Nordic Magic: Sauna Rituals, Wild Nature, and Finnish Culture with Moon Follower & Author, Meri Mort

What can sauna, darkness, and the wild Nordic landscape teach us about embodiment, ritual, and presence?In this episode of Badii Talk, I’m joined by Meri Mort — moon follower, author of Nordic Magic, yoga teacher trainer, and ritual practitioner — for a beautiful conversation on Finnish culture, sauna traditions, witchcraft, and living in rhythm with the cycles of nature.Together, we explore what “Nordic magic” can mean: a way of relating to the land, honoring cycles of light and dark, and reclaiming intuitive, ancestral knowledge through everyday rituals. Meri shares how Nordic nature has shaped her witchcraft practice, her approach to yoga, and her deeply personal relationship with sauna as a somatic, feminine, and communal space.As sauna culture grows globally, we explore what it looks like to share these traditions responsibly and how to honor their roots.In this conversation, we cover:The meaning of Nordic magic and ritual cultureFinnish sauna traditions as somatic and spiritual practiceNature, witchcraft, and ancestral wisdomEmbracing darkness, rest, and seasonal cyclesThe feminine, gathering, and embodied ritualHonoring sauna cultureSimple Nordic-inspired rituals you can practice anywhereThis episode is an invitation to embrace mystery and reconnect with the body, the seasons, and the spirits.Meri’s publications:Nordic MagicMagical Knits From The North: 19 enchanting knitting patterns inspired by magic and mysticismFollow Meri on Instagram.Sources from today’s episode:Sauna by Viola Minerva VirtamoThe Book of Nordic Self-Care by Elisabeth CarlssonWhere to experience whisking in the US and UKNorthern Kin Sauna Co. in VermontThe Schvitz in DetroitSoul Water Sauna in Edinburgh, ScotlandThis episode was edited by Lila Woodbridge.💧Badii Talk has a Substack! Join us where wellness meets travel. We explore global bathing traditions, sauna rituals, and spa culture through the lens of place and community.💙⁠ ⁠Subscribe⁠⁠ today and support an independently produced and funded podcast. The sauna and bathing industry in the US and UK is growing fast. Where there’s growth, money and big companies will follow. If you want to see a bathing culture that isn’t just led by the folks with the most cash, support a platform that is run from a grassroots level. A platform that can authentically prioritize a respect for culture, science, and community. Badii offers passionate and curious bathers and spa-goers access to news, education, and recommendations about global bathing culture. Explore more bathing culture:Website:⁠ www.badii.life⁠Blog: ⁠Badii Talk on Substack⁠Instagram:⁠ @badii.life