The Cauldron of Inspiration: A Story of Ceridwen & Taliesin | S3 Ep15

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Our Story

Ceridwen of Wales was a powerful sorceress with a hand for potions and a ferocious amount of mother love. Her magical cauldron was blessed with “awen,” supernatural inspiration and knowledge. She gave birth to a beautiful daughter, and a woefully ugly son.

Ceridwen decided to whip up a potion to offer her son the gift of beauty and the gift of awen… except things didn’t go as planned!

This story of shapeshifting and rebirth gives us the twice-born hero who would become the great poet-prophet-sage Taliesin.

Also in this episode

This solo episode is sort of Mother’s Day celebration, and it gives us a chance to bring together all the stories and guests who have added their wisdom to the great cauldron this season.

• The archetypes of the cauldron and the alchemist and why they’re so important when we’re doing creative work. 
• Mythology and folklore weren’t crafted for mere entertainment. Most often, they were conceived to explain moments of change and disruption.
• KnotWork Storytelling will be on hiatus until August or September, but stay tuned for a special announcement this summer! Hint: you’ll definitely want to listen in!

Join us in New York City!

• Be part of Bealtaine: Returning to our Senses | Beo Bríomhar Arís, curated by The Trailblazery’s Scoil Scairte/Hedge School and presented in partnership with the Irish Arts Center in New York City for this years’ Féile na Gaeilge/Irish Language Day on Saturday, May 13. Tickets available now.

Be Part of the Heroine's Knot Mythology & Writing Program

• “Who has a story, a reflection, a collection of words to add to the cauldron?” That’s the question I ask whenever I gather writers together in a group dedicated to exploring stories and expressing creativity.
• Are you interested in join the mythology and writing program, The Heroine’s Knot? Be sure to get on the list to find out when registration opens (fall 2023).

Our Music

Music at the start of the show is by Beth Sweeney and Billy Hardy, a Celtic Fiddle and multi-instrumental duo based on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The traditional Irish reel we play at the start of the show is called "The College Groves." billyandbeth.com

Work With Marisa

• This summer, Marisa will be taking on a handful of new writing coaching clients. If you are an aspiring author, a wellness professional, or a creative entrepreneur who wants to use stories to build your business, set up a free consultation with Marisa. Learn more at writingcoachmarisa.com
• Find more of Marisa's writing and get a copy of her book, The Sovereignty Knot www.marisagoudy.com
• Follow the show on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and join listeners' community.