Pagan Pathfinders Podcast

At the first gathering of the Pagan Pathfinders Podcast, we experimented with audio equipment, Skype, and how many people we could get together at the same time.  Ten of our intended panelists showed up!  This large group made it necessary to record on two computers at once with two separate internet connections; hence, the slightly tinny sound.  Intended as an initial introduction lasting about an hour, two and a half hours later we were still talking, and new friendships were being forged and old friendships renewed.  I realized that leaders in the Pagan community get lonely because they rarely have a chance to talk to people who are doing the same sorts of things, and who are at the same level of practice as they are, and that this discussion is a way to make those kinds of connections possible, which is as good for those leaders as it is for the rest of us!

Our discussion began in the backgrounds and work of the panelists, which led to a variety of topics: Pagan festivals and conferences around the world, the Daughters of the Flame, what's going on with the recent influx of spiritual energy that most occultly-sensitive people have been feeling, how Paganism informs our politics, Pagan publishing, whether Wicca should be practiced in groups or whether a solitary path was also legitimately Wicca, the benefits and limitations of Skype, doing your own thing whether other people like it or not, whether or not Paganism is still growing as rapidly as it was a few years ago, Witch Wars and Pagan politics and how to deal with them but still be involved in the community, ideas for future topics, the Rules, the wealth of Pagan musical talent in Australia, being queer and Pagan, being polyamorous and Pagan, magick done to make political changes and to heal the earth and its people, magick done over distances in concert, PODsnet and the evolution into the internet, the merits of both group and solitary practice, and accents.

Panelists appearing in this episode include: Lord Alexian, Hawk, Ellen Evert Hopman, Edain McCoy, Nisaba Merrieweather, Brendan Myers, Myranda O'Byrne, Ali Ravenwood, Natalie Reed, and Sam Wagar.

Length:  2 hours 11 minutes 47 seconds.  Recorded live March 5, 2011 UTC.