Julian talks with Mookaite Jasper about their new book, Queer Yoga. Kite shares their experience reconnecting with their self, creating inclusive spaces, and how yoga can help others reconnect with their bodies and their divinity.

About the Guest
Mookaite, known as Kite (they / them), is a trans non - binary autistic yogi based in Middlesbrough in the UK. They are the author of Queer Yoga, published by Llewellyn Worldwide. Kite trained in accessible yoga and teaching yoga to older adults. They are passionate about inclusive yoga spaces, especially creating space for LGBTQIA+ people within the wellness world.

Key Talking Points

• Queer spirituality as connection to your own divinity
• The importance of representation for queer people to reconnect with self
• Yoga as a spiritual path beyond the physical practice
• Mental illness, shame, and trauma in the queer community
• Moving beyond the binary
• Creating more inclusive yoga practices
• Movement as meditation and how to make meditation meet your needs
• The benefits of a home practice
• Parting message from Kite - You belong

Quotes 

"I didn't understand about being non binary, I didn't really know much about the trans community and that was a bit later when I met a non binary person and I was like, oh my gosh, like that's me, like suddenly I saw myself reflected in what they were talking about and I think that's why representation is so important, right? Because when we don't have the words, we can't really articulate what we're going through." -- Mookaite Jasper

"Knowing yourself is more important than following any kind of rigid ideas of what you should be doing and becoming your own best teacher is kind of the point of the practice. So there shouldn't be shame about God knows we've got enough shame anyway, we don't need any more shame." -- Mookaite Jasper

"I wrote this book partly as a kind of love letter to say, like, you belong. You belong in this world and you belong in the spiritual community." -- Mookaite Jasper

Resources
Mookaite Jasper's website
Mookaite on Instagram
Mookaite on BlueSky
Queer Yoga at Bookshop.org*

Julian's Website

* Contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase using this link the podcast host may receive a commission.

After a long hiatus, The Queer Spirituality Podcast is back. Julian notices that "everyone wants community, but not everyone is ready to be in community". The exploration on this topic centers around The Soul Beneath the Skin by David Nimmons. Davids talks about the disconnection between the private hearts of gay men and the public habits when we come together. Using this as a jumping off place to discuss the pressures that gay men face and how they impact community, Julian talks about community on the individual, tribal, and collective levels. The core message being that we have to heal our wounds and become community-oriented to truly create community.

Key Talking Points:

• The Queer Spirituality Podcast is in many ways a reboot. The core themes remain but more focus is placed on the practical aspects of queer spirituality and how it helps us flourish.
• Introduction to David Nimmons' book The Soul Beneath the Skin
• Four barriers to community that often surface
• Individual factors that inhibit community
• The tribal bargain in community
• How community supports individuals in their healing while providing guardrails that prevent one person from poisoning the community
• Community is something we build wherever we are, not something we have to search for or find

Resources:
Julian's Website
The Soul Beneath the Skin on Bookshop.org*

* Making a purchase using this link may earn the podcast host a commission

In this episode, Julian explores the difference between religion and spirituality, particularly in the context of queer spirituality. He shares their personal experience of encountering a social media post that claimed religion and spirituality are the same. He discusses the dictionary definitions of religion and spirituality, highlighting the distinction between belief in a superhuman power and concern for the human spirit. Julian emphasizes that spirituality allows for a more direct and personal approach to the soul, while religion often involves rigid systems and exclusionary practices. He also discusses the role of queerness as a spiritual attribute and the importance of compassion in queer spirituality. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of spirituality to build cohesive communities and celebrate diversity.

Key Points:

• Religion and spirituality are distinct concepts, with religion often involving belief in a superhuman power and adherence to a particular system of faith and worship, while spirituality focuses on the human spirit and soul.
• Spirituality allows for a more direct and personal approach to the soul, while religion can be rigid and exclusionary.
• Queerness can be seen as a spiritual attribute, providing a different perspective and facilitating access to spiritual realms.
• Compassion is a spiritual gift often associated with queerness, leading to acts of care and support for others.
• Religious trauma can hinder individuals from exploring their spirituality, but it is possible to find or create beliefs and practices that nourish the soul outside of organized religion.

Thumper Forge, a Gardnerian high priest, and Discordian Episkopos discusses the intersection of queer spirituality, leather and fetish culture, and chaos magic. Thumper shares their journey of becoming who they were meant to be through 12-step recovery and exploring different spiritual traditions. They emphasize the importance of community and finding acceptance within the queer community. Thumper also talks about their book 'Virgo Witch: Divining the Details' and the significance of embracing one's astrological sign. They encourage listeners to reject limitations imposed by others and to explore their own potential.

Key Points:

• Queer spirituality is about embracing the specialness and magic of queerness and becoming who we are meant to be as queer individuals.
• Community is essential for queer people, as it provides acceptance and support that may not be found in mainstream society.
• Embracing an eclectic spiritual path allows for exploration and personal growth, combining different traditions and practices that resonate with the individual.
• The history and origins of spiritual practices are important, but personal gnosis and individual experiences should also be valued.
• Comparison and self-doubt can hinder personal growth and potential. Embrace your own journey, and don't let others define your limitations.

Resources
Thumper's Website
Instagram
Facebook

About The Guest(s):

Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is an award-winning writer, educator, and spirit woman. She is an 8th generation witch, Egun medium, and priestess of Oya in the Yoruba system of spirituality. Mawiyah is the editor-in-chief of the culture in Afrikan traditional spirituality e-zine Oya N'Soro. She is also the host of FishHeadsinRedGravy, a podcast dedicated to celebrating marginalized people of the esoteric occult world. Mawiyah's writings have appeared in numerous magazines, and she has won several awards for her plays and literary work. She currently lives in Louisiana, where she conducts rituals, consultations, workshops, and divinations.

Summary:

Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is a writer, educator, and spirit woman who practices Hoodoo, a form of African American folk magic. In this episode, she discusses the inclusive nature of Hoodoo and its acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. She emphasizes the importance of embracing queer spirituality and creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals. Mawiyah also talks about her book, "Conjuring the Calabash," which empowers women with hoodoo spells and magic. She shares her advice for navigating the current social and political climate, the significance of community, and the importance of listening and learning from different cultures and perspectives.

Key Points:

• Queer spirituality should be inclusive and embrace all sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Hoodoo is a form of African American folk magic that is open to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• It is important to be grounded and connected to nature to navigate challenging times.
• Community plays a vital role in queer spirituality and provides support and understanding.
• It is essential to listen and learn from different cultures and perspectives to foster inclusivity and understanding.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality means to be inclusive, to have magic that includes everyone, so no one feels left out." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani
• "The practice of Hoodoo is about including everyone and does not factor in a person's sexual orientation or their love." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani
• "We have to keep talking about race relations, homophobia, and other issues to address and overcome them." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani

Resources
Mawiyah's Website

About The Guest(s):

Elhoim Leafar is an urban spiritual worker from Amazonas, Venezuela. He is a tarot reader, dowser, and the author of the upcoming book "Dream Witchery." Elhoim is a former publicist and media manager.

Summary:

Elhoim Leafar, an urban spiritual worker from Venezuela, shares his perspective on queer spirituality and the challenges faced by the queer community in his home country. He emphasizes the importance of unity and compassion in the face of global struggles and highlights the need to support and promote spaces for queer voices. Elhoim also discusses his spiritual path and the inspiration behind his upcoming book, "Dream Witchery," which explores dream magic and indigenous traditions.

Key Points:

• Queer spirituality is about recognizing that one is part of something bigger and fighting not just for personal rights, but for the rights of the entire queer community.
• Immigrants often feel a sense of disconnect and a desire to connect with their roots while living in a new country.
• Water is seen as a portal to the spiritual world in indigenous communities, and dreams are believed to be manifestations that occur underwater.
• It is important to support and promote spaces for queer voices, as they are often limited and underrepresented.
• In times of global struggle, it is crucial to prioritize unity, compassion, and understanding, and to use social media platforms responsibly.

Quotes:

• "We are all part of the community and with time, we just try to understand that we can start working and running together."
• "Being a spiritual worker is about guiding and supporting others in their spiritual journeys."
• "Water is a support, it's made in there, it's a whole body of the goddess giving you the space to travel from one place to another."
• "Please protect these spaces. Please promote these spaces. Please share this podcast, this episode, with your friends, with everybody, with your social."
• "This is a moment to try to stay together, to try to stick together, to try to live with example, not just for people around us, but also for the people who follow you or support you in social media."

Resources:
Elhoim's Instagram
Elhoim's Author Facebook Page
Solitary Witch Books on Instagram

About The Guest(s):

David Townsend is a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth and a sacred intimate. He has more than three decades of experience as an educator and a creative practice in writing and visual arts. David believes in the transformative power of authentic ritual and emphasizes the creative and intuitive dimensions of ritual practice. He runs the popular blog "Anchor Hold" which focuses on Queer men's spiritual and creative lives.

Summary:

David Townsend, a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth, discusses the transformative power of authentic ritual and the integration of sexuality and spirituality. He shares his experiences as a sacred intimate and the work he does to help individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity. David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and trusting one's own intuition in spiritual exploration. He also talks about his popular blog, Anchor Hold, where he writes about Queer men's spiritual and creative lives. David offers sessions and workshops online, focusing on heightened mindful self-pleasure and the path of phallic awareness. David Townsend, a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth, discusses the transformative power of authentic ritual and the integration of sexuality and spirituality. He shares his experiences as a sacred intimate and the work he does to help individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity. David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and trusting one's own intuition in spiritual exploration. He also talks about his popular blog, Anchor Hold, where he writes about Queer men's spiritual and creative lives. David offers sessions and workshops online, focusing on heightened mindful self-pleasure and the path of phallic awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about finding the extraordinary in the middle of ordinary life and being aware of the depth dimension that informs everything we are and do.
• The pandemic has led many people to reflect on the meaning of their sexuality and explore new ways of connecting with others erotically online.
• Online sessions can create a safe space for deep sharing and intimacy, sometimes even more so than in-person sessions.
• The path of phallic awareness, a series of sessions offered by David, helps individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity and integrate their erotic experiences into their emotional and spiritual lives.
• Building a personal altar can be a powerful way to express and explore one's spiritual life and values.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is about finding the extraordinary in the middle of our ordinary life." - David Townsend
• "We are hardwired to be happiest when we're grateful." - David Townsend

Resources
Anchorhold Blog
The Path of Phallic Awareness

Queer Spirituality Website

Summary: In this episode of the Queer Spirituality podcast, Julian Crosson-Hill discusses the significance of Halloween for the queer community. He explains that while Halloween is a time for fun and dressing up, it also has deeper spiritual aspects. In pagan circles, Halloween is celebrated as Samhain, a festival that honors ancestors and recognizes the thinning of the veil between the worlds. Julian reflects on the concept of queer ancestors and how they play a role in the spiritual journey of queer individuals. He categorizes queer ancestors into three groups: the giants who championed LGBTQ rights, the spiritual intermediaries who opened doorways for queer people to explore their spirituality, and the personal connections we have with individuals who have impacted our lives. Julian emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring our queer spirit ancestors, as they provide a sense of empowerment and courage to live authentically.

Key Takeaways:

• Halloween is a time for the queer community to celebrate and have fun, but it also has deeper spiritual aspects.
• Queer ancestors are not limited to blood relations but can include spirit ancestors who have contributed to the LGBTQ community.
• Remembering and honoring queer spirit ancestors can provide a sense of empowerment and courage to live authentically.

Quotes:

• "When we remember them, when we tell our stories and our history, we keep those people alive on a level, on a spiritual level."
• "We are connected spiritually to them through our queerness. And we have that same courage and that same power in our bones that they had in their bones."
• "When we think about those people and the challenges that they stood up to, we can say we're not going to live that again. We're not going to slide backwards."
• "What's remembered lives."
• "Take a moment to connect with that and see if it doesn't make you feel more empowered to live authentically as who you are."

About The Guest(s):

Wil Fisher is the host of the Queerly Beloved podcast and the founder of his life coaching business, Willfully Living. He has a background in applied theater and has worked as the executive director of Easton Mountain, an LGBTQ spiritual retreat center. Will offers healing and transformation work through one-on-one coaching, classes, and in-person retreats.

Summary:

Wil Fisher joins Julian Crosson-Hill on the Queer Spirituality podcast to discuss the intersection of queerness and spirituality. Wil shares his perspective on queer spirituality, which celebrates the divinity in all that is and embraces the welcoming of all that is outside of the norm. He explores the themes and areas of focus that come from queer culture and how they can be experienced through a spiritual lens. Wil also talks about his own spiritual journey, including his involvement with the radical fairies and his exploration of various spiritual practices. He recently hosted a retreat focused on heart opening and shares the transformative experiences that took place during the retreat. Wil also offers one-on-one retreats where he combines various modalities of healing and personal growth to support clients in connecting with their true calling and purpose. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBTQ community, including the backlash against queer expression and the need for more active engagement in the fight for equality. Wil encourages listeners to open their hearts and explore vulnerability as a path to healing and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality celebrates the divinity in all that is and embraces the welcoming of all that is outside of the norm.
• Queer spirituality invites exploration and experience through the body, creative expression, and redefining the relationship with Spirit.
• Retreats provide an opportunity to step out of one's comfort zone, disconnect from distractions, and engage in deep personal growth and self-exploration.
• One-on-one retreats offer a personalized and intensive experience, combining various modalities of healing and personal growth to support clients in connecting with their true calling and purpose.
• The biggest challenges and opportunities for the LGBTQ community include the backlash against queer expression and the need for more active engagement in the fight for equality.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is about the divinity in all that is and the celebration of what is outside of the norm." - Wil Fisher
• "Retreats provide intentional space to look inward and discover parts of ourselves that we don't usually have access to." - Wil Fisher
• "Opening our hearts creates a flow of love that propels healing, growth, and expression." - Wil Fisher
• "The biggest challenges for the LGBTQ community are the attacks against us and the need to find a more evolved way to fight back." - Wil Fisher
• "Open your heart a little more and see how the love starts flowing." - Wil Fisher

Resources:

Wil's Website

About The Guest(s):

Darren Chittick is the pastor of the Church Within, a progressive and inclusive spiritual community. He is also a massage therapist, retreat facilitator, and creator. Darren has a diverse spiritual background and is passionate about exploring different paths to the divine.

Summary:

Darren Chittick, the pastor of the Church Within, shares his perspective on queer spirituality. He believes that queer spirituality is about finding belonging in the world and embracing one's true self. Darren discusses his personal spiritual journey, from growing up in a rural area to exploring different spiritual paths. He also talks about the Church Within and its mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Darren emphasizes the importance of practical spirituality and the need to bring spiritual experiences back into everyday life. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a queer person in the spiritual community.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about finding belonging in the world and embracing one's true self.
• Spiritual experiences can be found outside of traditional religious institutions.
• Practical spirituality is about bringing spiritual experiences into everyday life and making a positive impact on the world.
• LGBTQ+ individuals often have a unique perspective on spirituality due to their experiences of exclusion and discrimination.
• It is important to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in the spiritual community.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is kind of a liberated spirituality at its maturity." - Darren Chittick
• "Our work is to open ourselves up to whatever healing looks like in that moment with the people we happen to be with." - Darren Chittick
• "Our liberation seems threatening to those who have not found that liberation." - Darren Chittick
• "We are here to be revolutionary, to be transformational." - Darren Chittick

Resources:
Darren's Website
Darren's Instagram