MysticMag chats with Robin Corak, former CEO of a $66 million non-profit, a pagan author and speaker with a passion for helping others embrace their potential. With over 20 years of experience, she has trained in various traditions and authored books like “Persephone: Practicing the Art of Personal Power” and Dream Magick (Llewellyn, November 2024). Robin’s work has earned her awards and a seat on the Forbes Non-Profit Council. She also writes the “Phoenix Rising” blog for Patheos Agora.
Robin, what inspired you to create Phoenix Awen Rising, and how does the concept of Awen influence your work and mission?
I deeply resonate with the concept of the phoenix, as it has been a recurring theme throughout my life. I even have a rainbow phoenix tattoo on my back. I firmly believe that we all possess the passkey to rise from the ashes of our challenges, emerging stronger and wiser, just like the phoenix. As a member of the Sisterhood of Avalon, which is a women’s mysteries group, one of the paths I have followed for over 20 years is the Avalonian path, rooted in Welsh mythology and goddesses. Awen, the source of divine inspiration, is a significant part of this path. I also have the Awen symbol tattooed on me, symbolizing my attempt to base the work I do in divine inspiration. While I cannot claim to always be successful, I strive to tap into that divine guidance and inspiration.
Can you share a personal experience or story that exemplifies the transformative power of embracing personal power and rising above challenges?
I have a rare medical condition that caused me to be ill frequently during my childhood. My bone age lagged behind my chronological age for a long time. This condition includes adrenal insufficiency, which means my body does not produce adrenaline, so I have to take medication for that. Under the right conditions, something as simple as the stomach flu could be fatal for me.
Growing up, I had to rely on many people, so I really valued my independence. Despite all the health challenges I’ve encountered over the years, I’ve tried to learn from them. I am fortunate to be pretty healthy today. However, these challenges have caused me a lot of difficulties, and I’ve worked hard to learn from them and gain strength. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried never to let my condition define me or limit my opportunities. While I am careful about what I do, I really want to rise above it, refusing to let it be the only label I have.
I’ve embraced not just the challenges that come with my condition, but also the gifts and wisdom it brings. As a result, I’ve been able to travel the world, achieve my dream of becoming a published author, and serve as the CEO of a large nonprofit social services organization for several years. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve tried hard to be honest with myself. I’ve seen my challenges as opportunities to grow and have worked to mitigate them.
I work with Celtic and Greek goddesses, and my first book was titled “Persephone: Practicing the Art of Personal Power.” My work with goddesses, such as Persephone, has helped me to rise above my challenges.
Your work emphasizes connecting with the divine and inspiring others. How do you help individuals cultivate this connection and find inspiration in their lives?
I engage in my work in a variety of ways. I have authored two books, “Pagan Portals Persephone” and “Demeter.” Additionally, I have a forthcoming book with Llewellyn titled “Dream Magick: Change Reality Through the Liminal World of Sleep.” These books focus on working with the divine for inspiration, connection, and overcoming challenges.
I also lead workshops on topics such as dream magick and Persephone. I have previously taught Reiki classes. In these sessions, I use questions, guided meditations, chants, recipes, and other modalities to help participants connect. My intention is not to directly be an intermediary to the divine but to provide ideas and be a resource for their spiritual journey.
Furthermore, I offer one-on-one coaching and tarot reading to provide personalized guidance and support.
As someone with a background in non-profit management and leadership, how do you incorporate your expertise into the spiritual and metaphysical services you offer?
The two aspects may seem unrelated, but my experience in nonprofit management has actually been beneficial in many ways, and vice versa. My spiritual path has also influenced my career in practical ways. My nonprofit work in the field of social services has provided me with comprehensive competency in running a small business. Over the past 28 years, I’ve worked extensively with diverse individuals facing a variety of challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, disabilities, poverty, and involvement in the criminal justice system.
Additionally, I work as a consultant in diversity, equity, and inclusivity, drawing on my previous nonprofit experience. This exposure has taught me valuable tools, such as trauma-informed care, strength-based approaches, harm reduction, coaching for success, and finding resources. I believe that everything we bring to the table in our lives is interconnected with our approach to spirituality or how we navigate our path. My background, foundation, spiritual tools, and practical experience have all played a significant role in helping me overcome challenges, assist others in doing the same, manifest abundance, and facilitate healing.
I find great joy in helping others harness their individual strengths to achieve these goals. I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their highest potential.
What advice would you give to someone who is feeling stuck or facing challenges in their life, and how can embracing their unique gifts and personal power help them overcome these obstacles?
I believe that one of the most crucial aspects of facing a challenge is clarity. While it may sound simple, achieving clarity can be quite difficult. In the midst of differing perspectives and opinions from those around us, it can be challenging to discern our own truth and where we stand. This clarity is essential for seeing the full picture surrounding the challenge.
I find that meditation, divination, journeying, and journaling can all be helpful practices for achieving this clarity. One particularly impactful meditation that I developed while writing “Persephone” is a guided journey to the underworld. This meditation aims to help individuals shed the labels that others or even themselves have imposed, as these labels can often distort our true selves and strengths.
We often carry labels that are inaccurate or no longer serve us. For example, society may suggest that being a mother means sacrificing all personal time, or that lacking formal education equates to a lack of intelligence. Challenging these labels can be daunting but also incredibly liberating. By doing so, we can gain a clearer understanding of who we are, our desires, and the strengths we possess.
It’s important to acknowledge that this process is not always easy, especially when facing traumatic or systemic challenges over which we may have limited control. However, having a clear understanding of ourselves and our goals can greatly assist us in navigating these challenges, helping us to move forward and create a fulfilling and authentic life.
If you would like to find out more about Phoenix Awen Rising, please visit https://www.phoenixawenrising.com/
