Dr. Sabina Magliocco on Witchcraft, Paganism & Gender Equality

The Sustainable Spirit Podcast

 November 20, 2023

Episode 5: Dr. Sabina Magliocco on Witchcraft, Paganism & Gender Equality

SUMMARY

This episode delves into the fascinating world of witchcraft and paganism, juxtaposing their portrayal in popular culture with their actual practice and significance. It begins by examining the accuracy of witchcraft as depicted in fairy tales like "Hansel and Gretel," and in media like "Hocus Pocus" and "Bewitched," exploring what witchcraft and magic truly entail.

The episode then shifts to discussing witchcraft as a feminist practice, emphasizing its role in folklore and empowerment. It highlights how witchcraft allows engagement with the extraordinary in everyday life, raising questions about the nature of the numinous and its accessibility to all, not just pagan practitioners. The conversation explores how folklore acts as both a historical archive and an evolving process, particularly in the context of paganism, and how it influences the evolution of gendered language within neo-paganism. The role of magic in deepening our experience of the world and transforming consciousness is also examined, along with its modern and secular applications.

Gendered language and ritual, especially in goddess spirituality, form another significant part of the discussion. The episode delves into how gendered language influences the way neo-pagan practitioners connect with the divine and express their spirituality, including the use of rituals to challenge traditional gender roles. The balance between inclusivity and tradition in neo-pagan rituals, the impact of goddess spirituality on gender and divinity, and the engagement of men in practices traditionally associated with femininity are also explored.

CALL TO ACTION, EPISODE LINK & CONTACT INFO

Once you have listened to this episode, you might be wondering how you can use what you’ve learned. Fear not, for we had a few ideas!

• Share this podcast with a friend (or an enemy)!
• Sign up to the Green Also Green email newsletter to receive regular updates on the release of new podcast episodes, as well as written content surrounding innovations at the intersection of environmental and socioeconomic prosperity by scrolling to the bottom of this page: https://greenalsogreen.com/
• If you would like to ask me questions, send in requests for future episode topics, challenge me, or tell me a joke, use this link to the Sustainable Spirit Podcast page of the Green Also Green website: https://greenalsogreen.com/sustainable-spirit-podcast/
• If you would like to reach out to Dr. Magliocco, you can do so using the following methods:
  • Visit this link to see more of her work: https://anth.ubc.ca/profile/sabina-magliocco/
  • Email her: magliocco@ubc.ca

Finally, let this be your reminder to be a little more amicable than necessary to all your fellow earth-dwellers. Until next time!