Award-winning writer Sharon Blackie and CIIS Professor Rachel Vaughan discuss the importance of myth and land in our lives. They explore feminine guardians in mythology, the significance of archetypes, and wildness in women. Embracing enchantment, animism, and liminal spaces are key themes in their transformative conversation.
Women in British and Irish myths symbolize the spirit of the land and emphasize women's role in environmental preservation.
Archetypes, like the wise old woman, reveal different facets of human consciousness and offer wisdom for personal growth.
Mythical figures like the Cailleach embody resilience, adaptability, and reverence for nature, guiding individuals in embracing aging and nature's cycles.
Deep dives
Understanding the Role of Women in Mythology and Ecology
Women in British and Irish myths are depicted as embodiments of the land, representing the spirit of the land and its guardians. This connection between women, ecology, and mythology highlights the importance of women in preserving and protecting the environment. Additionally, the stories of divine women in these traditions set an anchor for understanding women's place in the world and provide insights into potential roles for women in society.
Exploring Archetypes and Their Significance
Archetypes, fundamental aspects of the human psyche, are essential in understanding human experiences and behaviors. They serve as the building blocks of the human soul, representing different facets of our consciousness and potential for growth. Carl Jung's concept of archetypes, rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, highlights universal ideas and characters that transcend cultural boundaries. By recognizing and embracing archetypes like the wise old woman, individuals can tap into deeper wisdom and transformation in their personal journeys.
Embracing the Wisdom of Mythical Figures like the Cailleach
The Cailleach, a prominent figure in Celtic mythology representing the wise old woman, symbolizes endurance, connection to the land, and protection of nature. Through stories of the Cailleach and similar mythical beings, individuals can learn about resilience, adaptability, and the cyclical nature of life. The presence of such figures in folklore offers insights into embracing aging, shifting perspectives on elderhood, and fostering reverence for the natural world.
Understanding the Concept of Enchantment in Everyday Life
Enchantment is a mindset that involves cultivating a deep sense of connection and belonging to the world. It goes beyond mere escapism or magical thinking, embodying a holistic engagement with life's wonders and mysteries. Practicing enchantment means harnessing one's intuitive and creative faculties, embracing wonder and imagination, and actively participating in the richness of existence. By rekindling a sense of enchantment in everyday experiences, individuals can reawaken their spirits and rediscover the beauty of the world around them.
Embracing Animism and Cultivating Relationship with the Environment
Engaging with the world through an animistic lens involves treating all aspects of nature as alive and worthy of respect and relationship. This perspective encourages individuals to communicate with the elements, animals, plants, and even man-made structures as sentient beings. By acknowledging the aliveness of the world and practicing reciprocity with the environment, people can deepen their connection to nature, foster a greater sense of responsibility, and cultivate a more profound relationship with the living world around them.
Some podcast apps may not display links from our show notes (see below) properly, so we have included a list of links at the end of this description.
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Today we are excited to announce that we are returning to a weekly episode release schedule, so please make sure to subscribe and look for a new release from us each week starting with the next one featuring a conversation with Rae Johnson on embodied activism on May 30th!
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Sharon Blackie is an award-winning writer and internationally recognized teacher whose work sits at the intersection of psychology, mythology, and ecology. Her best-selling book, If Women Rose Rooted is an inspiring exploration of femininity and relationship with landscape, and her latest, Hagitude, unearths the stories of elder women in European myth and folklore to highlight the different ways women can flourish throughout all stages of life. Her renowned writings invite us to explore how developing a relationship with myth and the land we live on can both enchant our lives and lead to a greater sense of meaning and belonging in the world.
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In this episode, Sharon is joined by CIIS Integral Counseling Psychology Associate Professor Rachael Vaughan for a transformative conversation on the importance of myth and land in our lives.
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This episode was recorded during a live online event on June 28th, 2023.You can also watch it on the CIIS Public Programs YouTube channel. A transcript is available at ciispod.com. To find out more about CIIS and public programs like this one, visit our website ciis.edu and connect with us on social media @ciispubprograms.
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We hope that each episode of our podcast provides opportunities for growth, and that our listeners will use them as a starting point for further introspection. Many of the topics discussed on our podcast have the potential to bring up feelings and emotional responses. If you or someone you know is in need of mental health care and support, here are some resources to find immediate help and future healing:
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-Visit 988lifeline.org or text, call, or chat with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to be connected immediately with a trained counselor. Please note that 988 staff are required to take all action necessary to secure the safety of a caller and initiate emergency response with or without the caller’s consent if they are unwilling or unable to take action on their own behalf.
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-Visit thrivelifeline.org or text “THRIVE” to begin a conversation with a THRIVE Lifeline crisis responder 24/7/365, from anywhere: +1.313.662.8209. This confidential text line is available for individuals 18+ and is staffed by people in STEMM with marginalized identities.
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-Visit translifeline.org or call (877) 565-8860 in the U.S. or (877) 330-6366 in Canada to learn more and contact Trans Lifeline, who provides trans peer support divested from police.
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-Visit ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics to learn more and schedule counseling sessions at one of our centers.
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-Find information about additional global helplines at befrienders.org.
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LINKS
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Podcast Transcripts: https://www.ciispod.com/
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California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Website: https://www.ciis.edu/
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CIIS Public Programs YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ciispublicprograms
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CIIS Public Programs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciispubprograms/
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Mental Health Care and Support Resources:
https://988lifeline.org/
https://thrivelifeline.org/
https://translifeline.org/
https://www.ciis.edu/ciis-in-the-world/counseling-clinics
https://befrienders.org/
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