34 Circe Salon -- Make Matriarchy Great Again -- Disrupting History

Dr Felicitas D. Goodman was an anthropologist who made some ground breaking discoveries in her field. She discovered and verified that holding specific postures altered states of consciousness and that these postures were represented on ancient representations in art and pottery. Join Lauren Torres and Dawn "Sam" Alden as they discuss this amazing woman's legacy with Laura Lee.Laura Lee and her husband Paul are the Co-Directors of the Cuyamungue Institute, a non-profit educational research organization, a worldwide headquarters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They are leading authorities on the practice of Ecstatic Trance Postures and the work of the late anthropologist Felicitas D Goodman. 

Dr. Carla Ionescu, an expert on Artemis and the Goddess Project podcast, delves into the fascinating world of Spartan women, who enjoyed unprecedented freedom and power in ancient Greece. The discussion reveals their athletic prowess, economic influence, and open sexuality, countering traditional narratives. Topics also include the role of Artemis in empowering women, the unique educational systems that enriched Spartan females, and their impact on modern views of female agency. This conversation reevaluates historical contributions, emphasizing the legacy of these remarkable women.

A frank discussion about abortion. 

We're back for the 2024-2025 season!  And what better way to begin than to discuss the history of a sisterhood between the Haudenosaunee women and the American suffragists.  Join us as we interview Sally Roesch Wagner, noted feminist pioneer, activist and author as we discuss her book, Sisters In Spirit.The Iroquois, alternatively referred to by the endonym Haudenosaunee, are a confederacy of Native Americans and First Nations peoples in northeast North America.  Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Matilda Joslyn Gage, and Lucretia Mott had formed friendships with Haudenosaunee women that enabled them to see the real possibility of creating a very different structure for their American culture, a matriarchal one, like the one that their Haudenosaunee sisters had experienced for generations. We talk to Sally Roesch Wagner about this amazing story and how she discovered this overlooked pieced of American feminist herstory.Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.

A belated season-end thank you from the 34 Circe Salon to all of our listeners!  We concluded the 2023-2024 season with our Medusa episode and we'll be back again in October for the 2024-2025 season.  We're already recording, so get ready for discussions of all of your favorite topics from warrior women and goddesses to stuntwomen and Bad Marthas.  Thank you to all of you around the world who have supported us! You'll hear from us in a few weeks as we all Make Matriarchy Great Again!

In this episode, we delve into the matriarchal reinterpretation of the Medusa myth, contrasting it with the traditional patriarchal narrative of Ancient Greece. Starr Goode, Miriam Robbins Dexter and Joan Marler each bring their unique insights and years of scholarship to our understanding of this famous legend.Starr Goode is a noted writer and teacher as well as a scholar of matriarchal history with a particular emphasis on the Sheela na gig symbols.Miriam Robbins Dexter, Ph.D., holds a B.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies (comparative linguistics, archaeology and mythology), from the University of California, Los Angeles. Joan Marler is the Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Archaeomythology.  She worked closely with Marija Gimbutas as her personal editor from 1987-1994 and lectures internationally on Prof. Gimbutas’ life and work.  We will explore how Medusa's image as a monstrous figure has been transformed into a symbol of female empowerment and resistance. Drawing from feminist theory and historical analysis, we discuss the evolution of her story from a cautionary tale of male dominance to a rallying cry for women's autonomy and strength. Join us as we unravel the layers of Medusa's legacy and its significance in modern feminist discourse.Dawn "Sam" Alden and Sean Marlon Newcombe co-host.

Join Lauren Torres and Dawn "Sam' Alden as they welcome author Molly Remer and discuss (and praise) the Goddess Persephone. Goddess of spring and Queen of the Underworld, the myths of Persephone are familiar in the Western World.  In this episode, as always, we examine this goddess using a matriarchal rather than patriarchal lens. We also view Persephone from a more personal standpoint, with the work of Ms. Remer as a guide.In her book, Walking with Persephone, Ms. Remer weaves together personal insights and reflections with experiences in practical priestessing, family life, and explorations of the natural world and how the tales of Persephone have helped her. Come along with us and praise another goddess!

Guests Lauren Torres and Kimberly Rockwell express gratitude to sponsors in the 34 Circe Salon podcast. They discuss the mission of showcasing extraordinary women's stories and encourage support for future seasons on Patreon.

Dr Sophie Messager, an experienced perinatal educator, discusses the importance of postnatal care for new mothers. She explores traditional practices like Closing the Bones, highlights the need for support and bodywork, and emphasizes the challenges of new motherhood. The podcast also covers cultural differences in postpartum care, the significance of baby carrying slings, and the healing power of reclaiming women's rites of passage.

Film experts Dawn 'Sam' Alden and feminist critic Kimberly Rockwell discuss the female revenge film Peppermint (2018). They analyze themes of gender, power, and ethnicity, applauding the action scenes while critiquing the portrayal of revenge. The discussion delves into moral struggles, unrealistic court scenes, and problematic elements of racism and violence, recommending viewers to enjoy it as a shoot-'em-up movie.