Join us, for an intriguing conversation with Irisanya Moon! Irisanya is a Witch, Priestess, Author of several books, Poet and devotee of Aphrodite. She teaches classes and camps in the Reclaiming Witchcraft tradition around the world. Her latest book is: “HESTIA: Goddess of Hearth, Home and Community” She lives in Sonoma county California. *Stay tuned until the end where Irisanya gives us a short Hestia blessing for the home*

Originally from the Midwest; Irisanya moved to California and has been invested in the Reclaiming Witchcraft tradition since 2008. This is an Eco-Feminist tradition that seeks to unify spirit and politics and encompasses many viewpoints on deity. Irisanya began her spiritual journey by first attending a Witch Camp - a 7 day retreat and loved it. She found a mentor named Copper Persephone who mentored her on her Reclaiming Witchcraft path and was a good friend. Irisanya continued with priestess training and student teaching with Copper for several years before teaching on her own.

We chat about Hestia the Goddess of the hearth and community in all her Greek mythological complexity. Basically, Hestia is/was the flame that connects everyone- the flame that is essential for humankind. She was worshipped in the home but also in the civic/political communities of ancient Greece. Hestia elected to never marry and to remain an eternal Virgin Goddess, one owned by no man and forever tended to the hearth of Olympus. Hestia offered sanctuary from persecution to those who honored and respected Her and punished those who offended Her. She was worshipped and celebrated around the hearth that is central to family(births,deaths, marriages) etc.as well as community rites of passages and events. The Olympic torch was/is a symbol of the eternal flame of Hestia lit at Mt. Olympus in Her honor.

Irisanya talks to us about how Hestia has influenced her writing this book as a result of teaching at various in-person events, classes and Witchcamps after the Covid lockdown in 2023 and how she worked to bring community together and rebuild community after people have gone through so much. In a way Hestia collaborated with Irisanya while writing this book about her! Irisanya believes that community is essential now more than ever and Irisanya works hard to figure out group cohesion and how people can support each other as well as feel comfortable with giving and receiving around each other. It's about belonging and meeting people where they are at, which is not easy whether it is in a magical Pagan or Wiccan ritual or at work or any other type of community.

Irisanya’s book is full of invocations, meditations, prayers and other useful information so that anyone can connect with Goddess Hestia. And Hestia is there for us to honor and celebrate at home even if we don't have a community around us. We can always call on Her and ask for her wisdom, support, nourishment and blessings regardless of our spiritual background or where we live in the world.

We end the episode with Irisanya leading us in a lovely Hestia blessing for the home. Tune in and be enlightened! More about Irisanya: www.irisanyamoon.com

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