Shows
ChthoniaBrigid: Fiery Goddess of the CeltsIn this week's podcast we look at my namesake, the goddess Brigid, as we have just passed Imbolc (also known as Brigid's Day). This episode focuses on the goddess rather than the saint, though there are obvious crossovers between the two. Brigid is portrayed as a triple goddess of poetry, smithcraft and healing,and is seen as a fire goddess. In the medieval Irish literature she is portrayed as the wife of the half-Fomorian Bres, and brings the art of keening to Ireland while mourning her son at the second battle of Maige Tuired (Moytura). Brigid is a goddess of...
2024-02-041h 02
ChthoniaSiddhidhatriHappy new year! To kick off 2023 we look at the last of our Navadurgas, Siddhidhatri. Her name roughly translates to "giver of perfection" or "giver of power," and she is the form of Shakti that creates the Tridevas (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) and gives them their powers. She is also half of the dual-sexed deity Sri Ardhanariswara. We discuss the meaning and importance of this Devi, as well as the eight traditional Siddhis or powers that she grants, with a side discussion on Tantric magic and the quest to acquire Siddhis.
2023-01-0847 min
ChthoniaMahagauriWe end 2022 with a podcast on the auspicious goddess Mahagauri, the eighth Navadurga. This golden/white goddess is hardly "dark Feminine" in appearance; however, she is the slayer of Shumba and Nishumba, the asuras ("demons") of too much (self conceit) and too little (self depreciation). We talk about her relationship to the Mahavidya Shodashi, the importance of the Moon in her story, and her relationship to Shailaputri, the first Navadurga.
2022-12-2533 min
ChthoniaKatyayaniThis week we look at the sixth Navadurga, Katyayani. She is associated with the Ajna chakra (third eye), and is the manifestation of the anger of the gods against the Mahisasura. She is also associated with finding the right husband and happy marriage. How do these attributes fit together? We discuss these qualities of Katyayani with respect to the idea of Dharma.
2022-12-1142 min
ChthoniaSkandamataThis week's episode is a bit mind-blowing. Skandamata is the fifth Navadurga, and the embodiment of Parvati as mother of Skanda (Kartikeya, the war god). Skanda is born to defeat a demon called Tarakasura--the demon of salvation, who is the grandson of Diti (limitation). Skandamata also embodies the Visuddha chakra, where sound and speech are born. How do these fit together? Listen to this week's episode to find out.
2022-11-2748 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: The Dark Feminine and Shamanism with Phoenix the ElderThis month's conversation is with Phoenix the Elder, a shaman who has apprenticed in Slavic shaman traditions and Bardo traditions among others, and has worked in these traditions for over 40 years. Now retired from taking apprentices, she talks about her experiences with the Dark Feminine, the differences between Dark Goddesses and Night Goddesses, and her conception of the "dreaming" world and the underworld. You can check out her website at https://eldermountaindreaming.com/ and subscribe to her updates if you are interested.
2022-11-211h 29
ChthoniaKushmandaThis week we discuss Kushmanda, the fourth Navadurga, who is also the Adishakti (Primal Shakti). She is the Shakti of Lord Surya (the Sun), and represents the true reality beyond all the apparent difference (maya) in the universe. We compare the Greek and Biblical creation stories to Kushmanda's creation, which is not word (Logos) driven, and how the light does not always bring clarity.
2022-11-1355 min
ChthoniaChandraghantaThis week we look at the third Navadurga, known as Chandraghanta, the married form of the goddess Parvati. Her story begins at her wedding, when her bridegroom-to-be shows up dressed like an Aghori with matted hair, covered in cremation ash, and wearing a skull necklace, accompanied by ghouls. Her family is terrified, but Shiva's Aghori aspect also reflects a truth about Parvati/Shakti herself--and about the Divine Feminine as a whole.
2022-10-3036 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Discussing the Dark Feminine in Horror Movies with Jeanette HanleyThis month's conversation is a fun and informal look at the Dark Feminine in horror movies with my longtime friend and former librarian Jeanette Hanley, who has seen a LOT of horror movies in her lifetime. Jeanette and I have had many discussions about this topic through the COVID lockdowns, and I wanted to bring at least some of that discussion to Chthonia. Jeanette and I talk about tropes involving women in horror, trigger warnings, sex as a component of character identity, female actors and directors, and the general experience of movie watching in the 1980s.
2022-10-261h 11
ChthoniaBrahmachariniThis week we look at the second Navadurga, Brahmacharini. Also a term for a female renunciate in Hinduism, Brahmacharini is the manifestation of goddess Parvati before she is married to Shiva. She goes through 5,000 years of ascetic tapas before Shiva offers a marriage proposal. Parvati is a reincarnation of Sati (Shakti), and Shakti/Shiva are heavily associated with Tantra. In light of this, her asceticism may seem like a paradox, but there is a likely meaning behind it.
2022-10-1636 min
ChthoniaShailaputriThis week kicks off a series on the Navadurgas, the avatars of goddess Durga that are celebrated during the nine days of Navaratri. I have covered a couple of them before, and I am going to talk about all of them by request. Today's podcast is on Shailaputri, "the daughter of the mountain," a name for Parvati, and also the epithet for Durga at the beginning of the Mahisasuramardini Stotra. Parvati is the reincarnation of goddess Sati (Shakti), and becomes the wife of Siva in both incarnations. This form of Parvati/Durga is connected to the Muladhara chakra, and the...
2022-10-0236 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Talking With Joanna Madloch about Slavic PaganismChthonia Conversations welcomes back Joanna Madloch (Baba Yaga episode of Chthonia) to discuss the archaic nature of what we call "Slavic Paganism". The Slavs do not have a "mythology" per se, there are a collection of archaic folktales, mostly of "bestiairusz," which bear a similarity to old school fairies (not the cutesy Victorian creatures). We talk about the origins of these myths, the lack of sources, and the way in the Slavs resisted Christianity for many years. Indeed, these archaic vestiges of Slavic religion still permeate folk practices in Slavic countries today, and we also look at the ways in...
2022-09-221h 07
ChthoniaDianaThis last September episode focuses on the Roman goddess Diana, and on Diana Nemorensis in particular. Many of Diana's characteristics became merged with those of the Greek goddess, Artemis; however, her origins as a fierce goddess of the woods and hunting, with connections to the underworld, shaped her later associations with both Artemis and Hecate. As we have already done a video on Artemis, this one is strictly about Diana, her origins, and connection to Tauris.
2022-09-1840 min
ChthoniaMarzannaThis week we look at the Slavic death goddess known as Marzanna, or Morana. Her mythology is seasonal, associating her with winter hags, though the myth associated with her is one of betrayal. In Poland and some other parts of Eastern Europe, the ritual of drowning or burning a Marzana effigy at the Spring Equinox is still observed. We discuss some possible meanings and connections of her stories and festivals with the mysteries of the Dark Feminine and the underworld. For a more personal view of the Marzanna ritual, check out the Chthonia Baba Yaga podcast featuring Joanna...
2022-09-0442 min
ChthoniaBastThis week by request we look at the Egyptian cat goddess Bast (or Bastet). Bast is a daughter of Ra and sister of Sekhmet, originally a ferocious lioness goddess who killed the serpent Apep on Ra's night journey through the underworld. Later Sekhmet retained the ferocious aspects while Bast became associated with domestic cats, and with a gentler disposition. She also has a relationship to Mau, a feline aspect of Ra, and Madjet, the first feline Egyptian goddess of justice. We look at the relationship between these aspects, as well as her festivals and worship per the writings of Herodotus.
2022-08-2149 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Talking Chthonic Gnosis with David BethThis month I chat with David Beth of Theion Publishing, who is also the founder of the Kosmic Gnosis esoteric current. David and I discuss the ancient gods, the proto-human worldview, the stumbling blocks of modern occulture, and a topic near and dear to both of us, the problem with championing spirit over soul (and celestial over chthonic). What would life look like if we didn’t rationalize and analyze every experience? David breaks down everything in a way that is easy to understand, and explains how this worldview treats the concepts of Masculine and Feminine.
We both refere...
2022-08-152h 07
ChthoniaCorraThis week we look at Corra, the serpent goddess of the Celts. Corra was a new discovery for me when I visited Western Ireland; she is alternately described as a dragon, demon, “devil mother” or just otherwise monstrous, and her tale involves a battle with St. Patrick in which she swallows him and he has to cut his way out of her. She is then confined to Lough Na Corra, a lake at the bottom of the mountain now called Croagh Patrick. She is usually seen as representing the triumph of Christianity over paganism, as there have never been snakes in I...
2022-08-0758 min
ChthoniaRhiannonSummer requests begin with Rhiannon, the Welsh Otherworldly figure, perhaps a goddess, from the Mabinogion. She is associated with horses, and is similar to Celtic figures like Morrigan and Medb with her connection to sovereignty. We look at the significance of her story from the first and third branches of the Mabinogi, with a discussion of horses as chthonic symbols, and the idea of initiation with respect to the Otherworld.
2022-07-241h 02
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Jessica Grote on HetaeraThis month's Chthonia Conversation is with Jessica Grote of Theion Publishing. Jessica and I talk about the concept of hetaera, often understood as "courtesanship", originally a female intellectual companion in Greece who was often an erotic companion as well. We talk about the modern concept of erotic companionship, including an exploration of the term "erotic" and some of the social and cultural blocks to finding one's "erotic core". Jessica will be teaching a Modern Hetaera course in September at the Blackthorne School, open to anyone of any gender orientation or sex. You can get information on the course...
2022-07-1557 min
ChthoniaBendith Y MamauThis week we look at fairies, and Welsh fairies in particular. The Bendith Y Mamau ("Mother's Blessing") were known for stealing children and leaving changelings in their place. Their connection to child stealing has often identified them as "feminine" whether they are or not, and they bear some similarities to other child stealing monsters. However, such stories are often used to demonize children who are considered different.
2022-07-1043 min
ChthoniaGefjonGefjon is the Norse goddess associated with the plough; her main myth deals with the creation of the Danish island of Zealand. As a goddess of fertility and abundance, she has a curious connection to girls who die as virgins, and the plough motif is echoed in myths and folktales of sovereignty.
2022-06-2636 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Santa Muerte, Saint of Life and Death with Kate KingsburyThis month's conversation is with Dr. Kate Kingsbury (M.Phil and Ph.D., Oxford), where we talk about the Mexican Santa Muerte and the misconceptions and misinformation about her and her devotees. Kate also shares some of her firsthand experiences with Santa Muerte and the Santa Muerte shrine in Oaxaca. She has a book on Santa Muerte coming out in August, stay tuned to social media for details. Kate has also started a gofundme for the Oaxaca victims of Hurricane Agatha; if you would like to donate, please visit the link here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/santa-muerte-grannys-hurricane-fund
2022-06-151h 16
ChthoniaMictecacíhuatlThis week's podcast looks at Mictecacíhuatl, the Aztec Queen of the Underworld. There are few direct myths about her; yet, we can learn a lot from the Aztec view of life, death, and the cosmos, and in particular the contrast between the soul's underworld journey in Aztec culture and European (plus some Near Eastern) cultures.
2022-06-121h 04
ChthoniaCoatlicueThis week we look at the Aztec goddess Coatlicue, whose name refers to the skirt of rattlesnakes that she wears. She is the mother of the 400 gods of the southern stars, and the war god Huitzilopochtli via a virgin birth, an event that prompted some of her other enraged children to attack and kill (or try to kill) her. The podcast focuses on her various attributes, and the way in which the celestial and chthonic are viewed differently in Aztec mythology.
2022-05-2940 min
ChthoniaDzunukwaDzunukwa is cannibalistic bigfoot-like ogress in Kwakwaka'wakw folklore, who is feared as a stealer of children, but who is also said to bring wealth. This week's podcast looks at some of the dark feminine associations of this ancestral spirit of the Pacific Northwest tribes.
2022-05-0833 min
ChthoniaSednaSedna is the Inuit goddess of the sea and the ruler of the underworld, Adlivun. Her stories vary, but all carry the theme of the goddess angering her creator father, who throws her over the edge of the boat, chopping off her fingers, which then become seals, whales, and walruses. She is considered vengeful, and fishermen must appease her if they want sea animals released for the hunt. We examine the different stories connected to Sedna, and the attributes of the Inuit mythological worldview connecting it to the dark Feminine.
2022-04-2449 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Jake Stratton Kent on Archaic HecateThis month's entry in the Conversations series is with Jake Stratton Kent, who is well known for his writings on ancient goetia, particularly their relationship to the grimoire traditions. Jake's work is an invaluable exploration into pre-Platonic beliefs and magical practices. In this episode Jake and I talk about the different "versions" of Hecate in ancient times, questioning the idea that she wasn't always a chthonic deity. This includes a discussion of goetia, Hecate's association with Apollo, the Athenian Hecate, and the challenge of the more current interpretations of the goddess.
2022-04-1552 min
ChthoniaManiaThis week we talk about the Greek and Roman daimon called Mania, or sometimes Maniae when treated as a group of spirits. Between the Etruscans, the Greeks, and the Romans, Mania has a variety of associations with madness, rage, and frenzy; she is also associated with the dead and with the Furies. The connection between gods, daimons, and human psychology is especially interesting here.
2022-04-031h 05
ChthoniaNephthysHappy Spring Equinox! Our subject for this week is Nephthys, the Egyptian goddess who is the sister of Isis and the wife of Seth. The psychopomp Anubis is said to be her son from Osiris, and she is connected with lamentation, healing, and guiding the dead.
2022-03-2049 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Daniel Hanley on the Gnostic FeminineIn this month's episode of Chthonia Conversations, I chat with Dan Hanley about the Gnostic Feminine, and 4 main figures--Barbelo, the "4 Sophias", Mary Magdalene, and Noraia. We also discuss misunderstandings about Gnostic currents in early Christianity, and the ways in which it is both anti-chthonic and chthonic.
2022-03-141h 14
ChthoniaMedeaThis week we look at Medea, the niece of the witch Circe and the granddaughter of the sun god, known for being the actual "hero" in the Argonautica who enables Jason to fulfill the necessary tasks to acquire the golden fleece. Eventually he abandons her for another wife, and she takes her revenge by setting the wife on fire with a poisoned dress and murdering their children. Like many myths, the deeper meaning about the nature of the chthonic Feminine is more important than the social implications.
2022-03-0639 min
ChthoniaSkylla and CharybdisFinally fixed! Here is what was meant to be the previous episode, on the sea monsters Skylla and Charybdis, the daimonic spirits of the dangers of the sea associated with the phrase "between a rock and a hard place". There are various stories about their origins, including some surprising links to chthonic deities such as Hekate.
2022-02-2057 min
ChthoniaChthonia Conversations: Feeding Your Demons: Talking about Chöd with Lana PopovicIn this first video of the Chthonia Conversations series, Brigid talks with Lana Popovic of Psychosomatic Alchemy about the Tantric Buddhist practice of Chöd, and the connected psychological practice called "Feeding Your Demons." You can learn more about Psychosomatic Alchemy and Lana's upcoming Shadow Integration course at https://www.psalchemy.com/Chöd practice should only be performed under the guidance of a qualified teacher; for those interested in learning the practice, here are some resources: Lama Tsultrim Allione - retreat centerwww.taramandala.org(Here people can take Chöd initiation as...
2022-02-151h 12
ChthoniaLetheThis week we look at Lethe, the daimon of forgetfulness, the female personification of the river that the dead drink from to forget their previous lives. As we will see, the idea of "lethe" may go beyond just forgetting.
2022-02-0748 minChthoniaSkylla and CharybdisThis week we look at Skylla and Charybdis, two figures in Greek mythology that represent the terrors of the sea, and the inspirations for the phrase "between a rock and a hard place." We look at multiple origin stories, their connection to underworld goddesses, as well as the likely real world inspiration for their terrifying influence.
2022-02-061h 00
ChthoniaMorgan Le FayThis week's podcast looks at Morgan Le Fay, enchantress and sister of King Arthur who ultimately brings about his downfall. We look at the main legends surrounding her, and reflect on the challenges she presents to the chivalric etiquette of Arthur's knights and court.
2022-01-2346 min
ChthoniaDame RagnelleHappy 2022! This first episode of the year focuses on the "loathly lady" of Arthurian legend, Dame Ragnelle. Ragnelle is married to Sir Gawain in exchange for the answer to the question, "what is it that women want the most?" The answer--perhaps a surprising one for medieval Europe--still rings true in modern times, and shows us another angle on the importance of the dark Feminine.
2022-01-0941 min
ChthoniaBoabhan SithIn this last episode of 2021 we look at the Boabhan Sith, who are Scottish female vampire fairies. We look at the core legend of a late night encounter with these vampiric women, and explore their possible origins in myth and folktales.
2021-12-2635 min
ChthoniaBlack AnnisThis week we look at Black Annis, a female hag figure from fairy lore that devours children and wears their skins. Supposedly living in the Dane Hills near Leicester, we look at the different stories of her origin, and alleged sightings near the church of St. Mary De Castro.
2021-12-1248 min
ChthoniaPeg Powler and Jenny GreenteethThis week we continue a look at Northern English fairy lore with the water hag, known as Peg Powler, Jenny Greenteeth, and sometimes as Nelly Longarms. These are a type of being known as a Grindylow, and they are said to pull children and sometimes the elderly into the watery depths of bogs and rivers. We may think of them as a fearsome being invented to keep children from drowning, but is this really the case?
2021-11-2831 min
ChthoniaLeanan SidheIn this episode, we look at the Leanan Sidhe, a type of dark fairy figure that probably isn't part of ancient folklore, but rather the invention of W.B. Yeats. That said, the Leanan Sidhe is a fictional figure that is both alluring and terrifying at the same time.
2021-11-1446 min
ChthoniaThe AoraiFor Samhain this year, we look at ghosts--specifically the spirits of the restless female dead in Ancient Greece. Aorai was the name given to girls who died before they became mothers, thus turning them into some other kind of creature, or making them an assistant to the Furies or similar monstrous feminine figures. Beliefs about the Aorai not only touch on the fear of the devouring feminine, but reveal ingrained attitudes about women who are "independent".
2021-10-3153 min
ChthoniaShivadutiThis week's podcast is about Shivaduti, or Shivadooti, which literally means "she who has Shiva as a messenger". This terrifying form of Durga threatens the demons Shumba and Nishumba, screaming like 100 jackals. We talk about her associations and symbolism, and her role in the Devi Mahatmayam.
2021-10-1749 min
ChthoniaKalaratriIt is the Hindu season of Navaratri, and I've decided to cover one of the nine Navdurgas associated with Navartri. Kalaratri is worshipped on night seven of Navaratri, and is considered to be one of the fiercest forms of the Devi, and is associated with courage.
2021-10-0446 min
ChthoniaNu GuiThis week we look at the Nu Gui, in our last episode on the dark feminine in Japanese and Chinese folklore. The Nu Gui is a vengeful female ghost, often appearing with long black hair and a white dress. A popular figure in movies and animation, we look at different appearances of the Nu Gui and their implications in culture and psychology.
2021-09-2051 min
ChthoniaXiwangmuThis week we look at the Chinese goddess Xiwangmu, known as the Queen Mother of the West. Originally a shamanic goddess with the ferocious attributes of a tiger, she later gains a reputation as a compassionate mother, eclipsed later by Kuan Yin in importance.
2021-09-0542 min
ChthoniaIzanamiThis week we look at Izanami, the central female deity of Japanese creation and death mythology. Izanami and her brother/husband Izanagi create the firmaments of the earth and all of the elements; however, at Izanami's death she becomes a demonic figure that chases after Izanagi when he betrays a promise to her.
2021-08-2248 min
ChthoniaKitsuneThis week we talk about the Kitsune, or fox spirits of Japanese folklore. They can shapeshift into human form, and can be helpful to humans, or destroy them. Identified by multiple tales and sometimes white fur, these often feminine spirits are the ultimate tricksters.
2021-08-0846 min
ChthoniaFemale OniThis week we begin a series on dark feminine figures in Japanese and Chinese folklore, starting with the Oni. "Oni" means "demon", and they can be male or female, but in this episode we will focus on female Oni. Several folktales of these vengeful demons are included in the episode.
2021-07-2641 min
ChthoniaBabalonThis week we look at Babalon, who has her origins in the Biblical Whore of Babylon, but has become a kind of magical deity in her own right, specifically in Aleister Crowley's Thelema. In this slightly longer episode, we talk about 3 different "Babalons" in Biblical and esoteric tradition.
2021-07-111h 08
ChthoniaNyx and Night GoddessesIn this week's episode we look at Night goddesses, particularly the Greek goddess Nyx and her Roman counterpart Nox, and the Egyptian goddess Nut. These mysterious goddesses have the protective aspects of a mother, but are also feared for their mystery and power.
2021-06-2752 min
ChthoniaDark Olympians: HeraThis week we return to Greece and Rome to look at the queen of the gods, Hera, and her Roman counterpart Juno. This proper matron of respectable marriage has an incredibly dark reputation for deception, madness, and attempted murder.
2021-06-1356 min
ChthoniaTiamatThis week we look at Tiamat, the primordial sea goddess of the Enuma Elish. She battles Marduk and is defeated, and the firmaments of the world are created through her body. She is generally considered to be a monster or sea dragon that embodies primordial chaos. We relate her story to the myths of the Hittite Illuyanka, the Greek Python, and the Biblical Leviathan.
2021-05-3050 min
ChthoniaCerridwenThis week's podcast talks about Cerridwen, the Welsh enchantress associated with a magical cauldron of knowledge. A series of mishaps with the exploding cauldron lead to the birth of the bard Taliesin, which has indirectly linked her to the Grail legend, and given her goddess status.
2021-05-1642 min
ChthoniaHelThis week we look at the Norse goddess Hel, the daughter of the trickster god Loki, and ruler of the regions under the earth, where most humans went after death. As you might imagine, her name is the root of the modern word Hell, and the connection between the female goddess and the later-named place […]
2021-05-0253 min
ChthoniaIsisThis week we look at the Egyptian goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris who brings life to his dead body, and becomes pregnant with the god Horus. As a queen of magical power and a mother figure, she is associated with protection of the dead. Like many goddesses of her time, she also has a […]
2021-04-1842 min
ChthoniaDionysus (Part 2)Just in time for Easter, this second podcast on Dionysus looks at the Orphic concept of the god as successor to Zeus, and as the archetype for the divine savior, later embodied in the mythology of Jesus. Source used in video: The God Who Comes: Dionysian Mysteries Revealed by Rosemarie Taylor-Perry. Algora Publishing, 2003 Music: […]
2021-04-0353 min
ChthoniaDionysus (Part 1)Welcome to the 50th episode of Chthonia! This week we look at the mysterious figure of Dionysus, in the first of a two part podcast. Dionysus is the god of wine, an egalitarian deity who can be directly experienced through drinking wine. In this episode we look at the Homeric Dionysus, the one portrayed in the Homeric Hymns, and we will look at his connection to the Divine Feminine.
2021-03-221h 06
ChthoniaPeleThis week we talk about Hawaii's volatile volcano goddess and her role in shaping and protecting the islands, as well as her explosive relationship with her sister and her friends. She represents the dual nature of fire, in both its creative and destructive aspects. Music: Adpated from "Secret Door" by Anastasia Vronski, [CC 4.0] URL: […]
2021-03-0746 minChthoniaErzulieThis week's podcast is about Erzulie, a family of Voodoo loas connected to water, and to the Feminine in its various forms. We look at two of the loas in particular; Erzulie Freda, associated with love and sex, and Erzulie Dantor, a fierce protector figure often associated with the Black Madonna. Music: Intro adapted from […]
2021-02-2143 minChthoniaOyaOya is the powerful Yorùbá Orisha of the winds and tempests. She is considered either the sister of the Orisha of storms Shango, or one of His three wives, with Oshun and Oba. She is a fierce protector of women who uses her machete to clear the dead wood path and make way for the new. We […]
2021-02-0741 minChthoniaPomba GiraThis week we look at Pomba Gira, sometimes a single term for a powerful female spirit, at other times the title of a group of spirits. A spirit with many avatars, most notably Maria Molambo (Maria of the Trash), Pomba Gira is a highly sexualized and sometimes dangerous female figure in the Afro-Brazilian rituals of […]
2021-01-241h 03ChthoniaMaman BrigitteThe first podcast of 2021 focuses on the loa Maman Brigitte, a hard drinking, sensual spirit that protects the unrepresented dead, and has a very direct relationship to the Irish goddess (and saint) Brigid. Music: Adapted from "Secret Door" by Anastasia Vronski, [CC 4.0] URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Anastasia_Vronski/Estrangements_volume_2/09_-_Secret_DoorComments: http://freemusicarchive.org/Copyright: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
2021-01-1035 minChthoniaThe Snow QueenIn this last podcast for 2020, we look at the Hans Christian Andersen tale of the Snow Queen, the very loose basis for the film "Frozen", and like many fairy tales, loaded with symbolism–in this case, about the struggle for love and connection in a cold, analytical world.
2020-12-2842 minChthoniaSkadiIt is December, and for this month I am feature winter themes. Today we talk about Skadi, the Scandanavian jötunn (giantess/ancient goddess, similar to a Titan in Greek mythology), who is the embodiment of winter, and is associated with bowhunting, skiing, and mountains. In this episode we look at Skadi's thirst for revenge over her […]
2020-12-1351 min
ChthoniaTaweretWe end the month of November with a look at the Egyptian goddess Taweret, a hippopotamus goddess who was the wife of Set and a ferocious protector of children. Like many dark goddesses, her attributes seemed to change over time, making her more benevolent.
2020-11-2940 minChthoniaSekhmetThis episode looks at the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet, who is considered to be an aspect of the goddess Hathor, and sometimes also the goddess Bast. She is the "eye of Ra", and represents the destructive wrath of the "noonday sun" that burns up everything around it.
2020-11-1538 minChthoniaMorriganHappy Samhain! This year's Samhain/Halloween episode is about the Morrigan, the Irish goddess of war, fate, and sovereignty. Last year I interviewed Aepril Schaile about the Morrigan; this year it's just me, talking about all of the aspects of the Morrigan, and a little about my new book coming soon, "The Morrigan Timelines".
2020-10-301h 14ChthoniaNarasimhiIn our last podcast on the Ashta Matrikas, we look at Narasimhi, the fierce lion-headed matrika that is the Shakti of Narasimha, another fierce avatar of Vishnu. Not to be tampered with lightly, she is also known as Pratyangira, the destroyer of black magic.
2020-10-1847 minChthoniaVarahiThis week we talk about the Matrika Varahi, the Shakti of Varaha, the boar-headed avatar of Vishnu, and a ratridevata (night goddess) associated with left-hand Tantric practices. She is sometimes called Yami, and considered to be the consort of Yama, the god of death. We look at the complexity of her symbolism, with a boar […]
2020-10-041h 00ChthoniaVaishnaviThe matrika Vaishnavi is the shakti of Vishnu's avatar, Vaishnava, in which Vishnu takes the form of a boar and rescues the Earth Mother when she is plunged into the primordial waters. Her weapon is the discus or chakra, showing her connection to the cycle of time. This podcast looks at the multiple aspects of […]
2020-09-2046 min
Let Your Freak Flag FlyTina Douglas :: Adrian Sherriff & Brigid BurkePlaylist Intro: Jessica at Birth Theft ward north 5 from Head On Tina Douglas an eaves dropping fabricator (2018)Adrian Sherriff & Brigid Burke Pausa II (2020)
2020-09-1900 minChthoniaMaheswariThis week's podcast looks at Maheswari, the literal shakti of Shiva (Maheswar). She embodies the vice of anger, and like Shiva himself is a destroyer, and is associated with tamas (darkness). However, like Shiva himself, she is too complex to summarize her nature in a few words, embodying both inauspicious and auspicious qualities.
2020-09-0651 minChthoniaBrahmiBrahmi is the shakti of Brahma, the Creator of the Universe in Hindu mythology. She is largely an auspicious deity, but is associated with the vice of pride, and battles the demons of the Chandi Path with water–bringing us back to the dangers of the flood. In this podcast we look at the possible meanings […]
2020-08-2449 minChthoniaIndraniIndrani, also known as Aindri or Mahendri, is the Queen of the Hindu gods, wife of Indra. She is also a Matrika, associated with the vice of jealousy. For such a beautiful and desirable goddess, she also has a very dark side–and is similar to the Greek/Roman goddess Hera/Juno, who–for all of her proper, civilized […]
2020-08-0950 minChthoniaKaumariThis week's podcast is about Kaumari, the Shakti (primal energy) of the Hindu war god Kaumara (also known as Skanda or Kartikeya). This violent goddess, associated with the vice of attachment, also has a paradoxical role as the Kanyakumari Devi, a virgin child goddess of South India and Nepal.
2020-07-2658 minChthoniaChamundaThis week begins our series on the Asta Matrikas, eight fierce Shaktis who represent the powers of the Hindu gods themselves. We start with Chamunda, known as the slayer of anger (Chanda) and passion (Munda). However, Chamunda is much older and a more independent figure, the Shakti of the Devi herself, and very dangerous if […]
2020-07-1250 min
Let Your Freak Flag FlyPutu Septa :: Furchick :: New Weird Australia :: Brigid BurkePlaylist 4 July 2020Intro: Jessica at Birth Theft ward north 5 from Head On Playlist Putu Septa “Pilar 3” For more of Putu’s work check out:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATgKctieguEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qQ-kAYm-Ek&t=121shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjiQTxloHdE&t=2191s Furchick Virtual Tiga King from Trium Circulorum (Sonic Trade)New Weird Australia Solitary Wave (Out) New Weird Australia returns with a 26-track compilation of eclectic and experimental music - the project's first release in over five years. 'Solitary Wave' is a two-volume compilation of new Australian music made, remade and reconsidered during a global pandem...
2020-07-0400 minChthoniaKamalaThis is the last podcast on the Das Mahavidyas. This week we look at Kamala, the Tantric manifestation of Mahalakshmi. While Lakshmi is associated with her husband Vishnu and a model of obedience, Kamala is wholly independent of any spouse, and has a few dark attributes that go with her beneficent demeanor.
2020-06-2847 minChthoniaBhuvaneswariIn the second-to-last episode about the Mahavidyas, we look at Bhuvaneswari, the goddess who is the embodiment of the material world.
2020-06-1443 minChthoniaTripurasundariThis week's goddess is not as dark, but extremely powerful, the Queen of the Sricakra. She is known for restoring the god Kama (Desire) to the world after being destroyed by Shiva, and doing battle with the demon created from Kama's ashes, Bhandasura (the "good" demon).
2020-05-3149 minChthoniaBhagalamukhiBhagalamukhi means "crane-faced"; however, she is not portrayed as a crane, and equally mysterious is her connection to the color yellow, which seems to provide a connection to Vishnu. She is known as the Paralyzer; we look at the deeper meaning of this Tantric goddess, always shown holding the tongue of the demon Madan.
2020-05-1743 minChthoniaTaraThis week's episode looks at the Hindu goddess Tara, listed as the second Mahavidya in traditional order. Unlike the tender Buddhist Tara, this Tantric goddess is associated with the fire of cremation and has a fierce appearance. However, they are both associated with liberation, and Tara shows us that the way to enlightenment is not […]
2020-05-0349 minChthoniaDhumavatiContinuing our Mahavidyas series, Dhumavati is an inauspicious goddess associated with old age, poverty, and sickness. But she is also the goddess of the Void between Death and Life, and plays an important role in teaching us to stay in the present.
2020-04-1958 minChthoniaBhairaviThis week's episode is about the Goddess of Destruction and consort of Bhairava, the destructive aspect of Shiva. As with our other Mahavidyas, Bhairavi also has powerful life-affirming aspects.
2020-04-0541 minChthoniaChinnamastaIn our continued series on the Das Mahavidyas, we look this week at Chinnamasta, the self-decapitating goddess. Her image is gruesome and somewhat shocking; however she represents a sublime reality about life and death.
2020-03-2355 minChthoniaMatangiIn the wake of fears of the Coronavirus, I thought it would be timely to discuss Matangi, one of the Mahavidyas associated with pollution and impurity. Matangi shows us how the Divine is present in the impure–and the unwanted.
2020-03-0852 minChthoniaKaliWe now begin looking at individual dark Hindu goddesses, starting with the Mahavidyas. The pivotal Mahavidya is the goddess Kali, whose fearsome appearance gives her associations with death, the demonic, and blood sacrifice. In this podcast we go deeper than the surface associations, and look at the varied and complex aspects of this powerful goddess, […]
2020-02-2454 minChthoniaIntroduction to the Tantric Goddesses 3: Sri CakraThis is the last of an "introduction" to the goddesses, focusing on the Sri Cakra or Sri Yantra, an important symbol representing Shakti/Devi and the creation of the entire universe. It is the central Tantric symbol of the Sri Vidya branch of Hinduism, and is important for understanding its dark goddesses.
2020-02-0944 minChthoniaIntro to Tantric Goddesses 2: Sri Chandi PathThis episode continues to provide context for our 6-month long discussion of dark Hindu goddesses, looking at the Sri Chandi Path, the Sri Devi Bhagavatam, and the Devi Upanishad as sources on the fierce divine feminine in Hinduism, and particularly in Tantra.
2020-01-2756 minChthoniaIntroduction to the Tantric GoddessesIt's 2020, and we are starting the new year with a series on the Tantric goddesses–the Mahavidyas, the Matrikas, the Navadurgs, and similar dark Hindu mothers. This episode offers an introduction to Hindu prayer, worship, the meaning of Tantra, and my own encounters with these goddesses.
2020-01-131h 18
ChthoniaFrau Perchta and GrylaIt's the last podcast of the year, during the 12 days of Christmas—a good time to discuss 2 Christmas "witches" that seek out naughty children—and adults—to either cannibalize them or cut them open and stuff them full of straw. It's Austria's Frau Perchta and Iceland's Gryla, two witch figures of the Christmas "naughty or nice" […]
2019-12-2942 minChthoniaBlack MadonnasThis week I'm joined by Elen Jones, who is also known as the Spiral Priestess on Facebook, and the creator of the Voices of the Dark Mothers cards, to talk about Black Madonnas. These Catholic and Orthodox images feature a dark-skinned Virgin and Child, and are surprising objects of both veneration and secrecy.
2019-12-151h 00ChthoniaDark Olympians: ArtemisAs one of the 12 Olympian gods, we don't tend to think of Artemis as chthonic. However, her original pre-Greek role and some of her attributes relating to violent death in children and wild animals connect her to the realm of death and the liminal.
2019-12-0151 minChthoniaCirce (Kirke)The sorceress Circe, daughter of the sun god Helios, is known for her dangerous magic, turning men into animals. But there is more than meets the eye–Circe is the perfect Jungian Anima figure.
2019-11-1748 minChthoniaSanta MuerteThis episode looks at the "Holy Death", the Latin American saint condemned by the Catholic Church, but venerated by about 12 million people, making her second in popularity to St. Jude in Mexico. As a champion of marginalized people, there are significant cultural, economic, and political aspects to her worship.
2019-11-0349 minChthoniaThe Morrigan (Special Episode)In honor of Samhain (Halloween), I am posting an extra episode this week. Aepril Schaile (Aepril's Arcana, Aeprilschaile.com) and I talk about the Morrigan, Irish goddess of war, sexuality, and sovereignty. The Morrigan is said to guard the gate to the Otherworld (or "gate to Hell" according to the monks), and makes an appearance on […]
2019-10-3155 minChthoniaThe Cailleach and SamhainHalloween is just around the corner, and this episode looks at the origins of this holiday, the "Celtic" Samhain as the new year, start of winter, and the removal of the barrier of time and space between this world and the "other world" or underworld.
2019-10-2046 minChthoniaBaba YagaI talk with Dr. Joanna Madloch about the Slavic witch Baba Yaga. Joanna grew up in Poland with traditional Slavic folklore, and we discuss the common motifs and meanings of the old witch who lives in the forest, in a house that moves, and is only found by those who are lost.
2019-10-0648 min
Let Your Freak Flag FlyShoshana Rosenberg + Phoebe Green + Anita Clark/Brigid Burke + Steve Falk + Sophie Rose/Charles Ives SingersImage of Shoshana, Anita & Phoebe c/o the Make it up ClubPlaylistIntro: Tolley and Dara “Cut the Heart Out” from “Cut Heart” by Tolley & Dara (2019 reissue of the 1979 release) Shoshana Rosenberg (bass cl) Phoebe Green (viola) Anita Clark (violin, pedals) recorded live at the Make It Up Club 270819Motte (Anita Clark) Hobart Improvisations 1 & 2Brigid Burke (Bass cl/electronics) Steve Falk (percussion/electronics) Sophie Rose (voice/electronics) recorded live at the Make It Up Club 270819Silk by Brigid Burke featuring:Brigid Burke: Bass Clarinet/voice/electronicsMegan Kenny: Flute/voiceGrania Burke: Bass/Eb ClarinetDavid McNicole: Prepared pianoCharles Ives singers recorded live at the Make It...
2019-09-1400 min