My podcast is dedicated to La Befana. One day I hope to have you on it. That old crone played an a deep role in my journey to wholeness. This Friday I will be visiting a school in Harlem as La Befana (It's a week after her holiday but the kids now believe that Harlem La Befana's home away from home. It's my second year going back to this school as La Befana. It's been a gift. I think her folklore is vital for today as we have lost the essential understanding of finding the Holy Child, within. Her perpetual search at least points us in that direction to seeing the divinity within hence why I named my podcast after her. Thanks so much for sharing her lore here!
As a non-Italian raising a child in Italy, I can affirm its significance for families with little ones. Regrettably, many Italians are unaware of its origins, and, worse, the tradition has been marred by turning the act of gift-giving into an emotional reward or punishment.
In an unintended distortion for educational purposes, parents and grandparents across the country have turned La Befana into a punitive figure, bestowing gifts only upon well-behaved children.
Thank you for introducing me to La Befana! What a interesting story. I just wrote about Hildegard of Bingens allegorical take on Epiphany as the souls journey towards wisdom. One wonders how much Jung has known about her. Do you know?
yes, thank you, I found that, too. Some of the similarities in the Red book with Hildegard's illuminations are just stunning. And their archetypal readings of the holy family, too. Hildegard's take on Joseph as wisdom the soul (Mary) needs to be married to in order to deliver Divine knowledge (she very provocative names "rationalitas") was probably my personal "epiphany" this season.
Plus finding your art of enchantment. Looking forward reading more. Thank you, Sharon!
I've never heard the story of La Befana. I've been longing to hear stories of the wise women of Italy, thank you Sharon. It's a wonderful way to start the new year.
Thank you Sharon for that lovely post to welcome the year.
Epiphany has always felt like a gateway into the light - we have wonderful stars tonight after a week of darkness. Their brilliance has touched a deep and ancient place in me.
Thanks for your story of La Befana - another hag companion to travel with!!
“There’s always light to come” is an excellent way to welcome the year to come, turning down the calls for transformation and new beginnings of whatever sort. I’ve found it wonderful this morning to welcome pink-tinged morning light along the horizon, then venture forth for a xc ski in brightness.
Thank you for introducing the story of La Befana to me!
Subscribed to your husband’s Substack--hopefully all the comments and likes and subscribers will show him how much his writing is being indeed enjoyed.
Just to clarify-the fairy salons (I have the link) are different than the hearth and then there is the cave with the oracle cards, correct?
Hi Sharon. I love the idea of zoom calls but some of us live in very different time zones from you and won't be able to join. Is it possible for you to records them and post a link so we could at least listen later?
I experience that there is always the Light within us.
Maybe it's not appropriate but I'm so curious how your feelings and thoughts are after reading my post. A post I wrote in the first days of this new year.
I would appreciated if you can find the time for it and don't remove it from this comment section.
I'm in the middle of my life what has been not a easy one but full with experience and so learning curves. At this time I have nothing to lose and in it's strange but there is a calm within me.
Wish you all goods Sharon and I looking forward to your new book!
Now I want to find out where La Befana's festivals are celebrated and book a trip for next year.
I think Urbania is the biggest.
Thank you for the story of La Befana. I love her! X
My podcast is dedicated to La Befana. One day I hope to have you on it. That old crone played an a deep role in my journey to wholeness. This Friday I will be visiting a school in Harlem as La Befana (It's a week after her holiday but the kids now believe that Harlem La Befana's home away from home. It's my second year going back to this school as La Befana. It's been a gift. I think her folklore is vital for today as we have lost the essential understanding of finding the Holy Child, within. Her perpetual search at least points us in that direction to seeing the divinity within hence why I named my podcast after her. Thanks so much for sharing her lore here!
Thank you for mentioning ‘La Befana.’
As a non-Italian raising a child in Italy, I can affirm its significance for families with little ones. Regrettably, many Italians are unaware of its origins, and, worse, the tradition has been marred by turning the act of gift-giving into an emotional reward or punishment.
In an unintended distortion for educational purposes, parents and grandparents across the country have turned La Befana into a punitive figure, bestowing gifts only upon well-behaved children.
Thank you for introducing me to La Befana! What a interesting story. I just wrote about Hildegard of Bingens allegorical take on Epiphany as the souls journey towards wisdom. One wonders how much Jung has known about her. Do you know?
He refers to her a few times. He resonated with her vision of a Christianity that was 'green' as well as mystical.
yes, thank you, I found that, too. Some of the similarities in the Red book with Hildegard's illuminations are just stunning. And their archetypal readings of the holy family, too. Hildegard's take on Joseph as wisdom the soul (Mary) needs to be married to in order to deliver Divine knowledge (she very provocative names "rationalitas") was probably my personal "epiphany" this season.
Plus finding your art of enchantment. Looking forward reading more. Thank you, Sharon!
I've never heard the story of La Befana. I've been longing to hear stories of the wise women of Italy, thank you Sharon. It's a wonderful way to start the new year.
Thank you Sharon for that lovely post to welcome the year.
Epiphany has always felt like a gateway into the light - we have wonderful stars tonight after a week of darkness. Their brilliance has touched a deep and ancient place in me.
Thanks for your story of La Befana - another hag companion to travel with!!
In Ireland, today is Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas)…a day of much needed rest for women.
“There’s always light to come” is an excellent way to welcome the year to come, turning down the calls for transformation and new beginnings of whatever sort. I’ve found it wonderful this morning to welcome pink-tinged morning light along the horizon, then venture forth for a xc ski in brightness.
Thank you for introducing the story of La Befana to me!
I have always loved the story of La Befana.
Subscribed to your husband’s Substack--hopefully all the comments and likes and subscribers will show him how much his writing is being indeed enjoyed.
Just to clarify-the fairy salons (I have the link) are different than the hearth and then there is the cave with the oracle cards, correct?
Tha salons are for all paid subscribers. The Bone Cave is always completely separate from Substack hence the signup link. Hope that makes sense!
Thank you! 🕯️🙏🌌
This is beautiful and perfect for today. The wise old woman, La Befana. Brilliant.
So interesting to read of La Befana, thank you for this
Hi Sharon. I love the idea of zoom calls but some of us live in very different time zones from you and won't be able to join. Is it possible for you to records them and post a link so we could at least listen later?
Cheers
Kristi
Hi Kristi, I'm very much aware of that and have already said I will: please see this post from last month. https://sharonblackie.substack.com/p/calendar-of-live-events-for-2024
Thanks. I missed that earlier.
Dear Sharon,
I experience that there is always the Light within us.
Maybe it's not appropriate but I'm so curious how your feelings and thoughts are after reading my post. A post I wrote in the first days of this new year.
I would appreciated if you can find the time for it and don't remove it from this comment section.
https://dobermann981601186.wordpress.com/2024/01/04/creation-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder-2/
I'm in the middle of my life what has been not a easy one but full with experience and so learning curves. At this time I have nothing to lose and in it's strange but there is a calm within me.
Wish you all goods Sharon and I looking forward to your new book!
With human greetings,
daniëlle