Sharon Blackie’s Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life is a deeply evocative and much-needed exploration of the role of older women in mythology, culture, and personal transformation. Rooted in her signature blend of myth, psychology, and personal narrative, Blackie challenges the prevailing narratives of aging, particularly for women, and offers a bold reimagining of what it means to enter elderhood.
A Mythic and Cultural Reclamation
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its weaving of mythological figures—hag-like archetypes from Celtic and European traditions—into a contemporary discussion on aging. Blackie resurrects figures such as the Cailleach, Baba Yaga, and Hecate, positioning them as powerful guides for navigating midlife and beyond. Rather than seeing older women as invisible or diminished, Hagitude argues that they possess a unique and vital role in shaping both personal and collective wisdom.
Through her background in depth psychology, Blackie also critiques modern Western society’s obsession with youth and productivity. She exposes how these values strip aging of its potential richness and depth, offering instead a counter-narrative rooted in a more soulful, cyclical, and nature-based way of viewing life.
A Personal and Reflective Journey
Blackie’s writing is at once poetic and personal. She shares her own experiences of midlife upheaval, relocation, and reinvention, making her reflections feel deeply authentic. Readers who are drawn to memoir-style storytelling will find resonance in her struggles with identity and purpose.
For those familiar with her previous work, such as If Women Rose Rooted, Hagitude expands upon similar themes of connection to land, ancestry, and the feminine spirit, but with a sharper focus on aging. Her approach is both defiant and nurturing, offering encouragement for readers to claim their own space in the latter half of life.
Who Should Read This?
This book will particularly speak to women navigating midlife transitions, but it holds wisdom for anyone interested in mythology, feminism, or soulful approaches to aging. Coaches, therapists, and those working in women’s empowerment will also find Hagitude a valuable resource.
Final Thoughts
Hagitude is a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that offers an empowering vision for aging. Rather than fearing the second half of life, Blackie encourages readers to embrace it as a time of deep wisdom, creative rebirth, and personal sovereignty. For those seeking a richer, mythic lens through which to view midlife, this book is an inspiring and necessary read.