Every March, the world turns green. Shamrocks, parades, and bold claims about a saint who “drove the snakes out of Ireland.” But what’s the real story behind Saint Patrick — and why does it matter to modern witches?
In this episode, Kanani Soleil sits down with Irish author and educator Lora O’Brien to separate history from propaganda. Was Patrick truly responsible for converting Ireland? Did he banish snakes? Or was his legend shaped by centuries of church politics and nationalist mythmaking?
Together, they unpack the historical sources, the role of colonization, the truth about druids, and how modern pagans can approach St. Patrick’s Day with awareness instead of reaction.
This isn’t about canceling a holiday. It’s about context, culture, and who gets to control the story.
Be thoughtful. Be aware. And maybe crack a history book before sharing that meme. 🍀
You can join my Patreon for additional photos, video clips, full episode recordings and more!
You can also find me on Instagram, Threads, YouTube and my website: suburbanwitchlady.com
You can pre-order my book:"Witchcraft in the Cul-de-Sac: Practicing Magic in Suburbia" direct from Llewellyn Worldwide, or from Barnes & Noble in the States, or from Amazon in the UK. It's due out in October this year.
SPONSORS
Make magic delicious with olive oils, coffees, risoottos and more at cucinaaurora.com! Suburban Witch Lady listeners save 10% off products (excluding subscriptions) with coupon code WITCHLADY.
Witchsey.com is a curated marketplace filled with independent magical makers and practitioners. We’re talking ritual tools, crystals, tarot decks, spell kits, sacred art, and offerings created by real witches who care deeply about what they’re crafting.Support witches. Support small makers. Support magic that feels like home.
BIO
Rev. Lora O’Brien, MA, is a native Irish Draoi (pron. Dree), author, and educator who has been walking a Pagan path for over thirty years. She serves as a priest of the Mórrígan, weaving lived spiritual practice with solid historical research. As former manager of the sacred landscape of Cruachán/Rathcroghan in County Roscommon, Lora brings a rare, land rooted insight into Ireland’s pre-Christian past and its ongoing presence. Now based in County Waterford, she co-founded the Irish Pagan School, the Ogham Academy, and the Morrigan Academy, creating accessible learning across all her platforms for more than 75,000 students around the world. With a Masters in Irish Regional History, and 8 published books on Irish witchcraft, folklore, and spirituality, Lora specialises in stripping away nationalist myth and Christian propaganda to get at what the sources actually say.
A Word From Lora:
“If you enjoyed this conversation and you are feeling the pull of Ireland’s magic beyond the tourist shamrocks and saint stories, be sure to follow us anywhere at The Irish Pagan School - and here are two simple ways to go deeper with me personally.
First, grab my free PDF guide, Daily Spiritual Practices in Irish Paganism for Busy Lives, at https://irishpagan.school/practice. It gives you clear, no nonsense ways to build an Irish rooted spiritual practice at home, even if you are exhausted, neurospicy, or just trying to keep life together.
Second, if you would like regular, practical magic in your inbox, you can sign up for my Simple Irish Spells newsletter at https://irishpagan.school/spells (there's a paid subscription and a free version). You will get straightforward, culturally grounded Irish witchcraft practices, short lessons, and spell ideas that respect the land, the people, and the tradition, without any new age fakelore.”
Ireland