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Pagan Spirituality 101: Foundations of Nature-Based Practices

Join Matt from The Pagan Temple as he explores the foundations of nature-based pagan spirituality. Perfect for beginners or those returning after a break, this video simplifies pagan practice down to its core elements: awareness, connection, and practice. Learn grounding techniques, daily rituals, and how to connect with nature wherever you live. Stay consistent and rediscover your spiritual path with practical, easy-to-follow exercises.

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In this brief episode, host Matt Holloway announces the rebranding of the podcast to The Pagan Temple Podcast. He shares the reasons behind the shift, including his efforts to create a cohesive platform for new Pagans with resources, lessons, and a supportive community. Matt highlights the features of The Pagan Temple, such as foundational lessons, in-depth theological discussions, and a welcoming Discord server. He also discusses the free and paid membership options and encourages listeners to join and participate in the evolving community.

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Join Matt Holloway on The Old Gods and New Pagans Podcast as he explores how various cultures around the world celebrate the autumn equinox. From the Welsh mythology-inspired Mabon to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Japanese moon viewing tradition, discover the diverse ways humanity honors this moment of balance. Learn the history and significance of these celebrations and how to respectfully incorporate elements of them into your own seasonal practices. Whether you're drawn to Celtic traditions, curious about global customs, or eager to create a meaningful autumn celebration, this episode offers insights and inspiration.

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Dive into the messy, dramatic world of Greek deities and discover why their flaws make them surprisingly effective spiritual allies in modern life. Unlike distant, perfect beings judging your life choices, these gods and goddesses understand what it means to be beautifully, messily imperfect – because they are too.

The psychological advantage of working with Greek gods lies in their relatability. When your deity once turned a lover into a tree because they were having a bad day, suddenly your own relationship mistakes don't seem so catastrophic. There's solid psychological research supporting this approach: working with imperfect divine figures can significantly reduce shame and self-criticism, making it easier to practice self-compassion. But make no mistake – honoring a deity's humanity doesn't mean excusing toxic behavior. Zeus's serial cheating doesn't make infidelity acceptable; these are cautionary tales showing what happens when power goes unchecked.

Meet four powerful Greek allies who can transform your life: Athena, goddess of strategic wisdom, helps overthinkers make decisions and navigate complex situations with clarity. Aphrodite, fiercer than Valentine's cards suggest, teaches self-worth and healthy relationships – she's less "draw your soulmate to you" and more "stop settling for people who don't appreciate you." Apollo cuts through bullshit with his truth-telling energy, perfect for creative blocks and honest self-assessment. And Persephone, whose journey from sheltered daughter to Underworld Queen represents the ultimate transformation, shows how sometimes apparent disasters are breakthroughs in disguise.

Working with these deities doesn't require literal belief – many practitioners view them as psychological archetypes or symbolic representations of human experience. What matters is whether engaging with these energies helps you live better, make wiser choices, and become more authentically yourself. Through simple practices like offerings, meditation, or asking for guidance, you can access divine perspectives that complement your own thinking.

Join our community through the podcast website or the Pagan Temple Discord server at thepagantemple.com to share your experiences with Greek deities or ask questions about incorporating these practices into your life. Remember, even the gods make mistakes – the trick is learning from them. That's where wisdom comes from.

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In this episode of 'Old Gods and New Pagans,' host Matt Holloway delves into the true origins of Medusa's myth. Discover why the well-known tale of Medusa being punished after being assaulted by Poseidon is actually a Roman addition that came centuries later. Revisit the ancient Greek portrayal of Medusa as a powerful protector rather than a victim. Understand the cultural shifts that led to the dramatic reinterpretations of her story, and explore the implications of these myths in both ancient and modern contexts.

00:00 Welcome to Old Gods and New Pagans

01:52 Medusa: The Original Myth

05:56 The Roman Retelling of Medusa

10:04 Why the Roman Version Stuck

12:34 Medusa as a Protector in Ancient Times

15:06 Modern Reclamation of Medusa

17:01 Navigating Between Ancient and Modern Interpretations

19:15 Conclusion: The Power of the Original Medusa

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Think offerings and sacrifices are the same thing? Think again. In this deep dive, we explore one of the most fundamental—and misunderstood—practices in pagan traditions: giving gifts to the gods.

From ancient Greek temple ceremonies where entire communities gathered to share sacred meals, to modern pagans leaving apples on kitchen altars, we'll unpack what our ancestors actually did (spoiler: it wasn't all dramatic Hollywood stuff) and how these practices have evolved for the 21st century.

We'll cover the real difference between offerings and sacrifices, explore traditions from Greek thusia to Norse blót, and get practical about modern approaches that won't break your bank or get you weird looks from the neighbors. Plus, we'll tackle the environmental considerations that matter in today's world—because littering isn't honoring nature spirits, it's just littering.

Whether you're looking to deepen your existing practice or just curious about what pagans actually do when nobody's watching, this episode cuts through the mystical jargon to give you practical, grounded information you can actually use.

Topics Covered:

• The crucial difference between offerings and sacrifices
• Historical practices across Greek, Norse, and Celtic traditions
• Modern adaptations for apartment dwellers and budget-conscious practitioners
• Environmental considerations for responsible practice
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Content Warning: This episode discusses historical animal sacrifice in an educational context.

"Old Gods and New Pagans" explores ancient wisdom and modern pagan practices with curiosity, respect, and just enough skepticism to keep things interesting. New episodes drop every [frequency] wherever you get your podcasts.

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The episode explores the significance of ancestor veneration, highlighting its historical roots and practical applications in modern life. By discussing various rituals, shared meals, and spaces dedicated to honoring ancestors, we address the complexities of family history and the importance of healing generational trauma. 

• Importance of archaeological evidence on ancestor practices
• Historical accounts from Romans and Norse culture
• Common elements of ancestor veneration found in many cultures
• Practical tips for daily rituals and creating an ancestral shrine
• Engaging with difficult family histories and trauma
• Overcoming barriers to practicing ancestor veneration
• Simple ways to integrate ancestor practices into daily life

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What if Odin is more than the wise, guiding figure we've come to know? Prepare to uncover the layers of a god who defies simple categorization. On this episode of Old Gods and New Pagans, I, Matt Holloway, invite you to explore the untamed and complex nature of Odin beyond the pop culture portrayals. From his name, which is rooted in "fury" or "frenzy," to his unsettling sacrifices for wisdom, including the loss of an eye at Mimir's Well, Odin's story is one of relentless pursuit and profound contradictions. We journey through his controversial use of Seiðr magic, traditionally taboo for men, revealing his unyielding quest for power and knowledge that challenges conventional narratives.

As we navigate the complexities of deities, we emphasize the necessity of acknowledging both their virtues and flaws. Even gods possess multifaceted personalities, not unlike humans. By examining Odin's obsession with war and his thirst for wisdom, we discuss the importance of embracing these contradictions. His willingness to share wisdom, despite his darker traits, offers a more nuanced understanding of his character. Join us in this exploration of the enigmatic Odin, where we challenge the simplified depictions and celebrate the rich, layered stories of mythology.

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Can mythology shape our understanding of the world and our place within it? Discover the answer as we journey through the intriguing realm of pagan traditions and mythology on Old Gods and New Pagans. Join Matt Holloway as he unravels the complex tapestry of pagan storytelling, where myths are not just tales of yore but powerful narratives that continue to influence cultures and spiritual practices today. We'll explore how these stories serve as moral compasses, explain natural phenomena, and preserve the essence of pagan cultures across history. Whether you're a devoted practitioner or simply curious, this episode promises to enrich your perspective on the timeless art of myth-making.

In this enlightening discussion, Matt delves into the diverse ways pagans interpret their myths, from atheistic perspectives that see deities as symbolic archetypes to theistic views that embrace them as manifestations of natural forces. With examples like the Norse god Odin, who embodies wisdom and war, we'll explore how atheistic pagans find meaning in myth without literal belief in gods. This episode respects the multiplicity of interpretations and beliefs within paganism, offering insights into the various ways mythology can be understood and appreciated. Grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and embark on a journey through the colorful world of pagan myths, where every story holds a piece of history and soul.

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What if embracing community could transform your pagan practice? Join me, Matt Holloway, on this enlightening episode of "Old Gods, New Pagans" as we explore how building strong communal bonds can elevate your spiritual journey. We journey through historical contexts, examining the significance of pagan communities from family units to regional gatherings, and discuss how modern pagans can replicate these connections. I share my personal experiences, from intimate friend groups with diverse practices to larger organizations like the Pagan Project, which aims to promote public understanding and awareness of paganism.

Dive into practical steps for fostering and maintaining vibrant pagan communities, whether through shared rituals, unique altar setups, or seasonal gatherings. Discover the parallels between pagan communities and other religious groups, and learn how to balance solo practice with community engagement. We'll also discuss the power of online platforms like Discord in building global connections, and provide tips for maintaining relationships with non-pagan friends and family. To round off the episode, find out how you can actively participate in the Pagan Project through social media, volunteering, or simply sharing your experiences, contributing to a supportive and growing network.

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