In a rapidly changing world faced with seemingly impossible problems, 'The Genius Myth' combines dramatic real-life experiences with compelling mythic tales and a profound exploration of the wisdom of genius. It is essential for anyone who seeks to awaken their own genius and learn how to heal nature and renew culture. The book imagines that everyone, by virtue of bearing some genius qualities, is subject to a genuine calling in life, and it offers essential ideas for parents, teachers, counselors, and mentors seeking to encourage and support those they care about.
This book is a comprehensive exploration of initiation and the soul's journey, using myths from various cultures to illustrate the recurring patterns in human life. Meade examines the importance of initiatory events, the role of storytelling in healing and personal growth, and the need for cultural and personal renewal. The book addresses issues such as the wounds of modern society, the gap between genders, and the importance of generativity, creativity, and generosity. It is a thoughtful, poetic, and wise guide for understanding the meaning behind traditional stories and navigating life transitions[1][3][5].
Michael Meade is a renowned storyteller and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology, who draws from his study of archetypal myths, ancestral wisdom and cross-cultural rituals to interpret our remarkable moment in human history. While many of us are attempting to recognize our own self-terminating patterns and inhabit new ways of being human, Michael helps us to see the stories we are living, and the new stories that are calling us.
He is the author of many books, including The Genius Myth, Fate and Destiny, Why the World Doesn’t End and The Water of Life. He is also the founder of Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, a nonprofit organization that initiates innovative projects and unifying events that support and educate at-risk youth, refugees, combat veterans, and communities in need.
Resources:
Topics:
00:00 Introduction
02:11 US Elections and Political Climate
02:48 Cultural and Environmental Unraveling
06:42 The Role of Uncertainty and Inner Self
08:09 Mythology and the Deeper Self
10:25 Rite of Passage and Personal Transformation
18:47 The Genius Myth vs. The Hero Myth
23:47 The Nature of the Soul and Family Expectations
28:26 Discovering Your Calling in Descent
29:30 The Whisper of Genius
31:01 Flattening of Modern Culture
31:53 The Role of Inspiration in the Arts
32:40 The Power of Practice
33:19 The Sound of Creation
37:02 "Holding the Thread of Life" (Excerpt) live at SAND 19 by Michael Meade
40:25 Quieting Down to Hear the Call
41:47 Expressing Emotions for Healing
46:32 The Importance of Grief and Compassion
48:57 The Magic of Words
53:27 Connecting with Mythological Ideas
54:50 Conclusion and Future Conversations
Support the mission of SAND and the production of this podcast by becoming a SAND Member
Sounds of SAND 
