Seeking Numina: The Sacred Places Podcast

What if your body knows something your mind has forgotten? In this episode of Seeking Numina, Elyse Welles talks with Macedonian priestess, world dancer, choreographer, and somatic educator Sophia Blanton about the spiritual power of movement—and what can happen when we stop trying to control the body and allow ourselves to be moved. Together, they explore sacred dance, collective movement, trauma, trance, land spirits, pilgrimage, and the mysterious relationship between the body and the sacred landscape. From traditional Macedonian dance to ritual movement at sacred sites, Sophia shares a perspective on embodiment that invites us to ask: What happens when we let the body become the oracle? 🌿 Learn more about Sophia Blanton 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

What happens when the ancient gods begin calling again? In this episode of Seeking Numina, Elyse Welles sits down with Gwendolyn Reece, author of The Waters of Mnemosyne, to explore sacred Greece, pilgrimage, ancient mysteries, and what it means to build a living relationship with the Greek gods today. From Artemis and Apollo to Athena, Delphi, Brauron, and the forgotten mysteries, Elyse and Gwendolyn explore what happens when we stop treating ancient sacred places as ruins—and begin listening to what they might still have to say. They also discuss gnosis, spiritual archaeology, the revival of the mysteries, sacred community, and the surprising ways the gods may be calling modern practitioners into service. Could the ancient mysteries be ready to return? Tune in to the full conversation to find out! 🌿 Learn More About Gwendolyn Reece 🏛️ Sacred Space Conference 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast , Elyse Welles is joined by author, spiritual teacher, and fellow podcast host George Lizos to explore the ancient Greek sacred sites of modern-day Turkey, the spiritual legacy of Lycia, and what it means to practice Living Hellenism today. Fresh from an unforgettable journey through ancient Lycia, Elyse and George recount their pilgrimage to remarkable temples, mountaintop tombs, and forgotten sacred landscapes that reveal the enduring relationship between land, ancestors, and the Greek gods. Together, they discuss: Exploring the ancient Greek sites of Lycia (modern-day Turkey) Temple hopping through Anatolia and sacred landscapes The breathtaking Lycian rock tombs and ancestor veneration The Temple of Leto and the origins of the Mother Goddess Artemis, Apollo, and Leto beyond the classical myths Spiritual archaeology and intuitive research at ancient sites Connecting with land spirits through meditation and ritual Why sacred places call us when we're ready Living Hellenism as a modern spiritual path Reciprocity with the land and honoring sacred places Entrainment: an energetic practice for connecting with the landscape Why ancient temples continue to transform those who visit them Throughout the conversation, Elyse and George reflect on how sacred places become living teachers—inviting us into deeper relationships with history, mythology, the natural world, and ourselves. From meditating inside the Temple of Leto to standing among Lycian tombs during a mountain storm, they explore how pilgrimage can become a profound spiritual initiation. Whether you're interested in Greek mythology, Hellenism, sacred geography, land spirits, pilgrimage, archaeology, or ancient spirituality, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the Mediterranean's most overlooked sacred landscapes. 🌿 Learn more about George Lizos: Website | Instagram 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast, Elyse Welles welcomes bestselling author, tarot reader, and magical practitioner Judika Illes for an inspiring conversation about spellcraft, elemental magic, sacred places, and her newest deck, The Magic Spells Oracle. Known for beloved classics including The Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells, Encyclopedia of Spirits, Pure Magic, and many more, Judika shares how decades of magical study have shaped her understanding of the elements, sacred landscapes, and the enduring relationship between people and place. Together, Elyse and Judika explore: The inspiration behind The Magic Spells Oracle Elemental magic and balancing the four elements Why no witch works with only one element Sacred places and the power of landscape The spiritual significance of oceans, rivers, volcanoes, and mountains Morocco, Hawaii, Malta, the Caribbean, and other spiritually powerful destinations Ancestral memory and how the land recognizes us Ancient monuments, archaeology, and magical history The relationship between travel, pilgrimage, and spiritual growth Spellcasting as a path toward harmony and balance Astrology, the elements, and magical practice Judika also reflects on her lifelong love of travel, discussing how sacred places reveal themselves through history, geography, mythology, and the elemental forces that shape both the Earth and ourselves. Whether you're interested in witchcraft, spellcasting, sacred geography, animism, folklore, tarot, or the deeper mysteries of the natural world, this conversation offers a rich exploration of how magic is woven into both landscape and daily life. 📚 Featured books by Judika Illes: The Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells Encyclopedia of Spirits Pure Magic The Magic Spells Oracle Daily Magic Encyclopedia of Witchcraft Encyclopedia of Mystics, Saints & Sages 🌿 Learn more about Judika Illes: Instagram Facebook 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast, Elyse Welles welcomes Welsh folk witch, author, and first-language Welsh speaker Mhara Starling to discuss Welsh mythology, fairy lore, spirits of place, and the living magical traditions of Wales. Born and raised in North Wales, Mhara shares deeply personal stories of growing up among ancient standing stones, sacred coastal landscapes, and places that seemed to call to her long before she understood their archaeological or spiritual significance. Together, Elyse and Mhara explore how the land itself teaches us to listen, remember, and build relationships with the unseen world. Mhara also discusses her experiences leading spiritual tours across Wales, sharing how ancient monuments, coastal cliffs, forests, and mountains continue to hold memory, magic, and relationship for those willing to listen. Whether you're drawn to Celtic spirituality, Welsh mythology, fairy lore, or sacred geography, this conversation offers a beautiful invitation to deepen your connection with place and the living landscape. 📚 Learn more about Mhara Starling's books found wherever books are sold: Welsh Fairies Welsh Witchcraft Pantheon: The Welsh 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast , Elyse Welles welcomes occult herbalist and author Coby Michael to discuss sacred plant allies, poisonous herbs, entheogens, witchcraft, and his groundbreaking new book, The Poison Path Oracle . Together they explore the fascinating relationship between poisonous plants, sacred places, and altered states of consciousness, including the enduring mystery of whether the Oracle of Delphi used entheogenic plants during prophecy. Coby also shares his philosophy on approaching poisonous plants with reverence rather than fear, explaining how these remarkable plant allies invite practitioners into deeper relationships with the natural world and the sacred landscapes they inhabit. 🌿 More About Coby Michael 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of Seeking Numina: The Sacred Places Podcast, Elyse Welles speaks with renowned scholar and author Tobias Churton about heaven across cultures and time explored in his book Celestial Realms: A History of Heaven Since Before the Dawn of Time. Together, they explore how cultures across the world have understood heaven, the afterlife, sacred space, spiritual dimensions, and the cosmos — from ancient mythologies and Celtic traditions to Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Gnosticism, Christianity, and modern spiritual thought. Tobias Churton also shares personal reflections on sacred encounters, mystical experience, the symbolic meaning of heaven, and why humanity continues to search for transcendence across every culture and era. 📚 Tobias Churton Official Website 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast, Elyse Welles speaks with mixed media artist Jenny Davies-Reazor about sacred creativity, goddess art, pilgrimage, ceramics, mythology, and the spiritual power of artistic practice. Jenny shares how mythology, witchcraft, nature spirituality, and sacred places like Glastonbury shaped her artistic path and helped her embrace creativity as a spiritual practice. Together, Elyse and Jenny explore the relationship between the divine feminine, sacred art, pilgrimage, clay work, body image, and the transformative role of creativity in spiritual life. Jenny also discusses her journey from public school arts educator to full-time spiritual artist and YouTube creator, and how art can become a living magical practice rooted in devotion, storytelling, and connection to land. 🎨 Find Jenny Davies-Reazor: Website Youtube Instagram 🎬This episode was edited by Bree Saga: Substack | Instagram #SacredArt #GoddessSpirituality #Glastonbury #Ceramics #MixedMediaArt #DivineFeminine #Witchcraft #Pilgrimage #SpiritualCreativity #Avalon #Mythology #Druidry #NatureSpirituality #ArtJournal #Paganism Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of the Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast, Elyse Welles sits down with Finnish folklorist, author, and illustrator Niina Niskanen to explore the mystical world of Finnish tree magic, animism, sauna spirits, ancient folklore traditions, and a Lord of the Rings connection. Together they discuss the spiritual significance of saunas in Finnish culture, the connection between trees and deities in Finnish mythology, forest spirits, ritual practices, and the animistic worldview woven through Finland’s ancient traditions. This conversation is perfect for anyone interested in: Finnish mythology, pagan traditions, animism, witchcraft, sacred ecology, forest spirituality, folklore studies, Tolkien inspirations, sauna culture, and nature-based spirituality. 📚 Niina Niskanen is the author of Finnish Tree Magic and has a forthcoming book on Finnish water magic and sea goddess lore. 🌲 Learn more about Niina: * Fairy Chamber Official Website * Fairy Chamber Instagram Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

What does it really mean to awaken in today’s rapidly changing world? In this powerful episode of Seeking Numina: Sacred Places Podcast, spiritual teacher and Ayurveda pioneer Maya Tiwari shares profound wisdom on Shakti (feminine power), 5D consciousness, the middle path, and reclaiming personal sovereignty in a time of global transformation. Maya Tiwari is the founder of the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda and a globally recognized spiritual teacher, author, and humanitarian. Her work focuses on ahimsa (harmony), healing, and awakening human consciousness. 📘 Featured Book: I Am Shakti #SpiritualAwakening #5DConsciousness #MayaTiwari #Shakti #FeminineEnergy Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

What if the land is speaking… and we’ve simply forgotten how to listen? In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast , I am joined by Jane Matthews, director of World Divination, teacher of intuitive arts, and author, for a rich conversation exploring the Ogham, Ireland’s sacred landscape, and the spirits that dwell within it. Together, they explore the Ogham as the earliest Irish alphabet and its deep connection to trees, language, and the living land. Moving beyond symbols, this conversation invites listeners to consider what it means to listen to nature and recognize our own connection to it. From there, the episode opens into the more mysterious aspects of Ireland’s spiritual landscape — including fairy mounds, land spirits, and the unforgettable presence of the banshee. Jane shares why these places and beings must be approached with respect, and I reflect on my own experiences with the fae, as well as my personal journey working with Birch and being guided by the natural world. This episode is a weaving of story, symbol, and lived experience. It’s an invitation to deepen your relationship with the land and to explore what it means to be spirit-led in your practice. In this episode, you’ll hear about: ✨ The Ogham and its connection to trees and ancient language ✨ Fairy mounds, land spirits, and Irish folklore ✨ The presence and meaning of the banshee ✨ Personal gnosis and being guided by the land ✨ How different places carry different spiritual energies 🔗 Learn more about Jane Matthews: https://www.worlddivination.com https://www.janematthewsmedium.com This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

What if your wounds are something sacred? In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I am joined by Ness Bosch, author of Divine Wounds , Iberian shamaness, and founder of the Path of the Bones for a deeply reflective conversation on the divine feminine, healing, and the spiritual significance of our wounds. Together, we explore the idea that our wounds can act as pathways to connection with deity. Drawing from Ness’s work and lived experience, this episode gently reframes healing as something sacred and ongoing, rather than something to “just fix.” Through stories of working with goddesses like Medusa, Inanna, and Hera, we reflect on how the wounds of the divine often mirror our own and how those connections can guide us toward deeper understanding and transformation. The conversation also moves through the power of place, including springs and caves as sites of connection to the divine feminine, and the ways these environments hold space for both vulnerability and renewal. This episode touches on sensitive themes and is an invitation to listen with care, curiosity, and compassion for your own journey. In this episode, you’ll hear about: ✨The connection between wounds and spiritual practice ✨Working with the divine feminine and goddess archetypes ✨Sacred places like caves and springs as sites of healing ✨Personal gnosis and connecting with deity through lived experience I am so very excited to hear what you all think of this one! Make sure to check out Ness and all her work at pathofthebones.com This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

What does it mean to be called to a place? In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I am joined by Katie Ness, author of Word Witchery , hedgewitch, yoga teacher, and Magdalene priestess, for a rich conversation on personal gnosis, pilgrimage, and the sacred lands of Sardinia and Cyprus. Together, we explore the deep, often unexplainable pull toward certain places and how Spirit guides us to them in its own timing. Katie shares her unexpected journey to Cyprus at just nineteen, and the profound sense of knowing that she was meant to be there. From there, the conversation opens into a wider reflection on what it means to be ready for a sacred site, and why some places meet us as beginners while others call to us later along our path. We also discuss the evolving relationship between land, spirit, and identity including how deities may carry different names across cultures, how places like Delphi can awaken us back to ourselves, and the powerful connection to the sacred feminine found in Sardinia. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own relationship with place, movement, and spiritual calling and to consider where you might be feeling drawn next. Check out what Katie is up to @katie_wild_witch This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, we travel to the ancient temples of Malta, a place that may hold the missing link in the story of Mediterranean goddess worship. Joined by Maltese folk witch and creator of Lunar and Wild , Steph Rose Wild (@stephrosewild), the conversation explores Malta’s remarkable sacred landscape from the mysterious underground chambers of the Hypogeum to the island’s famous womb-like temples carved from living stone. These sacred structures, shaped through deep relationship with the land, may reveal how ancient peoples understood the divine feminine, death rites, and the living spirit of place. Together we discuss: • Malta as a spiritual crossroads of the Mediterranean • The Hypogeum and the idea of “listening to the living rock” • Ancient goddess traditions and the symbolism of womb temples • The role of red ochre in ritual and burial practices • Archaeology and what it reveals that written history cannot • Agape tables and ancient funeral rites • What the future of goddess work might look like today This episode is an invitation to reconnect with sacred landscapes, ancestral memory, and the living intelligence of the land itself. ✨ Learn more about Steph Rose Wild: Instagram: @stephrosewild Website: https://www.lunarandwild.com/ This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

This week on The Sacred Places Podcast. I sit down with Tudorbeth, a hereditary practitioner, author, and deck creator, to explore the magic of the hedge and what it means to walk the boundary between the physical and the spiritual. What is a hedge, and why has it become such a powerful symbol within witchcraft and folk magic traditions? Together, we discuss liminal places, trance work, hedgewitch identity, and the deeper meaning behind thresholds we encounter both in nature and within ourselves. From the quiet power beneath bridges to the energetic symbolism of sending intentions away on a passing train, this conversation invites listeners to consider how magic often lives in the “in-between.” Whether you are new to hedgewitch practices or simply curious about liminal magic, this episode offers thoughtful insights, grounded wisdom, and gentle questions to reflect on your own relationship with boundaries, otherworlds, and spiritual practice. Check out more of Tudorbeth's work on her website! https://www.houseofbeith.com/ This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I’m joined by animist practitioner, scholar, and author Vanessa Lavallee for a deep conversation about the true roots of ancient magic and what it means to decolonize our spiritual practices today. Vanessa is currently working toward a doctorate in religious studies, and her work is driven by a passion for understanding where magical traditions began, how they were shared across cultures, and why they have survived for so long. Together, we explore the origins of practices many of us recognize, including how casting a circle can be traced back to Mesopotamia, and how ancient texts often described the stars themselves as divine beings. We talk about how ancient people traveled and exchanged ideas more than modern scholarship often acknowledges, and how this movement shaped spiritual traditions across regions. Our conversation also explores the emotional worlds of ancient texts—fear, suffering, devotion, and the question of “why me?”—and what these stories reveal about the continuity of human experience. This episode also ventures into topics that challenge and expand modern spiritual frameworks, including demons, the influence of ancient goddesses like Inanna, and the importance of holding both academic rigor and open-minded wonder. We reflect on how fantasy, mythology, and modern storytelling (from ancient epics to The Lord of the Rings) continue to echo these timeless archetypes. Above all, this conversation is an invitation to study more deeply, question more carefully, and approach ancient magic with respect, curiosity, and humility. Learn more about Vanessa and her work at vanessalavallee.com . ✨ If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves sacred history and living magic. This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In Part 2 of my conversation with spiritual teacher, author, and psychologist Philip Carr-Gomm , we step fully into the sacred landscape of Sussex and explore what it means to walk the land as a pilgrim. This episode centers on Philip’s book The Long Man and Friends: Sacred Sussex and the deeper questions it raises: how to share sacred places without turning them into something to be consumed, how to honor land without exploiting it, and how to listen when a place calls you to walk it. Philip shares the powerful story of how, after the death of his mentor, the land itself asked him to go on pilgrimage and walk the Long Man. Together, we reflect on what pilgrimage truly is. It's not a checklist or a destination, but a relationship with place, memory, and meaning. Philip also shares a story from one of his most recent pilgrimages, and we explore lesser-known moments in British history connected to pilgrimage, including surprising truths from the time of Henry VIII. For those who feel drawn to Sussex, Philip offers gentle, insider guidance on where to begin a sacred journey in that landscape and how to approach it with respect and intention. We also discuss the idea of chakra systems within the earth, and how certain places seem to act as centers of spiritual flow and remembrance. Our conversation weaves through stories of pilgrimage across England, France, Bulgaria, and Greece, revealing how sacred travel continues to shape both personal and collective transformation. This episode is an invitation to slow down, to listen more carefully, and to trust when the land asks something of you. Learn more about Philip and his work at druidry.org and philipcarr-gomm.com . ✨ If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who feels called to walk sacred paths. This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this first episode of Season 3 of The Sacred Places Podcast , I’m joined by spiritual teacher, author, and psychologist Philip Carr-Gomm for a thoughtful conversation on Druidry as a living spiritual path. This episode focuses on the foundations of Druidry and why relationship with the land is central to the tradition. Philip shares reflections from his early life growing up in post–World War II London and how encounters with nature shaped his spiritual path. We explore the concept of the Awen, the flowing current of inspiration in Druidry, and how it connects with the psychological idea of the flow state. Our conversation also touches on modern loneliness, the impact of technology and AI on human connection, and why so many people today are feeling called to reconnect with the land despite living in systems that make that difficult. One of the central questions we explore is one I hear often from listeners: Why me? Why would the land care to have a relationship with me? Philip’s response offers a grounded and compassionate perspective on reciprocity, belonging, and relationship with place. Learn more about Philip and his work at druidry.org and philipcarr-gomm.com . This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

Travel has the power to open us mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I’m joined by ritual teacher and author Lisa McSherry for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to approach travel as a magical and sacred practice. Lisa shares how her life in the Pacific Northwest and her move to Portugal shaped her understanding of place, ritual, and movement, and what inspired her to write A Traveler’s Guide to Making Magic when she couldn’t find the resource she was looking for. Together, we explore the idea that travel isn’t only about distance, it’s about leaving the place where we nest and allowing our perspective to shift. We talk about traveling to sacred sites with respect, why gratitude matters so deeply when moving through unfamiliar lands, and how travel stretches the mind much like exercise strengthens the body. I also share personal insights from my years living in Greece, including what I learned about honoring place, listening before acting, and asking for meaningful experiences rather than taking them. Whether you’re planning a journey abroad, visiting a place nearby, or exploring travel as an inner practice, this conversation offers guidance for moving through the world with awareness, care, and intention. Learn more about Lisa and her work at lisamcsherry.com and jaguarmoon.org. ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who loves sacred places and intentional travel. This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ

In this episode of The Sacred Places Podcast, I’m joined by author, psychotherapist, and somatic guide Carly Mountain for a profound exploration of Inanna’s Descent and one of the world’s oldest myths of transformation, embodiment, and return. Together, we explore how descent work can root us more deeply in our bodies, our breath, and the land beneath our feet, especially in a world that constantly encourages dissociation. Carly shares how Inanna guides her back into sensory presence, how the seven gates of descent mirror the seven chakras, and why our bodies are themselves sacred places. We also discuss: 🌹How myths like Inanna and Persephone teach us to be “of the earth” ✨ Why so many of us feel disconnected from where we live 🌹 The role of embodiment in spiritual practice ✨ What oral tradition preserves that written texts cannot 🌹 How descent work can help us feel at home even in places we once wanted to escape Whether you’re new to descent mythology or already working with Inanna, this conversation offers grounding, clarity, and a gentle call back to yourself. Check out Carly's work on her website: https://carlymountain.com/ This episode is edited by Jordan, a cohost for the Astro Study Room. Book an astrology consultation with her today! Astrology with Jordan Jordan's YouTube Order my books to support me and support your connection with the land! https://www.elysewelles.com/books Subscribe to Seeking Numina with Elyse Welles on YouTube for video versions of ALL episodes sharing footage of the places and topics discussed. To learn more about my upcoming retreats to sacred places in Greece and beyond, or learn with me in workshops, classes, or mentorship, visit elysewelles.com . Support Seeking Numina on Patreon for a library of 300+ rituals, meditaitons, exclusive videos, and more, + opportunities for free tarot readings and discounts on ALL classes and retreats. Visit patreon.com/elysewelles Seeking Numina can also be supported via my Dashery merch shop. Music: Tribal Wind - SergePavkinMusic Music Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWe5Z7qISMQ