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Rebel Spirit Radio
Exploring paganism, folklore and modern spirituality with Ben Stimpson
Oct 11, 2024
Benjamin Stimpson, an integrative therapist and folklorist, dives deep into the vibrant world of modern paganism and witchcraft. He discusses how queer communities reclaim identities like 'witch' against a backdrop of cultural evolution. The conversation highlights the intertwining of spirituality with ecological consciousness, exploring the complexities of masculine spirituality and the challenges in understanding diverse beliefs. Ben also addresses the therapeutic potential of fandoms and the significance of community in shaping contemporary spiritual practices.
01:41:48
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the intersection of neo-paganism and queer communities, highlighting how spirituality serves as an outlet for identity formation.
- A critical discussion on the evolving definitions of paganism reveals how contemporary practices are influenced by historical romantic revival movements.
Deep dives
Uptake of Witchcraft in the Queer Community
The episode discusses the increasing popularity of witchcraft within the queer community as a spiritual outlet, allowing individuals to explore their desires and needs. Many young people, particularly on platforms like TikTok, are redefining witchcraft to fit their personal and communal needs, establishing a unique form of spirituality. This trend indicates a broader shift that has occurred over several decades, where witchcraft serves as a palliative for spiritual vagueness, especially as traditional religions may fail to meet people's evolving spiritual needs. While this community approach foster connection, it also highlights a challenge with defining and categorizing such spiritual practices.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode