The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

Red fur and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 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.

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

Chartbook • 1716 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Christmas Economics Mythology Labor Podcasts
  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.

Abraham Lincoln as Messiah

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Historical Figures Cultural Identity American history
  1. America is often seen as a secular nation, but it actually has deep divine roots. The founding of the nation is tied to the idea of liberty, which is seen as sacred.
  2. Abraham Lincoln is viewed as a key figure for America's redemption. He is likened to a messianic figure who freed the slaves and is remembered for his ideals of equality.
  3. The National Mall symbolizes the body politic of America, with various monuments representing different aspects of governance and justice. It illustrates the connection between the nation's legacy and its core values.

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 Psychoanalysis Religious Studies
  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.

New roofs and holy moles

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1138 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Spiritual Practice Folklore Meditation Transformation
  1. The house is shared with various animals like birds and insects, creating a harmonious living environment.
  2. Engaging with deep imagination through guided journeys can help in activating mythic imagination.
  3. Exploring fairy tales as adults can provide insights into personal transformation, archetypes, and reimagining life narratives.
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This Mythological Moment

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 16 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology Film Society History Spirituality
  1. The Popol Vuh tells a myth about how humans were created and destroyed by gods, highlighting that we've faced similar cycles of failure throughout history. This can be seen today as technology and our own actions may lead to our downfall.
  2. The fires in LA symbolize more than just a tragedy; they represent a decline in American culture and the dream factory of Hollywood, which has influenced U.S. power for years.
  3. An important theme from the Popol Vuh is about the dangers of our tools. Just like the wooden figures were destroyed by their own creations, today we risk harming ourselves through modern inventions and digital distractions.

Monsters of the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore Nature 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.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom • 471 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations 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 Folklore Traditions Beliefs Mythology Magic
  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 Religion History Christianity
  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 History Paintings
  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 Culture Science Mythology Religion Worldview
  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.

Talking to ravens

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 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.

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

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Identity Psychology Narrative Self-Improvement
  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 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.

8 essential words you've never heard before

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 641 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Language Comedy Art Relationships Mythology
  1. Enshittification refers to how digital platforms decline over time by abusing users and businesses to benefit themselves before eventually failing.
  2. Public solitude is the ability to feel alone even when in front of a large crowd, allowing one to focus in the present moment or during a performance.
  3. Specieist is a term for prejudice based on species, demonstrated by the debate between Elon Musk and Larry Page over the future of artificial intelligence.

Why No Cassandra of Hope?

What Is Called Thinking? • 42 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Literature Mythology
  1. Cassandra represents the idea of being ignored while predicting disaster, like prophets in the Bible who warn others but are often mocked or disregarded.
  2. In literature, we see more examples of ignored warnings than of hopeful messages. It seems people find it easier to mock the messengers of doom than to accept hopeful visions.
  3. People who share positive messages often focus on small, gradual changes instead of significant, sudden improvements, which makes their voices less impactful in comparison to doom-laden warnings.

Rex Romae: Blood and Beauty

Cosmographia • 619 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
💾 History Ancient History Leaders Mythology Art
  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 Creation Mythology Fiction Analysis Social movements
  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 Satire Identity
  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.

Hatching the Cosmic Egg (Hymn to Dionysus) (BOP #4)

Secretum Secretorum • 681 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Philosophy Religion Beliefs
  1. In the beginning was the Egg: The Orphic Egg contains the primordial deity Phanes, from whom other gods emerged.
  2. A future with AI: Consider the potential dangers and benefits of creating a superintelligent AI.
  3. Balancing Apollo and Dionysus: Avoid the pitfalls of controlling what cannot be controlled, like a god-inspired AI.

Fratricidal Foundation

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Ancient Rome Mythology Literature Art
  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 Psychedelics
  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 History Mythology Literature Podcasts Classical Studies
  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

Box #2

What Is Called Thinking? • 34 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Media Mythology Art
  1. Jordan Peterson argues against subjectivism, discussing deep questions about God and meaning. He believes that simply seeing God as an idol can limit our understanding.
  2. The debate about the existence of mythological creatures, like dragons, raises important questions about our rationality. It suggests that how we view myths reflects our understanding of reality.
  3. Finding and sharing timeless, freeing ideas is essential for a good life. We should strive to help others discover what is truly lasting and liberating.

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Religion Literature Mythology Tradition
  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 Nihilism Tarot Philosophical Concepts 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 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.

Myth & Math

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Astrology History Mythology Art Science
  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.

Evidence for global cultural diffusion

Vectors of Mind • 393 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Rituals
  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.

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

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology History Spirituality Philosophy Literature
  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 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.

The AI basis of the Eve Theory of Consciousness

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🔬 Science Evolution Psychology Mythology Language Personality
  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.