The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

The Shaping of a World Religion: Carl Jung and The Land of the Dead – Descending into the Underworld PART VII

Through A Glass Darkly • 687 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Rejecting Christian tradition has led to a craze for the occult, with initiation seen as conferring a new status and contributing to the world's renovation.
  2. Jung aimed to shape a mass religious movement based on psychoanalysis, seeking an elite to usher in a 'Golden Age' on earth.
  3. Jung's use of the Solar Phallus Man case to prove the collective unconscious is surrounded by questionable evidence, raising doubts on the scientific basis of his theories.

Feeling the weight of the world.

Neckar’s Notes • 78 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Many people are carrying a deep, collective heaviness that comes from sensing large-scale crises, not just from lacking material comforts. This weight can feel lodged in the body and make it hard to talk or write about what’s happening.
  2. Periods of widespread suffering can act like a crucible that forces rapid change and can eventually lead to a rebirth or more unified way of being. Painful collapse may be the precursor to heightened creativity and new social organization.
  3. A helpful response is to honor and accept these feelings, avoid numbing habits like excessive social media, and use grounding practices—like nature, breathwork, and making space—to process what’s coming. You’re not alone in carrying this weight.

Monsters of the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. PNW is known for its love of mythical creatures like Sasquatch and the Cadborosaurus, a sea serpent that arose from sightings in 1933. This makes the region full of fascinating stories.
  2. One funny event involved a theory that geoducks were actually eggs of the Cadborosaurus. It led to ridiculous plans to catch them using mothballs, showing how far some ideas can stretch.
  3. There's a possibility of large fish, like sturgeon, living in urban lakes like Lake Washington. This reminds us that nature holds many surprises and we often don't know everything about it.

The Ideology of the Dangerous Female

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The 'Dangerous Female' concept explores how women can be seen as powerful or chaotic forces in society. It's interesting to think about the balance of power between genders.
  2. In the 2024 film 'Nosferatu,' women are portrayed as summoning dark, ancient powers. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative about femininity and danger.
  3. The film suggests that men often fail to recognize or stop these chaotic forces from women. It raises questions on awareness and the dynamics in gender relationships.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom • 471 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💾 History Mythology
  1. Classical Wisdom offers a collection of gifts featuring ancient love quotes for Valentine's Day.
  2. Become a member to explore topics like Atlantis and the Allegory of the Cave from Plato.
  3. Classical Wisdom provides resources and articles on various topics related to ancient wisdom.

A Fairy Tree Encounter: Bridging Worlds in the Island Woods

The Planet • 412 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Discovering a fairy tree can feel like stumbling upon a magical portal connecting our world to that of elves and fairies.
  2. Leaving offerings at fairy trees stems from ancient Celtic traditions, symbolizing respect and a plea for good fortune.
  3. Despite skepticism, tales of mysterious happenings near fairy trees continue to spark wonder and captivate imaginations.

Smith of Heaven

Becoming Noble • 817 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The medieval Icelandic hymn 'Hear, Smith of the Heavens' reflects a blend of Christian and pagan elements, showing the process of inculturation.
  2. Catholic doctrine encourages the transformation of cultures without destroying them, aiming to purify and restore in Christ.
  3. Figures like Bishop Guðmundur Arason in Icelandic history embody the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs, showcasing the superiority of Christian spiritual power.

Europa Regina

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology
  1. Europe is said to be named after Europa, a Phoenician Princess from Greek mythology who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a bull.
  2. Europa bore Zeus three sons who played significant roles in mythology, such as Minos, King of Crete, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon who fought in the Trojan War.
  3. The story of Europa and Zeus showcases a classic mythological tale of love, seduction, and divine descent, contributing to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.

Relevance Realization, Cerebral Hemispheres, and the Reconciliation of Science and Mythology

Intimations of a New Worldview • 766 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Mythology
  1. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are involved in different cognitive styles, such as precision and generalization.
  2. There is evidence for the significant and systematic differences between the cerebral hemispheres, influencing how attention is allocated and relevance is realized.
  3. The conflict between science and mythology can be seen as analogous to the differences in cognitive styles between the left and right hemispheres, emphasizing the importance of integrating different approaches.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist • 1303 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

Talking to ravens

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1697 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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.

The Stories We Tell: Myth, Memory, and the Self

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The stories we tell about ourselves are important for understanding who we are. They help us make sense of our experiences and give our lives meaning.
  2. Everyone creates a personal narrative or myth that shapes their identity. This story involves past events, emotions, and lessons learned, influencing how we view ourselves and our future.
  3. Rewriting our personal story can improve our mental health. By changing how we interpret challenges and failures, we can craft a more positive narrative that enhances our sense of purpose.

The Wintering Sky

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1178 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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.

Rex Romae: Blood and Beauty

Cosmographia • 619 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
💾 History Mythology
  1. Early Rome was ruled by Kings called 'rex', with Romulus being the first King who founded Rome in 753 BC. The city remained a kingdom until the Republic was born in 509 BC.
  2. There were supposed to be seven Kings in total according to Roman tradition, even though early records are lost. Historical accounts by Livy and Plutarch, though sometimes unreliable, provide captivating stories about these Kings.
  3. Numa Pompilius, chosen as King after Romulus, is known for his peaceful reign where he established religious and political institutions in Rome and created the city's first codified laws said to be dictated by a nymph named Egeria.

How to Support Myth Pilot

Myth Pilot • 609 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The writer is opening paid subscriptions for their newsletter to support their work.
  2. The content provided by the writer is currently free for everyone, but subscriptions are a way to support further creations.
  3. The writer's work includes fiction, cultural analysis, and proposals, aiming to delve into myths, theories, and actions for social understanding and change.

Narcissism in Reflection

Holodoxa • 179 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Greek mythology, particularly the story of Narcissus, has influenced art and literature for centuries, serving as a cautionary tale about self-absorption and solipsism.
  2. The novel 'The Portrait of a Mirror' by A. Natasha Joukovsky explores themes of identity, desire, and the impact of technology on individualism, offering a modern interpretation of the Narcissus myth.
  3. The book delves into the lives of affluent urbanites, focusing on manners and relationships, while also incorporating elements of satire, art criticism, and the concept of recursion to examine human nature and self-reflection.

Fratricidal Foundation

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Mythology
  1. The post discusses the legend of Rome's founding through the story of Aeneas and his descendants, connecting the narrative gaps and adding legitimacy to Roman origins.
  2. The next chapter explores the legends of Rome's founding as portrayed by Ovid, Livy, Plutarch, and various artists throughout history, depicting wolves, fratricide, rape, and war.
  3. The legend of Rome's founding is rich with tales of familial conflict and historical significance, as depicted by various ancient writers and artists.

Ambrosia: The Food of the Gods

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Mythology
  1. Ambrosia in Greek mythology was believed to be the food of the gods, granting immortality and divine power.
  2. Ambrosia's true nature remains a mystery, with theories ranging from honey to psychoactive plants like psychedelic mushrooms.
  3. The legendary food of the gods, ambrosia, was reserved for divine beings, and its true identity may forever remain a topic of speculation and myth.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom • 255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education Mythology
  1. Listen to the wisdom of Herodotus and learn about the Scythians, an ancient nomadic people who were once considered 'invincible'
  2. Explore mythological fiction like Tad Crawford's 'On Wine-Dark Seas', a sequel to the Odyssey, to delve deeper into the story of Odysseus and Telemachus
  3. Access exclusive content and resources by becoming a member of Classical Wisdom, including podcasts with professors, webinars, e-books, and magazines

Northern Courage Was Just Coping

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 316 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Northern Courage is not true bravery. Instead, it often masks a refusal to accept reality and allows people to keep performing rituals instead of facing the truth.
  2. Collapse in society isn't loud or dramatic. It's quiet and gradual, with traditions and myths losing their meaning over time, ultimately becoming mere performances without substance.
  3. True change requires honesty and stillness rather than unnecessary action. To rebuild, it’s important to let go of old forms and allow new possibilities to emerge.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

The Philosopher's Tarot: Nietzsche vs. Nihilism

Outlandish Claims • 79 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📖 Philosophy Mythology
  1. Tarot can be used as a tool for generating random writing prompts and exploring philosophical concepts.
  2. Nietzsche, often associated with nihilism, actually aimed to lead people beyond nihilism towards new values and freedom.
  3. Nietzsche's philosophy is often misunderstood due to misinterpretations and misappropriations by others, like the Nazis.

Welcome to The Art of Enchantment

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1278 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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.

Myth & Math

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Astrology mixes art and science, with a long history that goes back thousands of years. It's been used for everything from planting crops to influencing our personalities.
  2. Many people today enjoy astrology for self-discovery, but its teachings can get simplified and lose depth. It's important to remember that each person's experience with astrology is unique.
  3. Astrology encourages us to think about free will and destiny. We can choose our paths while also being influenced by the cosmos around us.

Chartbook 257: Santa's workshop economy and the question of unfree elvish labour.

Chartbook • 1716 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The economics of Santa's workshop involves serious questions about sovereignty over the North Pole.
  2. There is debate about whether elvish labor in Santa's workshop can be considered as unfree or 'slave' labor.
  3. Reindeer play a crucial role in Santa's workshop economy, with an interesting fact being that all of Santa's reindeer with antlers are female.

Evidence for global cultural diffusion

Vectors of Mind • 393 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. There are strong similarities in cultural elements around the world that suggest global diffusion of ideas.
  2. Themes like the Seven Sisters, snake mythology, and matriarchy myths can be traced back to a common root.
  3. The Gravettian and Mal'ta Buret peoples from 20-30 kya show signs of practices that spread globally, like dog domestication and initiation rituals.

A Map of Cosmographia

Cosmographia • 159 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Our time on earth is limited, so we should make the most of it by learning and exploring.
  2. The world is full of beauty, from diverse cultures to fascinating stories.
  3. Cosmography aims to unite various disciplines like history, geography, anthropology, and more into one grand endeavor.

Essay Club: Myth, History, and Pagan Origins by John Michael Greer

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Myths help people understand who they are and how the world works. They are not just stories, but reflect deeper truths and beliefs.
  2. Modern views often separate myth and history into 'true' and 'untrue' but this limits how we see the importance of myths. Myths can shape our behaviors and beliefs even if they can't be proven.
  3. Many cultural conflicts stem from enduring myths like the struggle between good and evil. Rethinking these myths might help us find new ways to relate and resolve conflicts.

The Question that must be asked

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 958 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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.

The AI basis of the Eve Theory of Consciousness

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🔬 Science Mythology
  1. The Eve Theory of Consciousness suggests self-awareness was discovered by women and spread memetically.
  2. Personality structure can be understood using language models to determine latent factors related to important traits.
  3. Gossip and social selection played a role in shaping personality traits like considerateness and tolerance.

Why You Should (Mostly) Trust the Prose Edda

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 179 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Snorri Sturluson, the author of the Prose Edda, was a key figure in preserving Norse mythology and history.
  2. The Prose Edda, despite Snorri's Christian influence, is still considered a valuable and mostly trustworthy source of Norse mythological information.
  3. The Prose Edda contains narratives that are supported by archaeological evidence, lending credibility to the stories and Snorri's interpretations.

Truth in the old myths

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💾 History Mythology
  1. Ancient myths, like those of Troy and Agamemnon, might have some truths behind them. Archaeological discoveries are showing that these stories could be based on real events.
  2. Visiting historical sites like Mycenae can inspire strong feelings about the past. It makes you think about the legends and heroes that might have lived there.
  3. New findings in DNA and archaeology challenge our view of old myths as just stories. They suggest that some of these legendary tales might have a basis in reality.

A couple videos I made about Iran war and earth shrines

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 10 Mar 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Two recent videos focus on the Iran war and earth shrines, using mythic and cinematic references like Kurosawa's Ran to illuminate contemporary crises.
  2. A live community call blends traditional, indigenous, and animistic perspectives with the horror of modern warfare and frames that synthesis with deep optimism about the present moment's potential.
  3. This work is part of an ongoing Sanity Project and New and Ancient Story community offering regular videos and live engagement, and a modest paid subscription is suggested to support it.