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Our Story

The tale of Suibhne Geilt or “Mad Sweeney” comes to us from a medieval Irish manuscript and is sourced as far back as the 9th century. A warrior king driven mad by a saint’s curse, Sweeney spends years wandering Ireland, never able to rest or find a home. Marisa Goudy’s version of the tale is inspired by Seamus Heaney’s translation of the epic poem, Sweeney Astray.

Our Guest

Dr. Michaelene Ruhl has been a psychotherapist in private practice for over 14 years and is the founder of Constellation Healing Arts where she holds safe and sacred space for people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and other life challenges. She also supports folks who have experienced plant medicine journeys via integration sessions.

This year, Michaelene is launching the Sacred Immersion Training™ Program, which   offers Healing Professionals the skills and insights they need in order to hold safe and sacred for themselves and others, particularly on plant medicine journeys.

To learn more about Michaelene and her offerings, visit her website: www.constellationhealingarts.com

Find Michaelene on Facebook and on Instagram.

Our Conversation

• Michaelene, a psychologist and sacred healer, is like Saint Moling who welcomes Sweeney at the end of our tale. As a healer, you can’t save anyone, but you can hold their experience.
• The experiences of modern warriors and the difficult return home for veterans. Clinical trials for veterans with PTSD that include psychedelics
• Michaelene’s own journey with sacred plant medicine
• The story takes place in the period when Christianity began to eclipse paganism and the “old ways” of the Celtic, earth-based faith. We’re at another moment of great chance when it comes to faith and belief. At this moment, when we move away from organized religion, we can create a new relationship with our bodies, the land, and with the plants.
• Sweeney is a violent man who embodies “toxic masculinity.” And yet, he is also the sovereign of the land who is trying to fulfill the duty as king.
• Michaelene’s sacred blessing: We don’t have to take our journeys alone. We are far greater than any suffering we could perceive, endure, or experiences

Our Music

Music at the start of the show is by Beth Sweeney and Billy Hardy, a Celtic Fiddle and multi-instrumental duo based on Cape Cod, MA: billyandbeth.com

Join Us in the Heroine's Knot

The Heroines' Knot is an online community for creative creatures on the quest for self-expression & collective renewal. Learn more and join us.

1:1 Coaching Opportunities

Marisa offers 1:1