In this episode, my co-host, Kathleen Joan, and I enter the story of Persephone, Goddess of descent, transformation, and return.

Most of us know the old story. Persephone is taken into the Underworld, Demeter grieves, the earth stops growing, and eventually Persephone returns. But what if there is another way to understand her story?

What if Persephone chose the descent?

What if she knew there was something waiting for her in the darkness that she could never discover by staying safely in the world she already knew?

That changes everything. Persephone’s story becomes one of choice, sovereignty, transformation, and the wisdom we gather when life takes us into the depths. She reminds us that there are seasons when we are growing and blooming, and seasons when we are being called inward.

Kathleen and I talk about what Persephone’s journey can teach us about our own experiences of grief, loss, healing, change, and those times when life simply isn’t what we expected it to be.

My co-host for this special Goddess series is Kathleen Joan, a priestess of Brigid devoted to the resurrection of the Divine Feminine in today’s world, especially for women with Christian ancestry.

Kathleen spent more than 15 years in ministry and holds a dual Master’s degree in theology and ministry. Today she brings that deep understanding of the Christian tradition into her work helping women reclaim the wild, sacred Feminine through Goddess teachings, channeling, energy healing, circles, and retreats.

Tune in and meet Persephone in a new way.

Episode Highlights

01:47 — The Traditional Story of Persephone

The familiar version of Persephone’s myth centers on her being kidnapped and taken into the underworld, spending part of each year there. The changing seasons are connected to Demeter’s (her mother) grief when Persephone is gone and her joy when Persephone returns.

03:09 — Why Descent Is Not Failure

Periods of darkness are often treated as problems that need to be quickly fixed or overcome. Persephone offers another perspective: descent can be a necessary part of discovering who we are becoming.

05:33 — A Lifelong Connection with Persephone

Persephone is presented as a powerful spiritual presence connected with personal awakening and transformation. Her energy represents the process of entering difficult experiences and discovering deeper purpose within them.

06:31 — Choosing the Underworld

Rather than seeing Persephone as a passive victim, this interpretation presents her as someone who ultimately chooses her path. Her descent leads her to discover her purpose as queen of the underworld and guide for lost souls.

08:27 — Balancing Work, Rest, and Joy

Persephone’s story highlights the importance of rest, play, pleasure, and replenishment alongside meaningful work and service.

10:08 — Reframing Victimhood as Choice

You may not be able to choose what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond.

14:12 — Knowing When to Go Deeper or Leave

How to distinguish a meaningful spiritual descent from being stuck in a harmful situation.

17:18 — Do Not Set Up House in Grief

Grief deserves to be felt, but it does not have to become a permanent identity. Allowing pain to move through the body and heart creates space for healing, insight, and eventual return.

18:26 — Allowing Others to Care for You

Descent does not have to be faced alone. Difficult seasons can deepen connection when people allow trusted friends, loved ones, and community to offer support and care.

26:41 — Returning to Joy with Greater Wisdom

Persephone holds both youthful joy and the authority gained from walking through the underworld.

Click to Listen Now

Mentioned:

Wild Wisdom Goddess Temple is Kathleen’s online circle where Christian-rooted women reclaim their whole selves as sacred through the Divine Feminine. This 13-moon journey will help you return to honoring the Sacred She within as you meet Her in Her many names & forms, supported by a loving circle of sisterhood.

The Wealthy Witch Way is Julie’s membership. Inside we weave together money work, magic, ritual, the Akashic Records, and feminine business wisdom to help you deepen your connection to Source, expand your receiving, and grow the work you’re here to do profitably.