The Irish Pagan School Podcast
Authentic Connection to Ireland. Regular episodes from native presenters and teachers - Lora O'Brien and Jon O'Sullivan - on Irish History, Heritage, Mythology, Folklore, the Tuatha Dé Danann, Fairy Faith, Irish or Celtic Paganism... direct from the Irish Pagan School HQ in County Waterford, Ireland.✨ FREE LEARNING RESOURCES FOR A YEAR! - https://irishpagan.school/free✨ Irish Pagan Resources Checklist available NOW - https://irishpagan.school/checklist/👀 🟠 Patrons get to ask their own questions for these episodes, and get the answers about a month before anyone else! 😉 Join us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/irishpaganschool/membership ✨ FREE Online Classes - https...
Why would a Dagda devotee not like Lugh?
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Why would someone devoted to the Dagda feel uneasy about Lugh? Jon O’Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the mythological tensions between these two powerful Irish deities and shares his personal perspective on why he doesn’t connect with Lugh in his own spiritual practice.
🔍 What You’ll Learn:
How to connect to Irish Paganism without Irish Ancestry
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Can you connect to Irish spirituality even if you don’t have Irish ancestry? The answer is YES! In this video, Jon O’Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School discusses how anyone, regardless of lineage, can respectfully and meaningfully connect with Irish Paganism and culture.
✨ What You’ll Learn:
Making Time for Your Spirituality
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✨ YOUR FREE GIFT - Daily Spiritual Practices for Irish Paganism - Simple PDF Guide - https://irishpagan.school/practice
Feeling like you don’t have enough time for your spiritual path? You're not alone. In this gentle and grounded talk, Jon O’Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School explores how time is shaped by modern life, and how reclaiming your time through simple, mindful acts can deepen your connection with Irish Paganism, your deities, your ancestors, and yourself.
Through relatable stories and practical advice, Jon shares how daily tasks - like m...
Ogham in Medieval Manuscripts
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Ogham is best known as the ancient script carved into standing stones across Ireland - but did you know that it also survived in medieval manuscripts? 📜 While its use on stone declined after the 7th century, Irish scholars continued studying, adapting, and even playfully scribbling Ogham in their manuscripts for centuries to come.
In this episode of the Podcast, we explore:
✅ How Ogham evolved from stone inscriptions to manuscript writing
✅ The St. Gall...
Why Did Jon Say No to the Morrigan?
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✨ VIDEO - How I Met the Morrigan - https://youtu.be/FVSrRY38bjA?si=EEC56EaJWwnK8uSk
What happens when The Mórrígan calls… and you say no? In this personal and insightful video, Jon O’Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School shares his experience of encountering The Mórrígan at the Cave of the Cats (Oweynagat) and why he respectfully declined her offer.
✨ In this video:
The Life and Death of Irish Gods
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Have you ever wondered where the Tuatha Dé Danann came from or what happens to them when they die? Jon O’Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the origins, journeys, and legacies of Ireland's gods, as well as their connection to the Otherworld.
✨ In this video:
Does Studying at the Irish Pagan School make you Pagan?
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In this thought-provoking discussion, Jon O'Sullivan, co-founder of the Irish Pagan School, explains what it truly means to study Irish mythology, culture, and spirituality with the school.
Discover:
Why studying at the Irish Pagan School does not automatically make you Pagan or a magical practitioner.
The distinction between education and initiation in spiritual practice.
How Irish Pagan School provides tools and knowledge for students to explore their own paths—without imposing beliefs.
...
Bealtaine in the Irish Tradition
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For authentic Irish Bealtaine resources from Irish Pagan School: https://irishpagan.school/bealtaine
Most of what you'll find online about Bealtaine isn't Irish. In this video, Jon O'Sullivan (Irish Seanchai and co-founder of Irish Pagan School) takes you through what actually happened on May Day in Ireland: the May Bush, not the Maypole; yellow flowers on the threshold; May Dew gathered before sunrise; the rule of no fire and no lending on May Morning; and the bonfire traditions from Munster and the southeast.
All content is sourced from primary...
Do Titles Matter in Paganism?
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Do you need a title to be valid in Irish Paganism? What’s the difference between being a bard, a priest, or a File? In this video, Jon O’Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School explores the role of titles within Irish and Celtic Pagan traditions. He shares hard-won insight from personal experience, community care, and priesthood in service of the Dagda.
With humour, honesty, and cultural clarity, Jon unpacks what spiritual titles really mean – and what they don’t. This...
Who is Danu?
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Who is Danú? Explore the enigmatic figure of Danú in Irish mythology with Jon O’Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School.
Origins of Danú: Understanding her place in Irish lore through the genitive form in "Tuatha Dé Danann" (People of Danú).
Mythological complexity: Clarifying modern misconceptions about Danú as an "Earth Mother" or Irish Gaia figure.
Anu and Danú: Distinguishing between these two goddesses and their co...
Is it Magic or just Spicy Psychology?
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Is magic real, or just a spicy blend of psychology and ritual? Join Jon O’Sullivan as he explores this modern question through the lens of Irish Paganism. We unpack Crowley’s definition of magic—“using natural forces to create change in accordance with one’s will”—and examine everything from candle-lighting traditions to placebo effects, neuroplasticity, and ritual intention. Gain clarity and confidence on your path.
✨ Irish Pagan Resources Checklist available NOW - https://irishpagan.school/checklist/
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Where to Start with Irish Paganism, and How to Go Slowly
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If you’re new to Irish Paganism, or quietly circling it, this episode begins with the most important question underneath it all: am I allowed to be here?
Lora speaks directly to the concerns so many careful learners carry, especially around ancestry, appropriation, and getting it wrong. This is a grounded, steady orientation to what Irish Paganism actually is, what it is not, and how to begin without performance, pressure, or premature claiming.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
• Why learning comes before ritual
• What daily pra...
When is Imbolg?
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✨Imbolg Fire Festival Cheat Sheet - https://irishpagan.school/imbolc-cheat-sheet/
✨Irish Pagan Imbolg Ritual - https://irishpagan.school/pagan-ritual-imbolc/
When is Imbolc? Jon O’Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School answers this commonly debated question and explains why understanding what Imbolc represents may be more important than pinpointing an exact date.
✨ In this video:
Imbolc’s Place in the Irish Pagan Calendar: Exploring its role as one of the four Fire Festivals.
Seasonal and Cultural Markers: The connections to lambing season, spring blooms, and agricultur...
Can You Follow Both an Irish Pagan Path and a Buddhist Path?
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Is it possible to explore both Irish Paganism and Buddhism on your spiritual journey? Jon O’Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School speaks to this thought-provoking question posed by a patron. Drawing on Irish polytheistic practices, Coir Coibhneas (right relationship), and personal insights, Jon explores:The ethics of blending spiritual paths.The importance of honouring the cultural roots of Irish Paganism and Buddhism.Avoiding "pick-and-mix spirituality."How personal introspection and decolonised thinking can deepen spiritual growth.
Jon emphasises that whil...
Ireland's Dangerous Water Hound
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Did you know Ireland has its very own terrifying water hound from mythology? Known as the Dobhar Cú, or "dark water hound," this creature is said to be part hound, part otter, and entirely deadly. In this video, Jon O’Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School shares the chilling legend of the Dobhar Cú, its ties to Irish folklore, and the haunting 18th-century story immortalised on a gravestone in County Leitrim.
🦦 Is the Dobhar Cú real or just legend? Ex...
When is A Corvid Just a Corvid
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When is a corvid just a bird, and when might it be a messenger of the Morrígan? In this video, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the significance of corvids—such as crows, ravens, and rooks—in Irish mythology and their associations with the Irish goddess, The Morrígan. Drawing from spiritual journeys, guided meditations, and personal experiences, Jon addresses the complex nature of these black-feathered birds and when their appearance might signal a deeper message. This discussi...
How many Altars is Too Many Altars?
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Is there such a thing as too many altars in Celtic Paganism? In this video, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School answers a common question about altar space and how to manage multiple deities in pagan spiritual practice. Drawing on his experience with the Tuatha Dé Danann, Jon discusses the importance of practical, intentional spaces for connecting with deities like The Dagda, The Morrígan, and Brigid. He also shares personal insights into how an altar should serve as a foc...
Why do people ignore Prophecy?
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n Irish mythology and across many cultures, characters often ignore or defy prophecies—leading to memorable lessons or devastating consequences. But why does this happen, and what can it tell us about our own relationship with divination and guidance?
Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School dives into the purpose of prophecy in storytelling, particularly within Irish folklore, and the deeper reasons why characters—and people today—might ignore sage advice. Jon explores themes in tales of the Dagda and othe...
Magic of the Ulster Cycle
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Was magic still a part of the Ulster Cycle in Irish Mythology? In this video, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School dives into the magical elements of one of Ireland's most famous mythological cycles. From the epic saga of the Táin Bó Cuailnge to lesser-known tales of prophecy, shapeshifting, and bardic power, Jon explores how the Otherworld and its magic continued to influence the heroes, gods, and landscapes of the Ulster Cycle. He also highlights the fascinating powers of char...
Who is Lughnasa REALLY About?
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✨ Rediscovering Ireland's Hidden Goddesses - https://irishpaganschool.com/p/hidden-goddess
In this video, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School delves into the true origins and meaning behind Lughnasa, one of Ireland's most significant festivals. While it's easy to associate Lughnasa with the god Lugh due to its name, Jon reveals that the festival actually honours the lesser-known goddess Tailtiu, who played a pivotal role in ancient Irish mythology. Learn about the deep connections between Tailtiu, the landscape of Ireland, and the origins of agriculture, as well as the history of the...
Did the Otherworld Influence the Táin Bo Cuailgne?
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In this deep dive into Irish mythology, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School explores the influence of the Otherworld on the legendary events of the Táin Bó Cuailnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley). While the Ulster Cycle is often seen as a story of human heroes and battles, there's an undeniable presence of Otherworldly forces shaping the narrative.
Jon discusses how figures such as Macha, the Morrigan, and even the bulls themselves tie into the supernatural realm, impa...
Did the Bulls in the Táin Bo Cuailgne Hate Each Other?
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Did the two legendary bulls, the Donn Cuailnge and the Finnbhennach, have a rivalry in the Táin Bó Cuailnge? In this engaging video, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School delves deep into the lore of Ireland’s Ulster Cycle to uncover the myth behind these famous creatures.
Discover the backstory of the two bulls, which traces back to their former incarnations as pig keepers, Friuch and Rucht, and their endless rivalry through multiple lifetimes. Jon explains how thi...
Who Was the Chief Druid in Ulster During the Ulster Cycle?
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Who was the most important druid during the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology? Jon O'Sullivan answers this intriguing question by exploring the life and influence of Cathbad, a pivotal figure in the Ulster Cycle.
While often overshadowed by figures like Cú Chulainn or Conchobar mac Nessa, Cathbad played a crucial role in shaping the events that defined this mythological era. Jon delves into how Cathbad's visions, actions, and guidance impacted key figures, from Conchobar's rise to k...
Is Cú Chulainn a Tragic Hero? Exploring the Myth & Legacy
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Is Cú Chulainn a true tragic hero, or is his story more complicated than it seems? In this insightful video, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School delves into the myths and historical contexts surrounding one of Ireland's most famous figures, Cú Chulainn (Setanta Mac Súaltam).Often romanticised as a paragon of heroism, Cú Chulainn's tale reveals darker layers of violence, manipulation, and tragic choices, making him more of a tragic figure than a hero. Jo...
The Dearg Dú - Irish Mythology’s Bloodthirsty Spirit
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Is the Dearg Dú Ireland’s very own vampire legend? In this video, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the terrifying folklore surrounding the Dearg Dú, a revenant said to rise from the grave to seek revenge and drain the life force of her victims.
Originating in County Waterford, this undead woman’s tragic backstory of love, betrayal, and vengeance makes her one of the most horrifying figures in Irish mythology. Learn the lore behind the Dearg Dú, her c...
Is the Headless Horseman Irish?
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Is the Headless Horseman part of Irish mythology? Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores this question by delving into Irish folklore about the Dullahan, a fearsome, headless rider often connected with death omens like the cóiste bodhar, or the Silent Death Coach. Discover the origins of the Dullahan, its role in ancient Irish tales, and how this terrifying figure differs from other similar myths, including Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman. Learn what happens when a Dullahan speaks your...
Why is the Summer Solstice Important in Irish Paganism?
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In this video, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School discusses the significance of the summer solstice in Irish Paganism. He explains what the summer solstice is and its importance in Irish culture, both historically and in modern practices. Jon highlights the connections between ancient traditions and contemporary celebrations, such as midsummer festivals and bonfires. He also emphasizes the value of engaging with ancestral practices to enrich one's spiritual journey.
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Do Cats Have Their Own Royalty?
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In this fascinating exploration of Irish mythology, Jon O'Sullivan of the Irish Pagan School delves into the lore of the King of Cats, a prominent figure in Irish folklore and the mysterious cat sídhe of the Otherworld.
Discover how this legendary feline ruler and his subjects appear in stories both adversarial and supportive, and what their role is in the ancient Irish tradition. Jon covers different folk tales from Ireland, such as encounters with the King of Cats...
Can you Die from Fright in Ireland
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Are there Irish creatures in mythology that can cause you to die of fright? In this fascinating video, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the terrifying myth of the Geniti Glinni, spectral beings known as the "spirits of the valley." Discover how these otherworldly entities are said to have the power to physically and psychologically overwhelm even the bravest of warriors.
Jon delves into two key sources: the tale of "Fled Bricrenn" (Bricriu's Feast) and the ep...
Was Queen Medb Really Just a Jealous Woman?
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Was Queen Medb (Maeve) of Connacht truly just a jealous woman, or is there more to her story?
In this episode, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the often misunderstood character of Queen Medb from the Táin Bó Cuailnge. Exploring her motivations, Jon reveals the complexities of Medb's character beyond the superficial image of envy and jealousy.
He explains the dynamics of her marriage to Ailill, the significance of her...
What Happens to Irish Pagans After Death?
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✨ Take the Death in Ireland Class Here: https://irishpaganschool.com/p/deathinireland
Curious about what happens to Irish Pagans when they die? In this episode, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School opens up the ancient lore surrounding death in Irish Paganism.
Discover the significance of Teach Donn, the House of Donn, and its role as the place where Irish souls go after death. Jon also mentions various death rituals, messengers like the Banshee and Dullahan, and the rich mythology that shapes Irish beliefs about the afterlife.
If...
Alp Luachra – A Monstrous Parasite from Irish Mythology
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Is it possible to be infested with a monster from Irish folklore? Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the eerie tale of the Alp Luachra, a parasitic creature that enters a person’s body and slowly consumes their food’s essence, leaving the victim starved and weakened.
Through ancient myths and modern folklore, Jon explores the terrifying story of this "joint-eater" and the peculiar method to cure the infestation—salted beef and a stream of fresh water!
Are Bards Just Built Different?
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Are Irish bards physically or spiritually built differently? Join Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School as he explains the fascinating world of Irish bards, exploring ancient and medieval texts that suggest there may be something unique about their biology and powers.
Discover the myth of the bard's tongue, said to hold both praise and satire, and learn about the mysterious vein of poetry, which supposedly grants bards the ability to acc...
Can You Survive Meeting a Púca?
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Is it possible to come face-to-face with an Irish Fairy Púca and live to tell the tale? Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School dives into the folklore of the Púca, one of Ireland's most mysterious and unpredictable Sidhe creatures.
With its various forms—ranging from a menacing dark horse to a mischievous donkey—the Púca embodies both peril and adventure in Irish mythology. Some tales tell of terrifying rides across hills and fields, while others spe...
When did the Dagda's Story End?
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The Dagda’s story in Irish mythology isn’t just a tale of one-time heroic feats or simple endings. As a central figure of the Mythological Cycle, the Dagda is a god of immense wisdom, resilience, and resourcefulness. But where does his story end?
Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the Dagda’s mysterious and lasting influence, from his legendary battles and kingly rule to his subtle but powerful presence in later myth cycles. Though no...
The Monster Beneath the River Barrow
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Did you know that the River Barrow is believed to be the grave of a monstrous creature that could have destroyed all of Ireland? Join Jon O'Sullivan as he leads you through the ancient Irish myths surrounding this legendary river.
Discover the fascinating connections to the Tuatha Dé Danann, the Morrigan, and the incredible story of Méche and his three deadly serpents.
Explore the origins, the folklore, and the myths that make the River Barrow more...
Glas Gaibhnenn - How Could One Cow Feed an Entire Tribe?
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In this episode, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the fascinating myth of the Glas Gaibhnenn, the magical cow from Irish mythology that could feed entire tribes.
Discover how this ancient creature is connected to the Tuatha Dé Danann, Goibniu the Smith, and even the downfall of Balor, the Fomorian king. We'll dive into the rich tapestry of Irish folklore, uncovering the deeper meaning behind this mythical cow and its role in both ancient and more rece...
What Do You Do with Perishable Offerings?
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Wondering what to do with perishable offerings in your spiritual practice? Join Jon O'Sullivan as he explores the importance of mindful offerings and how to handle foodstuffs and other perishable items. Discover the cultural and environmental considerations involved, including when and how to dispose of offerings to Gods and Goddesses like Brigid, the Dagda, Lugh, and the Morrigan.
Jon covers the ethical and ecological aspects, as well as the importance of daily engagement with your altar space. Whether yo...
The Leannán Sidhe: Can a Fairy Fall in Love with a Human?
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In this insightful episode, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the fascinating myth of the Leannán Sidhe, the "Fairy Lover" of Irish mythology. Jon explores the stories of these mysterious beings who form romantic relationships with humans.
From the tragic tales of Leannán Sidhe inspiring artistic greatness at the cost of life, to famous legends like Niamh and Oisín, this video uncovers the truth behind these fae lovers and the dangerous allure of such o...
Sadhbh the Deer Mother: The Tragic Tale of Oisín's Mother
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In this video, Jon O'Sullivan from the Irish Pagan School explores the heart-wrenching story of Sadhbh, the mother of Oisín, from Irish mythology. Sadhbh's tragic fate begins when she is magically transformed into a deer against her will by the Dark Man, known as an fear doirche.
Her eventual escape to the home of Fionn mac Cumhaill, her brief happiness, and her ultimate loss make for one of the saddest tales from the Fenian Cycle.
Disc...
