Women, Waters and Wastelands with Dr. Sharon Blackie

The worldview which pervades Celtic mythology is profoundly relevant today, offering a deep ecological alternative to the centuries-long disenchantment which has led to the personal, social and environmental crises we face today. Celtic mythology, especially that which derives from the Gaelic (Irish and Scottish) traditions, depicts a world in which there is a reciprocal and respectful contract between the people and the land - and when that contract is broken, a Wasteland may be the result. It is also dominated by powerful divine women who are the creators and shapers of the land, its guardians and protectors, and who represent the moral and spiritual authority of the Otherworld. The native pre-Christian mythology of the Celtic nations is highly goddess-centered. Irish mythology, in particular, is filled with stories of powerful, shape-shifting women who were incarnations of the ‘Sovereignty’ goddess, who represented both the land and the Otherworld which was immanent in it, so representing the spirit of the Earth itself, the anima mundi. In this talk, Dr Sharon Blackie offers an overview of the defining features of Celtic mythology and its historical context, demonstrating its kinship with other native traditions around the world which call upon us to view the Earth as sacred, to respect the non-human others who share it with us, and to walk always in awareness of the Otherworld (or worlds) which influence our own.

[@kathleenolsen5390]

Thank you Sharon for an informative and sensitive conversation about the Celtic myths, the reclamation of them inspiring deep meaning for and relevance to today's modern predicament. I especially appreciated you bringing up Robin Wall Kimmerer's comment in her lovely book "Braiding Sweetgrass," as I was taken aback as well when I read it; her reference to the creation stories of Native American myths vs. the Western (what she mentions as the Adam & Eve stories) entirely missing the native Celtic stories older and rooted in that landscape, so similar to the Native American and in respect of Nature.

[@shellycrandon4176]

I have read two of your books and they resonate with me so much. I believe as you do that the world needs a new mythology.

[@ledafrost]

An excellent video and talk, thank you for sharing.

[@coimindeburka7716]

Thanks for sharing. This info is so important!

[@samirasimagination]

This is amazing. Thank you. Water is also closely related to emotions and the subconscious. So it facinates me that those are points of connection with the other worldly.

[@mandala706]

@5:00: "The World is in need of restoration"...(AND Regeneration) clearly speaks to the inclusion of ALL native Peoples....and not just these N. European tribes of Ireland and Scotland 🖤 Blessings All🙏