The Pagan Portal Podcast

Dragons appear in almost every culture, but were they always the frightening creatures we imagine today?In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson chats with stone carver, artist, and author Dave Stone about the deeper history of dragons and serpent stories. Drawing on mythology, archaeology, folklore, and his own experiences, Dave shares what he discovered while writing his latest book and explores why dragons continue to fascinate us.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why dragon myths appear in cultures across the world• The connection between dragons, serpents, wells, rivers, and sacred waters• How dragons became demonised in many religious traditions• Why dragons may originally have been symbols of nature, place, and animistic belief• The hidden meaning behind dragon slayer myths such as Apollo and Python, Marduk and Tiamat, and St George and the Dragon• How dragon symbolism survived despite religious and cultural change• The role of dragons in Chinese, Celtic, Greek, Slavic, and Mesopotamian traditions• Why dragons can be viewed as powerful symbols of environmental awareness and connection to the land• The fascinating links between serpent lore, household spirits, and ancient Pagan practices• Dave's experiences visiting Delphi and the legendary cave associated with the PythonRachel and Dave explore patterns in mythology, from sacred springs and mountain caves to household serpents and dragon-slaying heroes. They discuss animism, the spirit of place, hidden environmental themes in old stories, and the ways dragons are connected to the land.Whether you see dragons as mythological creatures, spiritual allies, guardians of nature, or symbols of wild forces, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of the world's oldest myths.

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson talks with Sam Wise about how witchcraft, queer identity, community, and spiritual practice all connect.They talk about the history of Lavender Witchcraft, the close ties between queer communities and magical traditions, and why it’s important to make Pagan and witchcraft spaces openly inclusive. Sam also shares thoughts on ancestor work, including connecting with both family ancestors and queer activists, elders, and trailblazers who have shaped today’s communities.They also talk about nature-based spirituality, finding a connection with the natural world in daily life, and how people outside cultural norms have often played important roles in spiritual traditions. Rachel and Sam discuss allyship, learning from mistakes, and building communities where everyone feels truly welcome.Topics Covered:• What is Lavender Witchcraft?• The history behind the Lavender Menace• Queer identities in witchcraft and folklore• Spiritual roles beyond traditional gender norms• Nature connection in everyday life• Ancestor work and queer ancestors• Allyship and supporting marginalised communities• Building inclusive Pagan spacesIf you’re interested in Paganism, witchcraft, queer spirituality, ancestor work, or just want to learn more about the people and traditions behind modern magical practice, this conversation gives you a lot to think about.

People often put runes into simple categories like divination tools or mystical symbols, making them seem distant and mysterious. In this episode, we challenge that idea.Rachel Patterson talks with Imelda Almqvist to explore what runes really are and what they have always meant.They discuss common misconceptions, such as the belief that runes are only for magick, and connect them back to their origins as a living writing system from the Viking Age.Topics Covered:- Common misconceptions about runes- Elder Futhark vs Younger Futhark- Runes as language vs magickal tools- The rune wheel and creation cycles- The Norns and the nature of fate- How old are the runes- Making your own rune set (tradition vs modern practice)- Learning runes vs studying the mythsThe conversation then explores the rune wheel as a cycle of creation, the Norns' actual role in shaping fate, and how to balance historical knowledge with personal practice.There is also a practical focus throughout, covering how to get started, whether to make your own runes, and when or if you should explore the myths.This episode is not about telling you there is only one right way. Instead, it aims to help you find a deeper understanding of the runes.

Rachel Patterson sits down with Carly Rose from The White Witch Podcast for a relaxed chat about what modern witchcraft is really like, from the messy moments to the magical ones and everything in between.They discuss how witchcraft becomes part of your everyday life, not just something you do occasionally. They share early influences like Merlin, Arthurian legends, and trips to places such as Tintagel, and talk about the practical side of creating your own practice. They also touch on learning by doing, staying curious, and accepting that you can’t read every book or know everything about the craft.Carly shares some of the practices that have shaped her journey, like hedge riding, breathwork, and shadow work. These tools can be truly transformative, even if they are the ones you might resist at first.Rachel and Carly also talk about the discipline that can come with keeping up a spiritual practice, the guilt many witches feel when life gets hectic, and why perfection isn’t the goal. Witchcraft is meant to fit into real life, with spilled salt, forgotten tools, and messy altars included.If you’ve ever wondered if you’re “doing it right,” this episode reminds you that witchcraft is a lifelong journey and there’s always more to discover.Topics covered:Witchcraft as a lifestyle- Learning the craft through books and experience- Merlin, Arthurian legend, and early magical influences- The deep well of UK folklore and witchcraft history- Hedge riding and spirit journeying- Discovering breathwork as a spiritual tool- Facing the challenge of shadow work- Discipline, guilt, and keeping a practice going- Why witchcraft doesn’t need to be perfectListen to The Pagan Portal Podcast for conversations with authors, practitioners, and creators from across the world of witchcraft, paganism, and modern spirituality.

Most of us are taught from a young age not to question death.We’re handed a set way of doing things. But what if you step outside that and take a closer look?In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson and Kristoffer Hughes talk about death, dying, and what it truly means to return to the earth. They cover topics like the environmental impact of cremation and the process of human composting, also known as terramation. Their conversation challenges the idea that our bodies are simply something to discard.Kristoffer shares his own experience with natural organic reduction, including the unusual moment when he lay in a coffin during a mock funeral. This changed how he views death. The experience felt less clinical, less final, and more alive.This conversation is about more than just alternative death practices.It’s also about the words we choose, the rituals we keep, and the ways we’ve learned to think about the end of life.And maybe it’s about remembering something much older as well.Topics Covered:- What terramation / human composting actually is- Why “disposal” might be the wrong word for death- The environmental impact of cremation and burial- Experiencing a mock funeral firsthand- Decomposition vs transformation- Pagan perspectives on death and returning to the earth- Why ashes don’t nourish life, and what does- Reimagining funeral rituals and sacred spaceLearn more about Terramation and Eterrna here: https://www.eterrna.life/If this episode speaks to you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who’s open to rethinking what comes next.