I used to get deep seasonal depression as soon as the clocks turned back and the darkness settled in, and I dreaded November through March every year. Then I discovered the concept of hygge, and it changed everything. It changed ME. For almost ten years, I've embraced the darkness and the cold, coaxing out its hidden joys with candles and blankets and books and tea and many other things that make me feel ccomforted and cozy. And, in embracing it, I've fallen in love with it. Now, November- March is my favorite time of year. Loving it has brought me a sense of peace and calm that's changed my life in so many ways. I'm always looking for new ways to celebrate it, and for more people to celebrate it with. ❤️
I joined my first Hearth session at the weekend and although I kept quiet (away in a hotel with rubbish reception), I enjoyed it immensely. Like many here, I’ve been exploring where I fit, spiritually and religiously, for decades. I’m therefore delighted that we have the opportunity to explore this subject within this wonderful community. Thank you Sharon, for giving us such a valuable opportunity!
Your words are a balm for my soul. I’ve always loved the dark and anticipated Samhain more eagerly than I ever did Christmas. Your alders with “enormous-pawed moss gremlins” took me right back to those I loved dearly when playing in the woods of my childhood.
I, too, am unsettled by the rising trend in ultra-conservative, patriarchal religions and look forward to the conversations this subject will inspire.
I love the tree pictures. Thinking about what lives in the trees is something I enjoy. What would happen if I went in that hole? Who would I meet? Would I come out again, and what would I be like if I did?
(I try to turn off the environmental science teacher part that's thinking about water velocity and erosion and the trees' lifespans.)
Sharon, is it possible to attend the Nov 23 event virtually? I’m in the PNW of the states, currently recovering from a hysterectomy, and would love to attend this event from afar. ;)
Because it's not a lecture but a participatory workshop, that wouldn't be something I'd want or that would really be possible but no, in any case the organisers don't offer that. Best of luck with your recovery.
dear Sharon, I couldn't read of your alder enchantment and see their fairy tale beauty, their silvery faces on your riverbank, without sharing a love of alders. Yes, trees of magic with roots in the earth - and with the river in spate, in water too - perfectly at home in these two elements. I had alders as teachers by my dream river up North- and Samhain was a time when our relationship seemed deepest; the veil perhaps thinnest where two elements meet, and always at those liminal times of dawn and dusk. Dusk was my time -and there were spells!
Gypsy Alder,
river seer
calls me to her swirling cauldron
Here swims otter, bright
and free
Listen to the life of water. So freeing when you're feeling dragged down by our mortal world!!
lovely read as always Sharon. and yes to the darkening days! it feels like the most welcoming time of year.
Dance of the Dissident Daughter was also a transformative book for me. i read it while still involved in an evangelical church in an informal leadership role, but with many questions (and poor or non answers.) one of the stepping stones that lead me off on another path toward a more "enchanted life."
Thanks, Sharon, for your beautiful photos in this monthly letter, which reminded me of my special places in the world, which are peopled with with trees and moss as well.
Here in the Southern Hemisphere we are moving toward the heat and brightness of summer, a time of year in which I grieve the loss of the dark and the cold. Enjoy this most beautiful time of the year. Your writing offers me a taste of its magic.
Sharon your writing is so very rich and I find myself being transported almost to another reality as I read your beautiful words. I used to hate the dark, would experience depression and anxiety all through February here in the United States until the days got longer. Now, at 72, I crave the dark, the cozy and the peaceful.... Even the nagging and challenging at this time of year brings for me. Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I'm so blessed to have found you when I read IF WOMEN ROSE ROOTED I feel HAGITUDE was written just for me ( lol!) and am currently really enjoying WISE WOMEN~ I even gifted a copy to my daughter to read to her daughter 💗 so you see, you've touched more souls than you even know!
Thank you for making the Hearth accessible and affordable- wonderful! I signed up immediately. Just realised I probably won't get the Zoom Link for today's session as it is normally sent out 3 days before. If perchance you read this and can email me the link I'd love to join the session live. If not of course I'll access the recording. I was very moved to hear of your plans around discussing women and faith and spirituality - I have such a thirst to be part of a group having conversations around it. Looking forward to it - and actually to your book launch in Carlisle this Weds evening .
Bridget, go to the Hearth tab on the top menu of my Substack page and you'll find the Zoom link there after you've signed up. Come and say hello in Carlisle!
Just love the feeling of the elements your writing evokes. ❤️
I used to get deep seasonal depression as soon as the clocks turned back and the darkness settled in, and I dreaded November through March every year. Then I discovered the concept of hygge, and it changed everything. It changed ME. For almost ten years, I've embraced the darkness and the cold, coaxing out its hidden joys with candles and blankets and books and tea and many other things that make me feel ccomforted and cozy. And, in embracing it, I've fallen in love with it. Now, November- March is my favorite time of year. Loving it has brought me a sense of peace and calm that's changed my life in so many ways. I'm always looking for new ways to celebrate it, and for more people to celebrate it with. ❤️
It might be because I’m on my phone rather than my computer, but I don’t seem to see the option to change the price on The Hearth tier.
What a cornucopia of nourishment here!
I read Dance of the Dissident Daughter years ago and I too found it transformative.
I’ve ordered “Roots Down Deep”, and can’t remember ever being so excited to read a book before. 🌹
I joined my first Hearth session at the weekend and although I kept quiet (away in a hotel with rubbish reception), I enjoyed it immensely. Like many here, I’ve been exploring where I fit, spiritually and religiously, for decades. I’m therefore delighted that we have the opportunity to explore this subject within this wonderful community. Thank you Sharon, for giving us such a valuable opportunity!
Your words are a balm for my soul. I’ve always loved the dark and anticipated Samhain more eagerly than I ever did Christmas. Your alders with “enormous-pawed moss gremlins” took me right back to those I loved dearly when playing in the woods of my childhood.
I, too, am unsettled by the rising trend in ultra-conservative, patriarchal religions and look forward to the conversations this subject will inspire.
I love the tree pictures. Thinking about what lives in the trees is something I enjoy. What would happen if I went in that hole? Who would I meet? Would I come out again, and what would I be like if I did?
(I try to turn off the environmental science teacher part that's thinking about water velocity and erosion and the trees' lifespans.)
Sharon, is it possible to attend the Nov 23 event virtually? I’m in the PNW of the states, currently recovering from a hysterectomy, and would love to attend this event from afar. ;)
Because it's not a lecture but a participatory workshop, that wouldn't be something I'd want or that would really be possible but no, in any case the organisers don't offer that. Best of luck with your recovery.
Understand. Thank you, Sharon!
dear Sharon, I couldn't read of your alder enchantment and see their fairy tale beauty, their silvery faces on your riverbank, without sharing a love of alders. Yes, trees of magic with roots in the earth - and with the river in spate, in water too - perfectly at home in these two elements. I had alders as teachers by my dream river up North- and Samhain was a time when our relationship seemed deepest; the veil perhaps thinnest where two elements meet, and always at those liminal times of dawn and dusk. Dusk was my time -and there were spells!
Gypsy Alder,
river seer
calls me to her swirling cauldron
Here swims otter, bright
and free
Listen to the life of water. So freeing when you're feeling dragged down by our mortal world!!
lovely read as always Sharon. and yes to the darkening days! it feels like the most welcoming time of year.
Dance of the Dissident Daughter was also a transformative book for me. i read it while still involved in an evangelical church in an informal leadership role, but with many questions (and poor or non answers.) one of the stepping stones that lead me off on another path toward a more "enchanted life."
Thanks, Sharon, for your beautiful photos in this monthly letter, which reminded me of my special places in the world, which are peopled with with trees and moss as well.
And for wise words, as always.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you so much for making it possible for me (and others) to subscribe to The Hearth. It has made my day.
This is so beautiful Sharon. Thank you for reminding us about the beauty of winter and darkness.
Here in the Southern Hemisphere we are moving toward the heat and brightness of summer, a time of year in which I grieve the loss of the dark and the cold. Enjoy this most beautiful time of the year. Your writing offers me a taste of its magic.
Sharon your writing is so very rich and I find myself being transported almost to another reality as I read your beautiful words. I used to hate the dark, would experience depression and anxiety all through February here in the United States until the days got longer. Now, at 72, I crave the dark, the cozy and the peaceful.... Even the nagging and challenging at this time of year brings for me. Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I'm so blessed to have found you when I read IF WOMEN ROSE ROOTED I feel HAGITUDE was written just for me ( lol!) and am currently really enjoying WISE WOMEN~ I even gifted a copy to my daughter to read to her daughter 💗 so you see, you've touched more souls than you even know!
How lovely, thank you!
Thank you for making the Hearth accessible and affordable- wonderful! I signed up immediately. Just realised I probably won't get the Zoom Link for today's session as it is normally sent out 3 days before. If perchance you read this and can email me the link I'd love to join the session live. If not of course I'll access the recording. I was very moved to hear of your plans around discussing women and faith and spirituality - I have such a thirst to be part of a group having conversations around it. Looking forward to it - and actually to your book launch in Carlisle this Weds evening .
Bridget, go to the Hearth tab on the top menu of my Substack page and you'll find the Zoom link there after you've signed up. Come and say hello in Carlisle!
Unfortunately I'm under the weather and won't make Carlisle this evening. Wishing you a fruitful evening.
It's not visible on phone app but is visible on the desktop- thanks!
I don’t use the app as it has so little functionality if you’re not obsessed by Notes!
Tried to find it but it doesn't seem to be visible to me. I'll try again. Thanks