Peri-menopause, elderhood, cultural mythology, psychology and midwifery -An interview with Dr Sharon Blackie

In this episode of the cauldron we have Dr. Sharon Blackie;
award-winning writer, psychologist and mythologist. Her highly
acclaimed books, lectures and workshops are focused on the
development of the mythic imagination, and on the relevance of
myth, fairy tales and folk traditions to the personal, cultural
and environmental problems we face today.


As well as writing five books of fiction and nonfiction,
including the bestselling If Women Rose Rooted, and her new book
Hagitude, her writing has appeared in anthologies, collections
and in several international media outlets – among them the
Guardian, the Irish Times, the i and the Scotsman. Her books have
been translated into several languages, and she has been
interviewed by the BBC, US public radio and other broadcasters on
her areas of expertise. Her awards include the Roger Deakin
Award, and a Creative Scotland Writer’s Award.


Sharon is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and has taught
and lectured at several academic institutions, Jungian
organisations, retreat centres and cultural festivals around the
world. Her TEDx talk on the mythic imagination  can be
viewed here.

During the episode


We delve deep into the world of wise and influential women in
native mythology and what this means for navigating
peri-menopause and elderhood. 

We ask Sharon what we can learn from the myths embedded in
our cultures. 

We take a look at the profession of midwifery as
traditionally midwives were the older women, not mothers
themselves or past the mothering stage.  We talk about how
it is this group of women that can be leading the changes in the
birth world. Not leaving it only to the younger midwives to
fight. 

We discuss the overarching patriarchal messages which purport
that menopause is an ‘illness’ to be fixed, cured, or masked so
we can continue to look like young maidens.

And we hear about the power of elderhood, and what we can
learn even if we are still in our mother years or just coming
into perimenopause.



LINKS:
Dr Sharon Blackie
Hagitude


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Music by Joseph McDade


Disclaimer
The information shared in this podcast is for general educational
purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.
Always consult with a qualified professional regarding individual
health concerns.

The Midwives’ Cauldron podcast does not guarantee the
completeness or accuracy of the information provided and accepts
no liability for any loss or harm arising from reliance on this
content.