In this multi-episode series, we explore the ancient fairy tale "The Handless Maiden," collected by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, through the lens of astrologer and mystic Jessica Davidson's brilliant online essays. The story follows a young woman whose father, in a desperate deal with the devil, sacrifices her hands for wealth and convenience. Her subsequent journey through the forest in search of healing reflects the "dark night of the soul" process—a transformative period where individuals confront their deepest wounds and emerge renewed. Through this series, we'll read each of Jessica Davidson's articles as we uncover the tale's profound themes of betrayal, loss, and redemption, exploring how it serves as an archetypal guide for healing and transformation. By understanding the characters as aspects of our own psyche, we'll see how "The Handless Maiden" offers valuable insights into reclaiming our feeling nature, healing old wounds, and finding wholeness in times of darkness.
Covered in Part 4 (Final Episode): In this last and final episode of our series, we explore the final chapters of "The Handless Maiden" through the themes of "Wandering and Waiting" and "Inner Marriage." In "Wandering and Waiting," the queen, now with silver hands and a newborn child, is forced to leave the castle due to the devil's manipulative schemes. She returns to the forest, guided by an angel to a cottage bearing the sign "Here All Dwell Free." Here, a maiden in white cares for her every need. For seven years, the queen lives in solitude, regaining her instinctual nature and reconnecting with her soul. Her tears of devotion to her child lead to the miraculous regrowth of her hands, symbolizing her reclaimed sovereignty and authentic touch on life. In "Inner Marriage," the king returns from war only to discover his wife and child missing. Devastated, he wanders the forest for seven years, veiling his face in grief. Finally, he arrives at the cottage where the queen resides and, guided by spirit, is reunited with his wife and son. This sacred marriage represents the harmonious union of the conscious and unconscious, where the king and queen embody a balanced partnership of the masculine and feminine within the psyche. Join me as we uncover how this final episode reveals the transformative journey of the king and queen, their seven-year wanderings through the forest, and the union that brings their fractured souls back together. We'll discuss the profound archetypal themes of healing, rebirth, and the sacred marriage, culminating in the ultimate integration of the self through the dark night of the soul.
SELECTED READING: “The Handless Maiden: Healing a Dark Night of the Soul” (online essay series by Jessica Davidson – accessible via https://jessicadavidson.co.uk/.)
CONNECT WITH ME + CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To dive deeper into these themes and explore more of my original work, follow my other podcast, Back From The Borderline, on your favorite podcast player or visit backfromtheborderline.com. You can also connect with me on Instagram @backfromtheborderline, where I share my favorite reads, tools, and all things inner alchemy.
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