What happens when the spiritual path you've always known begins to feel like a beautifully decorated cage? For many seekers, the journey toward authentic spiritual connection doesn't arrive as a lightning bolt, but as a persistent whisper calling them back to the earth.

In this soul-stirring conversation, Ruby opens up about her transition from religious ministry to earth-based spirituality, sharing a profound moment at Stonehenge when she realized "the sacred isn't somewhere else, it's right here in the earth, in the breath, in the light." Together, Eric and Ruby explore how ancient symbols and rituals take on new meaning when we see them not as mere decorations but as gateways to universal connection. They discuss the rebellious act of trusting your intuition and finding holiness in everyday existence rather than waiting for external validation.

Moving beyond Hollywood stereotypes of bubbling cauldrons and pointy hats, we dive into practical green witchcraft—starting with literal grounding, creating sacred spaces, and building ethical relationships with the natural world. Ruby shares a touching story about her grandmother teaching her proper plant harvesting, emphasizing that the heart of magical practice lies in intention, reciprocity, and respect. The conversation explores various witch "types" (green, sea, kitchen, hedge) while emphasizing that your path is yours alone to define and can evolve as you grow.

Whether you're questioning religious orthodoxy, curious about earth-based practices, or simply seeking a more authentic spiritual connection, this episode offers gentle guidance without judgment. The magic isn't in perfection but in presence—in listening to the land, to your own soul, and finding community while honoring diversity. Step outside, feel the earth beneath your feet, and remember: the journey itself is the path.

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What happens when a radical spiritual movement gets absorbed by the very power structure it once challenged? The story of Christianity's evolution from grassroots revolution to imperial institution offers fascinating insights for anyone questioning inherited spiritual traditions.

Jesus wasn't the mild-mannered, passive figure often portrayed in sanitized religious art. He was a strategic disruptor who consistently sided with society's outcasts—touching lepers, debating theology with women (scandalous in his context), and delivering scathing critiques of wealth and religious hypocrisy. His ministry represented a direct challenge to both religious and political authorities, emphasizing radical inclusion and community care over hierarchy and exclusion.

Yet after Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century, something profound shifted. The countercultural movement began mirroring imperial structures, developing elaborate hierarchies that distanced ordinary believers from direct spiritual experience. Augustine's emphasis on original sin further cemented the idea that institutional mediation was necessary for salvation. The radical edge of Jesus's teachings—his criticism of wealth accumulation, his elevation of women, his challenge to purity codes—became domesticated and reinterpreted to maintain rather than challenge social order.

This transformation offers critical lessons for modern spiritual seekers. How do we reclaim the subversive compassion at the heart of Jesus's message without creating new hierarchies? What does it mean to practice faith as activism in our own context? Who are today's "lepers and tax collectors," and how might we show up for them in ways that challenge systemic injustice? Perhaps most importantly, how do we build spiritual communities that embody justice rather than just talking about it?

Whether you're a long-time Christian questioning church teachings, someone exploring spirituality outside institutional religion, or simply curious about how radical movements become mainstream, this conversation offers thought-provoking perspectives on resistance, inclusion, and the ongoing work of building beloved community. As we suggest in the episode—if your spirituality isn't making you at least a little uncomfortable, you're probably missing something essential.

Subscribe to House of Ravenbrook for more conversations at the intersection of spirituality, justice, and radical inclusion. We're committed to exploring the edges where traditional religion meets contemporary challenges, always with a healthy dose of irreverence and hope.

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Doubting your faith isn't spiritual weakness—it might be the first step toward something more authentic. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the shadowy world of religious manipulation and how it silences our inner voice.

Ruby shares her pivotal university moment: "Someone just casually said, 'I don't believe in hell,' and I was like, wait, you can say that out loud?" For many raised in controlling religious environments, questioning feels dangerous—almost like "inviting a lightning bolt." We explore how tactics of fear, guilt, and shame become powerful tools for conformity, creating what Richard Ravenbrook calls "spiritual bondage."

But what happens when we dare to ask questions? We examine the complexities of religious texts themselves, from the contradictory creation stories in Genesis to the ambiguous divine justice in Cain and Abel. Rather than seeing these inconsistencies as problems, we reframe them as invitations to deeper engagement. As one biblical scholar told Ruby, reading scripture critically is "like trying to make sense of your family's stories at Christmas"—messy but meaningful.

The journey toward spiritual freedom isn't linear but spiral-shaped—we circle back, revisit old questions, stumble, and heal. Some find solace in nature, others in journaling or supportive communities. What matters isn't following someone else's rulebook but reclaiming your voice and trusting your inner compass.

Wherever you are on this journey—just beginning to question or rebuilding your spiritual life—know that doubt isn't failure. Your questions deserve space. Your journey matters. And sometimes, the most spiritual act is simply being honest about what you truly believe.

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The veil between miracle and magic has always been thinner than mainstream religion would have us believe. This episode unravels the fascinating, controversial perspective of Yeshua (Jesus) not merely as a divine miracle worker, but possibly as a mystic practitioner trained in the esoteric arts of his time.

We journey through the spiritual landscape of first-century Palestine—a vibrant melting pot where Jewish mystics, Essenes, and folk practitioners traded wisdom alongside Greek philosophers and Roman officials. The supernatural wasn't exceptional here; it was woven into the fabric of daily life. When viewed through this historical lens, turning water into wine or healing the sick takes on new dimensions beyond Sunday school narratives.

Our exploration dives deep into Kabbalah with its Tree of Life as a cosmic diagram channeling divine energy, and Merkava mysticism with its visionary journeys reminiscent of Ezekiel's wheel-within-wheels. These weren't just abstract theories but practical systems for engaging with the divine—systems that may have influenced Yeshua's approach to spiritual transformation. Most provocatively, we consider how his "miracles" functioned not just as demonstrations of power but as acts of social justice and challenges to the status quo in an occupied land rife with inequality.

The Ravenbrook path parallels early Christianity's experimental, inclusive nature before institutional forces standardized belief and practice. We invite listeners to reclaim the magic and mystery at the heart of spiritual traditions—not just to read about mystical experiences but to step into them personally. Whether you're drawing wobbly diagrams at 2 AM or sitting in contemplative silence, the invitation remains: embrace the uncomfortable questions, challenge artificial boundaries between faith and magic, and discover your own pathway into transformation. The journey continues beyond this episode, with endless mysteries still awaiting exploration.

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What happens when we dare to look beyond our inherited fears and see the humanity in those we've been taught to distrust? The answer might just transform how we navigate our increasingly divided world.

Fear runs deep in human society—it's woven into our political systems, religious traditions, and cultural narratives. Ruby shares her powerful journey of questioning the fear-based beliefs she inherited growing up in a conservative environment, discovering that many of her anxieties weren't even her own but handed down "like old clothes that never really fit." Eric recounts a transformative dialogue circle where people from opposing viewpoints found common ground in their shared desire for safety, meaning, and connection.

At the heart of the Ravenbrook tradition lies a radical proposition: we can transcend artificial boundaries without ignoring our differences. This isn't about pretending the past didn't happen but recognizing we aren't bound by those mistakes. Through practices like active listening, non-violent communication, and mindfulness, we can notice when fear arises and question whether it reflects reality or simply perpetuates divisive stories we've internalized.

True unity requires leadership rooted in moral integrity and shared purpose—not by imposing a single perspective but by creating space for diverse voices to be heard. As Richard Ravenbrook demonstrated, this leadership begins with asking difficult questions and listening deeply to the answers. The journey isn't about perfection; it's about persistence. Each time we choose compassion over fear, we create ripples that extend far beyond ourselves, gradually shifting entire communities toward greater understanding.

Ready to break the spell of division? Listen now and discover how awakening beyond fear can transform not just your perspective, but our collective future. Share your own experiences with overcoming inherited fears and building bridges across differences—your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

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This episode takes an unflinching look at the state of freedom in America, highlighting pressing issues of bigotry and the necessity of mutual respect. We discuss the implications of Christian nationalism in our governance and contrast it with foundational American values.

• Navigating feelings of anxiety and unease
• The conflict of bigotry and the pursuit of rights
• Examining the rise of Christian nationalism in government
• The importance of diversity and understanding in society
• Unpacking love and its role in building better communities
• How to create a future of mutual respect and acceptance

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What if the very institutions meant to guide and protect us are the ones leading us astray? Join me, Richard Ravenbrook, as I challenge the status quo by exposing the troubling disconnect between the true teachings of Christianity and the practices of some modern believers. With a heart rooted in paganism, I speak candidly about respecting all positive religions while confronting the hypocrisy within certain Christian circles. This episode of "Finding Our Way Home" is a call for introspection and truth-seeking, urging listeners to look beyond traditional texts and trust their inner wisdom, especially when tackling issues as pressing as immigration and the treatment of those born on U.S. soil.

Let's journey through the turbulent intersection of spirituality, equality, and social justice, and confront the ignorance that stems from inadequate education systems and manipulated religious narratives. Drawing poignant parallels to the Dark Ages, this episode underscores the urgent need for compassion and unity in a world rife with violence and hypocrisy. We explore how intertwining politics with religious rhetoric can provoke oppression and challenge the freedom of future generations. Together, we can create a world where love and understanding prevail, standing as a united front against injustice and envisioning a brighter, more compassionate future.

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