Chthonia

This week we look at the Nu Gui, in our last episode on the dark feminine in Japanese and Chinese folklore. The Nu Gui is a vengeful female ghost, often appearing with long black hair and a white dress. A popular figure in movies and animation, we look at different appearances of the Nu Gui and their implications in culture and psychology.

This week we look at the Chinese goddess Xiwangmu, known as the Queen Mother of the West. Originally a shamanic goddess with the ferocious attributes of a tiger, she later gains a reputation as a compassionate mother, eclipsed later by Kuan Yin in importance.

This week we look at Izanami, the central female deity of Japanese creation and death mythology. Izanami and her brother/husband Izanagi create the firmaments of the earth and all of the elements; however, at Izanami's death she becomes a demonic figure that chases after Izanagi when he betrays a promise to her.

This week we talk about the Kitsune, or fox spirits of Japanese folklore. They can shapeshift into human form, and can be helpful to humans, or destroy them. Identified by multiple tales and sometimes white fur, these often feminine spirits are the ultimate tricksters.

This week we begin a series on dark feminine figures in Japanese and Chinese folklore, starting with the Oni. "Oni" means "demon", and they can be male or female, but in this episode we will focus on female Oni. Several folktales of these vengeful demons are included in the episode.

This week we look at Babalon, who has her origins in the Biblical Whore of Babylon, but has become a kind of magical deity in her own right, specifically in Aleister Crowley's Thelema. In this slightly longer episode, we talk about 3 different "Babalons" in Biblical and esoteric tradition.

Uncover the enigmatic world of night goddesses, focusing on Nyx, Nox, and Nut. Explore their dual nature as both nurturing and fearsome figures in mythology. Dive into the psychological significance of night, dreams, and chaos, revealing how they shape our understanding of creation and destiny. Delve into Jungian archetypes and the collective unconscious, emphasizing their impact on emotions and relationships. Finally, learn how embracing darkness can fuel creativity and challenge societal norms surrounding fear.

Dive into the tumultuous world of Hera, the queen of the gods, and her dark reputation for jealousy and cunning. Explore her complex dynamics with Zeus and how her emotional responses shape mythological tales. Discover the parallels between Juno and Satan, revealing the deeper aspects of divine chaos and marital fidelity. Unravel the struggles of female independence amid societal expectations, showcasing the intricate balancing act women face in relationships and personal agency.

This week we look at Tiamat, the primordial sea goddess of the Enuma Elish. She battles Marduk and is defeated, and the firmaments of the world are created through her body. She is generally considered to be a monster or sea dragon that embodies primordial chaos. We relate her story to the myths of the Hittite Illuyanka, the Greek Python, and the Biblical Leviathan.

Delve into the magical world of Cerridwen, the Welsh enchantress known for her cauldron of knowledge. Discover how mishaps surrounding her cauldron led to the birth of the famed bard Taliesin. Explore themes of transformation, loss, and the duality of creation and destruction within her myth. Unpack the evolution of Wicca and its societal perceptions, while analyzing goddess worship in Celtic mythology. Revel in the rich symbolism of her cauldron that embodies rebirth and wisdom throughout the ages.