The Creative Fire: Myths and Stories on the Cycles of Creativity

by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

In Search of La Chispa: The Elemental Source of Your CreativityAn expanded edition of the classic on creativity by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, this spoken-word masterpiece guides you through the dark labyrinths of the psyche in search of "la chispa" the ember that is the elemental source of all creative work. Dr. Estes teaches about the hidden aspects of creativity, including the negative complexes that prey upon creative energy. The Creative Fire includes many special insights for people who create for a living: artists, writers, teachers, and others who must depend on their creative instincts every day."

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Writing, Self Help, Audiobook, Art, Spirituality

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

An American poet, psychoanalyst and post-trauma specialist who was raised in now nearly vanished oral and ethnic traditions. She is a first-generation American who grew up in a rural village, population 600, near the Great Lakes. Of Mexican mestiza and majority Magyar and minority Swabian tribal heritages, she comes from immigrant and refugee families who could not read or write, or who did so haltingly. Much of her writing is influenced by her family people who were farmers, shepherds, hopsmeisters, wheelwrights, weavers, orchardists, tailors, cabinet makers, lacemakers, knitters, and horsemen and horsewomen from the Old Countries.

Reviews

[Mary Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to this in the audio version. These stories speak directly to the "wounded creative" in your pscyhe and free you to begin living more authentically. "Creativity" does not just mean "the arts". It means being free to follow your own inklings and inspirations daily, in large and simple ways. Creativity helps you interrupt the status quo, break free of confining habits, and give yourself permission to experiment more with your life. Perhaps you'll end up doing something "just because you feel like it!" I listen to this one at least once a year.

One of my favorite quotes from the CD:

"When people do not create, they become ill. Perhaps not sick in body, but certainly in spirit. Creativity is a lot like excrement. It needs to be excreted from your psyche on a regular basis or it poisons you. That is the absolute truth. Whatever your creativity is, shoveling snow or caring for a child, you must do it. You must do it on a regular basis. You must be using your life, living your life, from your creative center every day. If it backs up, it hurts and pollutes you."

The author is a highly skilled Jungian analyst and storyteller.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonated in a very positive and powerful way. I would definitely recommend it to any who are curious about the creative process or who who seek to understand themselves or the world on a new level. It is also possibly very useful to those who are doing inner work on themselves and resonate with the themes in the writing. Insightful and engaging, linking myth to the human psyche through story and archetypes. If you’re ready you can find many nuggets of wisdom in it for yourself. The audiobook is an added bonus as Ms Estes has a wonderful warm and calming voice and she is an excellent storyteller!

[Farzana Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on audio book, read by the author. Glorious!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started listening to this as I was preparing a Eostre/Spring Equinox celebration of creativity. I love the way Estes tells stories - her renditions of the Demeter & Persephone tales were very moving for me, as was the story of The Corpse Bride. I will be listening to the series again, to hear what I missed the first time.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just went through this for the tenth time... audio. Lovely to hear her voice read these words. A truthful account of the creative process, and about taking care and honoring your very real muse....

If you can listen to it on audio!

[Murshida Va · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still of the of finest resources available when working with the process of opening creativity, and awakening awareness of and/or healing the relationship between creativity and addiction.

[Alison Stegert · Rating 4 out of 5]

"An interesting look at Jungian psychology and how to apply it to the creative life." That description makes it sound b-o-r-i-n-g. It's not! This is no dry, academic ramble; it's more like a tete-a-tete with your favourite aunt. The organic format features exposition interspersed with stories, vignettes, and poems. The audio sounds raw - breathy and 'close,' which lends a refreshing immediacy, almost as if we were sitting in a cozy den, sipping hot chocolate, and talking heart to heart. Even though she speaks slowly and clearly, there is a lot to take it and ponder. It's the kind of thing that invites re-listening. It appears there is no physical book, only an audio recording, which is a shame. I'd like to take a highlighter to the material and do some cross-referencing.

[Oscar Cecena · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the narration is great. Clarissa’s voice is soothing and filled with wisdom. I felt like she was sharing her knowledge as she spoke directly to me.

I found it interesting how Clarissa talks about “la chispa” (which translates as “the spark”) and how she ties it to Jung’s psychology. And she does that simultaneously as she tells the story of Demeter and Persephone and the Corpse Bride.

I think this is one of the best resources available to work on the creative process and “heal” the wounded creative inside all of us. I will, for sure, keep this at hand and listen to it every time I’m facing a situation where I don’t think I can write.

[Sophie Maria Wojna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was a perfect audiobook to listen to on my long run today. Reminding myself that creativity is a fire within us we much cherish, that there is a reason for the ebbing & flowing of our inspiration, and that we need to love the good and the ugly of all our creative endeavours. Highly recommend this as a quick but beautiful read✨

[Lastoadri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clarissa is influenced by the Greek mythology and Mexican folk stories. It is nice to read. But I don't recommend. Something is off putting with the translation.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5’dan 4

Yaratıcılığın doğası ve döngüleri üzerine aydınlatıcı bir kitap.

[Annette Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if this exists in print form, but absolutely, 100%, if you have the option to do so, you should listen to the audiobook read by the author. It really adds that extra punch that makes the whole thing that much more impactful.

I feel like I want to have this on in the background for the rest of my life. Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes tackles that spark of creative fire that artists and anyone with creative energy might have, and introduces us to four allegories that help describe and illuminate that spark.

I’ve read a LOT of books on the craft of writing, and now that I’ve listened to this, I’m wondering why more people don’t try to appeal to writers in STORY form so that they can really understand what’s being conveyed. Because holy hells was this EFFECTIVE. Of course metaphors will live more permanently in a writer’s brain. Of course we’ll appreciate the emotional impact of something more when it’s told to us in narrative form. I honestly wish all books on craft were written like this.

Dr. Pinkola Estes is a truly inspired writer and narrator, and if you’ve ever once felt like our current society isn’t formulated to nurture artists, you should listen to The Creative Fire. You won’t regret it.

[RachelvlehcaR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing audiobook. I can't find the actual book anywhere. Just the audio format of it. I'd love to read this book and highlight the hell out of it. It's one of those books to read over and over to be reminded of the importance to embrace yourself.

I am a huge fan of mythology of all kinds and I enjoy how Estes teaches with mythology and uses the characters to make her points. It makes the learning more enjoyable and to help me see the tales in new eyes.

I highly recommend the book and would like everyone to listen to it. A friend shared this with me and I'm so grateful about it. I'm now a major fan of Estes and will be seeking out her books in whatever format they are available in.

[Nikki Coffelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

this woman is other worldly.

how would i review "the creative fire?" phenomenal, genius.

i am officially smitten with both audiobooks (particularly those stories read in such a sacred way!) and clarissa pinkola estes.

and shhhhhh don't tell anyone but i have decided to apprentice myself to her. it is very unofficial, of course ;)

this *particular* set of stories and teachings is very helpful for all artists as well as those already in the process of (or feeling thwarted and desiring to) breathing more vitality into and becoming dynamic creators of their own lives! highly recommended for all.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a brilliant read. I have always wanted to read Pinkola Estes but have put it off and now I just want to read all of her books. This short book talks about different tales that represent the pieces of our psyche and how they can work to keep us from our most creative selves. Profound and entertaining, I think this book is a brilliant look into the creative mind.

[Redfawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm listening to this for the second or third time. I love anything Clarissa Pinkola Estes publishes and her teachings about creativity through story have given me a better understanding of the natural and unnatural rhythms of creativity.

[Mily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Especially interesting for artists and writers.

Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD is BRILLIANT.
I've enjoyed every single book (and audio CD's of her talks)
She is a Junian Analyst and progressive thinker.

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book on audio and listened while driving. Was so immersed that I would sit in parking lots not wanting to turn it off when I reached a destination. I will listen again soon to soak it all in again!

[Claire France · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to the ideas of Jungian psychology and it seems a bit 'out there' to me.
That not withstanding, I absolutely loved this book. It brought a palpable sense of awakening and awareness, excitement and discovery.
I think it's an audio book I'll listen to many times.

[Shannon Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great one to listen to. I can’t honestly say I “read” it in that sense. The author is an amazing storyteller who creates a warm space in your mind where you are out of time, a child by the firelight. Don’t read it. Hear it. She’s a master.

[Valerie]

This is one of the most powerful creative tools!! I can listen to it over and over. A true "must" for artists.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinkola Estes rises again with superior insight and guidance!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely useful and told in a familiar tone; I can't get enough of this book!

[Elle Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must have addition to your personal library.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listening to her on an audiobook is so he Best, her reading brings to life her her stories miss and legends, delightful.

[Pinar · Rating 3 out of 5]

yağmurlu bir sonbahar günü okuması/dinlemesi olarak başarılı buldum. Clarissa P.Estes çeşitli mitler/hikayeler üzerinden yaratıcılığın döngüleri üzerine konuşuyor.

[Ivette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a MUST for artists. Loved every second.

[Ioana Colfescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it.

[(Alice) Aley Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing! Love love love

[Claire Cote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audio of this and really enjoyed her reading/telling of it. Many helpful concepts. I will be revisiting it.