The Pomegranate is a spiny, deciduous shrub or tree with red-orange tubular flowers that transform into large red fruits containing a multitude of seeds. A sacred symbol of fertility, mortality, and the Underworld, the fruit has been associated with many Greek goddesses, including Persephone and Hera.

The Asphodel is a hardy, herbaceous perennial with star-like white or yellow flowers growing on a single or branching tall spike. As an herb associated with Persephone and Hekate, it is easy to imagine Asphodels as torches, illuminating the way to and from the Underworld with their glow. Existing as they do on the borders and aligned with the dark and unseen realms, the Asphodel is a powerful ally for traversing unknown territories and navigating contradiction.

In this podcast episode, we turn our attention to the Melissae, the oracular Bee Nymphs of ancient Greece. The Melissae are considered divine messengers, conduits for prophecy, speakers of divine truths, and a source for inspired thought and song. Today, I share with you some of the ancient Greek folklore associated with the Bee, as well as some of my favorite ceremonies and techniques for connecting with Bee.

In this episode we discuss the myth of Daphne and Apollo. Daphne, whose name actually means Bay Laurel in Greek (Δάφνη), was a nymph of ancient Greece who, while running from Apollo’s advances, was transformed into a sacred tree of prophecy and ritual cleansing.

Bay Laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree in the laurel family (Lauraceae) with dark green and smooth leaves, white-with-yellow flowers, and purple-black drupes. As an important tree for prophecy and divination, the Bay Laurel has a special relationship with the Pythia (Oracle of Delphi) and the Greek god Apollo; its leaves are burned to encourage visions or used in the casting of lots. Drought tolerant and aromatic, the leaves can also be woven into wreaths or dried and wrapped in incense bundles for everyday rituals and purifying ceremonies.

In this podcast episode, we discuss the myth of Narcissus, that beautiful youth who fell in love with his own reflection, and the nymph Echo, whose obsession with Narcissus led to her own dissolution. I adore this myth, not because Narcissus suffers for his ego or pride, but because I believe there is a deeper message in this story - a message about numbness, obsession, and human desire - a message I think that most people miss...

The Aurae (singular: aura) are nymphs of the wind. Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Aurae and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

The Dryads are nymphs who nurture, protect, and embody the essence of trees. Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Dryads and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

The Lampades (singular: lampada) are Underworld nymphs who are said to accompany the goddess Hekate on her night wanderings. Often seen bearing torches, their name literally means “candle.” Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Lampades and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

The Maenads are nymphs of Dionysos, the god of viticulture and ecstasy. Their name literally means “raving ones” and they enter divine trance states via intoxication and movement. Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Maenads and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

The Melissae (singular: Melissa) are oracular Bee nymphs that nurture, protect, and embody the essence of Honeybees. As messengers of divine revelation, prophecy, and song, they are powerful allies for oracles, poets, philosophers, writers, singers, or anyone who uses words to express truth or share ideas. Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Melissae and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

The Naiads are freshwater nymphs that protect and dwell in springs, streams, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and marshes. They offer clarity, cleansing, and healing. Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Naiads and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

The Nereids are nymphs of saltwater, steady as a current, yet changing like the tide. They are guardians of the sea — its surface waves and its underwater depths. Read my free guide below to discover how you can deepen your communion with the Nereids and invite them into your daily practices and ceremonies.

I love being watched. Should I feel embarrassed?

It all began when I was living in Springfield — a city in southwest Missouri, USA. I was working as a cook in a health food store when one of my coworkers told me about a dance studio that she'd visited…