In this engaging discussion, Matt Stine, an exvangelical and now proud witch, shares their transformative journey from door-to-door evangelism to embracing witchcraft and tarot. They delve into the emotional challenges of leaving traditional faith, touching on childhood fears of death and hell. The conversation reflects on community support in the Suburban Witches Society, the process of spiritual healing, and the importance of mentorship. Insights about navigating past trauma and the complexities of belief systems make this an enlightening listen for seekers of personal growth.
The transition from evangelical Christianity to witchcraft involves navigating religious trauma and reshaping one's spiritual identity.
Community and mentorship play crucial roles in supporting individuals as they deconstruct their faith and create new spiritual practices.
Personal empowerment through diverse spiritual practices, like tarot and astrology, allows individuals to reclaim their identity and foster self-discovery.
Deep dives
The Christian to Witch Pipeline
The discussion focuses on the so-called 'Christian to witch pipeline,' exploring how individuals navigate their transition from evangelical Christianity to witchcraft. Participants share their personal experiences of grappling with religious trauma and the complexities of deconstructing deeply ingrained beliefs. They reflect on how their childhood conditioning shaped their perception of spirituality and community, often emphasizing the disconnect between their upbringing and the openness they found in witchcraft. This journey emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing one’s past while creating space for new practices and beliefs.
Healing Through Community and Mentorship
The episode highlights the significance of community and mentorship for those deconstructing their faith. Participants describe the supportive nature of their group, where they can freely discuss their past experiences without fear of judgment. This sense of belonging contrasts sharply with the often isolating experience of navigating religious spaces. The presence of mentors who have gone through similar journeys helps guide individuals toward healing and rebuilding their spiritual lives, demonstrating the transformative power of community.
Deep Exploration of Spiritual Identities
A significant theme in the conversation is the emergence of personal identity after leaving traditional Christianity. Participants discuss their evolving relationships with spirituality, emphasizing a shift from prescribed religious identities to more fluid, self-defined ones, such as identifying as 'witches.' The intricate interplay of various spiritual practices, including tarot and astrology, is explored as a means of personal empowerment and self-discovery. This exploration underscores how individuals can reclaim their spirituality and create personalized practices that resonate with their true selves.
Understanding the Stages of Deconstruction
The dialogue delves into the stages of deconstruction and the emotional complexities involved. Participants use the framework of five stages of grief to articulate their experiences of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance throughout their journey. They emphasize that deconstruction is not merely about questioning faith but also about processing trauma and redefining one’s identity and beliefs. This understanding brings clarity to the often tumultuous experience of leaving behind established narratives and the challenge of reshaping one's worldview.
Navigating New Spiritual Practices
Participants discuss their ongoing exploration of new spiritual practices and the excitement of discovering tools for personal growth. They highlight the importance of rituals, such as tarot card readings and creating altars, as ways to connect with themselves and the divine. The conversation stresses that spirituality can be a personal and empowering journey that moves beyond traditional frameworks. This focus on individual practice encourages listeners to embrace their creativity and develop spiritual rituals that resonate with their experiences and aspirations.
In this episode I’m chatting with Matt Stine, fellow exvangelical turned Witch about their journey from door to door evangelist to proud Witch! Slight trigger warning on this episode as we do discuss the topic of suicide briefly.
So let’s get into it!
Matts pronouns are They/Them/Theirs
You can find Matt here: https://www.falkenslabyrinth.com/
Check out my class on using the 'Tarot for Energy Protection and Insight' here for FREE: https://www.suburbanwitchery.com/tarot-for-protection
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WHO AM I?
If we haven’t yet before - Hey 👋 I’m Hana the Suburban Witch, an ex-vangelical turned Witch and I've been guiding people through their spiritual, witchy journey for many years now. Through my podcast, my youtube and writing, I share Tarot, Astrology and other Divination tips to help you connect deeper to yourself, your guides and the universe. I also help folks deconstruct from evangelical christianity and write fictional supernatural novels that address deconstruction themes.