Paganism and the Art of Storytelling Episode
- Midnight Starr
- Sep 19
- 6 min read
What it's All About:
This episode looks at the deep connection between Paganism and the ancient art of storytelling. Join me as I discuss how myths, legends, and personal narratives serve as vital conduits for spiritual understanding and cultural transmission within various Pagan traditions. From the oral traditions passed down through generations to the modern crafting of our own sacred stories, I'll show the power of narrative to shape our beliefs, guide our practices, and connect us to the timeless wisdom of the earth and cosmos.
Discover how storytelling isn't just entertainment, but a powerful magical act that fosters community, preserves ancestral knowledge, and ignites the imagination. I'll share how you can reclaim and weave your own stories, drawing inspiration from folklore, myth, and nature to deepen your spiritual journey. Tune in to understand why, for Pagans, every narrative, whether ancient or newly forged, is a sacred thread in the rich tapestry of existence.
Songs Featured:
A Tale of Fate (A Folksong Awaits) by Hagalaz Runedance
Spirit Guide Background Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay
Links Mentioned:
Get in Touch Through Social Media:
Spirit Guide of the Week:
Dream Symbol:
Help
Hide and Seek
Hit
Transcript:
(03:28)
Welcome to another episode of the Music from the Goddess’ Vault Podcast. I am your host Midnight Starr. You just heard A Book of Shadows Part 1: A Story Yet Untold by Dragonland.
The topic of today’s show is all about the Art of Storytelling in Paganism.
But first, do you have a topic you'd like to hear about on a future episode? Maybe you have a question about spirit guides or a dream symbol you can't stop thinking about. Please share your ideas with me using the links in the show notes.
You can also connect with me on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Mastodon. Or you can visit my blog at https://goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home.
Stay updated on all things Goddess' Vault by signing up for my free newsletter at musicgoddessvault.substack.com. If you enjoy the podcast and want to help it continue, consider becoming a paid member. For just $7 a month or $70 a year, your support makes a real difference and helps keep the show running!
Now, when I was thinking about how to talk about The Art of Storytelling in Paganism, all I could think about was how storytelling has been with us since the beginning. It's truly a part of what makes us human.
Before I get into that, let's hear Faerie Story by Brobdingnagian Bards.
(06:22)
I've been thinking about The Art of Storytelling in Paganism, and it's a topic that's so much bigger than it seems. I want to talk about why stories are so important to us, not just as humans, but as Pagans.
For many Pagan paths, our knowledge wasn't written down in a book. It was passed down from person to person, from parent to child, and from teacher to student. This oral tradition is what kept our faiths alive through the ages. It's through this shared act of storytelling that we create community. A shared story brings us together in a way nothing else can.
But stories do more than just build community. They are a way for us to connect with the divine. Our myths and folktales are windows into the personalities and lessons of the gods, goddesses, and spirits of the land. They make these beings and places feel real and alive, not just like names on a page. When you tell the story of a deity, you're not just reciting history; you’re building a relationship.
So, storytelling is powerful. But how do we get better at it? I'll get into that after you listen to A Sailor’s Tale by Emian.
(14:39)
This week, I’m going back to Africa and the Caribbean to talk about the god Anansi.
Anansi is a divine trickster and sacred spider. He’s known as a master of illusion and deception, and is also called the "owner of all stories." In the Western Hemisphere, you'll often find him as the main character in many Anansi folktales.
He’s the child of the earth and the sky, and serves as their eyes and ears here on Earth. In some myths, Anansi is a water spider who helps his parents and people by bringing rain to stop fires and controlling rivers and seas. Other stories tell of him creating or hanging the sun, moon, and stars. And he teaches his people vital survival skills.
If you want to connect with Anansi, you can offer him sweet treats, liquor, or cigarettes. But the best way to honor him is to entertain him with stories, songs, and jokes. He loves a good story, and he loves to laugh.
That is it for now. Stay tuned for another Spirit guide of the week.
(20:00)
That was My Own Spider’s Web by Elvenking.
I just discussed how stories are vital for our community and for connecting with the divine. Now, I want to get into the how. I'm going to share a few tips for becoming a better storyteller yourself.
First, use your voice. It's your most powerful tool. Don't be afraid to change your tone and pace. When a character in your story is whispering, you can whisper too. If something exciting happens, speed up your words and let your voice get a little higher. These small changes can bring a story to life.
Next, create a scene. The key to a good story isn't just what happens, but where it happens. Use descriptive language to help your listeners feel like they're right there with you. Think about the sounds: the rustle of leaves, the crackle of a fire, etc. What are the smells, and what do the sights look like? The more details you give, the more engaged your audience will be.
And finally, remember that your audience matters. Storytelling is a two-way street. Pay attention to how the people you're with are reacting. Are they leaning in? Are their eyes wide? If they are, you know you're on the right track. If not, don't be afraid to adjust. Maybe you need to speed up a bit or focus on a different part of the story.
Ultimately, storytelling isn't just a performance. It's a sacred act that honors the past and gives new life to our traditions. It is a form of magic, making myths and history feel present and real. So I encourage you to find a story, practice it, and share the magic. Who knows what you might awaken.
Now for some more music: Old Tale by Korpiklaani.
(27:12)
Here's another dream symbol to interpret.
Help, Hide and Seek, and Hit
Dreaming of helping someone means you're prepared to set aside your own beliefs for a more important goal.
If you are calling for help in a dream, it suggests that you are feeling lost or overwhelmed.
If you dream that you are helping an enemy, it means you need to find a middle ground to move forward.
Next, Hide and Seek.
Dreaming that you are playing this game means you have a secret you can't hold in any longer.
If you were the one hiding, you are not revealing or sharing something.
If you were the one seeking, it represents your desire to find more information about a situation.
And finally, Hit.
To dream that you hit someone or something symbolizes unexpressed anger.
If someone is hitting you, it implies you're feeling helpless or powerless.
And if you dream of being almost hit by a car, it may symbolize that your beliefs or goals are clashing with someone else's.
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.
(32:25)
That was Goddess, Help Them by Mr. E.
Thanks for listening! I'm Midnight Starr.
I'd love to know what topic, spirit guides, or dream symbols are calling to you for a future show. Your ideas truly light up this show! You can connect with me on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Mastodon, or find exclusive content on my blog at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home.
To make sure you never miss an update, sign up for my free newsletter at musicgoddessvault.substack.com.
Now, to send us off, here's the song A Tale of Fate (A Folksong Awaits) by Hagalaz Runedance.
Blessed Be!
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