On this episode of Gateways to Awakening, Yasmeen Turayhi welcomes Anu Dudley, ordained Pagan minister, retired history professor, radio host of Earthwise, and author of The Goddess Casts the Runes, for a grounded conversation about goddess cultures, everyday earth practice, and the runic tradition.

Anu walks us through the archaeology and folklore of mother-goddess imagery, explains how group-centered goddess traditions supported community life, and offers simple, sustainable ways to reconnect with Earth-Mother energy (including sensory practices you can use today). 

“Our ancestors understood that the earth gives birth to all life — just as a mother gives birth to a child.” — Anu Dudley.

“When we think about us, we need to think about us as all living beings — not just humans, but animals and plants in the wind and water.” — Anu Dudley. 

The episode includes a live mini reading that illustrates how a rune casting can be both practical and communal. If you’re curious about reclaiming feminine spiritual capacities, learning accessible earth-based rituals, or starting with runes, this conversation is a gentle, informed entry point.

We talk about the following and so much more:

•  The mother-goddess in prehistory and folk tradition

• Everyday practices to reconnect with Earth-Mother energy (tree-hugging, senses, walking)

• Introduction to the runes: form, history, and meaning

• Live mini rune casting — interpretation & communal implications

• Anu’s takeaway: ask what you want and tend to your community

Anu Dudley is an ordained Pagan minister, retired history professor, author of The Goddess Casts the Runes, and producer of the weekly radio show Earthwise.

You can find her in the following ways:

• Buy The Goddess Casts the Runes •

Anu’s Earthwise radio show

If this episode spoke to you: please share it, tag us @Gateways_To_Awakening, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps these conversations reach more people. 

For more from me: follow my writing on Substack (substack.com/@therealyasmeent), find me on Instagram @TheRealYasmeenT, or visit InnerKnowingSchool.com.