose.  They are vibrant, active, and have a message that is needed in today’s society and climate worldwide.

Although many of the Council do not have a lot of lore, mythology, or archeological remnants, they are reaching through the veil of mystery those absences create to connect with people today to write new stories, create ritual, empower, and inspire creativity and activism.

Frigg’s Twelvefold Flame is available from Llewellyn Books, local book shops, or online sellers.

Máire will be presenting at Lewellyn Con 2026 on Thursday, June 11 at 11 am CDT. 

She is on social media on Facebook and Instagram and her website is: https://www.revmairedurkanauthor.com/

Listen to episode 51 for our previous discussion about Frigg and the Council with Rev. Maire's book Circle of Frith. 

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This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Rune sets also available at the etsy shop. Also look for a Nehalennia pin and challenge coin coming soon.

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode of Gifts of the Wyrd, I’m joined by Jane Matthews, creator of Ogham: Divining the Celtic Way published by Weiser Books.

We talk about the Celtic roots of ogham and Jane shares insights into why she created the deck. We discuss it as a divination tool, working with ogham in everyday practice, and connecting with them for meditation, guidance, and magical work.

We also talk about some similarities between ogham and runes — how both were used as writing systems, are used as tools of magic and divination, and developing a deeper spiritual connection with them. 

The deck comes with a detailed book with Jane's insights to help you learn or gain a different perspective of the ogham. The book includes meanings, spreads, and insights on some specific topics such as relationships, work, and health.

Have a listen and get to know Jane and the ogham. 

Ogham, Divining in the Celtic Way deck can be ordered from Weiser Books, your local metaphysical or book store, or online seller. 

For more about Jane and her work, see https://www.janematthewsmedium.com/ ; Instagram @janematthewsmedium; Facebook @janematthewsmediumship

You can find out about Jane's Ogham, Rune, mediumship, and other workshops at the World Divination Association (WDA) and all the cool things going on there at www.worlddivinationassociation.com

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This deck was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle Rune sets also available at the etsy shop. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Urošević Applegate to discuss her book Slava! Slavic Paganism and Dual-Faith Folk Ways, an in-depth exploration of Slavic Pagan traditions and the dual-faith practice that weaves together folk Paganism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

We talk about Anna’s experience growing up in the United States as the child of immigrants, navigating the liminal space between cultures, and how those experiences shaped her spiritual path and worldview.

Slava! brings out the rich traditions of Slavic cosmology, magic, and honoring land and ancestors—wherever you may live. The book offers practical insights into working with Slavic deities, along with guidance on rituals, meditation, altar building, and seasonal practices that can be adapted to where you live and your own experiences.

Whether you have Slavic heritage or feel called by deities such as Perun or Veles, this conversation—and Anna’s work—offers a meaningful resource for deepening your practice.

Notes:

Anna's website: Circle of Rodu

Instagram: @annaurosevicapplegate_author

Artist: Nataša Ilinčić  website.  Instagram: @natasailincic

Slava! is available from Llewellyn Books, your local book shop, or online resources. 

# # #

This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode, I’m joined by Robert Schreiwer, Michelle A. Jones, and Stacey Lynne Stewart to explore Heathen Traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch: An Urglaawe Primer—an interesting look at a distinct expression of Heathenry rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

Together, we talk about Urglaawe (or-glaw-VEH), a living spiritual tradition that explores the roots of Germanic Heathen spirituality with regional folklore, language, and lived experience. We discuss its mythology, seasonal practices, and spiritual framework, as well as how other local related traditions like Hexerei and Braucherei intersect with—but remain distinct from—Urglaawe itself.

We talk about what it means to practice a land-based, culturally rooted tradition in the modern world, and how Urglaawe offers a path that is both inclusive and deeply tied to place—integrating the seasons and environment where you live with your practice.

Whether you’re new to Heathenry and exploring its different expresssions or looking to expand your understanding of regional traditions, this discussion will give you insights to a unique practice.

The book is available from Llewellyn on their website, at your local bookstore, and online. 

# # # Resources # # #

The Urglaawe page: https://www.urglaawe.org

Urglaawe Facebook Group: 

Stacey: IG @the_accidental_urglaawer, Blog

Robert: IG @schreiwer

Michelle: Facebook Deitsch Girl Displaced

# # #

This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Wyrd-iversary: 10 Years and 100 Episodes of Gifts of the Wyrd

In this special milestone episode, I’m celebrating the 100th episode of Gifts of the Wyrd and ten years of podcasting.

From the first recording in 2016 to conversations with authors, folklorists, creators, and practitioners across the wider Pagan and Heathen communities, this episode reflects on how the show began, how it evolved from “Heathen NPR” to something closer to “Pagan NPR,” and what I’ve learned along the way.

I share favorite topics — from runes to Dark Christmas folklore — and reflect on the joy of learning the "behind the scenes" with creators.

Most of all, this episode is a thank you to the listeners, guests, publishers, and friends who have made these ten years possible.

Here’s to wherever the Wyrd leads next.

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode we meet with Irish author Rev. Lora O'Brien to talk about her latest book The Mórrígan, Ireland's Goddess: Sovereign Secrets from an Irish View. 

We talk about her book and the Mórrígan as well as learning about the goddess from Irish resources, mythology and folktales, Irish sacred spaces, and connecting to an authentic Irish practice itself. 

It's a really interesting conversation which goes beyond the goddess and Lora shares tools to create a vibrant Irish (or other) religious practice. 

Lora is an author and Mórrígan devotee who has written this book with a perspective towards the Irish practice, mythology, and cultural connection. She is a modern Draoí—a practitioner and priest of indigenous Irish magic and spirituality.

She is founder of the Ogham Academy and with her partner, Jon O’Sullivan, she is the co-founder of the Irish Pagan School.

The Mórrígan, Ireland's Goddess is available from Llewellyn books. 

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Instagram: @morrigan.academy.irish @irish.pagan.school 

Links: Lora O'Brien  Mórrígan Academy   

National Monuments Service  (Historic Environment Viewer)

Folklore archive - Duchas  

# # #

This book was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: The Night Before Christmas.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

In this episode, you can meet three of the Dark Spirits of the Christmas with my guest Tania Yager. Tania is the author of the book The Allure of the Dark Spirits (which will be available Dec. 5, 2025 on Lulu).

We talk about the process of getting the book written and about the three topics of the book: Krampus, La Befana, and the Mari Lwyd.

The book "is a whimsical, bombastic, and deeply heartfelt journey into the shadowy magic of winter folklore. Part memoir, part shamanic exploration, and part folklore celebration, Yager invites readers to walk beside her as she meets the Alpine Krampus in the snowy streets of Munich, seeks out the Italian witch La Befana, and revisits her own bittersweet ties to Wales through the ghostly Mari Lwyd."

We had a great discussion (one of the longer I've done) talking about her journey and about the spirits. 

The book will be available for order on Dec. 5, 2025 (Krampusnacht) in time for the holiday season. A gift for yourself and that special friend in your life who also enjoys the spirits of winter. 

This is a longer episode, so here is a bit of a show flow:

Yager is a multifaceted visual/ performance artist, writer, holistic educator, and shamanic practitioner. She has dedicated her life to the art of storytelling in all forms and strives to put the education at the forefront of her work. She is the creative director of Twisted Heart Puppetworks and founder of The Wild Hunt of Vista Krampus Run and The Dark X-mas Market of Vista. Through her works, she aims to inspire others to explore folklore, fantasy, myth and magic. 

Order the book beginning Dec. 5, 2025 on Lulu. Find the link at The Wild Hunt of Vista.com

Check out the Dark X-mas Market in Vista California on Dec .13 2025. 

Follow Tania on IG & FB: @twistedheartpuppetworks  and IG: @wildhuntersvista

The Dark Market on IG & FB: @thedarkxmasmarket 

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: The Night Before Christmas.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Building Your Living Ancestral Practice with Ben Stimpson

In this episode of Gifts of the Wyrd, we hear from author Ben Stimpson about his book Ancestral Whispers, published by Llewellyn Books. We explore what it means to build a living ancestral veneration practice—from understaning who our ancestors are, to creating space, crafting offerings, communication, and redefining our releationships with them.

Ben shares insights from the book, personal experiences, and practical approaches for those who want to deepen their relationship with their ancestors. Whether you are new to ancestor work or have done it for a while, this book offers good information for developing or adapting meaningful ancestor work that is right for you - and them. 

Connect with Ben through his website: BenStimpson.com

Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices is available at your local bookstore (ask to order if not in stock), the Llewellyn website, or your preferred online retailer.

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Land of 8 Bits. Outro: JPOP.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.

Some stories just never let go — they linger like whispers in the wind or shadows cast by campfires.

This episode, I’m joined by Jeff Belanger to talk about his newest book, Wicked Strange, (with photography by Frank Grace). Wicked Strange shares the ghostly lore and mysterious legends that are part of New England’s history — tales of haunted hotels, mysterious cemeteries, and the places where folklore and fact blur together.

Whether you love an eerie ghost story, a touch of folklore, or just want a beautifully photographed book to get lost in, Wicked Strange has it all.

Join us as we dig into why strange tales endure — and what they reveal about the people who tell them.

Jeff Belanger is an author, podcaster, storyteller, adventurer, and explorer of the unexplained.

You may remember chatting with Jeff back in episode 86 about Krampus and other Yuletide beings of Christmas time with his book The Fright Before Christmas. 

You can also watch the New England Legends PBS series on PBS rebroadcasts or Amazon Prime. The New England Legends podcast is available on podcast apps and Spotify. 

Have a look at Jeff's website for the Haunted New England Calendar, appearance schedule, and more at: Jeff Belanger.com

 Wicked Strange is published by Weiser Books and available from their website, local bookstores, and online book sellers. 

See my write up about the book on Substack and please subscribe for future notifications.

# # #

Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

Subscribe to Substack: https://giftsofthewyrd.substack.com/

Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Facebook: @GiftsoftheWyrd

Email: [email protected]

Order The Christmas Oracle Deck created by me and artist Vinnora at https://feniksshop.etsy.com follow FB/IG: @thechristmasoracle 

This product was sent to me by the publisher. I have not been compensated for this interview or review, and my opinions are my own. 

Music. Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com  Intro: Dancing Skeletons. Outro: Ghost Stories.  

Gifts of the Wyrd Logo Created by Xan Folmer. 

Logo based on the Vanic boar created by Vanatru Priestess Ember of the Vanic Conspiracy.

Studio recordings using Zencastr and Audacity.