The Queer Spirituality Podcast

In this episode, Julian explores the difference between religion and spirituality, particularly in the context of queer spirituality. He shares their personal experience of encountering a social media post that claimed religion and spirituality are the same. He discusses the dictionary definitions of religion and spirituality, highlighting the distinction between belief in a superhuman power and concern for the human spirit. Julian emphasizes that spirituality allows for a more direct and personal approach to the soul, while religion often involves rigid systems and exclusionary practices. He also discusses the role of queerness as a spiritual attribute and the importance of compassion in queer spirituality. The episode concludes with a reflection on the power of spirituality to build cohesive communities and celebrate diversity.Key Points:Religion and spirituality are distinct concepts, with religion often involving belief in a superhuman power and adherence to a particular system of faith and worship, while spirituality focuses on the human spirit and soul.Spirituality allows for a more direct and personal approach to the soul, while religion can be rigid and exclusionary.Queerness can be seen as a spiritual attribute, providing a different perspective and facilitating access to spiritual realms.Compassion is a spiritual gift often associated with queerness, leading to acts of care and support for others.Religious trauma can hinder individuals from exploring their spirituality, but it is possible to find or create beliefs and practices that nourish the soul outside of organized religion.

Thumper Forge, a Gardnerian high priest, and Discordian Episkopos discusses the intersection of queer spirituality, leather and fetish culture, and chaos magic. Thumper shares their journey of becoming who they were meant to be through 12-step recovery and exploring different spiritual traditions. They emphasize the importance of community and finding acceptance within the queer community. Thumper also talks about their book 'Virgo Witch: Divining the Details' and the significance of embracing one's astrological sign. They encourage listeners to reject limitations imposed by others and to explore their own potential.Key Points:Queer spirituality is about embracing the specialness and magic of queerness and becoming who we are meant to be as queer individuals.Community is essential for queer people, as it provides acceptance and support that may not be found in mainstream society.Embracing an eclectic spiritual path allows for exploration and personal growth, combining different traditions and practices that resonate with the individual.The history and origins of spiritual practices are important, but personal gnosis and individual experiences should also be valued.Comparison and self-doubt can hinder personal growth and potential. Embrace your own journey, and don't let others define your limitations.ResourcesThumper's WebsiteInstagramFacebook

About The Guest(s):Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is an award-winning writer, educator, and spirit woman. She is an 8th generation witch, Egun medium, and priestess of Oya in the Yoruba system of spirituality. Mawiyah is the editor-in-chief of the culture in Afrikan traditional spirituality e-zine Oya N'Soro. She is also the host of FishHeadsinRedGravy, a podcast dedicated to celebrating marginalized people of the esoteric occult world. Mawiyah's writings have appeared in numerous magazines, and she has won several awards for her plays and literary work. She currently lives in Louisiana, where she conducts rituals, consultations, workshops, and divinations.Summary:Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani is a writer, educator, and spirit woman who practices Hoodoo, a form of African American folk magic. In this episode, she discusses the inclusive nature of Hoodoo and its acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. She emphasizes the importance of embracing queer spirituality and creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals. Mawiyah also talks about her book, "Conjuring the Calabash," which empowers women with hoodoo spells and magic. She shares her advice for navigating the current social and political climate, the significance of community, and the importance of listening and learning from different cultures and perspectives.Key Points:Queer spirituality should be inclusive and embrace all sexual orientations and gender identities.Hoodoo is a form of African American folk magic that is open to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.It is important to be grounded and connected to nature to navigate challenging times.Community plays a vital role in queer spirituality and provides support and understanding.It is essential to listen and learn from different cultures and perspectives to foster inclusivity and understanding.Quotes:"Queer spirituality means to be inclusive, to have magic that includes everyone, so no one feels left out." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani"The practice of Hoodoo is about including everyone and does not factor in a person's sexual orientation or their love." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani"We have to keep talking about race relations, homophobia, and other issues to address and overcome them." - Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah BomaniResources Mawiyah's Website

About The Guest(s):Elhoim Leafar is an urban spiritual worker from Amazonas, Venezuela. He is a tarot reader, dowser, and the author of the upcoming book "Dream Witchery." Elhoim is a former publicist and media manager.Summary:Elhoim Leafar, an urban spiritual worker from Venezuela, shares his perspective on queer spirituality and the challenges faced by the queer community in his home country. He emphasizes the importance of unity and compassion in the face of global struggles and highlights the need to support and promote spaces for queer voices. Elhoim also discusses his spiritual path and the inspiration behind his upcoming book, "Dream Witchery," which explores dream magic and indigenous traditions.Key Points:Queer spirituality is about recognizing that one is part of something bigger and fighting not just for personal rights, but for the rights of the entire queer community.Immigrants often feel a sense of disconnect and a desire to connect with their roots while living in a new country.Water is seen as a portal to the spiritual world in indigenous communities, and dreams are believed to be manifestations that occur underwater.It is important to support and promote spaces for queer voices, as they are often limited and underrepresented.In times of global struggle, it is crucial to prioritize unity, compassion, and understanding, and to use social media platforms responsibly.Quotes:"We are all part of the community and with time, we just try to understand that we can start working and running together.""Being a spiritual worker is about guiding and supporting others in their spiritual journeys.""Water is a support, it's made in there, it's a whole body of the goddess giving you the space to travel from one place to another.""Please protect these spaces. Please promote these spaces. Please share this podcast, this episode, with your friends, with everybody, with your social.""This is a moment to try to stay together, to try to stick together, to try to live with example, not just for people around us, but also for the people who follow you or support you in social media."Resources:Elhoim's InstagramElhoim's Author Facebook PageSolitary Witch Books on Instagram

About The Guest(s):David Townsend is a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth and a sacred intimate. He has more than three decades of experience as an educator and a creative practice in writing and visual arts. David believes in the transformative power of authentic ritual and emphasizes the creative and intuitive dimensions of ritual practice. He runs the popular blog "Anchor Hold" which focuses on Queer men's spiritual and creative lives.Summary:David Townsend, a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth, discusses the transformative power of authentic ritual and the integration of sexuality and spirituality. He shares his experiences as a sacred intimate and the work he does to help individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity. David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and trusting one's own intuition in spiritual exploration. He also talks about his popular blog, Anchor Hold, where he writes about Queer men's spiritual and creative lives. David offers sessions and workshops online, focusing on heightened mindful self-pleasure and the path of phallic awareness. David Townsend, a facilitator of Queer men's spiritual growth, discusses the transformative power of authentic ritual and the integration of sexuality and spirituality. He shares his experiences as a sacred intimate and the work he does to help individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity. David emphasizes the importance of gratitude and trusting one's own intuition in spiritual exploration. He also talks about his popular blog, Anchor Hold, where he writes about Queer men's spiritual and creative lives. David offers sessions and workshops online, focusing on heightened mindful self-pleasure and the path of phallic awareness.Key Takeaways:Queer spirituality is about finding the extraordinary in the middle of ordinary life and being aware of the depth dimension that informs everything we are and do.The pandemic has led many people to reflect on the meaning of their sexuality and explore new ways of connecting with others erotically online.Online sessions can create a safe space for deep sharing and intimacy, sometimes even more so than in-person sessions.The path of phallic awareness, a series of sessions offered by David, helps individuals connect with their innate erotic capacity and integrate their erotic experiences into their emotional and spiritual lives.Building a personal altar can be a powerful way to express and explore one's spiritual life and values.Quotes:"Queer spirituality is about finding the extraordinary in the middle of our ordinary life." - David Townsend"We are hardwired to be happiest when we're grateful." - David TownsendResources Anchorhold Blog The Path of Phallic AwarenessQueer Spirituality Website