Reclaiming suppressed histories of women: A conversation with Max Dashu
Feminist scholar and artist Max Dashu joins hostess Sara Jolena Wolcott to delve into matriarchal societies and the rich breadth and depth of histories of the divine feminine and various forms of female leadership. Max shares how to navigate colonial and patriarchal narratives in your own cultural lineage as part of uncovering the rich heritage of women's leadership, spiritual power, and cultural contributions that have been systematically erased or minimized. Don't miss Max's 56 years of research into suppressed women's histories!Key Topics DiscussedDecolonizing Historical Narratives [04:21 - 12:26]How mainstream history gatekeeps women's storiesThe bias of written records from "elite men of dominant societies"Why we must look beyond Western Civilization narrativesThe Archaeological Evidence [08:08 - 15:12]Ancient female figurines across continentsHow women's representation changes from Paleolithic/Neolithic to later periodsThe contrast between female self-representation and the male gazeWomen as Inventors and Culture Creators [10:16 - 13:09]"Mother tech" - women's innovations in agriculture, tool-making, and languageWomen's role in creating the "life support matrix for humanity"Grinding stones, basket weaving, and the origins of agricultureMatriarchal Societies and Mother Law [26:02 - 36:38]Characteristics of matriarchal/egalitarian societies: matrilineal descent, matrilocal residence, social motherhoodNon-aggression codes and communitarian ethosWomen's public spiritual leadership across culturesGlobal Examples of Women's PowerAfrica [19:02 - 26:02]The Saharan rock art and the "Lady of Aouanrhet"Rain goddesses and rainbow beings in African traditionsPre-dynastic Egyptian ceremonial practicesAncient Near East [16:48 - 19:02]Asherah in Hebrew tradition - the suppressed goddess who stood in the Jerusalem templeMother of the Gods figures across Mesopotamian culturesLinguistic connections between Asherah, Athirat, and AshtorethWest Africa [36:38 - 38:42]Market women's economic powerYorùbá priestessesSouth African isangoma (diviners/medicine women)The Complexity of Patriarchalization [45:14 - 53:31]Patriarchy as historical process, not inevitable human conditionThe case of India: layers of patriarchy from Indo-European invasion to colonizationGoddess Traditions in Patriarchal Societies [48:59 - 55:31]Why India maintains goddess worship despite extreme patriarchySanskritization and cultural appropriation of indigenous goddessesReclaiming European Ancestral Practices [56:14 - 01:04:08]Pattern recognition vs. cultural appropriationSpinning, weaving, and the distaff as women's spiritual powerSacred TechnologiesSpinning and weaving as spiritual practiceThe distaff and drop spindle across culturesSongs and chants that accompanied women's workMedicine for Our Times [01:03:01 - 01:10:42]The power of lamentation as ritual and political practiceWhy we need to grieve collectively for current atrocitiesSend us a messageSupport the showLearn more about Sara Jolena Wolcott and Sequoia SamanvayaMusic Title: Both of Us Music by: madiRFAN Don't forget to "like" and share this episode!
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Remembering the Divine and Reimagining Our Relationship with Land and Community: A conversation with Adeyinka Mendes
This conversation, with Sheikh Adeyinka Mendes and hostess Sara Jolena Wolcott, explores the themes of remembering, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of humanity. We delve into the significance of ReMembering Divine Love in spiritual practices, the role of land in shaping identity, and the importance of forgiveness in personal and collective narratives. Through the lens of different religious traditions, especially Islam, we discuss the journey of self-discovery, the importance of continuing to stand for justice across ecosystems especially in the face of horrific genocides, and America as a gathering place for diverse cultures. The conversation culminates in the powerful story of Joseph, illustrating the transformative power of trials and the necessity of forgiveness.00:00 - What are you ReMembering?09:27 - Transcendent Experiences and Spiritual Awakening27:04Â - The Role of Land in Spiritual Journeys38:12 - Reclaiming Cultural Roots and Reciprocity40:58 - Justice... and Prophecies of America49:01 - Gathering of Nations: Crafting Collective Consciousness57:10 - The Role of Forgiveness in Healing01:00:02 - The Story of Joseph: Lessons in TransformationFollow Adeyinka on:Instagram: @adeyinka.mendesFacebook: @imammendesWebsite: www.adeyinkamendes.comSend us a messageSupport the showLearn more about Sara Jolena Wolcott and Sequoia SamanvayaMusic Title: Both of Us Music by: madiRFAN Don't forget to "like" and share this episode!
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Weaving Into Relationality
In this conversation, Sara Jolena Wolcott and Hilary Giovale explore the themes of interconnectedness and the healing journey of decolonization. Beginning with one of their shared Nordic/Anglo-Saxon heritage's understandings of the web of life, known alternatively as Orlog/Wyrd, they inquire into the purpose and nature of ReMembering as participating in the web of life. They then move into Hilary's journey, which often echoes Sara Jolena's journey and might resonate with many listeners, including the importance of facing ancestral truths and the role of discomfort in personal growth. Hilary shares her experiences in writing her book, 'Becoming a Good Relative,' and the significance of feedback from diverse voices. How do we go between the spiritual and the practical? How do we build community among philanthropists and help philanthropists do our own work? How do we see the decolonial movement growing? We end with celebrating the incredible importance of music and the revitalization of ancestral languages.; The episode ends with some music by Carolyn Hillyer. Â Grab your copy of Becoming a Good Relative: Calling White Settlers toward Truth, Healing, and RepairGood Relative WebsiteHillary's InstagramBook mentioned:For Indigenous Eyes Only: A Decolonization HandbookDecolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore BalanceOrgs mentioned:Decolonizing Wealth ProjectMagnolia Mother's TrustMusic played: Sago An SnijoArtist: Carolyn HillyerMore about Carolyn's musicPlease do share and like this episode! Leaving positive reviews really does make a difference!Send us a messageSupport the showLearn more about Sara Jolena Wolcott and Sequoia SamanvayaMusic Title: Both of Us Music by: madiRFAN Don't forget to "like" and share this episode!
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Deep Ecology, Ceremony, and the Web of Life: A conversation with John Seed and Niamh Murray
In this episode of the Remembering and Re-enchanting podcast, hostess Sara Jolena Wolcott speaks with John Seed and Niamh Murray about deep ecology, the interconnectedness of all life, and the importance of community and ceremony in fostering ecological identity. They explore personal journeys, mystical moments, the significance of indigenous wisdom, and how deep ecology plays a role in the broader need for a cultural reclamation project to reconnect with nature and with one other. The discussion emphasizes the critical role shifting consciousness to address the ecological crises we face today, highlighting the role of spiritual traditions and collective practices in this transformative process.Towards the end of the podcast, John Seed leads the listeners in an experiential exercise, and we invite our listeners to engage with it.01:33 Introduction to Deep Ecology03:40 John Seed's Journey and Awakening07:36 The Evolution of Connection to Nature11:52 Ceremonies and Practices in Deep Ecology18:29 Cultural Reclamation and Community Practices26:52 Engaging with Indigenous Wisdom41:19 The Journey of Seeing Differently42:43 The Great Unraveling and the Great Turning48:37 Crisis in Consciousness54:00 The Power of Community and Connection59:47 Experiential exercise: Breathing with the Green World01:04:32 Poetry as a Path to Deep Ecology01:10:36 Intergenerational Wisdom and Responsibility01:19:09 Honoring the Web of TeachersJohn Seed:WebsiteInstagramFacebookHelp protect the Koalas! - The Great Koala National ParkNiamh Murray (Enviro Mentality)InstagramWebsiteThe Emotion CodeNewsletterSend us a messageSupport the showLearn more about Sara Jolena Wolcott and Sequoia SamanvayaMusic Title: Both of Us Music by: madiRFAN Don't forget to "like" and share this episode!
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Episode 43: Land, History, and Relationship: A conversation with Jessica Intermill
This episode features a conversation between host Sara Jolena Wolcott and guest Jessica Intermill, a lawyer and land history consultant. Jessica highlights the significance of land history in revealing the complex relationships between Indigenous cultures, settlers, and the land. She also discusses the emotional and practical aspects of land return and repair, stressing the need for respectful use of power and resources to support Indigenous goals. 01:31 - Introduction to Jessica Intermill02:49 - What does land history evoke for you?08:56 to 10:28 - On working with tribal nations10:29 - Do you think the American Culture is a culture of running or a culture of place?26:01 - On working with different generations42:21 - Rugged individualityJessica's websiteSocials: Linkedin, Instagram, FacebookSend us a messageSupport the showLearn more about Sara Jolena Wolcott and Sequoia SamanvayaMusic Title: Both of Us Music by: madiRFAN Don't forget to "like" and share this episode!
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