In this episode, I sit down with Fotoula Foteini Adrimi, author of Sacred Mysticism of Egypt and director of The ISIS School of Holistic Health, for a conversation that touched a very personal part of my lineage. The Egyptian side of my heritage has always been the hardest for me to connect with, and Fotoula’s presence felt like both a guide and a reminder of something ancient within me.

We explore the concept of Zep Tepi, the “first time” or “golden age,” when humanity lived from the truth of spirit rather than the conditioned mind. Fotoula shares how this wisdom fits into the larger cycles of time, and together we reflect on what it means to trust our spiritual experiences in a world that relies so heavily on written proof.

We also talk about the Egyptian idea of Heka, the power of creation itself, and follow threads of memory through the sacred landscapes of Kemet from the fertile “black land” to temples that have shaped both of our paths. It’s a conversation about remembering, reconnecting, and rediscovering our place in the greater story of Earth.

If you’re curious about Egyptian mysticism, ancestral threads, or the deeper rhythms of the ages, I think you’ll find this episode both grounding and inspiring.

Learn more about Fotoula’s work and courses at The ISIS School of Holistic Health:
 https://www.theisisschoolofholistichealth.com/centre-for-shamanic-courses

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, we travel into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains with author and folk magic practitioner Leah Middleton, also known as @TheRedheadedWitch. Leah’s new book, Magic from the Hilltops and Hollers: Folk Witchery, Superstitions, and Healing Practices from Appalachia, is a beautiful tribute to the living traditions, ancestral wisdom, and land-rooted spirituality of Appalachia, and today she invites us into that world with her.

Leah shares how growing up in the mountains shaped her spirit, and how getting her driver’s license felt like gaining a magical key that opened the door to hidden dirt roads, secret trails, and sacred places only the land itself could reveal. We talk about hiking as a mystical initiation, a journey that mirrors the archetypal Hero’s Journey; how each path, ridge, and quiet overlook becomes a teacher; and how nature can hold us, challenge us, and transform us if we choose to walk with presence.

We also explore a powerful and emotional topic: grieving with the land. Leah discusses her experience after a devastating hurricane tore through her hometown, and we speak about what it means to mourn the earth the same way we mourn the people we love. As I say in this episode, the land has a way of instigating shadow work. Sometimes it opens a doorway into the parts of ourselves we’re meant to meet, heal, or reclaim.

Whether Appalachia is your home, your heritage, or simply a place your soul feels drawn toward, I hope this episode brings you closer to the wisdom of the land and the magic that lives in mountains, memory, and myth. If this spoke to your spirit, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe, it helps this sacred work reach more seekers walking their own path!

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I’m joined by Jessica Howard, a practicing witch of over twenty years and author of The Art of Lithomancy, to explore the ancient and deeply earthy world of divination with stones.

Stones have always held a quiet kind of wisdom for me. They’re not just crystals from a shop, they’re pieces of the land itself. They live in our gardens, line riverbeds, and lie beneath our feet, holding stories older than we can imagine. Lithomancy is a way of listening to those stories, and Jessica’s book makes this practice surprisingly accessible, even for those who are just beginning.

Jessica and I talk about what lithomancy is and what it means to build a relationship with the land through stone divination. We discuss how to create your own lithomancy set (something she beautifully outlines in her book) and I share the story of the very first set I ever made, along with the lessons I learned from my early mistakes.

We also discover how magical and playful this practice can be. Picking up stones can feel childlike and joyful, like rediscovering a part of yourself that has always known how to speak to the land. Jessica even shows us some of the stones from one of her personal sets, giving a glimpse into how this practice can evolve over time.

Together, we explore the difference between reading stones and runes, why everyone should try lithomancy at least once, and how even the most ordinary rock can become a living oracle. And of course, we couldn’t resist sharing our deep love for The Lord of the Rings and how that mythology has shaped both of our spiritual connections to stone and earth.

Whether you’re new to divination or looking to root your practice more deeply in the land, this conversation is a gentle invitation to pick up a stone and listen.

You can find Jessica’s work and The Art of Lithomancy here
Follow Jessica on Instagram: @thecottagemysticwitch

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I’m joined by Laura Perry who is a pagan author, artist, and founder of Ariadne’s Tribe, to explore the fascinating world of Minoan spirituality in Bronze Age Crete.

I had the privilege of visiting Crete this past summer, and the island left a deep impression on me. It doesn’t always feel like an island, you can drive just 30 minutes and find dramatic changes in temperature, vegetation, and even the way the land opens up to the sky or closes in with mountains. These landscapes shaped Minoan religion, which revolved around caves, mountain peaks, and sanctuaries, and celebrated the three sacred realms of land, sky, and sea.

Laura and I discuss how Minoans symbolically brought nature indoors which is a human impulse we still share today whenever we bring home flowers or decorate with natural motifs. We also talk about the challenges of understanding this ancient culture: though the Minoans wrote things down, we haven’t yet deciphered their language. Still, their art clearly shows that ritual life happened outdoors beneath the open sky.

We dive into the matriarchal strands of Minoan spirituality, including the three great mother goddesses, Earth Goddess, Sun Mother, and Ocean Grandmother, their daughters who embody the gifts of the world, and their sons who teach us how to use those gifts. One of those sons is Dionysus, whom Laura describes as the figure teaching us the balance between the wild and the domesticated.

We also explore the layers of myth around Ariadne, the famous snake goddess, and even the unique Cretan version of Zeus who was more akin to Dionysus than to the Olympian thunder god we think of today.

Whether you’re drawn to animism, archaeology, or just the way humans have always sought to connect with the natural world, this conversation is a journey into the heart of an ancient island culture that still inspires us today.

You can learn more about Laura and her work through her website! lauraperryauthor.com

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode, I am joined by Polish folk practitioner, witch, and psychologist Joanna Tarnawska, whose upcoming book Polish Folk Magic (out this December) dives deep into the traditions of her homeland. Together, we explore Poland’s sacred mountains, springs, and land spirits, weaving together history, resilience, and the lessons the land is always whispering to those who listen.

From centuries-old pilgrimages and gnome-filled cities to the echoes of WWII and cultural survival, Joanna shares how her land-based practices are rooted in tradition rather than reinvention. I reflect on my own recent trip to Poland, bringing fresh eyes to what locals often take for granted, and the conversation opens a window into what younger cultures, like the United States, can learn from the deep roots of Polish history.

✨ “The land is begging us to learn the lessons. It’s speaking all the time. It has all the lessons in the world.”

What lessons might your own landscape be holding for you? 🌍

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

 In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I welcome witch, teacher, and author Ivo Dominguez Jr. to share the wisdom of more than fifty years of magical practice. With the newly updated release of his classic book Spirit Speak, Ivo reflects on what it means to communicate with spirits, especially the spirits of place, who first spoke to him as a young practitioner. Together, we explore the value of silence, the instinctive ways humans connect with the unseen, and why science might just be another way of explaining magic. We also discuss what it means to find or create sacred land, the importance of consent from the spirits who dwell there, and the playful dangers that sometimes give fairies their reputation. This conversation blends deep experience with warmth and humor, offering inspiration for anyone curious about the living magic woven into the world around us. 

You can follow more of Ivo' work through his website! https://www.ivodominguezjr.com/

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Mary Ann Clements to talk about the Red Tents movement and the power of creating sacred spaces for women’s self-expression, rest, and community.

Mary Ann shares how she first encountered a Red Tent during a time of major life shifts, and how stepping into that simple, agenda-free space became a profound experience. Together, we explore how modern Red Tents have evolved, what they look like today, and why they continue to matter so deeply.

We also talk about the ways patriarchy has taught us to compete with one another, the painful reality that many of us now have fewer rights than our grandmothers, and the importance of both in-person and online communities. This is a conversation about resistance, healing, and the beauty of gathering together to simply be.

Listen in and ask yourself: where in your life can you create or step into a sacred space of your own?

💫 Learn more about Mary Ann’s work and her upcoming book: https://redtentdirectory.com/the-book/

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this advanced episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I am joined by Solomon Pakal, a modern-day practitioner of Mayan spiritual traditions. Together, we explore the profound journey of maintaining and living ancient spiritual practices in today’s world, especially when these paths are often seen as "other" or marginalized.

Solomon and I share our unique experiences as practitioners of faiths that have endured the weight of colonization. As a Greek priestess and Solomon as one of the few carrying the sacred knowledge of the Maya, we discuss the complexities of identity, imposter syndrome, and the deep connection to spirituality.

In this conversation, you’ll learn about:

🌱The diverse Maya cultures and their spiritual practices

🌱How time worship and "geoastrology" play central roles in Maya spirituality

🌱The sacredness of modern altars and their connection to ancient temples like pyramids

🌱The spiritual plateauing many practitioners face, and why you should push through stagnation

🌱Insights into living a spiritual path that remains deeply rooted in ancient wisdom, while adapting to the modern world

This episode is an advanced conversation for those ready to explore deeper, more complex spiritual traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning, Solomon’s insights offer a transformative perspective on Mayan religion as a living, breathing path.

Check out Solomon's amazing Substack! https://substack.com/@solomonpakal?utm_source=substack-feed-item

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

We begin this new season with a deeply meaningful conversation: What To Do With Angry Land Spirits, featuring author, priest, and fairy expert Morgan Daimler.

In this episode, Morgan and I explore what it means to be in relationship with the spirits of the land especially when that relationship is complicated or even strained. We talk about what happens when the land holds grief, when it holds memory, and when it pushes back.

Morgan shares her experience growing up with second sight and what it’s like to live in conversation with the Otherworld. We reflect on how human impact through pollution, colonization, and energetic disruption creates lasting harm, not just to the earth itself, but to the spirits who dwell there. And we ask what it truly means to approach sacred places with humility, curiosity, and care.

I also share a few stories from my own spiritual work in Delphi, a land that continues to speak to me year after year. Together, we move through the complexities of honoring spirits who may not want our presence, and what it looks like to stay in right relationship even when answers aren’t easy or clear.

This episode is an invitation to listen more deeply, to move with reverence, and to remember that the land is alive. 

If you’ve ever felt the presence of something old and sacred stirring beneath your feet, or sensed resistance when trying to connect with a place, this conversation is for you.

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, we set off on a beautifully meandering journey into the world of Sabrina, the goddess and land spirit of the River Severn, the longest river in Britain. Joining me is Brett Hollyhead (@witch_of_salopia), author of Sabrina, for a deeply conversational episode that feels less like a formal interview and more like two friends sitting by the river, letting the stories flow where they may.

Check out Brett's book wherever you buy books!! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pagan-portals-sabrina-brett-hollyhead/1146736443?ean=9781803418070

Together, we explore the many myths and faces of Sabrina, looking at how she weaves together the realms of land, sea, and sky. Along the way, we reflect on the idea of sacred rage and what it means to hold fierce love for the earth and its waters, especially in a time when so much of our world feels under threat.

Our conversation wanders into fascinating comparisons with Greek mythology, where we discuss figures like Dione (sometimes called the “female Zeus”) and challenge why that label doesn’t fully capture her power. We also explore the surprising possibility that Poseidon may have originally been understood as a female deity, opening up a much larger conversation about queerness, gender, and the fluidity of the divine in myth.

Brett shares insights into sacred sites associated with Sabrina, such as Littledean and the Litany Temple. Throughout the episode, we also touch on other threads of Welsh mythology, creating a rich tapestry of stories, symbols, and meanings.

Thank you for listening, and if you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more explorations of myth, magic, and the sacred places we share on this earth. 🌿✨

Check out Brett's book wherever you buy books!! 

Preorder my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.seekingnumina.com/publishedworks

Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed.

To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit seekingnumina.com.

Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles

This podcast episode was edited by Jordan, a cohost from The Astro Study Room
https://www.instagram.com/theastrostudyroom

Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic
Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ