<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Neurodiversity Media Network: Riding the Wheel of the Year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Neurodiversity Media Network proudly presents Riding the Wheel of the Year with Karina Blackheart. In this year-long series, we’ll examine how to live seasonally, and rhythmically, regardless of where you live, or what kind of seasons you live with. Bonus meditations and workbooks for paid subscribers.]]></description><link>https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/s/riding-the-wheel-of-the-year</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!7KU7!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ffaaf34ff-2bf7-46a3-96b8-29ff30e741e6_1080x1080.png</url><title>Neurodiversity Media Network: Riding the Wheel of the Year</title><link>https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/s/riding-the-wheel-of-the-year</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:14:47 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[neurodiversitymedianetwork@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[neurodiversitymedianetwork@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[neurodiversitymedianetwork@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[neurodiversitymedianetwork@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Spring Equinox]]></title><description><![CDATA[Episode 3: Riding the Wheel of the Year w/ Karina Blackheart]]></description><link>https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/p/riding-the-wheel-of-the-year-ep-3</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/p/riding-the-wheel-of-the-year-ep-3</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2024 20:00:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/23ee1ea6-a59d-4285-8bf0-1af9e6abe4a5_420x300.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Join us on a journey through the Wheel of the Year as we welcome the arrival of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, where the balance of day and night signals a shift towards brighter days. Together with our esteemed guest, Karina Blackheart, we discuss the importance of tuning into the subtle changes in nature that mark this seasonal transition. Embracing a personalized approach, we consider how we can incorporate our own ancestral traditions and local environment into celebrating these eight pivotal times of the year. By taking personal, environmental, and cultural inventories, we invite listeners to discover patterns that resonate with their lives and use this awareness to enrich their planning and celebrations, linking spirituality with the rhythm of daily life.</p><p>As the world spins in turmoil, we emphasize the need for self-inquiry and balance, exploring how our core values can be an anchor amidst chaos. The conversation leads us to consider the influence of media, the importance of mindful consumption, and the role of climate change in shaping local traditions. Listen in as we discuss the significance of grounding ourselves and nurturing a connection to the land, while adapting rituals that hold true to our present reality. The dialogue opens up avenues for finding peace and joy by knowing oneself and standing firm in our beliefs and practices.</p><p>Witness the magic of the equinox with us, a fleeting moment of balance that brings the thrill of spring's renewal. We share insights on the energy of this season and its impact on growth, both in nature and within ourselves. Learn about the simple yet profound practices of spiritual cleansing, such as a salt bath, to rejuvenate for the season ahead. We also dive into the art of magical practices, highlighting how true magic lies within and can be expressed through the simplest of tools. Furthermore, we touch on the profound effects of healing ancestral trauma, emphasizing how our personal growth can positively affect our lineage and future generations. Listen as we reflect on the broader implications of our actions and the spellbinding power of setting intentions for a life of abundance and fulfillment.</p><p>(00:02) Understanding the Wheel of the Year</p><p>(11:07) Deep Dive Into Self-Discovery and Balance</p><p>(24:46) Embracing Change and Spiritual Cleansing</p><p>(38:14) Embracing Magic and Nurturing Future Generations</p><p>(50:40) Healing Ancestral Trauma and Magic</p><p>(00:02) Understanding the Wheel of the Year</p><p>This chapter welcomes the approach of the Spring Equinox, or Ostara, a time when day and night are equal and the wheel of the year turns towards longer days. I reflect on the subtle changes in light and air that signify the season's shift, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to these nuances. We explore the idea of creating a personalized, hyper-local, and culturally relevant approach to celebrating the eight seasonal shifts of the year, moving beyond the neo-pagan framework often associated with the wheel of the year to include our own ancestral traditions and the specifics of our current environment. I discuss the significance of personal, environmental, and cultural inventories in recognizing patterns in our lives, such as health, abundance, and projects, and how this awareness can inform our planning and celebrations. Through this, I suggest that our spirituality is intertwined with our daily existence, and by mapping our personal wheel of the year, we can live more harmoniously with the seasons and our own cycles.</p><p>(11:07) Deep Dive Into Self-Discovery and Balance</p><p>This chapter examines the necessity of self-inquiry and grounding in the face of the world's current turmoil. I share insights on how our faith and values can provide stability and discuss the benefits of the meaty workbooks designed to guide listeners through such personal exploration. We touch on the importance of staying informed yet critical of the media's influence, and the significance of being mindful about what we consume, both physically and mentally. Additionally, we explore the connection to the land and the impact of climate change on local traditions, emphasizing the need to adapt and create new rituals that resonate with our present circumstances. Throughout the conversation, the overarching theme is finding peace and joy amidst the chaos by knowing oneself and standing firm in one's beliefs and practices.</p><p>(24:46) Embracing Change and Spiritual Cleansing</p><p>This chapter captures the enchantment of the equinox, a time when balance is a fleeting moment, and the excitement of spring's approach. We explore the traditions and symbolism of the equinox, such as the practice of balancing an egg, and discuss how balance is not a static state but a dynamic process akin to walking a tightrope. I share insights on the importance of the equinox as a time of renewal and growth, reflecting on how the energy of spring propels us forward. We talk about the process of planting seeds, both literally in the garden and metaphorically in our lives and businesses, acknowledging the cycle of dreaming, planning, and acting that aligns with the seasons. Furthermore, I touch upon the necessity of spiritual cleansing during this period, suggesting simple practices like a salt bath to slough off the remnants of winter and rejuvenate for the coming season.</p><p>(38:14) Embracing Magic and Nurturing Future Generations</p><p>This chapter examines the natural shift in cravings and behaviors as seasons change, highlighting a personal inclination towards green foods like kale, spinach, broccoli, and the benefits of nettle tea as a cleanser. I discuss the importance of listening to our bodies for cues on what to eat and how to care for ourselves. Additionally, we explore the return of movement and the desire to be outdoors, participating in activities like walking the dog or preparing the garden, emphasizing the value of sunlight for natural vitamin D production. The conversation transitions into simplifying magical practices, stressing that magic is more about who we are rather than what we own or do. I share insights on the commodification of the craft and the power of embodying our magic, using everyday items like a plate or a knife as tools, and casting spells in any setting without the need for numerous objects. This approach encourages us to recognize and utilize the magic within ourselves and the natural environment.</p><p>(50:40) Healing Ancestral Trauma and Magic</p><p>This chapter examines the impact of personal healing on our ancestral lineage and future generations. I share insights on how addressing our own trauma can prevent its transmission to our children and beyond, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness in this process. We reflect on the notion that all time may be occurring simultaneously, suggesting that our actions now could be influencing our descendants in real-time. We also consider the cultural shift from focusing solely on personal advancement within capitalism to pondering what is truly enough for a fulfilled life. The concept of personal responsibility is emphasized, extending to our loved ones, communities, and those we will never meet. I also touch on the power of setting intentions for prosperity and the necessity of defining what comfort means on a practical level to cast effective spells for abundance.</p><p>Paid members get access to the meditation and workbook, below:</p>
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   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Brighid]]></title><description><![CDATA[Episode 2: Riding the Wheel of the Year w/ Karina Blackheart]]></description><link>https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/p/riding-the-wheel-of-the-year-ep-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/p/riding-the-wheel-of-the-year-ep-2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 02 Feb 2024 03:58:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/a88713ee-c2ba-42ec-a065-618178275acb_420x300.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Unlock the mysteries of early spring's cultural tapestry with Karina Blackheart and me, as we celebrate the Feast of Brighid and its spellbinding blend of traditions. Our conversation meanders through the historical significance of this festival, from the lambing season to Candlemas and the curious customs of St. Blaise's Day. Delight in the stories we share about the authenticity and relevance of local practices, and how we can reinterpret and reclaim February's festivities, including Ash Wednesday and Mardi Gras, in ways that resonate with our contemporary lives.</p><p>Join us on a thoughtful exploration of the goddess Brighid, as Karina enlightens us on her transformative influence over life's cycles. We honor the sacredness of water, recognizing its vital role from the Irish springs to our local wells, and address the impact of a changing climate on seasonal markers. Our dialogue underscores the significance of staying connected to the physical world and integrating gratitude and reverence for natural resources into our daily spiritual practice.</p><p>As we transition into February's creative energies, we examine the incremental increase in daylight and its inspiration for launching new projects and nurturing creativity. Whether you're an artist, writer, or just seeking to infuse creativity into your daily routine, this episode offers guidance on honoring the transformative energy of the season. We also share winter culinary tips, reflecting on the warmth of curries and soups, and discuss how cultural and ancestral foods shape our dining experiences. Embrace the power of personal transformation with us, as we provide insights into the practical steps you can take for personal growth and the magic of seasonal meditation.</p><p>(00:01) Feast of Brighid and Catholic Roots</p><p>(10:19) Deity and Sacredness of Water Exploration</p><p>(25:51) Transitioning and Embracing Creativity in Spring</p><p>(36:30) Winter Blessings for Water, Fire, Self</p><p>(44:22) Exploring Seasonal Foods and Overculture Impact</p><p>(58:55) Winter Solstice Season and Transformation Meditation</p><p>(00:01) Feast of Brighid and Catholic Roots</p><p>This chapter, we ride the Wheel of the Year and celebrate the Feast of Brighid, also known as Imbolc or Candlemas. Karina shares her preference for calling it the Feast of Brighid and why the term resonates with her personally, focusing on creating a practice that is authentic and locally relevant rather than adhering strictly to traditional or widely used names. We discuss the etymology and historical context of these celebrations, including how Imbolc relates to the lambing season and how Candlemas involves the Christian practice of blessing candles. She recounts an amusing anecdote about an encounter with a local druid and touches upon related feast days, such as St. Blaise's Day, with its unique throat blessing ritual. Additionally, we consider the broader season of February's festivities, including Ash Wednesday, St. Valentine's Day, and the Mardi Gras carnival, highlighting their significance and how we can reinterpret and reclaim these traditions in our contemporary practices.</p><p>(10:19) Deity and Sacredness of Water Exploration</p><p>This chapter focuses on the significance of the goddess Brighid in relation to natural patterns and transformation, particularly during this seasonal time. I discuss Brigid as a multifaceted deity overseeing various aspects of life, from the forge to midwifery, and her role in the transformative processes inherent in nature. We touch upon the sacredness of water, comparing the reverence for springs in Ireland to the appreciation of local water sources like wells, and the interconnectedness of water to life and tradition. Additionally, I highlight the importance of staying grounded in the physical world, especially as we observe the changing climate and its impact on traditional seasonal markers like the equinoxes and solstices. The chapter emphasizes gratitude and reverence for natural resources, as well as the spiritual practice of connecting with and honoring elements like water in our daily lives.</p><p>(25:51) Transitioning and Embracing Creativity in Spring</p><p>This chapter focuses on the significance of February as a transitional period, marking the shift from winter's restful phase towards the onset of spring. I examine the challenges of travel during winter and the symbolic importance of starting to implement intentions and goals that were set during the quieter months. Emphasizing the energy that comes with gradually increasing daylight, we explore the preparation for planting and creating, despite the ground still being frozen, as a metaphor for initiating projects and cultivating creativity in various aspects of life. This time is also about recognizing the creative work we do, often without acknowledging it as such, and honoring the transformative energy of the season, embodied by the figure of Brigid, associated with creativity, inspiration, and transformation.</p><p>(36:30) Winter Blessings for Water, Fire, Self</p><p>This chapter explores the significance of connecting with and blessing the elements that support our daily lives, such as water sources, pipes, and appliances like water heaters and pilot lights. I share the idea of engaging in modern paganism by appreciating and caring for these elements. We also touch upon the importance of inspiration for creative endeavors, suggesting lighting a candle to ignite the creative process, especially for writers and artists. The discussion then shifts to personal growth, encouraging introspection about transformation and healing, and the practical step of scheduling health-related appointments. Lastly, I share my culinary preferences during this season, emphasizing the desire for warming foods like curries and soups over cold dishes, reflecting the body's need for warmth during colder times.</p><p>(44:22) Exploring Seasonal Foods and Overculture Impact</p><p>This chapter we explore the comfort and creativity of winter cooking, discussing how an immersion blender can transform less favored vegetables into delightful soups, and we touch upon the idea of eating according to one's ancestral diet. We consider how cultural and seasonal foods, like those during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, can influence our culinary choices. We also discuss the significance of comfort foods found in novels, and how they can inspire our meals during the colder months. Additionally, we reflect on the impact of the overculture on our lives during this time of year, particularly regarding tax season and the consumerism around Valentine's Day. We share personal preferences for foods like fermented fish and small salty fishes, while acknowledging the joy of experimenting with diverse cuisines to break the monotony of traditional winter fare.</p><p>(58:55) Winter Solstice Season and Transformation Meditation</p><p>This chapter explores the energetic shift from the winter solstice towards the onset of spring, marking a period of heightened activity and the ignition of intentions set during the solstice. We share insights on how this time is about taking the dreams and beginning the process of bringing them to fruition, setting the stage for action by the spring equinox. We discuss the importance of rituals and meditations tailored to these seasonal transitions, designed to harness creativity, healing, and transformation. We also highlight that these resources, including a workbook with reflective questions and activities, are available whenever needed, not just seasonally. </p><p>Paid subscribers can download the meditation and the workbook below.</p>
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   ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Winter Solstice]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch now (70 mins) | Episode 1: Riding the Wheel of the Year]]></description><link>https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/p/riding-the-wheel-ep-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://members.neurodiversitymedianetwork.com/p/riding-the-wheel-ep-1</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Briar Harvey]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 22:43:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/690e2557-c485-494e-9ca6-ca3f4e1ba0b4_420x300.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Y&#8217;all. When I tell you how excited I am about this show&#8230;.</p><p>One day, <span class="mention-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Karina BlackHeart, The Crone Herself&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:1846609,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;pub&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://open.substack.com/pub/karinablackheart&quot;,&quot;photo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/789daae5-8e4e-4fd6-8f5d-d33fa88e2905_1080x1080.png&quot;,&quot;uuid&quot;:&quot;98295f76-f4b5-43c2-9409-07306376bfba&quot;}" data-component-name="MentionToDOM"></span> and I were in the <a href="http://briarharvey.com/catalyst">Catalyst (aff)</a> workroom together, talking about what her new masterclass was going to be about.</p><p>The problem was, that while we definitely <em>were</em> doing a masterclass, neither of us had any idea what it should be about. We&#8217;d both tossed around several ideas, but nothing felt quite right for the Network, or right for her in terms of capacity.</p><p>That&#8217;s because a huge part of working with the Network is that we&#8217;re not just adding another burden to your workload. I always want our time together to feel effortless. Because that&#8217;s when I get the best stuff from you.</p><p>And then the gods walloped me on the back of the head.</p><p>If you&#8217;ve ever been tapped by the divine, then you know what I&#8217;m talking about.</p><p>I absolutely cannot take credit for this idea. I just channeled it.</p><p>And I said, &#8220;Karina. What if we did the Wheel???&#8221;</p><p>Then we both started crying, and Riding the Wheel of the Year was born.</p><p>For the next year, we&#8217;re going to meet up on every high holiday, with a message, just for you.</p><p>A message, and for paid subscribers, a meditation, and a workbook.</p><p>What we want you to know is, the Wheel belongs to you.</p><p>Wherever you live, in whatever space or climate you occupy, you can make the turning of time belong to you. This is the oldest magic in the world, and it belongs to all of us by birthright. You can live in harmony with your surroundings.</p><p>Today, on the shortest day of the year, we turn our attention inwards.</p><p>Today, we journey to a place where who matters more than when.</p><p>Today, we&#8217;re bringing in the light.</p><p>I hope that you will join us.</p><p></p>
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