Wednesday 18 September 2013

Myth Madness

It has been a week of reigniting my passion for myth and archetypes. I have dipped into Robert A. Johnson's writings on the ancient myth of Amor and Psyche, the story of a woman's task of becoming whole, complete and individuated in his book She. He also wrote He about male psychology and We about the psychology of romantic love. It has been total immersion, as love always is.

Added to that has been watching Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief, in preparation for the school holiday, next in the series, movie release. Resplendent in ancient mythical Gods, Goddesses and demigods.

This interaction between divine forces and the human experience reconnects me to the perennial hero's journey, and another of my favourites, Joseph Campbell.

Myth engages all of me. My sense of adventure, my belief in love of self and others, and the work of living and participating in a meaningful life.

Each of the mythical stories focusses on our ordinary world being interrupted by forces outside of our control, our challenge to express and transform beyond our former selves, into something more golden, more complete. I see that happening to many of us as we tackle life events, and accept the challenge to become a better human being, and bring that as richness to the making of a better world.

As Joseph Campbell put it:

A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from his mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.

It is the working through of spiritual tasks. How we accept the challenge to overcome limitations and master higher virtues in the process. How we move through our own inner battles, holding onto our humanity, and bring back to the world those gifts we have opened up, and better mastered in ourselves.

For me none best describes it than C.S. Lewis, and the way he has blended the Jesus story and wisdom, through Narnia. And Jesus is a hero of mine. His sacred heart, his teachings, and his mystical path.

My favourite of the Narnia series is The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Edmund and Lucy are each challenged to surmount old dependencies and to find self-reliance, and overcome their own unique spiritual tests.

Seeing life through those eyes makes it even more riveting.

Much love on your hero/ine's journey.

SaraSwati Shakti


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