The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie

The Art of Enchantment, led by Dr. Sharon Blackie, explores the interconnection of myth, fairy tales, and depth psychology to foster personal growth and ecological consciousness. It addresses personal milestones like midlife, emphasizes woman-centric narratives, and advocates for re-enchantment with nature and community through storytelling and psychological insights.

Depth Psychology Mythology and Folklore Personal Growth and Self-Discovery Women's Stories and Archetypes Nature Connection and Eco-Consciousness Creative Writing and Storytelling Psychological Interpretation of Fairy Tales Cultural and Environmental Sustainability Mental Health and Wellbeing Community and Belonging

The hottest Substack posts of The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie

And their main takeaways

Homing tendencies

1837 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Spirituality Hope Connection Belonging
  1. Moving homes can trigger deep-rooted anxieties, stemming from disrupting the safe sanctuary one has spent years creating.
  2. The concept of 'home' is a complex mix of physical shelter, emotional security, and a place where one can always return to, and the fear of losing it can be deeply ingrained from childhood.
  3. Transitioning between homes can bring about self-reflection, exploration of uncertainties, and a mix of emotions, but it also offers opportunities for growth and new beginnings.

Houses and homes

2795 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Home
  1. Home is a personal and evolving concept influenced by past experiences and individual needs.
  2. The author reflects on the significance of different houses lived in throughout life and the impact they had on her sense of identity and belonging.
  3. Finding a true sense of home involves creating a space that allows for personal growth and self-discovery, separate from past traumas and relationships.

Red fur and flourishings

1377 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature Mythology Poetry Books Events
  1. The newsletter discusses the joy of connecting with nature through observing red squirrels and highlights the importance of finding lightness in a heavy world.
  2. The newsletter shares information about a new oracle deck called 'The Rooted Woman Oracle' available for pre-order, which aims to deepen the connection with nature and spiritual nourishment.
  3. The newsletter promotes an online course and upcoming events focused on exploring fairy tales, mythology, and nature, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and connecting with the environment.

Fairy Tale Salon: Valemon the Bear King

1078 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration
  1. The post explores the beautiful old Norwegian tale of Valemon the Bear King in a fairy tale salon.
  2. The story delves into themes of wild longings and facing the Death-hag.
  3. Access to the full content of the post is available for paid subscribers only.

Beginnings

1956 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflections Community Creativity Transformation Myth
  1. 2022 was a difficult year for the author, but through hardships, she found a deeper connection to her calling and purpose.
  2. Being aligned with one's unique gift can bring a sense of purpose and detachment from outcomes, allowing focus on meaningful work.
  3. Community and collaboration are essential in working towards a common goal, even for solitary pursuits like writing.
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Finding Eden

1657 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature Spirituality Literature Poetry
  1. Life's journeys sometimes lead us to unexpected change and new beginnings, even when we think we've settled.
  2. As seasons change, it's a reminder to embrace emergence, awakenings, and setting intentions.
  3. Connection to nature and ancestral roots can bring a sense of belonging and inspiration.

With thanks and gratitude

1956 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gratitude Reflection
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie expresses gratitude towards her subscribers for engaging with her writing and inspiring her.
  2. She values quiet, reflective time during the holiday season for regrouping and preparing for upcoming changes.
  3. The post also shares updates on Dr. Blackie's family, pets, and upcoming plans, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life.

Reimagining fairy tales

1238 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Folklore Storytelling Imagination
  1. Fairy tales are meant to change over time to reflect the lives and preoccupations of people.
  2. Reimagining fairy tales can involve giving voice to the characters to explore their relevance in the modern world.
  3. Working with fairy tales can be a creative and insightful way to engage with storytelling and personal reflection.

Poetry intermission

1178 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Authors Readings Contemporary Classics
  1. The author shares three audio/video recordings of poems read by actors that they find are perfectly matched to the poems.
  2. The author observes a trend in their preference for male poets in contrast to their interest in reading novels by women, sparking self-reflection.
  3. The author highlights 'The Love Song of Alfred J. Prufrock' by T.S. Eliot, 'The Song of Wandering Aengus' by W.B. Yeats, and 'At Roane Head' by Robin Robertson as must-listen poems with actor readings.

Drops of enchantment 1

1178 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Crafting Folklore
  1. The post is about crafting from the land and its stories, emphasizing a connection to nature and folklore.
  2. The author discusses their practice of working with fabric, ink, and found objects, highlighting a handcrafted and creative approach.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with a mention to subscribe for access to more posts.

Video responses to 'ask me anything'

1078 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Videos Community
  1. The post is about video responses to 'ask me anything' questions. Dr. Sharon Blackie shared her thoughts on questions from Catherine, Lisa, and Vanessa.
  2. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers. This suggests that Dr. Sharon Blackie's in-depth responses and content are exclusive to those who pay for her subscription.
  3. The post encourages further engagement as all comments and ideas are welcomed. This implies a sense of community and dialogue within the subscriber base.

Falling into place

1078 implied HN points • 22 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author discusses the experience of returning to the North and being welcomed warmly.
  2. The post reflects on the unique things missed when away, like pies and caustic humor.
  3. This content is for paid subscribers.

Enchantment, belonging – and rivers

958 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Belonging
  1. Enchantment, belonging, and rivers are essential themes in the author's work, rooted in her connection to the land and nature.
  2. The magic of the everyday is highlighted, showing how ordinary moments can hold deep significance and wonder.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers, emphasizing the value placed on the content shared and supporting the author's work.

Death in the European psyche

938 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Myth Folklore Death
  1. The post discusses how Death is represented in European myth and folklore, highlighting archetypal forms and stories related to this concept.
  2. It encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship with death and prompts them to think deeper about this topic.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, showing that the exploration of Death in the European psyche is offered as exclusive content.

Ask me anything, with wolves

918 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ask me anything
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie is hosting an 'ask me anything' session where you can ask questions about writing, life, or anything else.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers only, requiring a subscription for full access.
  3. To engage in the 'ask me anything' session and view the full content, interested individuals can subscribe or sign in if they are already paid subscribers.

English myths and folk traditions

858 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Myths
  1. The post discusses English myths and folk traditions, focusing on the traditions in countries that still speak Celtic languages.
  2. The content is intended for paid subscribers, demonstrating a specific audience and value.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie is a Celtic Studies scholar with a background in myth and storytelling.

Kinship and Otherness

998 implied HN points • 28 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Myth Folklore Belonging
  1. The article discusses the concept of kinship and otherness within myth and folklore, exploring the art of shapeshifting.
  2. The post is part of a series and requires a paid subscription to access, offering exclusive content for subscribers.
  3. The author references a book titled 'Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations' in this article.

Talking to ravens

1697 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Storytelling Poetry Podcasts Events
  1. The book 'Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life' by Dr. Sharon Blackie explores the significance of storytelling in shaping our perceptions of aging and elderhood.
  2. The power of myths and stories lies in their ability to help us understand life, dream of a better existence, and inspire personal growth and change.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing older women, highlighting their wisdom, roles, and contributions to community.

Doom loops and flywheels

858 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. The post discusses the concepts of doom loops and flywheels in the context of cultural mythology.
  2. Motivating ourselves to address current challenges requires rethinking our perspectives and approaches.
  3. The post appears to be available only for paid subscribers, emphasizing its value.

The Wintering Sky

1178 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Rituals Mythology Connection Nature Poetry
  1. Winter brings the gift of the night sky, which holds importance and rituals for the author, celebrating the return of darkness and stars.
  2. The author values ceremonies that emerge naturally and mark the rising and setting of the sun during the winter season.
  3. The author shares research on stars possibly being 'minded' entities, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the sky and the cosmos around us.

Grief, starlight, and living from the heart

1477 implied HN points • 18 Sep 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief
  1. To live in this world, you must love what is mortal and hold it close to you as your own life depends on it, then be ready to let it go when the time comes.
  2. Grief, starlight, and living from the heart are key themes in this post.
  3. The importance of embracing impermanence and being able to release things when the time comes is highlighted.

English myths and folk traditions (2)

678 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Myths
  1. In English myths and folk traditions, there is a story about Albinia, the woman who 'founded' Britain and gave it her name.
  2. The story of Albinia is often not widely known, even among lovers of myth and history.
  3. Exploring myths and folk traditions can reveal lesser-known stories and perspectives of historical figures.

A Mythsinger's Path

658 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Myth Storytelling Music Visual art Documentary
  1. The video shared is about the work and legacy of Daniel Deardorff, a multifaceted artist and mythologist with a rich history of creative contributions.
  2. Daniel Deardorff's focus on embracing Otherness and his exploration of meaningful wounds in myths make his work stand out, offering a unique perspective on culture and community.
  3. The Mythsinger Legacy Project continues to carry forth Daniel Deardorff's work through various creative endeavors, preserving his unpublished works and vision.

Motherlands

1437 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Grief Healing
  1. The author explores their experience of not crying when their mother died, expecting a torrent of grief.
  2. The post is exclusive for paid subscribers, enticing readers to subscribe for full access.
  3. The author reflects on personal emotions and experiences related to loss and grieving.

Out of our heads

838 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The journey we must make today involves moving beyond the limitations of our own minds.
  2. The importance of breaking out of confined mental spaces and expanding perspectives.
  3. Emphasizing the need to step away from being trapped in our thoughts and beliefs.

Knowing when it's time to go

1158 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Spiritual Journey
  1. The author shares a personal experience of feeling a shift towards seeking clarity and freedom from corporate constraints.
  2. A chance encounter with a fortune-teller and drawing a card led to a moment of realization and a decision to break free from a situation that felt suffocating.
  3. The story highlights the importance of recognizing moments when it's time to let go, seek new beginnings, and embrace change.

Re-storying our places

778 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The post discusses 're-storying our places' as an important topic that the author frequently speaks about.
  2. The author mentions covering this concept in their book 'The Enchanted Life.'
  3. The content of the post seems to be exclusive for paid subscribers.

Psychogeology

1258 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
📚 Literature Fiction Character analysis Magic
  1. Granny Weatherwax from the Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett embodies practicality and headology over showy magic, reflecting a unique approach to witchcraft.
  2. The concept of headology in the novels emphasizes the differences between the magic of witches, grounded in nature and practicality, and the magic of wizards, which is more theoretical and power-oriented.
  3. In the Discworld universe, witches like Granny Weatherwax draw strength from the land they inhabit, reflecting the psychogeology of their surroundings in their character and practice.

Hearth members: win a 1:1 with me

199 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Community Connection
  1. Members of The Hearth plan have the opportunity to win a 1:1 session with Dr. Sharon Blackie.
  2. There is a special storytelling session scheduled for March 16 at 16:00 UK time for Hearth members.
  3. To participate in these exclusive events and sessions, one needs to be subscribed to The Hearth plan.

Sowing seeds, delving deep

938 implied HN points • 29 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Belonging Nature Community Building Poetry
  1. The author discusses the significance of deepening and discovering oneself during the dark winter months, drawing parallels to seeds growing underground.
  2. The author shares exciting news about being awarded the Roger Deakin Award for her upcoming book on motherhood and nature, highlighting the impact of maternal influence on belonging.
  3. The author presents opportunities for engaging in conversations around women's experiences in the second half of life through podcasts, memberships, and art, encouraging exploration and connection.

Juvenilia

479 implied HN points • 20 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Storytelling Visual art
  1. The post discusses an Orkney tale shared by Dr. Sharon Blackie in May 2023.
  2. The author talks about their visit to Orkney in 2007 to meet writers they were going to publish.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only, with a link provided to subscribe or sign in as a paid member.

Podcast: The Hagitude Sessions are now available

1118 implied HN points • 15 Aug 22
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Episodes Women Self-development
  1. A series of special podcast episodes called 'The Hagitude Sessions' are now available on 'This Mythic Life' podcast, discussing experiences of women in the second half of their lives.
  2. The first guest on the podcast is writer Tanya Shadrick, known for her inspiring work and transformative life journey.
  3. Listeners can subscribe to the podcast on various platforms like SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and TuneIn to receive new episodes automatically.

Welcome to The Art of Enchantment

1278 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Philosophy Spirituality Folklore Transformation
  1. The newsletter, The Art of Enchantment, by Dr. Sharon Blackie, covers topics from mythology, psychology, religion, philosophy, spirituality, and folklore.
  2. Dr. Sharon Blackie explains the importance of writers earning a living from their work and providing value to their supporters.
  3. Paid supporters of the newsletter receive exclusive content and can engage in subscriber-only conversations with Dr. Sharon Blackie.