Symbols of Soul

20/11/2025

The wise crone has much to teach us on how to live a happy life. Check out this folktale to learn more about the wise crone archetype.

A blog that explores the ancient world of myth, legend and folklore.

14/10/2025

In this episode the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read a story from the Arabian Nights collection. Delila is a trickster figure who brings chaos wherever she goes. But she is much more than that. Her acts of cunning cause the listener to reflect on justice, law, morality and the ability of women to be the author of their own lives. In Delila’s world actions are not black or white but a multitude of shades of gray. Be ready to enter that world as you hear the story.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/461860/episodes/17987330-delila-the-wily-arabian-nights-part-i-s5-11.mp3?download=true

09/10/2025

May we all be blessed to do work we love whether it’s our job or vocation. May we all be blessed to work without wanting anything in return. May we all be blessed to find a family in which to do so. It's the story of The Brownie of Blednoch (http://wisecronecottage.com ).

07/08/2025

In this episode, Kathy Shimpock (the Crone) and Linda Bennett (the Queen) will discuss Becca Levy's book Breaking the Aging Code. Levy's research on positive aging provides ways to improve our health, happiness and life expectancy. We'll discuss the importance of using positive language when talking about aging and we'll explore how life experience and culture can create our age beliefs.

In this episode, Kathy Shimpock (the Crone) and Linda Bennett (the Queen) will discuss Becca Levy's book Breaking the Aging Code.  Levy's research on positive aging provides ways to improve our health, happiness and life expectancy.  We'...

03/08/2025

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read to you a Russian folktale: “The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts.” It’s a poignant story, nonetheless, and one you’ll long remember.

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will read to you a Russian folktale: “The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hearts.” It’s a poignant story, nonetheless, and one you’ll long remember.Story:  "The Three Sisters and Their Glass Hea...

14/06/2025

In this podcast, I continue my discussion about the Danish folktale, "Prince Lindworm." It's a story filled with metaphors and symbols. Who doesn't like a story in which a dragon worm marries an unknowing princess?

02/04/2025

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will share the Danish folktale, “Prince Lindworm.” It’s a story of shadow and light, female agency and transformation. It’s also a story with a sequel. This mash-up or compilation of folktales is filled with metaphors and symbols. There is so much to discuss that will carry this on to the next podcast. https://www.buzzsprout.com/461860/episodes/16905588-prince-lindworm-a-danish-folktale-s5-8.mp3?download=true

21/02/2025

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, shares the story of "The Vampire Skeleton Co**se." This is a frightening tale from the Iroquois tradition. Although there is never a single meaning for any story, this one has an important teaching for the days ahead. https://www.buzzsprout.com/461860/episodes/16519582-the-vampire-skeleton-corpse-an-iroquois-folktale.mp3?download=true

25/12/2024

This December I've been reading A Christmas Carol in my podcast. Here are my thoughts about why we should read/watch/remember this story. I guess good minds think alike because the Atlantic magazine has an article on just this theme. Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone! http://www.wisecronecottage.com

24/12/2024

In this episode, I will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter four and five (or what Dickens called Stave Four, The Last of the Spirits and Stave 5, The End of It). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Future." He will again visit the home of Bob Cratchit and discover the fate of Tiny Tim and of himself too. Although Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol long ago, this story is relevant for today. https://www.buzzsprout.com/461860/episodes/16336754-a-christmas-carol-read-along-chapter-4-5-s5-6.mp3?download=true

23/12/2024

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. The work is a novella, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843. Because of the story's length, it will be read over four episodes. This is chapter three (or what Dickens called Stave Three, The Second of the Three Spirits). https://www.buzzsprout.com/461860/episodes/16327054-a-christmas-carol-read-along-chapter-3-s5-5.mp3?download=true

16/12/2024

In this episode, the storyteller, Kathy Shimpock, will be reading Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, A Christmas Carol. This is chapter two (or what Dickens called Stave Two, The First of the Three Spirits). In this story Scrooge will have a visit from "Christmas Past." He will visit his childhood, time when he was apprenticed, and his failed relationship with Belle. https://www.buzzsprout.com/461860/episodes/16289450-a-christmas-carol-read-along-chapter-2-s5-4.mp3?download=true