Podcasts about Cailleach

Summer might be right around the corner, but THE WINTER GODDESS is the perfect chill for lovers of mythology retellings. Author Megan Barnard joined us to chat about the Irish Pantheon and a reimagining of Cailleach, the goddess of Winter who is sent to live as a mortal as punishment for her callous ways.

In this episode of Spirit Box, I had the pleasure of speaking with folklorist and writer Scott Richardson-Read the brilliant mind behind Cailleach's Herbarium. The focus of today's chat is Scott's new book 'Mill Dust And Dreaming Bread, exploring Scottish folk belief & folk magic'. Together, we explore the deep roots of Scottish folk beliefs, looking at how animistic worldviews were layered over time with Christian, Norse, and Anglo-Saxon influence. Scott introduced me to the Gaelic concept of Dùthchas—the inherited right to place and belonging—and we discussed its significance in shaping Highland identity and political history. We also touched on the shared rhythms of Irish and Scottish Gaelic, the legacy of Alexander Carmichael and the Carmina Gadelica, and the enduring power of charms and spoken magic. One story that really stood out was that of St. Columba lending out his sacred book, only to burn it upon its return—a tale that sparked a discussion about healing, miracle-working, and the threads of folk magic that persist beneath the surface of Christianity. Through it all, Scott painted a vivid picture of a world where people lived in deep, reciprocal relationship with land, weather, ancestors, and the unseen. In the Plus show we ventured deeper into the mythic and cosmological territory of his book. We talked about the Three Worlds, the Primordial Twin, and how these ancient ideas mirror spiritual systems across the globe. We explored the notion of a pact between realms, the sacred nature of hospitality, and what it means to live in a world where everything is animate and interconnected. One of the most fascinating parts of the Plus Show was our discussion on the origins of spoken healing charms—those poetic, potent utterances passed down through families to stop bleeding, mend bones, or ward off illness. Scott spoke beautifully about how these charms carry ancestral knowledge, and I shared stories of people I know who still use them today. We also talked about the Cailleach, the powerful old woman of Gaelic tradition—part ancestor, part deity—who shapes weather and land and who remains a potent figure in both lore and personal practice. Scott spoke about how the Cailleach features in his work and how she represents the deep animism and ecological awareness at the heart of Scottish folk cosmology. We closed our conversation reflecting on the deep-time resonance of folklore—from the Milky Way as the Path of the White Cow to the sacred symbolism of rivers, straw, and cows. This wasn't just a discussion about stories; it was about remembering who we are, where we come from, and how we might live again in right relationship with the world around us. Show notes:Get the book: https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/sample-page/shop/book/mill-dust-and-dreaming-bread-limited-special-edition/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaftMzheNukHpulzhH64G-Mln_jBm74bDGZYS1g-bIZh1LuZP_COI6SzSnp1Sg_aem_UdtHrClZcQ2j4aUkPomT-QScott's instagram https://www.instagram.com/cailleachsherbarium/Tigh na Bodach https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/2018/01/the-cailleach-scotlands-midwife-tigh-na-bodach/The Three Realms https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/2023/11/scottish-cosmology-of-the-three-realms/St Columba https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ColumbaCailleach https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CailleachBodach https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BodachDonn Dubh

'Sleep Came Early' is part of the series A Year in Scotland. This is the April episode.Join me for a journey to Helensburgh on the Firth of Clyde and let's explore Scotland in April, the month of "hanami" and a sleepy Cailleach.In this story, we travel to the Victorian seaside resort of Helensburgh, we'll dive into the backstory of this coastal town and its illustrious inhabitants. We indulge in "hanami" (the Japanese art of flower viewing), visit Hill House, and round off our day out at sea.Visit my website to find the full show notes incl. the transcript, photos from my trip and links to all the places & resources I mention in this episode.Help us spread the word about Wild for Scotland! If you hear something you like in this episode, take a screenshot and share what you like about it on your Instagram stories. And tag us @wildforscotland so we can say thank you! Let me help you plan your DREAM TRIP to Scotland! Book a free enquiry call to find out more. Browse my Scotland itineraries for your next trip.Connect with me on Instagram @wildforscotland!Join our email list to never miss an episode.Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out my Scotland blog Watch Me See!

From misty mountains to deep-sea caves, we explore the dark side of Scottish folklore. Tales of Selkies - seal folk caught between sea and shore - Kelpies - murderous water-horses -and the ancient figure of the Cailleach. Maddy and Anthony's guest today is Donald Smith, founding director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and a storyteller who has written and lectured widely on the folklore of Scotland.Edited by Tomos Delargy. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Maddy's book, Writing on the Wall: Graffiti and Rebellion in Eighteenth-Century Britain, is now available on paperback! See more information here.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast.

Tunes: From A Selkie's Progress: The Traveler to the Forest, “Cha ‘n ‘eil Cailleach agam fhein” (I am Alone Since my Wife Died), The Storm Rescue, Lord Bateman, Corrienessan's Salute, Selkie's Lament, Resolve, Dundee, Clark Colven, Fa La La, Shoals of Herring, Robin Hood's Preferment (The Noble Fisherman) Ewan MacColl: The Shoals or Herring Berit Allison: Selkie's Lament Arthur Knevett: Lord Bateman, Sung Ballad by Me: Clark Colven, Robin Hood's Preferment, On Monday, April 7th, A Selkie's Progress will be available here: https://jeremykingsbury.bandcamp.com/album/a-selkies-progress Here are some ways you can support the show: You can support the Podcast by joining the Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/wetootwaag You can also take a minute to leave a review of the podcast if you listen on Itunes! Tell your piping and history friends about the podcast! Checkout my Merch Store on Bagpipeswag: https://www.bagpipeswag.com/wetootwaag You can also support me by Buying my Albums on Bandcamp: https://jeremykingsbury.bandcamp.com/ You can now buy physical CDs of my albums using this Kunaki link: https://kunaki.com/msales.asp?PublisherId=166528&pp=1 You can just send me an email at wetootwaag@gmail.com letting me know what you thought of the episode! Listener mail keeps me going! Finally I have some other support options here: https://www.wetootwaag.com/support Thanks! Listen on Itunes/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wetootwaags-bagpipe-and-history-podcast/id129776677 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxzqrSm0pu6v8y8pLsv5j?si=QLiG0L1pT1eu7B5_FDmgGA

In this edition of Deity Deep Dives, Anjel talks about the Crone of Winter, Goddess of Storms the Cailleach, where the original groundhog myth comes from and about embracing their own cronehood. Original music by Ruby. To listen to more episodes like this and support our work, check us out on Patreon.Show notes and transcripts found here.

Tunes: “Highlander” (Maybe Alexander MacKay): Biodh mid subhach (Let us Be Merry), Falb orra, ho! (Ho away she goes) and Pipe Reel (Smith of Killiechassie), Latha dhomhsa ‘s mi siubhal garbhlaich (One day as I was traversing mountains), Cha ‘n ‘eil Cailleach agam fhein (I am Alone since my wife died), Pipe Reel (The Black Hen's Egg), Cainntearachd (As is played on the pipe!), A Jacobite Air. f you have some thoughts about the collection of tunes, or want to send me a recording of you playing some of the tunes get in touch at bagpipehistory@gmail.com 1822ish: All tunes from Celtic Melodies by a Highlander, printed by Robert Purdie https://digital.nls.uk/special-collections-of-printed-music/archive/105012613 Here are some ways you can support the show: You can support the Podcast by joining the Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/wetootwaag You can also take a minute to leave a review of the podcast if you listen on Itunes! Tell your piping and history friends about the podcast! Checkout my Merch Store on Bagpipeswag: https://www.bagpipeswag.com/wetootwaag You can also support me by Buying my Albums on Bandcamp: https://jeremykingsbury.bandcamp.com/ You can now buy physical CDs of my albums using this Kunaki link: https://kunaki.com/msales.asp?PublisherId=166528&pp=1 You can just send me an email at wetootwaag@gmail.com letting me know what you thought of the episode! Listener mail keeps me going! Finally I have some other support options here: https://www.wetootwaag.com/support Thanks! Listen on Itunes/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wetootwaags-bagpipe-and-history-podcast/id129776677 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxzqrSm0pu6v8y8pLsv5j?si=QLiG0L1pT1eu7B5_FDmgGA

Alles omtrent die koningin van winter, hoe ek haar herverbeel het vir my skryfwerk en hierdie fee oorvertaal na Engels.   Geskryf en voorgelees deur Ronel Janse van Vuuren. Kopiereg 2025 Ronel Janse van Vuuren — Alle regte voorbehou.   Leer meer oor die cailleach hier. Kry die transkripsie hier.   Leer meer oor die skrywer hier.   Music: Secrets by David Fesliyan (FesliyanStudios.com) and Dramatic Heartbeat by FesliyanStudios.com

We often forget that the whole reason for a harvest is in the reveling in it during Cailleach's (the Celtic Winter Witch) long ride. Otherwise, what was it even for? I'm running around trying to prepare my little farm for 15 degrees, it turns out--something the Deep South is not prepared for, I assure you.And so, I turn to my dried herbs and teas, my pickles and pears, and revel in the harvest. Part of that is time relishing the friendships that sustained me, and giving back to them as well. You, Batchildren, are a part of that harvest.And I am part of yours.Stay warm, SebaTo support this podcast and get access to extra content, go to: https://www.patreon.com/southernfriedwitch

Send us a textIrish water fairies are not like Tinkerbell; they are monsters.  This episode I share some of my favorites:Muirdris, the “Sea Bramble” or “Sea Briar” - A huge, mysterious, undefined horror that inflates and deflates, expands and contracts like a bellows. It has features of a thorn-bush, with branches that stings, and its appearance alone is deadly. Alp-Luachra - In Celtic mythology, a Joint-eateror Just-halver the Alp-luachra is a type of fairy who sits invisibly and consumes half of their victim's food. Chailleach- The word "Cailleach" literally means "old woman, hag" and comes from the Old Irish word caillech, which means "veiled one".  The serpent of Loch Chraili - Similarto the Loch Ness monster  The white trout, the legend of Cong - A woman turned fish pining for her dead fiance  An Dobharchú  - Translated means ‘water hound', or ‘hound of deep'. Thought to be a cross between a giant otter and a hound, Dobhar Chu is about seven-foot-long, or about the size of a crocodile. In fact, it is also known as the Irish crocodile.Support the showIrish Mythology - Mythical Cycle - Book of Invasions

When in doubt, channel your favorite dark goddess. This episode, we discuss the cold season, tarot for the new year, and dive into some lore about the divine hag herself, the Cailleach.  CONNECT WITH THE PODCAST & BEYOND: Stay tuned by following us on Instagram (@pocketcovenpodcast)For extended cuts of every single episode, or just to show your support, join us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/thepocketcovenPodcast artwork by host Callie Little (@goshcallie), www.callielittle.com.Audio engineering by host Amber Huntsman (@bogfetish), www.feralfeelings.net.As always, please remember that this podcast is for entertainment purposes only. While we might be professionals in some respects, we are but simple mortal podcasters and should not be confused for your own therapist or doctor. Please seek professional assistance if you are struggling. For accessible therapy PLUS a discount, check out BetterHelp and use code POCKETCOVEN for 10% off your first month of therapy. We love you!

In this episode, we explore the gods and goddesses associated with winter and death. From Itztlacoliuhqui of Mesoamerica, to Boreas, Demeter, and Persephone of ancient Greece; Cailleach Beara in Scotland who's also known as the Cailleach in Ireland; Marzanna of Western Slavic lands; Perchta in the Alpine valleys; Frau Holle of the Germanic region, and Hel of Norse mythology, these deities reflect how ancient cultures grappled with the trials of winter and the inevitability of death.Transcripts For transcripts of this episode head over to: https://archpodnet.com/tpm/08Links Check out Kurly Tlapoyawa for more info about Mesoamerican archaeology Digitized National Folklore Collection of Ireland See photos related to episode topics on Instagram Loving the macabre lore? Treat your host to a coffee!ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet Tee Public Store: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/archaeology-podcast-network?ref_id=5724Affiliates Motion

Welcome to this week's Sacred Sunday check-in video!Three things for the week ahead:* Reading from 365 Days of Goddess, December 15: What is calling your name? What soul song is rising up from deep within? What does this season ask of you?* Resources:* Solstice Prayer Wheel free ritual kit!* New holiday goddesses in the shop!* Fourth solstice candle lighting packet from kit above: Cailleach, Love, Earth. May there be love. Rituals of Returning (from Brigid's Grove) is a reader-supported publication. Thanks for being here! If you found this newsletter via browsing Substack or from a friend, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Rituals of Returning (from Brigid's Grove) at goddessmagic.substack.com/subscribe

We began this episode with some BIG news before entering The Cave of The Cailleach for a Winter Solstice Meditation. Join The Witches Hour FREE. Hekate Sigil Necklaces and Books in the KHK SHOP.

In this episode of Becoming Witchy, we explore the ancient winter witch of Celtic mythology—the Cailleach. Known as the “Old Crone” or “The Cold One,” she embodies the raw, untamed energy of winter. We dive into her rich lore from Scotland and Ireland, her connection to the rugged landscape, and her unapologetic, primal power. I also reflect on the transformative archetype of the witch, inspired by a poignant moment in the witchy TV series Agatha All Along, and share how witchcraft offers clarity, strength, and empowerment. Plus, we talk about the beauty of embracing the slower, darker months and offer a ritual to connect with the Cailleach by building a cairn—a stone shrine to honor her wild, enduring spirit. Keep in touch and up to date by following Bramble & Brimstone on ⁠instagram⁠, visit our ⁠website⁠ or ⁠shop⁠, where you can sign up for our newsletter for monthly rituals, shop our wares, and get more Becoming Witchy content! 

Tá sí sioctha a chairde! We've had a swift change of weather which got us thinking about the Cailleach, bringer of winter, the sensitivity of our extremities (not THOSE extremities ya rógaire) and who's best at giving the cold shoulder. Freisin - caith na diabhal stocaí. Follow IG: @HowToGael @doireannnighlacain , @louise_cantillon  @siomhaniruairc  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eileen Budd is a professional storyteller, the host of the Scottish Folk podcast, and an artist & author in Angus, Scotland. After a Halloween reading about skull broth, Eileen describes where she lives in Scotland and the floods they experienced in last year's Storm Babet. Talk of weather and storms brings up the Gaelic mother goddess, the Cailleach.  From these ancestral stories comes a conversation about the diaspora of Scottish people to America aboard "coffin ships" and the suppression of their culture. Turning to the macabre mood of Halloween, we hear of folkloric and historic cannibals, Sawney Bean & the 15th-century butcher, Christie Cleek. Eileen describes what Samhain is - the time-of-the-year when traditional folk commune with the spirits of their ancestors. When it comes to personal stories from a professional storyteller, Eileen tells three haunting supernatural tales, in the best of which, a spirit saves the life of her grandmother. We wrap it up on rural poacher-lore from catching rabbits in nets to a story about a famous folk hunter who passed up a shot on a stag enchanted by fairies.  Follow Eileen on Instagram and check out her podcast Scottish Folk For Hurricane Helene Flood Relief for Past Podcast Guests:Rebecca Beyers of Blood & Spicebush - GoFundMeLupo Passero of Twin Star Tribe - Twin Star South Fundraiser Music Credits:"Bonny at Morn"Performed by The Whistlebinkies "The Weary Farmer"Performed by Tinkler Madgie"The Sky Fishers Song"Performed by Jean Redpath"The Beggar Laddie"Performed by Jean RedpathSupport Our Numinous Nature on Patreon.Follow Our Numinous Nature & my naturalist illustrations on InstagramCheck out my shop of shirts, prints, and books featuring my artContact: herbaceoushuman@gmail.com

In this episode of Fabulous Folklore Presents, I chat to Scott Richardson-Read of Cailleach's Herbarium about Scottish cosmology, discuss the differences between Scottish folk magic and folk magic practices elsewhere in the British Isles, and talk about the value of ancestor work in Scottish folk magic. Scott is an independent researcher, published author, and activist with several master's degrees in research, social sciences, and psychology. His academic background helps him explore Scottish folklore, customs, and traditions, uncovering their relevance today while grounding them in a rich historical and social context. His next book is launching in Spring 2025 “Mill Dust and Dreaming Bread” exploring these topics in a new way. Combining academic research, archival work, and hands-on experience, Scott explores the historical roots of Scottish folk practices. With his "in the world, off the page" approach, he encourages people to take an active role in preserving Scotland's cultural and intangible heritage. Through his work with the Woven Land Network, Scott curates events that bring together experts in Scottish folk magic, music, storytelling, and traditional practices, making these traditions meaningful and accessible today. Scott's passion for activism is shaped by a lifelong commitment to social justice. He works alongside minority groups, helping to influence legislation, policy, and practice in Scotland, and advocates for marginalised communities to ensure their voices are heard where it matters most. Find Scott's website: https://cailleachs-herbarium.com/ Find Scott on IG @cailleachsherbarium Support Mill Dust & Dreaming Bread - Reviving Scottish Folk Belief on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/from-dust-to-light/mill-dust-and-dreaming-bread-reviving-scottish-folk-belief Get your free guide to home protection the folklore way here: https://www.icysedgwick.com/fab-folklore/ Become a member of the Fabulous Folklore Family for bonus episodes and articles at https://patreon.com/bePatron?u=2380595 Fabulous Folklore Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/fabulous_folklore Enjoyed this episode and want to show your appreciation? Buy Icy a coffee to say 'thanks' at: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick Pre-recorded illustrated talks: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick/shop Request an episode: https://forms.gle/gqG7xQNLfbMg1mDv7 Get extra snippets of folklore on Instagram at https://instagram.com/icysedgwick 'Like' Fabulous Folklore on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousfolklore/ Find Icy on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/icysedgwick.bsky.social Tweet Icy at https://x.com/IcySedgwick

Website: https://chthonia.netPatreon: https://patreon.com/chthoniaMerch: https://chthoniapodcast.creator-spring.com/ISFM: https://instituteforfemininemyth.orgThis week's episode looks at the folkloric storm hags of Ireland, Scotland, and Lake Erie in the United States. While hag and witch figures often represent forces of nature, the Storm Hag represents a unique danger that comes at the end of winter--the fragile state of birth and rebirth. 

All about the energies and magic of October plus a few October holidays to highlight. Correspondences: Crystals: Opal, tourmaline Animals: bat, rat, crow, raven, dove  Flower: calendula  Deities: Athena, Hephaestus, Venus, Shiva, Cernunnos The sun is in Libra until October 23. Libra is a cardinal air sign. Moon Phases October 2: new moon in Libra October 10: second quarter moon in Capricorn October 17: full moon in Aries October 24: fourth quarter moon in Leo October Holidays: Winter Nights (Vetrnaetr): an ancient Norse festival that marked the beginning of winter. It typically took place in late October or early November. Feast of Pomona (Late October): The Feast of Pomona was dedicated to Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit, trees, and orchards. Although not exclusively tied to October, it was often celebrated in late autumn as the harvest came to an end. The Festival of Cailleach: The Cailleach, or the Old Hag, is a figure in Celtic mythology associated with winter, storms, and the land. Some traditions marked the transition to winter by honoring the Cailleach in late October. Thesmophoria: an ancient Greek festival held in October in honor of Demeter and Persephone, goddesses associated with agriculture, fertility, and the cycle of life and death. The Rites of Eleusis (Eleusinian Mysteries): secret religious rites held annually in honor of Demeter and Persephone, primarily in September but extending into early October. These rites were part of the broader context of harvest and fertility. October 8 - Canadian Thanksgiving: celebrated on the second Monday of October. It's a day for giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. The holiday is similar to the American Thanksgiving but occurs earlier due to Canada's earlier harvest season. October 11-12 - Yom Kippur: the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It typically falls in October, depending on the Hebrew calendar. October 31 - Halloween: has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Halloween is associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins (jack-o'-lanterns), haunted houses, and themes of the supernatural. October 31-November1 - Samhain: an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, traditionally celebrated from the evening of October 31st to the evening of November 1st. It is considered one of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals and is often regarded as the Celtic New Year. October 31 - Diwali: also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. The date of Diwali varies each year based on the lunar calendar, but it often falls in late October or early November. This year the 5 day fest starts on October 29, but Diwali itself is October 31 to November 1. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/witch-wednesdays/support

Harvest joy and gratitude this Autumnal Equinox—balance the light and embrace the season. Join and support the community: https://www.creationspaths.com/ In this episode, Charlie and Brian, Christopagan Druids, discuss the significance of Alban Elfed, the Autumnal Equinox. They explore the themes of balance, the second harvest festival, and the myth of the Cailleach. As the seasons shift, they reflect on the importance of harvesting not only crops but joy, gratitude, and positive relationships. The conversation emphasizes leaving behind fear and dread while cultivating intentional living and community building. They also highlight the spiritual practice of mindfulness, counting blessings, and finding joy in daily life, especially as winter approaches. Thank you for Liking and Subscribing to this podcast Thank you for sharing this episode with your loved ones, friends and community --> Thank you for Tips or Donations: https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett https://patreon.com/cedorsett Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/ For all of the things we are doing at The Seraphic Grove go to Creation's Paths https://www.creationspaths.com/ For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Guided Meditations Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0C8kiTKv0J2QAAlD1uaIJvQ3Sr9sIqO Christopagan Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0C8kiTKv0ISXDQkZBRB7EHrUUJgXlGN The Everything Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV0C8kiTKv0Ln3eGW-tDk2R68PM6c182O Creation's Paths Podcast: http://www.creationspaths.com/podcast Church of the Oak Podcast: http://churchoftheoak.com/ Hallowstead Podcast: http://hallowstead.com/ Social Connections: BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/ ## Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Equinox 00:45 Meet the Hosts: Charlie and Brian 00:55 Autumnal Traditions and Preparations 01:59 The Significance of Alban Elfed 02:13 Harvest Lore and the Cailleach 04:16 Balancing Life and Harvest 10:11 Gratitude and Thanksgiving 13:28 Defiance of Darkness 13:59 The Power of Joy 14:26 Let Your Light Shine 16:22 Finding Joy in Life 18:06 The Harvest of Joy 19:14 The Practice of Joy 19:39 Sharing Joy with Others 22:16 Connecting Through Comments 23:04 Supporting the Community 23:59 Final Blessings

Send us a textWhat ya eatin? Renee is making up sweet little Savory Pork & Onion Hand Pies, and Louise is confirming the hype about Buldak Ramen.It's time to explore another goddess, and this month, we're heading to the wilds of Scotland and Ireland to get to know The Cailleach. This wild hag spirit shapes the land and brings the nasty weather of winter that can test your strength. She's deeply connected to local wildlife and plays a role in the myths of the Celtic seasons.Then, Renee is super proud of the progress of one of her clients while Louise has found a new way to do her nails that's making her feel super awesome. For complete show notes and links, go to awesomeon20.com/episode171Follow Renee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Renee_awesomeon20/Follow Louise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Louise_awesomeon20/Support the showIf you're able, give this podcast your support by joining the International Coven of Awesomeness on Patreon so we can keep sharing witchy content for that's free for all.Get your free ebook How to Work with the Moon to Get Things Done.Check out the latest workshop offerings from the STC Witchcraft Academy for both online workshops and in-person circles in the Glasgow, Scotland area.Find all your favorite recipes and witch tips at Awesome on 20 Kitchen Magick.Book a tarot reading with Renee at Sagittarian Tarot & Coaching. Join the Moon Magic Membership coven to receiving ongoing support in your witchcraft journey. Join our Coven of Awesomeness Facebook group open to everyone.

Once upon a time, when only candles lit the inside of homes and people traveled on foot or by horse, the family would finish their supper, wash and dry the dishes, and sit down before the hearth to hear a tale. These tales were not only entertaining but also passed down both history and tradition to the next generation. And as the wheel of the year turned, these tales also served to teach the children about holy days and festivals and the Gods and Goddesses who reigned over the changing seasons.In this beautifully illustrated book, Ellen Evert Hopman shares rich stories drawn from traditional folktales, hands-on crafts, and seasonal recipes to help families and classrooms learn about and celebrate traditional holy days and festivals of the sacred earth year. Designed to be read out loud, the stories are complemented with pronunciation guides and translations for foreign words. You will learn of the Cailleach, the ancient Goddess of Winter; La Befana, the Italian new year's witch; Eostre, the Goddess of Spring; Kupalnocka, the Polish feast of wreaths at midsummer; Yule among the Vikings; and many other deities and celebrations.For each story, the author includes hands-on projects special to the holiday--from crafting magical wands and brooms to flower crowns and Brighid's Crosses--as well as seasonal recipes, such as Magical Peppermint Chocolate Tea, Beltaine Bannock, and La Befana Cake, allowing families to enjoy the tastes, smells, and sounds associated with the feast days and celebrations.

Book one-on-one story sessions hereRead this as an article, and share your thoughts hereHere's something a little different, a fictionalized story of my own life. You may find resonance with your own canyon crossings. For a version with music and sound, listen to the recording.In we go.A man is crossing a sandy, stony plane. As he passes, long-tailed mice with huge ears hop behind wiry bushes who are as thrifty with water as a posse of poor widows abandoned by their children are with their coppers.The boy is thrifty too.His energies run beneath his skin, burrowed in his bones.It's been such a long journey.And just when he's getting swing in his stride, and learning to avoid the little cactus balls hidden all about, he stops short, kicking pebbles down into a canyon so deep that the bottom is lost to dark mist.He steps back, looks across. Of course, his trail continues on the far side. As usual, he could turn back, though he's not convinced that the land wouldn't shift to confound him on back here again. Or some parallel place.Also as usual, there are people between him and the canyon's far side, skating on the air above the great drop as thought playing on invisible ice.He is no longer fooled by their grace. Now he sees the hitches in their movements, the quavers, the dropping down a foot before rising triumphantly again. The dust embedded in their clothes, the rouge covering wrinkles and red scars.F**k it, he says. Then bless me, my lord, and something about universal abundance. A couple words for Odin, for Zeus. Krishna, Mohammed, Jesus, Coyote, Raven, Cailleach and the Creator and Creatrix while he's at it.Then he steps out.It's even further down than it looked. The fall is slow, like a leaf. The wind is silky and succulent on his skin, full of moisture. A river runs beneath him, roaring up the walls, though he can't see it yet.The fall is so slow that on his way down, he has time to consider his entire journey, from start until now. The creatures who helped and thwarted him. The half dozen other canyons he's crossed. He even manages to release envy for those b******s skating up above. Or loosen it, anyway.And of course, when he lands, it is on the near side of the river.Fording it is wet, precarious work.The far canyon wall looks like it will be a hell of a climb. The last ones sure were.He takes a few breaths and starts up.He's getting stronger. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storypaths.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Sherri Taylor and Dr. Antoinette MacKenzie discuss one of the feminine faces of Saturn, The Bone Mother. Dr. MacKenzie delves into the myth of the Cailleach, a Bone Mother archetype associated with Saturn, and describes developing an emplaced relationship, to the stars and through connecting with the land-based mythic stories and archetypes of our lineages. Join us to consider how Bone Mother Saturn mentors our personal growth and offers us gifts of belonging.  References: Find Antoinette MacKenzie at Pomegranate Astrology Solve et Coagula - Sherri's 2024-2025 series with Embodied Astrology

About a month ago, we celebrated Dhūmāvatī Jayanti. Of the 10 esoteric forms of Kālī known as the Daśamahavidyās, Dhūmāvati, the widow is perhaps the most mysterious, misunderstood and feared of all the Tantrik Goddesses.She bears a striking resemblance to the Morrigan and the Cailleach in Gaelic/Celtic traditions and her dhyāna mantra (presented below) might remind you of the (albeit often somewhat cartoonish) caricature of the "witch" you find at department stores around Hallowe'en. No coincidence there!In this video, we talk all about this and more! Also: Before we gave our lecture on just who this mysterious Tantrik Goddess is and what she represents, we first went and performed her worship using her dhyāna mantra (presented below) in a guided meditation.You can practice that here. विवर्णकुन्तला रूक्षा विधवा विरलद्विजा ॥काकध्वजरथारूढा विलम्बितपयोधरा ।शूर्पहस्तातिरूक्षाक्षी धृतहस्ता वरान्विता ॥प्रवृद्धघोणा तु भृशं कुटिला कुटिलेक्षणा ।क्षुत्पिपासार्दिता नित्यं भयदा कलहप्रिया ॥Pale and restless, irritable and oldClad in soiled garmentsPale-haired, dry-skinnedA widow with few teethMounted atop a chariot whose flag is a crowWith drooping breasts and surpassingly cruel eyesWho holds a winnowing basketWho shows the boon bestowing gestureA crone with crooked nose and crooked eyesWho is always hungry and thirsty, quarrelsome and fearsome.Lectures happen live on zoom every Monday at 7pm PST and Friday 10am PST and Friday at 6pm PST.  There's Q&A right after the lectures. It is free and open to the public. All are welcome!Use this link and I will see you there:https://www.zoom.us/j/7028380815Our hatha yoga class is Monday 5pm PST with Amrita and Wednesdays at 11am PST and again at Friday 5pm PST with me via this same link also.For more videos, guided meditations and instruction and for access to our lecture library, visit me at:https://www.patreon.com/yogawithnishTo get in on the discussion and access various spiritual materials, join our Discord here: https://discord.gg/U8zKP8yMrMSupport the Show.

Twenty years ago, Cali White left a corporate career and followed a calling to the healing path. Initially training in psychotherapy, she spent many years immersing herself in the world of psychological and spiritual development and was privileged to find teachers that opened her up to Native American wisdom through Vision Questing, Sweat Lodges, and Shamanic Healing, and then more deeply into rites of passage work through the Women in Power organisation. From November 2018 she undertook a 13 Moon menopause Pilgrimage around the UK and Ireland to deepen into her indigenous ancestry. Guided by the Ancients, she gathered women every full moon to hold ceremony for those persecuted as witches during the Burning Times and to help heal the inherited trauma wounds of separation that we still carry today. This led to the 2022 I AM WITCH exhibition in Lancaster, out of which The Witches' Revival was born, a now annual healing event in Lancaster, UK, designed to support the healing of the feminine through the reclamation of the Witch Archetype. Cali lives in an old Beatrix Potter cottage on a hillside in the Lake District where she continues to learn through tending the land and by following her menopausal impulse to "create"! www.thewitcheshouse.orgwww.loveisourpower.com We talked about:Living with intention Menopause as portal and rebirth Collective wound and collective healing Ancestral healing The feeling of emerging from the trauma veil Medicine spoons – and how a synchronistic discovery led to her next body of work Creativity as healing and the magic that happens when we share our process Creating experiential spaces The feminine way as collaborative The Witches Revival event Archetypes: witch, creatrix, wise woman archetype, The Cailleach, Hekate, Baba Yaga Evolving our relationship with big and small d death Ways of knowing Resources mentionedJoin my newsletter for your free Bonus ClassReclaim Your Creative Magic ecourseALisa StarkweatherWomen in Power My book Creatrix: she who makesStephen Jenkinson - Orphan WisdomSharon Blackie – If Women Rose Rooted, HagitudeOutside the Box – Liz RothschildKicking the Bucket Follow Creative Magic on Instagram: @CreativeMagicPodcastYour host Lucy H. Pearce – Instagram: @lucyhpearce FacebookWomancaft Publishing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fire Draw Near Episode LIV features wrens, bitterns and cailleachaí. Roisin El Cherif - Siúil a Rúin David Murphy – Sean O'Duibhir a Ghleanna Dave Van Ronk – Luang Prabang Wire Worms – The Cutty Wren The Young Tradition – Byker Hill Thin Lizzy – Sitamoia Meaigí Nic Dhonncha – Cailleach an Airgid Stiofán Ó Cualáin – Cailleach an Airgid David Power – The Hag With The Money / Garrett Barry's Bexley H.S. Vocal Ensemble – 'Si Do Mhaimeo I Seán Jeaic Mac Donncha – An Bonnán Buí The Huntress and Holder of Hands – Rocky Coast⧸EDT Norman MacLean – Am Bothan a Bh'Aig Fionnghuala The Bothy Band – Fionnghuala Toké O'Drift – Bothy Bangz Harry Gorski-Brown – Buain na Choirce https://campsite.bio/firedrawnear

Tracking the third segment of the Key to Time, the Fourth Doctor, Romana, and K9 arrive in modern-day Cornwall. They meet Professor Emilia Rumford and her friend Vivien Fay, studying the "Nine Travellers"--standing stones in Boscombe Moor. Their work is disrupted by a Druidic sect that worships the Cailleach, the Druidic goddess of war and magic, led by de Vries. De Vries and the sect are hostile to the newcomers, but the Doctor later finds the sect killed by mobile stones similar to those of the Nine Travellers and determines the stones must be alien beings that feed on blood. He and Emilia find evidence that suggests Vivien is older than she looks. Meanwhile, Romana catches Vivien awakening more stones with blood, and Vivien uses a device to send her to a spacecraft in hyperspace. When the Doctor and Emilia arrive, Vivien tells them that Romana will be safe before disappearing herself. The Doctor recognises the stones as Ogri, a life form from the planet Ogros. The Doctor constructs a projector to cross into hyperspace, leaving Emilia and K9 to guard it. On the spacecraft, the Doctor determines it is a prison ship, and inadvertently releases two floating globes called Megara that serve as justice machines. They accuse the Doctor of breaking a seal on the ship and prepare to put him on trial. Elsewhere, Vivien finds the Doctor's presence, and returns to Earth, awakening one of the Ogri and damages the Doctor's projector, but sparing Emilia's life as a friend. She and the Ogri return to the craft to attend the Doctor's trial. K9 guides Emilia in repairing the projector, allowing them to bring back Romana, along with an Ogri. They are pursued by the Ogri, leading them back to Vivien's cottage. There, Romana discovers an alien device that proves Vivien is not human. They lure the Ogri back to the projector, and she and the Ogri return to the spacecraft. On the ship, the Doctor learns the Megara are seeking a criminal known as Cessair, who had stolen the Great Seal of the planet Diplos, which grants its bearer great powers. The Doctor suspects Vivien is Cessair, and attempts to force the Megara to question her, but their law prevents such intervention. Having decided the Doctor's guilt, they fire an energy weapon at him, but at the last moment, the Doctor drags Vivien into the shot. The Megara immediately stop their attack and scan Vivien to see if she is unharmed, but instead discover that she is Cessair. Romana arrives with the additional evidence, and the Megara pass judgement on her. They return her to Earth and transform her into a standing stone in the moor, but not before the Doctor recovers the Great Seal which she wore. The Megara are about to pass judgment on the Doctor when they're forced to return to their ship and depart to Diplos. The Doctor had set the controls of the ship before leaving, and he affirms the Great Seal is the third segment of the Key, and he, Romana, and K9 thank Emilia for her assistance before they leave in the TARDIS. She smiles as she now has a new stone in the circle to study.

This episode is brought to you by Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Annie and Jenny learn about the importance of rewilding, not just from the perspective of the environment, but also for communities. We meet dedicated staff Cait and Caoimhe at Dundreggan, and learn some beautiful folklore that's woven into the landscape. From stealthy red squirrels to a killer Cailleach who'll dance on your bonnet, these conversations challenge us to consider our own relationships with nature. Learn more about Dundreggan Rewilding Centre here:https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/Report your exciting squirrel sightings here:https://scottishsquirrels.org.uk/ Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Kerry Ann and Natalie to discuss folklore, old magick, heritage and culture, and more with Scott Richardson Read.Scott is The founder of The Cailleach's Herbarium and publishes his research and workings there. Scott is dedicated to the preservation of Scottish heritage and currently is a co-ordinator of The Woven Land Network, a charity dedicated to protecting Scottish heritage sites.Listen to an insightful look at what this means in terms of history and the narrative today.

Arla joins us to talk about the many Bigfoot encounters she has had during her lifetime. Beginning at age 6 and continuing to this day. There is a lot of high strangeness in these encounters. She is the author of My Life with the Hairy People, and Respecting the Water.https://www.amazon.com/Life-Hairy-People-Collett-Williams/dp/1495458601

In episode 12, like archaeological paladins, Tilly and Ash have been given a divine quest: find the Cailleach of Celtic Myth and…deliver her washing. Oh. On their journey, they discuss the best strategies to locate the ancient hag and ask the tough archaeological question: what even is a landscape?Links Routledge Guide to Landscape Studies (Google books) Landscape Archaeology (Chapter in Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology) Mythopedia entryContact Email: andmytrowel@gmail.com Instagram: @‌and.my.trowelTranscripts For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/trowel/12ArchPodNet APN Website: https://www.archpodnet.com APN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnet APN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnet APN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnet Tee Public Store: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/archaeology-podcast-network?ref_id=5724Affiliates Motion: https://www.archpodnet.com/motion Liquid I.V. Ready to shop better hydration, use my special link https://zen.ai/thearchaeologypodnetworkfeed to save 20% off anything you order.

Ahonu celebrates Saint Brigid's Day on February 1st, also known as Imbolc, a special day in Ireland marking the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. In remembering the ancient Irish festivals, he explores the difference between Brigid, the Celtic Goddess of Spring, and Saint Bridget. From ritual cleansing and purification to the transition of the goddess to a saint, Ahonu shares the myths, legends, and folklore surrounding this revered figure. Listen to this short episode as he shares the rich history and traditions associated with Saint Brigid's Day and Imbolc.

Join me as we find some ideas to bring a little happiness in a pagan way into our worlds in these dark, cold winter days. Connecting with the elements, bracing ourselves for the cold, making our world a special haven and a focus of intent. Let me know in the comments if you have anything you can recommend to your fellow pagans on making it through the winter! Let's not be beaten by the Cailleach as she continues to blanket our landscape in cold! Love and light Carolyn The Alchemical Druid Witch

A young, pregnant woman claiming to carry the “child of Nechrubel” and her elderly husband are escorted from Schleswig to Galgenbeck by a ragtag group of Scvm to escape persecution from King Fathmu IX. The final Misery is nigh! Will they make it to Galgenbeck before the child is born? Find out as Deuce holds it tight, Wemut is still here, Skutz high-fives Kurl, Kurl keeps her warm, Melville puts some pants on, and Hatchet brings in some friends in this Antichristmas Special of Flail to the Face. Happy Holidays. This episode's Scvm: Levi Brusacoram as Deuce Bigley the Mendacious Lycanthrope Thomas Geno-Stumme as Wemut the Catacomb Saint @munkymoto Kevin Welch as Skutz the Scorched Bedlamite @Smiling_dm1 Jake Vaughn as Kurl the An Cailleach @vaughnhaus Nate Seibert as Melville Hugo Lesterborne the Dead God's Prophet @TheRolledNate And Christopher Heinrich as the Game Master @7CannibalChris7 And introducing very special guest Johan Nohr as Hatchet the Esoteric Hermit @JohanNohr This episode features: Unholy Nativity and The Mendacious Lycanthrope by The Rolled Standard @r20lledstandard The Catacomb Saint by Makooti @gamepunked The Scorched Bedlamite by “Full Frontal” Philip Jensen @philthemaker and “Torture Daddy” Ian SerVaas. An Cailleach by Michael Mars @MichaelMarsRPG Cover art created by Cannibal Chris. Episode edited by Kevin Welch. Theme music: Haunting of the Flesh courtesy of Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio and SilverSunMusic, mixed by Kevin Welch. SFX courtesy of Epidemic Sound Find us on whatever social media platform you use: Facebook Twitter Instagram BlueSky

Join me on this meditative journey to the heart of Hekate's Cave where we meet The Cailleach for unburdening our "stones," on the Winter Solstice (or anytime we need to let go our heaviness). I adore The Cailleach. She connects me to my Celtic roots, and always welcomes the weary traveler, offering shelter from the winter's storms. Become a Coven Member with the Kindness subscription: MORE INFO HERE. Join the Keeping Her Keys Video Library HERE. This episode expands on the Skotia Chapter in Entering Hekate's Cave by Cyndi Brannen. From Entering Hekate's Cave: The Journey Through Darkness To Wholeness The Cailleach[i]is an expression of The Crone, a healing spirit that offers respite along the journey through the cave. There are stories regaling The Cailleach as the eternal wise woman healer. Sometimes denigrated as a mean-spirited hag, The Cailleach of various locations, such as the Cailleach Béara (Cally Berra)[ii], were Goddesses of Winter to ancient Celts. The importance of place is central to the tales of The Cailleach, where she typically be based in a specific location, such as Béara. Being linked to places signifies how deeply she is connected to the land and its people. She is of the earth itself. This connection of place also speaks to her message of reconnecting to the land, of treating the earth well so that we can be nourished. [i] Sorita d'Este and David Rankine. Visions of the Cailleach: Exploring the Myths, Folklore and Legends of the pre-eminent Celtic Hag Goddess (2009). [ii] Leanne O'Sullivan. Cailleach: The Hag of Beara (2009) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keepingherkeys/message

This episode is a short retrospective of highlights from nearly a decade of The Numinous Podcast! Below, I've sorted ten years of episodes into 14 playlists. Enjoy!   Intuition, Spirituality, and the Mysteries of Life TNP4: Love and Angels with Robin Arnold TNP5: Nature, Mind and the Mystical with J.B.MacKinnon TNP7: Spirituality + Recovery with Trinity Donnelley MacRae TNP9: Meditation, Channeling and Connection with Dr.Jonni Gray TNP11: Public, Private and Political with Louise TNP13: Spiritual Self-Esteem and Professional Integrity as an Intuitive Practitioner with Judee Gee TNP14: Carl-Greger on Spontaneous Spiritual Awakening and Direct Experience TNP16: Jenna DellaGrottaglia on Art + Intuition TNP17: Shakti Roumagoux: Catholic, Quaker, Engaged Buddhist TNP18: Arthurian Legend Leadership Lessons with Kent Osborne TNP22: The Vision Quest with Sparrow Hart TNP25: Findhorn and Facilitating Inner Knowing with Kate Sutherland TNP27: Shamanism and the Corporate World with Agneta TNP30: Kate Sitka on Intuitive Communication with the Animal Kingdom TNP32: Sex, Spirituality and Intuition with Lesley Stedmon TNP35: Carmen Answers Listener Questions, Part 1- Trusting Your Intuition TNP36: Carmen Answers Listener Questions, Part 2 - Trusting Your Pendulum TNP37: Carmen Answers Listener Questions, Part 3 - Common Questions About Intuition TNP41: Elle North on Tarot + Intuition TNP42: Mark Silver on Sufism and the Heart of Business TNP44: John Michael Greer on Mystery Teaching from the Living Earth TNP46: Mirabella Ponders the Mystery TNP50: Carmen & Ruben on Badass Backyard Spirituality TNP52: Humanism, Atheism and Optimism with Emrys Damon Miller TNP53: Astronomy's Mysteries with John Reid TNP59: Ritual + Magic with John Michael Greer TNP61: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 1 TNP62: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 2 TNP63: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 3 TNP64: {Special Episode} Learning to See in the Dark TNP72: Alexis P. Morgan on Witchcraft, Magic, and Liberation TNP73: Charlene Spretnak on Reclaiming Pre-Patriarchal Goddesses TNP74: Sacred Beekeeping with Nikiah Seeds TNP76: L'Erin Alta on Lineage and Legacy TNP77: Digging Deep with Forensic Archeologist Juliana Kabal Xoc TNP78: Niana Hierlander on the Uncommon Marriage of Celtic Shamanism and Catholic Mysticism TNP79: Layla Saad on Perspectives of a Black Muslim Woman on the Priestess Path TNP81: {Numinous School Tutorial} Your Intuition Questions Answered TNP82: The Eclipse, The Gleaners, and Ruben and I TNP85: Thérèse Cator on Shadow Alchemy and Life as Ceremony TNP89: The Journey of the Psychopomp with Cat Webb TNP90: The Celtic Golden Dawn with John Michael Greer TNP92: Sufism, Dreamwork and Belonging with Toko-pa Turner TNP96: Secrets of the Temple with John Michael Greer TNP98: Priestess, Shaman, Mystic, Scapegoat with Sarah Kerr TNP99: Monsters and Magical Beings with John Michael Greer TNP101: Layla Feghali on Plantcestral Medicine TNP102: Sarah Selecky and Radiant Shimmering Light TNP103: Witchcraft and Parenting Wisdom with Beth and John Threlfall TNP104: Magical Cookery and EcoFeminism with Danielle Prohom Olson TNP124: Elizabeth Brown on Dowsing and Causative Diagnosis TNP126: Controlled Remote Viewing with Laurie Lambert Williams TNP127: Moon Magic with Sarah Faith Gottesdiener TNP128: Scottish Folk Magic with Scott Richardson Reid of the Cailleach's Herbarium TNP129: Palm Reading with Helene Saucedo TNP130: Sigil Witchery with Laura Tempest Zakroff TNP131: The Twelve Faces of the Goddess with Danielle Blackwood TNP136: Maia Toll on Working with Plant, Animal and Crystal Allies in Troubled Times TNP140: Darius Mills on Hoodoo Manifestation Magic TNP141: Eric Tyrone - Get Woke in Your Dreamtime TNP144: Mimi Young on Intuition and Pandemic Plant Medicine TNP149: Spiritual Hygiene for the Holidays with Carmen Spagnola TNP150: Hekatean Witchcraft with Dr.Cyndi Brannen TNP158: Beyond Crystal Basics with Nicholas Pearson TNP159: Norse Ritual Animism and Seidr with Maris Bergrune TNP162: Entering Hekate's Garden with Dr.Cyndi Brannen TNP169: Sophie Macklin on Antifascist Folklore and Ungovernable Bodies TNP170: Flower Essences from the Witch's Garden with Nicholas Pearson TNP173: Creative Witchcraft with Natalie Rousseau TNP174: Sovereign and Supernatural - Manifesting Beyond Capitalism with L'Erin Alta TNP175: Ancestral Reverence and Seasonal Traditions with Thérèse Cator TNP176: Mimi Young on Animism, Numerology and Chinese Astrology TNP180: What Makes a Witch? with Carmen Spagnola TNP183: Journey from Maiden to Mother with Sarah Durham Wilson TNP184: Art and the Moon with Dana da Ponte TNP185: Trance, Dreams and the Collective with Carmen Spagnola TNP188: Fumbling Through...All Of It with Kael Klassen TNP190: Celtic Embodiment with Jen Murphy TNP191: Entering Hekate's Cave with Dr.Cyndi Brannen TNP205: Sophie Strand on Mary Magdalene and Miracles TNP209: {Special Class Recording} Connecting with Plants with Carmen TNP212: Shauna Janz on Ancestral Veneration in Child-Free and Queer Lineages TNP216: Success and Spiritual Leadership with Colette Baron-Reid TNP219: Take Down the Patriarchy and Take Back the Magic with Perdita Finn   Attachment, Human Relationships, Parenting, Families, and Cults TNP19: Monique Gray Smith on Ceremony and Sacredness with Children TNP29: Conscious Parenting with Colleen Adrian TNP31: Creating Community with Carolyne Taylor TNP33: Community, Autonomy and Forgiveness with Michael Phillips TNP39: Rachelle Lamb on Relating, Language and Poetry TNP40: Bethany Webster on Healing the Mother Wound TNP46: Mirabella Ponders the Mystery TNP49: Carolyn Baker on Grief and Love During Collapse TNP50: Carmen & Ruben on Badass Backyard Spirituality TNP51: Love in the Apocalypse with Carolyn Baker, PhD TNP56: Motherless Daughter, Mother: Sheila Webster TNP61: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 1 TNP62: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 2 TNP63: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 3 TNP69: Tiffany Joseph on Language, Land, and Everything Important TNP76: L'Erin Alta on Lineage and Legacy TNP82: The Eclipse, The Gleaners, and Ruben and I TNP83: Nora Samaran - The Opposite of Rape Culture is Nurturance Culture TNP84: Honouring Ancestors with Rachael Rice TNP86: Channelling Change with Jenn Richardson TNP88: Monique Gray Smith is Speaking Truth TNP103: Witchcraft and Parenting Wisdom with Beth and John Threlfall TNP115: Solara Goldwyn on Edible Landscapes, Sustainability, and Climate Dread TNP116: Matthew Remski on Attachment, High Demand Communities and Yoga's Culture of Abuse TNP118: Patti Elledge on Attachment, Grieving Together, and Mobilizing Outrage TNP121: Alexandra Stein on Disorganized Attachment in Cults and Totalitarian Regimes TNP138: Mara Cur on Hide Tanning and the Orphan's Journey TNP151: Oliver Choquette on the Intersection of Gender Diversity and Neurodivergence TNP153: Parenting a Trans Teen with Paria Hassouri TNP166: Cultivating Sisterhood at (Trans)Midlife with Aurelie Richards TNP172: A Love Note to Grievers with Angela E Morris TNP189: Recovering Towards Mothering with Taryn Strong TNP194: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 1 TNP195: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 2 TNP196: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 3 TNP197: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 4 TNP208: {Special Class Recording} Attachment + Contact Nutrition  TNP213: Parenting Beyond Power with Jen Lumanlan TNP219: Take Down the Patriarchy and Take Back the Magic with Perdita Finn   Voices of the Global Majority TNP19: Monique Gray Smith on Ceremony and Sacredness with Children TNP47: Indigo Ocean Dutton on Saying Yes to Happiness TNP57: Homeless and Hopeless, to Unbounded Joy with Shayla Logan TNP65: Jessie Hemphill on Walking Between the Worlds TNP66: Aftab Erfan on Safe Spaces TNP68: Janet Rogers on Art, History, and Strong Women TNP69: Tiffany Joseph on Language, Land, and Everything Important TNP70: Sewit Thomas Jones on Language and Belonging TNP72: Alexis P. Morgan on Witchcraft, Magic, and Liberation TNP76: L'Erin Alta on Lineage and Legacy TNP77: Digging Deep with Forensic Archeologist Juliana Kabal Xoc TNP79: Layla Saad on Perspectives of a Black Muslim Woman on the Priestess Path TNP85: Thérèse Cator on Shadow Alchemy and Life as Ceremony TNP88: Monique Gray Smith is Speaking Truth TNP93: Queer Nature with Pinar and So Sinopoulos-Lloyd TNP95: Preparing with Quest with Patricia and Ashley TNP97: Ancestry, Funerals, and Writing at 4:30am with Leesa Renee Hall TNP101: Layla Feghali on Plantcestral Medicine TNP105: Tending the Threshold with Tannur Ali TNP106: Tending the Threshold with Aftab Erfan TNP107: Tending the Threshold with Aaron Ortega TNP110: Tending the Threshold with Desiree Adaway TNP111: Tending the Threshold with Bayo Akomolafe TNP114: Jessie Hemphill on Indigenizing Urban Design and Collapse Awareness TNP117: Monique Gray Smith on the What, Why, and How of Territorial Acknowledgements TNP120: Tiffany Śwxeloselwet Jospeh on Adaptation TNP125: Stephanie Papik on Inuit tattoos and Cultural Reclamation TNP137: Sharon Ross (Afrovivalist) on Emergency Preparedness TNP140: Darius Mills on Hoodoo Manifestation Magic TNP141: Eric Tyrone - Get Woke in Your Dreamtime TNP144: Mimi Young on Intuition and Pandemic Plant Medicine TNP152: Conscious Grieving with Taraneh Erfan TNP153: Parenting a Trans Teen with Paria Hassouri TNP154: Fuck Capitalism – But Wait, What is Capitalism Exactly? With Toi Smith TNP156: Elaine Alec on Calling Your Spirit Back from Trauma TNP174: Sovereign and Supernatural - Manifesting Beyond Capitalism with L'Erin Alta TNP175: Ancestral Reverence and Seasonal Traditions with Thérèse Cator TNP176: Mimi Young on Animism, Numerology and Chinese Astrology TNP186: Time as a Tool of Empire with Desiree Adaway TNP187: Sinking Into Sacred Truth and Giving It Voice with Velda Thomas TNP201: {AstroMagic Miniseries} The Magic of Mercury with Thea Anderson TNP211: Taraneh Erfan on Processing Anger TNP219: The Metaskills of Healing with Thérèse Cator   Collapse, Dismantling Systems of Oppression, and Revolution TNP21: Culture, Colonialism and Spirituality with Josiah Neufeld TNP24: Grieving for Susan and Civilization with Michael Phillips TNP28: Communism, the Beatniks and the Guru with Michael Phillips TNP43: Miss Rosie Bitts on Feminism, Burlesque and Self-Expression (Or, Learning to Love Your Jiggly Bits) TNP49: Carolyn Baker on Grief and Love During Collapse TNP54: Nicole Foss on Navigating the Perfect Financial Storm TNP55: How to Build a Life Boat with Nicole Foss TNP64: {Special Episode} Learning to See in the Dark TNP65: Jessie Hemphill on Walking Between the Worlds TNP67: Confronting Whiteness with Rachael Rice and Marybeth Bonfiglio TNP66: Aftab Erfan on Safe Spaces TNP68: Janet Rogers on Art, History, and Strong Women TNP71: Kelly Diels on the Female Lifestyle Empowerment Brand TNP73: Charlene Spretnak on Reclaiming Pre-Patriarchal Goddesses TNP75: Jennifer Jacquet Asks, Is Shame a Necessary Tool for Social Cooperation? TNP82: The Eclipse, The Gleaners, and Ruben and I TNP83: Nora Samaran - The Opposite of Rape Culture is Nurturance Culture TNP85: Thérèse Cator on Shadow Alchemy and Life as Ceremony TNP88: Monique Gray Smith is Speaking Truth TNP93: Queer Nature with Pinar and So Sinopoulos-Lloyd TNP104: Magical Cookery and EcoFeminism with Danielle Prohom Olson TNP105: Tending the Threshold with Tannur Ali TNP106: Tending the Threshold with Aftab Erfan TNP107: Tending the Threshold with Aaron Ortega TNP109: Tending the Threshold with Rachael Rice and Bec Stupak TNP110: Tending the Threshold with Desiree Adaway TNP111: Tending the Threshold with Bayo Akomolafe TNP114: Jessie Hemphill on Indigenizing Urban Design and Collapse Awareness TNP115: Solara Goldwyn on Edible Landscapes, Sustainability, and Climate Dread TNP117: Monique Gray Smith on the What, Why, and How of Territorial Acknowledgements TNP119: John Michael Greer on The Long Descent TNP120: Tiffany Śwxeloselwet Jospeh on Adaptation TNP133: Permission to Grieve with Francis Weller TNP134: Decolonizing Scottish Highland History and Radicalizing Gaelic Folk Culture with Michael Newton TNP137: Sharon Ross (Afrovivalist) on Emergency Preparedness TNP139: Colonial Influence on Hide Tanning Past and Present with Mara Cur TNP143: Bear Hebert on Unlearning Oppression TNP145: Holly Truhlar on Tending the Threshold of Collapse TNP146: Carmen + Holly on Collapse Psychology and the Importance of Grief, Ritual, Accountability and Play TNP147: Tom Hirons Tracks Collapse and Meaning Through Poetry TNP148: Seeing Yourself Through the Apocalypse with Lindsay Tunkl TNP154: Fuck Capitalism – But Wait, What is Capitalism Exactly? With Toi Smith TNP161: Collapse in a Nutshell with Carmen Spagnola TNP168: Somatics for White-Bodied Folks Recovering Ancestral Wisdom with Marika Heinricks TNP169: Sophie Macklin on Antifascist Folklore and Ungovernable Bodies TNP171: Crystie Kisler is Connecting Land and Food TNP186: Time as a Tool of Empire with Desiree Adaway TNP193: How Much is Enough in Collapse? with Carmen & Ruben TNP207: {Special Class Recording} Fascism 101 for Collapse Times TNP215: Before Capitalism (from a European Perspective) with Sophie Macklin TNP219: Take Down the Patriarchy and Take Back the Magic with Perdita Finn TNP221: Waking Up to the Dark with Clark Strand   Grief, Death, and Mortality TNP24: Grieving for Susan and Civilization with Michael Phillips TNP49: Carolyn Baker on Grief and Love During Collapse TNP77: Digging Deep with Forensic Archeologist Juliana Kabal Xoc TNP84: Honouring Ancestors with Rachael Rice TNP86: Channelling Change with Jenn Richardson TNP89: The Journey of the Psychopomp with Cat Webb TNP97: Ancestry, Funerals, and Writing at 4:30am with Leesa Renee Hall TNP122: Pashta MaryMoon on Accompanying the Dying, Hospice Singing and Preparing for our Death TNP123: Sarah Kerr on Being a Death Doula and Coping with Loss When a Pet or Plant Dies TNP133: Permission to Grieve with Francis Weller TNP138: Mara Cur on Hide Tanning and the Orphan's Journey TNP152: Conscious Grieving with Taraneh Erfan TNP172: A Love Note to Grievers with Angela E. Morris TNP219: Take Down the Patriarchy and Take Back the Magic with Perdita Finn   Midlife/Perimenopause TNP165: Embracing Sovereignty at Midlife with Nikiah Seeds TNP179: Navigating Creative Drought and Change with Nikiah Seeds TNP164: The Astrology of Midlife with Danielle Blackwood TNP166: Cultivating Sisterhood at (Trans)Midlife with Aurelie Richards TNP182: Reimagining Elderhood with Sharon Blackie TNP191: Entering Hekate's Cave with Dr.Cyndi Brannen TNP216: Success and Spiritual Leadership with Colette Baron-Reid TNP197: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen and Ruben (Part Four) TNP173: Creative Witchcraft with Natalie Rousseau (this one is maybe indirectly related - I can't remember specifics but it feels aligned!) TNP217: Burnout and Recovery at Midlife with Annie Bray   Creativity, Business, and Practitioner Skills TNP5: Nature, Mind and the Mystical with J.B.MacKinnon TNP8: Better Living Through Metaphor with Sarah Selecky TNP15: Lauren Bacon with Tools to Diffuse Imposter Syndrome and Comparison TNP18: Arthurian Legend Leadership Lessons with Kent Osborne TNP38: Brooke Semple on Culture, Design, and Authenticity TNP42: Mark Silver on Sufism and the Heart of Business TNP45: Emrys Damon Miller on Graphic Design and Shamanism TNP58: Kindness and Goodness, in Business and Life with Carrie Klassen TNP60: How the Healer Heals Herself with Lindsay Rose Turner TNP65: Jessie Hemphill on Walking Between the Worlds TNP68: Janet Rogers on Art, History, and Strong Women TNP71: Kelly Diels on the Female Lifestyle Empowerment Brand TNP77: Digging Deep with Forensic Archeologist Juliana Kabal Xoc TNP91: Emelia Symginton Fedy is Trying to be Good TNP97: Ancestry, Funerals, and Writing at 4:30am with Leesa Renee Hall TNP102: Sarah Selecky and Radiant Shimmering Light TNP109: Tending the Threshold with Rachael Rice and Bec Stupak TNP114: Jessie Hemphill on Indigenizing Urban Design and Collapse Awareness TNP115: Solara Goldwyn on Edible Landscapes, Sustainability, and Climate Dread TNP167: Lessons Learned from Ira Glass, Roxane Gay, and the Making of The Spirited Kitchen TNP173: Creative Witchcraft with Natalie Rousseau TNP177: Journal as Altar, Pages as Portals with Erin Fairchild TNP178: Eliza Robertson on Writing with the Stars and Magic with the Muses TNP181: {Takeover Episode} The Making of The Spirited Kitchen TNP184: Art and the Moon with Dana da Ponte TNP216: Success and Spiritual Leadership with Colette Baron-Reid TNP219: The Metaskills of Healing with Thérèse Cator   Land, Nature, and Animism TNP5: Nature, Mind and the Mystical with J.B.MacKinnon TNP22: The Vision Quest with Sparrow Hart TNP30: Kate Sitka on Intuitive Communication with the Animal Kingdom TNP44: John Michael Greer on Mystery Teaching from the Living Earth TNP65: Jessie Hemphill on Walking Between the Worlds TNP68: Janet Rogers on Art, History, and Strong Women TNP70: Sewit Thomas Jones on Language and Belonging TNP93: Queer Nature with Pinar and So Sinopoulos-Lloyd TNP95: Preparing with Quest with Patricia and Ashley TNP101: Layla Feghali on Plantcestral Medicine TNP104: Magical Cookery and EcoFeminism with Danielle Prohom Olson TNP115: Solara Goldwyn on Edible Landscapes, Sustainability, and Climate Dread TNP117: Monique Gray Smith on the What, Why, and How of Territorial Acknowledgements TNP136: Maia Toll on Working with Plant, Animal and Crystal Allies in Troubled Times TNP144: Mimi Young on Intuition and Pandemic Plant Medicine TNP155: Growing Great Pumpkins with BC Record-Breaker Dave Chan TNP162: Entering Hekate's Garden with Dr.Cyndi Brannen TNP170: Flower Essences from the Witch's Garden with Nicholas Pearson TNP171: Crystie Kisler is Connecting Land and Food TNP205: Sophie Strand on Mary Magdalene and Miracles TNP206: Alexa Linton on Interspecies Relating and Healing with Horses TNP209: {Special Class Recording} Connecting with Plants with Carmen   Astrology TNP12: Georgia Nicols on Astrology and Patterns of Knowing TNP23: Making the Most of Mercury Retrograde with Georgia Nicols TNP164: The Astrology of Midlife with Danielle Blackwood TNP178: Eliza Robertson on Writing with the Stars and Magic with the Muses TNP198: {AstroMagic Miniseries} Eliza Robertson and the Sun TNP199: {AstroMagic Miniseries} Bronwyn Simons on Moon Magic + Lunar Consciousness TNP200: {AstroMagic Miniseries} Mars Magic with Carmen Spagnola TNP201: {AstroMagic Miniseries} The Magic of Mercury with Thea Anderson TNP202: {AstroMagic Miniseries} Maeg Keane on Connecting with Jupiter TNP203: {AstroMagic Miniseries} Kristin Mathis, Venus and the Orphic Hymns TNP204: {AstroMagic Miniseries} ET Shipley on the Power of Saturn   Somatics, the Body, and Healing Journeys TNP32: Sex, Spirituality and Intuition with Lesley Stedmon TNP43: Miss Rosie Bitts on Feminism, Burlesque and Self-Expression (Or, Learning to Love Your Jiggly Bits) TNP47: Indigo Ocean Dutton on Saying Yes to Happiness TNP57: Homeless and Hopeless, to Unbounded Joy with Shayla Logan TNP60: How the Healer Heals Herself with Lindsay Rose Turner TNP91: Emelia Symginton Fedy is Trying to be Good TNP94: Mapping Reclamation with Rachael Maddox TNP132: Somatic Mentoring with Patti Elledge TNP156: Elaine Alec on Calling Your Spirit Back from Trauma TNP168: Somatics for White-Bodied Folks Recovering Ancestral Wisdom with Marika Heinricks TNP169: Sophie Macklin on Antifascist Folklore and Ungovernable Bodies TNP187: Sinking Into Sacred Truth and Giving It Voice with Velda Thomas TNP190: Rooting the Myths of Celtic Embodiment with Jen Murphy TNP210: RCCX Theory of Complex Illness with Carmen Spagnola TNP211: Taraneh Erfan on Processing Anger   Poetry TNP20: Llynne Phillips and Sacred Poetry TNP39: Rachelle Lamb on Relating, Language and Poetry TNP147: Tom Hirons Tracks Collapse and Meaning Through Poetry   Elder Wisdom TNP12: Georgia Nicols on Astrology and Patterns of Knowing TNP20: Llynne Phillips and Sacred Poetry TNP24: Grieving for Susan and Civilization with Michael Phillips TNP28: Communism, the Beatniks and the Guru with Michael Phillips TNP33: Community, Autonomy and Forgiveness with Michael Phillips TNP49: Carolyn Baker on Grief and Love During Collapse TNP73: Charlene Spretnak on Reclaiming Pre-Patriarchal Goddesses TNP122: Pashta MaryMoon on Accompanying the Dying, Hospice Singing and Preparing for our Death TNP132: Somatic Mentoring with Patti Elledge TNP155: Growing Great Pumpkins with BC Record-Breaker Dave Chan TNP216: Success and Spiritual Leadership with Colette Baron-Reid   Carmen & Ruben / Rubenations TNP50: Carmen & Ruben on Badass Backyard Spirituality TNP75: Jennifer Jacquet Asks, Is Shame a Necessary Tool for Social Cooperation? TNP82: The Eclipse, The Gleaners, and Ruben and I TNP83: Nora Samaran - The Opposite of Rape Culture is Nurturance Culture TNP100: Cocktail Pairings for Your Listening Pleasure TNP133: Permission to Grieve with Francis Weller TNP155: Growing Great Pumpkins with BC Record-Breaker Dave Chan TNP193: How Much is Enough in Collapse? with Carmen & Ruben TNP194: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 1 TNP195: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 2 TNP196: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 3 TNP197: Portrait of a Marriage with Carmen & Ruben, Part 4   Just Me Talkin' TNP1: Becoming Your Own Spiritual Advisor, (Premiere Episode, March 30, 2014) TNP2: Becoming Your Own Spiritual Advisor TNP3: Becoming Your Own Spiritual Advisor TNP35: Carmen Answers Listener Questions, Part 1- Trusting Your Intuition TNP36: Carmen Answers Listener Questions, Part 2 - Trusting Your Pendulum TNP37: Carmen Answers Listener Questions, Part 3 - Common Questions About Intuition TNP61: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 1 TNP62: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 2 TNP63: Healing the Abandonment Wound, Part 3 TNP64: {Special Episode} Learning to See in the Dark TNP81: {Numinous School Tutorial} Your Intuition Questions Answered TNP149: Spiritual Hygiene for the Holidays with Carmen Spagnola TNP160: The Bruce Springsteen Soundtrack TNP161: Collapse in a Nutshell with Carmen Spagnola TNP180: What Makes a Witch? with Carmen Spagnola TNP185: Trance, Dreams and the Collective with Carmen Spagnola TNP200: {AstroMagic Miniseries} Mars Magic with Carmen Spagnola TNP207: {Special Class Recording} Fascism 101 for Collapse Times TNP208: {Special Class Recording} Attachment + Contact Nutrition  TNP209: {Special Class Recording} Connecting with Plants with Carmen   ✨ ☎️ Leave feedback!

Grand tidings on this week's episode! Join me as we take a long stroll up and down some of the world's mountains and their mystifying legends. We will listen to more than a few tales surrounding their nigh-on infinite nature, all while enjoying a few sips of red wine. Sources-Fee. “Older than Time: The Myth of the Cailleach, the Great Mother.” Wee White Horse, www. weewhitehoose.co.uk/study/the-cailleach.-Moon Mausoleum. “The Accursed Mountains of Albania.” Moon Mausoleum, www. moonmausoleum.com/the-accursed-mountains-of-albania. -Mooney, James. Myths of the Cherokee. Government Printing Office, 1902. -Weiser-Alexander, Kathy. “Tommyknockers of the Western Mines.” Legends of America, www. legendsofamerica.com/gh-tommyknockers.-Yeats, W.B. Mythologies. Simon & Schuster, 1998. Music"Porches and Universes," by Puddle of Infinity"Underworld," by myuu"Interstellar Travel" by Mark Tyner"So Far Away" by Riot"A Daydream About Spring" by Mark TynerAll music licensed under a Creative Commons License:https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicensesSubscribe for all the mythological and folkloric episodes, posted weekly.Podcast website: https://beyondtheseas.buzzsprout.com/More info: https://www.kierandanaan.com/beyond-the-seasInstagram: @beyondtheseaspodcastCheers,Kieran

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.  And welcome to E77 Cold Weather Cryptids.  From the Wendigo to the Mari Llwd. Look for us on Patreon just search for The Lore of the South.  Make sure to leave those apple reviews for a chance to win our little LotS goodie bag.  Wanna get in touch?  You can email the show at loreofthesouth@gmail.comCitationsLegends of america. (n.d.). https://www.legendsofamerica.com/mn-wendigo/ Nuckelavee - the devil of the sea. Orkneyjar. (n.d.). http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/nuckle.htm Top 10 mythical creatures of winter, ice, and snow by Whisperthewolfie on DeviantArt. by WhispertheWolfie on DeviantArt. (n.d.). https://www.deviantart.com/whisperthewolfie/journal/Top-10-Mythical-Creatures-of-Winter-Ice-and-Snow-717911543 Wikimedia Foundation. (2023a, September 27). NORAD Tracks santa. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD_Tracks_Santa Wikimedia Foundation. (2023b, October 11). Cailleach. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cailleach Yokai.com. Yuki onna – Yokai.com. (n.d.). https://yokai.com/yukionna/ Support the show

In today's episode we read the chapter 39 – Nothing – in which Magpie finds herself at a crossroads. This week's podcast partner is The Boopod Network of true crime and paranormal podcasts, which includes the following:The Activity Continues: https://bit.ly/m/TACpodThe Nightcap Nebula: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nightcap-nebula-podcast/id1672430903The Paranormal Truth: https://linktr.ee/paranormalexposedMums, Mysteries, & Murder: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mums-mysteries-murder/id1578866284Generally Spooky: https://linktr.ee/generallyspookyShittin' Bricks: https://linktr.ee/shittinbricksHorror Roulette: https://horrorroulette.com/Certainly Strange: https://open.spotify.com/show/1stSYQC9Sqox9TwbU48Dof?si=ct4_QX_NQh6hHZHxZ9eyVA&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1Haunted or Hoax: https://linktr.ee/HauntedorHoaxSpilling the Crime: https://linktr.ee/spillingthecrimeMurder Roadtrip: https://www.instagram.com/murderroadtrippod/Dark Tales from the Road: https://linktr.ee/darktalesfromtheroadThe Skylark Bell: http://www.theskylarkbell.comContact: theskylarkbell@gmail.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 39 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode Magpie stopped The Skylark Bell from causing the boating accident that set Farfalla's time loop, and consequently Magpie's,  in motion.In today's episode we read the chapter 39 – Nothing – in which Magpie finds herself at a crossroads. Today's podcast partner is The Boopod Network – a collective of independent True Crime and paranormal podcasts which includes The Skylark Bell. There have been several fantastic collaborative projects featuring various members of the Boopod network over the past year or two, and each individual podcast is fantastic in its own right. Just check the show notes for links to podcast that are part of the Boopod Network, and be sure to give them a listen, you won't regret it.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.At first there was nothing. I remember my thoughts swirling. Is nothing something? How can I have thoughts if there is nothing? Thoughts are something. I could quickly feel myself losing my grip on reality when suddenly there was something. A spark. A flash of light. A reflection.I turned my gaze to it, and gradually the light grew bright enough to illuminate the woman. She had long silver hair and was dressed in a somewhat shapeless white linen gown with colourful embroidery on it, birds and flowers and animals. I remember being fixated on the stitches, like focusing on them would help keep me grounded in this strange, frightening instance.I looked down at her hand and found the source of the light to be the bell. The one I had grasped in mid-air as Farfalla hauled it off the edge of the cliff. So the bell still exists. That wasn't part of the plan. I glanced at our surroundings, but there was only darkness. Darkness as oppressive as the silence at Meadow Lane. Again, nothing. We were surrounded by nothing. Nothing but darkness. Perhaps darkness is something? The swirling thoughts again.Finally, I chose to speak, my words echoing in the emptiness around us and cutting through the madness attempting to claim my mind.“Where are we?” I asked the woman. “We are in Between,” replied the woman, a slight smile on her face.“In between what?” I asked her.“In Between. Between everything and nothing, between fire and water, between earth and sky, sound and silence. Between the head and the tail of the Ouroboros,” she replied. “In every opposite, there is always a small sliver, a place called Between. Most people never succeed in finding it, but you have,” replies the woman.“How do I go home?” I asked her, not entirely sure I'd grasped the full concept of what she had just told me.At this the woman laughed quietly, “There is no home. There is no you or I in Between. Come, take my hand,” she added then, reaching her free hand out to me.“Who are you?” I asked her, suspiciously.“I am Cailleach, the keeper of Between. There are not many of us here. Farfalla joined us for a time... but, things have changed now,” she replied. I hesitantly grabbed her hand, and we were instantly transported to a clearing surrounded by a mass of thick forest. In the center of the clearing was a large oak tree, taller and more massive than any tree I'd ever seen before. “This is Darragh,” the old woman said, laying her palm on the trunk of the tree. “Darragh has been here,” at this she waves her hand around to include the forest, the air, and the earth in her description of ‘here', “longer than anyone or anything else. Darragh is the beginning, the end, and the in-between.”At this point I had no idea where I was or what this woman was talking about, the entire experience felt dizzying, and I started to think perhaps I had simply fallen off the cliff and was in the process of having one last wild dream before dying.“You did not die,” says the woman, as if reading my mind, “but you did not live, either.” At this my head whipped up toward her. “What do you mean? Where am I?” I asked, my voice cracking with palpable fear.“As I told you, you are in Between, and you have a choice to make. You can go to what was before, or you can go do what comes after. Or you can stay here in Between and experience it all...” says the woman.I remember the precise moment realization hit me. I was standing at a crossroads, my path branching off into three. I could choose the Before, and go back to my time loop, to how things were, and repeat the lifetimes of losing Lucas. Or I could choose to stay in Between, trapped inside an oak tree like Farfalla; eternal, shifting back and forth through time, but living as only half a person, half a consciousness. Or I could choose the most frightening of all. The After. The Future. The unknown. Would I be dead? Would I be a baby again, born with a fresh start? Would I disappear altogether, no one remembering that ever existed? I had lived my lifetime so many times, I had grown accustomed to knowing what was to come. The thought of the unknown was the most terrifying thing I could think of.“I want what comes after,” I said.“Very well,” said Cailleach, smiling.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for the final chapter of The Skylark Trilogy – and epilogue that will end all 3 books: Meadow Lane, Wingspan, and SkyeDive.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 33 – The Vanishings – in which Farfalla fully steps into her role as the infamous Dealan-dèThis week's podcast partner is The Haunted UK: https://linktr.ee/hauntedukpodcastContact: theskylarkbell@gmail.comThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 33 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode Farfalla found herself in the vulnerable position of needing to ask Cailleach for help to save Ash.In today's episode we read the chapter 33 – The Vanishings – in which Farfalla fully steps into her role as the infamous Dealan-dèToday's podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member The Haunted UK. You may recognize the name from past collaborations in season 2 of The Skylark Bell such as The Redheaded Hitchhiker, The Cellar, and Return to Manor Ridge Farm. The Haunted UK is a brilliant podcast that explores both the paranormal AND the unexplained. Be sure to check the show notes for a link to their podcast.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.The years following Ash's illness have flown by. He's never questioned why he stopped growing, instead approaching the world with an eternal childlike wonder. It is sad and sweet all at once. I didn't realise, when I had Cailleach put him in the tree, how unnatural it is to be a parent to a child with no expectation of evolution or growth. I sing him the same lullabies, we play with the same toys, play the same games… It is like an endless loop. I think Caileach knew. That's why she sent Mr. and Mrs. Barnaby. It happened one spring day. It was very early morning and Ash was still asleep. I had just finished washing my hair and was rubbing some fragrant oils into it when they stepped out from under the arch. I remember the look on their faces. Not surprise, exactly. Perhaps Cailleach had explained to them what was going to happen. But a look of gentle shock nonetheless, as if they couldn't quite believe everything had actually happened as described. I stood still, quietly assessing them. Rowan Barnaby was a tall, slim man dressed entirely in black with a mass of wild hair billowing atop his head. He appeared more timid than his counterpart, who stood one or two steps in front of him, prepared to take on the task at hand, her auburn hair piled atop her head barely held together with a scattering of pins. Mandalina Barnaby. I didn't realise at the time how grateful I would be for their existence.I would learn, much later, that they had lost a child. Cailleach hand-picked them to be Ash's eternal caregivers, and they embraced the assignment with all their hearts. I presume she has trapped them inside trees in that strange place that perhaps doesn't even really exist, the time purgatory, where people are split in two, half of them trapped inside ancient trees, and the other half, a sort of consciousness with a semi-solid body, left to roam the earth. At least they had a choice in the matter…After a few weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Barnaby announced that they had chosen a time and place where they would like to live with Ash. My heart broke into fragments as I watched them disappear under the arch. Luckily, I still see Ash occasionally, he likes to come to visit, and take walks through the forest with Ru. I still don't understand how Ru has lived so long, perhaps there is a tree somewhere with him in it. I don't question these things anymore, I'm simply grateful for the company. Especially now that I once again find myself alone. I had put the stories of the vanishings out of my mind after Ash was saved. I thought we would be together forever. Now I understand I haven't changed anything at all, the entire story is playing out exactly as it was written.Who am I to argue?It is time for another child to vanish.~~~~~~“Ready or not, here I come!” the girl's shout echoes across the vast fields. The boy hunkers down behind the giant rock, stifling his giggles. He's certain his sister will never find him here, she's too afraid of the woods. Farfalla stands just inside the edge of the forest, hidden in the shadows, Ru standing steadfastly by her side. She watches as the girl runs through the tall grass in search of her brother.“Now,” whispers Farfalla to the deer, never taking her eyes off the girl. Ru steps into the sunlight, just behind the line of trees but within the girl's line of sight. The girl stops in her tracks and stares at the deer, mesmerized. Farfalla begins to sing, ever so softly, willing her voice to carry on the wind to reach the girl. The girl begins to walk toward the deer, one foot in front of the other, her eyes staring straight ahead.From behind the rock, the boy sees his sister walking toward the forest. He squints into the darkness and sees a red deer standing at the edge of the tree line. The girl is clearly heading straight for it. “Shelta!” he shouts, waving his arms over his head to get her attention. The girl keeps marching forward, completely oblivious to his call, almost like she is sleepwalking. “Shelta, over here!” he shouts again, this time with a tinge of desperation in his voice. Still, the girl keeps her steady pace. She has almost reached the line of trees.The boy begins to feel slightly dizzy and lays a hand on the rock to steady himself. He can hear singing, similar to a woman's voice, but not entirely human either. The sound swirls around him, its dizzying effect causing him to curl up on the ground behind the rock. His eyelids get heavy, and his body goes limp, and finally he gives into the temptation to sleep.Farfalla leads the way, maintaining her hold on the girl through song. Ru follows behind her, and the girl walks behind Ru. Finally, they come to the clearing, though it isn't much of a clearing anymore. A collection of young trees has sprung from the acorns Farfalla planted after the Ancient Oak was felled. Farfalla stops singing, and the girl blinks. Farfalla turns to Ru. “Thank you,” she says, laying a hand on the deer's cheek. The deer snorts in reply, then turns and disappears into the darkness of the forest.“Where's Lachlan?” whimpers the girl as she comes to her senses. She scans her surroundings and looks back at Farfalla, her face filled with fear and uncertainty.“I'm afraid I don't know,” says Farfalla. “What's your name my darling?” she asks, crouching to be at eye level with the girl before laying a hand on her cheek.“Sh-Shelta,” stammers the girl through chattering teeth.“My name is Dealan-dè,” says Farfalla. “I live here in the forest with my friend Ru, who you met earlier. Isn't he beautiful?” The girl nods. “I bet he would love to walk with you sometime, he likes to have a companion to go on his walks. Would you like that?” The girl shrugs, then nods.“I think it's my bedtime, I should go home,” says the girl hesitantly.“Oh, it's quite dark, I think it will be nearly impossible to find your way home right now. It would be much safer for you to stay with me. I even have a soft bed for you to sleep in, and some toys…. and chocolate!” says Farfalla, opening up her hand. The girl looks at the pieces of wrapped candy in Farfalla's palm and smiles.“May I have two?” She asks. Farfalla laughs. “You may have them all!” she announces, to the girl's delight. Shelta carefully unwraps each candy and sits happily on a log, eating each one and licking her fingers clean. Finally, darkness settles and Farfalla guides her to the tent with a lantern. “You'll be safe and comfortable here, Shelta,” she says, guiding the girl to the cot. The girl is too tired to make a fuss, and falls asleep only moments after her head hits the pillow.Back in the field, the boy wakes up, disoriented by the night sky and the rock towering next to him. Finally, he remembers watching his sister go into the woods. “Shelta?!” he shouts, desperately looking in every direction. “Shelta! Where are you?!” he yells, but no one replies. Panicked, he stands up and races across the field toward his house.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 34 – Shelta – in which a new addition to Farfalla's life becomes instrumental in her plan.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it's a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you'd like to support me further,  you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you'll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 32 – Her Prison, Her Fate – in which Farfalla finds herself in a predicament that forces her to ask for help from someone she thought she'd never see again.This week's podcast partner is Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicContact: theskylarkbell@gmail.comThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 32 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode Farfalla tricked Ash into following her into the forest as part of her plan to gain revenge on Mayor Sandpiper.In today's episode we read the chapter 32 – Her Prison, Her Fate – in which Farfalla finds herself in a predicament that forces her to ask for help from someone she thought she'd never see again.Today's podcast partner is Cannelle Music. Full disclosure, Cannelle is my stagename. I write and record all the music you hear in the The Skylark Bell, most of which is available on major streaming platforms on the album Songs from The Skylark Bell. I also record other unrelated music which you can find on streaming services and bandcamp. Just check the show notes for links to my website and related social media accounts.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.I only meant to keep him with me for a few days, initially. Just long enough to give his father a scare and make him think about what he did to me, and probably to others before me. I wanted to ensure he wouldn't do it to anyone else. As much as I have tried to harden my heart, my mother's instinct has resurfaced, and I am finding joy in having Ash around. I bring him all the best things I can find. Toys, chocolate… He loves Ru, they take long walks through the forest. I eventually stopped fooling myself into thinking I would ever bring him back.We spend our days together, learning and laughing. I've taught him to read and write, to make elixirs and salves, to coax plants into growing, to commune with nature. I've taught him geography, told him stories of my time at Meadow Lane. I've told him about trains and automobiles, to his great delight. We have raced through the forest by moonlight. We've gone swimming in the ocean with the sea creatures and sea birds for company. We've danced in the fields beneath a stormy sky letting the rain soak through our clothes and spinning wildly as water whips off our wild hair. Not once has he asked for his parents. In fact, he never speaks of them at all. I was surprised by this initially, as his father did seem to care for him a great deal that day by the cliff. But I have come to understand, the rare times we've broached the subject, that the kindness his father showed him that day was all for show. Behind closed doors, their relationship was very different. I told myself I had saved him from a terrible fate. I didn't know his terrible fate was me.~~~~~~Farfalla's face is washed with worry as she leans over the boy, his body seeming even smaller than usual as he shivers under the blankets she has piled on top of him. His face is porcelain white, and beads of sweat are accumulating on his brow. She wipes some salve onto his forehead with her fingers and tries to get him to drink some of the elixir she made using herbs and oils just as Cailleach taught her all those years ago. She lifts the boy's head and puts the cup to his lips, but he is too weak to drink.“Ash, darling, I need you to fight. I need you to be strong,” she whispers. The boy moans softly and his head lulls to the side. The situation is dire. Without some kind of intervention, the boy won't survive the night. Farfalla scoops him up in her arms and carefully navigates the path between the trees to the arch. A moment later, a breeze picks up, and Farfalla starts singing the song of the Oak Tree as she rocks the boy back and forth in her arms. She feels the familiar dizzying feeling of her mind and body separating and closes her eyes. She feels the boy stir slightly in her arms as the sound fades away. “Coigreach!” Farfalla's eyes spring open. She sees a young girl pointing at her, eyes wide. Coigreach. Farfalla recalls the word from her time with the tribe. It means Stranger. “Help!” she says, nodding toward the pale boy in her arms, “Cuideachadh!” she adds, remembering the word for help in their language.  The girl turns and runs toward a tent at the back of the encampment. Farfalla recognizes it instantly and walks purposefully toward the structure. A young woman with jet-black hair steps out of the tent just as Farfalla is about to burst through the opening. She is much younger than the last time Farfalla saw her, but still recognizable. Cailleach. Farfalla thrusts the boy's pale, limp body toward the woman and the woman takes him in her arms without hesitation, then disappears into her tent. Farfalla is about to follow her when she feels hands on her shoulders pulling her back. She turns to see a tall man, his gaze fixated on her, his eyes filled with distrust. “Cormag!” she says, smiling. How amazing to see him so young, decades before he would become the leader of the tribe. At this, the man takes a step back, his brow furrowed. Farfalla seizes the moment and scurries into the tent.Inside, young Cailleach is tending to Ash, her expert hands applying salve to his chest while her assistant swirls a bowl of burning sage around the room. Farfalla sits quietly in the corner, letting the woman do her work. Farfalla may have grown more powerful than her teacher, but even at this young age, Cailleach is wiser and more knowledgeable when it comes to healing. The woman turns to Farfalla and speaks. It takes Farfalla a moment to translate: Now we wait.The hours flow at a glacial pace. Farfalla never leaves Ash's side, constantly staring at his small pale face which shows no sign of improvement. At long last Cailleach returns, runs a hand along his cheek, and shakes her head. There is nothing more she can do. Farfalla weeps. She lets the wave of grief wash through her and eventually lays flat on the dirt floor, void of emotion, void of energy, void of hope. She finally gives in to sleep, holding Ash's tiny hand in her own.Farfalla wakens as the early morning light filters into the tent. She sits up and checks on Ash. He is breathing short, shallow breaths now. His time is running out. Farfalla feels the swell of hopelessness and grief rising from the pit of her stomach when a thought occurs to her. A horrible though. A brilliant thought. She scoops the boy back up in her arms and rushes out of the tent to The Ancient Oak. “I know you can hear me,” she hears the words echo in her head. “Ash is going to die, I need you to help us,” the swirling echo of her voice is almost unbearable, but she feels a shift in the breeze that gives her the strength to continue. Farfalla starts humming the familiar tune. She can feel heat emanating from the Skylark Bell in the pocket of her gown. The notes rise and fall through the air, surrounding them like an invisible cloak.Finally, the world goes silent and Farfalla is left standing in the clearing, her arms heaving from the strain of holding Ash tightly against her chest.“Welcome back.” The voice startles Farfalla and causes her to spin on her heels. To her great relief she sees Cailleach standing just a few paces away, her long grey hair tumbling down her shoulders. It takes Farfalla a moment to reconcile this woman with the younger version of her she was with only a few hours ago.“Cailleach, I need your help,” she begins.“The boy's time has simply come.” Cailleach cuts her off.“You owe me,” Farfalla swallows her anger, but the words still come out forcefully and her eyes narrow to slits.Cailleach remains silent a moment, assessing the situation. “Fair enough,” she sighs, “which tree shall we use?”Farfalla feels the stress fall from her shoulders. She looks around the clearing and spots a tree a few paces away. Its tall straight trunk and bright leaves give promise of a long life. “This one,” she says to Cailleach, nodding in the tree's direction.“Very well,” replies the old woman. “You know what to do.”Farfalla gently lays Ash on the ground, noting that his lips are losing their colour. There isn't much time. She turns to the tree and shouts “Fall!”. With a thundering crack the tree tips and comes crashing into the clearing. Farfalla rushes to the jagged stump jutting out of the ground. The trunk of the Ancient Oak had been smooth when it was her turn, but there is no time to smooth this one down. “Pick up the boy and take my hand,” says Cailleach. Farfalla hesitates for only a moment, then does as she is told. In a flash, she feels the earth move under her feet. She instinctively closes her eyes and tightens her grip on Ash. “Put him down, quickly,” comes Cailleach's voice. Farfalla opens her eyes and sees the tree's trunk has been smoothed down. The tree itself is neatly stacked in pieces nearby. It's like they've travelled a few hours into the future and all the necessary work has been done. Farfalla wonders about the inner workings of what just occurred, but there is no time to waste. She carefully places Ash on the stump and takes a few steps back. Cailleach's lips start moving. Farfalla can very faintly hear a few words, but the secret spell isn't meant for her, so she gives Cailleach the space to do what is necessary to save Ash. Or, at the very least, the essence of Ash. At long last Cailleach goes silent. The air remains perfectly still, not a breeze nor a bird. Then it begins. The tree begins to grow around Ash's small body. A process that should take years, decades, centuries even, occurring in the blink of an eye. It is quite the sight to see, especially after having lived through the experience from the inside. Finally, the tree has regained its full height and canopy.“Hullo,” comes a small voice from behind Farfalla. She spins around and her heart soars at the sight of Ash's large blue eyes, sparkling like his illness had never happened. “I feel funny,” he says.“Yes, my darling, I know,” she replies, pulling him close. “Let me take you home, and you will feel much better,” she adds. Farfalla feels a hand clutch her arm, the strength of the grip sending searing pain all the way to her shoulder. “In a few years two people will come upon you in the forest. They will have been sent there at my command. They are to be his guardians. You will show them kindness and respect and let them do the task I have assigned to them,” says Cailleach, her tone leaving no room for discussion. “We are even now. Don't ever come back here again.”Farfalla nods, then walks hand in hand with Ash to the Ancient Oak; her prison, her fate… and asks it to send them home.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 33 – The Vanishings – In which Farfalla begins to live up to the stories about Dealan-dèThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 30 – Back to the Cliffside – in which Faralla travels back to a pivotal point in her life.This week's podcast partner is Murder Roadtrip: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shannon-quinn6Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.comThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 30 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode we learned that Farfalla was the voice inside the Ancient Oak, which also left her transformed into Dealan-dè.In today's episode we read the chapter 30 – Back to the Cliffside – in which Faralla travels back to a pivotal point in her life.Today's podcast partner is Murder Roadtrip, also members of the Boopod Network of paranormal and true crime podcasts. This podcast takes listeners on a weekly roadtrip across the US to discuss true crime and the occasional spooks through each of the 50 States. Check the show notes for a link to the Murder Roadtrip podcast.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.I am trapped in a tree.How did I go from a blissful childhood of running through fields, to living with half of me eternally trapped in a tree? It sounds completely preposterous when I spell it out like this. They all knew. They all knew this would be my fate, and none of them stopped it. Did you know too?I wandered aimlessly after that encounter with Cailleach. Finally, I picked up the bell, and laid a hand on the Ancient Oak. My prison. The process of travelling to a different time is much faster and easier than before, perhaps because it is only my consciousness that is travelling now. However, this also means I cannot live, love, and interact with people the way I did when I was a complete person. I came to this heart-wrenching realisation when I, at long last, managed to peek in on Elisabeth. I only did so one time. She was sitting in a rocking chair in Paloma's old apartment in the city, which she presumably inherited. She was holding the tiniest baby, a girl. I heard her speak softly and lovingly to her baby, Lilian. My heart broke over and over watching them, knowing I couldn't speak to her, or hold her, or meet my grandchild. I suffered through a few hours of wistful observation, the made my private, silent goodbyes before leaving them.I stand here now with the arch above my head, struggling to understand. Am I still inside the wood from which it is built? I didn't see my body when the trunk of the tree split. Where am I? Have I died? Am I a ghost? I don't understand. Perhaps I am not meant to. I have these amazing, superhuman abilities now, I can control the elements, travel through time, speak to plants and animals. But I have paid dearly for these gifts. I have lost everything I ever loved, I have been betrayed time and time and time again. Betrayed by people, betrayed by time itself. And if I have understood correctly, this will happen to me again, and again, in a cruel, endless loop.The Ouroboros.Someone has to pay.~~~~~~Farfalla takes a moment to adjust to the darkness of her surroundings. Is it night already? She wonders. She looks around. The Ancient Oak is gone, in its place she sees the gateway arching over her head. The clearing is also gone, and she is standing on a narrow path deep in the forest. Of course! The acorns she planted have grown into trees, they look like they are hundreds of years old. The canopy formed by their leaves filters out most of the daylight.Farfalla tentatively steps out from under the arch, unsure which direction to go. The sound of cracking twigs nearby causes her to spin around quickly. “Ru!” she gushes as the deer steps out from under the arch and walks up to her. “I'm so happy to see you,” she whispers. Farfalla throws her arms around its neck and leans her head on it. “I don't recognize the forest anymore,” she whispers into its soft fur.“I can show you the way,” Ru's words echo in her mind. Farfalla leans back and nods, thankful to have a friend in this strange time. Ru walks in front of her, and Farfalla follows. The path winds and twists through the forest and they walk for what feels like hours before finally stepping into the light of day. Farfalla gasps as she recognizes the scene before her. Stretching as far as the eye can see are fields, and in the distance, the outline of Carnifex House. To her right is the large rock that separates Carnifex land from the neighbouring farm. “This is where I leave you,” Ru's voice shaking her out of her shock, “but you may call on me any time,” he adds. Farfalla lays a grateful hand on the animal's cheek, then steps back as it turns and gracefully runs back into the forest.“Hullo,” says a small, familiar voice. Farfalla turns to see the small boy with the large blue eyes peeking from behind the rock. “Hello, Ash,” she says.The little boy's eyes widen in shock. “How do you know my name?!” he asks.“I heard your father call you at the cliffside,” she says. Farfalla takes the boy's furrowed brow and look of confusion to mean this is the first time he has met her. “I am…” Farfalla considers which name she should provide, but decides on her most recent one, “Dealan-dè”.“Pleasure to meet you,” says the boy, a slightly nervous edge to his voice. He's a sweet boy. How such a sweet boy could come from such a horrible man as his father I will never know, thinks Farfalla.“Well, I must be on my way now,” says Farfalla, smiling. “We'll meet again,” she adds, turning to look over her shoulder before wandering back into the forest. “You shouldn't go in the forest,” says the boy.“Whyever not?” asks Farfalla, slightly amused. “Because of the vanishings,” he says, “people go in there and never come out,” he adds.“Do they now?” she says, “well, I know for a fact that I will return. You'll see,” she lets the words trail behind her as she walks into the shadows cast by the trees. Behind her she hears the boy's footsteps as he races through the tall grass as fast as his little legs will take him.The fear in the boy's voice sparked something in her. Fear. She has felt it so many times now. In the water when the boat fell to pieces. As she was being thrown off the cliff. As the Ancient Oak was being lit on fire. As the tree regrew around her, keeping her trapped inside. It is time for other people to feel fear. If they fear the vanishings, then she will make them happen. Now Farfalla knows what she must do. Now she has a plan. She will go to the cliffside.Everything looks essentially the same when Farfalla opens her eyes and steps out from under the arch. She expertly navigates the path Ru showed her just yesterday, somehow having mapped it in her mind. She steps out of the forest and, sure enough, she sees the crowd gathered up ahead. She quickly steps behind the large rock so as not to be seen. “Alright, then the accused is found guilty. Take her to the cliffside!” she hears Mayor Sandpiper shout triumphantly. She watches as lifts Ash into his arms. The boy looks in her direction, then nods to someone in the crowd. Farfalla scans the crowd and sees herself, her younger self, hands tied behind her back with a gag tied around her head, and she feels equal parts sadness and rage. Her younger self turns to look, and they make eye contact. Farfalla quickly disappears into the forest to compose herself. This is harder than she thought it would be.“I need to go to the cliffside,” she whispers to herself. “I will walk with you,” she hears Ru's voice enter her mind. A sigh of relief escapes her lips as Ru appears by her side. They walk together, just inside the limits of the forest. Farfalla can hear the sound of the crowd as she and Ru approach the cliff.“Any last words, Siren?” She hears Mayor Sandpiper's arrogant question and recalls the joy on his face in that moment. She remembers her final words to him, telling him to hold his son close that night, and how she had struck him where it hurt.Farfalla steps out of the forest then, and stands just under the jutting branch of an oak tree. Her younger self makes eye contact, and Farfalla nods. “It will be okay,” she whispers. There is no way the softly spoken words can reach the ears of her younger self over this distance, but she remembers somehow hearing them nonetheless, and the words had brought her comfort.“Sink the siren!” comes a shout from the crowd. Farfalla looks on, the most comforting smile she can muster spread across her face. The chant from the crowd grows louder, and she hears the mayor instruct the men to do it. She watches as they push her younger self off the edge of the cliff and her breath catches in her throat. It takes everything in her power not to shout. She remembers the freefall, and looking up at the mayor's gleeful face, and speaking his son's name. The last word off her lips. Ash.Farfalla steps back into the woods where Ru is patiently waiting. “Let's take a walk,” she says, her heart heavy. They wander aimlessly until nightfall. Then, Farfalla walks in the darkness to the caretaker's cottage. She lets herself in and prepares some food. She wanders around the space that had been hers all those years ago, the space form which she was ungraciously pulled and tossed away. In the bedroom, she finds her chain, the one Paloma had given her, with the tree charm on it. The feather ring and key from Marius are both still looped onto it as well. Farfalla picks it up and clips it around her neck. “This is mine,” she says out loud, asserting herself. These are the last remnants of her old life, her real life. The only items that have survived this inexplicable cycle of endings and beginnings.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 31 – Skipping Stones – in which Farfalla begins to devise a plan for revenge.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's episode we read the chapter 29 – Embers to Ash – In which we discover the secret behind both The Ancient Oak, and Dealan-dè.This week's podcast partner is Horror Roulette: https://horrorroulette.com/Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.comThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 29 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode Farfalla bid goodbye to the people of the camp and began to pick up the pieces of The Ancient Oak.In today's episode we read the chapter 29 – Embers to Ash – In which we discover the secret behind both The Ancient Oak, and Dealan-dè.Today's podcast partner is fellow Boopod Network member Horror Roulette. This podcast takes a unique approach in that topics are chosen by spinning a wheel of random words. You won't find a more unique format or set of topics than this one! Be sure to check the show notes for a link to the Horror Roulette podcast.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.I have called upon Ru to gather the herd.They are like counterparts to the tribe that was here. Like Cailleach, there is a wise old female that the other deer look to for guidance. Then there is a tall proud male that they turn to for leadership, safety, planning - just like the tribe looked up to Cormag. The rest of the herd works together, each individual having a role to play. Then there is Ru; always walking on the outskirts, different than the rest of the herd, but still accepted within their ranks. Despite being younger than the two leaders, he is equally powerful, perhaps even more powerful, in his own right. Ru is like me.I used vines and bits of rope left behind by the soldiers to attach the arch to the deer, then I instructed them to pull. I am grateful for their help, there is no way I could have lifted this magnificent work of art myself. Once the arch was set in place, I released the deer and shared with them the berries I picked that morning. Ru stayed behind when the others left, clinging to my side like he was afraid I would disappear. If I am honest with myself, I am also afraid I will disappear. But I think I have better control now. I think I can choose where, and when, I go.Ru and I spent the afternoon together wandering the woods. He told me how sad he is that the tribespeople are gone. We shared our heartache and our memories. I told him the archway will help keep all of them and their teachings alive for all time. I think he smiled then, in his way. Finally, we parted ways at the edge of the forest, and I walked back to the clearing. I dug deep holes at either side of the arch to anchor it to the ground. It only occurred to me after I was finished that perhaps I could have commanded the ground to make space for the arch, so instead I commanded the ground to cling to the arch for all time. There is no way to know for certain whether it worked, but I figured it was worth a try.The arch is a thing of beauty, hovering over the stump from which the Ancient Oak once towered. I have collected several acorns that scattered to the ground when the Oak fell. I will plant them in the clearing, so the forest can fill in once again. Perhaps I will keep one, as a memento. As I collected the acorns I found other artefacts, remnants of the encampment; metal cups, spoons, tools, and jewelry. I tied them to thin leather strips and hung them from the top of the arch. I also collected the feathers from Cormag and Caileach's headdresses and hung those from the arch as well, which reminded me of the dreamcatcher that Isadora Finch gave me as a birthday gift, three lifetimes ago. Lastly, I threaded flowers throughout the arch, and made it look a bit like the Skye Lark Belle's crown from my youth, back when I didn't realize what I was wishing for.Now the arch stands at the ready.The question is, am I ready?~~~~~~Farfalla stands to admire her handywork. The arch is a thing of beauty, gracefully lifting over the tree stump, whose surface she painstakingly smoothed down to make it even with the ground around it. She has marked the place where she planted the pocketful of acorns she collected then planted each with a twig on which she threaded a leaf, like a little flag indicating where, someday, a majestic oak would rise.Finally, it is time to take a break. She decides to walk down to the beach to clean herself up and scrub her gown, ridding herself of the streaks of soot and dirt on her arms and legs. Beneath the layers of dirt her arms are wrought with scrapes and scratches from the branches she used to make the arch. The cool water is soothing and Farfalla takes her time bathing in it. Once reasonably clean, she steps out of the sea and lays the gown on a sunny patch of grass in the sun, then she lays next to it while they both dry off. She lets her thoughts drift to the monumental task she just accomplished. Her arch is not simply a decoration, it is a gateway. The Ancient Oak told her the arch would be infused with its wisdom, its power, its magic. That the arch could be used to travel not only to a different time, but to a different place. A specific place. But the Ancient Oak did not have time to elaborate, so she doesn't know where that place is. Farfalla is just slipping her gown back over her head when she hears the sound of stones being thrown into the water a little farther up the beach. She walks across the sand to the stony part of the shore. “Hullo,” says a little voice. Farfalla stands in shock. It is the small boy with the large blue eyes, the one from the cliffside, the son of the mayor. Ash. “I told you I would see you again,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice. “How…?” begins Farfalla, unable to create a cohesive thought.“I'm not sure how, exactly,” says the boy, skipping another rock across the surface of the sea. A tall slim man dressed all in black comes into view at the top of the grassy hill that overlooks the rocky beach, a woman with wild red hair pinned atop her head at his side. “It's time for me to go,” says the boy, turning to run up the grassy hill.“Wait!” shouts Farfalla, taking a few steps in his direction, but the boy, man, and woman quickly disappear behind the crest of the hill. Confused and a little thrown, Farfalla makes her way back to the forest.As she nears the clearing Farfalla hears a faint pulsing sound. She can feel warmth emanating from the bell in her pocket as she gets closer to the arch. She hesitantly steps onto the stump and looks up at the arch stretching above her head. A breeze picks up, and the faint beginnings of the Song of the Oak Tree reach her ears. Farfalla can't tell which direction the sound is coming from; she is surrounded by it. The bell grows hot in her hands, and she drops it with a small shout. The wind picks up and swings the trinkets hanging above her head, so they clash into one another, creating a cacophonous symphony. Farfalla feels panic quickly rising in her chest. She tries to step off the stump, but she can't. It is like invisible hands are holding onto her feet. She looks down and sees the stump has begun to regrow around her. Now in full-fledged terror Farfalla begins to move her body, trying desperately to free herself, but the trunk only keeps growing taller and taller, surrounding her. Within seconds it has reached her waist. “Stop!” she shouts, her voice cracking in fear, “What are you doing?! You didn't tell me this would happ-”. Farfalla's words are cut off as the trunk grows around her head. Farfalla feels her mind separate from her body, the same sensation she had when she and Cailleach stepped under the arch and found themselves back at the encampment. Without explanation, she suddenly finds herself standing next to the Ancient Oak, its trunk and branches restored to their former glory, reaching high above the canopy of the surrounding trees.“What just happened?” asks Farfalla. The words echo both inside and outside her mind. Farfalla needn't wait for an answer, as she looks at the tree, she can also see herself from the inside of the tree. She is in both places at once. “How can this be, I don't understand!” Again, the swirling echo all around and inside her. Farfalla suddenly feels faint and drops to the ground. “Dealan-dè,” the familiar voice comes from behind Farfalla's back. She turns and sees Caileach standing a few paces away, smiling at her.“Cailleach?! But you… you… I saw you! You turned to dust! How can this be?” asks Farfalla, the words once again bouncing across the inside of her head and the trees around the clearing.“I told you, someone would come to us who could ensure our teachings would never be lost. That someone was you, my dear. The voice of the Ancient Oak, it was your voice. You gave yourself the instructions to climb the tree, to use the bell to escape the soldiers, to build the arch. You are Dealan-dè, the powerful one, the wise one, the eternal one,” says Cailleach.“If I am inside the tree, then how am I here?” asks Farfalla, trying to sort everything out.“You are not really here, only part of your consciousness is here. Without a physical body to carry around, you have the capacity to travel anywhere, any time. It is a tremendous honour to hold such power!” says Cailleach.“But I didn't ask for this! I didn't ask for any of this! All I wanted was to go home to my daughter!” cries Farfalla, reeling at the impossibility of it all.“It was the only way to ensure our tribe, our culture, our teachings, would not be lost,” replies Cailleach, laying a hand on Farfalla's shoulder.“So, you did this,” says Farfalla, suddenly feeling rage rising in her chest. They had used her! Cailleach, Cormag, Corbin, all of them! They had used her, trapped her inside this tree forever, sentenced her to burn and be cut up and shaped into an arch, to have her consciousness separated from her body for all eternity! “YOU did this!” she says again, rising to her feet, stepping close to Cailleach, rage twisting her face.“I had forgotten how angry you were the first time,” says Cailleach, unfazed.“The first time? What do you mean?” asks Farfalla.“Remember the Ouroboros. The endless loop. Every lifetime you remember a little more. Every lifetime you are a little more resigned to your fate. But this is your first time, and you are angry,” replies the old woman. “I warned you not to harden your heart, I was hoping to spare you the first few cycles, the ones where you cause great harm, the ones where you seek revenge. No matter, it will all find its way in time,” she says, turning to walk away.“Don't you walk away from me! I need you to fix this! Get me out of this tree!” says Farfalla, as desperation quickly replaces the anger she is feeling. She puts her hands up to her ears, the echoing sound from inside and outside her body is dizzying and she's not sure how much longer she can handle it.“I suggest you travel to a time when the tree is no longer standing, it will eliminate that dreadful echo in your head,” says Cailleach, disappearing into the shadows of the forest and leaving Farfalla alone with the tree… with herself.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 30 – Back to the Cliffside – in which Farfalla returhns to a pivotal point in her life.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sharon Blackie calls us to the ancient archetype of the Hag as a figure of unapologetic emergence from cultural pressures that lock us into outworn roles and limiting beliefs.  Drawing upon her transformative experiences in menopause Blackie grounds the mythic figure of the old woman who fashioned the world in her fierce determination to dissolve and reconfigure her professional and personal life. Identifying and rejecting cultural pressures to look and act a certain way as she ages, she claims the second half of her life for a post-heroic journey of intense creativity and unapologetic self-expression. Ancient Celtic fairytales, myths, and folk stories carry the spirit of the Cailleach, the divine old woman who shapes the landscape and scourges it clean through winter storms. This Queen of Winter is sharp and wild. Those who discover the Cailleach within carry her ruthless truths as unavoidable facts that demand acknowledgment. Her stark reality strips away one's inner illusions and avoidance of death, leaving her sharp eye facing outward. Tending the web of life becomes the great task, and acting to restore balance to the community, the central role. The path to the Hag is hidden in stories. Blackie reminds us that reviving ancient themes and images expands our imagination and helps us recover the dark woods we once knew well. Wise old ones revive awe and connection. Trees and plants, rivers and crows have secrets to teach us that require a depth of listening undisturbed by collective gibbering. Elderhood can be a time to shed the roles assigned to us. Menopause can be welcomed as a rite of passage with the Hag silently waiting for us to see her. If we have learned how to recognize her, renewal and reclaiming is possible. The stories of those who have gone before us carry a strange beauty that can stir a memory in our soul and set us on the path. REFERENCES:   Sharon Blackie Order her book: Hagitude. Reimagining the second half of life RESOURCES: Philadelphia Association of Jungian Analysts, ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE PROGRAM: A case seminar for experienced clinicians to read, explore and apply Jung's concepts to clinical practice: CLICK HERE ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A SERIOUS STUDY OF JUNG? Enroll in the Philadelphia Jungian Seminar 2023 Fall Semester and start your journey: CLICK HERE  BECOME A DREAM INTERPRETER:  We've created DREAM SCHOOL to teach others how to work with their dreams. A vibrant community has constellated around this mission, and we think you'll love it. Check it out. PLEASE GIVE US A HAND: Hey folks -- We need your help. So please BECOME OUR PATRON and keep This Jungian Life podcast up and running. SHARE YOUR DREAM WITH US: SUBMIT YOUR DREAM HERE FOR A POSSIBLE PODCAST INTERPRETATION. SUGGEST A FUTURE PODCAST TOPIC:  Share your suggestions HERE. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, LINKEDIN, TWITTER, YOUTUBE YES, WE HAVE MERCH! Shop HERE

In today's episode we read the chapter 28 – Under the Same Sky – in which Farfalla looks back on the path that brought her here as she picks up the pieces.This week's podcast partner is Certainly Strange: https://open.spotify.com/show/1stSYQC9Sqox9TwbU48Dof?si=ct4_QX_NQh6hHZHxZ9eyVA&utm_source=copy-link&nd=1Contact: theskylarkbell@gmail.comThe Skylark Bell official website - http://www.theskylarkbell.comThe Skylark Bell on Instagram: @theskylarkbellAuthor/Producer: Melissa Oliveri - http://www.melissaoliveri.comJoin Melissa's Patreon for early access to podcast episodes, music downloads, and more: http://www.patreon.com/melissaoliveriThe Skylark Bell on Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/theskylarkbellAll music by Cannelle: http://www.cannellemusic.comCannelle on Instagram: @cannelle.musicOfficial Merch Shops: http://www.melissaoliveri.com/storeThe Skylark Bell is brought to you by: Phaeton Starling Publishing and Things with Wings Productions.FULL TRANSCRIPT:Things with Wings Productions presents: Chapter 28 of The Skylark Bell, Skyedive. I am your host, Melissa Oliveri.  In last week's episode the camp suffered a devastating attack that left Farfalla as the last one standing.In today's episode we read the chapter 28 – Under the Same Sky – in which Farfalla looks back on the path that brought her here as she picks up the pieces.Today's podcast partner is fellow Boopod network member Certainly Strange. An attempted murder on a ghost, cursed paintings burning houses down, and lighthouse keepers disappearing without a trace. The world is filled with astonishing stories that will make you think "I don't know what's going on here, but it is certainly strange!" Join host Nemo on a journey through the strangest parts of our history. Check the show notes for a link to the Certainly Strange podcast.Now, it's time to settle in… grab a blanket, and a warm drink… and let's get started.Embers.When I opened my eyes, it was daylight. The bell was still clutched in my hands. I couldn't believe the scene before me. Everything was gone. Again. All that was left of the encampment, the roaring fire, the celebration, was embers.It feels like my life is an endless loop of loss and betrayal.All around me, around my singed boots and the frayed hem of my gown, smoking embers from the fire, and devastation. Most of the tribe members were taken away, their hands tied together behind their backs with rope. The lucky ones were left behind, their bodies sprinkled throughout the clearing that, only a few hours ago, was a scene of joyful celebration. The tents are gone, burned to the ground, or ransacked and torn apart. All that I have left is the Bell. Thankfully, the Bell. It took me a long time to find the courage to turn and look at the Ancient Oak. I wept, then, at its blackened, bare branches. Its trunk marked with black soot, scarred from bottom to top. I trembled as I let my eyes climb to its towering height, remembering its final instructions to me. I walked to its base and placed my hand on its trunk, desperate to feel its heartbeat, to hear its voice, its song, but the Ancient Oak was silent.“I can't do it,” I remember saying out loud, my words echoing around the clearing, bouncing off the piles of ash and debris.The Ancient Oak remained silent.Finally, I dug deep inside myself and walked slowly across the clearing to the other side, a safe distance away from the tree, before fulfilling the tree's final requests.~~~~~~Farfalla's gaze glosses over what is left of the encampment. Her eyes land on the crumpled bodies of the few tribespeople who were left behind. She recognizes Cormag and Cailleach, their bodies laying next to one another, the feathers from their headdresses scattered around them. She pulls a smoldering branch from the embers and uses the blackened end of it to draw an Ouroboros on the backs of their robes. She then takes a small pouch from the pocket of her gown and delicately sprinkles a mixture of herbs in a circle on their backs. She bends to place a hand on each of them, and softly sings the song of the oak tree. Birds begin to gather in the surrounding trees, quietly watching her strange ritual. Her small, private ceremony finished, Farfalla stands and gives her teachers a moment of silence before speaking her first command. “To dust,” she says, a single tear falling down her cheek. The fabric of Cormag and Cailleach's cloaks sinks to the ground as the bodies they once covered instantly disintegrate. “Now fly, sweet birds,” whispers Farfalla as she lifts their robes into the air to release the ashes piled beneath them. She circles the encampment, repeating the ritual for each of the fallen while the birds watch quietly from the edge of the clearing.Her task complete, Farfalla lifts her tired, tear-stained face toward the top of the Ancient Oak. She notes that the gray sky is now visible between the tree's bare branches. Farfalla walks to the tree and places a hand on its trunk. There is no pulsing heartbeat, or song, or instruction today. The Ancient Oak stands in silence. Once again, Farfalla finds herself alone, but this time she is not vulnerable, not lost. No one will ever hurt her again. Now she is the one in control. A coldness washes over her and she feels her heart harden. She walks across the clearing and turns to face the tree, then inhales deeply before launching her next command. “Fall.” She pronounces the word forcefully, her voice void of emotion. A tremendous, thundering sound fills the air and echoes through the forest and surrounding fields to the sea on either side as the tree begins its slow-motion fall to the ground. Farfalla watches as it lands, its massive expanse of branches covering the entire encampment. Dust and soot lifts into the air as the Ancient Oak's trunk crashes into the earth. Farfalla stands perfectly still as the cloud of debris floats around her. Once it has settled, she gives her next command. “Break.” Within seconds, the branches of the tree separate from the trunk, falling to the ground. Farfalla gets to work, collecting the branches into piles, organizing them by size. She works for hours, never noticing the night fall, and the sun rising again the following morning. She works in the dark, like something not quite human, with eyes like those of a nocturnal creature. Finally, her task completed, she looks at the tree's tremendous trunk, and gives her third and final command. “Split”. Again, a deafening cracking sound fills the air. Farfalla watches as the trunk splits lengthwise, like a lightning bolt has struck it, then another strike, this time cutting the trunk into quarters, then on and on until the tree's trunk has been broken down into an endless pile of logs. Farfalla goes to work piling the logs in the center of the clearing where, only one night prior, there had been a raging fire around which she had danced. Again, she spends hours working, somehow adorned with superhuman strength. It is dusk by the time her task is complete, and Farfalla lights the fire with a flick of her fingers. She doesn't even think twice about the inner workings of her new abilities, her full command of nature and the elements. The orange glow of the flames flicker across her emotionless face.Farfalla tosses the robes of the tribespeople into the fire and watches them disintegrate before she finally lays on the ground and allows her body to give in to sleep. She sleeps straight through the night and through the next day, finally waking in the wee hours of the following morning. She stands and stretches, preparing for the monumental task ahead. She runs the Ancient Oak's instructions through her mind. She circles the clearing one last time. There is nothing left here now. No tents, no people, no fire, no tree. Only piles of branches, and dirt, and ash. Farfalla begins with the largest branches, and twists them together, securing them with vines that she uses like ropes. She wipes the sweat off her brow as she works, threading the branches together to form a wide arch laying on its side. Next, she weaves the smaller branches between the larger ones, building onto her frame and making the arch wider and stronger. She continues this way, working most of the day, adding more and more to the arch until it spans across a large portion of the encampment. Finally, daylight begins to fade, and Farfalla stops to rest. She forages for berries and mushrooms in the forest, and dips her cupped hands into the cool, clear water of the creek nearby and drinks in quick, desperate, thirsty gulps. She returns to the encampment and sits in the center of the clearing. Ru the red deer appears at the edge of the forest and stands perfectly still, quietly assessing the damage. “Hello, old friend,” she whispers. The deer walks to her and bends its head down, so they are eye to eye. “Tomorrow I will need your help. Tonight, we rest,” she says. The deer snorts in acknowledgement, then turns and saunters back into the shadows of the forest. Farfalla lays down on her back and looks at the sky above. Through the empty circle in the forest canopy that had once been filled by the massive spread of the Ancient Oak she can see the moon, only a small shard away from being full, and a scattering of stars twinkling with varying degrees of brightness. Somewhere, some time, Elisabeth is under the same sky. Paloma, Mama, Papa… Marius. They are all under the same sky. Farfalla waits for the thought to warm her heart, but the only thing she feels is cold, firm resolution.Thank you so much for listening.  Join me next week for Chapter 29 – Embers to Ash – in which Farfalla learnes the agonizing truth about The Ancient Oak, and herself.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. If you are enjoying this story, please consider leaving a rating or a review, they are both greatly appreciated. You can also support my work by subscribing to Patreon or Ko-Fi, where you get early access to episodes as well as MP3 downloads of the music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! You can also find The Skylark Bell exclusive merch on my website, www.theskylarkbell.com. Just check the show notes for all necessary links.The Skylark Bell is brought to you by Phaeton Starling Publishing and features original music by Cannelle. Leaving a rating or a review on your preferred podcast platform is incredibly helpful in helping the podcast gain visibility so others can find and enjoy the story of The Skylark Bell, it's a quick, easy, and free way to support my work. If you'd like to support me further, you can also subscribe to Patreon, where you'll get early access to ad-free episodes as well as digital downloads of my music, artwork, behind the scenes videos and more! And be sure to follow me on social media for updates, I love to connect with listeners... Just check the show notes for all necessary links.Once again, thank you for listening – I'm Melissa Oliveri, writer, host and producer of The Skylark Bell Podcast.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/theskylarkbell/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to Classic Skeptic Metaphysicians! We're re-releasing some of our back catalog so that these gems can be re-discovered!This week: Runes: The Language Of The GodsMetaphysics embodies so many things….its really a general term that tries to categorize things that are not in the scientific mainstream.When you think of metaphysics, things like psychics, mediums, astral projection, auras and Tarot cards might come to mind. And you might be kinda sorta close to our next topic when you think about the tarot. The art of reading runes goes back so far in time that its likely the oldest modality that we've tackled on this show. Runes are technically an ancient language used in the dark ages, that have been adopted by some to psychically guide their lives and the lives of others. Now the history of runes is hotly debated by historians and psychics alike, so my guest won't be speaking to much about them…or if she does, it will be in the most general of senses.What she WILL be talking about is how she uses runes as a tool to connect people to their intuition. She uses them in readings (where she channels information from them) and in healings (where they often clarify or amplify other messages).And folks….reading runes is just a small part of what my guest today does and I'm super excited to have her on the show today…..Liz Simpson from Ravens Eye Healing!Liz is an intuitive practitioner with a passion for connecting people with the Earth and their higher selves. Her work is focused on using energetic & shamanic modalities to nurture the body and soul toward wholeness. She works to uncover and uproot patterns, wounds, and blockages in physical, energetic, and soul bodies using a variety of intuitive and ancient tools.She began her journey with energy healing in 2015 when she trained as a yoga teacher in Rishikesh, India. Since then, she's grown on this path with additional yogic, reiki, and shamanic training. She's seeking to remember the Earth-honoring traditions, especially through her Celtic and Nordic lineages, and to remember her full purpose and identity as a Daughter of the Cailleach, as a starseed, and as a face of the Goddess.Her clients are curious and seeking -- they don't need to be familiar with intuition, reiki, tarot, past lives/other timelines, shamanism, crystals, or any of the modalities or ideas with which she works.Interested learning the Runes? This book may be a great pace to start:Runes for Beginners: A Guide to Reading Runes in Divination, Rune Magic, and the Meaning of the Elder Futhark RunesResources:What ARE Runes:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RunesGuest info:Website: https://www.ravenseyehealing.comIG: @ravenseyehealingBook a session with her: https://calendly.com/ravenseyeSupport the Show: Rate/review Us Here:https://lovethepodcast.com/SkepticMetaphysicians Purchase Merchandise:https://www.skepticmetaphysician.com/store Buy Me A Coffee:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SkepticMetaphys Connect With The Skeptic Metaphysicians:Website: skepticmetaphysician.comFacebook: @TheSkepticMetaphysicianIG: SkepticMetaphysician_PodcastTik Tok: @skepticmetaphysiciansThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5652646/advertisement

Keep moving through the fair and through life with the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #592. Plus, learn five things you can do in County Mayo, Ireland next time you go. Black Market Haggis, The Bookends, Stratford Symphony Orchestra, Ballinloch, Mary Beth Carty, Fire In The Glen, Logical Fleadh, The Out of Kilters, Crow's Nest, Clay Babies, Na Rósaí, Scythian, Reilly, Ryan MacNeil, Bill Grogan's Goat, Jen Midkiff   VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2023 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create next year's Best Celtic music of 2023 episode.  Vote Now! Two weeks after the episode is launched, I compile your votes to update a playlist on Spotify and YouTube. These are the results of your voting. You can help these artists out by following the playlists and adding tracks you love to your playlists. Follow us on Facebook to find out who is added each week. Listen on Spotify and YouTube. GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Subscribe and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 0:02 - Intro: Bed & Breakfast & Mitchell Petersen 0:11 - Black Market Haggis "Whistling Postman Set" from Better Than It Sounds 4:13 - WELCOME 5:22 - The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra "Salvation Contradiction" from A Celtic Celebration: The Bookends with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra 10:07 - Ballinloch "The Man from the Daily Mail" from Rise Up! 12:45 - Mary Beth Carty "Dutch Tea Jigs" from Crossing the Causeway 16:16 - Fire In The Glen "Tha Mi Sgith / Gary Ford / Cailleach a' Ghobhainn" from Cutting Bracken Tha mi sgith Pronunciation: Haaw mee shgee Cailleach a' Ghobhainn pronunciation: kyle - ach A - Gov - awn 19:45 - FEEDBACK 22:28 - Logical Fleadh "Lark In The Morning/Gold Ring/The Slammer" from Logical Fleadh (17 - Track Album) Fleadh Pronunciation: Flaah 26:54 - The Out of Kilters "The Big Strong Man" from Hot Potatoes 30:15 - Crow's Nest "Lochanside" from Crow's Nest 35:07 - Clay Babies 'When the Boll Weevil Hit the Cotton" from Philomathea 37:56 - Na Rósaí “Lord Mayo" from First Rain 42:12 - CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS & THANKS 45:05 - Scythian "Fire in My Heart" from Roots & Stones 48:36 - Reilly "Black Velvet Band" from Durty Pool 52:21 - Ryan MacNeil "Cearcall A' Chuin (The Ocean's Circle)" from Shuffle Cearcall A' Chuin Pronunciation: kee - urkle A  -  queue - inn 55:37 - Bill Grogan's Goat "The Blacksmith" from Third Eye 1:01:34 - CLOSING 1:02:31 - Jen Midkiff (she/her) "She Moved Through the Fair" from Collage The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to subscribe to the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. You'll get access to our Best of this Year Playlist. You can subscribe to our Celtic Music Magazine and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Finally, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME CELTOPHILE TO CELTIC MUSIC * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a musician and podcaster out of Atlanta, Georgia. This Podcast is here to build our diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Do you have the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast app? It's 100% free. You can listen to hundreds of episodes of the podcast. Download it now. Hey Celtic Bands, I'm looking for new music and stories in 2023. To submit your band, just complete the permission form at 4celts.com. You'll also find information on how to submit a story behind one of your songs or tunes. Get a free Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music eBook. email gift@bestcelticmusic THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! Because of Your kind and generous support, this show comes out four times a month. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion and production of the show. It allows us to attract new listeners and to help our community grow. As a patron, you get music - only episodes before regular listeners, vote in the Celtic Top 20, and you get a private feed to listen to the show.  All that for as little as $1 per episode. I sent all of our generous Patrons of the Podcast a free sticker this week. Sign up in February 2023 and you'll get a free sticker too. A special thanks to our Celtic Legends: Marti Meyers, Meghan Walker, Dan mcDade, Carol Baril, Miranda Nelson, Nancie Barnett, Kevin Long, Annie Lorkowski, Shawn Cali HERE IS YOUR THREE STEP PLAN TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST Go to our Patreon page. Decide how much you want to pledge every week, $1, $5, $10. Make sure to cap how much you want to spend per month. Keep listening to the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast to celebrate Celtic culture through music. You can become a generous Patron of the Podcast on Patreon at SongHenge.com. TRAVEL WITH CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends. You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. In 2023, we're going on a Celtic Invasion of County Mayo in Ireland. Here are 5 Things You Should Do in County Mayo, Ireland: Go to Matt Malloy's Pub in Westport. Visit Westport House and take a train around town to get to know the history behind the Irish of County Mayo Hike up Croagh Patrick, This pilgrimage area has a story that St. Patrick himself scaled this mountain and fasted atop it for 40 days way back in 441 AD. It's definitely a revered site in this area of the country, and can make for a great stop on any trip to the region. Take a boat out to Clare Island to visit O'Malley Castle, one of the castles owned by the Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley. Take pictures all along the Wild Atlantic Way. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/ #celticmusic #irishmusic #celticmusicpodcast I WANT YOUR FEEDBACK What are you doing today while listening to the podcast? You can take a screenshot of the podcast on your phone. You can send a written comment along with a picture of what you're doing while listening. Or how about a picture you took of a band that you saw. How would you like to introduce an episode of the podcast? It's super easy. Contact me for details. Email me at celticpodcast@gmail, message me on Facebook, or contact me through Mastodon @celtfather@c.im. jolena posted on Mastodon: "Marc I love your podcast. I'm totally blind so I'm not able to take a picture of myself and what I'm doing. But whether I'm helping my sister do stuff around the house, or exercising on Thursdays I'm listening to your podcast. Through the podcast I've been able to listen to some great artists that I wouldn't have heard if not for the podcast. God bless and have a great day." Kellan Allen Arrington commented on Facebook: "I was in the tub! No pictures!" Margaret Zavala commented on Facebook: "After working outside started the fire and relaxing with a good dram of my favorite scotch . While catching up on the podcast' Alli Stevick commented on Facebook: "I usually work on art while listening to the podcast! Most recently, I have been doing woodburned (and painted) Hobbit houses.'"

An illustrated collection of stories and activities to celebrate traditional Pagan festivals and the changing of the seasons• Shares original stories, based on traditional folktales and designed to be read out loud, for each festival, such as Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Beltaine, Lughnasad, the solstices, and the equinoxes• Includes traditional games, hands-on projects special to each holiday, and seasonal recipes to enjoy the tastes and smells of each feast day• Discusses the sacred symbolism, magical lore, and cultural practices within each story and the healing and magical uses for the trees and flowers featuredOnce upon a time, when only candles lit the inside of homes and people traveled on foot or by horse, the family would finish their supper, wash and dry the dishes, and sit down before the hearth to hear a tale. These tales were not only entertaining but also passed down both history and tradition to the next generation. And as the wheel of the year turned, these tales also served to teach the children about holy days and festivals and the Gods and Goddesses who reigned over the changing seasons.In this beautifully illustrated book, Ellen Evert Hopman shares rich stories drawn from traditional folktales, hands-on crafts, and seasonal recipes to help families and classrooms learn about and celebrate traditional holy days and festivals of the sacred earth year. Designed to be read out loud, the stories are complemented with pronunciation guides and translations for foreign words. You will learn of the Cailleach, the ancient Goddess of Winter; La Befana, the Italian new year's witch; Eostre, the Goddess of Spring; Kupalnocka, the Polish feast of wreaths at midsummer; Yule among the Vikings; and many other deities and celebrations.For each story, the author includes hands-on projects special to the holiday--from crafting magical wands and brooms to flower crowns and Brighid's Crosses--as well as seasonal recipes, such as Magical Peppermint Chocolate Tea, Beltaine Bannock, and La Befana Cake, allowing families to enjoy the tastes, smells, and sounds associated with the feast days and celebrations.Ellen Evert Hopman has been a Druidic initiate since 1984. She is a founding member of the Order of the White Oak, an Archdruidess of the Tribe of the Oak, and a member of the Grey Council of Mages and Sages. She is the author of several books, including Walking the World in Wonder. She lives in Massachusetts. Lauren Mills has won national acclaim as both an author/illustrator and a sculptor. The author and illustrator of the award-winning The Rag Coat, she lives in western Massachusetts.