Mooney's Mythic Podcast

Episode Description:

The day after a show on the dark moon—what Sarah calls the “soot moon”—she tells the story that came through her the night before at 777 in Glastonbury. It’s a story that wasn’t quite ready, that felt like cottage cheese in her fingers the day before, but she told it anyway because that’s what the dark moon demanded.

Old Nanny finds an abandoned baby at the market cross after her night shift. The baby drinks moonlight and grows luminous. As Luna becomes a glowing teenager full of questions and restlessness, Old Nanny must learn to trust her, to let go, to stop trying to hide her brightness from the world.

This is a raw, vulnerable episode—Sarah even interrupts herself mid-story to question whether she’s telling the right tale. It’s about mothering and being mothered, about loneliness meeting neediness, about trusting the ones we love to find their own path even when they kiss frogs and take wrong doors.

Featuring music from Ushti Baba’s new album, Flora, Fauna, Fight Feast. (Rootless and Fight) and gratitude for everyone who held the space at the dark moon gathering.

In This Episode:

* The “soot moon” - when chimney debris falls and puts out your fire

* Performing on the edge: telling a story that isn’t quite ready

* “Old Nanny and Luna” - an original tale about found family and moonlight

* Meta-storytelling moment: questioning the story mid-telling

* Letting go of teenage children and trusting their brightness

* The macramé hammock that becomes a spider’s web of connection

* Music by Ushti Baba: “Rootless” and “Fight”

Themes: Dark moon, mothering, trust, letting go, luminescence, found family, teenage years, loneliness and belonging, the cycles of holding on and releasing

Inspiration: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill The Waterboys - “The Whole of the Moon”

Support the Podcast: Patreon: Mooney’s Mythic Podcast

Gratitude: To everyone who came to 777 on the dark moon To the Patreon supporters To Queen Space Baroque and Ushti Baba for the music

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

Opening music: Ritual Door 1 by Queen Space Baroque

As the autumn moon wanes and we approach Samhain, Sarah sits down with musician Rob Bray from, among others, Maythorne and Queen’s Space Baroque to explore the threshold between life and death, light and shadow.

Rob shares his original death poem set to music—a meditation on mortality that emerged from months of practical preparation and deep contemplation. Sarah dreams aloud about moon letters, veils (both ancient and bridal), and the thinning that happens this time of year—not just between worlds, but within ourselves.

Together they discuss an upcoming Samhain eve performance at 777 in Glastonbury, where they’ll gather on the waning moon to inhale what we need before the deep dark of winter. Sarah reads “The Fairy Piper,” a story about St. Patrick and the moment when the old gods were shut out of the new heaven—and with them, the fairy music that once guided travelers across dangerous moors.

This is a conversation between air and earth, between moonlight longing and practical preparation for death. It’s about calling back the time when stones were ancient companions and invisible grandmothers patted us on the back for our storytelling.

In This Episode:

* Rob Bray performs “Invite Them In” (Samhain song) and “Death Poem”

* The waning moon as metaphor for what deflates in us

* Practical preparations for mortality and the songs that emerge

* Etymology of “thin” and the history of “the veil is thin”

* “The Fairy Piper” by Sharon Jacksties—a story of separation

* Rob’s song for St. Catherine of Alexandria

* Moon letters and Saxon gnome poems

* The upcoming Samhain eve gathering on October 20th

Themes: Samhain, waning moon, mortality, ancestors, fairy folk, separation, prayer through music, threshold times, the practical and the poetic

Performance Details: Samhain Threshold Evening with Sarah Mooney, Rob Bray, Jenny Bliss, and John Crow, Monday October 20th, 7:30pm (starting ~8pm) 777 Silver Street, Glastonbury Intimate space (20 people) - first come, first served

Support the Podcast: Patreon: Mooney’s Mythic Podcast

Winter Course: Women who run with the Wolves online course. Every other Wednesday morning from November 12th Limited spaces available - contact for details

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

Wild Women & The Hunter Turned to Stone with Katy Cawkwell

Guest: Katy Cawkwell - Professional storyteller, host of Artemis Storytelling events

Episode Summary

Sarah opens with a vulnerable prayer about abundance and visibility, inspired by the fruiting trees of autumn - sharing bruised gifts without hesitation. Through a series of funny mishaps (including being caught naked on her landing by Avalon Cloaks’ founder Susie), she weaves toward deeper questions about women, power, and age.

The episode centers on a backstage conversation with touring storyteller Katy Cawkwell, who shares the haunting Dartmoor legend of Bowerman and the Wild Hunt - a tale of hubris, mysterious women, and a man turned to stone for disrespecting the sacred. It’s a perfect threshold story for the thinning of the veil as we approach Samhain.

Key Themes

Seasonal Abundance & Vulnerability Sarah reflects on the trees’ generous giving - sharing all their fruit, bruised or perfect - and her own prayer to do the same with her work and gifts.

Lilith & Untamed Feminine Power Brief mention of Katy’s solo show about Lilith - Adam’s first wife who refused to submit - connecting to the episode’s theme of powerful women who won’t be tamed.

Finding Your Storytelling Voice Katy shares how she moved from nervously following traditional versions to confidently adapting stories, trusting that “the story is stronger than all of us.”

The Sacred Feminine & Wild Women The Bowerman tale features mysterious women performing rituals in the woods - a powerful image of feminine power that punishes masculine arrogance and disrespect.

Threshold Time & Stones That Move Sarah adds her own reflection after the story: at this threshold time approaching Samhain, “the very rocks under our feet can come alive and very places within us can turn to stone.” Everything has magical resonance when the veil is thin.

The Story: Bowerman and the Wild Hunt

Katy beautifully tells this Dartmoor legend about a boastful hunter who disturbs a coven of women performing rituals around a fire while chasing a hare. The hare-woman leads him on an exhausting night-long chase across the moors until dawn, when the mysterious women turn both Bowerman and his dogs to stone. The rocks still stand on Hayne Down and Hound Tor - and some say they move on autumn nights.

Locations mentioned: Hayne Down, Hound Tor, Dartmoor (Devon)

Katy Cawkwell’s Work

Current Tour: “Wild Visions, Untamed Myth” with Lucy Lill

* Greek mythology double bill

* Katy’s half centers on Artemis

* Lucy’s half features Cassandra

* Derby (next week from recording)

* Rural Northumberland (mid-October)

Solo Show: “The Story of Lilith”

* Exploring the first wife of Adam who refused to submit

Background:

* Host of Artemis Storytelling events in Exeter for 5 years

* Featured on Radio 3 and Radio 4

* Performed at festivals across Iceland and Europe

* Developed lockdown work through outdoor storytelling in Devon parks

Resources Mentioned

* Folkloric Map of Dartmoor by Ethan Pennel- search it out!

* Women Who Gave No Fucks - Lucy Lill’s show that brought Katie and Lucy together

Sponsor

Avalon Cloaks - Handmade ritual cloaks from Glastonbury

* Featured in Netflix’s “Wednesday”

* Worn by Glastonbury’s Bard and May Queen

* “When you need a cloak worthy of your magic”

Sarah’s Upcoming Events

FREE Online Taster Session - This Thursday Morning Try out Sarah’s teaching style before committing to the winter series - storytelling, journaling, and experiencing how she works with Women Who Run With The Wolves.

Women Who Run With The Wolves - Winter Series Online course starting in November for those who love the Thursday session

Next Week: Rob Bray from Maythorne joins to discuss the Waning Moon celebration (October 20th at 777, Glastonbury) - a night of music, poetry, and storytelling as we approach Samhain

Musical Note

The episode opens and closes with Queen Space Baroque’s “Ritual Door 1” - Sarah describes it as “like a big musical podcast hug around my world.”

“If I can just soften enough, if I can breathe and relax enough, then like the trees, I can let go of my dry leaves and open and share myself like the apple trees are doing, like the chestnut trees are doing... they are just so abundant this year and they’re sharing and sharing and sharing their gifts, their bruised gifts.”

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

Guest: Daygan Robinson - Multi-instrumentalist (mandolin, bouzouki) and founding member of Dragon’s Fly and Maythorne

Episode Summary

Sarah welcomes legendary Glastonbury musician Daygan Robinson for an intimate fireside chat about perfectionism, community music-making, and the transformative power of French Breton dance. Fresh from leading a creation myth retreat in Wales, Sarah explores with Daygan the vulnerability of performance, the magic of Glastonbury’s interconnected music scene, and why getting everyone dancing together might be the most powerful community ritual of all.

Key Topics

Musical Perfectionism & Self-Compassion Daygan opens up about his OCD tendencies and how hitting a wrong note can overshadow an entire brilliant performance in his mind - and how he’s learning to treat himself with the same kindness he extends to new musicians at Glastonbury Folk Club.

Glastonbury’s Musical Lineage A fascinating exploration of how bands like Silver on the Tree, Heathen’s All, and Space Goats have branched into today’s thriving scene - with musicians constantly collaborating across projects spanning 30+ years.

French Breton Dance as Community Ritual Daygan passionately describes the joy and connection of traditional French and Breton partner dances, where whole communities come together regardless of age or background - and announces his upcoming dance event.

The Courage to Sing Both Sarah and Daygan share their vulnerability around singing versus instrumental performance, and how witnessing others’ bravery at Folk Club has inspired new songwriting.

Beltane Traditions A delightful conversation about Glastonbury’s evolving Beltane celebrations, including the story of women joining the maypole procession and gently disrupting tradition.

Upcoming Events

* December 13th - French Breton Dance at Glastonbury Assembly Rooms with live music

* Samhain (Oct 30/31) - Maythorne performing (Assembly Rooms or White Spring TBC)

Music Mentioned

* Maythorne (Daygan’s new band) - Currently recording, described as “one of the tightest bands” he’s been in

* Dragon’s Fly - 28 years strong

* Silver on the Tree - “Morning Glory” (Daygan’s recommendation for a soul-shifting listen)

Glastonbury Connections

* Folk Club at The Becketts Inn (fortnightly) - Welcoming space for all levels

* Irish Session at Rifleman’s Arms (first Thursday monthly)

* Assembly Rooms - Historic venue where the first Glastonbury Festival was held. Daygan recently joined the committee to bring more performance arts to the space.

Find Daygan’s Music

Search “Dragonsfly” (one word, with an ‘s’) or “Maythorne” (with an ‘e’) on YouTube and Spotify

Sarah’s Offerings

Women Who Run With The Wolves Online Course Starting November 12th, every other Wednesday morning

* Work through every story in Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ book

* Use podcast code “PODDLE” for £20 off

Upcoming: Waning Moon Celebration with Rob Bray (Maythorne) - 20th October Glastonbury

Next Episode: Rob Bray joins to discuss the Waning Moon celebration

“It’s like having an ancient grandmother in your pocket that you can ask advice to all the time.”

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

Episode Summary

Sarah Mooney returns for Season 2 with a deeply personal exploration of creation myths, seasonal transitions, and the power of storytelling as soul retrieval. Fresh from a storytelling retreat in Wales, she weaves together ancient wisdom from the Iroquois Sky Woman story, reflections on anxiety and creative process, and insights about using myth as a framework for life's initiations.

This episode captures the raw authenticity Sarah is known for - complete with tea cupboard cleaning procrastination, technical difficulties, and the vulnerable honesty that makes her work so compelling. She explores how creation stories can serve as "ritual landscapes" for our own personal transitions, particularly during the autumn season.

Key Themes & Highlights

Sacred Storytelling & Cultural Respect Sarah thoughtfully addresses the importance of honoring indigenous stories while sharing them respectfully. She calls upon the unbroken line of Iroquois ancestors and reflects on how these ancient creation myths contain profound wisdom for modern listeners.

Seasonal Transitions & Personal Ritual Drawing inspiration from Timothy Leary's concept of "set and setting," Sarah explores how we can intentionally create our inner and outer environments during seasonal shifts. She shares her own struggles with autumn transitions and the healing power of ritual.

The Sky Woman Creation Story The centerpiece is Sarah's telling of the Iroquois creation myth featuring Sky Woman, who falls through a hole in the celestial realm and, with the help of sea creatures, creates the earth from a handful of soil on the turtle's back. This story becomes a metaphor for how we can create new worlds from small beginnings.

Body Wisdom & Shadow Work Sarah vulnerably shares her journey of reconnecting with her physical body after years of disconnection, using the Sky Woman story as inspiration for embracing both light and shadow aspects of self.

Anxiety as Sacred Information Through her experience of cleaning the tea cupboard instead of recording (classic creative avoidance!), Sarah explores anxiety as a messenger and the importance of trusting the creative process.

Stories Featured

* The Sky Woman Creation Story (Iroquois tradition) - A complete telling of how the earth was created

* Two Golden Eggs - An Indian creation myth about sky and earth becoming lovers

* Maori Creation Chant - Beautiful poetic account of creation from nothing to abundance

Music

"Ritual Door" by Queen Space Baroque (from their forthcoming album Ritual Door)

* Band members: Jenny Bliss, William Kramer, Rob Bray

* Custom recorded for the podcast

Resources & Mentions

* Books:

* Beginnings by Penelope Farmer (creation myths compilation)

* Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

* The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

* Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

* The Psychedelic Experience by Timothy Leary

* People:

* Hugh Lupton (storyteller) - Show: "When the Morning Stars Sang and the Angels Shouted for Joy"

* Merlin Sheldrake (mycologist and author)

* Locations:

* Cai Mabon, Wales (storytelling retreat location in Snowdonia foothills)

Upcoming

Next Episode: Sarah's friend Dagan Robinson will join for music and conversation

Retreat Opportunity: Creation stories as ritual landscapes retreat (September 26th -28th ) 2 spaces remaining at time of recording)

Closing Blessing

"May you feel the stars around you wherever you are. May you feel the living, breathing earth under your feet wherever you are."

Support the Show

This podcast is supported by Patreon subscribers who make Season 2 possible. Sarah expresses deep gratitude for this community support that allows her to continue sharing these mythic explorations.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

Seasonal Transitions & The Girl in the Forest

Host: Sarah Mooney, Storyteller

Episode Overview

An intimate, unedited recording exploring the emotional transition from summer to autumn. Sarah shares a story she wrote six years ago about a girl in the forest learning to navigate seasonal change, alongside reflections on aging, creativity, and preparing for winter's introspective season.

Key Themes

* Seasonal Transitions: The challenge of letting go of summer's energy and embracing autumn's slower pace

* Intergenerational Wisdom: Learning from elders and becoming guides for younger generations

* Creative Anchoring: Finding stability as an artist without traditional structures

* Natural Cycles: Aligning personal rhythms with nature's patterns

Featured Story: "The Girl in the Forest"

A tale about a young woman seeking guidance from her grandmother about whether to hibernate like forest creatures or migrate like birds. Their journey leads to an encounter with an antlered goddess who teaches about life phases and the connection between earth and stars.

Poetry Corner

"The Wild and Free" by Layla Bearchild - a poem about embracing uncertainty and staying connected to life's burning vitality.

Upcoming Events

* End of the Road Festival: Sarah will be storytelling

* "Can Mabon" with Sally Pom Clayton, Hugh Lupton, Eric Madden, and Sharon Jackstees

* Soul initiation Through Myth Retreat Limited to 13 participants, focusing on personal mythology and winter preparation

* Working with word prayer and ritual

* Creating personal creation stories

* Mending and making, art and crafting

26th to 28th September Wales

Reflections

* On being told "I want to be like you when I'm old" - the responsibility of modeling vibrant aging

* The metaphor of wrapping summer experiences around oneself like a cocoon

* Creating personal creation stories for inner growth during winter months

* Drawing inspiration from Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass"

Contact: Reach out to Sarah if interested in the Wales retreat (limited spaces available) [email protected] 0784259410

Flyer by Jay Raine

Background Photograph Briony Plant

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahmooney.substack.com