The Mythic Masculine #74 | Power, Prophecy and Revisiting The Fifth Sacred Thing - Starhawk
My guest today is the renowned Starhawk, a writer, activist, permaculture designer and teacher, and a leading voice for ecofeminism and earth-based spirituality. She is the author of thirteen books, including The Spiral Dance, The Earth Path, and The Empowerment Manual: A Guide for Collaborative Groups, as well as the visionary novels The Fifth Sacred Thing and City of Refuge.
She directs Earth Activist Training, which combines regenerative design with spirit, social permaculture, and activism, offering courses both online and in person.
In our conversation today, we begin with acknowledging the fires that have ravaged Los Angeles. We explore how the frame of ecofeminism connects this tragedy to how unequal power relations affect all aspects of life, with violence against women reflecting a similar disrespect for the earth. Starhawk eloquently explains how we might challenge these systems of oppression, offering frameworks for compassion and transformation.
We delve into the misinterpretations of feminism, the role of mythology in shaping cultural narratives, and how visionary fiction can illuminate paths to a sustainable future. Her novel The Fifth Sacred Thing is a central inspiration for our discussion, particularly the exploration of how creative non-violence might confront a fascist regime and lead to true societal transformation.
We also consider the role of men in social movements, focusing on the cultivation of authentic power, responsibility, and the capacity to truly love.
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Starhawk will be joining us for Fugitive Futures, our 5 day online visionary summit.
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