Hi PCP peoples,

I have been listening to your podcast for about 6 months or so and while I don’t always agree, I do enjoy hearing the different views represented. (Barbara is AWESOME)

It seems like every pagan parenting podcast and article I have listened to or read generally deals with young kids, preschool or younger. I am glad you are doing a podcast on pagan teens, that isn’t addressed often enough. My child is in between those age groups and I never hear anyone talk about the pagan “tweens”. It would be neat-o to hear a pagan parent podcast that represents parents with kids of all ages, preschool, elementary age, middle school and high school.

Anyway, I wanted to comment on the subject of pagan parents “shoving their faith down kids/teens throat”. I guess I don’t really understand the “accidentally” part. How do you do that accidentally? My understanding of shoving faith down a child’s throat would be if you only present one view, your own, at every opportunity.

The reality is that kids tend to copy (especially young children) what they see their parents do. So if you are a practicing pagan (as in actually practicing your faith, not just reading books about practicing your faith) and you do not hide that from your kids (and why would you), they will watch, imitate, pick up and ask questions. I don’t think that is a bad thing.

I don’t think it is my job to tell my child what to believe, however I do think it is my job to present the diversity of the community she lives in and guide her when she has questions or concerns. I feel that carries over in other areas of life as well not just faith and religion. It also includes teaching a child to research a topic, find more than one resource or opinion, use logic and recognize BS when they hear it.

Thanks for the podcasts
Looking forward to more
Abby

Hi PCP peoples,

I have been listening to your podcast for about 6 months or so and while I don’t always agree, I do enjoy hearing the different views represented. (Barbara is AWESOME)

It seems like every pagan parenting podcast and article I have listened to or read generally deals with young kids, preschool or younger. I am glad you are doing a podcast on pagan teens, that isn’t addressed often enough. My child is in between those age groups and I never hear anyone talk about the pagan “tweens”. It would be neat-o to hear a pagan parent podcast that represents parents with kids of all ages, preschool, elementary age, middle school and high school.

Anyway, I wanted to comment on the subject of pagan parents “shoving their faith down kids/teens throat”. I guess I don’t really understand the “accidentally” part. How do you do that accidentally? My understanding of shoving faith down a child’s throat would be if you only present one view, your own, at every opportunity.

The reality is that kids tend to copy (especially young children) what they see their parents do. So if you are a practicing pagan (as in actually practicing your faith, not just reading books about practicing your faith) and you do not hide that from your kids (and why would you), they will watch, imitate, pick up and ask questions. I don’t think that is a bad thing.

I don’t think it is my job to tell my child what to believe, however I do think it is my job to present the diversity of the community she lives in and guide her when she has questions or concerns. I feel that carries over in other areas of life as well not just faith and religion. It also includes teaching a child to research a topic, find more than one resource or opinion, use logic and recognize BS when they hear it.

Thanks for the podcasts
Looking forward to more
Abby

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the religious sacrifice of animals. I'm initiated in the Lucumi tradition, which is similar to Santeria just without the Catholic stuff.

The main person I've been taught by is extremely "old-school" in his practice, beliefs, etc. I respect that, but try to keep it balanced with what feels right for me. One area he and I differ a bit on is animal sacrifice. He's been doing it for so many years now, he doesn't really give it a second thought. Though I still get a bit grossed out when the sacrifice is happening, getting rid of the animal afterwards is something I look forward to even less...

Some animals are cooked and eaten afterwards. Other times, typically as part of a cleansing, the animals are "disposed" of elsewhere. Where they are left depends on the ceremony, what is needed, etc. Typically, though, it's usually brought to the river, ocean, rail-road tracks, crossroads, or even near places like hospitals, banks, etc.

Especially in a post-9/11 era, this kind of thing just isn't practical or safe for the practioner. It puts them at risk for fines and harassment. Not only that, but it also seems a bit selfish.

If it's out in the middle of nowhere and the remains are likely to be eaten by other animals, I'm fine with that. But if it's going to potentially bother people with its proximity to modern everyday life, well, that's a whole other issue.

Thankfully, the are some modern practicioners with their own ways of honoring the requirements of their faith while still remaining mindful of others outside of the religion. As an example, I needed to dispose of some remains after a ceremony a few months back and was told to take it to the ocean. I needed to find a spot where I could dispose of the animal remains, fruits, grains, etc. It would've worked just as well to simply dunk it in the water a few times, as a symbolic gesture, and then throwing it away in the nearest trash can. I ended up letting the fish, crabs, etc. have a nice big dinner that evening, but I think it just comes down to a judgement call. Unfortunately, a lot of the people out there just seem to have poor judgement.

What's your take on it?

P.S., The standard "Do Not Try This At Home" disclaimer applies here. The people who perform the sacrifices know how to do it humanely. It's only done for important ceremonies, offerings, etc. It sucks if you can't find a job, date, etc., but step away from the chicken... lol. For most things, it's a lot less messy (and cheaper) just to offer candles, food, and alcohol as an offering instead ;)

I have lived in central PA most of my life, Dillsburg, mechanicsburg,newville shirlysburg, Shippensburg. A good rule of thumb to see if the aera is pagan frendly is to keep away from the out of the way small towns. Dillsburg, newville and shirlysburg...I would not come out of the broom closet. In mechanicsburg or ship. Well there use to it there so to speek. If you cant buy incense. natural herbs or some fluffybunny book, Look to see if you see genitic deversity in the gene pool. Then act in your own best informed judgement. Just remember that not all christians are the same. Some are kinda decent and passive...others have an axe to grind.

One of the best descriptions I’ve heard of other planes in relation to ours is like pages of a book. Basically during certain times, temperatures and what not other planes are visible the same way other pages are visible in a book through the first page if you were to drop water or any other liquid on the page. This description was given in an awesome show called Miracles that is no longer on tv.

I don't normally comment on other podcaster's shows but I just had to say I love Ashlee's "Artic Penis" comment. I'd love to sit down and chat with this lady. The quality of random hilarity hit a definite high for me with that one :@P Love you guys, keep up the great show! Lady Bless, Lamyka

Good afternoon,

This is in regards to a recent podcast in which you made multiple oblique references to the podcast known as "The Wigglian Way", henceforth referred to as "WW". After careful analysis of said segment(using highly advanced reverse technology developed in Dobbstown, Malaysia) it has been determined that you are in violation of the following regulation.

There was no mention of SJ Tucker, AKA "Sooj" in your skit. It is required, by law, that anything that involves WW in any way, shape, form or fashion MUST metion "Sooj" in some way. This does include parodies, promtional material, WW itself, as well as any dream work.

However, you did mention the "love", which is a very strong mitigating factor and so PCP will be let off with a gentle advisement.

Thank you for your time,

"Crazy" Rev. Jim Jones Church of the Subgenius Senior Instructor: Creepy Bobbie Academy- Princeton, NJ

P.S.- On a more serious note, the show is awesome. I'm currently listening to the Temple of Set episode now(which as a Tibetian Buddhist Pagan with kindof a soft heart, that's saying something). The fact that Amber and Ashlee sound and are quite cute is a sheer coincidence.

You were asking about pagans in the military. While I'm not in the military, I've grown up around the Armed Forces. One thing to consider is that when we move, the packers aren't supposed to pack candles and incense. This isn't to say they won't - that depends on the company and the packers themselves - but they usually won't. Also matches and lighters are excluded from the packing. And we move every 2-3 years.

Hi all, really enjoy the show. Can you do a 'cast on Ár nDraíocht Féin? (AKA the ADF). Thanks!

http://www.adf.org/core/index.html

I wanted to first thank you all so much for the wonderful episode about pagan parenting. The episode gave me some direction, and i am grateful for that. now on to my question, and i hope it doesn't bore you... (don't want to be destroyed by the cult of amber.) I was a wee curious about the PCP views on reiki. I did a wee bit of reading, obviously need to do more, and came to the conclusion that reiki, as well as other methods of spiritual healing, if made more mainstream, could possibly put the painkiller pill makers out of business. with so many people addicted to painkillers(oxycontin, morphene, etc), would healing methods such as reiki quell the need for pill usage if it went mainstream? Just wanting to hear some ideas here. P.S. Ashley? yer Hot. in very way. Period. :)

In response to your question of why Pagans hate Christians. Well, I think it's because of two reasons. 1) Some pagans are fluffy bunnies that need to hate some one, so they hate the Christians screaming "NEVER AGAIN THE BURNING TIMES!!!" Because "all their lives" the Christians have persecuted them, they must hate the the Christians. Or all pagans have to hate Christians, because that's what pagans do. These people, we must hurt. I like a shotgun full of rock salt, but that's just me. 2) Sometimes pagans run into a bad group of Christians. It does happen. Not as much as people claim, but it does. Does that mean you should hate all Christians, no. It means that some people, Christian or otherwise, are just assholes. As much as I hate to say it, I have had bad experiences with a group of Christians on my campus. Bibles were thrown (not lying) and names were called. Mostly me being called a bitch, but that could have been because I was in a bad mood that day. My point is, that doesn't make me hate all Christians, just the stupid ones. Also, don't throw books, it very rude.

actualy i dont hate most christians.. its that jack ass desert demon of a god they follow. and the ones who try and be yaweh!!

I went to a pow-wow where a bunch of bible-thumpers protested. I don't think they'd like us protesting at their churches.

hey guys in 116 you said that runes have to be made of bones or stone, and I'm sorry but i got to call bullshit the runes are not affected by what its made out of the magic is the symbol or the sound not what its made out of, as proof in the poetic edda there is a story where an old mystic women carved runes into a log in a way to use the magic to sick the log on someone and kill him with the runes on a wooden log. Also you joked about Thor being mad if u miss used the runes and fyi there's no myth about thor using runes so he wouldnt care either way. odin might cringe if u use plastic store bought runes but he didnt make the runes he just found them so y would he care.... anyways thanks for calling me awesome, screw Irish law, yay for 40 straight episodes of putting pop culture magic down, and all of u rule p.s i didnt here any reason why sam left was there a falling out or did she just get busy if u dont want to answer that ill understand

I loved the show! I’ve never heard PCP before, and perhaps I won’t enjoy future episodes as well, since I _like_ the single interviewee(”guest host”) approach, which I guess you don’t usually do. But I’ll be listening, that’s for sure…

Thanks for the nod, too, Jason! I love the idea of being an “A List” blog! Though I think the weekly column–sometimes every other week when life is busy–makes my claim to that a little dicey. Still, the complement was greatly appreciated.

One thing Jason said I’d like to challenge: at least twice during the show you referred to Salem Massachusetts as a Pagan “hotspot”, like Paganistan or the Bay area. In my opinion, it is not! Salem is unquestionably the center of New England (maybe global!) Pagan self-promotion. But I think both Boston and Western Massachusetts are actually home to more vital and mature Pagan communities. Salem works to make news, but I think that Boston/Western Mass based organizations like the Earth Spirit Community, as well as the many college Pagan groups, Wiccan traditions from BTW to eclectic, Druid and Asatru groups, and so on, have much more impact in the region than any Salem-based organization. (Salem Pagans, challenge me if you wish; this is my impression based on 18 years as a Massachusetts Pagan.)

One other quibble: I think that Pagans have far more to offer one another than merely social connections. I know that I have grown and deepened in my spiritual journey through both dialog AND ritual encounters with Pagans from other traditions than my native Wicca. I style myself Pagan because I believe there is a spiritual power we can draw from within our very diversity, and that experiences across the boundaries of groups as diverse as reconstructionist paths, ecofeminist Wicca, Druidry, and Ceremonial groups can nourish us as we grow and develop over time. I hope the day never comes when, due to numerical growth, we isolate ourselves from one another.

Diversity, not monoculture, is the sign of a healthy ecosystem. I do not want to live a religiously monocultured spiritual life. (Of course, as the author of something named Quaker Pagan Reflections, I guess that’s pretty obvious!)

Hello PCP’ers!!! I have been listening since like episode 50 something and have never written in, until now. I wanted to praise the interview you did last episode, I was so engrossed I missed my exit and got a good view of the storm coming over lake Michigan…

I do have to say that the reason I was engrossed was that for the first time I heard an honest impression on the “Pagan Community” and felt like I could still be a part of it. I am an atheist, I hold a believe in no god or goddess. I say I am a pagan, in that science is magic, and magic is science we just don’t understand, yet.

Your discussion, unlike the ones I have heard on other podcasts. I feel like there is still a place for me. Keep up the good work and Ashley, I think I want to hang out with you because we might cause people to spontaneously explode…

This isn't so much a suggestion for a future topic as it is a quick question. In episode 88 "Back to the Future (Divination)", someone, fuck if I know specifically who, said they are fond of using runes. What material are your runes made out of? P.S. I found a Cthulhu plushie the other day and thought of you guys.

Hey, just wanted to say that I really love you having Barbara on the show. There's been many times (especially during the Satanism episodes) that she said something and I was like "Thank you!". Barbara, I hope to continue to hear your voice coming out of my headphones. To the rest of you: you're awesome too. Cheers! -Jalawood

Hey ! It has been awhile since I have left a comment. It might be because I feel I might have left you feeling I may be a neo-maxi-zoom-dweebee, and that I probably always will be. Next, I think your podcast has changed. It seems that you have all matured. And just because you matured, doesn't mean you have to act it! * sighs* I want my old belligerent friends back!! * cries * On a personal note.. I still have yet to find anything more uber than myself to have any kind of faith in. But your P.C.P has helped me to clarify much. I will continue to listen and more than likely always will. Keep up the great work and please,,,,, GROW DOWN,,,,, BTW,,, I too have a podcast and was inspired by you ALL to do it. It isn't a Pagan podcast by any means. But I have a ton of fun with the people i make fun of. There is a virtual community I have been a member of for quite a long time and I use the members that are there and create skits based on their personalities. The members there love it and have a blast with it. I do talk a lot about you guys as they have Pagan subject matter within the virtual world. They try and teach some of the old world ways there. If you guys don't mind I would like to mention your podcast on my podcast. FEEL FREE... to stop by. Love ya guys.... stay cool! * waves *

I work in an army depot and after my first couple years there I began to knotice a few things. People there tend to become testy when working on equipment that is handled directly for use in combat.Many of the optics and control box's are what normaly couses this effect in people. Please forgive my apparent lack of observational skills, although i have been studying pagan/meta topics off and on sence middle school, being sensitive is something I rarely think to apply to bible thumping christians who lean to heavly on there faith to cope with guilt of there profession. P.S. if you can do a pod cast on how to deal with thumpers I would be greatly in your debt.

I loved #109. Thank you for the discussion and info regarding death and what to do. Surprised to not hear anyone mention The Pagan Book of Living and Dying. I imagine the not mentioning of this was intentional? Curious. I host The Infinite and the Beyond (www.infinite-beyond.com) and I always find the synchronicity between the pagan podcasters to be interesting. For example, the beginning segment in my recent episode (#006) briefly touches upon death and one's responsiblilty for loved ones by not taking them for granted and spending time with them while one can do so. I just found the synchronicity interesting. Thanks for the show!

... Damn glad to see you people are doing a episode on asatru, but reconstructionism? Are you going to just stick with asatru, Hellenic and Celtic polytheism, or go further and toss in others like my sumerian friends as well ?

BTW I am fucking loving PCP classic why the Hel do you say not to listen to it ? Its genious, fuck the audio quality..

You all fuckin' rock. Just sayin'! I appreciate the non cotton candy feel that other podcasts have. I missed out on the cussing poll butcuss all ya want.

I am sorry this took so long to respond to but I was having isp problems and have just caught up on the podcasts. I was at first totally pissed at the response to my thoughts on the nature of Satan and God. I was simply postulating on the seemingly contradicting nature of their god and the similarity to Satan's negative traits. It was just a thought that I wanted to share with you guys. The friend of Ashlee's was a little condecending concerning my post. First I have been in the metaphyisical/pagan community for well over 20 years. I have studied alternative faiths for most of my 37 years in this life. I have come into contact with all sorts of belief systems. Over the years I have known many Satanists. When it concerns their faith they have been as honest as anyone could ask for. In the more personal areas of conversation they could have been less than truthful I can't say. I felt it was a little arrogant to assume that "our young friend" has been lied to. Although I am pushing 40 I like to consider myself "young" at heart. I am however not stupid. I was relieved to hear Ashlee state that she wasn't happy with the way her "friend" came off in the episode. I too noted the contradictions. I still love you guys! I want to vote for a Heathen/Asatru episode too. Having just adopted that faith recently after years of being an eclectic witch, I am looking for all the info I can find. Including different viewpoints. Thanks

Hi everyone! I thought you would think this was interesting: I just got a job at a residential substance abuse treatment facility for women (whew, say that three times fast!), and when they were drug testing me, I didn't test negative for PCP! I didn't test positive, either (since I don't actually do drugs). It was just inconclusive. The whole time I was thinking, "dammit! This is what I get for listening to PCP constantly for a month!" My good name was eventually cleared. But it was a bit of an awkward time with my future supervisor. Anyway, I just wanted to stroke your egos, I love the show and I recommend it to newbies who come into my friend's witch shop, looking for more info and community. And if anyone makes their way to eastern Kansas, I have a sofa and know some really awesome bars and people in Lawrence! Thanks! Gretchen

I would like to thank you for the work you have done, As an agnostic (belief in a higher power, and my own shifting views on the meta physical) These podcasts have given me the one insight you can not get from a book...and fankly one i was not motavated enough to find my self oweing to a lack of desire to handle fluffy bunny's (formerly space cadats in my jargon, although fluffybunnys are now just one flavour of space cadats now) I have goten to know some of the social context of some of the pagan type beliefs. The few wiccan's (or wickie wicca's) I have meet have been...shall we say spacy. Save one, a former class mate of mine and Vetern of the US Marines. He was a space cadat...but not a fluffy bunny. But more to the point of my rambleings. Ashlee I been listening to your views, And for days they seemed so familure ( i been back listening to your PCP, Zen cast and Cathloic bible camp...although the woman in that one seems to be an evil person in denile) And it finaly occared to me were I heard them. From my mothers physical therapist after her stroke. Granted the context of the message was very diffrent. But self reliance and self accountabity was core to it. The otherkin lessons the pcp crew did was educational. I have had some afinitys for certin types of animals....but I think I would rather die then be assocated with that queen load drama fest.

hey guys i have a random thought that u guys might find amusing. i was wearing my hammer today and a more learned christian recognized it and realized im a heathen and as he was going off on me about how god didnt create me to mock him by worshiping satan (wow he almost got it right) i realized that adam and eve were the first satanists and the truest at that, they slept, ate, and had sex when ever they wanted they didnt limit themselves in anyway and to top that of they did a big screw you to god by listening to the snake widely thought of as satan and ate from the tree god told them not to eat from i found this very funny seeing that this means that the satanists try to live in the way the christian god always intended and the christians have it all wrong. i cant wait to here what you guys think of this. I'm most interested in what Ashley has to say about this seeing that this means she's living within gods will.... LOL

Hi!

So I was listening to the latest podcast and I'm broadsided by random Tank Girl references! I had to drop you a note to say I love you. Snarky pagans and Tank Girl! Two of my favorite things in one place. I know it's a random thing to send feedback about, but I'm in a random mood tonight :)

Anyway, I've just discovered your podcast recently and I'm slowly making my way through the old episodes and I'm loving it a lot. Thanks for all your hard work and I'm really looking forward to what you do next!

Well, it's been swell, but the swelling's gone down.

-Christin

Greetings fellow Homo sapiens! Haven't listened to your show the last few episodes, been extremely busy, but I heard a rumor on the wind that Ron Howard is working on the movie "The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft". Not sure if he'll be producing or directing it, but it's still exciting news. Cheerio!

I've just started listening to your podcast. I enjoy it a lot. I understand what you mean about allowing your children to research and study their own religion. My mother wasn't open to that. She was raised Catholic and it shows through. Yay for college! (By the way, I was looking at your bookshelf. You guys would like Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett if you haven't read it yet!)

hey guys i have an idea for an episode. u recently did an episode on the abstract idea of a pagan community and pretty much came to the conclusion that it doesnt really exist outside the internet. my idea would be a what if episode... what if a pagan community actually existed outside of the internet. like a city where pagan temples existed like christian churches do in most of north america. What would u expect from this kind of community, what do think would be nessary, and what do you think would be outstandingly different from the average christian community. i ask for this type of episode cause i like the idea of it happening and the pcp effect is probably the best way i can think of to get it done... lol

I would like to first thank you all for your insight on the question I raised in episode 103, regarding what I should do with my 6 year old. Yes, I am a proud Pagan Parent, and yes, my family is aware of such, and although they do not share the same beliefs as I do, there is a certain level of respect that takes place. In other words, I am not condemed to hell for what I believe in, and I won't Tell them what they believe is wrong. Being a Pagan Parent in a christian Family has not been easy. The holidays for the sake of the family, are easily handled; I Honor Mabon and samhain, for example, but celebrate christmas with the family. and although my daughter ellie does pose some rather interesting questions, such as what are angels, or is the goddess God's girlfriend, for the most part i can answer most questions rather mundanely, such as how do flowers grow or where do storms come from, and she understands. The trouble begins when the family imposes to me that my daughter needs to go to church every sunday to worship a God that I chose a long time ago not to believe in, and i don't feel that at 6 years old she needs a religion force fed down her throat. when I came into paganism, it wasn't force fed, I walked into it willingly, and as My daughter matures, if she chooses so, I would like for her to walk in her own way at her own pace. where the tools i use in my sacred space are concerned, she asks about them, and i give her the easiest answer i can' such as "the candles are for when the lights go out" or "that knife(athame) is to protect us against the bad guys in the neighborhood." and you're 100% correct, I don't want a shit storm caused in the family, especially after when I walked out of the "broom closet" back in the day the response at first was closer to "you're the devil!" than "well that's your decision and we accept it". I know there has to be more pagan parents ot there facing the same dilemma as I, where they have the added pressure of the Giant wildebeast that is christianity looming all round them in the form of family members. Yes. my daughter is 6 years old. no, at this time, it's probably not a good idea to force a belief structure upon her, especially of the impending nuclear bomb i might set off if i do this in front of the rest of the family. What I have learned, is to slowly introduce her into some of the things that daddy does and if she want to know more and i feel it's safe, i let her. For example, i recently sat down for meditation in my sacred space, and my daughter walked in, wondering what I was doing. after telling her i was just "sitting and thinking" she asked to join. I Personally believe that as impressionable as she is, ellie doesn't deserve to be torn between two belief structures, and she doesn't really need to know one or the other at this point. she's too busy chasing ants anyways. well this has gone on for a bit more than i planned, and I apologize for that. Once again, PCP Thank you for your insight, and i hope this indeed turns out to be a good topic for an episode.

wait, i got it... maybe Paganspace's guard dog Charon buried episode 101 in the backyard.

however or whatever actually happened Paganspank needs to stop whining and bellyaching and pointing out redundant facts and figures, understand that the Lords and Ladies of PCP are not the only ones slamming them for the simple fact that they are turning into babybat daycare, instead of being an actual Pagan-centered social networking site. don't get it twisted, there are some lone wolves among the sheep logging into that site... but seriously? Go to the kitchen, sit down and have a nice happy helping of Grow The Fuck Up. Then, get your episode right, you non counting mofo, and when you do have the scrotum to challenge the almighty PCP, at least attempt to pack a lunch? you might need it. and a friend if you have one left.

I haven't had internet for a long while, but I'd like to say I loved your response to my question thing. Twas cool. I'm really excited for episode 108. Funeral homes do tend to screw you over with the upselling (hell, that's one of the reasons I want to go into said field, I want to be the funeral director that DOESN'T try to get you to buy the thousand dollar casket). Even so, it's very important to work out whats going to happen before you die, partially so your family doesn't decide you need expensive fluffy pink silk pillows in the afterlife. Protip: no casket can, or should, protect your body from decomposition. Airtight ones will just build up pressure until it explodes underground in a fabulous (not really), stinky soup. I'm rambling now, so I'll stop here. Love ya guys~

love the show found out about you from @gypsyhooker.Lokkii brand briquettes? I need to find some for our next sumbel ;-)

I would like to first thank you all for your insight on the question I raised in episode 103, regarding what I should do with my 6 year old. Yes, I am a proud Pagan Parent, and yes, my family is aware of such, and although they do not share the same beliefs as I do, there is a certain level of respect that takes place. In other words, I am not condemed to hell for what I believe in, and I won't Tell them what they believe is wrong. Being a Pagan Parent in a christian Family has not been easy. The holidays for the sake of the family, are easily handled; I Honor Mabon and samhain, for example, but celebrate christmas with the family. and although my daughter ellie does pose some rather interesting questions, such as what are angels, or is the goddess God's girlfriend, for the most part i can answer most questions rather mundanely, such as how do flowers grow or where do storms come from, and she understands. The trouble begins when the family imposes to me that my daughter needs to go to church every sunday to worship a God that I chose a long time ago not to believe in, and i don't feel that at 6 years old she needs a religion force fed down her throat. when I came into paganism, it wasn't force fed, I walked into it willingly, and as My daughter matures, if she chooses so, I would like for her to walk in her own way at her own pace. where the tools i use in my sacred space are concerned, she asks about them, and i give her the easiest answer i can... such as "the candles are for when the lights go out" or "that knife(athame) is to protect us against the bad guys in the neighborhood." and you're 100% correct, I don't want a shit storm caused in the family, especially after when I walked out of the "broom closet" back in the day the response at first was closer to "you're the devil!" than "well that's your decision and we accept it". I know there has to be more pagan parents ot there facing the same dilemma as I, where they have the added pressure of the Giant wildebeast that is christianity looming all round them in the form of family members. Yes. my daughter is 6 years old. no, at this time, it's probably not a good idea to force a belief structure upon her, especially of the impending nuclear bomb i might set off if i do this in front of the rest of the family. What I have learned, is to slowly introduce her into some of the things that daddy does... and if she want to know more and i feel it's safe, i let her. For example, i recently sat down for meditation in my sacred space, and my daughter walked in, wondering what I was doing. after telling her i was just "sitting and thinking" she asked to join. I Personally believe that as impressionable as she is, ellie doesn't deserve to be torn between two belief structures, and she doesn't really need to know one or the other at this point. she's too busy chasing ants anyways. well this has gone on for a bit more than i planned, and I apologize for that. Once again, PCP Thank you for your insight, and i hope this indeed turns out to be a good topic for an episode.

Hey guys, I adore your show and have been listening to it from Episode 3 (yes, I am one of the weird UK people who have been with you from the beginning!) I find your show really funny, and also very useful and informative, especially the more recent Herbalism episode, which has inspired me to delve more into the subject, and also a great reaility check for some of my more 'out there' friends (see Otherkin episodes and the more recent 'Cherokee Princess' thing) Please, please, please keep up the exellent work, and the excellent wit that is the trademark for your show. P.S. Can we please have some more Zombie Jesus?

Why do some towns and cities appear to shut down only because a group of people all want to go to church?

PCP Crew discusses how a lack of stuff to do in PA leads to substance abuse

Hello all, Seeing as Twitter only allows 140 characters it would be impossible to fit in everything I'd like to ask. First, I concur with whoever suggested a Teens and Paganism episode. I agree with you all that the teenage years should be a time of exploration but I often find that reliable information is often very limited. I'm aware that this transcends age, but the added barrier for teens is the parental one. Add in the religious taboo it presents when living in the Bible Belt and a whole slew of teens find books and other materials nigh impossible to get a hold of. The religious section at my own public library consists almost solely of Bibles. What advice would you have for teen pagans and those teens interested in paganism who seek an educated approach to their religion when the internet can be so unreliable and books are in such short supply? Secondly, with all this bashing of PaganSpace and other sites (all of which is rightfully deserved), I'd like to know what you all think of ecauldron.net? Lastly, infinite amounts of praise. Seriously, you all are a joy to listen too. I love that your group is so varied and intelligent. As always, I look forward to future episodes. Sincerely, Ophelia

hey why r people like silver raven wolf and scientology not on ur asses board, u have put them down enough times to earn them a permanent spot... like did u forget about them

Hi guys, I was wondering if you had heard about this new translation of the Bible. I think it's right up your alley. I couldn't help but think of the Principia Discordia (for some reason): http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

For some reason, I could not post comment on the episode 105 page, so I am adding this here. Sorry if it fucks up the page! You guys got me thinking on this episode! Quick summary of me: Part Cherokee and a mix. I follow an Eclectic path of NA (with full respect!) and some Wicca, Celtic, etc aspects (nature based, wheel of the year, Goddess and God, etc). Anyway, I am big one of the peaceful side of things, take care of Mother Earth, other people, animals (but Peta type people are lunes!, I love turkey and "sea kittens" too much for their crap) I do not believe it is ok to harm another to get what one wants. BUT as noted in this episode, if someone is going to harm myself or family, they are going home in a body bag! Some say this does not fit the Wiccan Rede, and honestly, I do not follow the rede as a "bible", I have my own ideas of when there is a time to react to violence with violence, the main one being protection. I know for sure my ancestors protected themselves the best they could with the weapons they had. It seems this was a Satanist viewpoint, that it was ok to harm to protect. But I still have that very peaceful viewpoint also. Seems and feels like a nice balance. Does this make sense or is this just my twisted eclectic view that fits my path?

And Dave's Wiccan ethics is more than just the Wiccan Rede rant.

Dear PCP,

I live in Germany, and I'd like very much to hear an episode regarding Heathenism and all things closely related. I'm sure you already have gotten messages regarding this, so should you find a speaker, by all means do bring 'em on~

-Travis

Great episode. It definetly cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had about Satanism.

I did have one question for Ashlee though... I have heard from a few sources that Satanism is essentially atheism with Satan as more of an archetypal figure rather than a supreme being or deity. I have also noticed a lot of similarities between atheism and Satanism, with the only major difference being that Satanist tend to be more spiritual in nature and commonly have an interest in the metaphysics. My question is would you say that this overview that I explained above describes yourself and the majority of Satanists or practitioners of the left hand path fairly? And have you ever considered atheism? If yes, after considering atheism why were you drawn to Satanism or the left hand path?

The information supplied on the Temple of Set was very much incorrect. While it started as an off shoot of the Church of Satan, it isn't really a Satanic organization any longer. We are left hand path definitely, but we are our own breed. If you would like more accurate information on the Temple of Set I would be more than happy to provide it to you. It would be better that it come from us than someone who has no connection to us and has not even done the research as far as visiting our website.

We also have Ashlee's reactions to the Satanism Episodes we did earlier this season

hey guys i just have a question for the resident satanist. Before I ask i want to make it very clear the only contact with satanism i have had has been this pod-cast. My question is does Satan actually come up in your religion or is the name just there because of the obvious enjoyment satanist's (and the general pagan community) have in the pursuit of pissing of christians, and if Satan does come up can you really consider it paganism or would it be just a really messed up denomination of christianity, this question is not ment to piss you off its just a question. you rule ashley thanks for what ever info you can provide

Love you guys!! I have a thought. Who is truely the liar? Given all the lies and evil put out by the Xstian church over the years. Is the god that the worship truly their "God"? By this I mean through their own scriptures they proclaim Satan to be the father of lies. In all dealings I have had with Satanists they have always been up front and honest with me on most if not all fronts. I know that in the Satanic church "Satan" is not necessarily seen as a God, nut more of an ideal. But ideas come from somewhere don't they? Just a thought. Keep it up!!!

James informs us never to trust what a Satanist says...wait...what?

Dear PCP,

I find your topics amusing and delicious. It's a lovely retreat from the bible-belters in my military community of Ramstein, Germany.

-Travis

DEATH TO GLITTER GRAPHICS

Hey, i was thinking for maybe one episode if you could maybe talk about teens in paganism thank yall and just wanted to say i adore all the episodes and always recomend yall to anyone who is interested to paganism ^_^ you have gotten me through days and days of school classes lol

yall are f-ing awsome. it is great to hear a group of pagans round my age being able speak so candidly about their beliefs. i live smack dab in the middle of the bible belt so your sho brings a welcome get away from the christian bs that i have to deal with every day. many kudos and may the gods be with you in your efforts.

Hey everyone, I just wanted to say that I love the show. I think you guys are doing a great thing and its refreshing to listen to a podcast that delves much deeper into topics concerning paganism than most, if not all, of the other pagan podcasts out there. You guys really know how to break apart a topic and get down to bone on issues that are really popular in the pagan community today. Anyways, keep up the great work. I'm looking forward to some new episodes.

Your show rocks my socks.
Yall are f@#$ing awsome!

paganspace, myspace, all the evil out there. People are trying to make a connection. Unfortunately, someone realized you can make money by doing this. So they let all the idiots in. Also, with all the various belief systems within the pagan "umbrella" there doesn't appear to be any solid "moral" code. Yes, do what you will tho it harm none etc.. But nothing that is universally accepted. So is it no wonder paganspace and other derivatives thrive? As can be said of any religious belief system, it will always attract at least one idiot. Intelligent conversation, requires intelligent people. Unfortunately after looking through most of the "other" forums, it appears that your podcast has them all. :)

Dave's response: Yes, there are stalkers and fundies everywhere. However, it seems weird that a religious community wouldn't be more active in curbing such activity.

hey guys im just doing this to say im a little disappointed in you. see you guys kept saying that u couldnt wait to tear paganspace a new one but when you actually got to the episode you end of with a "well today there not that bad" what was that. please guys dont get tame i love the stupid people bashing and paganspace is a great target if i was grading you id give you a C- for effort but you guys are usually grade A students of stupid bashing 101. If you decide to try again i want to see the black snow flakes. LOL you guys rule cant wait to listen to the satanist episode

I'm sorry, that you guys don't get hatemail. That being said, I absolutely hate all of you and will never again listen to your podcast (until the next one comes out). Most of you are inane and boring except for the couple of you who aren't intelligent enough to reach any level of inanity. I can't believe how you bash people that you don't understand. If some whacko wants to think that he or she is a squirrel (mmmmm...squirrel) let them have their ignorant fantasy and tell as many people about it as they want to. I want more homos on the show!!! On a positive note, I'm glad that y'all have gotten some sort of grasp of the alphabet and can sometimes take turns with comments in alphabetical order by first name. Wow!!! Once again, I hate you all and can't wait for the next podcast to come out, so that I can tell you just how much you are hated once again. If anyone would like a scary, sleazy stalker instead of hatemail, just let me know. I'm here for you. /wink

Hey guys I was wanting to submit a topic. Now I have never personally been out of touch with the mystical and with the arts yet one day I couldn't reach them ( my skill has to do with divination and psychic work ) Im back in touch now which leads me to the question : What happens when you have writers block -esque blockage with your magic....any ideas to help ? Thanks alot ...Amber you rock....Ashley you frighten me ( in the best way possible) and gentlemen.....well done ...thanks

I would really like to hear “ALL” of your opinion’s on 2012.

Not the fact that a lot of people feel the planets will align. Or aliens are coming. But the fact that most skeptics and historians alike feel that it is going to be a time of change in souls. That we will all re-think out ways and do everything totally different. I have red stories and listened to podcasts and I have heard many opinions on this subject. And nearly all of them lean to the same thing. Not the end but a new beginning. Could this be the time older religions die and the new aged religions flourish? I find the subject and the way it enrages some people fascinating.

On PCP Ep 98: Heilsa Folks, Kudos to you on the much improved sound quality of the ‘casts. My speakers – and ears – thank you greatly. I think your guest was off in lumping all reconstructionists together. I have only met a very small handful of SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) type of folks who actually wanted to go and turn back the clock. Not too many people I know actually, seriously think that going to a Compound and acting like plumbing, medicine and electronics don’t exist is a good idea. The fact is that we live in the Modern age. We have to adapt those old ways to make sense and be relevant to our lives in the here and now. The trick is to figure out how much and what exactly we can bend within the confines of the lore used. That is the big and major difference between ecclectics and/or wiccans and recons. Your guest didn’t solidly address that, at least to my satisfaction. I would be happy to talk about what I do on this far flung branch of the Pagan tree, known as Asatru. Feel free to give out this post and email address.

David’s email is at yahoo.com and is dscarron.

I do not have a topic for you, just listener feedback. Episode 98 is by far my favorite show! Excellent discussions and very thought provoking. And suprisingly you guys stayed on topic for once . . .

You should do an episode on metaphysics 101

Happy birthday your an island of insanity in a sea of blah and dont forget to feed the velociraptors

I loved the episode. I brought up a book to Ashlee by a writer called Mike Carey. He wrote a few comics that have had other kinish stuff, but he doesn't use that term. In his "God Save the Queen" graphic novel, he had a girl who was part faerie. In his Felix Castor series he mentioned a term "Loup Garu."(might have the spelling wrong) I think it is, basically the French term for were-"fill in blank". Instead of a human that turns into a wolf or other animal, it's an animal who inhabits a human body and tries to manipulate the human's body to it's original animal form. The mention of that term came up in his Felix Castor novel called "Vicious Circle." Even in his "Luicfer" comic one of the characters was Arch Angel Michael's offspring, she was Asian. Mike Carey has a way of writing about metaphysical things and making them sound totally plausible and not so crazy sounding.I know where Kina is coming from with the Otherkin thing. I was also told a while back about being Otherkin. I didn't want to believe it. She didn't use the term Otherkin, the lady told me I had faerie or elf in me. I thought she was crazy. I decided to read up on it, but like Kina said, I didn't want to be those people. I have similarities, and the health issues, but I don't want to be those people. I just explain all my health problems as, "I was made with used parts."I talked to Amber a bit on this topic a while back, and she made me feel less crazy about it. She made me feel normal and I actually got some really good insight from it. It helped me realize why I would always get bored so easily and why I was always super depressed when I was away from nature.I don't let whatever I might or might not be hinder my life. I'm still planning on going to school after I birth the next world leader, I'm still a workaholic, and can raise my child with no problem. Again, I can't say it enough, I don't want to be those people.

I agree, that "Humans are disgusting litle creatures."

Kina, you rock! You're totally awesome sauce and I wish I lived in England so I could chum with you.

Magda Also Writes:

I have a couple of questions that I would like to ask.The first one is, is it possible to have a family that all have some form of metaphysical ability? Like a family of psychic vampires, psychics or telekinetics? Would that be coincidence or something that can be passed down through the generations? I would like to think it might be genetic because how else would I explain to my finace why his mom's side of the family, him included, either are psychic vampires or, in his mom's case can read your mind; which is very beneficial when you're crazing a certain type of food. She hasn't failed us yet. :DMy second question has to do with something I looked up on Incubi and Succubi when I read a post from someone who wanted to summon an Incubus to have sex with them. Sigh. Anyways upon research on why someone thought they could even control something like an Incubus, especially a newbie, I came across a website that had Biblical stories of Incubi and Succubi. It mentioned stories of them breeding with humans and how it could be possible. I also ran into some other sites that mentioned how a succbus or incubus could possibly breed. It had to do with they steal a human's eggs or sperm and us it on the next. There was one site that said there is an understanding, if you will, that demons aren't allowed to either posses a human or copulate with them unless god gives the ok.My question is: Do you think that they work that closely together? After thinking about that I started to think wouldn't it be great that the Satan all the Christians are afraid of is really God? That these demons are just doing all of His dirty work?

Thanks for indulging my crazy theories and questions,
Magda

Episode 96 was very interesting. On one hand I can understand your point about it really not being of any importance that Deo and Mandy have embarked upon the path of Atheism. On the other hand I understand the bereft feelings of some within the pagan community. I felt that they represented a sound, balanced, and mature approach to Paganism with a healthy dose of scholarship, understanding, and skepticism. They were informative but approachable, something that tends to be hard to come by on the internet. I guess it also seemed odd to me that they would jump ship considering all of the experiences they've had. Alas, it is not for me to understand the workings of their minds and they definitely filled a niche. It was great while it lasted and they will be missed. I think you guys are carrying the torch nicely indeed and hope that you'll stick with us (the "pagan community" in all it's fucked-up-titude) for the long run. Cheers!

Hey guys this is something we think you'll find extremely funny the other day we found out that the Pope actually deemed coffee a christian beverage we think this is reason enough to give up coffee. we hope you find this random fact as funny as we did.

u guys should totally do a show about isreal regardi!!! i luv u clark! and sam! and amber!
<(`,`)>

Another two fantastic episodes (97-98), though I must be honest with you. I used you guys. I used you guys, like a green party candidate during his midlife crisis uses an innocent Sierra Club canvasser, to further my own agenda. You all provided thought provoking and informative discussion on (Polytheist) Reconstructionists and I was hoping you'd help dispel some of the myths and accusations I've seen hurled at us on a few pagan forums and social networks.Great dialogue and kudos for bringing Nickon to flesh out the experience.Cheers!

P.S.- My boyfriend IS one of those stereotypical Asatru with the shaved head and death metal. I played the clip back for him and he died laughing.

Hey guys! Have you guys discussed Reconstuctionists yet? Do you consider them to be more likely to become pagan fundamentalists? Why do you feel there is tension between Recons and the Neo-Pagan community? Do you feel Recons are more about the research then the spirituality or do you feel they just want to be as close to accurate as possible in regards to their practice? Also, what are some things you think Recons can bring to the rest of the Neo-Pagan community and what can Recons learn from their lest...erm...contsructionist counterparts? Tons of questions I know, but I'd love to hear your thoughts. I LOVE your show. Keep up the great work! -Pythia Hellenist

Atheists only remind me of what my Theology professor said, "There is no such thing as an atheist. If you are willing to die for something that is your God. God is an idea to everyone else, so any idea or concept that someone would die or kill for is someone's god. Money is a lot of people's god."

Not really a show topic, and I have no idea if you have seen this, but … http://ohmygods.co.uk/strips/2009-01-2

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090113/ap_on_re_au_an/as_australia_rabbit_infestation

Now I have been an environmentalist/animal lover(not a crazy one) since before it was a fad, and to be honest this whole "green movement" pisses me off because people are doing it for the wrong reasons. I've done my share of research on animals and the environment so I get the general idea of how the ecosystem works, unlike some of these people that are trying to "help".

Their reasoning for this is that these animals were introduced to the island so they don't belong. Well, shit, brown rats were introduced to North America by Europeans and roaches by Europeans and Asians and they become part of the ecosystem. Don't get me wrong, I would love to get rid of those roaches. Anywas, if it wasn't for the Europeans I wouldn't have had some of the best pet rats I've ever had. Rats are super smart and adorables.

I would love to see how they "removed" the cats, but I can only guess when they use the term eradicate in the article. Now they are trying to kill off the other animals that "don't belong" by poisoning them. Yeah, because that won't effect the rest of the ecosystem. I like how during all of this they haven't realized that there are a lot of areas humans "don't belong" in and they manage to stay there. I don't know how they figure eradicating 4 different species of animals will help the ecosystem. I'm sure there are other animals that stopped feeding on birds that started feeding on the rabbits and rats instead. But who am I so say anything?

I came across a news article, it takes a bit to get to the point

http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2009/01/11/news/top/fb296762204669c98625753a00095315.txt

Its kind of odd but not surprising, that in this modern scientific age that most people jump to conclusions about paganism having something to do with a horrible incident when facts like "he was bipolar", "Stopped taking his medication", "Had a history of drug abuse" and was "experiencing paranoia" are completely overlooked.

I'm curious about you folk's opinion regarding how articles such as this affect the greater pagan community.

Hey guys! I, too, am someone who listens at work. It brings me great joy as I sit between the cubicles of my fundamentalist Christian coworkers to listen as my fellow heathens entertain the masses. Dallas isn"t exactly a hotbed of paganis... yet. (Speaking of fundie coworkers, that might be a possible future topic to cover as well...how to handle them without losing your job.) I was curious to know if any of you have a particular [holy] book you follow as part of your beliefs? It doesn"t have to be as well known as the Bible, Qu"ran, Kabbalah, etc. I am sure there are those who worship Buckland"s blue bible as their holy book, or Israel Regardie"s The Golden Dawn, or D.J. Conway"s Celtic Magic.

Hey guys,
Sorry if this e-mail reads like crap, but I'm typing this on my phone.

Due to certain dramas in my life I started wondering if all the modern twists on older religions have turned people into pussies?

I remember when Buddhist monks weren't all peace and love; when they were actual warriors and were dangerous. When Druids weren't just educated hippies or glorified freemasons. It seems all this new peace, love and happiness bull crap has turned people into complacent drones. People don't seem to want to stand up for themselves or others because they either, want to turn the other cheek, deal with it in a civil manner, or wait for karma.

Dammit sometimes you have to speak up to be heard, and take chances. People are getting way too comfortable.

So due to extreme boredom I was surfing the web and decided to see what was up on Paganspace. I saw a topic about Obama's speech and how people are seeing pagans as being clumped into the ‘non-believers'group. How?! I'm sorry I don't see it, not even when he made the speech. I just said, "Hey, what about the pagans?" I understand he didn't have time to spout out every pagan and monotheistic religion out there, and he played it safe by mentioning the popular and more accepted ones.

Why are some pagans getting uber sensitive about this? Hell, sadly I think it would've been career suicide to mention pagans. I mean people already have a problem with him wanting companies to go green, legalizing abortion, being black, having the middle name Hussein. If he mentioned pagans I could see people trying to impeach him. No one tried to impeach Bush for all the crap he did because he was "a good Christian man" as I have heard one too many times. Maybe pagans were mentioned because of the simple facts that pagans as a whole aren't so unified and they don't speak out. On the other hand, I do understand why some pagans are afraid to speak out for themselves. We live in a country where our kids can be taken away from us because we are Pagans and people are closed minded. Maybe we'll be lucky and he'll change that too.

It seems like some pagans are seeing this as him treating us like crap and we don't matter, or trying to force his beliefs on us.

I did post, I mentioned how our fore fathers were atheistic, I should've clearified, atheistic when it came to governing. They really didn't want to involve religion in how the government was run, and that is a wise decision. Someone mentioned that they were mostly freemasons, I know that, but goes on to say freemasonry has deep roots in Christianity. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I was pretty sure Freemasonry has deep pagan roots.

I'm going to expect to get flamed at if this is read on the air by those same pagans since I pretty much pointed myself out for my post on Paganspace. Oh, well. I don't think it was as big an issue as people are making it out to be.

Hi again:

I've been listening some more to your shows and something you said in a recent episode (not sure which one) got me thinking. Are we atheists really all that negative? You sounded like atheists just take all the fun out of things. I'm not sure I agree. Before I go into this, I am truly sorry if I mis-heard you or indeed if I imagined the whole thing. I'd still like to put into words my defense.

From your explanation of metaphysics I gathered that it's possible for prettymuch anyone to work in the realm of the metaphysical, including atheists, since that realm is essentially anything which is not physical (Amber in Episode 83 at 18:50 in MP3). At first glance this might sound like it poses a problem for an atheist but this is not so.

Consider the example of a thought or an emotion. Let's suppose these two may be explained in terms of physical processes (neurons bla bla bla). These are both things which are experienced. That experience is not something physical but rather something known only to the person experiencing it. The same then is true of metaphysical phenomena. If indeed it is true that one can enter the astral plane and project one's disembodied psyche to another location and it is true that this phenomenon can be explained through recourse to empirical science then I would suspect that the experiential component is analogous to the application layer of the OSI model used in building the internet. (ask Jason for details).

I suspect that Ashlee may be able to comment on my theory as well, since moving up the spiritual OSI model -- going from the biochemical components to the application layer of experience -- would require something akin to a paradigm shift (in Peter Carrol's sense of the term).

I see you have some people like Simim and Branden who might have some interesting things to say on this topic.

I'm a new listener to the Pagan Podcast (Sam is a friend of my wife's, and so I subscribed a few weeks ago.), and I do find it pretty funny - both from the humourous stuff you purposely do to be funny and ... well, the stuff I find funny due to personal bias. I'm an atheist, and your show is really my first exposure to paganism, which I find pretty far out there. I know I'm not your target audience, so I'm sure that doesn't surprise you. Which sort of brings me to the point of this letter. In show 93, Sam bashed Travolta for eschewing science in favor of following the doctrines of his religion of scientology. Now if you're going to host a show that talks about magic circles, crystal power, proper polytheist worship methods ... or whatever ... then I think we've crossed that barrier between what science recommends and what many of you personally believe. Assuming Travolta truly believes that Scientology is true and that the sciences of medicine and psychiatry would do more harm than good, is he any different from some of your more nonscientific views? Sure, you may personally not approve of his choices, but haven't you all made personal religious choices that other folks don't approve of? Not that I don't find Scientology nutty. I sure do! As I do all religious organizations. I just find there to be a smattering of hypocracy in judging other religions more harshly than your own. But keep up the good work. There always seems to be more room for additional belief systems, and yours are far less dangerous than those that believe in Jihads or the "free market"

I've been a listener since ep. 10 and haven't stopped listening since and I just wanted to give you guys a bit of ego stroking and a thank you for giving me an idea for helping out my own community. Thanks to Episode 84, I've bloged my views on the situation in my community and have started a movement for change in the way things are going to be run in the city of churches (I kid you not, there's like two churches to every bar and a bar on every corner how messed up is that?). Thanks to you guys you've set in motion a clean-up of leadership that's been long over due. I've included a link to said post if any of you are intrested in reading it, if not, that's cool too. Just wanted to let you know you guys are really inspireing in your own weird way, and love the random sci-fi refrences, keep up the good work.

Hey, I recently started listening to your podcast, and since you guys seem to be *so* helpful answering questions, I thought I'd ask one. =D

I'm going to be going off to college soon to study embalming. Yep, I'm going to be working in a funeral home, embalming dead people. So...my question is: Do you think I'll have to go to work everyday in a metaphysical hazmat suit? I'll be dealing with dead bodies that may or may not have negative energy clinging to them, and there's also the general energy that tends to hang around a funeral home. Do you have any idea what special care I should take? I know it's what I want to do, but I have no experience with dead people because, well, they're dead people. Thanks.

This could also branch into a topic about how being sensitive to energy affects your jobs, and vice versa.

I loved this episode as you read my letter. I have been mulling over some suggestions for topics of discussion. But you scared the shit out of me with your rant'But its all good as I tend to get over confident and I probably need to re-think my thoughts.

So I took a class on Beginerds Reading and learnt how to read.

Now I just need to learn how to type with something other than my ankle.

You are absolutely dead on about people having initiative and gaining knowledge on our own. I have been doing just that and finding so many conflicts amongst writers and believers. Its all so very discerning. I will not give up in trying to find out what Paganism truly is. As I really don't believe there is one explanation for it. What seemed to be a some what reasonable definition 5 years ago has become 'fluffy? 'I guess is the term? .. Therefore Pagans have segregated themselves and eliminated.. or should I say, created a new/additional definition to add to the already HUGE list of 'PAGANS'

I shall continue to look for my religious stance amongst this world of smacktards and I would love to tell PCP that you all are helping me immensely in my search. I cant get enough of you all. You are like family * feels like a smacktard * as I listen to the podcasts while I work.

I noticed that the title of episode 91 is 'Single and Lonely' um Ashlee I still, madly want to have yer babies,!

As a token of my love I am currently working on a genetically altered chicken (egg) with hopes of it becoming a raptor, with a hello kitty head with purple pom poms of fire as claws on its arms'and I have this cute half shirt, that will go down to it's belly button'and on the shirt is a HUGE smiley face.

Dave .. when yu are angry, your voice morphs into a new yorker.

Thanks guys I do indeed love you all!

one suggestion I might be able to give for Topics..
Conspiracy Theorists, are they just another branch of Paganism?
* feels stupid *

hey i love ur podcast so much i have one simple request could u do a second herbalism episode with better sound quality cause ive tried to listen to it 3 times now and there r parts where u sound like charlie browns teacher and its kind of annoying cause its something that interests me

Greeting's PCP.
I would first like to say that you guys have a great show. My wife and I are regular listeners and enjoy it very much.

Now down to the reason for this email. A ship in the Navy will be holding an All faiths worship service. I know what you are thinking...all christian faiths worship service. I thought so to until I received an invitation to be one of the speakers for the service. and that I have been asked to read a pagan prayer for the service that I had submitted. It's not much but it seems like a huge step for the military from what I've seen in my time in. I've been a follower of the pagan faith for 16 or so years, when I could finally put a name to my beliefs. the service will also have a Muslim and a Hindu speaker, a Jew, a Jehovah's witness and a Roman Catholic. Although I found it vastly amusing that the only three that showed up for the first meeting where the pagan the muslim and the hindu. It sounds like the start of a good joke...but I haven't figured out the punch line yet.

Keep up the good show and I'll keep listening :)
, A. Sailor.

episode 8------- i think... When I listened to the intro I was greatly enraged. It left me weeping. Feeling even more lost and hopeless. Makes me think of what is going wrong with the positive stuff people like PCP and many others are trying to embrace and share. a perspective.. I want to make a difference and challenge all who defy love as being part of our soul. But..inside I am afraid of being " Ganged up on " and have all of my positive energies and drive and ambitions .,. become shattered. Maybe its because of the rules and limits put on society as we mature and try to interact as independently thinking humans. But I know I do and say more in my own mind than I do in actuality. which leads me to believe theres more like me out there than I realize. Like PCP i think of how I can reach to these peoples and communicate so a real difference can be made. then..... episode 8 happens and pushes me back into my shell where i think its safe. Where I am going with this, I am not sure. Maybe if you guys see there are many more out here like yourselves, who need brave souls like yourselves, to make us stronger and more confident. Enabling us to do our part. Episode 8's into made me cry and become very upset. But listening to you guys made me aware that there is a way to beat that kind of negativity down. Not physically but in my own way of feeling. I want to thank you all for the information and confidence building you do. I know I speak for many who are soon to open up and tell you these same words. Thanks for helping me be me. When people we know and love as well as ourselves devote entire lives to a certain religion or belief and it fails us.... its and automatic DE-evolutionary response to become reserved, afraid and paranoid to find ourselves again. I hope PCP doesnt think ima wak!

I very much like your show, it has provided me with entertainment and information while I'm a work. I really enjoy your skits especially the skits in episode 49 and 51. Scotch tape- Man's greatest weapon... Keep up the good work and thanks again; you guys; for this awesome podcast.

On another note I possibly have a topic for you guys:

Wild Magic
(as in magic not needing a circle or tools to be cast, just straight natural / personal energy and intention)

Valid, in-depth and non-fluffy information is scarce on this topic. I am curious to hear what your opinions are as this form of magic is what I seem to be able to do best on a day-by-day basis.

In my opinion when one has a strong personal connection with Deity and the natural world, that connection circumvents the need to use a circle to communicate with them, as that would be redundant.

Mind you; I still will cast a circle when I need that extra boost it provides during an important ritual.

HELLO FROM THE UK!! IM LISTENING TO A FEW PODCASTS: LOVE THE ENGLISH ACCENT ON DEPRESSION SHOW AND LISTENING A FEW RANDOM OTHERS. LOVE IT. CONSIDER ME A REGULAR NOW! :)

MERRY PODCASTING! ITS GREAT TO HEAR MY PEOPLE, TALKING WITH MY SHARED OPINIONS. OTHERS EXIST! YAY!

ALL THE BEST, SARAH/LOKIRAT, LEICESTER,UK <:3)~~

PS- LOVE HOW YOU ALL CACKLE SO LOUD, LOL :)

I'm sending u a link to an article about the manitoba legislature building and the pagan symbolism in it. The author seems to be a crazy christian doom sayer but he's not totally of base as far as i know having lived in winnipeg all my life and having visited this building many times everything about the actual architecture such as the golden boy being a copy of a statue of hermes and the 13 steps per flight are all truly there check it out at best its an interesting laugh at worst, well ill let u decide the at worst scenario. lol

hey guys im a kemetic from Canada and i just have a question for Amber ( the resident kemetic ) if everything the ancient egyptians did was based on the nile and nile living, how can we translate such a huge part of the religion into modern day culture and energy workings, and by the way ya'll are awesome and keep it up with the stupid people bashing.

oy!

wtg ! keep it up! the momentum is swelling!

I totally agree about the classes topic.

When I first started getting into the pagan religions I joined a coven that actually held classes. Since it was an eclectic coven we learned about everyone's paths. It was a very educational experience and there was a lot of discussions on books to avoid and the best historical books to use to research certain religions. Unfortunately, I haven't found any down to earth people around here that are holding classes. Researching is fun though. Libraries are fun to explore.

Dave commentary: Houston has a lot of classes - but seeming everywhere else I've been has only taught 101 stuff

I really love the show!! Over the past year you not only provide very informative information and really bring up points that many people probably don’t think about but you guys always get me to laugh while I am at work, I always get excited when the show is downloading!!!….Let me know if you ever need more ego stroking

I love you!

I sit on the train going to work, through lovely cornish countryside, and cackle to myself.in doing so, getting odd looks. keep it up.

Hey, I just thought you should know i really think your podcast.. even though I'm from the other half of the hemisphere I find you guys hilarious... and informative! Ahh it's so hard to find pagans where I live and my age.. you guys make me feel part of some big ass happy thing. haha. alright that was wierd.
blessed be. Ivana.

I've just started listening to your podcasts. I'm really enjoying them. only up to 6 so far, but great fun. great truths, and good to see that the same stereotypes exist all over the world.

you seem like my sort of people. I don't say that often.

all the best.

I have lots of catching up to do.

Amber, Ashlee, Dave, Jason, Sam, and Brandon;

(There, I believe I have mentioned every name, ergo, it isn't just the stereotypical "DAVE I LUV YER SHOW AND U OTHER GUYZ TOO LOLZ" fanmail) I recently discovered PCP. Y'all now make my nights at work go much faster. You actually make me think. I'd appreciate more discussion on energy work, but then, I've not listened to all of the old shows yet, so I may be missing some stuff. Thank you very much. Continue the excellent work. And just by the way, Chris Eccleston was a better Doctor. And he's going to be Destro! Yeah baby!

Sincerely yours,
Badger Angel

Hey guys! and ladies!
I want to let you know that I enjoy your podcast immensely. On yer last episode, #87... you got the sound down nicely. I am sooo glad you got rid of that robot who did the intro thingy... especially the part where it spelled out imbleedingprofusely.com... was kind of a drag...i felt like i was a robot listener!

Any way. i wanted to let you know I think "YALL".. are very proffessional and very entertaining. I love the vast and intelligent perspectives "YALL" have. I am not of any religion but I am very interested in the Pagan community. I am still not sure "EXACTLY" what its all about.... perhaps You all.. meaning each and every one of you could take a second to spew your thoughts on what its all about. I grew up Episcopalian.. i think thats semi Catholic. Or just a lazy Catholic.. I lost interest in it as I became a young adult. So for a couple decades now I have probably been a little lost. In a sense...

Anyway thanks again... and keep up the awesome work you do. Keep punchin peeps in the face! And I love "YALLS" honesty... and Ashlee? i wanna have yer babies.... you ROOL!

please find out the guys last name or call him something else and use it cause he's not the only pagan with the name, I'm personally not that bad.

I love your show and hope to someday be able to make the first doctor who reference of the episode ;)

i would be interested in hearing what you guys had to say about Pagan based wedding ceremonies versus the average i do's you usually see when the couple isn't heavily christian. also whether you would go through a more pagan based ceremony even if you would have christian guests that might not understand

Herbalism as it pertains to pregnant women

Magda Writes:

Hey everyone,

I don't know how much you guys know about this topic, but I was wondering if there are negative side effects to doing or participating in rituals while pregnant? I know, or at least hear it a lot, that it's not a good idea to do rituals when you're body is sick or drained, so I was just wondering if the same rules apply here?

I just found out I'm pregnant again and it seems that is when I want to do rituals and light incense the most. I never did any during my first pregnancy so I don't have anything to base it off of. For some reason I just feel the pull to do it more now that I have a life form inside me.

Thank you,
Magda

Simim Writes about episode 84:

Problems out the ass here.

-Chaotic nature is a good thing. (And you knew I'd argue this.)

The reason Christians are sheep? Because they're unified, ordered, and follow the same thing.

It's a GOOD thing for everyone to believe something different. Why? Because it keeps you on your toes. Failure to question your own beliefs is failure to learn, leading to ignorance and decay of mental process.

And everyone knows magic's mental. You lose that mentality and you lose the magic.

Also? Why do so many people act like there is a universal truth? Why do so many people think that there's a hidden, constant 'this is the right true thingie!!'no matter what?

The universe is under constant change. CONSTANT change. This 'universal truth'would not be exempt from this. Give me a good reason why it would, and maybe I'll listen.

This truth is always changing, and it's always different. To think you'll grasp it for more than seconds at a time is bogus. That's why you always try but never truly succeed in finding it. You may come to a sudden bout of enlightenment. It may take you years to finally align your current truth with the universe's and BAM, you got it for that moment. It may take someone else seconds.

Someone may be lucky enough to get it multiple times, and others may never receive it.

I'm glad I don't have control over my energy. It used to piss me off SO DAMN MUCH to not be able to just'put it in its place. And now? I roll with it and it does a body good.

Simim Continues:

Two things: you can lead a horse to water, but you sure as fuck can't make them drink. You can tell someone you're using them to their face but if they won't believe it it's their own damn fault.

When you let someone know, and they continue to consent, well, fuck. I don't see a damn thing wrong with that. Some people like being hit, and others like hitting. As long as they're both getting their rocks off, it's nobody's concern but theirs.

Whoopty doo, you see it and others don't. If you don't like it so much, do something about it and quit yapping. <3

Going back to the truth, there is no set truth. Therefore, it shouldn't matter whether you initiate yourself or not. Someone telling you 'THIS IS WRONG'is a liar. Only you know your own truth, and someone telling you 'this is the right way to do it!!'needs to shut the fuck up and get off your back.

Contradiction: Our priests go to classes to make sure they're right/If you quote off books you're just as much of a sheep as the Christians.

Well, someone telling you in a class what's right and what's wrong'it's the same thing as following a book.

And I like nitpicking because:

• I'm an argumentative person
• I like the emotions it creates when people get riled off(especially when I laugh at your anger. Delicious.)
• If you think you're right, you're not.

Religious Organization, period, is the biggest oxymoron. Bigger than Military Intelligence or Microsoft Works.

This is a wonderful podcast. ^_^

Simim Continues:

Ohhh, and more!!

I never got why Pagans are so closed up about their shit, and you've got other religions going 'OMG YOU WANNA SEE MY POKEMANZ RELIGION?!?!'

I'm not trying to convert people here, but dude, there's nothing funner than outing yourself to a group of other non-pagan people and watching them go 'wwwWWWHA?!?!'

No one's persecuting you, in the end, but yourself. And maybe the hungry, bloodthirsty, conservative televangelists, but dude, there's so many pseudo-Satanists out there that quietly mentioning your love of the Goddess just makes them sigh and state that 'We want something flashier to exorcise, sorry.'

Heehee. Never got why people need role models, either. If I wanna be like something, I'm gonna be like something. If I needed to look up to people, that means there's something wrong with me.

Look, there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON, WHATSOEVER, that you cannot be like someone else. Physical appearance/etc aside, ever.

I like labels for people I'm not interested in. But once I'm curious, it's more than 'one label.'Of course, words are labels, mis amigos. We get a bunch of words going, and I'll have 20 labels for you. You're black, white, asian, irish, tall, short, sexy, ugly, fat, thin, conservative, liberal, hell, PAGAN IS A LABEL.

WOOOO. Call yourself another one, because if you hate it so much, don't worry, I'm a masochist too. <3

I got my awesome pants at Hot Topic, and some people decided to make a forum over it.

Is there something wrong with self-indulgence in a word where you're the only one who will indulge you?

Simim Continues:

How is there anything not sacred about slicing into the flesh of something in order to nourish your own, sacred, body?

Meat is sacred. You are meat, and meat is sacred. Everything is sacred, and nothing is sacred. You're imbibing the blood and flesh of something that has been killed for you to live.

Doesn't matter how much it's been fried, battered, boiled, sauced, preserved'it died, and you're eating it.

And don't purify me, for the love of nothing that is holy. I think I'd cease to exist. T_T;;

My athame(s) are my fucking fingers. I am the holiest thing to me, and my energy flows through those fingers. And nobody fully knows what sorts of fucked up things I've done with those fingers. Hehehe.

Athames are used to direct energy. You can hold your hand out and it'll work.

The only reason you need pomp and ceremony, after all, is to distract your rational conscious mind so the real magic can happen subconsciously. If you can distract your rational mind WITHOUT using a fancy-ass, ritual-use only, athame, so be it. Plenty of people do magic everyday without them.

Simim Concludes:

Zeus fucked'anything. I'll sure as hell give him some beer and some chips, and ask him to come on down ala Bob Barker style.

All deities are, after all, are super-beings created by the thoughts of millions of sentient beings. They're thought-memes! Giant fucking memes, given sentience and power by their worshippers.

If I wanted to view Jesus as a asian lady holding a cigar, well, damn, there you go. Same with anything. It's the symbolism in your own mind that counts.

That's magic for you

Qwertos Writes:

Dear PCP Podcast Crew, Again you have a fantastically fabulous show. Here is a website for y'all (yes I just said y'all and no I have never lived in the south ;) ) to check out: http://www.deafpagancrossroads.com.

There is a good author that I have found. Her name is Olga Kharitidi. Her book, Entering the Circle, has to do with her finding her shamanic path, and the healer within her. The "sequel" (used in the loosest sense of the word), Master of Lucid Dreams, has to do with energy work, and more healing.

Here's a topic: What are your opinions on free will? Personally I believe that we have free will to a point. We have fates that decide something that is vague and we have the free will to decide how that fate is fulfilled. For example: Person X could have the fate that he/she will die by the age of 30, but he has the free will to decide weather or not to die in a car accident at 20, eat too much fried food and have a heart attack by 25, or if they live to the age of 30 to drop down dead for unknown reasons.

Well, that is a happy note to end on,
~Qwertos

PS- Someone should start a Facebook group for PCP.