Episode 15

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

Published on: 10th May, 2023

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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.
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About the Podcast

KnotWork Storytelling
Untangling Our Myths, Reweaving Our Stories
In each KnotWork Storytelling episode, we'll explore a different story from mythology, folklore, or history, particularly from Ireland and the Celtic World. Then, my guest and I dive deep into why these ideas and characters still resonate today.

Your host is Marisa Goudy, author of The Sovereignty Knot: A Woman’s Way to Freedom, Power, Love, and Magic. She is a Word Witch, a Story Healer, a Writing Coach, and a has an MA in Irish literature from University College Dublin.

Join us as we wander through these ancient storylines as we set out on a quest to learn from the past, better understand the present, and craft a sustainable future.

Every episode reminds us that ancient stories are medicine for our ancient maladies.

About your host

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Marisa Goudy

Marisa Goudy is a story healer, a writing coach, and a word witch. Her book, The Sovereignty Knot: A Woman’s Way to Freedom, Power, Love, and Magic, was released in 2020.
Marisa nurtures writers and storytellers in her long-running online writing community, the Sovereign Writers’ Knot.
On this show, Marisa combines her passion for story with her love of Irish literature, culture, and folklore and her fascination with the Celtic world. She has a particular love of stories of heroines, goddess, and women whose tales were forgotten by history.