Ask Baba Yaga: Which Direction Should I Go In?

                                                                  Baba Yaga and Zarevich from Marya Morevna by Energiaelca1

This one is for those many people who are multi-talented, Jack-(or Jill)-of-all-trades, if you will. Though it sounds great to be able to do so many different things, not being able to decide what to focus on becomes the equivalent of a hamster wheel: lots of effort, continuous motion but never going anywhere. To put more effort into trying to focus is simply overwhelming, so: what to do?

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Hm. How do you let one fire, among others, get "too big", let it "threaten the forest"? Is this another definition of playing with fire? It is comforting to know that the "little fires" don't need to be abandoned though. That makes it easier to let it happen.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Forgive My Narcissistic Mother?

Alex Niño ? From United Komicks 1972

There's a reason therapists always ask about your parents - about your mother. Baba Yaga has some important words for those who had, or have, a very rough road with self-centered caretakers. 

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Poisoned hats.... *shudder* No wonder some people seem so unwell and don't seem to see the world, and events, in the same way as the majority.

This sounds very much in line with "whatever you think you become". The image of a leaking black ink hat is so very vivid though. To break a cycle sometimes the right visual helps you focus on stopping that pattern and this one would be a great boost in that direction.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Trust My Body Again?

Kelpie and skull from the book Faeries illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee

Health. Apart from children, it is said to be the greatest wealth we have. Most of us smile and nod, agreeing but never does this truth become so plain as when it - and your expected future years - are threatened. It doesn't have to truly be a life-threatening issue to get you to see this, only for you to wonder (made worse if your doctors are also wondering), but there is a loose end that catches when you least expect it, after having your health threatened, and that is, you are hyper aware of your body. Every twinge, ache, abnormal signal, anything that you would have shrugged off before now send the cortisol pumping through your system as you wonder: "Is 'It' back?" How do you deal with that when you are more aware than ever that ignoring your body is exactly what not to do?

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

You will have noticed, it's not a Baba Yaga picture at the head of this post, but a kelpie. In this case however, I don't think she will mind. I have a feeling she has an affinity for these creatures, and in the case of 'emerging beasts and drowned boats' the kelpie is a great metaphor for those panic inducing sensations. After so many people urging you to "get on with life" after a serious health battle, it's refreshing to have Baba Yaga tell you that to ignore these (kelpies and signals both) isn't helpful, but that there is more to learn and to know in your 'lake'. We just need to keep our trigger fingers off the panic button as we listen.

As a bonus for today, remember our post from some years ago titled "If Baba Yaga Were A Horse..."? We still consider this a great tribute and, with kelpies on the brain, this image felt like it wanted another airing. (You can read the original post HERE.)

Baba Yaga by ELena Davydova (Lenika86)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Is It Possible To Be Kind Without Expecting Reciprocation?

Jan Pieńkowski

Kindness. Why do people take advantage and walk over you? A better question: what should you do about it? Baba Yaga has some ideas, I'm sure.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Tend to your garden, choose your company. You think that would be obvious. But how do you identify weeds? Is it so bad to see the flowers instead? I've always believed most people have the potential to flower, to show beauty, despite themselves. And isn't a weed, often only a weed because it's not in the right environment? But maybe that's the whole problem. I'm ignoring the essential nature.

This is going to take some re-training...

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Know When To Let My Heart Guide Me?

Lifelines by Peter Diamond

I have sorely missed Baba Yaga's advice and I have to admit, she was a little difficult to track down when I went to find her, as pre-arranged, to post her wisdom to the blog! And now I'm a little worried. My heart is telling me we need to put a little effort into encouraging the Baba to continue imparting her gristly yet keen advice, so if you are reading this and enjoying it, do send her a note, would you?

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Regarding matters of the heart, I've found the soul heart and the physical heart are really one in the same, interconnected in that very muscle and sinew. One affects the other and it's wise to pay attention to them "both" when trying to find direction. 

Baba Yaga puts it much more viscerally and succinctly. And all I need to do is stay away from that "ugly song".

What would we do without our Baba Yaga to set us straight?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

This is the email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Break Out Of My Hermit Shell?

Baba Yaga's Hut by Alyssa Davis

Confession: I kind of like being a hermit. Mostly. Once I gave in to the fact that my nature is to be generally drained by people, even those I truly love, and even when I've had a great time with them, I grew to greatly appreciate my alone time and revel in the space to think, research, write and create. But I can't be a hermit all the time and there are sometimes I find it frustrating too. I love working in theater and that necessitates an outgoing personality, at least some of the time, so it can be tricky to find that balance of building up enough energy to throw myself into performing or teaching, and make sure I have adequate re-energizing time afterward. There are those times, too, especially when things get rough, that you can be gone from normal social circles so long, it feels really difficult to re-enter. I almost didn't want to read the answer to this question, my shell is precious to me!, but was encouraged and relieved by what Baba Yaga had to say.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"...nibble on a green thing"! Ha - yes! And the picture of Baba Yaga's hut that I fortuitously chose for this post, before looking at the question, is perfect. That's exactly what it feels like when you perform, or teaching goes really well or people become inspired to create or do better in being with you! And it's a huge relief to know you don't have to go and do that performance the whole time either. (Notice there is no audience above to watch either - it's a private-revelry thing.) No breaking! But I can bend a little. :)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Help My Summertime Depression?

Baba Yaga's Forest by Rima Staines

I'm definitely one of those people for whom Summer is the worst time of year. I don't manage heat well, (and the 100 to 110 degree temps this last week have been a full-on physical challenge with heat-related illness - hence irregular posts sorry!), but it's isn't just being heat-sensitive that can get me down. So much sun I can find depressive (even oppressive), and, much like people who sometimes get Winter blues, I can get a Summer version, counting the days till Winter which is my most wonderful, creative and happy time of the year. I've been relieved to find out I'm not the only one but it is still difficult to know how to manage, when many people are at their most social and most motivated and you're just not up to it. What to do? Thankfully, someone else thought to ask Baba Yaga for some insight.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Yes. I need a creek. Preferably many! So if I'm not here for stretches this Summer you now know: I'm looking for a creek. (I'm not kidding.) And if I don't find a creek, at least it's not a forever state. Plus it's kind of awesome to look forward to morphing. I do love a good transformation... #fairytale101

For inspiration I've included some of the 'in progress' pics that Rima Staines shared on her blog HERE in creating this marvelous Baba Yaga's Forest backdrop for a special storytelling event with a Russian fairy tales theme in 2012. I do so adore what she and Tom Hirons are doing in their traveling 'vehicle of imagination', Hedgespoken. (The event this was created for appears to be a pre-cursor for their off-grid theater and storytelling project.)

                           
Note: If you're wondering if your feelings are due to more than just a bad day or two, know that you're not alone. There is such a thing as "Summer SAD" (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and there are things you can do to help yourself (see HERE) as well as doctors than can too. 

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: What Happened To My Nightmares?

Baba Yaga the Goddess of Death by Solongo Mellecker

It's weird the things people miss, isn't it? Sometimes even bad things have a odd sort of comfort because you know yourself in that context, it's familiar, but moving beyond needing those things to define you, should be a goal, shouldn't it? But after that, who are you then?

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

You have to admit, shadows are intriguing, aren't they? So weird that an absence of them causes you to enjoy the 'light' less!

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Can I Stop Caring So Much About What Other People Think?

Baba Yaga by absolutejackass

First of all: apologies for the language below, but I think most people will appreciate the answer, even if the question feels a little... strong. Actually, it was difficult to find another way to say the same with quite as much emphasis for the post title, so I ended up rephrasing altogether, though I haven't communicated the depth of anguish the petitioner is clearly feeling about this subject.

But there's another reason I rephrased, other than for family friendly titles. Though most people may not be in a relationship situation as is mentioned here, it's not unusual to find yourself being disapproved of by one group or another, at some point in your life, and having it bother you. And Baba Yaga has a refreshingly different take on how to deal with it.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

It might not be a complete answer, in my mind, but it's a solid - and positive - start.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: What Is Missing?

Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave by Kinuko Craft

You know that nagging feeling, that there should be... "more"? But what is this "more" that you can't identify? Baba Yaga has some ideas on the subject.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

That makes a lot of sense. But is it just about focus? Maybe she means it's about not realizing the full nourishment of the things already around you; that it's more than a lack of appreciation or of noticing them, but of really taking in the 'meat of the fruit' so you CAN be nourished. 

Hm. Food for thought.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Keep Politics From Destroying My Relationship With My Family?

Vaslisa the Beautiful by toerning

Hoo boy! BIG subject. And the less I say, probably the better, so I'll leave it to the expert.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

Can we send this out as a PSA do you think? If people kept this perspective it would help so very much... in pretty much all things.

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Should I Pick the Career That Fits Me Or the One I Want to Fit?

Baba Yaga by Laura Gilbert

Well here's an interesting one. I used to believe this was a question you might be faced with (perhaps) twice in your life - once as a young person becoming a fully-fledged adult and again as an adult who is taking their working life/career to the next level (and then maybe, if you were lucky, to a less stressful extent when you moved into retirement). I'm now acutely aware that life just doesn't work that way! You may think you're destined for one thing when you're a child, then something more specific as a young person choosing a direction of study and work, but life has a way of being unpredictable and I only know a very small handful of people who've dealt with one major path through their whole life. Most I know are like me: you have plans, you work while you're working on them, some things pan out but are completely the opposite of what you expected and so your plans no longer make sense, while other things don't work at all, and all you know for sure is: you need a change of plan! Then, for someone like me who planned on NOT having a family then did, and suddenly found life was no longer as flexible, what do you do then? I'm lucky in that I loved this curve ball of motherhood I was thrown, but it did mean all my previous plans scattered in the winds of change. And then, kids or not, there seems to be a point at which you realize you're at -yet another!- crossroads and can either shore things up where you are or put in the effort to try something that you're curious about although it may not (yet) be you. How on earth do you choose what is truly best?

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

While advice like 'follow your heart', 'go for your dream', seems to be good advice, when you're saddled with responsibilities of mortgage, clients, children, a reputation or 'brand', etc etc, going beyond known territory and/or outright changing what you are doing (and who you are) is risky and often terrifying. And frankly, it isn't always the right thing to do. Dreams don't always turn out to be the pleasant ones we believed them to be (I learned that the hard way) and your heart can lead you astray. Sometimes the right thing to do is NOT to go for that job, but to commit to where you are and develop from there, because, you don't truly know the potential of that either. 'Success' in either choice and place, ultimately depend on you. (No pressure! Ha.)

I guess what Baba Yaga is pointing out in this case is: be 'alive' wherever you are, be vital - not dead wood.

Hm. When you put it like that, it might actually be possible to choose your path with confidence.

(Gosh she's good!)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: What Does It Mean To Be A Mother?

I could have written today's question more than a few times... and yes: pastel EVERYTHING. What is that about? 

Oh and you should know, if you don't already, Baba Yaga is, in fact, a mother as well, so this should be interesting.

Here's today's question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

You know, I'm not one for writing things on mirrors, but this statement would be wonderfully (awfully?) empowering to see when I have to face it. 

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Can People Tell That I Am Unlovable?

The Tenement of Baba Yaga by Nicole Schulman

Today's question tugs at my heart-strings...

Here's the question and timely answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"The dirt on yr back & hands is not yours, and it will wash off... in yr bravery you will be seen & loved..." I have no words but "thank you Baba Yaga". (And yes, there's definitely something in my eye...)

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.

Ask Baba Yaga: Can You Help Me With Work And Money?

Vasilisa by Viona Ielegems

Although I wouldn't go so far as to use the word 'fearful', 'constantly worried' does apply so I'm eager to see what Baba Yaga has to say about this one.

Today's timely question and answer (via poet and oracle Taisia Kitaiskaia* of The Hairpin):

(Originally posted at The Hairpin HERE)

"Look where I am."
So... figure out the basics, realize I have what I need to live right where I am, use that and stop worrying so much? That's pretty grounded advice. It would seem I have sensitive ears to that endless, loud river though. I wonder if Baba Yaga could recommend any sort of sound proofing aid? 

What do you think of Baba Yaga's advice?

Want to ask Baba Yaga a question of your own?

You can!

There's now an email address where you can send your questions

directly to Baba Yaga herself.

AskBabaYaga AT gmail DOT com

To encourage Baba Yaga to continue imparting her no-bones-about-it wisdom (ok, there may be some gristle in there... bones too), I suggest we not to leave her box empty... 

Thank you Baba Yaga (& Taisia).

* Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. Born in Russia and raised in America, she's had her poems and translations published in Narrative Magazine, Poetry International, and others.