the name fiery skull diaries is inspired by an old russian fairy tale, vasalisa the beautiful, as told by dr. clarissa estés in her bestselling book, women who run with the wolves.
vasalisa is the story of a young girl learning to hear and trust her intuition. near the end of the tale, she is given a skull with fire inside to light the dark, unknown path and guide her safely where she needs to go.
of the skull lantern, dr. estés writes,
“this light can differentiate layers of personality, intention, and motives in others. it can determine consciousness and unconsciousness in self and others. it is the wand of knowing. it is the mirror in which all things are sensed and seen. it is the deep wild nature […] by the light of the fiery skull, we know.”
suddenly, as i read that for the first time, i had language for something i’d known about deep down my whole life; i just hadn’t always known to listen to it. i’d never learned to value this wildish, instinctive wisdom. worse, i’d learned to avoid and ignore it – because like an actual fiery skull, that “deep, wild nature” is a little scary. sometimes a lot scary.
fiery skull diaries is where i share my journey as i learn to listen more and more to MY fiery skull. to be more intuitive and less prohibited. to understand my needs and take in only what will nourish me. to see things as they are. to be who i AM.
“if you have ever been called defiant, incorrigible, forward, cunning, insurgent, unruly, rebellious, you’re on the right track. wild woman is close by.”
fiery skull diaries 
Old Russian fairy tales are just so yummy!
yes they are! one of the hands-down-best classes i took in college was about the history of fairy tales (emphasis on german/european fairy tales and the grimm brothers).
My dad (an old Russian) read me the Grimm Brothers version of Cinderella before the Disney version. I was three! And terrified.
oh my gosh, i bet! i was terrified when i learned the “real” cinderella story at age TWENTY-three!
What a nice site, appreciate your words… ;-)
thanks for stopping by!
Hi Vanessa,
I love the title of your blog. I read that book but many years ago and forgot that story.
Interesting for me to note that our blogs are about the same thing (photography, travel, food) and yet they’re so different.
Fun! :)
RPRT Photo
Just realized I had forgotten to reply to your comment! Thanks for stopping by. I enjoy your photos!
I’m honored that we share the same thought processes. :) Lovely blog, and you are so adorable…. :)
i’m honored and thankful that you have found more freedom to write (and publish) your thought processes. i can’t say how relieving it is to know that someone else goes through the same complicated processes when, say, visiting a coffee shop. ;]
I was drawn to your blog by the Gravatar statement: i’m so adjective, i verb nouns. It says all. And many other things I like here. Thanks for posting
Hey girl, Remember me? :)
We discussed Aspergers last year, was just curious how that was going in your life at the moment? I haven’t been on here very often to be as connected with people as I like :( But you did spring to mind, Hope life’s treating you well.
Maria x