Public - The Pagan Portal Podcast

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…

Beltane is often described as a fire festival, a fertility festival, or a date on the calendar, but it is much more than that. In this special Beltane episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, host Rachel Patterson speaks with Jessica Howard, Lucya Starza, and Katie Ness to discuss what Beltane really feels like in practice. They cover everything from Jack in the Green processions and Victorian folk customs to the awakening of creativity, working with the land as it is, and allowing the Wheel of the Year to turn naturally instead of following fixed dates. This conversation focuses on experiencing Beltane rather than just following a set of rules. The discussion highlights anticipation over arrival, why Beltane can feel like a personal new year, how modern Paganism carries ancient energies into new forms, and why celebrating life, creativity, and connection is essential to the season. It’s thoughtful, grounded, and based…

In this episode of The Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson is joined by Swailes from The Bell Witch Podcast for a candid conversation about discovering effective magic and releasing what doesn’t work. They discuss their first experiences with sigil magic, including the meaningful act of baking and eating a sigil as a ritual for self-worth and growth. The talk then shifts to the impact of words, the importance of speaking kindly to yourself as an act of magic, and how we often slip into patterns of self-criticism without noticing. Swailes describes their personal method for creating sigils, which is a slow, meditative practice that takes hours, followed by daily work and charging. They also talk about simplifying your craft, moving away from spiritual consumerism, and trusting your instincts rather than sticking to rigid guidelines. There’s a reflection on using inherited tools, the practice of using a single crystal for Reiki,…

In this episode, Rachel Patterson is joined by author and practitioner Maevius Lynn to open the gateway into the world of Thelema; its roots, rituals, and relevance today. From personal experiences with the concept of True Will, to the diverse ways Thelemites relate to Aleister Crowley himself, this conversation peels back the layers of a philosophy that’s often misunderstood and rarely explored in depth. They talk about sacred celebrations like the spring equinox (Thelema’s New Year), and reflect on the feasts, mysteries, and canon that shape Thelemic life. Maevius shares not only the historical threads but also the living spirit of the tradition, one that welcomes exploration, honours individual divinity, and invites seekers to define the path for themselves. Whether you're seasoned in magick or just occult-curious, this episode holds something potent for anyone chasing their inner flame.