Join Sheryl Paul, a counselor informed by the Jungian depth psychological tradition, and her co-host Victoria Russell, as they dive into the realms of our inner worlds and explore actions we can take to grow more self-trust and self-love. These bi-weekly episodes will provide guidance for diminishing fear and shame, embracing sensitivity and creativity, and approaching life with curiosity and compassion.
Fairy Tales by the Fireside with Daev Finn
In this special episode, Sheryl's husband Daev Finn joins the show to continue our seasonal exploration of wintry themes. A psychotherapist who uses the metaphor of myth and fairy tales in his work, Daev offers his perspective on the Brothers Grimm telling of "Briar Rose" (otherwise known as "Sleeping Beauty").
Daev, Sheryl, and Victoria read the tale aloud, then share their reflections on themes of slumber, sexuality, growing up, and banishment. Daev offers perspective on the history of myths and fairytales and their problematic parts, Sheryl reflects on the treatment of powerful women in patriarchal narratives, and Victoria muses on how this tale cautions us to rethink banishing our inner "thirteenth fairy."
Find Daev on Instagram @followyourmyth
References:
"Briar Rose" text
Disney film Maleficent (2014)
The myths of Psyche, Persephone, and Perceval
The entitled prince vs. positive prince role models: Aladdin, Luke Skywalker, Kristoff from Frozen (2013)
French author Charles Perrault
Moana (2016)
The story of the Buddha
Protagonists with self-agency: "Hansel and Gretel", Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Alice in Wonderland, Harry Potter
A non-binary hero(ine) in literature: Orlando, by Virginia Woolf
Modern myth-makers Neil Gaiman, Joseph Campbell, and George Lucas
Music in this episode:
Gathering Gold theme music by Jarrett Farkas
"Glacier" by SalmonLikeTheFish
12/22/2023 • 59 minutes, 4 seconds
Winter Solstice
We are approaching the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern hemisphere.
In preparation for the winter solstice, Sheryl invites us to anchor ourselves in time and find communion with the luminous dark.
How might we celebrate the triumph of light, the gift of the sun, while also welcoming the wisdom of darkness?
How might we balance the need to rest and turn inward with the need to brave the cold, to go out into the world?
How can we cultivate peace within ourselves in the face of all that is treacherous in this world—including the double-edged winter months, with their shimmer and ice, their harshness and beauty?
This is what we invite you to explore with us in today’s episode, and at our upcoming Patreon Meet-Up on December 21st.
References:
Gathering Gold Patreon (sign up for the Meet-Up Member tier to join our virtual meet-ups)
Darkness and Light episode
Winter’s Paradox episode
Francis Weller
Effort and Ease episode
