The Pagan Temple Podcast
The Pagan Temple Podcast is a welcoming space for new and curious pagans, heathens, and animists to explore the basics of paganism. Rooted in an Animist perspective, this podcast takes an inclusive approach, covering topics relevant to a variety of pagan paths. Each episode breaks down complex ideas into simple, easy-to-understand language, with guest discussions, stories, and insights. Whether you're just starting your pagan journey or looking to learn more, join us as we dive into the wisdom of the old gods and the practices of modern pagans.
Episodes
A complete beginner's guide to Yggdrasil, the Nine Worlds, and the three sacred wells at the heart of Norse cosmology. Learn where the Norse gods live, who the giants really are, what Helheim actually is, and why this cosmic framework matters for modern practice.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The structure of Yggdrasil, the World Tree
- All nine worlds and who inhabits each one
- The three wells and their role...
This episode is for the person who feels drawn to paganism but doesn't know where to start, and doesn't yet feel connected to any specific tradition. Rather than routing them immediately into Norse or Celtic or Wiccan content, this episode meets them exactly where they are. It builds a foundation using three things available to any beginner regardless of background: animism, meditation, and nature connection....
We welcome Einar Blackthorn, founder of The Common Hearth Community, to discuss his path into Norse Paganism and what healthy modern practice and community can look like. Einar shares early negative experiences with religion, a life-changing encounter he later connected to Odin, and how that led him to study the Eddas and reassess spirituality with patience and humility.
We address drama and ego ...
A complete beginner's guide to Norse paganism. This episode covers the history, primary sources, the Nine Worlds, an overview of the major gods, key concepts like wyrd and blot and seidr, what modern Heathenry actually looks like, and an honest conversation about racism in Norse pagan spaces.
A lot of people find paganism and feel stuck before they even start. They think they need to pick a tradition, choose a pantheon, or have their practice perfectly figured out before they can do anything. That's not true. In this episode, we're starting from zero together. We explore three foundational building blocks that any seeker can use, no matter where they are on their path: animism, meditation, a...
In this episode of The Pagan Temple, Matt examines the five most common arguments against Loki's divine status in modern Norse paganism: his identity as a Jotunn, the lack of archaeological evidence, perceptions of him as evil, his role in Ragnarok, and the influence of Marvel. Matt provides a detailed analysis based on primary sources and Norse theology to challenge these claims and discusses how modern devo...
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.
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 ...
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. St...
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 ser...
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 ...
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....
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 rein...
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 w...
The episode explores the significance of ancestor veneration, highlighting its historical roots and practical applications in modern life. By discussing various rituals, shared meals, and spaces dedicated to honoring ancestors, we address the complexities of family history and the importance of healing generational trauma.
• Importance of archaeological evidence on ancestor practices
• Histori...
What if Odin is more than the wise, guiding figure we've come to know? Prepare to uncover the layers of a god who defies simple categorization. On this episode of Old Gods and New Pagans, I, Matt Holloway, invite you to explore the untamed and complex nature of Odin beyond the pop culture portrayals. From his name, which is rooted in "fury" or "frenzy," to his unsettling sacrifices for wisdom, including the l...
Can mythology shape our understanding of the world and our place within it? Discover the answer as we journey through the intriguing realm of pagan traditions and mythology on Old Gods and New Pagans. Join Matt Holloway as he unravels the complex tapestry of pagan storytelling, where myths are not just tales of yore but powerful narratives that continue to influence cultures and spiritual practices today. We'...
What if embracing community could transform your pagan practice? Join me, Matt Holloway, on this enlightening episode of "Old Gods, New Pagans" as we explore how building strong communal bonds can elevate your spiritual journey. We journey through historical contexts, examining the significance of pagan communities from family units to regional gatherings, and discuss how modern pagans can replicate these con...
Challenge your preconceptions and join in a respectful exploration of the ethical parallels that bind us, despite divergent paths. We confront the stereotypes casting shadows over the peaceful spirituality of pagans, dissecting historical contexts and biblical scriptures to shed light on commonalities with Christian ethics, like environmental guardianship and the pursuit of social justice. Without a whisper o...
When the whispers of your heart echo a pagan path, the decision to share that truth can be as daunting as it is liberating. In our latest soul-stirring conversation, we traverse the complexities of 'Coming Out of the Broom Closet,' a rite of passage for many in the pagan community. I open up about my own journey, laying bare the intricacies of these deeply personal crossroads. We consider why one might choose...
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