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Death isn't something to fear but rather a natural state of being. This profound insight from Jamie Waggoner, pagan priestess (PriestX) and author of "Hades: Myths and Magic and Modern Devotion," sets the tone for a conversation that transforms how we understand the autumn season and the mysteries beyond ordinary perception.
As leaves fall and darkness claims more of each day, many spiritual practitioners feel the boundaries between worlds growing more permeable. But what if the "veil" isn't actually thinning? What if our awareness is simply expanding? Jamie suggests the unseen realms exist parallel to ours all the time—it's our willingness to perceive them that changes during this potent season.
From her perspective as a hard polytheist who believes all gods are distinct entities with their own agendas, Jamie shares practical approaches to connecting with deities and ancestors. She describes her household tradition of setting a feast for Hades and Persephone at the autumnal equinox, complete with offerings buried in the earth and milk bones for Cerberus! We learn about the Wild Hunt led by Welsh deity Gwyn ap Nudd, who rides at Samhain gathering souls—and whose hounds create the curious phenomenon where the further away they sound, the closer they actually are.
Jamie dispels common misconceptions about Hades and the underworld, explaining that unlike the Christian concept of hell, the Greek underworld isn't primarily a place of punishment. Most souls go to the Asphodel Fields—neither good nor bad—where we wait until reincarnation. This perspective transforms our understanding of death from something frightening into simply another phase of existence.
Whether through elaborate rituals or simple practices like mindful breathing or lighting a candle, Jamie offers accessible ways for anyone to connect with the unseen—even those who must practice in secret. Her insights reveal what many discover in deep spiritual work: unexpected nourishment, acceptance, and grounding in the very depths we once feared.
Curious about developing your own relationship with deities or ancestors this season? Explore Jamie's books or join her teaching programs at Way of the Weaver, where magic is taught as "open source technology" you can adapt to your own practice and community.

Jamie Waggoner:

Jamie Waggoner is an author, Pagan priestess, and occult expert. She has been a practicing witch for 25+ years. Jamie is the author of Hades: Myth, Magic and Modern Devotion, and contributor to Witchology Magazine, Haunted Magazine, and The Feminine Macabre, among others. Jamie is also a cofounder and teacher for Way of the Weaver, an inclusive program of magical inquiry, social justice, and community building.

Website: www.jamiewaggoner.com

Social Media: @jmwaggoner (Insta, FB, and YouTube)

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