Ravens at the Crossroads

Look who's flown in ready to begin Season 2 of our pagan podcast!I know, it's hard to believe that 2 years ago, almost to the day, we've been fairly quiet. We've been busily distracted by the unexpected twists and turns of life as we now know it since 2020.Believe it or not, we recorded this episode several times over the past two years but the previous recordings weren't quite right. In between life kept us incredibly distracted. Many changes occurred, losses and gains. Thankfully, we're finally back in a place where we are able to go forth. In this episode, we discuss some of the changes we experienced as well as our plans going forth this year. We also discuss the topic of community and where or how to find it. Expect more interviews with some amazing pagans and witches, some travel and on-site event coverage, and of course, more Ravens Discuss episodes. We also wish to thank our fans who've reached out during this time. Thank you so much for your support of our pagan podcast! If you aren't already, you can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Look where we began in 2019... here's our first episode, an interview with Tommie Starchild. If you would like to hear us interview someone specific or cover any pagan-related topics, you can always email us at info@ravensatthecrossroads.com *EDIT: Not Laguna Beach, but Long Beach. I know this, but for some reason, I still said Pagan Pride LA was in Laguna. Twice! Maybe because we were talking about Rainbow Lagoon? Also, "THE" TikTok? When did I turn 80? "You kids get off my lawn!" *shakes fist in the air* I'm not THAT old!

Ivo Dominguez, Jr. has been active in Wicca and the Pagan community since 1978 and has been teaching since 1982. Ivo is a founding member and High Priest of Keepers of the Holly Chalice, the first Assembly of the Sacred Wheel coven, for which he currently serves as an Elder. Ivo has been published in numerous periodicals and is the author of Keys to Perception: A Practical Guide to Psychic Development; Casting Sacred Space: The Core of All Magickal Work; and Spirit Speak: Knowing and Understanding Spirit Guides, Ancestors, Ghosts, Angels, and the Divine, among other works.  Ivo Dominguez Jr.Website: ivodominguezjr.comFacebook: facebook.com/ivodominguezjr/

Laura Perlin is a tarot reader and practitioner of the ritual arts. She supports people in ancestral reclamation practice, crossroads navigation, and resolving challenges rooted in the spirit world, as well as working through any patterns and problems that block people from living their brightest lives and bringing their much-needed gifts into full manifestation. Her practice has an animist orientation and combines her skills and training as a ritualist, counselor, herbalist, bodyworker, and teacher. She works within an anti-oppression framework and centers the intersections between personal and collective healing. Laura's family migrated to the US from the Soviet Union as settler/refugees, and she grew up on Ohlone lands in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has been reading cards and practicing her familial lineage traditions since childhood. Laura is of Ashkenazi & Mizrahi Jewish, Sakha, Roma, and Karelian ancestry. She shares her time between San Francisco and her ancestral lands of Sakha Republic, Siberia. She recently collaborated on a translation of indigenous Sakha folktales - Ый кыыһа - Лунная девушка - The Moon Girl - and is currently working on a translation of a book on Sakha shamanism, due for publication in late 2020.  Connect with Laura lauraperlin.comwildhearttarot.orgFacebook: laura.perlinInstagram: laura_perlin New book available now Ый кыыһа- Лунная девушка -The Moon Girl at https://bit.ly/3bz10Vr

This is the conclusion of our short series of interviews regarding Pantheacon. Each previous episode featured an interview asking about their experiences at PCon and their feelings regarding the conclusion of the convention. Glenn Turner co-founded the New Reformed Orthodox of the Golden Dawn (N.R.O.O.G.D.) tradition. With N.R.O.O.G.D. she helped to co-found the Covenant of the Goddess (CoG). She organized the Ancient Ways Festival for many years. Until she retired this January, she also owned the Ancient Ways metaphysical shop in Oakland for over 31 years. Glenn organized the now-concluded PantheaCon Pagan conference. Glenn discussed her life and the many ways she was instrumental in helping to create community and spaces for Pagans. We are grateful to have the opportunity to hear her first-hand accounts.

This is a continuation of our short series of interviews regarding Pantheacon. Each episode features an interview asking about experiences at PCon and feelings regarding the conclusion of the convention. This an abridged version of our interview with Captain Starwise, focusing specifically on his thoughts about the final PantheaCon. The full interview will be released after this series is complete. Captain Starwise is an astrologer with a unique flair; his style of reading natal charts uses nautical references to better explain the relations of houses and the interactions based on where they are on a person's charts. You can find Captain Starwise at thecelestialseas.com

This is a continuation of our short series of interviews regarding Pantheacon. Each episode features an interview asking about experiences at PCon and feelings regarding the conclusion of the convention. John Hijatt is an inclusive Heathen and writer who’s worked with runes for over a decade. He hosts the Gifts of the Wyrd podcast with topics and interviews about inclusive Heathenry. In this episode John sent us a voice recording to share his feelings about Pantheacon. John's podcast can be found at giftsofthewyrd.podbean.com and platforms. Links: www.GiftsoftheWyrd.com Facebook: giftsofthewyrd Instagram: @wyrdgifts1 Twitter: @wyrdgifts

This is a continuation of our short series of interviews regarding Pantheacon. Each episode features an interview asking about experiences at PCon and feelings regarding the conclusion of the convention. In this episode, the Ravens interviewed Coyote (Shawn Carlino) of Sacramento Pagan Pride regarding his experience with Pantheacon.The Sacramento Pagan Pride takes place annually in mid September. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacpaganpride/Email: info@sacpaganpride.com

This is a continuation of our short series of interviews regarding Pantheacon. Each episode features an interview asking about experiences at PCon and feelings regarding the conclusion of the convention. In this episode, the Ravens interviewed Christopher Fregosi and Tracey Faulkner during the final Pantheacon. Each has a been long-time volunteer for the Pantheacon convention.

This is a continuation of our short series of interviews regarding Pantheacon. Each episode features an interview asking about experiences at PCon and feelings regarding the conclusion of the convention. In this episode, the Ravens interviewed Paula (ButterflyMoon) and Jay (Runesmal) onsite at PantheaCon. ButterflyMoon spent years exploring her own beliefs; trusting science and her own intuition, “Atheopagan with Woo” is the best way to describe her current pathway. Often found with a hammer or torch in her hand, bending metal to her will, she is no polite little butterfly. She uses these skills to make spiritually unique jewelry for any path that does not preach hate. Preach hate and she will likely run you down. You can identify her by the butterfly tattooed rubber butt on her mobility device. ButterflyMoon is also the alter ego of Paula Meier, a down-to-earth Tarot reader and teacher with more than 40 years’ experience using the cards. A Psychic Sensitive, artist, and ordained spiritual advisor, Paula shares her empathic and intuitive insights with friends and clients. Using a personal approach to both reading and teaching the Tarot, she uses the cards as spiritual signposts to help us make choices on the path of life. Jay started exploring Wicca and light work around age 24, but found it was not a good fit. Upon discovering the Runes and being spoken by the Vanir, he became a Freyasmannr, before subsequently being claimed by Freya’s father, Njord, whose direction he now primarily serves. Jay says of his current path, “I am not a gothi (priest) nor a spokesman for Norse religion. I weave spells, tell stories, and try to make as little mischief as possible.”

The Ravens wish to express our gratitude for our patrons this month:Korin – from California Henry – from CanadaJohn – from TexasThank you for your support! Meg Elison is an American science fiction author and feminist essayist whose writings often incorporate the themes of female empowerment, body positivity, and gender flexibility.  Her debut novel, The Book of the Unnamed Midwife, won the 2014 Philip K. Dick Award; her second novel, The Book of Etta, was a finalist for the Philip K. Dick Award. Meg is a James A. Tiptree Award honoree (now known as the Otherwise Award, an award encouraging the exploration & expansion of gender) and also a producer of the Cliterary Salon, a monthly Bay Area performance celebrating inclusive female sexuality in all its forms. Meg shared her very honest opinion about both PantheaCon and its final event.Our dear friend Red Dragon also joined us during this interview. We will hear more from Red Dragon in a later episode.

While attending Pantheacon we had the great fortune of M.Macha Nightmare to walk Reverend Patrick McCollum over to our table. She wanted to ensure we included him in our interviews to discuss Pantheacon. Patrick was kind enough to share his feelings regarding attending the final convention and his thoughts about the event in general. Patrick McCollum is an interfaith chaplain, spiritual mentor, and peace counselor. On February 1, 2020, Dr. Jane Goodall, nominated Patrick McCollum for the position of Messenger of Peace for the United Nations.

The Ravens wish to express our gratitude for our patrons this month:Simon - from GreeceCarol - from California Natalie - from CaliforniaThank you for your support! Tyler shares some of the highlights from his recent trip to Japan where he discusses what he learned about Japan's people, culture, torii gates, shrines, and animism. For more information about Torii Gates: https://www.japanvisitor.com/japanese-culture/torii-gates The Ravens embark upon another road trip for a Pagan conference. This time it's to attend the final PantheaCon. PantheaCon is held in San Jose, California over President’s Day weekend each year. It is a conference for Pagans, Heathens, Indigenous Non-European and many of diverse beliefs Over 2000 people attend more than 200 presentations that range from rituals to workshops and from classes to concerts. In additions to a fabulous Vendor hall, there are many diverse groups who host Hospitality rooms for meet and greets. Established in 1994 it is currently the largest Pagan gathering and convention in the world. https://pantheacon.com/wordpress/ EDIT: This year is the 26th annual event not the 21st.The Pagans of Color Caucus is to be organized by Crystal Blanton, MistressPrime, Tanuki Wise, and Nikka Tahan.CUUPS - The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans: https://www.cuups.org/

Jamie Della lives in the Eastern Sierra, where she vacationed every summer and winter as a child. She has a writer’s spirit and a free-spirited, untamable soul and spends her time writing, making pottery, road tripping and engaging in the sacred art of hosting her vacation rental. She is the mother of a beautiful, smart daughter and two free-spirited, intuitive sons.Her writings are published by The Manifest Station, Edible Institute Magazines, Rebelle Society, and Sage Woman Magazine. She has an essay in Riverdale Ave Books’ #MeToo anthology and a quarterly column called Herbal Journeys with Witches & Pagan Magazine. She is the author of nine books (published as Jamie Martinez Wood and Jamie Wood). Her honors include Best Reference Book from the International Latino Book Awards for the Latino Writers & Journalists and Book of the Month for Rogelia’s House of Magic by Las Comadres Para Americas. Her newest book, The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft, was released by Ten Speed Press on October 1, 2019. She is currently writing a memoir about the challenges of being a witch author and the sustaining power of sacred sisterhood. She has also spent 20 years researching novel that explores terrapsychology through the lives of three women living beside the same river over the span of 250 years, inspired by her matriarchal family Ranchero history and the nana she never knew. Jamie says of her work, “My writing focuses on earth-based spirituality as a tool and a lifestyle. I have written about connecting to the plant world for physical and spiritual medicine. Maintaining a deep connection with the natural rhythms reinforces my faith in the mystery, infallible lovability, original innocence, and our divine power to co-create in the world. I enjoy exploring female relationships and characters who must call upon their inborn courage and strength to fight social injustice, prejudice, tyrannical relationships, and/or personal demons and limitations. I am interested in the hidden figures of our collective past who have held family and community together while they fought for creative expression, individuality, dignity, and equality. I came of age as a proud Mexican woman during the Feminist Movement, and this has colored the way I see the world. It has taken me a long time to understand that woman’s soft power is not weak.”

John Huculiak is an Elder of the Romani Wayfair tradition. He is based in the Hamilton area of Canada. While attending the Parliament of the World's Religions in Toronto MistressPrime had the good fortune to meet John. He performed a Rota ceremony for the Pagan Meet and Greet event hosted by the Pagan board members of Parliament. You can watch a video of that ceremony HERE. He is also an organizer of the Sara e Kali community events in Hamilton that honour the Patron Saint of the Romani. Sara e Kali is known by many names: Kali Sara, Kali Maa (India), Cigana (Brazil), Sara-la-Kali (France), the Black Madonna and others. Sara e Kali had been brought to Europe by the nomadic tribes of India who invoked Kali Maa to help clear their pathway towards the west. She is the Patron Saint of Wanderers, Sailors, the Disenfranchised, and the Romani peoples. John can be contacted on his Facebook page. May you earn your luck!

Raven Digitalis is the author of Esoteric Empathy, The Everyday Empath, Shadow Magick Compendium, Planetary Spells & Rituals and Goth Craft. Raven has been an earth-based practitioner since 1999. A Priest since 2003. A Freemason since 2012, and an empath all of his life. He co-founded a nonprofit multicultural temple called Opus Aima Obscuræ (OAO), which primarily observes NeoPagan and Hindu traditions. He holds a degree in anthropology from the University of Montana. Raven is also a professional Tarot reader, DJ, small-scale farmer, and animal rights advocate.

Tyler and MistressPrime discuss difficulties with non-Pagan family during the holidays and coming out of the broom closet.

Orion Foxwood grew up in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with the folk practices of southern tradition and Appalachia. He is a Witch, an Elder in Celtic-Traditional Craft, a High Priest in Alexandrian Wicca, and teacher of the Faery Seership tradition. He is also the founding Elder of Foxwood Temple and a primary founder of the Alliance of the Old religion. Orion co-foundered of the House of Brigh Institute. For over 20 years, he has lectured extensively across the United States and in the United Kingdom.Orion has authored several books: The Faery Teachings (2003), The Tree of Enchantment (2008), The Candle and the Crossroads (2012), and The Flame in the Cauldron: A Book of Old-Style Witchery (2015).In the "other" professional world, he holds a Masters Degree in Human Services, is a licensed professional counselor and a public health administrator. His teachings are based in traditional folk practices aimed at direct spirit contact and substantive personal transformation.

We had the pleasure of meeting Scorpia while attending Covenant of the Goddess's Merry Meet. She hails from the east coast in the DelMarVa area (Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia). She's an Elder Priestess who was attending MM for the first time with the hopes of making new connections and obtaining membership to CoG. We spent time getting to know her better. We discussed her intro to the Pagan path, her coven, her view on Astrology, and her experience at Merry Meet.

Last weekend we had our first event booth at Pagan Pride LA/OC. It was a great experience for us to meet with listeners, fellow podcasters, and to introduce our show to many in the area that had not yet heard of us. The day was warm, the breeze was cool, and our booth was busy! About Pagan Pride LA/OC: Pagan Pride Los Angeles, Inc. is an outgrowth of the International Pagan Pride Project, a non-profit organization that sponsors annual Pagan Pride Day celebrations in cities around the world during the months of August to November. Their goal, and our goal, is to promote tolerance and understanding of Pagans within the general community. Each individual event is coordinated and executed by local residents of the region.

Brandon and Blaine are brothers. Each is actively working to bring fresh perspectives and youthful energy for the Pagan community through different roles. Brandon is the incoming National Outreach Officer for the Covenant of the Goddess. Blaine is the Religious Education Director at a Unitarian Universalist Church. Both have a great passion for what they do. We were fortunate to meet and interview these men and look forward to their further contributions to the Pagan community.

In August Tyler and MistressPrime set off on a road trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico. They attended the Covenant of the Goddess's Grand Council and Merry Meet - High Desert Magic. The main objective was to meet and interview people. In this episode, they discuss their travels and experiences while at the annual event.

In this episode, we had the pleasure to meet and talk with Lord Verderius. He is a 3rd degree High Priest of the Lavender Dragons Coven based in Florida. As well as, the Apollo Brotherhood Tradition Founder. The Apollo Brotherhood is a Sacred Male Mystery Tradition in the Craft of the Wise. Newly elected to the position of National First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess, he will take office on November 1st, 2019.

This week's episode features an interview with Canu. He's the current National First Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess. A Faery Seer with Orion Foxwood's House of Brigh. A lawyer specializing in environmental law. Additionally, he is the High Priest of Beachfyre Coven. Beachfyer Coven is active in Everglades Moon Local Council of the Covenant of the Goddess. EMLC also produces its own podcast called, Reaching for the Moon.

While attending Covenant of the Goddess’ annual Grand Council and Merry Meet we met with and interviewed Macha Nightmare. Macha is a Priestess & Witch, an author, teacher and a ritualist. You can find more about her through her website and her blog Broomstick Chronicles.

While attending Covenant of the Goddess' annual Grand Council and Merry Meet we had the opportunity to interview Morgana Raventree. Morgana is the president of Pagan Pride Day in Los Angeles/Orange County, Incoming National Second Officer of the Covenant of the Goddess and the leader of her own coven based in Los Angeles, California.

Today we interviewed Reverend Don Lewis. Reverend Don Lewis is First Priest and Chancellor of the Correllian Nativist Tradition, Co-founder and Chairman of Witch School; the first and largest online school of magic and witchcraft. Rev Don is currently celebrating his fortieth year as Correllian First Priest. He is an Arch Priest in the Fellowship of Isis, a Knight Grand Commander in the Noble Order of Tara, Member of the Triad Union, and Member of the Board of the International Pagan Music Association. In addition to these things, Rev Don has authored several books, produced several art sets; and during the 1980s and 1990s wrote or illustrated for over 90 Pagan magazines. As Production Head for Magick TV, Rev Don has authored thousands of videos ranging from instructional videos to coverage of events, such as the St Louis Pagan Picnic, Pantheacon, and the Parliament of the Worlds Religions, as well as interviews with many Pagan leaders such as Olivia Robertson, Selena Fox, Oberon Zell, Raven Grimassi, and countless others. He was also a founding member of the Chicago Pagan Leadership Conference in the 1990s, and a founding member, and past president, of the Northeast Florida Pagan Leadership Coalition.

"Please allow myself to introduce... myself" Join us as we share a little bit about ourselves to you and each other.

Our Interview with Tommie Starchild. Tommie StarChild is a spirit worker, witch, and an initiate in the Anderson Feri mystery tradition. He was born with his faerie companions (Simms), gifted with spirit sight, and comes from a family of conjure workers. StarChild has been a practicing witch since 1991, started studying Anderson Feri in 1998, and was initiated into the Elenkin lineage of the tradition in 2003. He started teaching the tradition of Feri in 2006, and teaching witchery and the old ways since 2010. In 2016 he received an initiation into the Unnamed Path (a spiritual tradition for men-who-love-men). StarChild is also a published writer/artist, presenter, owner of My Authentic Self, and founder of Sacred Moon, Sacred Self – Temple of the Old Ways. He is an accomplished witch, an initiated priest, professional spirit worker/conjure man, and currently an apprentice of Orion Foxwood in the House of Brigh Faery Seership institute. In addition, StarChild has handcrafted a small, yet unique, conjure product line called - Moonshine Magic.  For more information you can visit his website at http://www.MyAuthenticSelf.com, https://www.facebook.com/tommie.starchild, and MyAuthenticSelfMagic on Instagram.