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 energetic shifts

- The power of sound: chanting, humming, and music in spiritual practice

- Scientific studies that show how sacred smoke affects microbes and energy

- Growing and connecting with your own herbs for deeper magic

Dawn also shares her personal journey into plant magic, her favourite blends, and how you can begin working with herbs. Whether you’re deeply spiritual or simply looking for a more grounded and calming practice.

This is a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and heart. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to working with smoke and sound, there’s something here for you.

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 and sometimes distorted our understanding of Ireland’s ancient stories. From Macha’s not-so-symbolic acorns to the unique nature of fairy magic, this episode unpacks the complexities behind some of Irish paganism’s most widely accepted beliefs.

They also discuss the nature of the Otherworld, the blurred lines between the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Aos sí and other spirits, and the critical importance of returning to original source texts for anyone working with Irish deities and traditions today.If you’re drawn to Celtic mythology, fairy faith, or the deeper study of Irish pagan spirituality, this is an essential listen.

Topics covered include:

- What the ancient Irish believed about the Otherworld

- Why some fairies come from D&D, not folklore

- The misunderstood symbolism of Macha’s “acorns”

- Fairy magic as its own tradition

- Translation issues in Irish mythology

- The overlap between gods, fairies, and spirits

- Making myth more accessible through literal translation

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 contemporary Paganism- The symbolism of the Silver Wheel and the spiritual power of the axle- Fate, fortune, and the still point within the chaos of life- How myth lives in the land itself—and continues to speak through usKristoffer offers a deeply personal, scholarly, and heart-led perspective on Arianrhod as more than a mythic figure: as a living presence who helps us stabilise the turning wheels of our own lives.✨ Whether you're a devotee of Arianrhod, a student of Welsh lore, or simply seeking a deeper connection to land, myth, and meaning, this is a conversation not to be missed.📘 This conversation is inspired by Kristoffer's book, available now from Moon Books.🎧 Listen to The Pagan Portal Podcast on your favourite platforms or watch the full episode on our channel.

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 truth behind the myth of Ariadne and the Labyrinth, reveal the Minoan origins of Greek gods such as Dionysus and Rhea, and discuss how the Minoan culture embraced gender equality, a sharing economy, and peaceful success, offering timeless lessons for modern spirituality and society.

Whether you’re a pagan practitioner, mythology enthusiast, or seeker of ancient wisdom, Laura and Rachel connect you to a lost civilisation where ritual, intuition, and cosmic cycles shaped daily life, with insights that still resonate today.

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Mhara Starling, author, witch, and renowned voice in Welsh folk magic and mythology.

In this episode, Mhara takes us deep into the heart of Welsh witchcraft, the enduring legacy of the Mabinogi, and the bardic traditions that continue to shape Welsh identity and spiritual practice today. This is a journey of ancestral wisdom, magical storytelling, and cultural revival.

✨ In this episode, we explore:

- What makes Welsh witchcraft unique, from its poetic charms to its deep cultural roots

- The spiritual power of song, spoken word, and the bardic arts

- Why the Mabinogi remains vital to understanding Welsh myth and magic

- The recurring theme of shame and redemption in the Four Branches

- How oral tradition preserved these stories long before they were written down

- That epic moment when a giant is mistaken for an island and his sister declares, “That’s my brother, and he’s angry.”🌀

Mhara shares personal insight into how these tales inspire her own witchcraft and how they remain relevant for modern spiritual seekers and lovers of story alike.

What is feminist witchcraft—and what isn’t it?

In this rich, honest, and often hilarious conversation, we explore feminist witchcraft as a spiritual path, political act, and deeply personal practice. Our guest shares their journey into goddess-centred traditions, the liberatory power of witchcraft, and the critical importance of inclusion, especially for trans women, nonbinary folks, and witches of colour.

We unpack common misconceptions about feminist spaces, the commercialization of witchcraft, and how reclaiming the sacred feminine is also about healing our relationship with the Earth. From neolithic goddesses to hexing Wall Street, we cover the sacred, the silly, and the subversive.

Whether you’re a longtime practitioner or just curious about the path, this episode is a deep dive into witchcraft as a way of living, healing, and imagining a freer world.

🔮✨Topics include:

- Goddess worship and feminist theology

- Inclusion and trans-affirming spirituality

- Capitalism and the defanging of witchcraft

- Witchcraft as resistance and community healing

- Breaking down myths (and yes, free-bleeding in the woods)

- This is witchcraft that is joyful, irreverent, and utterly life-changing.

Join Rachel Patterson on the Pagan Portal Podcast for a captivating conversation with Moss Matthey—a Pagan Witch, Druid, and folklorist whose practice weaves together the rich spiritual traditions of Wales and Germany. From growing up immersed in Welsh mythology and language to uncovering the hidden threads of German folk magic, Moss shares their unique journey into a path where witchcraft, Druidry, and folklore intertwine. Discover how cultural roots shape magical practice, why fairies might be embedded in modern technology, and the enchanting power of living a life steeped in wonder and enchantment.🔮 In This Episode:- Welsh Witchcraft & Druidry – How Moss’s upbringing in Welsh mythology, folklore, and the Eisteddfod shaped their path.- German Folk Magic & Frau Holle – Uncovering the hidden goddess of German tradition and the challenges of reconstructing pre-Christian spirituality.- Fairies in Folklore & Magic – From Welsh coblynau (helpful mining spirits) to German kobolds (mischievous tricksters), and why fairies might be lurking in your phone battery!- The Red Serpent Tradition – Founding a coven with Mhara Starling and working with the living currents of Welsh magic.- The Enchanted Toadstool Sweater – The story behind Moss’s iconic (and magically glamorous) mushroom jumper.🌿 Perfect For:- Lovers of folk magic, mythology, and witchcraft- Those curious about Welsh Druidry & German pagan traditions- Anyone who enjoys TikTok’s witchy side (check out Moss & Brett’s folklore-filled videos!)

Dive into the flowing currents of water witchcraft, river spirits, and stone divination in this enchanting conversation! Host Rachel Patterson chats with Jessica Howard about:🌊 Water Magic as Spiritual BalanceWhy a self-proclaimed "fiery Aries" was drawn to water witchcraft—from crafting intention-filled soaps to tea rituals and connecting with the Thames’ energy.🌿 Father Thames & Local DeitiesDiscover the shift from the ancient goddess Temsis to the modern Father Thames, and how working with local river spirits can deepen your practice.🔮 Lithomancy: Divination for the Intuitive WitchJessica breaks down her love for stone casting (using crystals, coins, even LOTR-themed sets!) and why this lesser-known practice is so personal.💭 "Do I Still Feel Like a Witch?"A raw discussion about spiritual imposter syndrome, returning to basics, and finding magic in the mundane.✨ Featured Topics:- Turning showers into rituals & programming herbal teas- Why proximity matters when working with deities- How to build your own lithomancy set (no fancy tools needed!)- Swan symbolism and the Thames’ "feminine" energy pockets- Jessica’s favorite Thames-side spiritual spots📌 Follow The Pagan Portal Podcast for more earthy, practical witchcraft conversations.

When we dismiss Roman deities as mere copies of Greek gods, we erase centuries of cultural wisdom - just as we'd erase Welsh spirituality by calling it "Norse knock-offs." In this captivating episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson sits down with flower essence practitioner and pagan scholar Rachel S Roberts for a profound exploration of how land shapes belief, why plant spirits might be your most powerful magical allies, and how to create sacred spaces that actually work.

From the volcanic origins of Roman gods to the surprising musical tastes of deities (Fenrir's heavy metal playlist anyone?), this conversation reveals how ancient spiritual concepts apply to modern practice. Discover why altars matter beyond aesthetics, how flower essences can transform creative projects, and why your magical toolkit should change with both the seasons and your personal evolution.

Whether you're a dedicated pagan, mythology enthusiast, or simply curious about alternative spiritual paths, this episode offers unexpected insights about honouring the sacred in everyday life.

Dive into the enchanting world of Sabrina, the goddess of the River Severn, in this captivating episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast! Join host Rachel Patterson and guest Brett Hollyhead as they explore Sabrina’s paradoxical nature—fluid, ever-changing, and transcending traditional gender roles. 🌊✨

From her origins in the Cambrian Mountains to her modern-day revival by poets, Sabrina embodies both maiden and mother, Welsh and English, ancient and contemporary. Discover how she bridges borders, defies binaries, and serves as a symbol of unity and transformation. 🌸

In this episode, Brett shares his deep research into Sabrina’s history, from her ties to the Virgin Mary and the masculine deity Nodens to her role in Welsh folklore and the Welsh Marches’ cultural identity. Learn how Sabrina’s story reflects the fluidity of water itself—nourishing, powerful, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re a pagan, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about mythology, this conversation offers a fascinating journey into the heart of a goddess who continues to inspire and evolve. Don’t miss this deep dive into Sabrina’s world!

Key Topics Covered:

- Sabrina’s origins and her paradoxical nature as a water deity

- Her ties to Welsh and English identity in the Welsh Marches

- The influence of poets in reviving her as a modern goddess

- Connections to the Virgin Mary, Nodens, and other deities

- Sabrina’s role in folklore, archaeology, and environmental activism

- How to connect with Sabrina today through rituals and respect for water