Dine with the Divine

Ashley Oppon
  • 4.7 (12)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Some of the best stories are told at the dinner table with a delicious meal and good company. Dine with the Divine is a one stop shop if you crave conversations of mythology, magic, history and culture! Once a week, Ashley and a guest honor gods, sages, saints and iconic figures through storytelling, food, and drink. In the words of a Mexican proverb, "Conversation is food for the soul." Pull up a chair and come dine with us!

  1. The Brothers Grimm and a Veiled Princess with Frater Aaron

    09/19/2024

    The Brothers Grimm and a Veiled Princess with Frater Aaron

    Ashley welcomes Aaron, the creator of the 'Sacred Lore of Witchcraft' podcast, to discuss fairy tales and storytelling. Aaron shares his fascination with fairy tales from childhood and how it led to creating his podcast. The conversation delves into the profound impact of fairy tales, cultural insights, and the often-untold historical context. They then explore the life and contributions of the Brothers Grimm, from their struggles with poverty to their eventual fame as collectors of folklore. The episode wraps up with a delightful retelling of the Grimm fairy tale 'Maid Malene' and a discussion about a traditional German rhubarb almond cake. 00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine 00:14 Meet Our Guest: Aaron 00:35 Aaron's Journey into Fairy Tales 03:10 The Symbolism in Fairy Tales 03:48 Cultural Insights from Fairy Tales 08:14 Dish of the Week: German Rhubarb Almond Cake 13:52 The Brothers Grimm 41:21 The Tale of Maid Malene Frater Aaron is a graduate of the mystery school seminary of the Fellowship of the Phoenix, an initiate in Traditional Witchcraft, and a student of Hermeticism and classical grimoires. He is the creator of Storybook Sacred Lore of Witchcraft, exploring magical wisdom in fairytales and classic literature. Aaron's Facebook group @sacredloreofwitchcraft on Instagram Aaron's Website Aaron on YouTube If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com

    1h 4m
  2. Animism and Artemis and Althaea Sebastiani

    09/05/2024

    Animism and Artemis and Althaea Sebastiani

    We delve into the mystical world of animism with special guest Althea Sebastiani, a full-time spirit worker and religious educator. Althea shares her personal journey into witchcraft, detailing how she developed her practice rooted in animism and witchcraft. They discuss the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of respecting and connecting with the land, and the spiritual realm. Althea also talks about her book 'Alive with Spirits,' which offers practical exercises to deepen one's spiritual practice. Additionally, the episode features a delicious corn dish recipe and an engaging discussion about the goddess Artemis. 00:37 Introducing Althea Sebastiani 12:46 Dish of the Week: Sumac and Sage Corn 14:41 Understanding Animism 39:41 Exploring the Deity Artemis Althaea Sebastiani is a spiritworker and religious educator whose work focuses on helping people navigate the realities of deep spiritual practice. Their work is punctuated by strong emphasis on doing the work and encourages learning through direct experience. A spirit-led witch with nearly 30 years’ experience, their personal practice is land-based and devotional, focused on being responsive to the spirits of the land wherever their travels take them and doing right by the Gods Who have called them into Their service. Althaea's Facebook page @LadyAlthaea on Instagram @LadyAlthaea on X Althaea's Website If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! Support Dine with the Divine Sumac and Sage "Street Corn" — Adventure Kitchen Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com Dine with the Divine website Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

    54 min
  3. Ritual and a Sumerian Sister Story with Deborah Lipp

    08/22/2024

    Ritual and a Sumerian Sister Story with Deborah Lipp

    In this episode of Dine with the Divine, host Ashley welcomes Deborah Lip, an experienced Wiccan high priestess and author, to delve into the elements of ritual, particularly the goddess Inanna. Deborah shares her journey in Wicca, and discusses the importance of understanding the deities one chooses to invoke. The show features a delicious recipe for lemon chicken from 'A Kitchen Witch's Cookbook' and explores the rich mythology of the Sumerian goddess Inanna. The episode also includes practical tips for structuring rituals and honoring deities, aimed at both beginners and advanced practitioners. 00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine 00:25 Introducing Deborah Lip 01:07 Deborah's Journey into Wicca 06:11 Dish of the Week: Lemon Chicken 09:01 Discussing 'The Elements of Ritual' 33:19 Exploring the Goddess Inanna https://www.deborahlipp.com/about-me/ Deborah 's Facebook page @Deblippauthor on Instagram @Deblippauthor on X Deborah 's Website If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! Support Dine with the Divine Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com Dine with the Divine website Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

    50 min
  4. Clearing Your Space and That Beanstalk Story with Amy Blackthorn

    08/15/2024

    Clearing Your Space and That Beanstalk Story with Amy Blackthorn

    In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley is joined by Amy Blackthorn, an award-winning author known for her work with magical plants. The discussion delves into the use of various herbs and plants for spiritual cleansing and protection, offering alternative options to commonly used sage. Amy shares her journey into the world of magic and plants, highlighting her early fascination with Wicca and horticulture. The conversation also touches on the importance of intention in magic, ethical sourcing of materials like sandalwood and palo santo, and the rich traditions behind botanical practices. Additionally, the show includes recipes for protective seasonings and concludes with a retelling of the classic fairy tale, 'Jack and the Beanstalk.' 00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine 00:24 Introducing Amy Blackthorn 01:45 Amy's Journey into Magic 16:24 Protective Poultry Seasoning Recipe 18:59 Alternative Herbs for Clearing 50:59 Jack and the Beanstalk Retelling Amy Blackthorn is the award-winning author of the best-sellers, ‘Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic,’ ‘Sacred Smoke,’ ‘Blackthorn’s Botanical Brews,’ ‘Blackthorn’s Protection Magic,’ and ‘Blackthorn’s Botanical Wellness.’ She has been described as an “arcane horticulturalist” for her lifelong work with magical plants and teaching. She incorporates her experiences in British Traditional Witchcraft with her horticulture studies. She has a certification in aromatherapy and is ordained through the Order of the Golden Gryphon. Amy’s company, Blackthorns Botanicals, creates tea based on magical associations. She has appeared on HuffPoLive, Netflix’s Top Ten Secrets and Mysteries in an episode about Supernatural Abilities & the AP Newswire. Amy lives in Delaware. You can view Amy’s tea shop at BlackthornsBotancials.com. @Amy_Blackthorn_author on Instagram Amy's Website If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! Support Dine with the Divine Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com Dine with the Divine website Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

    1h 10m
  5. The Lady of the Lake, Mermaids and Water Magic with Annwyn Avalon

    08/08/2024

    The Lady of the Lake, Mermaids and Water Magic with Annwyn Avalon

    In this episode of Dine with the Divine, host Ashley is joined by Annwyen Avalon, a water priestess and author, to delve into the magical world of water mysteries. Anwen shares her fascinating journey from her childhood in Florida to becoming a renowned water priestess based in Glastonbury, and discusses her deep connection to water and its spiritual significance. They explore various aspects of water magic, mermaid folklore, and Arthurian legends, including lesser-known mermaid stories in the UK. The episode also features a delicious salmon and orzo recipe and insightful discussions about the Lady of the Lake and Merlin's complex character. 00:00 Welcome to Dine with the Divine 00:21 Introducing Anwen Avalon: Water Priestess 32:54 Dish of the Week: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon and Orzo 35:46 Tea Time: The Lady of the Lake 59:02 Mermaids in British Folklore 01:13:47 Conclusion and Farewell Annwyn Avalon is a Water Priestess and Celtic Water Witch. She is the Author of The Way of the Water Priestess, Water Witchcraft: Magic and Lore from the Celtic Tradition and The Celtic Goddess Grimiore. She is the founder of Water Priestess Training, The Water Priestess Confluence, Bewitching the Waters Symposium, and Triskele Rose Witchcraft a Avalonian Witchcraft Tradition. She has devoted her life to the study of Esoteric Water Mysteries. Her path is one of sacred service to the waters of this world and her ancestors. She is an initiated Witch and Priestess. She is the author of the Patheos Blog The Water Witch. She now lives in Glastonbury as the sacred steward of Chalice Orchard, the former home of the famous occultist Dion Fortune and is a Keeper and Lead Ceremonialist at the White Spring, one of the sacred springs located in Glastonbury. @annwynavalon on Instagram Annwyn's Website If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! MerlinLady of the Lake - WikipediaBest Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Salmon & Orzo - How to Make Salmon & Orzo Support Dine with the Divine Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com Dine with the Divine website Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

    1h 16m
  6. The Wheel of the Year Obeah and Escaping Death with Emma Kathyrn

    08/01/2024

    The Wheel of the Year Obeah and Escaping Death with Emma Kathyrn

    In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley discusses the Wheel of the Year calendar and features an Anansi story with special guest Emma Catherine. Emma, an award-winning author and seasoned writer for multiple blogs and magazines, shares her journey with witchcraft and spirituality. The episode delves into Obeah, an Afro-Caribbean spiritual system, and discusses its origins and practices. The duo also covers the eight seasonal celebrations of the Wheel of the Year, providing insights and traditions associated with each. The story segment features an Anansi tale involving Brother Death, illustrating the cleverness and trickster nature of Anansi. The episode is rich with cultural, historical, and spiritual discussions, providing listeners with a deep dive into various mystical traditions. 00:22 Introducing Emma Catherine 01:37 Emma's Journey into Witchcraft 14:25 Dish of the Week: Cardamom Yogurt Semi Frito 19:00 Exploring the Wheel of the Year 34:57 Anansi Stories: Brother Death 48:09 Podcast Conclusion and Guest Info Emma Kathryn is a witch and obeah woman, a practice that incorporates all of her heritage. Emma is also an author, her latest book, Season Songs, Rediscovering the magic in the cycles of nature helps witches and other magically inclined folk form a relationship with the land where they live and the spirits that reside there! Emma's Facebook page @EK_WildWitch on X Emma's Website Emma on YouTube Owuo - WikipediaWheel of the Year - WikipediaRaspberry-Cardamom Yogurt Semifreddo Recipe | Bon Appétit Support Dine with the Divine If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com

    51 min
  7. Mythology, Overcoming Spiritual Trauma, Joy and Elves with Moss Matthey

    07/24/2024

    Mythology, Overcoming Spiritual Trauma, Joy and Elves with Moss Matthey

    In this episode of Dine with the Divine, host Ashley interviews Moss Mattai, a witch, pagan, and cult survivor, who shares his journey from a high-control religious group to discovering Welsh mythology and witchcraft. They discuss the importance of community, confronting emotions, and celebrating pagan traditions. The episode transitions into a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, providing insights into mythology and its cultural significance. Ashley also shares her contact information, including email addresses and social media handles, inviting listeners to connect with her. She thanks the audience for their support and looks forward to the next episode. Moss's Facebook page @Magic_of_the_moss on Instagram Moss on YouTube Moss's Website 00:25 Introducing Moss Mattai 11:40 Writing the Book: A Celebration of Joy 41:08 Dish of the Week: Offerings for Fairies 55:38 Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tale 01:11:01 Conclusion and Farewell The Elfin Hill - A Hans Christian Andersen Tale | Pook PressFairy - Wikipedia If you enjoyed the show, please give us a 5 star on whatever podcast platform you listen to us on! Support Dine with the Divine Follow the podcast on Instagram Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com

    1h 14m
  8. Death, Acceptance and Buddhism with Jill McClennen

    07/17/2024

    Death, Acceptance and Buddhism with Jill McClennen

    TW: We talk about sexual assault this episode for a about a minute starting at 32:50. Please be advised. In this episode of 'Dine with the Divine,' host Ashley welcomes Jill McLennan, a certified death doula and grief coach, to discuss her journey through death and grief, and how Buddhism has shaped her life and work. Jill shares her personal experiences and the core teachings of Buddha that influence her practice. The conversation extends to the historical impact of Buddha's teachings and their potential influence on other philosophies, including those of Jesus. Jill also talks about her podcast 'Seeing Death Clearly' and her work at 'End of Life Clarity.' The episode concludes with a vegetarian recipe for Buddha's Delight and reflections on life's impermanence. 00:29 Meet Jill McLennan: Certified Death Doula 02:17 Jill's Journey to Becoming a Death Doula 25:03 Introducing Buddha's Delight: A Vegetarian Dish 27:55 Exploring Buddhism: Jill's Personal Journey 50:30 Introduction to Buddhism 01:03:18 The Story of Buddha 01:16:12 Conclusion and Farewell Jill McClennen is a certified death doula, grief coach, and the "Seeing Death Clearly" podcast host. Beyond her role as a death doula, Jill is also a trauma-sensitive yoga instructor. She incorporates movement, reiki, and shamanic healing techniques to assist clients in addressing their fears surrounding death, coping with grief, and finding peace around the end of life. Her journey as a death doula has profoundly shaped Jill's perspective on life's priorities. This transformation fuels her mission of helping others clarify their core values, regardless of the time they have left. Through her podcast, Jill engages in meaningful discussions with various guests about death, dying, grief, and how to live life fully. She advocates for open, honest dialogues about death, dying, and grief among friends and loved ones, including age-appropriate discussions with children from an early age. Jill's Facebook group Jill's Facebook page @endoflifeclarity on Instagram Jill's Website Buddhism - WikipediaPork roll - WikipediaLife of Gautama Buddha and the origin of Buddhism | Britannica Follow the podcast on Instagram Support Dine with the Divine Follow on Facebook at Dine with the Divine Follow me (Ashley!) at Sankofa Healing Sanctuary on Facebook and Instagram Email me with your questions and comments at dinewiththedivinepod@gmail.com Dine with the Divine website Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon

    1h 18m
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4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Some of the best stories are told at the dinner table with a delicious meal and good company. Dine with the Divine is a one stop shop if you crave conversations of mythology, magic, history and culture! Once a week, Ashley and a guest honor gods, sages, saints and iconic figures through storytelling, food, and drink. In the words of a Mexican proverb, "Conversation is food for the soul." Pull up a chair and come dine with us!

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Oppon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Ashley Oppon
  • Show Website
    Dine with the Divine