Then again, if it's love you're after, or love you have lost, come to the fig, always the fig. — Elif Shafak (2021) The Island of Missing Trees
Hello and welcome.
It is a bright and crisp autumnal morning and I am in Paris. The cafe where I write is nestled into a cobble stoned street and the dappled light of a chestnut tree ripples over my table, reaching towards me like a dream. I’m reminded of Rumi when he writes ما تبحث عنه يبحث عنك - loosely translated from the Farsi as, “that which you seek is seeking you.”
It is from this place, amongst ripples and shadow, that I begin Under a Fig Tree, my Substack. This will be an archive of my essays, poems, independent research, stories, reflections and pieces by other writers who are my muses and whom I hope will embroider your heart as they have done mine.
This is not a newsletter. It’s a ritual.
Under a Fig Tree is where I share my research, writing, and reflections on the ancient, the animistic, the feminine, and the mythic.
What You’ll Find Here
Mythic essays and poetic reflections
Field notes from my research into ancient spiritual traditions
Audio rituals, guided practices, and dreamwork prompts
Invitations to live gatherings, Q&As, and seasonal events
Honest letters on the creative process and the path of sacred work
Some of this will be free for all. Much of it will be held for paid subscribers—those who feel called to help sustain this work and make it possible.
So why subscribe?
There is a free version and a paid version of this publication. Please note my writings in the free version are more infrequent.
All my pieces have an audio recording for those of you who prefer to listen like a podcast.
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
Every first Sunday of the month, you will receive a monthly newsletter with reflections on myth, the imagination and/or ancient religion, some occasional personal musings, and a poetry offering. In that newsletter, you will also be the first to hear about any of my upcoming events, courses and lectures.
As well as the free monthly newsletter, I will occasionally share a free piece of writing every now and then as a token of gratitude.
PAID SUBSCRIPTION
As well as the monthly newsletter to begin each month, as a paid subscriber you will receive a piece of writing every Sunday (sometimes fortnightly).
You will receive 10% off all my online courses (please just let me know you’re a paid subscriber when you’re signing up to one).
Becoming a paid subscriber directly supports my fieldwork and independent research while giving you full access to my findings. If you have been taking my online classes, the paid publication may be of particular interest as it will give you further access to my scholarship on the wisdom traditions of pre-patriarchal lost lineages in Europe and the Near and Middle East.
All my work is reader-funded, so a very special thanks to subscribers who pay for my publication!
Why Support?
Because tending this fig tree takes time, heart, and labor. By becoming a paid subscriber, you’re helping this work exist outside the pressures of algorithm and urgency. You’re also supporting a vision of knowledge that is embodied, relational, and liberatory. A vision where ancient wisdom is not just preserved, but lived.
I hope you will consider joining me here.
With every good and fruitful wish,
Gabriela
Such a beautiful introduction and invitation. It feels like I’ve dipped my toe into the river of your creation. ♥️
Inspiring. Inviting. Sensual.