The Queer Spirituality Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Summary

In this episode, Julian explores the difference between religion and spirituality, particularly in the context of queer spirituality. He shares their personal experience of encountering a social media post that claimed religion and spirituality are the same. He discusses the dictionary definitions of religion and spirituality, highlighting the distinction between belief in a superhuman power and concern for the human spirit. Julian emphasizes that spirituality allows for a more direct and personal approach to the soul, while religion often involves rigid systems and exclusionary practices. He also discusses the role of queerness as a spiritual attribute and the importance of compassion in queer spirituality. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of spirituality to build cohesive communities and celebrate diversity.

Takeaways

• Religion and spirituality are distinct concepts, with religion often involving belief in a superhuman power and adherence to a particular system of faith and worship, while spirituality focuses on the human spirit and soul.
• Spirituality allows for a more direct and personal approach to the soul, while religion can be rigid and exclusionary.
• Queerness can be seen as a spiritual attribute, providing a different perspective and facilitating access to spiritual realms.
• Compassion is a spiritual gift often associated with queerness, leading to acts of care and support for others.
• Religious trauma can hinder individuals from exploring their spirituality, but it is possible to find or create beliefs and practices that nourish the soul outside of organized religion.

Resources

The Queer Spirituality Website

Summary

Thumper Forge, a Gardnerian high priest, and Discordian Episkopos discusses the intersection of queer spirituality, leather and fetish culture, and chaos magic. Thumper shares their journey of becoming who they were meant to be through 12-step recovery and exploring different spiritual traditions. They emphasize the importance of community and finding acceptance within the queer community. Thumper also talks about their book 'Virgo Witch: Divining the Details' and the significance of embracing one's astrological sign. They encourage listeners to reject limitations imposed by others and to explore their own potential.

Takeaways

• Queer spirituality is about embracing the specialness and magic of queerness and becoming who we are meant to be as queer individuals.
• Community is essential for queer people, as it provides acceptance and support that may not be found in mainstream society.
• Embracing an eclectic spiritual path allows for exploration and personal growth, combining different traditions and practices that resonate with the individual.
• The history and origins of spiritual practices are important, but personal gnosis and individual experiences should also be valued.
• Comparison and self-doubt can hinder personal growth and potential. Embrace your own journey, and don't let others define your limitations.

Resources
Thumper's Website
Instagram
Facebook

Queer Spirituality Website 

About The Guest(s):

Devin Hunter is a bestselling author and an expert in witchcraft and spirituality. He is the author of several books, including "The Witch's Book of Power," "The Witch's Book of Spirits," and "The Witch's Book of Mysteries." Devin is also the founder of the Sacred Fires tradition of witchcraft and the co-founder of the Black Rose tradition of witchcraft. He hosts the Modern Witch podcast and is the co-owner of Datura Trading Company.

Summary:

Devin Hunter, a bestselling author, and expert in witchcraft and spirituality, joins the Queer Spirituality Podcast to discuss his journey in queer spirituality. He shares his initial resistance to the term "queer" and how he eventually embraced it as a celebration of the mysteries within ourselves. Devin also reflects on the challenges and growth he experienced as a queer person in the Midwest and the liberation he found in California. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and inclusivity within the queer community and the need to support and uplift each other. Devin discusses his current projects, including writing fiction and focusing on psychic development and solitary practice in witchcraft. He encourages listeners to listen to diverse voices within the queer community and incorporate their wisdom into their spiritual journeys.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about identifying and celebrating the mysteries within ourselves, regardless of their origin or manifestation.
• The occult is inherently queer, and there is queerness in all aspects of spirituality.
• We must listen to and support diverse voices within the queer community and incorporate their wisdom into our spiritual journeys.
• Empathy should drive our spiritual progress as a community, and we should make space for others to share their stories and experiences.
• Solitary witchcraft can be empowering, but it is important to create a spiritual foundation that is beneficial and personalized to oneself.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is identifying and celebrating those mysteries inside of ourselves, regardless of where they come from or how they might manifest." - Devin Hunter
• "The occult is inherently queer. No matter where you go, no matter which way you're looking at it, there's some queerness going on." - Devin Hunter
• "Empathy should drive our spiritual progress as a community, period." - Devin Hunter
• "Listen to some other people's stories, listen to some other wisdom, incorporate it into your own, and not only will you be a better person for it, but the world will be a better place for it." - Devin Hunter

Find Devin at https://www.modernwitch.com

Find Julian at https://www.queerspirituality.net
Learn more about the Sacred Kin Samhain Retreat

About The Guest(s):
Morpheus Ravenna is a gender-fluid sorcerer, artist, and writer residing in the East Bay area of California. They are a dedicant of The Morrigan with a practice rooted in animism, folk magic, and Celtic polytheism. Morpheus is an initiate of the Anderson Fairy Tradition of witchcraft and has practiced devotional polytheism and the magical arts for over 25 years. They are the author of "The Book of the Great Queen" and "The Magic of the Otherworld" and a priest and co-founder of the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood. Morpheus also works as a tattoo artist, creating devotional artworks and sorceress crafts in various media.

Summary:
In this episode of the Queer Spirituality podcast, host Julian Crossenhill interviews Morpheus Ravenna, a gender-fluid sorcerer and devotee of The Morrigan. They discuss the concept of queer spirituality and how it relates to breaking free from societal limitations and embracing liminality. Morpheus shares their journey of finding their spiritual path through witchcraft and their deep connection with The Morrigan. They also talk about their involvement in the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood, a Celtic polytheist religious order, and their upcoming book "The Magic of the Otherworld," which explores sorcery and magical practice rooted in a Celtic worldview. The conversation touches on the intersection of magic and activism, the importance of finding supportive communities, and the resilience of queer people throughout history.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about embracing a way of being in the world that transcends societal conventions and limitations on gender and identity.
• The Morrigan and other Celtic deities can be seen as transgressive of gender norms and provide a spacious framework for queer spiritual practice.
• Activism and magic are most effective when combined with on-the-ground efforts and involvement in the community.
• Having spiritual protection and a network of spirit allies is essential when engaging in magical activism.
• Queer people should remember that they have always been a part of humanity and cannot be erased.

Connect with Morpheus Ravenna

https://www.bansheearts.com

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is any spirituality that is unbound from conventions that seek to limit us in terms of our gendered experiences or our non-gendered experiences." - Morpheus Ravenna
• "We've always been here. We always will be here. They cannot eradicate us." - Morpheus Ravenna
• "Be gay, do crime." - Morpheus Ravenna

About The Guest(s):

Jack Chanek is a Gardnerian Wiccan priest and the author of "Queen of All Witcheries: A Biography of the Goddess." He has been reading Tarot since he was eleven years old and has taught workshops on Tarot, Kabbalah, and Wicca. Jack is a CIS gay man and believes that spirituality and queer identity go hand in hand.

Summary:

Jack Chanek discusses the importance of queer spirituality and the celebration of queerness in spiritual spaces. He shares his own journey of coming out as both queer and Wiccan and emphasizes the need for supportive and inclusive communities. Jack also talks about the evolution of Gardnerian Wicca and the changing attitudes towards gender roles within the tradition. He highlights the unique characteristics of the modern goddess and the influence of Joseph Campbell on the understanding of myths. Jack encourages queer men to explore their spirituality and find connections to something larger than themselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality celebrates and uplifts queerness, rather than merely tolerating it.
• Gardnerian Wicca has evolved over time, with some covens being more inclusive and accepting of queer members.
• The modern goddess is a distinct deity that has taken on a life of her own, influenced by various historical and magical practices.
• Queer men are drawn to the goddess because they often feel excluded by patriarchal religions and societal norms.
• Queer spirituality offers a sense of transcendence and connection to something larger than oneself.

Quotes:

"Queerness is already a magic of its own kind."

"The goddess is a real specific modern deity who has taken on a life of her own."

"Queer men are drawn to witchcraft and goddess spirituality because they don't fit comfortably in the established order of things."

"Surround yourself with people who will love and support you for who you are in what you're doing."

"Queer men have the ability to step outside of convention and see things from an outsider perspective."

Connect with Jack:
Website
Facebook
YouTube

Connect with Julian:
Queer Spirituality Website
Sacred Kin Samhain Retreat

About The Guest(s):

Ben Stimpson is a therapist, lecturer, student, and spiritual director. He is the author of the upcoming book "Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices." Ben has developed courses on various topics, including ancestor veneration, the power of story, and folklore. He is passionate about helping people reconnect with their ancestors and explore their own spiritual paths.

Summary:
Ben Stimpson, author of "Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Building Ancestral Veneration Practices," joins host Julian Crosson-Hill on the Queer Spirituality podcast. They discuss the importance of queer spirituality and the role of ancestors in our lives. Ben shares his personal spiritual journey and how it led him to explore ancestral veneration. He explains that ancestral work is about unlocking our vastness and connecting with our higher selves through our queerness. Ben also emphasizes the need to expand our definition of ancestors beyond blood relatives and embrace the idea of affinity ancestors and conceptual ancestors. He highlights the healing and empowerment that can come from working with our ancestors and encourages listeners to write their own stories and connect with their ancestral lineage.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about unlocking our vastness and connecting with our higher selves through our queerness.
• Ancestral work is not limited to blood relatives; it can include affinity ancestors and conceptual ancestors.
• Ancestor veneration is a way to heal and empower ourselves by connecting with our ancestral lineage.
• Spirituality should impact every area of our lives, not just during religious rituals or ceremonies.
• Writing our own stories and connecting with our ancestral lineage can bring healing and empowerment.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is the idea of unlocking my vastness by unzipping, by taking down constructs, by moving and experimenting with parts of myself in this liminal space of temporal reality that we exist in right now." - Ben Stimpson
• "Ancestor veneration can give us the tools to begin to heal those relationships of those individuals who are dead. They're dead. The relationship changes. We don't need to put up with their bullshit as much anymore." - Ben Stimpson
• "Ancestor work is about relationship and coming back to oneself." - Ben Stimpson

Ben's Links:
Website
Facebook
Ben Stimpson - YouTube

Learn more about Queer Spirituality & Julian Crosson-Hill

https://www.queerspirituality.net
Sacred Kin Samhain - Queer Spirituality

I got an opportunity to chat with Charles Harrington, author of the upcoming Tarot of the Vampires from Llewellyn Worldwide. Being a tarot enthusiast, we talked about the cards a lot while also managing to cover many other topics.
Key Points:

• Vampires as the personification of otherness and repressed fears
• Why mainstreaming tarot as a psychological tool was a bad idea
• Why theater and drama contribute to a good tarot reading
• The liminality of receiving a tarot reading
• Tarot and queer portrayals in the cards
• Queer people, liminality, and otherness 

Charles' Links:

Twitter
Tarot of the Vampires

Queer Spirituality Links:

Website
Sacred Kin Samhain Retreat
Instagram
Facebook

Author, teacher, and warlock Storm Faerywolf joined us in this episode to discuss centering our spirituality in our queer experience. We also discuss Storm's latest book on queer sex magick, The Satyr's Kiss.

Key Talking Points:

• Queer spirituality is about how we experience our spirituality within our queer experience rather than separate from it
• Reclaiming masculinity through using the word warlock
• Misogyny in the queer community and the larger culture
• Sex as an energetic process
• The importance of physical queer spaces

Get in touch with Storm:
Faerywolf.com
ModernWitch.com
ModernWitchUniversity.com
DaturaTrading.com
WitchPowerDaily.com

Enroll in the Black Rose Witchcraft course at ModernWitchUniversity.com and get your first month free with the code MAGISTER

Follow Julian and learn more about Queer Spirituality:

Website
Instagram

In this episode of Queer Spirituality, I discuss the different ways that queer people approach their higher power and the gender polarity associated with spirituality. It’s important to feel that we can relate to our deity, which is why I have spent many years adapting rituals to incorporate other people's beliefs and methods of worship. One that I would like to present to you today is that of Queer Spirit, a unifying higher power that finds commonality within our communities so that we can create safe spaces for ourselves and our community to support each other and protect our rights as one.

If you’re struggling to connect with the traditional approaches to exploring higher power and feel disconnected from the deity, I invite you to listen to this episode. Perhaps Queer spirit will speak to you.

Visit the website: https://www.queerspirituality.net 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queer_spirituality 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queerspirituality 

Private Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/queerspirituality 

Did this episode inspire you? I’d love to hear your thoughts ❤️ drop me a review on your favorite listening platform.

Religion has led to trauma for many LGBTQ+ members, however, this does not mean that religion, faith, and spirituality safe spaces are not available to us in loving communities.

On today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Rolf Nolasco, an expert in Spiritual Formation, pastoral Theology, and pastoral psychology to discuss the importance of creating safe and loving spaces for spiritual exploration. In this enlightening episode, Dr. Nolasco shares his personal spiritual journey and explains what queer spirituality means to him. Listen in as we delve into important topics like what "evangelical" means in the context of queer communities, the significance of community for queer people of color, and explore the possibilities of a spiritually rich life in which we can partner with God to create a more inclusive and compassionate humanity. 

Here are just some of the thought-provoking topics we’re about to dive into:

• What does queer spirituality mean to you?
• Rolf’s personal spiritual journey
• What does ‘evangelical’ mean among queer communities?
• Partnering with God to recreate a new humanity that includes all
• Breaking free of a traumatic, harmful spirituality and entering a safe, loving space for spiritual exploration
• Finding community as a queer person of color 
• Queer Christ
• Readdressing and challenging religious parables
• Addressing current problems we are facing today within the gay communities and flourishing as a community
• What is the benefit of a spiritually rich life?

Visit the website: https://www.queerspirituality.net 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queer_spirituality 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queerspirituality 

Private Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/queerspirituality 

Did this episode inspire you? I’d love to hear your thoughts ❤️ drop me a review on your favorite listening platform.