'Becoming the Chalice' by Maya Luna has inspired this episode, as well as continuously inspiring Laura through her teachings and writings to embrace embodiment
In this deeply reflective episode, Laura takes us on a journey through the sacred rites of passage in the transition to becoming an embodied mother. She shares a moment of personal transformation that began on Imbolc, the 1st of February, when she entered into a new midwifery cohort, weaving her path of devotion to birth and motherhood. This marking of the year, the turning of the wheel, calls us to honour the body as our teacher and to embrace the creative life force that flows through us.
Through the story of an elder midwife, the symbolism of the rat, and the devotional practices of women across generations, Laura reflects on how we embody the sacredness of birth, creativity, and vitality.
This episode also dives into the importance of witnessing and being witnessed, allowing ourselves to express what is alive within us, and recognising that our bodies hold the mysteries of existence.
Tune in as Laura shares poetry, reflections, and insights that are deeply rooted in her own journey from martyrdom to becoming an embodied mother.
Together, we explore the beauty of being fully present in our bodies, transmuting energy through creative expression, and embracing the changes that life brings.
This episode is dedicated toWhapio from The Matrona, whose wisdom and teachings continue to inspire and guide the path of many women and their communities, holding space for all of us to honour the sacredness of birth and the power within our bodies, and to be the wise women we were born to be.
Praise and spotlight to
Maya Luna
https://www.deepfemininemysteryschool.com
IG @thevenuspath
Whapio and the Matrona
https://www.thematrona.com
IG @whapio_and_thematrona
You can contact me by email lauraguinnane@gmail.com
IG @lauraguinnane
Substack https://substack.com/@martyrtoembodiedmother
Laura is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, holistic birth practices, and cyclical living. With a background in yoga and a deep connection to the feminine, she has journeyed through a transformative path of healing from both physical and emotional trauma. Laura’s personal experiences, including her journey through an intense, unmedicated homebirth that turned into an emergency caesarean, have led her to explore and share the importance of women reclaiming their bodies, voices, and power.
Currently, she is studying under the guidance of an elder midwife, aiming to deepen her knowledge in holistic birth midwifery. Laura’s mission is to support women in making informed, empowered choices for their births and beyond, offering a space for healing and self-discovery through Birth Story Medicine and other transformative modalities.
