Paganism in Film and TV Episode
- Midnight Starr
- Jul 25
- 7 min read
What it's All About:
This week, I'm bringing you an episode about "Paganism in Film and TV." I'll be looking at how ideas from paganism, including witchcraft and nature-based spirituality, appear in popular media. We'll consider the general ways these themes are presented, from positive portrayals that offer thoughtful perspectives to ongoing common misconceptions that shape public understanding.
Join me as I examine the overall impact these presentations have on how paganism is understood by broader audiences and within our own community. I'll discuss the recurring magical and mystical elements, and how our spiritual path is sometimes reflected on screen.
Songs Featured:
Spirit Guide Background Music by Lobsang Karma from Pixabay
Dream Symbol Background Music by Oleksii Kalyna from Pixabay
Links Mentioned:
Get in Touch Through Social Media:
Spirit Guide of the Week:
Ogma
Dream Symbol:
Oars
Obedience
Tea
Transcript:
(02:50)
Welcome to another episode of the Music from the Goddess’ Vault Podcast. I am your host, Midnight Starr. You just heard Emerald Rose with the classic, Chocolate Frog.
In today’s episode, I will be focusing on Paganism in TV and Film.
Before we jump into today's awesome topic, I have a quick question for you! I'm genuinely curious: what future show topics, spirit guides, or dream symbols are you hoping to hear about? Your ideas truly help steer this show, so hit that link in the show notes to share your brilliance, or find me chilling on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Mastodon – I'm always there! And for even more goodies, my blog at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home is packed with insights.
For all the new updates from Goddess' Vault, simply head to musicgoddessvault.substack.com and sign up for free! If you're loving what you hear and want to contribute to the magic, consider becoming a paid member for just $7 a month or $70 a year. Your contribution isn't just appreciated; it's what genuinely helps keep the wisdom flowing and the vault overflowing!
Now for the topic: Paganism in TV and Film. I know we all talk about what the latest witchy streaming show or movie to watch. In fact, I need you to give me a few suggestions, since I myself haven’t been watching any Witchy TV.
We'll talk more about Paganism in TV and Film right after you listen to Scott Cunningham by Cloud the Pagan Rapper.
(07:14)
We all love a good witchy show or a film steeped in powerful magic, right? It seems like these stories are everywhere, grabbing our attention and sparking our imagination. But have you ever wondered why these tales of the mystical are so compelling, and what "Paganism in TV and Film" truly looks like on a broad level?
For many of us, movies and TV offer a incredible window into worlds where magic is real, where deities interact with humanity, and where nature itself holds a profound spiritual power. There's a deep resonance there, drawing in audiences who are seeking an escape, yes, but also a connection to something beyond the everyday.
These narratives often tap into something truly fundamental – those powerful, universal archetypes and stories that echo across cultures and time. Think about the wise witch, the steadfast nature guardian, the spirited, rebellious deity, or the classic journey of self-discovery. These themes speak to something deep within us, because they're part of humanity's long, shared history of storytelling.
Visually, these portrayals are often stunning. The beautiful natural settings, the evocative mystical rituals, the rich, symbolic costumes – it all contributes to a captivating experience, even if the details aren't always perfectly accurate. And for countless people, TV and film are their very first, or even their only, glimpse into anything resembling paganism. Even with their imperfections, these stories can open a door, sparking curiosity and inviting further exploration.
Now, while these on-screen visions certainly draw us in with their charm and magic, they don't always get everything exactly right. In our next segment, I'll touch on how these portrayals sometimes miss the mark and what that means for our community.
The next tune that I am going to play for you is Fae Hollow Magic by Alexander James Adams.
(16:05)
Time for another Spirit Guide of the Week.
This week, we're going back to Ireland to talk about the God Ogma. While his roots are strongest in Ireland, his significance also appears in Scottish mythology.
He is known as the master of eloquent speech and writing. Because of this, Legend says that he made the Ogham to share and protect the old Irish writing system called Ogham. This is a system of notches and strokes, and it was traditionally carved right into wood or stone.
He is also a poet. But don’t let that fool you, because Ogma is also a strong warrior, fighting alongside Lugh at the Battle of Mag Tuired.
His name, translated, means “to cut.”
Ogma is also a part of the Tuatha De Danann.
Ogma often appears in a triad with Lugh and the Dagda. For pagans today, his Ogham script can be used for readings or to talk directly with him. He's a strong guide for anyone into poetry, writing, or finding their true voice.
That is it for now. Stay tuned for another spirit guide of the week.
(19:36)
As I mentioned earlier, while TV and film do a great job of bringing pagan themes to life and drawing us in, the way they're shown isn't always accurate. Now, I want to briefly discuss some of the challenges and common misconceptions that can pop up from these media portrayals.
One big issue is simplification and exaggeration. Complex spiritual paths and practices often get boiled down or blown way out of proportion for dramatic effect. Real rituals might be compressed into quick scenes, or powers are made far grander than in actual practice. This isn't just about magic; sometimes, nuanced beliefs are flattened to fit a convenient plot.
Then there's the persistent focus on the 'dark' or 'evil.' We've all seen it: paganism, especially witchcraft, is frequently linked to something inherently sinister, scary, or even dangerous. This is usually driven by sensationalism to make a story more exciting, but it's a far cry from the genuine, diverse, and often benevolent practices of pagans today.
Another common pitfall is the lack of diversity. Many portrayals tend to be very narrow, often showing just one, usually Euro-centric, idea of what a 'witch' or 'pagan' looks like. This completely misses the incredibly rich and varied paths that exist within paganism across different cultures and traditions.
Ultimately, these simplified or sensationalized portrayals can have a big impact on public perception. While they might spark a little curiosity in some, they can also unfortunately reinforce harmful stereotypes in the wider public eye.
So, while we absolutely enjoy the magic and storytelling on screen, it's really good to remember that real paganism is often far more nuanced, diverse, and deeply personal than what fits neatly into a two-hour movie or a weekly series. Ultimately, these shows are fantastic for entertainment, but they also serve as a jumping-off point for a deeper understanding, for those of us who choose to seek it.
I'm now going to take a break so that you can Three Witches by Spiral Rhythm.
(28:13)
Here's another dream symbol to interpret.
These are the three: Oars, Obedience, and Tea.
Seeing or using oars in your dream often points to how well you're managing your feelings.
If you're rowing with great energy, in your dreams, it could suggest that you need to tackle a certain situation with more drive and resolve.
If you dream that you're only paddling with one oar, that might indicate you're stuck in a cycle, not moving forward, and perhaps need assistance with a current issue.
Dreaming of being obedient yourself can symbolize recognizing a greater force or influence in your life.
If someone else is showing obedience towards you in your dream, it reflects the sway, strength, and command you have over others.
If you dream you're being disobedient, it might signal a rebellious outlook, or perhaps you're feeling a little unsure about a situation.
If your dream involves preparing or simply enjoying tea, it frequently indicates feelings of fulfillment and peace in your daily life.
Watching or participating in a tea ceremony in your dream can represent togetherness, mutual regard, and the significance of family connections.
And if you're interpreting tea leaves in your dream, that's a clue to look beyond superficial appearances and truly understand the heart of a matter.
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.
(32:31)
You just heard, Daydream (Tea Getting Cold) by Willow Wynd.
And just like that, we've reached the end of another magical journey! I'm your host, Midnight Starr, and before you go, I'm buzzing to hear from you! What themes are calling to you for future episodes? Maybe more Spirit Guides, unraveling dream symbols, or something completely unexpected? Whatever's on your mind, send your suggestions my way! You can find me hanging out on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Blue Sky, and Mastodon, or pop over to my blog at goddessvault1.wixsite.com/home for even more content.
Oh, and for all the insider news and exclusive updates on new episodes, make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter at musicgoddessvault.substack.com! Don't miss a beat—join the community today!
Huge thanks for tuning in! To send us off with some awesome vibes, here's Egil Saga by Faun.
Blessed Be!
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