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The Trickster Archetype Across Cultures | Loki, Hermes, Set, Gwydion, and Veles

What do Norse shapeshifters, Greek cattle thieves, and Egyptian storm gods have in common? Explore the Trickster archetype across five pagan traditions and discover why these boundary-crossing, chaos-bringing figures are essential to mythology and spiritual practice.

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Exploring Norse Magic: Seidr, Galdr, and Runic Magic Explained

In this episode, Matt Holloway from the Pagan Temple delves into the fascinating world of Norse magic, focusing on three main types: Seidr, Galdr, and Runic Magic. Learn about their historical background, societal perceptions, and how modern practitioners are reconstructing these ancient practices. Discover the nuances of each magical form and how they can overlap, hear interesting anecdotes, and get insights on how this knowledge is being revived and adapted in contemporary spiritual practices. Perfect for anyone interested in Norse mythology, magic, or spiritual reconstruction.

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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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