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.

My spiritual path helped me find peace as a queer man. Today I’ll be discussing how growing up with a homophobic father, dealing with labels such as “demon of homosexuality”, and my mother's earth-centered beliefs allowed me to connect with spirituality on a deeper level and ultimately find fulfillment. Religious trauma is not uncommon among queer communities however this shouldn’t stop us from exploring deep connection with a higher power and finding a spiritual home should we seek it.

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.

There has been an increase in violence and fear tactics used against the queer community in an attempt to make us invisible. Which is why it’s more important than ever that we unite our community and create safe spaces. Today on Queer Spirituality I’m talking about ways that we can rebuild these safe spaces, and celebrate all facets of the LGBTQ+ community, because when we embrace the most authentic expression of ourselves we can feel safe to be seen and heard for exactly who we are.

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.

About The Guest(s):

Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is an award-winning writer, educator, and spirit woman. She is an 8th generation witch, Egun medium, and priestess of Oya in the Yoruba system of spirituality. Mawiyah is the editor-in-chief of the culture in Afrikan traditional spirituality e-zine Oya N'Soro. She is also the host of FishHeadsinRedGravy, a podcast dedicated to celebrating marginalized people of the esoteric occult world. Mawiyah's writings have appeared in numerous magazines, and she has won several awards for her plays and literary work. She currently lives in Louisiana, where she conducts rituals, consultations, workshops, and divinations.

Summary:

Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is a writer, educator, and spirit woman who practices Hoodoo, a form of African American folk magic. In this episode, she discusses the inclusive nature of Hoodoo and its acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. She emphasizes the importance of embracing queer spirituality and creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals. Mawiyah also talks about her book, "Conjuring the Calabash," which empowers women with hoodoo spells and magic. She shares her advice for navigating the current social and political climate, the significance of community, and the importance of listening and learning from different cultures and perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality should be inclusive and embrace all sexual orientations and gender identities.
• Hoodoo is a form of African American folk magic that is open to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• It is important to be grounded and connected to nature to navigate challenging times.
• Community plays a vital role in queer spirituality and provides support and understanding.
• It is essential to listen and learn from different cultures and perspectives to foster inclusivity and understanding.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality means to be inclusive, to have magic that includes everyone, so no one feels left out." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani
• "The practice of Hoodoo is about including everyone and does not factor in a person's sexual orientation or their love." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani
• "We have to keep talking about race relations, homophobia, and other issues to address and overcome them." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani

Resources
Mawiyah's Website

Queer Spirituality Website

The holiday season can be really stressful if you're LGBTQ+ and not out to your family. 

Scenario: You're queer and you're spending holiday time with your family. Do you come out? Do you spend the holidays alone? How do you navigate the potential impending ‘drama’?

Today we're talking about how to find community during the holidays if your family and your friends aren't all accepting, or don't accept all parts of 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.

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Nicholas Pearson joined me recently to talk about his work with crystals, his own spiritual journey, and the role that queer people will play (and are playing) in the coming spiritual awakening. Nicholas is a flower essence therapist, Reiki practitioner, & teacher. He is also the author of several books

Key Talking Points:

• Spirituality is simply finding meaning in life
• How queerness is inherently other and disruptive
• How queer marriage disrupts the status quo
• The goal of spirituality
• How to partner with your crystals and stones
• Why people need to get back into relationship with nature
• How queer people are the shamans of our time
• How queer and femme identified people are leading us to understand Divine love.

Connect with Nicholas at https://theluminouspearl.com or on instagram https://www.instagram.com/theluminouspearl

Find other episodes and more at https://www.queerspirituality.net

I'm joined by Normal J. Liverpool IV, coach and author of Over the Top Living: Walking in Next Level Confidence Every Damn Day.

Key Talking Points:

• Coming out and dealing with religion
• Finding spirituality after growing up in an unaffirming religion
• The many pressures queer people face to be someone else
• How the media influences the images we try to live up to (and that others measure us by)
• The process of dismantling so that you can live authentically

Learn more about Norman  Website:  https://overthetopliving.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themrliverpool

Pagan musical artist, David Wood, joins me for a conversation on the expansion of queer identity. We chatted briefly about being queer in the music industry and then we got right into talking about how much more expansive queer identity is today versus when we were coming out. I remember a time when it pretty much boiled down to gay, bisexual or lesbian with very little being recognized or discussed outside of those parameters. We're fortunate today that people don't have to try to fit in such tiny boxes. 

Key Talking Points:

• As queerness has become more mainstream, it's easier to just be yourself
• The queer community has evolved to understand many more types of queer identity
• Understanding one another requires taking the time to learn and educate
• While many advances like gay marriage were focused on a small group of the community, it also released energy that had gone into defense to understanding the broader spectrums of queer identity

Connect with and follow David Wood at https://www.davidwoodmusic.com/

While reading a collection of essays called “Why Are Faggots So Afraid of Faggots”, I was inspired to talk about the power of telling our queer stories.  When we tell our stories, we often challenge one another. Each of us has been conditioned to believe that our experience of being queer is the same as others. That’s not true. Also, in our current society we most often hear the stories of the affluent and the white. Much of queer culture has been condensed down to the experience of affluent, white, gay men. We need to create opportunities for hearing the stories of all queer people—trans, non-binary, bisexual, people of color, disabled, and more. 

Telling our stories is only part of the equation though. The power of telling our queer stories is only truly released when we listen to one another without judgement. Our current queer culture is obsessed with making judgements and affixing labels. In order to build a strong and supportive community, we need to release our own judgements.

Key Talking Points:

• How we arrived at a culture that largely tells only one subgroup’s stories
• How telling our stories can create understanding
• The importance of letting go of judgement
• How fear plays a role in judgement

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

DISCLAIMER: The link to the book in this description is an affiliate link. The producer of this podcast will receive a commission when you purchase from this link.

What exactly is queer spirituality? In essence, queer spirituality is about how queer people envision, relate with, and connect with their higher power. There have been multiple paths of queer spirituality over human history but even so, queer identity is a modern construct. That simply means that modern queer people should feel free to create a vision of the divine that fits their needs.    

Authentic queer spirituality, as opposed to spirituality that accepts queerness, has several hallmarks. 

Key Points:

• Queer spirituality celebrates queerness
• Queer spirituality sees queerness as special and important
• Queer spirituality is sex positive
• Queer spirituality allows us to see our reflection in the Divine
• Queer spirituality reveals the sacred in everyday living
• Queer spirituality brings out the highest and best in us

Read more on the blog and find past episodes at https://www.queerspirituality.net

Follow me on Instagram at @queer_spirituality 

Continue the discussion in our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/queerspirituality

Join us at Wild Spirit Festival in September https://wildspiritfestival.com

About The Guest(s):

Elhoim Leafar is an urban spiritual worker from Amazonas, Venezuela. He is a tarot reader, dowser, and the author of the upcoming book "Dream Witchery." Elhoim is a former publicist and media manager.

Summary:

Elhoim Leafar, an urban spiritual worker from Venezuela, shares his perspective on queer spirituality and the challenges faced by the queer community in his home country. He emphasizes the importance of unity and compassion in the face of global struggles and highlights the need to support and promote spaces for queer voices. Elhoim also discusses his spiritual path and the inspiration behind his upcoming book, "Dream Witchery," which explores dream magic and indigenous traditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about recognizing that one is part of something bigger and fighting not just for personal rights, but for the rights of the entire queer community.
• Immigrants often feel a sense of disconnect and a desire to connect with their roots while living in a new country.
• Water is seen as a portal to the spiritual world in indigenous communities, and dreams are believed to be manifestations that occur underwater.
• It is important to support and promote spaces for queer voices, as they are often limited and underrepresented.
• In times of global struggle, it is crucial to prioritize unity, compassion, and understanding, and to use social media platforms responsibly.

Quotes:

• "We are all part of the community and with time, we just try to understand that we can start working and running together."
• "Being a spiritual worker is about guiding and supporting others in their spiritual journeys."
• "Water is a support, it's made in there, it's a whole body of the goddess giving you the space to travel from one place to another."
• "Please protect these spaces. Please promote these spaces. Please share this podcast, this episode, with your friends, with everybody, with your social."
• "This is a moment to try to stay together, to try to stick together, to try to live with example, not just for people around us, but also for the people who follow you or support you in social media."

Resources:
Elhoim's Instagram
Elhoim's Author Facebook Page
Solitary Witch Books on Instagram

Queer Spirituality Website

About The Guest(s):

David Townsend is a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth and a sacred intimate. He has more than three decades of experience as an educator and a creative practice in writing and visual arts. David believes in the transformative power of authentic ritual and emphasizes the creative and intuitive dimensions of ritual practice. He runs the popular blog "Anchor Hold" which focuses on Queer men's spiritual and creative lives.

Summary:

David Townsend, a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth, discusses the transformative power of authentic ritual and the integration of sexuality and spirituality. He shares his experiences as a sacred intimate and the work he does to help individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity. David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and trusting one's own intuition in spiritual exploration. He also talks about his popular blog, Anchor Hold, where he writes about Queer men's spiritual and creative lives. David offers sessions and workshops online, focusing on heightened mindful self-pleasure and the path of phallic awareness. David Townsend, a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth, discusses the transformative power of authentic ritual and the integration of sexuality and spirituality. He shares his experiences as a sacred intimate and the work he does to help individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity. David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and trusting one's own intuition in spiritual exploration. He also talks about his popular blog, Anchor Hold, where he writes about Queer men's spiritual and creative lives. David offers sessions and workshops online, focusing on heightened mindful self-pleasure and the path of phallic awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about finding the extraordinary in the middle of ordinary life and being aware of the depth dimension that informs everything we are and do.
• The pandemic has led many people to reflect on the meaning of their sexuality and explore new ways of connecting with others erotically online.
• Online sessions can create a safe space for deep sharing and intimacy, sometimes even more so than in-person sessions.
• The path of phallic awareness, a series of sessions offered by David, helps individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity and integrate their erotic experiences into their emotional and spiritual lives.
• Building a personal altar can be a powerful way to express and explore one's spiritual life and values.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is about finding the extraordinary in the middle of our ordinary life." - David Townsend
• "We are hardwired to be happiest when we're grateful." - David Townsend

Resources
Anchorhold Blog
The Path of Phallic Awareness

Queer Spirituality Website

Summary: In this episode of the Queer Spirituality podcast, Julian Crosson-Hill discusses the significance of Halloween for the queer community. He explains that while Halloween is a time for fun and dressing up, it also has deeper spiritual aspects. In pagan circles, Halloween is celebrated as Samhain, a festival that honors ancestors and recognizes the thinning of the veil between the worlds. Julian reflects on the concept of queer ancestors and how they play a role in the spiritual journey of queer individuals. He categorizes queer ancestors into three groups: the giants who championed LGBTQ rights, the spiritual intermediaries who opened doorways for queer people to explore their spirituality, and the personal connections we have with individuals who have impacted our lives. Julian emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring our queer spirit ancestors, as they provide a sense of empowerment and courage to live authentically.

Key Takeaways:

• Halloween is a time for the queer community to celebrate and have fun, but it also has deeper spiritual aspects.
• Queer ancestors are not limited to blood relations but can include spirit ancestors who have contributed to the LGBTQ community.
• Remembering and honoring queer spirit ancestors can provide a sense of empowerment and courage to live authentically.

Quotes:

• "When we remember them, when we tell our stories and our history, we keep those people alive on a level, on a spiritual level."
• "We are connected spiritually to them through our queerness. And we have that same courage and that same power in our bones that they had in their bones."
• "When we think about those people and the challenges that they stood up to, we can say we're not going to live that again. We're not going to slide backwards."
• "What's remembered lives."
• "Take a moment to connect with that and see if it doesn't make you feel more empowered to live authentically as who you are."

About The Guest(s):

Wil Fisher is the host of the Queerly Beloved podcast and the founder of his life coaching business, Willfully Living. He has a background in applied theater and has worked as the executive director of Easton Mountain, an LGBTQ spiritual retreat center. Will offers healing and transformation work through one-on-one coaching, classes, and in-person retreats.

Summary:

Wil Fisher joins Julian Crosson-Hill on the Queer Spirituality podcast to discuss the intersection of queerness and spirituality. Wil shares his perspective on queer spirituality, which celebrates the divinity in all that is and embraces the welcoming of all that is outside of the norm. He explores the themes and areas of focus that come from queer culture and how they can be experienced through a spiritual lens. Wil also talks about his own spiritual journey, including his involvement with the radical fairies and his exploration of various spiritual practices. He recently hosted a retreat focused on heart opening and shares the transformative experiences that took place during the retreat. Wil also offers one-on-one retreats where he combines various modalities of healing and personal growth to support clients in connecting with their true calling and purpose. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the LGBTQ community, including the backlash against queer expression and the need for more active engagement in the fight for equality. Wil encourages listeners to open their hearts and explore vulnerability as a path to healing and growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality celebrates the divinity in all that is and embraces the welcoming of all that is outside of the norm.
• Queer spirituality invites exploration and experience through the body, creative expression, and redefining the relationship with Spirit.
• Retreats provide an opportunity to step out of one's comfort zone, disconnect from distractions, and engage in deep personal growth and self-exploration.
• One-on-one retreats offer a personalized and intensive experience, combining various modalities of healing and personal growth to support clients in connecting with their true calling and purpose.
• The biggest challenges and opportunities for the LGBTQ community include the backlash against queer expression and the need for more active engagement in the fight for equality.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is about the divinity in all that is and the celebration of what is outside of the norm." - Wil Fisher
• "Retreats provide intentional space to look inward and discover parts of ourselves that we don't usually have access to." - Wil Fisher
• "Opening our hearts creates a flow of love that propels healing, growth, and expression." - Wil Fisher
• "The biggest challenges for the LGBTQ community are the attacks against us and the need to find a more evolved way to fight back." - Wil Fisher
• "Open your heart a little more and see how the love starts flowing." - Wil Fisher

Resources:

Wil's Website

About The Guest(s):

Darren Chittick is the pastor of the Church Within, a progressive and inclusive spiritual community. He is also a massage therapist, retreat facilitator, and creator. Darren has a diverse spiritual background and is passionate about exploring different paths to the divine.

Summary:

Darren Chittick, the pastor of the Church Within, shares his perspective on queer spirituality. He believes that queer spirituality is about finding belonging in the world and embracing one's true self. Darren discusses his personal spiritual journey, from growing up in a rural area to exploring different spiritual paths. He also talks about the Church Within and its mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Darren emphasizes the importance of practical spirituality and the need to bring spiritual experiences back into everyday life. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a queer person in the spiritual community.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about finding belonging in the world and embracing one's true self.
• Spiritual experiences can be found outside of traditional religious institutions.
• Practical spirituality is about bringing spiritual experiences into everyday life and making a positive impact on the world.
• LGBTQ+ individuals often have a unique perspective on spirituality due to their experiences of exclusion and discrimination.
• It is important to create safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in the spiritual community.

Quotes:

• "Queer spirituality is kind of a liberated spirituality at its maturity." - Darren Chittick
• "Our work is to open ourselves up to whatever healing looks like in that moment with the people we happen to be with." - Darren Chittick
• "Our liberation seems threatening to those who have not found that liberation." - Darren Chittick
• "We are here to be revolutionary, to be transformational." - Darren Chittick

Resources:
Darren's Website
Darren's Instagram

The Queer Spirituality Website

About The Guest(s): Fio Gede Parma is a Balinese Australian, non-binary queer mystic, initiate, witch, and award-winning author. They have taught and mentored in witchcraft and magic in five continents and have written several books on the subject. Theo is deeply committed to exploring the intersection of queerness and spirituality and believes that witchcraft is a practical path of mysticism.

Summary: Fio Gede Parma joins Julian Crosson-Hill on the Queer Spirituality podcast to discuss the intersection of queerness and spirituality. They explore the idea that queerness is a gift and that the divine celebrates it. Fio describes their understanding of mysticism as a deeply cultivated, intimate surrender to the mystery of the divine. They emphasize that mysticism and witchcraft can be practical and accessible to everyone, even those with busy lives. They also discuss the political nature of queerness and the importance of resistance and activism. Fio's new book, "The Witch Belongs to the World: A Spell of Becoming," is a guide to witchcraft and initiation, drawing on folklore and poetry.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is about deeply embedded and integrated sovereignty, resisting forces of domination and control.
• Mysticism is a practice of direct intimacy with the mystery of the divine, allowing for the discovery of wisdom, truth, and love.
• Witchcraft is a practical path of mysticism, allowing for direct access to the divine and the weaving of fate.
• Queerness is inherently political and can be a form of protest and resistance against oppressive systems.
• Practical magic and ritual can be integrated into everyday life, allowing for a deeper connection to the sacred.

Quotes:

• "Mysticism is deeply cultivated, intimately surrendering to the mystery of the divine."
• "Witchcraft is a practical path of mysticism, allowing for direct intimacy with the mystery."
• "Queerness is inherently political, resisting forces of domination and control."
• "Practical magic and ritual can be integrated into everyday life, allowing for a deeper connection to the sacred."

Resources:
Fio's Website
Fio's Linktree

The Queer Spirituality Website

About The Guest(s):

Kristoffer Hughes is the chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, a Druid graduate of the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, and an award-winning author on Celtic spirituality and Druidry. He is also a Welsh language television presenter and stand-up comedian.

Summary:

Kristoffer Hughes, the chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, joins host Julian Crosson-Hill on the Queer Spirituality podcast to discuss queer spirituality and his journey as a Druid. Kristoffer explains that queer spirituality is integral to his Druidry and how it informs his perception of the world. He shares his spiritual journey, growing up in Wales, where Druidry is endemic in the culture, and finding a home in Druidry after feeling rejected by Christianity. Kristoffer also discusses the different aspects of Druidry, including the roles of Bards, Ovates, and Druids and how they interweave. He highlights the inclusive nature of Druidry and its celebration of queerness, emphasizing that Druidry is inherently non-binary and allows individuals to forge relationships with deities that reflect their unique talents and abilities. He also explores the presence of gender non-conforming figures in Celtic mythology and the importance of recognizing that queer people have always been a part of history. He encourages queer individuals in America interested in Druidry to explore resources such as ADF and emphasizes the fluidity and flexibility of Druidry in defining relationships with deities. Kristoffer concludes by sharing his parting wisdom, encouraging individuals to be honest with themselves, strive to be their best version, and treat others with kindness and respect.

Key Takeaways:

• Queer spirituality is integral to Kristoffer's Druidry and informs his perception of the world.
• Druidry is an animistic polytheistic tradition that perceives the world as sacred and allows individuals to forge relationships with deities that reflect their unique talents and abilities.
• Celtic mythology contains gender non-conforming figures that challenge gender norms and highlight the presence of queerness throughout history.
• Druidry is an inclusive tradition that celebrates queerness and provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Queer individuals in America can explore resources such as ADF to learn more about Druidry and its inclusivity.

Quotes:

"Druidry is inherently non-binary. We don't fall into the same categories as other binary systems." - Kristoffer Hughes.
"We perceive that each of us somehow reflects that which is sacred." - Kristoffer Hughes.
"We've always been here. We've been here since the very beginning." - Kristoffer Hughes.
"Try not to be an asshole and be nice, employ charm, and treat the world as you would want it to treat you." - Kristoffer Hughes.

Links for Kristoffer:
Instagram
Facebook
The Book of Druidry
The Yuletide Tarot
Cerridwen: Celtic Goddess of Inspiration

Links for Queer Spirituality
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Queer Spirituality Facebook Group