📖 Overview
Sharon Blackie is a writer, psychologist and mythologist based in Wales who focuses on Celtic mythology, folklore and reconnecting with the natural world. Her work explores themes of place-based spirituality, women's stories, and ecological awareness through both fiction and non-fiction.
Best known for her book "If Women Rose Rooted" (2016), Blackie examines female power and agency through the lens of Celtic mythology and its relevance to contemporary life. She has authored several other books including "The Long Delirious Burning Blue," "The Enchanted Life," and "Foxfire, Wolfskin and Other Stories of Shapeshifting Women."
Through her educational organization, The Hedge School, Blackie offers courses and workshops on mythology, psychology, and traditional ecological knowledge. She holds a PhD in behavioral neuroscience and previously worked as a research scientist before shifting her focus to writing and teaching.
Blackie's background spans multiple disciplines including psychology, neuroscience, mythology and Celtic studies, which she integrates into her work on ecological and feminist themes. She is also the founder of EarthLines Magazine, which explored connections between nature, place and story.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect strongly with Blackie's blend of Celtic mythology, feminism, and ecological themes. Her book "If Women Rose Rooted" receives particular attention for combining personal narrative with mythological analysis.
What readers liked:
- Integration of academic research with accessible storytelling
- Personal authenticity in describing her own journey
- Practical guidance for connecting with nature and ancestry
- Depth of Celtic mythological knowledge
What readers disliked:
- Some find the writing style repetitive
- Celtic focus feels exclusionary to non-European readers
- Several note the content can be overwhelming for newcomers to mythology
- Some criticize lack of citations for folkloric claims
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
- "If Women Rose Rooted": 4.2/5 (6,000+ ratings)
- "The Enchanted Life": 4.1/5 (1,800+ ratings)
Amazon:
- "If Women Rose Rooted": 4.6/5 (1,200+ ratings)
- "Foxfire, Wolfskin": 4.5/5 (300+ ratings)
One reader noted: "Her work changed how I view my relationship with the land." Another commented: "Sometimes meanders too much between personal story and mythology."
📚 Books by Sharon Blackie
If Women Rose Rooted (2016)
A blend of memoir and Celtic mythology exploring how women can connect with the land and reclaim their cultural roots.
The Long Delirious Burning Blue (2008) A novel about a woman confronting her fear of flying while dealing with personal trauma and family relationships.
The Enchanted Life (2018) An examination of how to find meaning and authenticity through connection with nature, myth, and creative practice.
Foxfire, Wolfskin and Other Stories of Shapeshifting Women (2019) A collection of short stories reimagining traditional folktales with a focus on female transformation.
The Bird Makers Nest (2021) A poetry collection exploring themes of nature, mythology, and feminine power.
Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life (2022) An exploration of aging and feminine wisdom through the lens of folklore and personal experience.
From The Wild Edge (2023) A memoir detailing the author's experiences living on the Celtic fringe and connecting with the natural world.
The Long Delirious Burning Blue (2008) A novel about a woman confronting her fear of flying while dealing with personal trauma and family relationships.
The Enchanted Life (2018) An examination of how to find meaning and authenticity through connection with nature, myth, and creative practice.
Foxfire, Wolfskin and Other Stories of Shapeshifting Women (2019) A collection of short stories reimagining traditional folktales with a focus on female transformation.
The Bird Makers Nest (2021) A poetry collection exploring themes of nature, mythology, and feminine power.
Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life (2022) An exploration of aging and feminine wisdom through the lens of folklore and personal experience.
From The Wild Edge (2023) A memoir detailing the author's experiences living on the Celtic fringe and connecting with the natural world.
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Clarissa Pinkola Estés analyzes folklore and myth to illuminate the wild feminine psyche. Her focus on storytelling traditions and psychological interpretation aligns with themes of feminine power and nature connection.
Martin Shaw teaches myth, storytelling, and wilderness awareness from Celtic and European traditions. His work connects ancient stories to ecological awareness and cultural regeneration.
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David Abram explores the connection between human consciousness and the natural world through indigenous wisdom and phenomenology. His work examines how language and perception shape our relationship with nature.