177. The Heavenly Mother Renascence with Hester Murdock

In this episode, Meg Rittmanic invites Hester Murdock back to explore the cyclical nature of the Divine Feminine through the lens of the Snow White fairy tale and what she is terming the "Heavenly Mother Renascence" in Mormonism. They discuss the historical context of the Divine Feminine's rise and fall, the importance of acknowledging the deaths of feminine movements, and the journey towards spiritual independence. The conversation emphasizes the need for gradual change as well as acute awareness in understanding the Divine Feminine's role in contemporary spirituality. This conversation delves into the complexities surrounding the Divine Feminine, particularly within the context of Mormonism. It explores historical perspectives, cultural misunderstandings, and the challenges faced in recognizing and integrating the concept of Heavenly Mother within a patriarchal institution. The discussion highlights issues from co-optation to cannibalization, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming and understanding the narrative surrounding the Goddess with eyes wide open, hearts prepared to grieve, and confidence to take the next steps; whatever those may be for each individual.

In this enlightening conversation, Robin Young shares her spiritual journey and the importance of understanding and coming to know Heavenly Mother. She discusses her exploration of ancient texts, the role of women in theology, and how Christ's teachings reflect a feminine perspective. The conversation emphasizes the need for a renaissance of the Divine Feminine in spirituality, healing relationships, and awakening the divine within ourselves.Visit Robin's website, seeherclearly.com for more from Robin and to register for her upcoming class, "Discover the Divine Mother".

Fixed it!Jess Burdette adds Heavenly Mother into General Conference quotes from the October 2025 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you long to hear references to the Goddess in the talks of modern-day church leaders, then this episode is for you! Jess finishes the episode by reading an original poem, then sharing a testimonial for the Marco Polo and Facebook chat community accessible via the podcast's Patreon. Join us at patreon.com/InHerImagePodcast for just $2 or $4 per month.

In this episode, Jess Burdette engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sydney Gibbons about the upcoming "I Am She" festival at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah focused on divine womanhood and spiritual connection. They discuss the importance of creating a collaborative and inclusive space for women to explore their divine selves, share personal experiences, and foster community support. The conversation emphasizes the significance of connection in spiritual journeys, the power of co-creation in event planning, and the healing that comes from being present with one another. Listeners are encouraged to follow their hearts and seek out their communities.Visit divinewomanfestival.org for details on the event.Follow instagram.com/iamshe_adivinewomansfestival on InstagramPlease visit patreon.com/InHerImagePodcast to support the podcast.

In this conversation, Meg Rittmanic and Hester Murdock delve into the rich layers of the Snow White story, exploring its themes of the Divine Feminine, personal transformation, and the cultural significance of fairy tales. They discuss how the narrative serves as a roadmap for healing and empowerment, while also addressing the power dynamics represented by the Wicked Queen. The importance of community and connection is emphasized, as well as the cyclical nature of women's struggles throughout history. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the relevance of Snow White's story to contemporary societal issues and the ongoing quest for the Divine Feminine.HESTER MURDOCKHester is a storyteller, writer, and facilitator who has been working in the spiritual arena with women for 13 years. Her work focuses on reclaiming and healing the feminine through the narrative and story. She is also an accomplished performance artist. In 2017, she performed Carol Lynn Pearson’s play about the divine mother, ‘Mother Wove the Morning’ in the Provo Canyon. At the end of that summer she won a national award for oral storytelling. She’s performed on several stages, facilitated many circles, and is always happiest in the ocean.https://open.substack.com/pub/selkieandtheruby/p/the-scheherazade-cycle?r=2n5zyz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueChapters00:00 The Importance of Stories in Healing30:19 Snow White: A Matriarchal Myth32:30 Lessons from Snow White: Trust and Betrayal33:21 Processing Trauma Through Storytelling35:46 Invitations to Engage with the Story36:20 The Story of Snow White Begins54:22 The Wisdom Gained Through Experience58:15 The Role of the Seven Dwarfs01:02:33 Exploring the Depths of Spirituality01:03:51 The Dwarves: Symbols of Inner Wisdom01:07:58 Complex Narratives: Avoiding Oversimplification01:13:03 The Power of Community in Overcoming Darkness01:18:41 The Divine Feminine: A Historical Perspective01:18:55 NEWCHAPTER01:23:17 Cycles of the Divine Feminine in Society01:31:37 Transformation and Resistance to Change01:37:40 Outro music.wav

In this episode, Meg Rittmanic, Jessica Woodbury, and Jess Burdette explore the significance of rituals in personal and community life. They discuss various definitions of rituals, their importance in spiritual practices, and how they can foster connections among individuals and communities. The conversation delves into different types of rituals, including religious, personal, and healing rituals, and emphasizes the empowerment that comes from creating one's own rituals. The hosts share personal experiences and examples of rituals that celebrate milestones, teach values, and promote healing, highlighting the transformative power of these practices in women's lives.patreon.com/InHerImagePodcast

In this conversation, Laurisa Paul shares a deeply personal journey of coming to know Heavenly Mother through transformative experiences in her own body. After struggling with body image issues for years, she had a life-changing, unmedicated birth that awakened her to the sacred power and divine nature of her body. This experience led her to explore and honor the Divine Feminine, heal her relationship with herself, and ultimately create Girls Who Know®—an organization that empowers teen girls to understand, love, and trust their bodies. Guided by a sense of spiritual purpose, she now helps girls recognize their inherent strength, creative power, and the sacredness of being female.https://www.girlswhoknow.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Larisa Paul and Her Journey01:37 Discovering the Divine Feminine04:42 The Impact of Motherhood on Self-Discovery08:06 Founding Girls Who Know10:24 Transformative Effects of the Organization12:57 Empowering Young Girls Through Education14:04 The Structure and Impact of Classes18:33 Personal Growth Through Teaching21:23 Messages of Empowerment for Girls25:01 Connecting and Building Community

In this episode of In Her Image, hosts Jess Burdette and Jessica Woodbury announce a summer break for the podcast, reflecting on their journey and the impact of their conversations. Jessica shares her decision to transition away from the podcast to focus on new opportunities in social work, particularly in supporting vulnerable women in Utah. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude and an invitation for listeners to engage with the community through Patreon during the break.patreon.com/[email protected]

In this enlightening conversation, Meg Rittmanic hosts Douglas and Fiona Phillips, a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage. They discuss the profound partnership in their relationship, the spiritual depth of Fiona's art. The couple shares personal challenges, including a health crisis in their family, and how they navigated these together. Fiona's passion for mental health awareness is highlighted through her art, and they explore the symbolism in her painting 'Firstborn,' depicting Heavenly Mother and Father. Doug shares a poetic reflection on divine design, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the roles of both Heavenly Parents in our lives. In this conversation, Meg, Doug, and Fiona explore the themes of love, compassion, and the divine feminine, particularly focusing on the role of Heavenly Mother in their lives and relationships. They discuss the foundational principles that have allowed their marriage to flourish over 50 years, acknowledging the diverse experiences of others in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of agency, personal growth, and the evolution of understanding within the Church regarding Heavenly Mother, while also recognizing the need for voices to speak out about these experiences.Fiona Phillips is a retired art professor, proud mom of five, and grandma to 13 wonderful grandkids. She is blessed to be married to Douglas, the love of her life! Originally from England, she moved to California with her family when she was just a pre-teen. Her art studio focuses on themes of water, women, nostalgia, and spirituality. One of her standout projects focused on raising awareness of the stigma surrounding mental illness was shown at DSU, Art Access Gallery and the OMA. She created 50 large portraits of adults, teens, and children, many of whom were personally affected by mental health challenges. Fiona’s paintings explore themes of faith, our relationship to our Heavenly Parents, and our equality as children of God. Her work has been featured in three International Art Exhibitions by The Church. her paintings and poetry have been published in The Ensign, Liahona, and Exponent II magazines. Most recently Fiona has shown with the Oceanside Museum of Art, the Restore Conference, the Compass Gallery and galleries in California.She’s earned numerous “Best of Show” awards and has had solo exhibits in Utah, California, Nevada, and Arizona. She has also earned two master’s degrees—an MA in Humanities/Art and an MFA in Visual Art.Dr. Douglas Phillips is a multifaceted individual whose journey blends faith, music, medicine, and a deep connection to his roots. Born and raised in Southern California,Douglas joined the Church of Jesus Christ when he was 18 then embarked on a mission to Spain, an experience that deeply influenced his personal and professional life. Shortly after his return he was married to Fiona, his high school sweetheart.Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Phillips was immersed in the music scene, playing piano and writing songs for a pop music group. This creative outlet honed his discipline and collaborative skills, which would later serve him well in his medical career.He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , followed by radiology specialty training at the University of California, San Francisco.Now retired, Dr. Phillips enjoys life in Southern California, where he continues to explore his passions and contribute to his community. His unique blend of experiences offers a rich perspective on the intersections of faith, creativity, and medicine.Douglas and Fiona have served 2 senior missions together, a member/leader service mission in a Spanish Ward in West Valley UT and as the Area Mission Medical Advisor and Assistant serving the 9 mission units in Southern California.https://fionabphillips.com/https://fionabphillips.com/faith/https://www.patreon.com/c/InHerImagePodcast

In this episode, host Jessica Woodbury and guest Stefanie Reinsch explore the themes of Mother God, personal identity, and the struggles of being a single woman in a family-oriented faith. Stefanie shares her journey of connecting with the divine, her experiences with mental health, and the importance of women's voices in spiritual discussions. The conversation delves into the significance of acknowledging Heavenly Mother, the role of aunties, and the empowerment that comes from understanding one's purpose beyond traditional expectations. Through personal stories and insights, they highlight the need for change within cultural narratives and the celebration of womanhood.