The article explores the concept of wisdom as a feminine deity throughout history, tracing its lineage from the Neolithic era to the Middle Ages. It discusses various incarnations of the wisdom goddess across different cultures, including Neith in pre-dynastic Egypt, Athena in Greece, and Sophia in Judeo-Christian traditions. The shift from wisdom as a goddess to Christ as Logos in the Christian era is highlighted, along with the resurgence of the concept of Sophia in medieval times through the Grail legends, the Knights Templar, and other gnostic movements. The article also touches on the personal seasonal experiences of the author and their connection to the goddess Brigid.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that provides clues to early cosmologies, beliefs, rituals, and ways of life. It is considered one of the first attempts by humans to order their view of the world, aligning with natural elements like the sun and moon. The article suggests that understanding Stonehenge can help those of European ancestry uncover and potentially reclaim their religious traditions and cosmologies.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez reflects on the symbolic significance of the New Year, drawing inspiration from poets and mythological figures. She shares her personal journey to Australia, motivated by love, and describes her life in the subtropical bush. Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of kindness, love, and self-renewal, and invites readers to support her work through paid subscriptions. She also announces upcoming online events and expresses gratitude to her readers.

Winter has enveloped Devon in snow, prompting a retreat into stillness and quiet. Inspired by a poem from the thirteenth-century Persian poet Hafiz, the author shares a song and extends warm wishes for the Solstice, Christmas, and New Year. The presence of Ella, a puggle, adds a touch of warmth to the narrative.

The article discusses the ongoing genocide in Gaza, highlighting the severe impact on Palestinian civilians, particularly children. It criticizes the Israeli Occupation Forces for their brutal actions, including mass abductions and mistreatment of Palestinian men. The author condemns the lack of coverage in Western media and the double standards in reporting on hostages. The piece emphasizes the need to change the narrative around Palestinian men, showcasing their cultural and intellectual contributions. It calls for a humanistic approach to resolving the conflict and restoring the dignity of Palestinians.

Gabriela Gutierrez explores the role of imagination and storytelling in shaping cultural and political ideologies, particularly focusing on the Western portrayal of the Middle East. She discusses how political agendas use narratives to create 'otherness' and dehumanize groups, drawing parallels with historical instances of such rhetoric. Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of returning to a more metaphorical and imaginative worldview, critiquing the modern tendency to idolize rather than symbolically interpret religious and cultural icons.

The article explores the ancient custom of ritual lament, a practice primarily performed by women to express and transmute grief. It highlights the cultural significance of lamentation in various traditions, such as keening in Ireland and ululation in the Middle East, and its role in maintaining emotional balance. The author reflects on the current genocide in Palestine, urging readers to engage in collective grief and activism. The text emphasizes the importance of expressing vulnerability and grief as a means of healing and transformation.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, highlighting the historical and current struggles of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. It criticizes Western support for Israel and calls for solidarity with Palestinians, describing the situation as genocide and ethnic cleansing. The author shares personal experiences and urges readers to reconsider their perspectives on the conflict, emphasizing the need for justice and human rights for Palestinians.

The narrative explores the author's personal reflections on her grandmother's dementia, interwoven with the historical context of the Spanish Civil War and Franco's dictatorship. The author grapples with the complex emotions of returning to her conservative hometown, Santander, and the legacy of her family's involvement in the Falangist movement. The piece delves into themes of memory, identity, and the paradoxical nature of love and repulsion towards one's roots. The author also reflects on the broader implications of forgetting and the redemptive quality it can hold.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez introduces her new Substack publication, 'Under a Fig Tree,' which will feature her essays, poems, independent research, and personal writings. She aims to inspire readers by exploring myth, imagination, and ancient history. The publication offers both free and paid subscription options, with paid subscribers receiving more frequent content and additional benefits such as discounts on online courses and access to an exclusive online salon called The Imaginarium. Gutierrez expresses gratitude to her subscribers and looks forward to sharing her work.

Explores the figure of Dionysus, one of the most ancient and misunderstood gods of the Greek pantheon, comparing him to the Spanish concept of Duende. The essay delves into the pre-patriarchal teachings of ecstasy and longing as forms of encountering the divine, highlighting the author's personal experiences and research. The piece is praised for its vivid, authentic, and well-researched narrative.

Digital higher education is emerging as a crucial tool for inclusion, offering flexible and rapid training in technical skills that meet the evolving demands of the job market. Initiatives like Laboratoria, Platzi, and Hola Code are providing valuable opportunities for individuals, including marginalized communities, to enhance their employability and achieve better economic outcomes. The pandemic has accelerated the need for digital skills, with many turning to online education to adapt to new employment landscapes. Success stories of individuals like Raquel, Magenta, and Francisca underscore the transformative impact of digital education on personal and professional lives.

Palestine, one of the oldest human settlements, has a rich history dating back to 10,000 BC. The region, known as Canaan in the Bronze Age, was a significant trading hub and home to the Canaanite civilization. The Canaanites worshipped the Great Mother Goddess Ashtareh and her consort Baal. Over time, their religious practices evolved, with Yahweh replacing Baal. The article explores the historical and cultural significance of Ashtareh, drawing parallels with other ancient deities and highlighting her enduring legacy. It also touches on modern movements, such as a 2016 women's peace march in Israel.

The author reflects on the significance of a mango tree outside her window, drawing parallels between its cycles and her own creative process. Living a hermit life in the Australian bush, she finds inspiration in nature and expresses gratitude to her subscribers for enabling her to focus on writing. The piece delves into the importance of personal experiences and the imagery that shapes her work, emphasizing the connection between the human imagination and the natural world.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez shares her experience of being interviewed by Gabriel Thomas Stevens on his podcast Drifting Cloud Press, where they discussed the concept of duende, a mysterious force in Spanish culture that influences poets, dancers, and bullfighters. The conversation touched on Lorca's works, the cult of Dionysus, and the presence of duende in Sufi poetry. Gutierrez recommends reading Lorca’s 'In Search of Duende' and 'Conferencias' for those interested in the topic.

The essay series delves into the imagination within various worldviews, inspired by the author's postgraduate studies with mythologist Martin Shaw and poet Alice Oswald. It reflects on how the western world has distanced itself from the concept of angels, which have become confined to religious iconography and lost their connection to worldly things.

The article highlights the exceptional quality of Ippudo’s plant-based ramen served on All Nippon Airways (ANA) flights, particularly in their business class. The author praises the ramen for its taste and texture, comparing it favorably to ground-based options. The collaboration between ANA and Ippudo brings restaurant-quality vegan ramen to the skies, catering to passengers with dietary restrictions. ANA’s head chef, Seigou Mori, explains the challenges of preparing in-flight meals and the innovative solutions they employ to maintain flavor and presentation. The airline's commitment to inclusivity and quality extends to all passengers, offering a variety of special meals.

Gabriela M Gutiérrez reflects on her time spent at the Morrab Library in Cornwall, describing it as a sanctuary that has provided solace and inspiration during challenging times. She discusses the transformative power of creativity, the role of doubt in personal growth, and the importance of embracing uncertainty. The piece is interwoven with literary references and personal anecdotes, emphasizing the significance of libraries as spaces for contemplation and imagination. Upcoming events and courses are also announced, including the Bee Women Program and seasonal ceremonies.

The article reflects on the life and legacy of Don Luis, a Catholic priest known for his custodianship of an ancient incunabulum and his defiance of dogmatic Catholicism. It discusses the significance of elders in preserving cultural heritage and knowledge, contrasting them with modern authority figures. The text also touches on the impact of losing such elders and the importance of maintaining knowledge lineages. The narrative is interwoven with personal reflections and historical context, emphasizing the fragility of life and the transformative power of death.

The article explores the concept of the heart as an organ of imagination, beginning with a quote from Rilke and referencing Tom Cheetham's book 'Imaginal Love'. It emphasizes the importance of internal reflection and the imaginative process.

The article explores the concept of modern spirituality and its tendency to amalgamate various cultural and historical belief systems, often without understanding their original contexts. It discusses the historical events that led to the spiritual amnesia in the Western world, such as the Indo-European invasions, Mycenaean invasion of Crete, Roman suppression, and the medieval Inquisition. The author argues that this blending of spiritual traditions risks repeating colonialist mindsets and suggests that reconnecting with one's own cultural heritage could provide a more rooted and meaningful spiritual experience.

Nakatsu, a town on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, is renowned for its high-quality karaage, attracting tourists nationwide. The town's reputation is built on fresh, local chicken marinated in secret recipes and fried to perfection. Generations of chefs have fine-tuned their methods, resulting in a variety of unique flavors. Nakatsu's success is highlighted by its performance in the Karaage Grand Prix, where shops are judged on multiple criteria. The article also features notable karaage shops like Moriyama, Agedokoro Bungoya, Toriyoshi, and Irotoridori, each offering distinct and flavorful fried chicken.

Between the eighth and fourteenth centuries, Islamic Mystics developed a sophisticated worldview that significantly influenced Western thought. The Islamic world of the Middle Ages was advanced in various fields, including philosophy, architecture, navigation, irrigation, poetry, art, mathematics, and technology, contributing major advancements that are often overlooked in favor of ancient Greek contributions.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez reflects on her recent visit to her family in a village in the mountains of Granada, Spain. She describes the profound connection to her homeland, the slow pace of rural life, and the traditional practices that are becoming rare. The narrative highlights the cultural and personal significance of these experiences, particularly the ritual of watering the land using ancient irrigation methods. The text serves as a tribute to a way of life that is gradually disappearing.

Explores perceptions of the poet Lorca, integrating personal translations and reflections within a broader series on the Imagination in various cultures and schools of thought.

After enduring a challenging winter in Devon, the author finds solace in the bright mountains of Andalusia, Spain. Reflecting on her personal journey and spiritual experiences, she draws parallels with various mythological and religious traditions, emphasizing the importance of initiatory experiences and rites of passage. The narrative explores themes of transformation, loss, and renewal, ultimately highlighting the role of beauty and love in achieving self-understanding and inner peace.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez shares insights from her dissertation on women's seership and prophecy, emphasizing the importance of non-invasive healing arts and non-dogmatic spiritual teachings. She discusses her background in the healing and oracular arts, her training with shamans, and her ongoing practice of remote oracular work. Gutierrez aims to contribute to the scholarship on ancient spiritual practices and their relevance today, highlighting the role of oracles in pre-Christian European communities.

The article is a deeply emotional and subjective tribute to Aaron Bushnell, a US Airforce serviceman who self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in protest of the Palestinian genocide. It draws parallels to other acts of extreme political protest, such as Rachel Corrie's death, and emphasizes the moral and civic duty to remain vigilant and active in supporting Palestinian rights. The narrative is interwoven with reflections on the role of writers, the importance of bearing witness, and the interconnectedness of human suffering. The piece calls for continued activism and awareness until Palestine is free.

Winter is depicted as a powerful, transformative force, personified by the Cailleach, an ancient figure in Gaelic mythology. The narrative explores the symbolism of winter as a time of struggle and renewal, drawing parallels with mythological figures like Pandora and Brigid. The author reflects on personal experiences of illness and discomfort, suggesting that these challenges can lead to growth and regeneration. The text emphasizes the importance of embracing the hardships of winter as a necessary phase before the rebirth of spring, encouraging a deeper understanding of the cyclical nature of life and the gifts hidden within struggles.

The article discusses the author's perspective on the integration of intellectual and experiential knowledge in ancient spiritual practices, contrasting it with the modern separation of the sacred and the mundane. It critiques the monotheistic worldview for creating a divide between the divine and human realms, arguing that this separation empowers a select few at the expense of the greater whole. The author draws on archaeological evidence and poetic insights to support the idea that ancient societies viewed the divine as an integral part of everyday life.

A section from Gabriela M. Gutierrez's dissertation, The Bee Cult in Greek Myth and Ancient History, focusing on the bee priestesses of pre-Hellenic Greece. This piece is part of her ongoing research and is available to paid subscribers.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez reflects on her transformative experiences over the past year, including her MA studies and dissertation on the Bee Cult in Greek Myth and Ancient History. She announces the start of a monthly newsletter on Substack, which will include writings, course announcements, and poetry. Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of retrieving ancient wisdom through both intellectual and experiential methods, aiming to bridge academia and shamanism. She critiques both New Age feminism and solely academic approaches, advocating for a respectful and holistic study of women's wisdom traditions.

Explores the significance of holy elixirs and ritual beverages in Celtic mythology, focusing on their believed transformative qualities. Discusses the role of the Well Maidens and the Waters of Wisdom within these traditions.

Gabriela M. Gutierrez shares a story inspired by a dream about the Cantabrian peoples of Northern Spain, from whom she is descended. The story, sparked by a historical fiction called 'El Ultimo Soldurio', highlights the Cantabrians' veneration of the yew tree and their unique traditions. The Cantabrians, known for valuing freedom, had warriors who carried a poisonous sap from the yew tree into battle to avoid capture by the Romans. Similarly, their female shamans, who were spiritual leaders, would use the sap in a ceremonial death to pass on their power to a descendant.

The article continues the author's exploration of prehistoric caves in Southern France and Northern Spain, sharing personal experiences and insights into the meaning and creators of cave art.

In Mexico, prisons built and managed by some of the wealthiest and most powerful businessmen, such as Carlos Slim and Olegario Vázquez Raña, are so expensive that each inmate can cost the country more than the president's salary. The privatization initiative, started by former President Felipe Calderón, was intended to reduce corruption and improve prison conditions but has resulted in a lucrative business for a few. The current administration under Andrés Manuel López Obrador has not indicated plans to change this model. The contracts, which are confidential for 12 years under the guise of national security, have been criticized for their lack of transparency and the excessive costs associated with the privatized prisons. These facilities are often underutilized, leading to overcrowding in some cells, and have been found to be more violent than government-operated prisons.

The sports clubs market in Mexico is growing steadily, presenting a valuable platform for brands to reach fitness-conscious consumers. The global fitness industry, with 51 million members, generates $81 billion annually. Key players in the market include the U.S., Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Mexico. Mexican gym chains like Sports World and New Evolution are forming advertising partnerships with brands such as New Balance, Puma, Kappa, Under Armour, Powerade, and Innovasport. The market in Mexico shows significant growth potential, with current penetration at 3.2% compared to 17% in the U.S. and 16% in Canada. The demographic is expanding to include younger and older adults and those with lower incomes, indicating further opportunities for alliances and sponsorships.

Laura Carrera Lugo, coordinator of the Police Development System (Sidepol) under the National Security Commission, emphasized the need for empathetic police officers who understand community dynamics rather than better-armed officers. Speaking at the Women's Forum in Mexico City, she highlighted the issue of violence in marginalized areas, particularly in Acapulco, Guerrero. Melina Risso, director of Brazil's Suo Peace Institute, echoed the sentiment, stating that security is not solely a police issue and that violence is a systemic problem.