Pagan Inspired Literature Episode
- Midnight Starr
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
What it's All About:
In this episode, I discuss modern Pagan-inspired literature, focusing on how contemporary authors draw from ancient traditions, myths, and spiritual practices to shape their narratives. These works highlight the intricate relationship between humanity and nature, the divine, and the cosmos. I showcase notable authors who incorporate Pagan elements into their stories, illustrating how their writings resonate with modern Pagan values and beliefs. By exploring themes influenced by folklore, mythology, and the natural environment, literature serves as a powerful medium for expressing and examining the complexities of Pagan spirituality.
I also analyze the impact of these literary works on the Pagan community and beyond. How do these stories inspire individuals to connect with their own spiritual paths? What role does symbolism play in enhancing our understanding of Pagan practices? Join me as I consider contemporary novels and essays that celebrate the diversity of Pagan thought, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships with literature and spirituality. This episode promises to spark your imagination and deepen your appreciation for the rich tapestry of modern Pagan-inspired storytelling.
Songs Featured:
The Book of Shadows, Pt. I A Story Yet Untold by Dragonland
Spirit Guide Background Music by ArtManzh from Pixabay
Dream Symbol Background Music by FREEMUSICPRO from Pixabay
Links Mentioned:
Get in Touch Through Social Media:
Spirit Guide of the Week:
Mnemosyne
Dream Symbol:
Field
Flag
Food Truck
Transcript:
(04:23)
Welcome to another episode of the Music from the Goddess’ Vault Podcast. I am your host, Midnight Starr. You just heard Legolas by Three Weird Sisters.
The topic of today’s show is all about Pagan Inspired Literature.
Before we jump into the next segment, I’d love to hear your ideas for future episodes! Share your suggestions through the link in the show notes or connect with me on social media—I’m on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Mastodon. Also, don’t miss my blog at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home for even more fantastic content!
Want to stay in the loop? Check out musicgoddessvault.substack.com and sign up—it’s totally free! If you’re enjoying the show and want to support my work, consider joining as a paid member for just $7 a month or $70 a year. Your support means everything to me and helps keep this podcast going strong!
Now, let's get into our topic: Pagan Inspired Literature. Paganism serves as a muse not just for musicians and painters, but also for writers. In this episode, I’ll explore five authors and how paganism has influenced their work. But I know there are many more out there!
Stay tuned as you listen to Chocolate Frog by Emerald Rose, and I’ll share more insights afterward.
(08:14)
Let's talk about a few authors, starting with Starhawk. Particularly, the first two authors in this segment. Now, I’ve only read Spiral Dance, but did you know she also writes fiction? Some of her notable works include The Fifth Sacred Thing, Walking to Mercury, and City of Refuge.
In her prize-winning novel The Fifth Sacred Thing, the story unfolds in a future where ecological and spiritual values clash with a dystopian society. Starhawk weaves Pagan practices throughout the narrative, emphasizing the importance of community, connection to nature, and the sacredness of the Earth. The characters embody various aspects of Pagan spirituality, showcasing how these beliefs can inspire resistance and healing.
Now, you see how Paganism has influenced one author. Here’s another who isn’t Pagan but incorporates elements of it in her work: Anne Rice.
I'm a huge fan and have read almost all of the Lives of the Mayfair Witches series. I watched the first season of Mayfair Witches, but I didn’t like how they changed so much, including the plot. I don’t recommend it, and I’ve heard the second season isn’t any better.
The series is set in New Orleans, which naturally includes elements of Voodoo. One of the Mayfair ancestors practiced it, and there’s a memorable scene where Rowan discovers a voodoo doll made with her ancestors' hair. The theme of ancestry is central throughout the series. In The Witching Hour, Rowan finds some files on her family that were given to Michael Curry, but Aaron Lightner, who is one of the members of the Talamasca. These files traced all the way back to Rowan’s ancestor Suzanne, back in seventeenth century Scotland. Plus all three of the books feature the ghosts of these ancestors.
Interestingly, the title of Anne Rice’s third book in this series, Taltos, comes from a Hungarian word meaning "shaman." In the Hungarian Taltos myth (Not the book), people are said to be born with extra fingers or toes, or other extra body parts. This belief dates back to ancient times, before modern science could explain these kinds of differences. The idea of having an extra appendage also shows up throughout the series.
I’m going to take a break now for you to listen to some more music. This next piece is from Moon and the Nightspirit, and the title of this song translates into English as either “Celestial Shaman” or “Sky Shaman.”
(15:23)
Time for another Spirit Guide of the Week.
I am once again going back to Greece to talk about the goddess Mnemosyne.
She is the goddess of memory and remembrance, and she is also known as the Mother of Artistic Inspiration.
Mnemosyne is the daughter of Gaia and Uranus, playing an important role in Greek mythology as the person who represents memory.
One of her key stories is her time with Zeus, where they spent nine nights together. This led to the birth of the nine Muses, who inspire creativity in art, writing, and music.
Before Mnemosyne, the idea of memory didn’t exist, showing how crucial she is to creativity.
You can call on Mnemosyne to help you remember things or connect with past experiences. In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget important moments, so invoking her can remind us of how valuable our memories are.
As you think about your own life, consider how your memories shape who you are and how you see the world. Mnemosyne encourages us to honor our past because it helps us understand our present and can inspire our future.
That is it for now. Stay tuned for another spirit guide of the week.
(22:03)
That was Meren King with Arizona Memories.
Let’s explore some fascinating Pagan-inspired literature through three notable authors.
First, Diana Gabaldon is best known for her Outlander series. While primarily historical fiction, her works touch on themes of spirituality and nature. Gabaldon’s characters often engage with the land and the spiritual practices of their time, offering insight into the historical roots of Pagan beliefs.
Next, we have Tanya Huff, whose urban fantasy series frequently includes Pagan and mystical elements. Her stories blend the modern world with ancient practices, showcasing how these themes can coexist today. Huff’s characters interact with magic and spirituality, making her work both relatable and enchanting for those interested in Paganism.
Finally, Patrick Rothfuss is the author of the Kingkiller Chronicle. His richly woven world features magical and nature-based themes. Rothfuss explores the deep connection between humanity and the natural world, illustrating how magic is intertwined with the environment. His narratives invite readers to reflect on the importance of nature and the wisdom it offers.
These authors each provide a unique perspective on Paganism, reminding us of the enduring bond between spirituality and the natural world.
I’ve included links in the show notes about each of these authors and their book series for you to explore further. Now, let’s take another break to listen to some music. This one is by Alexander James Adams, called Balance of Nature.
(28:01)
Here's another dream symbol to interpret.
These are the three: Field, Flag, and Food Truck.
Dreaming of green fields represents abundance, freedom, and joy.
Freshly plowed fields represent growth and the potential for future success, hinting at new chances and positive changes ahead.
Dreaming of dead or barren fields can reflect feelings of scarcity, negativity, and a bleak outlook for the future.
Waving a flag in your dreams can mean there’s a warning or important message for you, suggesting that you should pay attention to something significant happening in your life.
A red flag typically suggests danger or a caution regarding a potentially harmful situation.
Seeing a checkered flag symbolizes achievement and the completion of a challenging task, marking the end of a difficult journey.
If you dream of your national flag, it represents peace and prosperity.
To dream that you see a flag from another country may reflect concerns about global issues.
A flag at half-mast signifies mourning and suggests that you are having difficulty moving on from the past.
And dreaming of a food truck or eating from one suggests that you might not be dedicating enough time to your emotional health.
If you want a dream symbol to interpret and maybe have a dream symbol featured, I will mention the contact information at the end of this show. So keep dreaming.
(33:17)
That was Fields in Flames by Korpiklaani.
That brings us to the end of today’s episode! I’m your host, Midnight Starr.
Before I say goodbye, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What topics are you curious about for future episodes? Whether it’s Spirit Guides, dream symbols, or something completely different, please share your ideas. You can connect with me on social media—find me on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Blue Sky, or Mastodon—or visit my blog at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home.
Also, don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter at musicgoddessvault.substack.com for exclusive updates on new episodes. Stay connected—sign up today!
Thanks for listening! To finish things off, here’s The Book of Shadows, Pt. I: A Story Yet Untold by Dragonland!
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