S2 E35: Beyond the Broom Closet: A Pagan Christian Witch, Maddie's journey from LDS to nature centered spirituality

Happy Halloween! In this episode, we sit down with “Maddie,” a former member of the LDS Church and a practicing pagan who also identifies as a witch. Halloween, or Samhain, holds deep historical significance within pagan and witchcraft traditions. Maddie assures us that releasing this episode on Halloween is not only appropriate but a respectful nod to her journey in reclaiming her own spiritual path. Read more about Halloween’s pagan roots here.

We love the beautiful art she created for us to depict her for this episode. ♥️

Ashlie and I met Maddie by chance in a store, and from there, our connection blossomed into an open, fascinating discussion on her spirituality, paganism, and witchcraft. She even visited us for a Reiki session that was healing, accurate, and transformative.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to Paganism and Witchcraft

Maddie explains the difference between paganism, witchcraft, and Wicca, highlighting that paganism is rooted in earth-centered beliefs, while Wicca, though influential, has certain elements she doesn’t fully embrace.

• Astrology and Divination

Maddie shares her love for astrology, tarot, and palm reading, explaining how these practices help her connect with nature and the divine. She dispels myths and discusses the spiritual and psychological aspects of these arts.

• Christianity and Witchcraft Coexistence

Maddie combines her Christian beliefs with her pagan practices, finding Jesus as a deity within her belief system. She discusses the misunderstandings in both pagan and Christian circles around this integration.

• Women’s Empowerment and the Divine Feminine

Maddie finds strength and freedom in paganism’s embrace of the divine feminine, in contrast to the LDS Church’s limited roles for women. She reflects on the empowering aspect of femininity celebrated in her current faith.

• Nature as Sacred

Nature is deeply sacred for Maddie. She describes meaningful experiences in the forests of Washington state and her deep connection with animals, explaining how nature plays a central role in her spiritual practices.

• Community and Solitude in Paganism

Although often practiced alone, paganism allows for community through covens. Maddie, however, is a solitary practitioner, cherishing her one-on-one connection with her beliefs, with a shout-out to her beloved familiar, a jumping spider named Arlo.

Tune in to explore Maddie’s rich, nuanced worldview, her journey from LDS roots to a pagan identity, and the inspiring message that spirituality is a deeply personal and evolving journey.