Episode 49: When Things Fall Apart with Sharon Blackie
Jun 8, 2020
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Sharon Blackie, an award-winning writer and teacher known for her works on psychology, mythology, and ecology, dives deep into transformative themes. She discusses her emotional journey of relocating to Wales and the idea of 'anchor places' in landscape and myth. Exploring the Kalyak archetype reveals the empowerment of feminine figures in folklore. Blackie reflects on modern adaptations of myths, the resilience of female tricksters like Baba Yaga, and urges us to embrace the imperfections of our world, drawing lessons from Celtic philosophy.
A deep connection to a personal 'anchor place' fosters identity and emotional grounding, illustrated by the discovery of a transformative 'story stone'.
The Kaliuk archetype exemplifies feminine power and ecological balance, influencing the speaker's connection to various landscapes and evolving into the 'Old Crane Woman'.
A growing desire in North America for ancestral narratives highlights the need for personal belonging and the transformation of archetypes to resonate with individual experiences.
Deep dives
The Importance of Place Attachment
A deep attachment to place is essential for personal grounding and understanding one's identity. The speaker discusses their personal journey of moving back to a familiar location in Wales, which serves as a reminder of their past relationships with the landscape. They emphasize the necessity of having an 'anchor place' where they can develop a connection, illustrating this by recounting how they found a 'story stone' during a previous move. This stone not only provided a physical landmark but also transformed into a character from which the speaker could draw inspiration and narrate personal stories.
Exploration of Archetypal Figures
The archetype of the Kaliuk, a fierce guardian of the land, plays a crucial role in the speaker's understanding of feminine power and ecological balance. The discussion reflects on how the Kaliuk influences the speaker’s relationship with various landscapes, particularly in Scottish mythology. Upon moving to different areas lacking this archetype, they experienced a sense of disconnection until they discovered a new representation through observing heron behavior, ultimately birthing the 'Old Crane Woman' character. This illustrates the adaptability of archetypal figures in establishing personal connections to different places.
A Quest for Ancestral Stories
There is a growing desire among individuals, particularly in North America, to reconnect with ancestral stories that foster a sense of belonging to the land. The speaker highlights how many North Americans feel disenchanted due to their inability to authentically engage with Native American traditions and seek alternatives in Celtic narratives. This yearning not only underscores the importance of stories rooted in heritage but also promotes the idea of transformation of archetypes to resonate with individual experiences. By embracing these stories, people can feel a sense of connection, even in unfamiliar landscapes.
Feminine and Masculine Archetypes in Mythology
The speaker shares insights about the balance between feminine and masculine archetypes in Celtic mythology, noting the importance of both in achieving harmony. The warrior archetype, often associated with male figures, is explored alongside its necessary but potentially destructive elements. The discussion also highlights the positive traits found in male figures like the smith, contrasting with more corrupt representations such as Cú Chulainn. This spectrum of character traits, both positive and negative, reflects the complexities of gender roles within mythology and underscores the significance of dualism in storytelling.
Reimagining Fairy Tales for Modern Times
The speaker discusses their latest work, 'Foxfire Wolfskin', which aims to present traditional fairy tales in modern contexts relevant to contemporary ecological and societal issues. They emphasize the importance of allowing these stories to evolve, showcasing how characters, such as Baba Yaga, can be reinterpreted to reflect current challenges faced by society. This reimagining not only renews interest in ancient tales but also connects them deeply to present-day concerns about nature and cultural appropriation. By transforming the narratives into new forms, the speaker invites readers to engage with timeless themes through a fresh lens.
Our guest this week is Sharon Blackie. Sharon is an award-winning writer and internationally recognised teacher whose work sits at the interface of psychology, mythology and ecology. She is the author of If Women Rose Rooted, This Enchanted Life, Foxfire, Wolfskin and The Long Delirious Burning Blue.