"Witches & WitchCraft" features an interview with Max Dashu, a witch historian. They discuss the witches of old and the current state of witch resistance in today's culture. The podcast also includes an interview with Ruth Barrett, who talks about the practice of witches in today's world. Thistle delivers a special commentary about her life as a witch. Don't miss this seasonal podcast filled with witch magic.
The podcast examines the historical persecution of witches and the current state of witch resistance and culture today.
The episode highlights the importance of female bonding, ritual, and the celebration of women's mysteries in witchcraft.
Deep dives
Witches and Witchcraft: A Historical Perspective
This podcast episode delves into the history of witches and witchcraft. It explores the burning times in Europe where thousands of women were accused and killed for practicing witchcraft. The episode also highlights the contemporary practice of witchcraft, focusing on the Dianic tradition which centers around female empowerment and goddess worship. It features interviews with Max Dashou, a feminist historian, and Ruth Barrett, a Dianic witch. The podcast emphasizes the importance of reclaiming femaleness and creating sacred spaces for women.
The Power of Female Bonding and Ritual
The episode emphasizes the power of female bonding and ritual in witchcraft. It recounts the childhood friendship between the host and her classmate, who bonded as witches and performed rituals together. The host reflects on their shared experiences of climbing trees, creating music, and conjuring the wind. It also explores the importance of women gathering in sacred spaces, dancing under the full moon, and connecting with the energy and power of sisterhood. The episode encourages listeners to explore their own connection to femaleness and to experience the transformative power of women's rituals.
Honoring Women's Mysteries and Life Cycle
The podcast highlights the importance of honoring women's mysteries and life cycles in witchcraft. It discusses how the Dianic tradition focuses on celebrating and reclaiming the female life cycle, including menstruation, motherhood, and menopause. The episode explains how the seasonal holidays in witchcraft align with the female life cycle, allowing women to connect with the natural rhythms of the earth. It also emphasizes the significance of creating personal and family altars to honor the seasonal transitions and to pay tribute to ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.
Reclaiming Femaleness and Overcoming Male Dominance
The podcast promotes the reclamation of femaleness and challenges male dominance. It critiques the patriarchal language and narratives that perpetuate the invisibility and subordination of women. The episode highlights the need to center women in religious and spiritual practices, celebrating the inherent power and significance of being female. It also acknowledges the persistence of male domination and violence against women, calling for women to reclaim their power and challenge societal norms. The podcast encourages women to embrace their femaleness and to stand in solidarity against oppressive systems.
Happy Halloween to all of our WLRN listeners! This podcast is full of witch magic as the team at WLRN explores the witches of old and new.
Hear world news as written and delivered by April Neault after a haunting greeting by WLRN's resident female separatist, Sekhmet SheOwl. Following the world news, hear an interview Sekhmet did with Max Dashu, founder of Suppressed Histories Archives. Dashu speaks about the witches of old and puts into context the current state of witch resistance and culture today.
Then stay tuned for Thistle's interview with Ruth Barrett at the Mycelium Mysteries Women's Retreat in Almond WI this past month. Ruth talks about who the witches are and what their practice is in today's world.
To finish off October's podcast, hear Thistle deliver her commentary about her life as a witch both as a child and adult. The music in the background swirls with Thistle's voice singing a Sonia Johnson chant at the end. You won't want to miss this special commentary for the Season.
We hope you enjoy this seasonal podcast as you move into the dark time of the year and go inward.
If you'd like to support our work as a collective of media makers, consider a monthly donation of $5 to be drawn automatically from your account. Just click on the donate button on our wordpress site here: https://wlrnmedia.wordpress.com/ If you become a listener sponsor, we will send you a gift in the mail from our stash of buttons, posters and t-shirts.
Thanks for staying tuned to WLRN, our community radio station in the Femisphere.
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