The Storyteller's Apothecary
Monthly Stories
Mythopoetic Circles
Folklore Immersions
Winter Storytelling Retreat
In the Storyteller's Apothecary, we gather to reawaken our mythic imagination and deepen into our own journey through poetry, folklore, and storytelling. We share old stories and new stories. We practice the art of mythopoetics. We let stories work on us and inspire us to remember our own magic. We engage in writing as a sacred ritual and as a portal to Soul. In 2025, we will host ongoing virtual circles, seasonal folklore immersions and a winter storytelling retreat.
2025 Writing & Story Circles
Poetry-Inspired Writing Circle: The Language of Soul
*VIRTUAL*
April 22, 2025
7pm - 9pm ET
Access: $20
There is something magical about how poetic language (myth, song, prose) can more fully describe our longings, curiosities, fears, and mystical experiences than the ways of our modern language. The art of mythopoetics not only provides a tool for more soulful sharing, it can also be a portal into deeper connection, meaning, and belonging.​
While many of us may not consider ourselves to be poets, anyone can be poetic with practice! During this gathering we will tap into this mystical, magical way of engaging with life, nature and Mystery and see where this wild language wants to take us... we'll read poetry, work with a few writing prompts and enjoy an evening of creativity together.
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This gathering is perfect for anyone who is inspired by poetry or wants to learn to work with poems in a soulful way. No experience or specific talent is needed.
2025 Stories & Videos
January Story (2025)
Grandmother {Wolf} Spider
Told by Michelle Rigling
Mythopoetics & Storytelling
with Michelle Rigling, PhD
February Story
The Fox Woman
Told by Martin Shaw
Immersions & Retreats
The Storyteller's Apothecary Retreat
December 5 - 7, 2025
Join us under December's Storytelling Moon for a weekend of writual, seasonal enchantments, and fireside storytelling.
“If your daily life seems of no account, don’t blame it; blame yourself that you are not poetic enough to call forth its treasures.”
-Rainer Maria Rilke
Questions & Curiosities
Do I need writing experience?
Absolutely not! We are not focused on technique here and we spend a good bit of time breaking the rules. Come stir up some trouble with us!
What is Writual?
Engaging in writing as a ritual = writual. We honor writing and storytelling as a pathway to a more soulful life and as a way to explore the stirrings, callings, and curiosities of heart and soul.
What does mytho-poetic mean?
A mythopoetic approach is about deepening and re-enchanting one's life through poetry, myth, and imagination. Mythopoetic language recognizes that our modern style of communicating lacks the mystical and soulful lexicon of older times and encourages us to engage in a deeper, more ancient way of conversing. Thinking and speaking mythopoetically connects us to the natural world and inspires us to notice the wild and magical invitations already present within our own lives.
What happens at a virtual circle or workshop?
Virtual circles and workshops are typically inspired by a story we have shared, or they focus on a specific mythopoetic technique. The facilitator will offer reflections or a teaching related to the theme and then guide writing and/or storytelling activities. A variety of deepening practices may be weaved into the experience such as visualization, mirroring, active imagination, or song. There is an opportunity to share our own stories and we usually end with a soulful and stirring poem.
What happens at an Immersion?
Immersions are an opportunity to experience and engage with the themes of a myth or story through actively interacting with Nature, Mystery and Soul. Immersions offer a blend of wild wanders in nature, council circles, reflective activities and (of course) storytelling. Immersions are more intense and, well, immersive than a retreat.
What happens at the Storytelling Retreat?
Our annual storytelling retreat will be cozy, restful and enchanting. There will be folklore themed meals, writing circles and other creative activities, plus a Winter Solstice inspired evening of fireside storytelling.