The Ways of Love, Magic Beyond Rituals and Spells, Last Week in the Grove
Magic is love, animism is power, and Black joy is resistance—unlock the secrets of true spirituality!
Magic is more than spells and rituals—it's about love, connection, and transformation. This week, Charlie and Brian dive deep into Druidcraft, exploring the Ways of Love, animism, and the power of seeing the world as alive and interconnected. They challenge traditional gender roles in spirituality, reframe the Tree of Life as a circle rather than a hierarchy, and discuss how esoteric traditions have shaped modern spiritual liberation. Plus, they examine the real culture war—not religion versus secularism, but freedom versus control—and celebrate Black joy as an act of resistance and power.
How does animism help cultivate patience, gratitude, and ethical living?
Join us as we reflect on what happened last week in the grove February 17 through February 23:
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Creation’s Paths
Creation's Paths podcast is a daily devotional and inspirational table side conversation discussing topics of the day offering deep insights, practical guidance, and captivating conversations designed to inspire and enlighten each of us on a transformative spiritual journey from a Magical, Druid, Buddhist and Christopagan wisdom. http://www.creationspaths.com/podcast
Episode 238
Magic isn't just spells—it’s love, yearning, and transformation. Let’s explore the heart of creation!
In this episode, Charlie and Brian continue their study of Druidcraft by Philip Carr-Gomm, diving into Chapter 3: "The Ways of Love." This discussion explores the foundational role of love in magic and spirituality, emphasizing that magic is not just about rituals and incantations but about cultivating deep connections to the energies of the cosmos. They challenge the traditional binary gender frameworks often used in magic, drawing from Kabbalah and Irish mythology to illustrate broader, more inclusive perspectives on divine union.
The episode highlights the myth of Angus and Caer Ibormeith, an Irish love story that illustrates the power of yearning and transformation. Charlie and Brian also discuss the importance of recognizing subtle energies—like love, devotion, and passion—as integral forces in magical practice. They caution against the dangers of jumping too quickly into magical work without the proper foundational understanding, drawing parallels between learning magic and learning to swim.
Additionally, they offer insights on gendered language in spiritual traditions, referencing the book Queer Qabala for those looking to deconstruct traditional gendered metaphors in esoteric practices.
Episode 239
Even a river can die. What if we saw it as a person, not just a resource?
In this episode of Creation’s Paths, Charlie and Brian explore animism, the belief that the world is filled with persons—only some of whom are human. They discuss how recognizing the personhood of nature, objects, and even everyday items like cups or computers fosters a deeper, more respectful relationship with the world.
Charlie argues that animism is a philosophical choice with profound spiritual and legal implications, rather than a primitive belief system. They highlight real-world applications of animism, including New Zealand's legal recognition of rivers as persons and how this perspective shifts environmentalism from resource exploitation to stewardship.
Brian shares personal insights on how animism helps cultivate patience, gratitude, and ethical living. They discuss the role of animism in magic, spirituality, and law, demonstrating how seeing the world as full of persons—not objects—can transform daily interactions, from how we treat the land to how we care for our possessions.
The episode also touches on spiritual practices tied to animism, the difference between idolatry and right relationship, and how recognizing the life cycle of objects can aid in recycling, sustainability, and emotional well-being.
Episode 240
The real culture war isn’t new—it began in the 1880s. Are you choosing liberation or obedience?
In this episode, Charlie and Brian explore a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual transformation that began in the late 19th century, focusing on figures like Aleister Crowley, Gerald Gardner, and Ross Nichols. These esoteric thinkers and spiritual leaders challenged traditional, hierarchical, and ascetic religious models by promoting personal liberation, initiatory experiences, and direct participation in spiritual mysteries. Their work helped shape the modern Pagan, Druid, and magical movements, breaking away from rigid structures of control.
Charlie argues that we are in the midst of the real culture war, which isn’t about religion versus secularism but rather freedom and self-discovery versus obedience and authoritarianism. They discuss how these shifts in philosophy, psychology, and spirituality were foundational in the rise of New Age movements, the counterculture of the 1960s, and ongoing struggles for social justice today.
The conversation also covers the historical impact of the Second Axial Age (1880s–1960s), the influence of Thelema and Wicca, the rise of feminism in esoteric traditions, and the fundamentalist backlash against spiritual freedom. They encourage listeners to reflect on their own spiritual paths and advocate for liberation over dogmatic control.
Charlie and Brian conclude by emphasizing the importance of resisting high-control religious and societal structures while fostering personal and collective empowerment through spiritual exploration, self-realization, and community-driven movements.
Episode 241
Why is Black joy so radical? Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance reminded us all why it matters.
In this episode of Creation’s Paths, Charlie and Brian discuss the importance of celebrating Black joy, particularly in the wake of Kendrick Lamar’s powerful Super Bowl halftime performance. They highlight how mainstream media often focuses on Black pain and struggle while overlooking moments of joy, resilience, and celebration. They reflect on the larger societal tendency to reduce minority communities to their suffering, drawing parallels to the representation of LGBTQ+ stories and Indigenous narratives in American media.
The conversation also delves into the symbolism of Lamar’s performance, emphasizing its prophetic nature, the resistance it faced, and the joy that shone through despite the serious message. They discuss Serena Williams' joyful dancing, the backlash against it, and the broader cultural resistance to seeing marginalized communities experience and express joy.
Episode 242
What if the Tree of Life wasn't a ladder but a circle? Rethink magic, cycles, and divine flow!
In this episode, Charlie and Brian, Christopagan Druids, explore rethinking the Tree of Life as a circle instead of a ladder—a shift in perspective that mirrors the Wheel of the Year in Druidry, Wicca, and Pagan traditions. Inspired by John Michael Greer's work, they discuss how mapping the Kabbalistic Tree of Life onto the eight Sabbats creates a cyclical understanding of spiritual growth rather than a rigid, hierarchical model.
They delve into how each Sephirah aligns with the seasonal festivals, offering a dynamic flow of energy, wisdom, and transformation. They also explore practical applications in magic, ritual, and daily life, emphasizing the cyclic nature of existence, reincarnation, and the fluid movement of divine energy.
The conversation highlights how embracing circular, interconnected thinking can change one's approach to spirituality, personal growth, and magic—moving away from linear ascension models toward a holistic, evolving journey.
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