Azrael and the Poet: Jennifer Jurlando on Grief, Death Care, and Being Alive

In this deeply moving first half of a two-part conversation, hosts Jennifer Taylor and Tava Baird welcome their dear friend Mystical Musing fan, Jennifer Jurlando. Jurlando is a poet, grief support facilitator, death doula, bonecaster and founder of Thistle Community Death Care. In this rich and tender episode, the conversation explores grief, mortality, ritual, embodiment, and the profound ways that contemplating death can deepen one’s experience of being alive. Azrael — the angel of death, transition, and transformation — and Jurlando’s long relationship with this presence, both personally and through her work with the dying and the bereaved are discussed. Samael shares his unique perspective on Azrael, offering a rare and compelling reflection that many longtime followers of the podcast will not want to miss. Throughout the episode, Jurlando shares several of her own poems, bringing language and tenderness to places that often feel beyond words. Her reflections on loss, the body, grief, ritual, and the sacredness of end-of-life care offer both depth and beauty, while also illuminating the heart behind her work. This conversation includes discussion of stillbirth, grief, death, and end-of-life planning, but it is also filled with warmth, humor, reverence, and a powerful appreciation for life itself.

Content note: This episode includes discussion of grief, stillbirth, death, and end-of-life care.

Resources:

Patreon Link- https://www.patreon.com/c/jenniferjurlando

Thistle Community Death Care: http://www.thistlecommunitydeathcare.com/

Chesterfield Poetry Collective - www.chesterfieldpoetry.com

Full Circle Grief Center www.fullcirclegc.org

Events-

Wilder Grove Workshop, April 4- https://www.wildergrove.com/event-details/reclaiming-death-rites-end-of-life-ritual-planning

Fertile Ground - Ritual in Effigy: Mortality and Transformation, April 30-May 3 https://www.fertilegroundgathering.com/workshops

Chesterfield Library Events - May 14, Death Doula Panel

June 28 Mock Funeral at the Blue Ball Inn https://www.tavabaird.com/event-details/the-darkflower-collective-mock-pagan-funeral

Please remember this podcast is for inspiration, reflection, and entertainment only, and is not medical, psychological, or professional advice.

We are two friends sharing personal experiences and evolving perspectives as we learn and grow. This is not a substitute for your own discernment, inner wisdom, or qualified professional guidance.

Take what resonates, trust your intuition, and seek licensed support when needed, always honoring your own inner knowing and personal truth.

Thank you joining us today, you are a valued member of our tribe! If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider telling your friends and sharing it on social media. We would greatly appreciate your support in helping us reach others and spread our messages of worth, openness and exploration.

Connect with your Hosts!

Tava Baird: tavabaird.com or https://darkflowerbooks.etsy.com.

Jennifer Taylor: Amnivara (previously Willow Ridge Reiki and Healing Arts) https://www.Amnivara.com/