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Maria Souza

Comparative Mythologist

Maria Souza is a comparative mythologist based in Australia. With over 7 years of experience, Maria is the founder of Women & Mythology, guiding women on a journey to rediscover their true selves through the power of myths, fairy tales, and folktales. Maria is the host of the Women and Mythology Podcast and the author of Wild Daughters, a mythopoetic work that offers inspiration to women. She has also designed thoughtful courses and workshops, focusing on adult learning and exploring myths from both eastern and western traditions. Her Women Who Run With The Wolves Program has hosted hundreds of women across 30 countries. Maria has an advanced training certificate in Applied Mythology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute and a postgraduate degree in Comparative Mythology from the Dédalus Institute.

Education

  • MA Ecology and Spirituality, University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Professional Achievements

  • Author of Wild Daughters, a mythopoetic collection of poetry that explores the archetypal and symbolic initiations of women’s lives
  • Featured as part of the Joseph Campbell Foundation’s MythMaker℠ Podcast Network, where she hosts the Women and Mythology podcast
  • Served as a consultant for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) and spent seven years working in the Brazilian Amazon alongside Indigenous communities, contributing to cross-cultural dialogue and preservation of oral traditions
  • Taught internationally and developed a wide range of offerings, including online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs that support women in reclaiming mythic sensibility and integrating ancestral stories into their personal and professional lives

Certifications & Organizations

  • Yale University - Journey of the Universe: The Unfolding of Life, Feb 2017

Favorite Piece of Advice

Let the story work on you before you try to work on the story. In mythology, it’s often the quiet listening, the symbolic seeing, and the willingness to be changed that opens the deepest insights. Trust that the wisdom lives not just in the tale, but in the way it stirs something ancient and true within you.

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Co-authored Articles (16)

The Ultimate Guide to the Gods & Goddesses of Norse Mythology

Every Norse god + their meanings, symbols, & powersThor and Loki get a lot of attention within the ''Marvel Cinematic Universe'', but they’re really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Norse gods (and goddesse...

The Minor Goddesses of Greek Mythology

Learn the stories of these lesser-known goddesses Whether you recently visited Greece or are an avid fan of the ''Percy Jackson'' novels, ancient Greek mythology continues to fascinate followers up to the modern day. You...

25 Major Deities in Japanese Mythology

Learn all about Japan’s most powerful gods & goddessesThere are plenty of gods and goddesses in Japanese mythology, whether they be from the Shinto religion or Buddhist religions. The number of ''kami'' (gods & goddess...

65 Mythological Dogs from Folklore & Legends

Canine mythology from Greek legends, Celtic folklore, & moreDogs may be man’s best friend, but in many cultures, they also play an important role in mythology and folklore. In some myths, dogs are guardians who protect...

Are Neptune and Poseidon the Same God? Myths & History Made Easy

Learn the origin stories of the sea gods Neptune and Poseidon When you’re reading Roman and Greek mythology, it’s easy to see how Neptune and Poseidon are similar. Sometimes, people use their names interchangeably, e...

An Introduction to the Centaur and Minotaur of Greek Mythology

Learn the stories of the iconic Minotaur and centaurs from the Greek mythsIf you’re new to Greek mythology, you might be wondering what the differences are between the Minotaur and the centaur. Both end in -taur, so ho...

Introducing the Kappa: The Mythical River Spirit of Japanese Folklore

Dive into the origin myth and folklore surrounding the Japanese kappaAmong the many mythical creatures and spirits in Japanese folklore, the kappa is one of the most well-known. This creature, which resembles a reptile ...

How to

Study Greek Mythology

The stories of Gods and mortals created by the Greeks thousands of years ago are all around us still today, from terms like “Oedipal complex” and “Pandora’s box” to Hollywood movies like ''Clash of the Titans''...

34 Cool and Creepy Monsters from Native American Mythology

From shape-shifting witches to evil spirits, we’ve got it allNative American culture is rich with lore and legend—including plenty of scary monsters. Some of them are familiar figures in pop culture, like Bigfoot, th...

Who Is Zeus’ Wife? His 7 Marriages, Explained

Plus, discover Zeus’ numerous affairs and their impact on mythologyThe King of Mount Olympus, the ruler of thunder and lightning, the God of the Sky: Zeus is one of the most important and famous figures in Greek mythol...

15 Popular Chinese Myths, Gods, Legends, and Folktales

The stories, gods, and creatures that shaped ancient ChinaChinese history spans nearly 5,000 years and includes many rich, influential myths that have shaped Chinese culture and society into the present day. In this arti...

What Was Zeus' Personality Like? (And Other Facts about the Greek God)

Learn the qualities, stories, and myths behind the almighty deity Zeus, Greek god of the sky and ruler of all the other gods, was a lot of things—all-powerful, brave, jovial, quick to anger, merciful, and of course, pr...

A Guide to the Celtic Goddesses: Legends and Lore

Discover famous and forgotten Celtic goddessesCeltic mythology is rich with powerful female deities. These goddesses tend to be complex and multifaceted, often represented by numerous symbols. We took a deep dive into Ce...

18 Terrifying Myths & Urban Legends from Mexico

Learn popular Mexican legends like La Llorona and the ChupacabraIf you’re looking for a spooky way to pass the time during Halloween, Day of the Dead, or your average sleepover, there are a ton of haunting Mexican urba...

40 Native American Myths, Their Meanings, & Common Themes

Including Indigenous stories of trickery and transformationAre you interested in knowing more about the fascinating world of Native American myths? They include everything from creation myths and animal myths to stories ...

Everything You Need to Know About Kelpie Myths & Their Origins

Exploring kelpies through Scotland’s traditional folklore & artFolktales can be enchanting, terrifying, and everything in between—especially legends about Scotland’s mythical kelpies. As shapeshifting water spirits...