The Power of the Selkie Myth for Modern Times with Maxine Hanks // Ep 16
Dive in to the enlightening world of myth and symbol in today’s discussion about the selkie myth with reknowned historian and theologian, Maxine Hanks. Our love for ancient stories and how they can illuminate deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us is sure to energize and inspire you!
This episode explores the rich tapestry of myth and symbol, with a special focus on the powerful themes found in the selkie myth. Hear as Maxine shares the power of these stories to inspire, heal, and guide us on our journeys. Feel more empowered to embrace the mythic and archetypal in your own life and find beauty and meaning in the world around you.
This episode is part of our Selkie Myth series where we’re exploring themes of burnout, over-giving, disconnection, finding ourselves and infusing our life with more aliveness. Be sure to download our free study guide to get the most out of this episode and the Selkie series.
Key Takeaways
The power of myth & symbol
The importance of myth and archetype in a world dominated by left-brain thinking.
The origins of the selkie myth and its various interpretations.
The evolutionary message of the selkie myth: our dual nature as both animal and spiritual beings.
The different versions of the selkie myth and its enduring appeal.
Reclaiming the divine feminine
The importance of trusting ourselves, honoring our unique perspectives, and bringing forth what is within us.
Finding balance and harmony in a world of duality.
The power of myth to help us understand and reconcile opposites.
The importance of noticing and bringing forth the beauty in our surroundings.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Passion for Myth
03:39 Embracing the Mythic and Archetypal
10:26 The Selkie Myth: Origins and Interpretations
20:03 The Evolutionary Message of the Selkie Myth
22:25 The Symbolism of Water in the Selkie Myth
29:59 The Healing Power of Tragic Stories and Ballads
38:34 Exploring the Different Versions of the Selkie Myth
44:11 The Power of Myth, Archetype, and Symbol in Our Lives
46:04 Reclaiming the Divine Feminine and Overcoming Challenges
52:19 Trusting Yourself and Honoring Your Unique Perspective
59:45 Reconciling Opposites and Finding Balance
01:05:08 Noticing and Bringing Forth Beauty in Our Surroundings
About Maxine Hanks
Maxine Hanks is a historian and theologian who researches and writes about gender in religion, especially recovering and integrating the feminine in religion and culture. She did her bachelors work in gender studes and masters work in history and in chaplaincy, with further graduate studies in theology and liturgy at Harvard Divinity and Holy Cross. Her work has focused on female or feminine aspects of theology and religious practice. She is interested in how myth and archetype in religion shape gender and identity and practice, and how history and theology can recover and integrate subverted aspects of a religion.
