The Pagan Portal Podcast

Rachel Patterson talks with bestselling author, folklorist, translator, and witch Morgan Daimler to explore one of European folklore’s most enduring and mysterious traditions: the Wild Hunt.The Wild Hunt is often talked about but not well understood, and it has been part of European folklore for over a thousand years. Stories of ghostly riders, hounds, gods, spirits, witches, and omens of death have changed across cultures but still hold a strong impact. Morgan uses years of research to clear up myths and look at how the Wild Hunt appears in Norse, Germanic, Welsh, Scottish, and Christian traditions, and why it still fascinates modern Pagans, witches, and folklorists.Rachel and Morgan talk about how the Wild Hunt connects to witchcraft, the roles of deities like Odin, Arawn, Frau Perchta, Diana, and others, and stories from history. They also discuss how modern fantasy, including Dungeons & Dragons, has shaped today’s ideas about folklore. The conversation looks at whether the Wild Hunt still matters in modern Pagan practice and what these old stories can teach us now.In this episode you’ll learn:* What the Wild Hunt actually is and why it’s so difficult to define.* How far back can the folklore be traced, and what are the theories surrounding its origins?* The many different forms the Wild Hunt takes across Europe and beyond.* Who leads the Hunt, from gods and goddesses to legendary figures and folkloric spirits?* Who—or what—the Hunt is believed to pursue.* Historic accounts of people witnessing the Wild Hunt.* The connections between the Wild Hunt, witchcraft, fairies, the restless dead, and seasonal folklore.* How Christianity influenced the evolution of Wild Hunt traditions.* Common misconceptions created by modern fantasy and role-playing games.* How contemporary Pagans and witches engage with the Wild Hunt today—and why Morgan urges caution.If you’re interested in Paganism, witchcraft, mythology, folklore, fairy lore, or the traditions that shaped European spiritual beliefs, this conversation gives a thoughtful and well-researched introduction to one of folklore’s most fascinating mysteries.If you like the Pagan Portal Podcast, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear your experiences, research, or favourite stories about the Wild Hunt.

Is Herne the Hunter really an ancient god, or is there more to his story than meets the eye?In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson chats with Moon Books author Andrew Anderson about one of Britain’s most mysterious folklore figures. Herne, the antlered spirit of Windsor Forest, has become an important figure in modern Paganism, witchcraft, Druidry, and folklore. But how much of what we know about him is actually supported by history?Drawing on his latest book, Andrew takes us through stories about Shakespeare, Victorian folklore, Robin of Sherwood, the Wild Hunt, and how Herne went from a little-known ghost story to a well-known figure in modern Paganism. Rachel and Andrew also discuss how folklore grows, how traditions change, and why some spiritual figures are important even if their origins are not ancient.In this episode, you’ll find out:• Who Herne the Hunter really was in the earliest surviving sources• Whether William Shakespeare invented Herne or inherited an older legend• The story behind Herne’s Oak and the many trees that have claimed the name• How Herne became connected with the Wild Hunt and why that link is more complicated than many realise• Whether Herne has any genuine connection to the Green Man or other horned deities• How popular culture, from Robin of Sherwood to The Box of Delights, helped shape modern Pagan views of Herne• Why folklore is constantly evolving, and how communities create living traditions• Andrew’s thoughts on whether Herne should be understood as a god, a spirit, a folkloric figure, or something altogether differentIf you’re interested in Paganism, witchcraft, British folklore, Druidry, mythology, or how history links to modern spiritual practice, you’ll find this conversation thoughtful and grounded in real evidence. It offers a new perspective on one of England’s most famous legendary figures.If you enjoy the Pagan Portal Podcast, please like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts about Herne the Hunter in the comments. We’d love to hear how you connect with or understand this fascinating figure in your own practice.

Join Rachel Patterson and Welsh folklorist Mhara Starling as they dive into Welsh mythology, folklore, and Pagan practice. Inspired by Mhara's latest book on Welsh deities, their conversation looks at what it truly means to connect with the spiritual traditions of Cymru. They go beyond stereotypes to reveal the stories, language, history, and living culture that shape Welsh Paganism today.Rachel and Mhara talk about topics like the meaning of the word "Welsh" and why some prefer "Cymru." They discuss Celtic identity, the Mabinogi, and how mythology, poetry, and language connect with magic. The conversation also covers the Welsh Otherworld (Annwfn), Awen as inspiration, the bardic tradition, and debates about whether Welsh mythological figures are gods in modern Paganism. Arthurian legends, cultural identity, and how to respectfully engage with Welsh traditions are also part of this engaging discussion.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why do many people prefer the names Cymru and Cymry over Wales and Welsh?- What "Celtic" really means and why it isn't simply an ethnic identity.- How do the Mabinogi, folklore, poetry, and the Welsh Triads preserve ancient traditions?- What Annwfn, the Welsh Otherworld, represents in mythology and magical practice.- The meaning of Awen and why inspiration lies at the heart of Welsh magic.- How the bardic tradition connects storytelling, poetry, prophecy, and witchcraft.- Why do the Welsh deities remain the subject of lively debate among scholars and modern Pagans?- The Welsh origins of many Arthurian legends and their continuing spiritual significance.- Whether you need Welsh ancestry to work with the deities of Cymru.- How to respectfully explore Welsh Paganism while supporting the living culture and language.If you practise Paganism, love Welsh mythology, are interested in witchcraft, or just want to learn about one of Britain's richest living traditions, this episode is for you. You'll get an engaging introduction to the myths, magic, and culture of Cymru from one of its leading modern voices.

What does Lughnasadh, also known as Lammas, mean to modern Pagans and witches? Is it just about baking bread, honouring Lugh, and celebrating the first harvest, or does this ancient festival offer something deeper than tradition?For this Lughnasadh special, Rachel Patterson talks with Jessica Howard, Lucya Starza, and Katie Ness in a relaxed conversation about how each of them celebrates this time of year. They discuss everything from baking bread and making corn dollies to river offerings, foraging, journaling, working with deities, and simple seasonal magic. Each guest shares personal stories, practical tips, and thoughts on what this festival means today.They also talk about how changes in the seasons and climate can affect traditional celebrations, why gratitude matters more than obligation, and how it's fine if your practice is different from others. Whether this is your first Lughnasadh or you’ve celebrated for years, you’ll find ideas here to help you connect with the land, the harvest, and the changing seasons.In this episode, you'll learn:- The differences between Lughnasadh and Lammas, and where the names come from- Traditional first harvest customs, bread baking and loaf blessings- Ways to celebrate with simple, meaningful rituals- How offerings, gratitude and abundance can become part of your seasonal practice- The role of Lugh, Belisama, Hekate, Rhiannon, Isis and other deities in personal practice- Foraging, flower pressing, corn dollies and other seasonal crafts- Seasonal spellwork for abundance, gratitude and reflection- Why many witches adapt their practice around nature rather than fixed calendar dates- Journaling, magical reflection and following the changing rhythm of the year- The importance of spending time outdoors and building a deeper connection with the landNo matter how you celebrate the first harvest, Lughnasadh is a time to pause, notice what has grown, give thanks for what you have, and get ready for the slow shift toward autumn. This conversation offers thoughtful insights, practical ideas, and lots of laughter.If you like talking about Paganism, witchcraft, folklore, seasonal festivals, and magical practice, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment to share how you celebrate Lughnasadh or Lammas. We’d love to hear about your traditions.

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.