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

Island longings

898 implied HN points • 24 Sep 22
🏝 Travel Nature Exploration
  1. The author shares feelings of longing for an island, craving a place with more geology, edges, and sheep.
  2. The post is for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content behind a paywall.
  3. The author expresses unease with the current land-locked location, desiring a more picturesque and varied environment.

Recording of session with Audrey di Mola

139 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts
  1. The post shares a recording of a session with Audrey di Mola about storytelling at The Hearth.
  2. The content is for subscribers in The Hearth plan, encouraging upgrades or sign-ins for access.
  3. Feedback is requested, asking if more sessions like this one are desired.

Interlude: The Invitation

918 implied HN points • 13 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Connection Nature
  1. The post discusses the author's evolving relationship with place, impacted by a heatwave.
  2. The content is only available to paid subscribers, requiring a subscription to access.
  3. The author invites readers to explore the theme of place further in their writing.

Home and belonging ... again

658 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belonging Personal Growth Reflection
  1. The author reflects on the theme of home and belonging, a topic that has always interested them since they began writing.
  2. Every year, the author discovers new questions and perspectives related to the concept of home and belonging.
  3. This post is specifically for paid subscribers, demonstrating a focus on providing exclusive content to a select audience.

The Question that must be asked

958 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Meaning Questioning
  1. The post discusses the old mythic idea of 'the question that must be asked' which is often overlooked in our search for answers in life.
  2. The importance of reflecting on profound questions rather than just seeking immediate answers to life's complexities.
  3. Encouraging a shift in focus towards contemplating deeper questions about life and the universe.
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Scheduling a Samhain retreat

339 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Retreat
  1. The post discusses scheduling a Samhain retreat for members of The Hearth.
  2. It mentions organizing four retreats around the four Celtic festivals, like Samhain.
  3. The post is tailored for subscribers in The Hearth plan, urging upgrades or sign-ins for access.

Winter Solstice

239 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Celebrations Community Events
  1. The post discusses an exclusive letter for members of The Hearth with updates on an upcoming online retreat.
  2. The next online retreat mentioned in the post is scheduled for Imbolc on Saturday, February 3, at 16.00 UK time.
  3. The post is specifically for subscribers in The Hearth plan and encourages upgrades for those interested.

The long, slow slide

818 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Poetry Rituals Meaning-making
  1. The author shares insights on her recent trip to London, the cities vs countryside dynamic, and the concept of urban environments having their own 'dreaming'.
  2. The 'Hagitude' program focuses on exploring vitality, creativity, and vision in the second half of life for women, with a unique mythopoetic approach.
  3. A reading recommendation for the novel 'Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel, offering a story of time travel and parallel worlds.

Home

838 implied HN points • 09 Jun 22
📖 Philosophy Home
  1. The post is written by Dr. Sharon Blackie and is for paid subscribers only.
  2. The post reflects on the concept of home with a quote from Charles Dickens' _Martin Chuzzlewit_.
  3. Subscribers can access the full post by subscribing or signing in.

A world without men

758 implied HN points • 08 Jul 22
🎭️ Culture Gender Literature
  1. The post discusses the topic of a world without men and what women want.
  2. The author references a 15th-century poem, _The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Lady Ragnelle_, which is related to the theme of the post.
  3. The post is available only for paid subscribers, highlighting the exclusivity of the content.

A down-on-her-luck Lady of Shalott, and other tall tales

678 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Mythology Writing Podcasts Books
  1. The author reflects on revisiting past places, realizing how much she's changed but also how old selves still linger within her.
  2. The monthly newsletter discusses upcoming projects like 'Hagitude' and 'The Rooted Woman Oracle', and offers a chance to win a signed copy of 'Hagitude'.
  3. The author shares personal experiences and insights on growth, learning, and the impact of different places on one's sense of self.

Introducing The Hearth

259 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Communities
  1. The post introduces 'The Hearth' as an exclusive membership community with benefits like live online sessions with the author.
  2. The 'The Hearth' plan offers perks like participating in events around the Summer and Winter Solstices.
  3. To access the full benefits, subscribers must upgrade to 'The Hearth' plan.

10 books of women's awakenings: nonfiction

758 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Feminism Self-discovery Nature Philosophy Women
  1. Reading books that showcase women breaking boundaries and embracing change can inspire personal growth and empowerment.
  2. Exploring nonfiction literature can provide insights into hidden societal norms that suppress women, prompting reflection and action for change.
  3. Books that focus on feminist ecology and the connection between women and nature can foster a deeper understanding of strength and interconnectedness.

Merlin and the Wild People of the Woods in the British tradition

339 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Character analysis
  1. The post discusses Merlin and the Wild People of the Woods in the British tradition; it explores Celtic myth and the character of Merlin.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to deeper insights and discussions on the topic.
  3. It acknowledges the readers' interest in mythology, particularly Celtic myth, and aims to provide a different perspective on the subject.

Autumn Equinox

179 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Symbols Connection
  1. Autumn Equinox is on Saturday in the UK, marking the end of summer and the beginning of fall.
  2. The post is exclusive for members of The Hearth, offering a letter and prompts by Dr. Sharon Blackie.
  3. Readers can upgrade to The Hearth plan to access the full content, or sign in if they are already subscribed.

So what about the men?

55 HN points • 30 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Archetypes Mythology
  1. There are limited studies on the masculine in fairy tales, primarily due to past perceptions of masculine experience as the norm.
  2. Key archetypes of the mature masculine include the Alchemist, Shapeshifter, Magician, Smith, Warrior, King, Wild Man, Trickster, Grandfather, and Wise Old Man.
  3. Many traditional tales depict few positive older male characters compared to female ones, with some notable exceptions in Greek mythology and Judeo-Christian traditions.

Finding Our Mythic Ground

379 implied HN points • 24 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Imagination Meaning Transformation Belonging
  1. Myth and stories are not just human creations, but living entities that guide us, and we need to learn to listen and work with them.
  2. Ancient traditions and thinkers like Carl Jung emphasize the existence of an 'imaginal world' that influences our reality and offers spiritual experiences.
  3. Reconnecting with old myths and storytelling traditions can help us find new perspectives, meaning, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected and devoid of meaning.

10 books of women's awakenings: fiction

339 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Fiction
  1. Reading fiction can be transformative by opening up new perspectives and shifting worldviews.
  2. Books focused on women's awakenings can challenge societal norms and inspire independence and self-discovery.
  3. Fictional works, including dystopian novels, can highlight important social issues and provoke critical thinking about the world we live in.

Why enchantment?

279 implied HN points • 23 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mindset Connection Belonging Nature
  1. Enchantment is an attitude of mind that can be cultivated by anyone, allowing them to approach the world with wonder and creativity.
  2. Living an enchanted life involves embracing belongingness to a rich world, participating whole-heartedly in life's adventure, and respecting nature and community.
  3. Choosing to live an enchanted life means falling in love with the world again, nourishing one's psyche, and recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Live session for founding members

119 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Live session Writing
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie is hosting a live Zoom session on November 23 at 4pm UK time to discuss writing and the mythic imagination with subscribers in The Hearth plan.
  2. The session is exclusive to subscribers of The Hearth plan, but others can upgrade to join the discussion.
  3. The post includes links to upgrade to The Hearth plan or sign in if already a member to access the session.

The Glass Mountain

179 implied HN points • 24 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Exploration Mythology
  1. The Glass Mountain represents challenges that seem unattainable and difficult to overcome, holding everything you desire on the other side.
  2. The imagery of lost loves, treasures, and parts of yourself slipping away highlights the emotional weight of struggles and disappointments.
  3. The concept of the Glass Mountain can symbolize the obstacles we face in pursuing our deepest desires and the complex emotions tied to those endeavors.

Here

159 implied HN points • 24 May 22
📚 Literature Short Story Subscription Model
  1. The author shares a personal experience from a fishing trip to the Outer Hebrides in 2007, highlighting the meditative and almost sacred nature of fishing for her husband.
  2. The piece of prose she wrote about the experience was published in the literary magazine Waterlog, showcasing the depth of her writing and the significance of the moment.
  3. The post is exclusive for paid subscribers, inviting new subscribers to join and providing a sign-in option for existing paid subscribers.

Becoming who we are

399 implied HN points • 22 Oct 20
📖 Philosophy Personal Growth
  1. The post discusses the importance of being aware of what is happening around us and having a long-term perspective on history.
  2. The content is aimed at paid subscribers, encouraging them to subscribe or sign in if they are already paid members.
  3. The post emphasizes the journey of becoming who we are, suggesting a deep dive into self-discovery and personal growth.

The land which makes us

139 implied HN points • 07 Aug 19
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychology Soul
  1. The post discusses the question of what psyche or soul is and its importance in psychology.
  2. The author has been studying this question since they were 17 years old.
  3. The content of the post is exclusive for paid subscribers.

Marrying the land: how we broke the ancient bargain

379 implied HN points • 01 Nov 15
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Sovereignty
  1. In Celtic mythology, women held significant spiritual and moral power, linked closely to the land and nature.
  2. The power of Sovereignty, symbolizing women's power, determined the prosperity or downfall of the land and its people.
  3. The ancient Celtic concept of a sacred marriage between the king and the land symbolized respect for nature and the importance of harmony between feminine and masculine energies.

The Heroine's Journey: the progress of an imperfect pilgrim

319 implied HN points • 24 Jan 16
📚 Literature Memoir Myth
  1. The author initially did not plan to write a memoir but found herself delving into the topic through her book on place and myth.
  2. The concept of the Heroine's Journey is explored as the progress of an imperfect pilgrim.
  3. The post is only accessible for paid subscribers, indicating exclusive content for those who have subscribed.

The mythology of women working together

199 implied HN points • 10 Sep 17
🎭️ Culture Mythology Women
  1. The post discusses the mythology of women working together, drawing from stories like 'The Only Jealousy of Emer' from Irish mythology.
  2. Dr. Sharon Blackie emphasizes the importance of women supporting each other and collaborating.
  3. The post seems to be available only to paid subscribers, highlighting exclusive content on the topic.

The land which loves us

99 implied HN points • 07 Aug 19
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Imagination
  1. The courses and workshops in mythic imagination focus on the connection with the land we stand on.
  2. The relationship with the place is essential in the work offered, emphasizing the importance of our roots.
  3. This post is for paid subscribers, highlighting the value of the content shared with this specific audience.

Love Letter to a Bog

119 implied HN points • 14 Aug 18
  1. The author passionately expresses her love for bogs
  2. The post contains images of bogs capturing their beauty
  3. Access to the full content of the post is limited to paid subscribers

Re-membering women's stories

159 implied HN points • 11 Nov 16
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Myths
  1. In myths and fairytales about women, the initiatory event often involves dismemberment.
  2. Examples include Sedna, whose father throws her into the sea because she does not conform to his wishes.
  3. This post is only accessible to paid subscribers.