Goddess, Witch, Woman

In this episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we descend into the glass coffin and meet the most famous witch of them all — the Evil Queen of Snow White.Drawing from Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Maria Tatar, Sandra Gilbert & Susan Gubar, and ancient goddess myths, we explore what lies beneath her envy: the ache of aging, the inheritance of silence, and the shadow of the mother.We go deep in:The mirror as patriarchal gazeAdolescence and menopause as mirrored initiationsThe Queen’s hunger and transformation into the HagThe symbolism of the apple, comb, and lacesHera and Hebe as mythic parallelsThe enduring allure of the Evil QueenListen if you love: fairy tales, mythic psychology, women’s archetypes, feminist storytelling, or Jungian depth work.Subscribe: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

A dark fairy tale becomes a mirror. We explore the witch of Hansel and Gretel as an archetype of hunger, danger, and initiation. 🔮 Featuring Baba Yaga, devouring mothers, historical witch hunts, and Gretel’s fire of transformation. Includes myth, analysis, and prompts for reflection.📚 References & inspirations:The Interpretation of Fairy Tales by Marie-Louise von FranzThe Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales by Bruno Bettelheim The Great Mother by Erich NeumannFrom the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers by Marina Warner (I've got an autographed copy + a selfie with Marina, I'm a nerdy fan girl, excuse me) The Complete Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, an edition by Jack Zipes Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) Index – Tale Type 327A - For those who like to go deep into folklore: ATU 327A is the tale type classification for "children lost in the forest who encounter an ogre or witch." This site has an excellent index: https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/type0327.htmlWitches, Witch-Hunting, and Women by Silvia Federici💌 Subscribe to my newsletter at for more myth, ritual, and audio blessings: https://mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

In the shadowy forest of Slavic folktales, Baba Yaga waits — death crone, devourer, and initiator. In this episode, we journey through her myths, symbolism, and archetypal wisdom. Why does she frighten us? What does she demand? And what do we gain if we pass her tests?We explore the tale of Vasalisa the Wise through the lens of Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, look at the origins of Baba Yaga’s name, her connection to death, nature, wild wisdom, and why she still matters — maybe more than ever.🔮 Featuring:– Myth and analysis of Vasalisa the Wise– Origins and etymology of Baba Yaga– Archetypal initiation and the wild feminine– Symbolism of spinning, fire, skulls, and ritual tasks– Folktales, folklore, and fierce grandmothers📚 References & inspirations:• Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés • Baba Yaga: The Wild Witch of the East in Russian Fairy Tales by Andreas Johns • The Maiden King by Robert Bly and Marion Woodmanwonderful fiction:• Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Troubles / by Taisia Kitaiskaia • The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore • The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson💌 Subscribe to my newsletter at mariannaportela.substack.com for more myth, ritual, and audio blessings. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

What Makes a Witch? | Episode 12In this threshold episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we begin a new series. One that turns the spiral from goddess to witch — from devotion to accusation, from memory to myth.We trace her steps through folktale, persecution, and power. From Baba Yaga to Hecate. From bruxa to crone. From burning times to broomsticks.This is a remembrance of all she is: shadow and healer, heretic and wise woman. A witness to what was done — and what still stirs.Includes references to Silvia Federici, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Sharon Blackie, Jean Shinoda Bolen, and more.Mentioned books:– Caliban and the Witch by Silvia Federici– Hagitude by Sharon Blackie– Crones Don’t Whine by Jean Shinoda Bolen– Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola EstésWant to go deeper?🔮 subscribe to mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

What if your inner season doesn’t match the outer one? In this short, reflective episode, Marianna explores seasonal dissonance, mythic rhythm, and Persephone as guide of the in-between. A gentle permission slip for anyone feeling quiet in a loud world. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

This midsummer episode walks with Sulis, Celtic goddess of healing waters and solar fire. We explore the sacred spring at Bath, the Solstice's paradox, the Cancer New Moon, and offer a bath ritual for radiant healing. May Sulis meet you where fire and water touch. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

Goddess, Witch, Woman | ep. 10 - Hecate, archivist of grief, midwife of deathTW: pregnancy lossIn this final episode of the Hecate series, we meet her as Psychopomp — guide of souls, guardian of grief, Queen of the Dead. We explore her ancient names, her connection to the weasel, the Necromanteion of Thesprotia, and how she holds what the world forgets. Personal story, myth, and reflection woven into ritual. With love from the underworld.Please comment and share, so more people can find their way to the Goddess!Recommended Reading:– Hekate: Goddess of Witches by Courtney Weber– Hekate: Her Sacred Fires by Sorita d'Este- Restless Dead by Sarah Iles Johnston– Goddesses in Older Women by Jean Shinoda Bolen– Entering the Garden of Hekate by Cyndi Brannen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

This episode comes with a warning: if you listen too closely, you might start dreaming of magickal gates!In this second part of our Hecate series, we keep walking with Her. She carries keys. Garlic. Stories. And truth.We explore:– garlic offerings in the Deipnon– Hekate’s role in magical papyri and ancient texts– the myth of Bluebeard’s bleeding key– Pharmakeia, Circe, Medea, and plant witches– what it means to carry the key and choose to use itWe end with questions to guide your ritual, and a blessing for the ones who are ready — or almost ready — to turn the lock.Mentioned Books:Courtney Weber, Sorita d’Este, Cyndi Brannen, Jean Shinoda Bolen, Clarissa Pinkola Estés→ Subscribe at mariannaportela.substack.com→ Book a Goddess Oracle Reading at https://calendly.com/mariannaportela/100min→ Follow @healingstoriesforwomen on IG This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

Hecate of the CrossroadsIn this first episode of our Hekate series, we meet the goddess who walks beside us when the path is unclear. Part myth, part personal story, and part invocation, we explore Hecate’s role as guardian of the crossroads: the liminal, holy space where choices are made.We walk with Persephone, unravel patriarchal myths, and sit in the mess of personal grief and becoming.Sources & inspirations include:Hekate: Goddess of Witches by Courtney WeberHekate: Her Sacred Fires by Sorita d’EsteGoddesses in Older Women by Jean Shinoda BolenThe Homeric Hymn to DemeterFor full references and links, see the Substack post.🌑 Subscribe: mariannaportela.substack.com🔮 Book a Goddess Oracle Reading with Marianna: https://calendly.com/mariannaportela/100min This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

Episode 7: Inanna – Life, Death, and RebirthInanna returns from the Underworld, but not unchanged.This final chapter in her mythic journey explores resurrection, rage, sacred choices, and the cost of rising. I also share personal stories of my own descents and returns: through sobriety, miscarriage, motherhood, and migration.If you've ever come back from something without being mourned, this one is for you.Reflection questions offered at the end.Listen. Breathe. Begin again.—mariannaportela.substack.cominstagram: @healingstoriesforwomenYouTube: @mariannaportela This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

In this episode, we walk with Inanna as she chooses to descend into the Great Below.You’ll hear about:What it means for a Queen to give everything away, willinglyThe Seven Gates and the sacred stripping of power and egoThe figure of Ninshubur, the sacred monster who holds the memory of usHow the descent is not a punishment, but an initiationTeachings from Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés on death, shadow, and renewalPersonal reflections on the times we must allow ourselves to die a little, in order to live more trulyWe end in the dark. We let the silence hold. And we remember: death is not the end, but a becoming.Come sit with me there. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

Welcome to Goddess, Witch, Woman Episode 5Inanna, Bright Queen of Heaven & EarthIn this episode, Marianna Portela brings you into the mythic world of Inanna, one of the oldest and most powerful goddesses of ancient Mesopotamia.You’ll hear:• How Inanna seduced the mes (sacred tablets of wisdom) from the god Enki• A radical act of self-love as Inanna admires her vulva in the garden• The sacred tree story: Lilith, the Anzu bird, and the exile of the wild feminine• The words of Enheduanna, high priestess and the world’s first known author and her hymn The Exaltation of Inanna• A reflection on how patriarchy rewrote the goddess through mythologyThis episode is a poetic journey through myth, memory, and feminine power.📚 Books mentioned:Inanna: Queen of Heaven and Earth – Diane Wolkstein & Samuel Noah KramerInanna, Lady of Largest Heart – Betty De Shong MeadorThe descent is coming on the next episode... But first, we rise with her light.mariannaportela.substack.com | instagram: @healingstoriesforwomen This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

In Episode 4 of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we move from theory into practice, exploring what it truly means to walk Lilith’s path. Through ritual, reflection, and personal stories, we reclaim our voice, power, and wild authenticity. Lilith invites us to live, not just learn, her truths.Listen deeply and let your journey begin.Subscribe & explore more: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

In this bonus episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we gather under the April Full Moon — the Pink Moon in Libra — for a ritual of balance, sacred beauty, and breath.✨ We call in Aphrodite Ourania, celestial goddess of harmony and truth🌬️ We reflect on boundaries, beauty, and joy🕯️ We light a candle together, reclaiming softness as powerThis ritual is a reminder that balance is not about shrinking.It’s about returning to yourself.🌸 Materials (optional): Candle, a scent you love, paper & pen, mirror or bowl of water.💌 Subscribe for essays, rituals, and goddess stories: https://mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

In Episode 3 of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we explore Lilith and the Feminine Shadow—the parts of us labeled as too angry, too dark, too much. Lilith guides us into the depths, teaching us that our shadows are sacred, not shameful.🌘 Dive in, and meet the woman you buried long ago.Listen and read more: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

In this episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman, we meet Lilith: not the demoness of distortion, but the First Woman. I share stories, myths, and personal reflections on her exile, her anger, and the reclaiming of her power.🌑 This is a descent into the truth they tried to bury. And an invitation to meet the Wild Feminine within.Listen + read more at: mariannaportela.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com

🌑 Goddess, Witch, Woman Podcast - Episode 1 | Lighting the Inner FlameWelcome to the very first episode of Goddess, Witch, Woman—a podcast for exploring feminine wisdom, Goddess archetypes, moon magick, and empowering stories.In this episode, I (Marianna Portela) share reflections inspired by this week’s fiery Aries New Moon and transformative Solar Eclipse energy:In this episode:Understanding the powerful Aries New Moon & Solar Eclipse energy.Reflective questions to harness this transformative energy:What authentic parts of yourself are calling for courageous expression?What fears or limitations are you ready to release?How can you step boldly into your freedom and creative power?✨ Connect & Share:Share your intentions or reflections by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram.Subscribe and stay tuned for weekly episodes!YouTube video episodes if you like to watch!Enjoy the episode, and thank you so much for being here! 🌙InstagramSubstack This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mariannaportela.substack.com