In pagan traditions, the autumn equinox holds significant importance. Also known as Mabon, it is a time when day and night are in balance before the darkness begins to gradually take over. This pagan festival celebrates the second harvest and marks a time of thanksgiving for the abundance of the Earth. During the autumn equinox, pagans engage in various rituals and customs to honor this transitional period. Many rituals involve making offerings of fruits, vegetables, and grains, symbolizing the harvest and gratitude for the Earth's bounty. These offerings are often placed on altars or in outdoor spaces to connect with nature.
GH: I think the witches in American Horror Story: Coven. I mean, they’re obviously meant to be fake, but for some reason, AHS: Coven drove me nuts—and I love AHS. And as far as covens go, there's a high priestess and a high priest, not a supreme. Witches do have gifts, but the powers aren't defined like [they are in AHS]. I was just annoyed by the incest and rape and the fact that the clothing was so "witchy" that I stopped watching it. I'm probably angrier at the plot more than anything else.
Magic Witchcraft Mastery in Alchemy, Celtic, Dark, and Pagan Magic comes from the Old Gods Illusion Manipulation Used when showing Cricket the past Immortality Soul Enslavement Enhanced Agility Strength She killed a wild boar with her bare hands while it was running full speed towards her Magic Blessing She was able to grant the Butcher telekinesis and pyrokinesis. Content warning we do touch on some of the historical brutality suffered by those outside of dominant religions and the stigmas faced by people worshiping or observing religions that are considered fringe.
These offerings are often placed on altars or in outdoor spaces to connect with nature. Another common tradition during the autumn equinox is the creation of cornucopias. These horn-shaped baskets are filled with an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and autumnal decorations, representing the abundance and fertility of the season.
Witchology (WITCHES & WITCHCRAFT) with Fio Gede Parma
Part 1: IT’S HERE. Witches. Not just a witch expert, but also a witch. Author Fio Gede Parma has been a practicing witch and highly respected writer, speaker and teacher, and they cover witch history, different types of witches, intersectional witchcraft, forest covens, teen movies, witch trials, witch fashion, midnight myths, lunar pratfalls, spells, cheerful nudists, awkward Uber rides and more. Also: how does one…become a witch?
And just a warning: we touch on some stigmas and physical and emotional harm suffered by those observing religions considered fringe. Your own spiritual or religious beliefs are yours to keep, but the nature of some conflicts are discussed.
(Science note: this specific episode of Ologies is a little different; not the norm. Unlike vampires or monsters, there are *real* witches among us and I wanted to include their voices in this deep dive of their beliefs. So you may not agree with everything they say and a lot of it can’t be qualified, but this episode is about culture, history and the ideology of a certain spiritual group. So listen with that in mind and you'll learn about religious beliefs —that you may not agree with and that science has not fully figured out or upheld — but you'll get to know the real people and lifestyles behind the tropes we’ve seen in fiction. Then the rest of Spooktober we’re back to genetics and statistics and Google scholar research papers and such. Relax, and enjoy.)
Listen via Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbay, Podcast Addict, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Part 2: More witches! History! Lore! Wardrobes! Movie trivia! And some advice from your elders? Part 2 is here with the wonderful, informed, and charming writer, speaker, spirit-worker, witch, and witchologist, Fio Gede Parma, who has most recently authored the book “The Witch Belongs to the World.” We chat cats, commercialization, witch trials, environmentalism, fashion, hallucinogenic tinctures, broomstick legends, sex positive witchery, celebrity witches, science history, cosmological ghost theories, and what to do if you think you might be a witch. Also: don’t call people wizards.
Content warning: we do touch on some of the historical brutality suffered by those outside of dominant religions and the stigmas faced by people worshiping or observing religions that are considered fringe. Opinions and spiritual or religious beliefs are those of the guest and may conflict with yours, but we are learning about their first hand customs, culture, and lived experience.
Listen via Apple, Spotify, Google, Podbay, Podcast Addict, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Visit Fio Gede Parma’s website and follow them on Instagram, Patreon and YouTube
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Links to things we discussed:
Part 1:
AQ: The biggest thing pop culture gets right about witchcraft is its power. Yes, witchcraft is powerful, and that can be intimidating or even scary. And yes, that power should be treated with respect. It’s always the characters who approach the act of magick as a game or that cast spells for the wrong reasons who end up in trouble. The ones who practice, carefully, are the ones to emulate.
Cornucopias are often displayed in homes and pagan gatherings during this time. Additionally, pagans may participate in outdoor activities to fully embrace the natural elements of the autumn equinox. This can include nature walks, hikes, or even organizing community gatherings in parks or gardens. Being in nature during this time is believed to enhance the connection between individuals and the changing energy of the Earth. Furthermore, the autumn equinox is a time for pagans to reflect on balance and the cyclical nature of life. It is a time to acknowledge the darkness that will follow and to embrace the lessons and wisdom that can be gained from introspection. Many pagans use this time for self-reflection, meditation, and setting intentions for the coming season. Overall, the autumn equinox holds great significance in pagan traditions. It is a time to celebrate the harvest, express gratitude for the Earth's abundance, and embrace the changing energy of the season. Through rituals, offerings, and engaging with nature, pagans honor this transitional period and embrace the lessons it brings..
Reviews for "Transition and Transformation: Embracing the Lessons of the Autumn Equinox in Paganism"
1. John Doe - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Autumn Equinox Pagan Traditions". I found the writing to be extremely vague and lacking in substance. It felt like the author was just padding the book with generic information and regurgitating what can easily be found in a simple internet search. There was nothing unique or insightful about the content, making it a complete waste of time for anyone looking for genuine knowledge and understanding of pagan traditions.
2. Jane Smith - 2 stars - While "Autumn Equinox Pagan Traditions" had potential, I found it to be poorly organized and confusing. The author jumped from one topic to another without any clear transition or explanation, leaving me feeling lost and frustrated. The lack of coherent structure made it difficult to follow and comprehend the suggested rituals and practices. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of clarity and organization in this book.
3. Mark Thompson - 1 star - I was really looking forward to "Autumn Equinox Pagan Traditions," but I found it to be extremely repetitive. The same information was repeated over and over again throughout the book, which made it feel like a never-ending loop of monotony. It was incredibly frustrating, especially when I was expecting a deeper exploration of pagan traditions during the autumn equinox. This book lacked originality and failed to provide any fresh perspectives or insights, making it a complete letdown for me.
4. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - "Autumn Equinox Pagan Traditions" had potential, but the writing style was overly convoluted. The author used excessive jargon and complicated language, making it difficult to understand what they were trying to convey. The content could have been simplified and presented in a more accessible manner, especially for those who are new to the subject. Unfortunately, the unnecessarily complex language made it challenging to engage with the material and fully grasp the pagan traditions being discussed in the book.