The Priestesses

The Priestesses go to the movies! Again! In this fresh installment, Amanda and Jacob "Ohm" in on the Studio Ghibli classics, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke. What makes these films so powerful, even today? What lessons and perspectives might Paganfolk find within them? And what makes a Princess a Princess?

Wading into the water includes exploring: Thematic similarities, liminal protagonists, complex antagonists, strong female characters, ritual purity, human action and inaction, the power and terror of rage, the might of nature, karma, some Pagan exegesis and eisegesis of the films, and much, much more. Miyazaki-sama, osoreirimasu!

Mentions: - Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: https://www.fredrogers.org/media/mister-rogers-neighborhood/ - Return to Oz: https://movies.disney.com/return-to-oz - Cleansing & Purification, pt 1: What is Ritual Pollution?, by Lady Althaea: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/every-day-is-magickal/cleansing-purification-pt-1-what-is-ritual-pollution - Cleansing & Purification, pt 2: Signs & Symptoms of Ritual Pollution, by Lady Althaea: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/every-day-is-magickal/cleansing-purification-pt-2-signs-symptoms-of-ritual-pollution - Cleansing & Purification, pt 3: What's the Difference?, by Lady Althaea: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/every-day-is-magickal/cleansing-purification-pt-3-whats-the-difference

Sharing Space: - Full Circle Herbals (Erin LaFaive): http://fullcircleherbals.com/ - Learning Herbalism Workbook, by Erin LaFaive BS. MS. MH: http://fullcircleherbals.com/learning-herbalism-workbook/ - Lady Althaea: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/ - By Rust of Nail & Prick of Thorn: The Theory & Practice of Effective Home Warding, by Althaea Sebastiani: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/books.html - Studio Ghibli (GKIDS): https://www.gkids.com/studio-ghibli/

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepriestesses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepriestesses/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

In this sticky episode, Amanda, Aimee, and Jacob talk about sex magick. But mostly about sex. And they have a healthy go at masturbation, while they're at it.

How does sex and self-love play along with our mental, emotional, and spiritual health? How do they connect us to ourselves and others? What techniques might... come in handy? And moreover, what does it mean to embrace our own power?

Mentions: - The Lesbian Kama Sutra, by Kat Harding: https://www.amazon.com/Lesbian-Kama-Sutra-Kat-Harding/dp/0312335857/ - A Druid's Handbook to the Spiritual Power of Plants: Spagyrics in Magical and Sexual Rituals, by Jon G. Hughes: https://www.amazon.com/Druids-Handbook-Spiritual-Power-Plants/dp/1620552655/ - Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant: https://goodcleanlove.com/collections/personal-lubricants/products/almost-naked-organic-personal-lubricant - CBD Oil Lube: https://www.marijuanabreak.com/cbd-as-a-sex-lube - Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6133130/ - Althaea Sebastiani: http://www.ladyalthaea.com/every-day-is-magickal - GGG: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-passion-paradox/201208/are-you-ggg - Sex, Sin, and Zen: A Buddhist Exploration of Sex from Celibacy to Polyamory and Everything in Between, by Brad Warner: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Sin-Zen-Exploration-Everything/dp/1577319109

Sharing Space: - Good Clean Love Personal Lubricants: https://goodcleanlove.com/collections/personal-lubricants - The Goulet Pen Company: https://www.gouletpens.com/ - Laurelei Black: http://www.laureleiblack.com/ - Laurelei Black (Amazon author page): https://www.amazon.com/Laurelei-Black/e/B008DKAFUO/ - Cult of Aphrodite: Rites and Festivals of the Golden One, by Laurelei Black: https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Aphrodite-Rites-Festivals-Golden/dp/1451527268/ - Aphrodite's Priestess, by Laurelei Black: https://www.amazon.com/Aphrodites-Priestess-Laurelei-Black/dp/1449964974/ - Crown of Violets: Words and Images Inspired by Aphrodite, by Laurelei Black: https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Violets-Images-Inspired-Aphrodite/dp/1451522304/ - Aphrodite's Magic: Celebrate and Heal Your Sexuality, by Jane Meredith: https://www.amazon.com/Aphrodites-Magic-Celebrate-Heal-Sexuality/dp/1846942861/ - Sexplanations with Dr. Doe (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkxMlA7rt-mnIc1AjbyAsPw

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepriestesses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepriestesses/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

Crafting, creativity, Witchcraft, and Paganism. What threads run through these? How do they shape our paths and practice? Why do many Pagans seem to be makers, artists, or craftspeople? Who is able to take on a particular role? Where does creativity and crafting fit into all this Pagan stuff? In this episode, Amanda, Dani, and Jacob put together the pieces to find out.

Mentions: - Hunter-Gatherers: http://hraf.yale.edu/ehc/summaries/hunter-gatherers - Women in Medecine (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_medicine - Amanchu! (anime): http://www.crunchyroll.com/amanchu - Puppetry of the Penis (NSFW): http://www.puppetryofthepenis.com/ - Boléro, by Maurice Ravel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aXwTPQQ1_U&vl=en - Tainted Love, by Marilyn Manson (NSFW): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcDIk-Alj28 - Ooh La La, by Tinashe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtCfBdmxR_M - Cruciferous vegetables (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruciferous_vegetables - The Fallacy of Black or White Magick (blog), by Laura Tempest Zakroff: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/tempest/2018/03/fallacy-black-white-magick.html

Sharing Space: - Jacqueline Carey: http://www.jacquelinecarey.com/ - Thrift stores, thrift sales, garage sales, rummage sales, flea markets, etc. are a great place to find crafting stuff! - Instructables: https://www.instructables.com/ - Caftsy: https://www.craftsy.com/ - ThreadBanger (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/user/ThreadBanger - Tigernite: https://tigernite.bandcamp.com/

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepriestesses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepriestesses/ Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

For modern Pagans, what does pilgrimage mean? Largely removed from the paths, places, and practices of ancient Paganism, what is pilgrimage like for us? And what does it mean? Treading the way, Amanda and Jacob are joined by Irish Seabhean and returning guest, Danise Shipley. Along the road, these travelers explore expectations, experience, faith, preparation, planning, relating to places, getting naked, recovery, processing, inner vs. outer travel, journeying, working with limitations, experiences, helpful tips, and so much more. Sharing Space: - Under the Ancient Oaks (Patheos blog), by John Beckett: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/ - The Mead Tenders Who Weren't There (blog post), by John Beckett: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2017/11/mead-tenders-werent.html - The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún (manga): http://www.sevenseasentertainment.com/series/the-girl-from-the-other-side-siuil-a-run/ - The Red-Haired Girl from the Bog: The Landscape of Celtic Myth and Spirit, by Patricia Monaghan: http://www.patricia-monaghan.com/the_red_haired_girl_from_the_bog__the_landscape_of_celtic_myth_and_spirit_94620.htm - The Red-Haired Girl from the Bog: The Landscape of Celtic Myth and Spirit, by Patricia Monaghan (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Red-Haired-Girl-Bog-Landscape-Celtic/dp/1577314581/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= - Alcest (band): https://www.alcest-music.com/ - Princess Ghibli, by Imaginary Flying Machines: https://open.spotify.com/album/2NnJcyEJHe4DuJTMMDIbkT Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepriestesses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepriestesses/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

In this cozy half-episode, Jacob field interviews Gary and Michelle about being Pagan in the context of polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships. What challenges are there? What are some misconceptions? How does one share and practice your spiritual path with a partner or partners who may or may not be Pagan? All this, and much more partnering for your earholes await... Michelle's Recommendation for those curious about Polyamory: - More Than Two: Franklin Veaux's polyamory site: https://www.morethantwo.com Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepriestesses Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

Ah, the challenges of being Pagan in intimate and/or romantic relationships. Is it harder in interfaith relationships than with other Pagans? What challenges arise for Pagans when discussing faith and practice? How do we deal with change and development in these relationships?

In this one, Aimee, Amanda, Dani, and Jacob wail in the dungeon about their experiences (and lessons learned). Along the way, there's talk of enchanted swords, undead and/or robot armies, fisting, necromancers, a little about Hinduism, mixing folkways, Paganish traditions, misfortune and luck, prayer positions, shared experience, family values, and so much more.

Sharing Space: - Evernote: https://evernote.com/ - Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (Blu-Ray): https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Bebop-Complete-Wendee-Lee/dp/B00NP06DJE - Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series (DVD): https://www.amazon.com/Cowboy-Bebop-Complete-David-Lucas/dp/B00NP06CYU - Kushiel's Dart, by Jacqueline Carey: https://www.amazon.com/Kushiels-Dart-Legacy-Jacqueline-Carey/dp/0765379724/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= - The Greatest Showman: https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-greatest-showman - Pumarosa: http://www.pumarosamusic.com/ - Dust II Onyx: A Melanated Tarot: https://dust2onyx.com/

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

In this freshest of episodes, Aimee's back! And with the recent changeover to 2018 in mind, the gang explores the concept of "new years," along with ideas about reassessment, resolve, resolutions, goal-setting, intention, transformation, and much, much more.

Sharing Space: - Fables: http://www.vertigocomics.com/characters/fables - Sword & Laser: http://swordandlaser.com/ - Vaginal Fantasy: http://vaginalfantasy.com/ - Pocket Casts: https://www.shiftyjelly.com/pocketcasts/ - Strange the Dreamer, by Laini Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Dreamer-Laini-Taylor/dp/0316341681 - Lips Touch: Three Times, by Laini Taylor: https://www.amazon.com/Lips-Touch-Three-Laini-Taylor/dp/0545055857/ref=pd_sim_b_2 - Laini Taylor: http://www.lainitaylor.com/ - Pagan Erotica: Anyone? Know someone who writes this? Do YOU write this? Let us know! - Rogue Valley: https://www.lostinroguevalley.com/ - Chris Koza: https://chriskoza.com/

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

Meditation is an oft-used tool in the spiriutal toolbox, buy why? What are the purposes of meditation? What forms can it take? Who should venture to meditate? How does it fit into Pagan practice?

In this contemplative episode, Amanda and Jacob attune to the vibrational hum of the universe for an insightful and varied discussion about their experiences with meditative practice and how those fit into the Paganosphere. Along the way, there's talk about meditational goals, methods, types of meditation, journeying, the role of our senses, focus, attention, connection, altering consciousness, the use of mind-altering substances, self-knowledge, awareness, effort, using caution, expectations, and more...

Mailbag: - Thanks to Sarah, Dylan, and Matthew! - The Last Keepers (2013): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1716767/ - Love Magic, by Lilith Dorsey: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Magic-Potions-Getting-Keeping/dp/1578635926/

Sharing Space: - Elegant Yokai Apartment Life (anime): http://www.crunchyroll.com/elegant-yokai-apartment-life - Spirit Circle (manga): http://www.crunchyroll.com/comics/manga/spirit-circle/volumes

Some Meditation Links: - Meditation: In Depth (NIH): https://nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm - Harvard neuroscientist: Meditation not only reduces stress, here's how it changes your brain, by Brigid Schulte (The Washington Post): https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2015/05/26/harvard-neuroscientist-meditation-not-only-reduces-stress-it-literally-changes-your-brain/?utm_term=.501d2b657b31

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

Money. What's it got to do with Pagan practice? How do we place value on our time and energy? What makes for wealth? And does luck or fortune have anything to do with it? In this deep pocket discussion, Amanda and Jacob are joined by small business owner and multi-modal practitioner, Hilary (the EC Energist herself)!

Skill, compensation, markets, the value of care workers, Star Trek economics, basic needs, economic justice, American Gods, debt, reciprocity, fortune, luck, fate, destiny, definitions of wealth, what gives value, time and energy, work, effort, responsibility, cows, the Norns, the Web of Wyrd, Under the Tuscan Sun, Where the Heart Is, serendipity, interdependence, survival skills, gifting, fair pricing, entitlement, organizing, facilitating, unconsidered costs, love offerings, adventures in customer service, and so abundantly more.

Sharing Space: - Tarot - EC Energist: http://ecenergist.com/ - EC Energist (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/EauClaireEnergist/ - The Priestesses NEW Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepriestesses - On Your Money: https://www.onyourmoney.com/ - On Your Money (WPR): https://www.wpr.org/programs/your-money

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)

In this wonderfully grim exploration, Amanda, Jacob, and (returning friend) Dani go beyond the pale... for a hallowing chat with a most morbid special guest, Angie! Trained as a Death Midwife and Certified in 2011 by Nora Cedarwind Young, Angie is one of the founders of the Death Midwife movement. She is also a Rite of Passage Officiant, Senior Minister at Earth Traditions Church, Emeritus Board Member of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions, and Pagan Student Advisor at the University of Chicago. She is a member of the National Home Funeral Alliance and the National Chaplains Association. Angie is committed to educating individuals, small groups, families, and entire communities or church groups to proudly reclaim family directed choice at end of life. With many thanks to both her and our dear friend Wee Bee, it's with ghastly delight we present this edifying dance with the dead.

Treading along this mortal coil, there's talk about: End-of-life care and planning, funerary practices, body disposition, transitions, cultural views on death and dying, elder care, grief and mourning, rites of passage, ancestor work, prolonging life and death, closure, what Death Midwives do, comfort and intimacy, decomposition, and oodles more.

Sharing Space: - Mushroom Death Suit (TED Talk): https://www.ted.com/talks/jae_rhim_lee - Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death, by Lisa Carlson and Joshua Slocum: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Rights-Reclaiming-American-Death/dp/0942679342 - The Death Midwife: https://deathmidwife.org/ - Earth Traditions: http://www.earthtraditions.org/ - Threshold Singers of the Chippewa Valley: https://thresholdchoir.org/chippewa-valley - Haides (Neokoroi): http://www.neokoroi.org/religion/gods/haides/

Links: Website: http://www.thepriestesses.com Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ThePriestesses Facebook: The Priestesses Music: Rebecca E. Tripp (www.crystalechosound.com)