Hearthfire

This episode was inspired by a candle making session with some dear friends, under February’s snow moon, in which we felt called to adorn Mullein tapers with beeswax, dried herbs, and flowers, bringing light to us on dark nights. On this dark moon, we will be journeying through time to visit the sacred rites accessed through Mullein in the form of Hags Taper.
The dried stalks of Mullein can be collected throughout the fall and winter to be used ritually as a torch or candle. This practice is called “Hags Taper.” The dried stalks of Mullein have been gathered ritualistically, and these candles are often associated with drawing love close to you and providing those engulfed in its circle of light with protection, courage, and good health. We are slowly entering the time when young shoots begin to breach the surface, and the fruits of our deep winter work begin to show above ground. As the days lengthen and we find ourselves enjoying the sun, being caressed by gentle winds, and we slowly emerge from our winter dens into the ripe springtime. May Hags Taper light your journey if the sunlight still feels out of reach, reminding you that light will always return and guide your path.

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Music:

Nostmo Halvar by Per OG Runberg

Fylgje by Benedicte Maurseth

Solbonn (Sun-prayer) by Traditional, Linn Andrea Fuglseth

Threnos-Funeral Dance by Petros Tabouris Ensemble

Dance of the Druids (feat. ) by Bear McCreary, Raya Yarbrough

The L and N Don’t Stop Here by Jean Ritchie

Beltane by Cath Connelly

The Mummers’ Dance by Loreena McKennitt

Kuulin Anen by MeNaiset

In part 2 of our interview, Adrianna and I dive deep into her practice as a land based doula-- cultivating a land based relationship while actively working to acknowledge Indigenous land and not to appropriate other cultures. She tells us about one of her favorite clients that she worked with to make earth based crafts and gifts for the baby, as well as using song as a transitional tool to guide the birthing person throughout the changes in their birth cycle. We learn about the origins of the word "gossip," the Irish tradition of birth gatherings, and the ritual use of Mead as a practice of memory holding and making in community. We speak about the transphobia present within the midwifery community and how deeply fascism and reproductive rights are intertwined.
Support Adrianna's work on their website and instagram

If you'd like to support the production of Hearthfire Podcast, check out my Patreon, where you can support the podcast for as little as $2 a month and have early access to podcast episodes, bibliographies, and video interviews. On higher tiers you have access to seasonal rituals and herbal recipes. 20% of my earnings on Patreon go to Mutual Aid funds.
Join my mailing list where you'll receive occasional love letters and offerings from me.
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Music:
Nostomo Halvar by Per OG Runberg
Behind the Veil by Mariee Sioux

On this new moon, We interview Adrianna Daly, a doula studying to become a midwife. Within this episode we learn about the connection between the witches and midwives and how they have influenced our modern medical system. We hear Adrianna’s poem, “Where We Plant Ferns,” written in reverence to our wise healing ancestors, and their legacy that we continue to practice and grapple with while existing on stolen land. Home birth used to be the norm, an event celebrated and embraced by our communities, but has now become inaccessible to the same vulnerable populations that safely taught us how to give birth at home. We learn about the difficulties midwives face within our medical system, how much our medical system owes to midwives and the Grand Midwives of the south, the transition from home birth to posh hospital birth in the early 1900s, and the traumatic effects of Twilight Birth on a generation of birthing people. Part 2 coming out soon!
Check out the bibliography for this episode on my patreonConnect with Adrianna and her work at https://www.adriannadoula.com/ and her instagram
Support this podcast by becoming a patreon for as little as $2 a month!
20% of Patreon proceeds go to a chosen organization each month. If you can't give a money offering feel free to leave a review and share with friends!
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Cover art: The Magic Circle by John William Waterhouse
Music:
Nostomo Halvar by Per OG Runberg
Samhain by Daridel
Medicine by Rising Appalachia
Highwomen by Brandi Carlisle, the Highwomen, Natalie Hemby, Marren Morris, and Amanda Shires

In this month's plant lore episode we explore the world of the Pinaceae family. As our days slowly become longer and full of light again The seeds that we cultivated in darkness have begun to feel the warmth of the sun as we return to longer days. Take pine with you as an ally for this seasonal shift, they will warm your bones and muscle aches, strengthen your heart and immune system, supporting you through this stretch of cold before we finally harvest the fruits we’ve been ruminating on during this slow season of rest and rejuvenation. First, we travel through time to experience the different ways people have used and interacted with Pine over the centuries, discussing the historical and medicinal uses of Pine. Then we explore their spiritual offerings and talk about how you can cultivate a relationship with Pine in your daily life. If you'd like to support this podcast's creation for as little as $2 a month check out my patreon!
Pine Recipes
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Music:
Intro: Nostmo Halvar by Per OG Runberg
Greensleeves by Mountain Man
Con Mi Tabaco by Alonso Del Rio
Snowflakes on an Early Spring Day by Silk Road Music
Sacred Cedars by Jimmy Yellowhorse
Pazarites by Vilkaci
Fylgje by Benedicte Maurseth
Tulli Tulli by rising Appalachia and Castanea
Outro: Nostmo Halvar by Per OG Runberg

Take caution when ingesting Pine if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Please do your own research before ingesting Pine and understand the risks.

Today I'm speaking with Julie and Becka of Folklore for Resistance. This project, born out of the frustration of seeing Folklore often co-opted as a tool of manipulation, was created with the intention for people to reclaim everyday folklore rather than gatekeeping folkloric knowledge. They describe “Folklore for Resistance [as] a project focused on community, mutual aid, anti-racism, decolonization and anti-capitalism through the lens of folklore and ancestry.” And they work with, “a collective of like-minded community members to release a quarterly zine aligning with the solstices and equinoxes.” They specify that “folklore is a common inheritance, providing the tools for resistance and liberation.” Our conversation is an uplifting reminder that we have all the tools we need and are stronger collectively. We delve into the power of folklore and how it is and has been used in political movements and provides us with tools to become a collective community. Folklore often feels stuck in a stagnant past, but actually exists all around us. We unpack the phrase "European folklore" and acknowledge the harm caused by the close relationship of this "European folklore" to white supremacy movements historically and today.
Folklore For Resistance Instagram and website
Support their recent Zine !
Check out my instagram and patreon to support this project. 20% of Patreon proceeds go to a chosen organization each month. If you can't give a money offering feel free to leave a review and share with friends!
Cover photo by Folklore For Resistance
Intro & Outro Music: Nostmo Halvar by Per O G Runberg