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This episode is rated PG-13 for some sexual content

Standing Stone

Bren recorded this last December while visiting Le Melange Magique, the largest pagan supply store in Montreal, during its annual Yule Fair. There is some background noise, as this is a workshop held at a conference, but you can still hear Bren speak. If some of the commenters have accents to your ears, it’s just good old French Canadian.

From the famous Temple of Ishtar, to the ecstasy of St Theresa, Bren explains why sexuality has such a prominent place in the creation myths of so many cultures. Bren also reveals the true origin of the Christian Doctrine of Original Sin - and he thinks it will surprise you! And the text of Bren's talk comes from his latest book, "Circles of Meaning, Labyrinths of Fear", published just last month, and available now!

Books referenced in the talk:

Mercea Eliade, "The Myth of the Eternal Return"
Wade Davis, "the Wayfinders"
The Satapatha Bhramana Upanisad
The Tattiria Upanisad
Barry Cunliff, "The Ancient Celts"
Pollington, "The Mead Hall"
Herodotus, "Histories"
Wolkstein & Kramer, "Inanna: Queen of Heaven and Earth"
Frazer, "The Golden Bough"
St Augustine, "The City of God"
Philip Rawson, "The Art of Tantra"
Indra Sinha, "Tantra: The Cult of Ecstasy"
St Teresa of Avila, "Autobiography"
Myers, "Circles of Meaning, Labyrinths of Fear"
Myers, "A Pagan Testament"

The opening song is “The Island” written and performed by Bren himself. Episode length is 56 minutes.

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