Lance and Graal Pagan Podcast

Jeva and Betsy present Pagan Headlines. Betsy speaks about Indo-Wicca, a blend of Wicca and Hinduism. Rev. Paulette Reynolds of the Wiccan Interfaith Council International co-leads a network of over 85 volunteers, facilitating cooperation among Wiccan and Pagan Traditions, troop support, and many other things. Paper Mache is probably one of the most undervalued art materials. A pity, since it is super eco-friendly and extremely versatile. Podsafe music by: True Tribe, Ulph Johansson, The Brobdingnagian Bards, and Echo Of Souls

Jeva and Betsy present Pagan Headlines. Thanks to your support, Lance and Graal will continue. Betsy and Jeva take time to give thanks. The roots of Lammas are ancient, but this Holiday celebrating the Corn-King's self-sacrifice is especially relevant in these times. Lammas is an important opportunity to show our gratitude to those who have made personal sacrifices so that the Pagan community may thrive. Outdoor rituals are a lot of fun. It's a good idea, though, to take proper precautions to that heat, rain, and wind don't ruin your celebration. The Cabot Temple is gearing up for its 18th Annual Witch's Ball -- this time at the luxurious Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA. Rapid Cabot Freeman of WitchinHour TV provides a first glimpse. Podsafe music by: True Tribe, Ulph Johansson, Everyday Jones, Deyo

Jeva and Betsy present Pagan Headlines. Lance and Graal got Scroogled. Jeva's adventure in TV-Land ends after 3 months. Betsy and Jeva discuss the spiritual aspects of body piercing. As Summer's end draws near, mosquitos arrive. And mosquitos carry West Nile virus. Betsy shares some pointers on how to stay safe. Melanie Moore has attended childbirths for 14 years, having been a Certified Midwife for 6 years. Now the State of Iowa is charging her with practicing medicine without a license, a felony that carries a sentence of up to 7 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Podsafe music by: True Tribe, Ulph Johansson, Marc Gunn, and Megaphone.

Jeva and Betsy present Pagan Headlines. In addition, we feature an interview with Rebecca Busby, Psy.D. who recently published a study about Goddess Spirituality and its clinical applications. Of the four main ritual tools, the chalice is often the most difficult to personalize. We share some tips. When Witchschool International moved to Hoopeston, IL, the entrepreneurs running it encountered resistance and hostility from the city government. Four years later, the school is relocating to nearby Rossville. Don Lewis shares his experiences. Podsafe music by: True Tribe, Ulph Johansson, Liquid Blue, The Tunguska Event

Having just returned from a trip to Ohio, Betsy shares views on airports and customer service at Threat Level: Orange. With Mercury going direct, Betsy and Jeva present headlines from around the world. More and more Pagans love mead, and while homebrewing can be a lot of fun, it's not legal in all states. Tish Owen has organized Tennessee's Pagan Unity Festival for over ten years. Want to start your own festival? You may want to consider reading her book Chasing the Rainbow: Facilitating a Pagan Festival Without Losing Your Mind. This July 4, 225 Pagans gathered in Washington, DC, to rally for a Pagan Military Chaplain. The event sparked a panel discussion on the On Faith website. Organizer Caroline Kenner shares her experiences of the rally. Podsafe music by: True Tribe, Ulph Johansson, Charan Pagan, Slim

Jeva gives some historical background information on the US National Anthem, then discusses national holdidays celebrated in other countries around the world. This being the best season for outdoor rituals, he also provides helpful tips on starting bonfires and making sure they are safe. In a new segment, Lance and Grall presents headlines from around the world. Rita Moran is a Wiccan businesswoman and chair of the Kennebec County Democrats, in Maine. Recently, the Christian Civics League of Maine has targeted her for her religious beliefs during a smear campaign on the CCL's blog. Music provided by: True Tribe, Ulph Johannson, Wendy Rule, and Decontrolled.

Caroline Kenner, media personality and Pagan activist, and Chesapeke Pagan Community, are calling on Pagans to gather in Washington, DC on July 4, to advocate for Pagan religious rights. In particular, the event will call for installing a Pagan military chaplain and approval for the Druid and Asatru symbols on VA gravemarkers. Now that it's summer, the time for decent outdoor rituals has also begun. Jeva gives some pointers on how to write ritual poetry you can dance to. The Pagan community continues to grow up. That means, Pagan parents and grandparents are raising second and third generation Pagans. Jeva talks a bit about parenting, and in particular, about how time is the most valuable gift parents can give their children. Music by: True Tribe, Ancient Times, Guidance

Parks are for Pagans Jeva, Ladiwillow, and Tallguy speak about what happens behind the scenes of your local TV stations. We also seguay into the world of politics. Pagan activist JRob is organizing a campout for Pagans in the Sioux City area. Music provided by: True Tribe Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://irc.paganpaths.org

Pagan Reality TV! A reality TV show about Paganism? Pagan entrepreneur Ed Hubbard of Hoopeston, IL thinks this may be the best way to show what Paganism is truly about. Jeva spoke with Ed about the shows mission, its possibilities, and some of the models that were rejected. Teresa Chaze releases the second volume of her Dragon Clan mystery series. Sage and Jeva discuss options Pagans have when they can't make it to their group's circle. Music provided by: True Tribe, The Rolling River, Nema Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

Pagan Veterans Honored We're postponing our previously recorded show to bring you a very special interview with Rev. Selena Fox about the successful conclusion of the Pentacle Quest. As you know, Wiccans have struggled for about a decade with the Veterans Administration to ensure that the Pentacle is included on its list of approved religious symbols that can be placed on VA grave markers. The struggle began in 1997 and intensified a little over a year ago, when Sgt. Patrick Stewart was killed in action during Operation: Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan's Kandahar region. As a result of the joint efforts of a broad based coalition of religious groups, Pagan and other, and with the legal muscle of the ACLU and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, the Pentacle was added to the VA's list of approved religious symbols on April 23. A special ceremony, dedicating the first three Wiccan veterans grave markers will be held Monday, May 28, 2007 at Circle Sanctuary. Music provided by: True Tribe Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

Finally, the show is back up. I can't even begin to tell you how happy that makes me. Today, it's just Jeva in the studio, but the others will be back soon. Conspiracy Theories, just what is it that makes them so much fun? I've spent way more time watching all sorts of conspiracy videos, but the more of them I seem, the less I can buy into them. They've become my latest guilty pleasure, though. I've even cooked up some of my own, though I'm not going to bother to even try to find a shred of evidence in their support; however, they certainly don't sound much crazier than all the other conspiracy theories, and that's the only thing I'll say in their defense. On a more serious note, I'm interviewing Captain Don Larsen of the National Guard, a Wiccan and former military chaplain. We spoke about his struggle to become the first Wiccan military chaplain in a earlier episode. Today, however, Captain Larsen shares some of his experiences while stationed in Iraq, giving us some insights into the spiritual needs of those who are stationed in combat situations. Music provided by: True Tribe, Sanagi, See-Through Soul Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

We're still struggling with our connectivity. So this time, it's only a brief episode. There's a magickal dimension to the act of making a New Year's resolution. But like many things in magick, there are right and wrong ways to go about making them. Betsy and Jeva reflect on 2006. What's the difference between a pentagram and a pentacle? Here's the scoop. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

Today, Betsy and Jeva share their thoughts on Yule. Not all Pagans celebrate Yule, and not all family members in Pagan households do, either. Was America intended to be a "Christian" nation? Our Founding Fathers didn't exactly see eye to eye in that matter. Turns out that Americans, contrary to what the right-wingers keep saying, were just as intellectually diverse as they are today. And just what is the stance of the Lance and Graal Crew on Christianity? Do we hate it? Absolutely not. But we do distinguish between Christianity and the excesses of religious fundamentalism of any sort. Alicia Freeman and her husband, Rapid Cabot, have been producing Pagan cable access TV for a good number of years. Wanna know what's all involved? Want to win a free reading by Ladiwillow? Come up with a signoff line for her. The contest ends December 31. Multiple submissions accepted. Email your suggestions to info@lanceandgraal.com . Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

After an hour of the mike checks from Hades, the sound was still crappy, so with apologies to Betsy, Ladiwillow, and Sage, it's just me in the studio today -- a dollar late and a day short (giggle). Snow Wolf and Ivy, two listeners from Kentucky, toured the Lance and Graal Towers on their road trip. Snow Wolf is currently working on an essay about standards for Pagan clergy. He and Ivy shares their thoughts. Ever try to contact a minor in the witchvox contacts? No success? Well, that's just how it is supposed to be. Witchvox co-founder Fritz Jung explains the plight of Pagan youngsters who are sick and tired of being "mentored" by "elders" who just won't take "no" for an answer and why adults have been banned from contacting minors many years ago. Pagan author Theresa Chaze gathered a few friends for an online ritual for world peace. We play portions of it. Musical Guests: Lipstik, Paul Geng Want to win a free reading by Ladiwillow? Come up with a signoff line for her. The contest ends December 31. Multiple submissions accepted. Email your suggestions to info@lanceandgraal.com . Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

Welcome aboard to our new co-host, Sage, who is replacing Daphnea. Most Pagans arrive at their faiths via other religions. In fact, Sage and Jeva used to be born-again Christians. Yes, it's a very curable malady! We discuss our moments of disillusionment with fundamentalism and the long road to understanding that Christian fundamentalism and Christianity are not the same thing. Should there be specific standards for Pagan clergy? If so, what exactly would they entail. The Crew engages in a lively debate about this issue. Want to win a free reading by Ladiwillow? Come up with a signoff line for her. The contest ends December 31. Multiple submissions accepted. Email your suggestions to info@lanceandgraal.com . Musical Guests: The New Longview, Greenlight Promise Have a story idea? Want to be interviewed on Lance and Graal? We are interested in promoting ideas and activities that will help bring Paganism into the mainstream. Email us at info@lanceandgraal.com with your ideas and contact info. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

While the legal battle with the VA continues, Seelena Fox and Roberta Stewart dedicate Sgt. Patrick Stewart's memorial plaque. Scientific paradigms are changing. Interestingly, the gap between science and magick appears to narrow. MR Sellars's super sleuth Rowan Gant used to be just an ordinary witch -- until the dead began to speak to him. We speak with Sellars about his latest novel, "All Acts of Love and Pleasure." Want to win a free tarot reading by Ladiwillow? She has a contest. Listen to the program to find out more! Musical Guests: Boy Kills Snake, Tx-Rx Have a story idea? Want to be interviewed on Lance and Graal? We are interestted in promoting ideas and activities that will help bring Paganism into the mainstream. Email us at info@lanceandgraal.com with your ideas and contact info. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

Just how Christian a holiday is Thanksgiving? The Crew discusses Thanksgiving traditions. Jeva just saw Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth and shares his thoughts. Soror YZBL co-publishes Abramelin magazine. Besides, she is the creative genius behind Aegis of Therion. And she played bass for Gossamer. Want to win a free tarot reading by Ladiwillow? She has a contest. Listen to the program to find out more! Musical Guests: Ash Jones, Stacey K. Black Have a story idea? Want to be interviewed on Lance and Graal? We are interestted in promoting ideas and activities that will help bring Paganism into the mainstream. Email us at info@lanceandgraal.com with your ideas and contact info. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

What are the benefits and drawbacks of Wicca 101 classes vs. mentoring environments? Betsy and Jeva share their thoughts. Can art be a form of devotion, even worship? Pagan Fiction: "Lucinda's Samhain" by Jeva Singh-Anand. Two grieving parents seek closure as they perform a ritual for the deceased daughter. Want to win a free tarot reading by Ladiwillow? She has a contest. Listen to the program to find out more! Musical Guest: Gossamer Have a story idea? Want to be interviewed on Lance and Graal? We are interested in promoting ideas and activities that will help bring Paganism into the mainstream. Email us at info@lanceandgraal.com with your ideas and contact info. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

We pause to honor Pagan Veterans and veterans of all creeds. As a special treat, we play Celia's song "Symbol." Pagans are making their presence known at the UW Waukesha. They've started a brand new student organization, the Pagan Student Alliance. November is Gay Pride Month, and November 20 is National Day of Rememberance for the transgendered community. Hawk of our sister station WPBN shares her insights and experiences. Want to win a free tarot reading by Ladiwillow? She has a contest. Listen to the program to find out more! Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com http://www.siouxlandwicca.org http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress http://www.undeadjake.com http://irc.paganpaths.org

Pentacle Quest Update! How do Pagan groups deal with difficult people? We managed to hook up with Selena Fox at a Lady Liberty League fundraiser to receive another update on the Pentacle Quest. Her good friend Mike shares his experience. Musical artist Celia, who wrote the song "Symbol" (the Pentacle Quest's unofficial anthem) talks about how the song became a bit of a coming-out experience. How do Pagan groups best deal with people who have a criminal past -- or people who have psyichiatric conditions? Ministers from three faiths share their views. First, Pastor Dan Lozer of the United Church of Christ offers his insights. Dr. Rev. Sarah Voss, a Unitarian Universalist minister, offers her advice. Finally, Darla Kaye Wynne is a Wiccan priestess with over 17 years experience in the Pagan prison ministry. Musical Guests: Inkubus Succubus, RuPerT Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Jeva and Daphnea share their favorite Samhain traditions. Pagans groups play very nice with mainstream churches -- if they let them. Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation yesterday served brownies and ice cream at the Interfaith Food Festival in Sioux City, IA. It's the fourth year in a row that SFWC, a 501 (c)(3) charity, has done this. Jeva interviewed several people at the Food Festival. Musical Guest: Vision Through Sound Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Jeva and Daphnea share their favorite Samhain traditions. Pagans groups play very nice with mainstream churches -- if they let them. Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation yesterday served brownies and ice cream at the Interfaith Food Festival in Sioux City, IA. It's the fourth year in a row that SFWC, a 501 (c)(3) charity, has done this. Jeva interviewed several people at the Food Festival. Musical Guest: Vision Through Sound Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Welcome to the Crew, Betsy! Jeva's beautiful wife joins the Crew! Ladiwillow returns from her trip to Scotland and Ireland and shares her experiences. Jeva finishes his first smoke free week! Roubdtable Discussion: Is the Actual Great Rite an outdated relic of Gardner's bad-boy days? What about the Symbolic GR? No one hates podcasting more than music industry tycoons. Funny thing is, musicians really love it. The guitarist of alternative rock band Farewell Redemption explains why promoting your music on podcasts is a crucial part of a successful marketing plan. Musical Guest: Farewell Redemption Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Welcome to the Crew, Betsy! Jeva's beautiful wife joins the Crew! Ladiwillow returns from her trip to Scotland and Ireland and shares her experiences. Jeva finishes his first smoke free week! Roubdtable Discussion: Is the Actual Great Rite an outdated relic of Gardner's bad-boy days? What about the Symbolic GR? No one hates podcasting more than music industry tycoons. Funny thing is, musicians really love it. The guitarist of alternative rock band Farewell Redemption explains why promoting your music on podcasts is a crucial part of a successful marketing plan. Musical Guest: Farewell Redemption Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

What does it mean to call yourself an initiate? What responsibility is attached to this title, and what are some of the inner transformations that an Initiate experiences? Betsy and Jeva speak to Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation's brand new Initiates, Sisters Bobie and Amanda. The struggle with the VA to add the Pentacle to its list of approved religious symbols on gravemarkers enters a new phase as the Aquarian Tabernacle Church and the Corellian Nativist Church turn to the ACLU and the court system. Rev. Pete Pathfinder shares his side of the story. Kids are good for the Craft, and the Craft is good for kids. Wiccanings are an excellent way for a Pagan group to formally let them know they belong. Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation recently did such a ceremony for two young girls, "Twiggy" and "Mud." They share their thoughts, insights, and experiences. Christopher Penczak is currently touring the Midwest. Jeva was able to catch up with him in Omaha, NE and chat about the Shamanic aspects of witchcraft. Musical Guests: I Mike, The Decomposers Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

What does it mean to call yourself an initiate? What responsibility is attached to this title, and what are some of the inner transformations that an Initiate experiences? Betsy and Jeva speak to Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation's brand new Initiates, Sisters Bobie and Amanda. The struggle with the VA to add the Pentacle to its list of approved religious symbols on gravemarkers enters a new phase as the Aquarian Tabernacle Church and the Corellian Nativist Church turn to the ACLU and the court system. Rev. Pete Pathfinder shares his side of the story. Kids are good for the Craft, and the Craft is good for kids. Wiccanings are an excellent way for a Pagan group to formally let them know they belong. Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation recently did such a ceremony for two young girls, "Twiggy" and "Mud." They share their thoughts, insights, and experiences. Christopher Penczak is currently touring the Midwest. Jeva was able to catch up with him in Omaha, NE and chat about the Shamanic aspects of witchcraft. Musical Guests: I Mike, The Decomposers Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Today, it's Betsy and Jeva in the studio, while Ladiwillow is vacationing in Ireland and Daphnea continues with her studies. Meantime, we've recorded a new intro featuring music by True Tribe. With double Wiccanings and dual First Degree Initations, it's been a very busy week in Sioux City. More exciting news may come out of this town soon, but more on this when things are finalized. If the latest Lance and Graal poll proved anything, it proved that Pagans are not good handimen. Jeva, who's hung his share of drywall and who not only owns a table saw, but still has all of his fingers, has embarked on a quest to enlighten the Pagan world in a new segment, "The Pagan Handiman." Many thanks to The Miller Brothers Bluegrass Band for making their music podsafe. Robert Anton Wilson, who suffers from post-polio syndromw, is currently bedridden. The Pagan community has pulled together in an exemplary manner to help him out as he is in dire financial straits. Way to go, Pagans. The community is growing up! Crystal Cherry, whose music has been featured on previous episodes of Lance and Graal, left the music industry last year. She is currently doing volunteer work in Africa. We are featuring her official statement, and we hope to speak to her soon about her experiences, her music, and her spirituality. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Today, it's Betsy and Jeva in the studio, while Ladiwillow is vacationing in Ireland and Daphnea continues with her studies. Meantime, we've recorded a new intro featuring music by True Tribe. With double Wiccanings and dual First Degree Initations, it's been a very busy week in Sioux City. More exciting news may come out of this town soon, but more on this when things are finalized. If the latest Lance and Graal poll proved anything, it proved that Pagans are not good handimen. Jeva, who's hung his share of drywall and who not only owns a table saw, but still has all of his fingers, has embarked on a quest to enlighten the Pagan world in a new segment, "The Pagan Handiman." Many thanks to The Miller Brothers Bluegrass Band for making their music podsafe. Robert Anton Wilson, who suffers from post-polio syndromw, is currently bedridden. The Pagan community has pulled together in an exemplary manner to help him out as he is in dire financial straits. Way to go, Pagans. The community is growing up! Crystal Cherry, whose music has been featured on previous episodes of Lance and Graal, left the music industry last year. She is currently doing volunteer work in Africa. We are featuring her official statement, and we hope to speak to her soon about her experiences, her music, and her spirituality. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://irc.paganpaths.org

Today, it's Betsy and Jeva in the studio, while Ladiwillow is vacationing in Ireland and Daphnea continues with her studies. Aquarian Tabernacle Church is suing the VA for recognition of the Pentacle on VA gravemarkers, and Circle Sanctuary has given the VA fourteen days to take action. After a very emotional year, Iowa's bootstrapping Wiccan Church, Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation, is gearing up for major changes. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://www.paganpaths.org

Today, it's Betsy and Jeva in the studio, while Ladiwillow is vacationing in Ireland and Daphnea continues with her studies. Aquarian Tabernacle Church is suing the VA for recognition of the Pentacle on VA gravemarkers, and Circle Sanctuary has given the VA fourteen days to take action. After a very emotional year, Iowa's bootstrapping Wiccan Church, Siouxland First Wiccan Congregation, is gearing up for major changes. Our Sponsors: http://www.magickware.com, http://www.siouxlandwicca.org, http://www.lulu.com/blackhatpress, http://www.runethemovie.com, http://www.paganpaths.org