Without a Candle
Welcome to Without a Candle. A grounded, mystical, and slightly sassy space for spiritual seekers, witches, energy workers, and curious souls walking their own path. Hosted by Karlie Knoch and Carla Fortner of Appalachian Root Works & Rooted in Runes. This podcast is part conversation, part education, part ritual and all heart.
We talk about energy, intuition, spiritual practice, ancestral wisdom, personal growth, and what it really means to live a sacred life - without needing to be perfect, polished, or burning sage 24/7.
Here's what you'll find:
- Real talk on the messy and magickal
- Tools, traditions, and teachings from lived experience
- Honest reflections on healing, purpose, and power
- Guided rituals, journal prompts & deep dives into myth & meaning
Side Series inside the Candlelight...
The Raven's Records - Karlie's solo series exploring Norse mythology, rune wisdom, the Wheel of the Year, Sacred Cycles and other Pagan Paths. Each episode opens a "record" from the mythic or spiritual realm and invites you to walk deeper into your own knowing.
Coming soon: Carla's Series Reveal - A space for heart-led healing, spirit guided storytelling, and a deep-rooted remembrance. Keep watching the flame...
Whether you're rekindling your practice, reclaiming your path, or just need ap lace to land and listen - welcome. You don't need a candle to find your way here. The spark is already in you.
To connect with Karlie & Carla in other ways, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Welcome to Without a Candle. A grounded, mystical, and slightly sassy space for spiritual seekers, witches, energy workers, and curious souls walking their own path. Hosted by Karlie Knoch and Carla Fortner of Appalachian Root Works & Rooted in Runes. This podcast is part conversation, part education, part ritual and all heart.
We talk about energy, intuition, spiritual practice, ancestral wisdom, personal growth, and what it really means to live a sacred life - without needing to be perfect, polished, or burning sage 24/7.
Here's what you'll find:
- Real talk on the messy and magickal
- Tools, traditions, and teachings from lived experience
- Honest reflections on healing, purpose, and power
- Guided rituals, journal prompts & deep dives into myth & meaning
Side Series inside the Candlelight...
The Raven's Records - Karlie's solo series exploring Norse mythology, rune wisdom, the Wheel of the Year, Sacred Cycles and other Pagan Paths. Each episode opens a "record" from the mythic or spiritual realm and invites you to walk deeper into your own knowing.
Coming soon: Carla's Series Reveal - A space for heart-led healing, spirit guided storytelling, and a deep-rooted remembrance. Keep watching the flame...
Whether you're rekindling your practice, reclaiming your path, or just need ap lace to land and listen - welcome. You don't need a candle to find your way here. The spark is already in you.
To connect with Karlie & Carla in other ways, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Episodes

Jan 2, 2026
Jan 2, 2026
34 min
For ARW-RiR contact into, websites & more visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Connect with Jamesa:
Simplyjdesigns.com
Join the Simply J Deisgns Facebook Group!
Looking for more spiritual podcasts? Tune into The Eye Opener Society!
Keywords
business, crafting, Reiki, spirituality, personal growth, boundaries, community, healing, entrepreneurship, creativity
Summary
In this conversation, Karlie and Carla chat with guest, Jamesa Mollett of Simply J Designs, to discuss the journey of entrepreneurship in the crafting business, the importance of setting boundaries, and the evolution of crafting techniques. They delve into personal growth through experiences with Reiki and spirituality, sharing insights on witnessing transformation in others and the significance of community support. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of running a business, the learning process involved, and future aspirations in the crafting world.
Takeaways
Don't rush things; take your time.Learning to say no is crucial for boundaries.Crafting is a process that takes time.Research is essential for quality products.Value your work; you're not selling cheap things.Witnessing others' transformations can be powerful.It's okay to ask for help in business.Curiosity drives personal and professional growth.Community support is vital in entrepreneurship.Embrace the journey of learning and evolving.
Sound bites
"I'm not the only one.""Ask for help is huge.""Everything. Everything."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup02:46 Journey into Business and Crafting05:29 Learning to Set Boundaries in Business08:46 Evolution of Crafting Techniques11:27 Understanding the Crafting Process14:33 Personal Healing Journeys and Reiki Experiences17:12 Witnessing Growth and Change19:42 The Impact of Reiki on Personal Healing22:43 Community and Shared Experiences25:31 Business Growth and Lessons Learned28:09 Curiosity and Future Aspirations
Jan 2, 2026
34 min

Dec 26, 2025
S2, E1 - Normalizing the Journey
Dec 26, 2025
Dec 26, 2025
29 min
In this episode of 'Without a Candle', hosts Karlie and Carla introduce the second season, reflecting on the challenges and growth experienced in the past year. They discuss the importance of community, spirituality, and personal journeys, emphasizing the value of sharing stories and learning from diverse experiences. The episode highlights the significance of being open-minded, the ongoing nature of healing, and the role of practitioners in supporting spiritual and healing journeys. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content, connect with practitioners, and explore their own paths.
For ARW-RiR contact info, websites & ore visit" beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Are you looking for other spiritual podcasts: Tune into The Eye Opener Society
Steam them on all major platforms & visit their Facebook page(linked above).
Keywords
Without a Candle, spirituality, healing journey, community, personal growth, season two, Karlie and Carla, spiritual practitioners, open-mindedness, personal stories
Takeaways
The importance of community in spiritual journeys.
Healing is an ongoing process, not a destination.
Spirituality can exist without religious practices.
Sharing personal stories enriches the community.
Practitioners play a key role in supporting healing.
Being open-minded is crucial for personal growth.
Engagement with content can lead to unexpected insights.
The podcast aims to bridge gaps in understanding spirituality.
Listeners are encouraged to explore their own spiritual paths.
The show provides a platform for diverse voices and experiences.
Sound bites
"Community is the glue."
"Healing is never done."
"Spirituality without religion."
"Stories enrich our community."
"Open-mindedness is key."
"Engage with unexpected insights."
"Bridge gaps in spirituality."
"Explore your own path."
"Diverse voices, shared experiences."
"A platform for growth."
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to Season Two
00:02:21 Reflecting on Past Challenges
00:04:17 The Role of Community
00:05:16 Spiritual Journeys and Healing
00:07:40 Engagement and Personal Growth
00:11:32 Encouragement and Open-Mindedness
00:18:07 Spirituality Beyond Religion
00:24:29 Season Two Launch Details
Dec 26, 2025
29 min

Dec 12, 2025
Dec 12, 2025
34 min
For websites, contact info & more, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Keywords
podcast, spirituality, personal growth, community, holiday, burnout, self-care, practices, evolution, rest
Summary
In this episode, hosts Karlie and Carla reflect on their recent holiday experiences, discussing the importance of detaching from work and the growth that comes from taking time off. They explore the evolution of spiritual practices, emphasizing that personal growth can lead to changes in how one engages with spirituality. The conversation also touches on the significance of rest and self-care, especially during the busy holiday season, and encourages listeners to be intentional with their time and practices.
Takeaways
Taking time off allows for personal growth and reflection.Community support is vital when stepping away from work.Spiritual practices evolve as individuals grow.Rest is an essential part of self-care and should be prioritized.Burnout is a real issue, especially during busy seasons.It's okay to not engage in spiritual practices while on holiday.Intentional living can lead to a more fulfilling life.Practices can be simplified after a break.Listening to your body and mind is crucial for well-being.The importance of setting energetic boundaries.
Sound bites
"We're gonna podcast.""People still came in to visit.""It's bittersweet for sure."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections09:08 Detaching from Work and Personal Growth18:40 Spiritual Practices and Evolution28:42 Rest, Burnout, and Self-Care
Dec 12, 2025
34 min

Nov 28, 2025
Nov 28, 2025
37 min
For contact info, suggestion box, websites & more, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Keywords
mindfulness, spirituality, personal growth, relationships, energy hygiene, accountability, mental health, astrology, self-reflection, emotional well-being
Summary
In this conversation, Karlie Knoch explores the themes of mindfulness, personal growth, and the importance of reflection in navigating relationships and spirituality. She emphasizes the significance of embracing slowness, holding oneself accountable, and the power of saying no. The discussion also touches on energy hygiene, family dynamics during the holiday season, and the connection between mental health and spiritual practices. Additionally, the conversation delves into the role of trauma in personal growth and the impact of astrology on our lives, concluding with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their own journeys.
Takeaways
Embracing slowness allows for deeper reflection and mindfulness.Saying no is a powerful tool for self-care.We often mirror the behaviors we dislike in others.Energy is transferred through our actions and attitudes.Accountability is crucial for personal growth.Family dynamics can be challenging; it's okay to set boundaries.Spirituality is intertwined with mental health and self-awareness.Trauma can be reframed as events to lessen its emotional hold.Astrology can provide insights but shouldn't dictate our lives.Grounding practices are essential for spiritual development.
Sound bites
"We get what we give.""Energy is energy.""It's okay to say no."
Chapters
00:00 Embracing Change and Slowness01:52 Reflection and Accountability in Relationships04:57 The Power of Saying No07:38 Navigating Family Dynamics During Holidays09:27 Spirituality and Mental Health Connection11:50 The Importance of Grounding in Spiritual Practices15:08 Understanding Astrology and Its Impact17:58 The Journey of Healing and Self-Reflection20:36 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies23:36 The Role of Trauma in Personal Growth26:27 The Importance of Foundational Work in Spirituality29:25 Upcoming Workshops and Community Engagement
Nov 28, 2025
37 min

Nov 25, 2025
Nov 25, 2025
10 min
For contact info, topic suggestions, website & more, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
In this episode of Raven's Records, host Karlie Knoch delves into the challenges of reclaiming one's spiritual practice after experiencing burnout, especially during the holiday season. She emphasizes that burnout is a natural part of the spiritual journey and offers practical steps to ease back into a fulfilling practice. Karlie encourages listeners to start with small, intentional actions and to allow their spiritual practices to evolve with them.
Keywords
spiritual practice, burnout recovery, holiday stress, personal transformation, mindfulness, grounding techniques, intuitive connection, spiritual evolution, self-care, introspection
Takeaways
Burnout is a natural part of the spiritual journey.
Reclaiming your practice starts with small, intentional actions.
Allow your spiritual practice to evolve with you.
The holidays can be a challenging time for spiritual connection.
Your body is the doorway back to your spirit.
Spiritual practices should support, not demand from you.
Presence is more important than performance in spiritual practices.
Winter is a time for introspection and renewal.
Reclaiming your practice is about nurturing, not doing more.
Your spiritual practice is waiting for you to meet yourself where you are.
Sound bites
"Burnout is a natural part of the journey."
"Start with small, intentional actions."
"Allow your practice to evolve with you."
"The holidays challenge spiritual connection."
"Your body is the doorway back to spirit."
"Spiritual practices should support, not demand."
"Presence over performance in spirituality."
"Winter is for introspection and renewal."
"Reclaiming practice is about nurturing."
"Meet your spiritual self where you are."
Chapters
00:00:05 Introduction to Raven's Records
00:00:38 Understanding Spiritual Burnout
00:01:58 Signs of Burnout
00:04:03 Steps to Reclaim Your Practice
00:08:34 The Importance of Winter for Spirituality
00:09:58 Embracing Transition and Recalibration
Nov 25, 2025
10 min

Nov 18, 2025
The Ravens Records: Ancestral Work
Nov 18, 2025
Nov 18, 2025
13 min
For contact info, topic suggestion box, websites & more, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunesSummary
In this episode of Ravens Records, host Karlie explores the intricate and often tender topic of ancestry work. She delves into the complexities of lineage, acknowledging both the beauty and the bruises that come with it. Through the lens of Norse mythology and personal transformation, Karlie guides listeners on how to honor their ancestors truthfully, set boundaries, and choose which energies to carry forward. Discover how to become the turning point in your lineage, embracing resilience and healing while letting go of harmful cycles.
Keywords
ancestry work, Norse mythology, personal transformation, lineage, ancestral trauma
Takeaways
Ancestry work involves acknowledging both the beauty and the bruises in our lineage.
Norse mythology's Yggdrasil symbolizes the complexity and imperfection of ancestry.
Ancestral trauma is passed down as adaptations, not curses.
You can choose which ancestors to honor and which energies to carry forward.
Boundaries are essential in ancestral work to protect your spiritual journey.
Legacy is carried in energy, not just DNA.
You can build your lineage through chosen family and spiritual kin.
Ancestral work is about understanding patterns and choosing what continues.
Healing your lineage changes the entire family tree.
You become the ancestor that future generations will look up to.
Sound bites
"Ancestry work is alive and imperfect."
"You honor it by telling the truth."
"Legacy is carried in energy, not just DNA."
"You become the turning point in your lineage."
"Boundaries are essential in ancestral work."
"Healing changes the entire family tree."
"Choose which energies to carry forward."
"Ancestral trauma is passed down as adaptations."
"You become the ancestor future generations will think of."
"Norse mythology's Yggdrasil symbolizes ancestry's complexity."
Chapters
00:00:01 Introduction to Ancestry Work
00:00:45 The Reality of Ancestry
00:01:37 Norse Mythology and Ancestry
00:02:45 Understanding Ancestral Trauma
00:04:53 Honoring and Boundaries
00:07:09 Spiritual Lineage and Legacy
00:08:43 Practical Approaches to Ancestry Work
00:12:16 Conclusion and Reflection
Nov 18, 2025
13 min

Nov 14, 2025
Episode 21: The Lost Services
Nov 14, 2025
Nov 14, 2025
40 min
Book recommendation: "The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself" by Micheal A. Singer (We have no affiliation with the author, publisher or anyone affiliated with the book. We simply like it!) For contact info, websites & more, visit: beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
Keywords
dreams, soul strings, spirituality, self-care, conversations in spirit, Reiki, healing, community, modalities, personal growth
Summary
In this engaging conversation, hosts Karlie and Carla explore various themes related to dreams, spirituality, and personal growth. They share personal anecdotes about dreams and delve into the concept of 'Soul Strings,' a new modality that combines different healing practices. The discussion also covers the importance of having conversations in spirit for closure and understanding, as well as the need for foundational knowledge in spirituality through their 'Basics 101' program. They emphasize the significance of self-care and community support, while looking ahead to future offerings and services.
Takeaways
Dreams can reveal deeper insights about our subconscious.Soul Strings is a unique modality that combines various healing practices.Conversations in spirit can provide closure and understanding.Self-care is essential for personal growth and well-being.The Basics 101 program offers foundational knowledge in spirituality.Community support enhances the healing experience.It's important to be open to different modalities for healing.Personal experiences shape our understanding of spirituality.Future offerings will expand the range of services available.Engaging in self-care should be a priority, not an afterthought.
Sound bites
"I just saw the Joker.""You can have some type of closure.""It's such a great area, that title."
Chapters
00:00 Dreams and Nightmares: A Journey Through the Subconscious02:30 Exploring Soul Strings: A Unique Healing Modality05:43 Conversations in Spirit: Finding Closure and Connection11:51 The Basics 101: A Foundation for Spiritual Growth17:36 Planning for Self-Care: Setting Intentions for the New Year
Nov 14, 2025
40 min

Nov 11, 2025
Nov 11, 2025
4 min
For contact info, websites & more visit beacons.ai/rootedinrunes
In this episode of "The Absence of Time and Space," host Carla Fortner delves into the concept of prayer, exploring its meaning beyond traditional religious boundaries. Reflecting on personal experiences and insights, Carla invites listeners to consider prayer as an invocation of power, whether through a higher being, nature, or one's own spirit. This episode encourages a broader understanding of prayer as intentional words and actions, offering a reminder that invoking power is a personal journey, adaptable to any belief system.
Key Takeaways:
Prayer is not confined to a single belief or understanding.
Invoking power can be a form of prayer, regardless of religious background.
Intention and energy are central to the practice of prayer.
Personal reflection on prayer can lead to a deeper understanding and connection.
Sound Bites:
"Prayer is invoking power."
"Words with intention could be prayer."
"Invoking power is important and can be important."
Chapters:
Introduction to the Concept of Prayer (00:02)
Personal Reflections and Insights (00:20)
Expanding the Definition of Prayer (02:00)
Closing Thoughts and Reflections (04:42)
Hashtags:
#Praysr #Spirituality #Intention #InvokingPower
Nov 11, 2025
4 min








