Anam Cara: A Friend on the Journey

Join brother Jay on this cozy and quirky journey through winter‘s darkest days and brightest lights! From Hanukkah to solstice, Rauhnachte to Christmas, we will explore the wisdom of saints, mystics, and nature. With laughs, parables, and a dash of Rumi, we'll discover why darkness isn't so bad and how light shines even brighter because of it. So light a candle, grab some tea, and let's glow together!

Get ready to embrace your wild side! In this episode of Spilling Tea with the Mystics, Br. Jay sits down with Dave Gaddy, aka The Weathered Wiseman, who comes from five generations of Appalachian magic and wisdom. From his journey through theology to embracing Appalachian Folk and Nature Magic, Dave shares his insights into living authentically and the true magic of coming back to one's roots. Tune in to hear about animal magic, bone-throwing, ancestral work, and what it really means to let your untamed self shine. Grab a cup of tea and join us for a journey into the heart of the wild!

Where do heaven and earth kiss? In thin places, of course! And maybe also in the amusing chatter of crows. Let's explore the divine in the ordinary—and the silly—in this vibrant journey through nature.

Are you ready to blaze your own spiritual trail? In this episode, we talk about finding your own path, even if you're part of a tradition, and learning to own it with humor and heart. From emptying your ‘cup' of what doesn't serve you to filling it up with what truly resonates, we're here for all the seekers, wanderers, and curious souls. With quotes from saints, mystics, and nature-lovers like Walt Whitman and John Muir, we'll explore what it means to have a spiritual journey that's authentically yours. Bring your sense of wonder… and maybe a good pair of hiking boots! Follow us here: https://linktr.ee/spillingteawiththemystics?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Join us for a playful exploration of the great outdoors with our certified Forest Therapy Guide! My guest today is Kati Tompson, a certified Forest Therapy Guide. From recreational therapy to forest bathing, our guest shares how she helps people find peace, one tree at a time. Expect interesting stories, a touch of nature magic, and plenty of laughs as we discover the many ways nature heals. Learn more about Kati through her website: https://www.rejuvenature.earth/ or through Instagram@ rejuvenature.forest.bathing

Join your favorite ginger-headed host, Br. Jay, as he chats with the inspiring Stephanie Georgieff, live from Southwestern Bulgaria. We dive deep into her spiritual journey, her transformation through the Black Madonna, and the wisdom behind her books and podcast, The Black Madonna Speaks. Discover the mysteries of the Divine Feminine, Esoteric Christianity, and what it means to be a modern-day pilgrim serving the marginalized. Follow our podcast @SpillingTeaWiththeMystics on Instagram and Facebook

In this episode of Spilling Tea with the Mystics, Brother Jay takes us on a journey through his recent spiritual wrestling match, from dabbling in Paganism to visiting a progressive Episcopal church, and even an Eastern Orthodox liturgy—only to realize that his true spiritual home has always been... in nature! Join us as we explore the beauty of nature spirituality, the healing power of forest bathing and earthing, and how a few chickens and some trees helped him rediscover the Divine.

Ever wondered what happens when life throws you a curveball so big it shakes your soul? Join me as I sit down with someone who's navigating the spiritual rollercoaster of facing a brain aneurysm diagnosis. We'll dive into his past, his faith, and how this wild news has flipped his world upside down in the most profound (and even surprising) ways. It's a raw, real, and heart-to-heart chat about life, spirituality, and how to find meaning in the unexpected. Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

In this tea-spilling episode, we dive deep into the heart of the Divine Feminine—where love is fierce, protection is fierce and tender, and God shows up not in thrones or robes, but in the grit, grace, and wild wisdom of the Mother. From the comforting embrace of Mary to the fearless roar of Kali, we're exploring how She shows up in the world, and how She's been with us all along—whispering, protecting, and loving us back to life. Buckle up, because this Mother doesn't play by the rules, and She's got a lot to say.

In this episode, Rev. Jeni Markham Clewell shares her church's courageous decision to break from the United Methodist Church to embrace a more inclusive future with the United Church of Christ. From her lifelong commitment to justice and music to navigating the challenges of transition, we explore how faith, love, and community can shape a more welcoming world for all. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on spiritual growth, courage, and the power of inclusion.

In this episode, Brother Jay explores the deep yearning for divine connection and the unexpected humility of the Divine's presence in our lives. Through stories from Eden to the Last Supper, from Rumi to St. Teresa of Ávila, we discover that God is not far away, but closer than our own breath. Whether through service, silence, or the simple moments of life, divine love and humility guide us on the spiritual journey, always nearer than we imagine. Packed with mystic wisdom, humor, and a few surprises, this episode reminds us that what we're searching for is already within and around us.

Join us as we buzz through the mystical world of bees, poems, and God with poet and beekeeper Chris Isa Muscat. We'll explore how the pursuit of knowing the heart of God is as sweet—and sometimes as wild—as honey itself! Get ready for an inspiring chat filled with divine wisdom, stories of the Beloved, and a whole lot of love. Follow Chris on Instagram @theroseandwoolcloth Follow Spilling the Tea on Instagram @spillingtheteawiththemystics

In this episode of "Spilling the Tea with the Mystics," we're diving into the mystery of the divine with a fun and witty twist. Join us as we explore Rumi's wild spiritual ride with Shams, the power of soul friendships, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. With a dash of humor, we'll discover how letting go of the need for control can help us find the divine in the most unexpected places—right in front of us or even within us! So grab your tea and get ready for a journey where mystery meets meaning and wit meets wisdom!

In this episode, Br. jay shares a moving poem imagining the grief and agony David felt upon hearing about the loss of Jonathan.

In this episode of "Spilling the Tea with the Mystics," Brother Jay explores the divine comedy of life, weaving together personal stories of loss and reinvention with humorous tales of gardening mishaps and a lost Thomas Merton. Through laughter and spiritual wisdom from Rumi, Zen masters, and the Bible, discover how life's cosmic joke often leads to the most unexpected and profound growth.

In this episode, Brother Jay serves up a tasty blend of Karma Yoga, spiritual wisdom, and a dash of humor, all while flipping omelets and exploring the deeper meaning behind everyday actions.

Join us on a deep dive into the realm of spiritualism as we sit down with spiritualist medium, Stephen Patrick, who is also a devoted follower of Santa Muerte. In this enlightening episode, we explore the beliefs, practices, and experiences that define spiritualism and its connection to Santa Muerte. From communicating with spirits to understanding the mysteries of the afterlife, this conversation offers a fascinating insight into the world beyond the physical. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of the spiritual realm and the profound insights it offers. Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast⁠ Facebook at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405⁠ or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at ⁠https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

As we approach the dawn of 2024, join us for a special New Year's Eve episode of Anam Cara: A Friend on the Journey. Discover the transformative power of vision boards as we explore spirituality, slow living, meditation, and wellness. Our host, Br. Pax, shares practical tips for crafting a vision board that reflects your deepest intentions and paves the way for a successful, fulfilling year ahead. Say goodbye to traditional resolutions and embrace a new path towards personal growth. Start your year with purpose, mindfulness, and well-being. Tune in and create a visual roadmap for a remarkable 2024!

Join us in this heartwarming episode of Anam Cara as we venture deep into the realm of spirituality with a nature-focused perspective. Discover the enchantment of the changing seasons, as we gracefully transition from fall to winter, and uncover the profound wisdom hidden within the essence of Yule. Immerse yourself in the panentheistic view of the divine, a belief that bridges the transcendent and immanent, and how it can beautifully enrich your spiritual journey. Delight in the enchanting symbolism of Yule and the comforting return of light during the winter solstice. Find inner solace in the gentle embrace of the dark, and learn to recognize the sacred in every facet of the natural world. Embrace the enduring spirit of life, as represented by the evergreen trees, and discover how it can invigorate your own inner vibrancy. Join us for this heartwarming and reflective episode, designed to kindle your spirit, deepen your connection with nature, and inspire you to wholeheartedly embrace the beauty of the changing seasons. Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast⁠ Facebook at ⁠https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405⁠ or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at ⁠https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi #panentheism #yule #wintersolstice #contemplative #spirituality

Do you practice your spirituality on the outside? On the in-between places of religion and spirituality? Join Pax as he interviews Ellis Anthony Peters a meditation and yoga teacher about going deep on the outside. Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi For more on Ellis Anthony Peters: https://www.ellisanthonypeters.com/

In this episode, Pax answers some questions he has received about what he actually believes. He discusses his four truths about God, life, the purpose of life, and what the heck it even means! Enjoy!

My guest on today's episode is Heather Hamilton, author of Returning to Eden: A Field Guide for the Spiritual Journey. This book is by far one of my favorite books and the best book I have read in years. If you have experienced hurt by a fundamentalist Christian mindset, and are not sure how to deconstruct the experience this book is for you. It invites one to read the Bible mythically and mystically through a lens of oneness rather than literally. It is for people of any or no religion. In this episode we talk about Christ as a Trans Woman, Mother God who won't leave us in our hells, and everything in between! To learn more about Heather you can find her on Instagram: @heatherhamilton1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatherhamiltonauthor or her website and newsletter: returningtoeden.com Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

In this episode Pax interviews Marshall, Witch of the Southern Light. We talk about his new book, Cunning Words: a Grimoire of Tales and Magic, growing up gay, the power of story, animism, and living authentically. Marshall is a cohost of a podcast called Southern Bramble, is a Patheos blogger of a blog called The Southern Light Diaries and author of the newly published Cunning Words: a Grimoire of Tales and Magic. Learn more about this fascinating person here: https://linktr.ee/WitchofSouthernLight Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

Ben Stimpson (He/They/Them) has always been keenly interested in stories, whether they were the folktales of his homeland or the personal narratives and lives of others. In both his counselling and spiritual work, story takes a central role in how he explores and conceptualizes his own life or the lives of those around him. Ben hails originally from Caerwys, North Wales, United Kingdom but spent 29 years living in Ontario, Canada. Ben's deep interest in reconnecting with his homeland and exploration of spiritual traditions of that place lead to a focus on ancestral work over the past half decade, all of which culminated in his debut book, Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices, available from Llewellyn Worldwide. Ancestral Whispers encourages readers to look deeper into story: story of self, story of family, story of community. It explores ancestral veneration as a modern spiritual path looking backwards to the ancestors while looking ahead to our own legacies. You can learn more about Ben here. Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

Br. Avallach Emrys is a dedicated spiritual seeker living on the shores of Lake Erie in North-Central Ohio, alongside his partner. He is currently a Novice Monk in the Gnostic Celtic Church Monastery, preparing to advance to the rank of Committed Monk. In addition, Avallach is a Novice in the Order of The Sacred Nemeton, exploring the depths of Celtic spirituality.With a keen interest in parapsychology and the scientific understanding of metaphysical abilities and experiences, Avallach holds the positions of Professor and Dean of Curriculum at a Pagan Seminary. He is also furthering his spiritual education by studying the preliminary courses in the Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) clergy training program.In his free time, Avallach enjoys a variety of hobbies, including writing, reading, immersing himself in nature, and indulging in his passion for aviation. He is devoted to both personal growth and the enrichment of his spiritual community. You can learn more about him at: www.avallachemrys.com

In this episode, Pax explores topics about "what happens after death?" "What is our spiritual endpoint" and a reflection on the power of silence and contemplation. Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

Jory Pryor (he/him) is an inter-spiritual contemplative, grounded in the Christian tradition, while also drawing from the esoteric traditions of Buddhism, Tantra, and Advaita Vedanta. He hosts a podcast called Methods of Contemplation, which showcases various techniques for prayer, meditation, and contemplation from across all spiritual paths. Jory offers virtual spiritual direction for everyday people wanting to transmute their suffering to be of better service to the world.Follow Jory here:www.methodspodcast.com@methodsofcontemplation Find Anam Cara on LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/anamcarapodcast Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 or Instagram @anamcarapodcast Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

In this episode Pax interviews Br. Fredrick-James, a married Benedictine monk. We talk about the monk's life, how one can be a married monk, and a God who is bigger than any one religion. Mark Gladman, also known as Br Frederick-James is your friendly neighborhood Monk In Docs! Mark has served as a chaplain, podcaster, contemplative teacher and many more things. At the core of his work is a heart is to help you (re)discover, (re)frame, (re)imagine, (re)claim, and (re)member God, Jesus, Spirit, Scripture, and who you truly are whatever your religion. Find Anam Cara on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

Luke is an ordained spiritual director, certified meditation teacher, and leads a non-profit organization called the Spiritual Journey Center in San Diego, CA. Luke has a deep passion for spiritual awakening, cultivating intimacy & Oneness with the Divine, teaching from both ancient & new wisdom sources, and helping with inner healing & wholeness through spiritual practices and Self-realization mentoring. You can learn more about Luke and his work at https://linktr.ee/LukeBricker Find Anam Cara on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnamCara405 Join our Patreon at https://bit.ly/3jmbFMi

Keith Kristich, is a rising star in the Contemplative and Centering Prayer movement and founder of the Closer than Breath Community and organizer of the international Centering Prayer Summit. In this episode we talk about Jesus beyond the church box, self-emptying, and correlations between centering prayer and eastern meditation. You can find out more about Keith and the Closer than Breath community at www.closerthanbreath.com or on Instagram under Closerthanbreath. Follow Anam Cara: A Friend on the Journey on Facebook. Join our Patreon for more content, and get sneak peaks what is to come, early previews and soon to have some video footage from interviews...as well as polls on what you would like to see covered in future episodes! Join our Patreon today!

What do you know about Cernunnos? Forget all you think you know and walk with us as we explore the ancient images of him and re-imagine Him as a god inviting us to a deeper life. Follow Anam Cara: A Friend on the Journey on Facebook. Join our Patreon for more content, and get sneak peaks what is to come, early previews and soon to have some video footage from interviews...as well as polls on what you would like to see covered in future episodes! Join our Patreon today!

Ethan Walker III was born and grew up in Oklahoma. In the late 60s, at the age of 19, he read Timothy Leary's interview in Playboy magazine and promptly left for the Los Angeles area to explore the psychedelic revolution. This led to cosmic experiences which put him on the spiritual path for the rest of his life. This is all chronicled in his book Into The Mystic - A Story of Light, Love and Spiritual Adventures. After ten years of practicing non-duality following the instructions of Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta Maharaj, he met his guru Amma who put him on the path of bhakti or spiritual devotion. Many more cosmic experiences ensued at the hands of Amma. All of Ethan's books are explorations of the spiritual path and especially bhakti with the books Finding God's Love, Amma Is Love, Bhakti Sutras of Narada and 108 Hugs for Jesus. Now, 50 years after driving to Los Angeles to find LSD, he has focused his practice on love and the cultivation of love. These are specific daily practices to which he was directed and guided by his guru Amma. His Beloved is the Divine Mother and he has written three books of devotional poetry to her - Soft Moon Shining, A Cup of Tea and The Divine Mother of the Universe. Keywords: Spirituality, Faith, Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, Buddhism, Guru, Amma, bhakti, Nondualism, God --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Leslie Grasa is a Laughter Yoga Ambassador and Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. In addition to being passionate about Laughter Yoga, Leslie is a performance artist who creates original performance work inspired by dreams and classic stories. She is also a Spiritual Coach and practices and teaches shamanic healing and Reiki. She is currently a PhD student in Transformative Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She holds both a Masters in Divinity and a Masters of Fine Art in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University. You can find Leslie most days helping to lead the free International Laughter Club on Zoom. https://laughteryoga.org/zoom-laughter-club/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Do you have a tattoo? Every thought of getting one that has spiritual significance? Enjoy this interview with tattoo artist and priestess, Mulysa Mayhem. Mulysa talks about her work as a conduit for helping people heal and transform as part of their tattooing experience. Come join the journey!

I cannot believe we made it to Season 3. Thank you for joining me in the journey. In this episode I reflect a bit on life right now post-pandemic and glance ahead with easter eggs for upcoming episodes this season. mindfulness, yoga, meditation, food

What is Embodied Spirituality? How does one practice it? Listen in on this episode as Pax discusses his practices and how it has made a difference in his life and worldview.

Dr. Christena Cleveland is a public theologian and social psychologist and author of the newly released book “God is a Black Woman”. In this episode Dr. Cleveland shares her journey from being a columnist for the evangelical magazine “Christianity Today” to working to dismantle the cultural “whitemalegod” and uncover the sacred black feminine. You can find out more about Christina through her website: https://www.christenacleveland.com/ and her work at the Center for Justice and Renewal: www.justiceandrenewal.org

My guest is Zach Biegun. Zach is a yoga instructor, bodyworker, and meditator. In this episode Zach discusses his religiously diverse upbringing, what embodied spirituality is and what plant medicine has done to deepen his practice.

In this episode I celebrate the passing of the snow and winter and the promise of spring. I also enjoy a walk hearing the story of Tragoe. Tragoe is a Nature-loving Pagan artist who gave up his military and academic career to look for the answer of the question: “What is the sound of darkness?” Tragoe's journey is dressed with his original neo-folk signature sound. Through his music, he's narrating stories from the past and pondering life. Tragoe's music is performed exclusively with traditional Greek folk instruments, honoring his roots & ancestors. Tragoe's Links: Tragoe' s Website Spotify YouTube Instagram Facebook Twitter

In this episode Pax describes what he believes and how he lives those beliefs as a Pantheist. Included in this episode is the song "Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman from her Album "This Mystery."

In this special announcement, I describe the name change of the podcast from New Moon Hearthcraft to Anam Cara. I explain the meaning of Anam Cara and why I chose to change the name.

Valdyr Odinnsson practices a type of Norse Animism that for lack of a better word can only be called shamanic. Please enjoy this episode as we explore the challenge of what it means to practice in a deep way a nature based path.

Flora has been known as the Good Luck Lady for over 20 years helping people fix their bad luck and expand their good luck. She is a teacher, witch, spiritual medium, reader, and Priestess to the Goddess. Flora has spent her life interviewing sacred arts practitioners to better understand how they use magical technology and methods to improve the world around them. It is through these experiences she found that she is gifted at working luck technology and has since dedicated her time to refining her skills and practices. Flora recently moved back to the Oklahoma City area with her husband and little dog Iggy Pup.

Avi Lago was brought up in a diverse home practicing Sanatana Dharma often called Hinduism in the west. He is a Shakta or a devotee of the Goddess centered path within India and is dedicated to Maa Durga and Kali ma, the supreme form of the divine feminine in all her forms. He is a student and member of BAVA British association of Vedic Astrology offers Jyotish and vaastu consultations, combining his skill in Birth chart analysis and Vedic counselling. He is regularly invited to speak issues such as cultural appropriation, colonization at the crossroads of Paganism and Hinduism Please enjoy this interview on New Moon Hearthcraft!

In this episode Mox shares his journey from fundamentalist Christianity to being an inter-spiritual nomad and what the journey of deconstructing one's beliefs is like. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

My guest today is one of my best friends and fellow practitioner Kevin Nuckolls. Rather than typical interview style, we were live in the same room having a drink and tell some of our magical "dirty laundry" that will leave you rolling with laughter. Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NMHPax --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode we explore topics such as Godless Paganism, embodied spirituality, and letting go of the gods you once served. In this episode I interview Stephen Dillard-Carroll. Stephen is an embodied spirit living as full a human life as possible. He works as a psychic helping other embodied spirits realize their full potential. He does ancestral work as well, connecting embodied spirits to their ancestral kin. Finally, he loves long walks on the beach, cute guys, and fried chicken! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As we entered the darker time of year, so with it comes many deep mysteries of the Sacred. One of these is the mysteries of the body and what it means to embrace being a human body having a spiritual experience.

Have you ever received a kick in the butt from the universe? In this episode Pax describes a recent kick he received that shook him out of a lethargic brain fog and restarted his magical manifestation. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Tarot Designer, Eric Maille, is a 2D artist living in Norman Oklahoma. He works in the Oklahoma City area both as an independent artist and as a member of Art Group OKC. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2016, and has exhibited at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the IAO Art Gallery, as well as several non-traditional venues including the Bigfoot Creative print shop and the offices of Skyline Ink illustrators. The Ink Witch and some of the original artwork from it is available on his website, ericmaille.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Have you ever had any experiences that altered the direction of your life? In this episode Vincent talks about his upcoming book, How Witchcraft Saved My Life. He details his journey through homelessness and overcoming every obstacle and how witchcraft empowered him on this journey. Enjoy this interesting story and run out to buy the book! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app