Martin Shaw Continued: Understanding Hermes, JBP, Pageau, the Bish, and Purgatory for Writers

May 12, 2025

In this engaging discussion, mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw dives into the imaginative essence of Hermes, exploring his role as a muse for creativity. He contrasts modern digital culture with age-old myths, highlighting community growth within the Orthodox Christian context. Shaw reflects on the disconnect many feel with contemporary faith and introduces his upcoming book, 'Liturgies of the Wild.' He offers practical insights into maintaining authenticity in writing amidst evolving communication platforms, and emphasizes the lasting value of the written word.

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INSIGHT

Hermes: God of Imagination

Hermes is the god of imagination, mischief, and communication from soul to soul.
He symbolizes wit, spontaneity, and the lively, creative aspect of storytelling and experience.

ANECDOTE

John Verveke Meets Hermes

John Verveke experienced an inner entity introducing itself as Hermes during internal family systems therapy.
This encounter sparked his renewed interest in Christianity despite prior skepticism.

INSIGHT

Hermes’ Duality and Storytelling

Hermes embodies duality, the storyteller's trickster, and the god of the marketplace.
His message is to embrace wit and spontaneity, often telling storytellers to "burn your script."

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Liturgies of the Wild: The Myths That Make Us

Dr. Martin Shaw

Bard Skull

Martin Shaw

Gypsies, Didicoys and Other Travellers

Norman N. Dodds

Smoke Hole

Looking to the Wild in the Time of the Spyglass

Martin Shaw

In "Smokehole," Martin Shaw uses three ancient myths as metaphors for navigating contemporary challenges. The book explores themes of isolation, transformation, and reconnection with nature and spirituality. Shaw encourages readers to find a "commons of the imagination" to cope with complexities like fake news, parenthood, and climate change. It's a guide to finding meaning and resilience in difficult times, emphasizing the importance of myth and storytelling. The book's narrative style and personal reflections make it accessible and engaging.

Living in Wonder

Rod Dreher

Rod Dreher's "Living in Wonder" explores the resurgence of spiritual and mystical experiences in a technologically advanced, secular world. The book delves into the concept of 're-enchantment,' examining how individuals are seeking deeper meaning and connection beyond traditional religious institutions. Dreher discusses various phenomena, including UFOs, AI, and the occult, as manifestations of this spiritual yearning. He argues that while these experiences can be genuine, they must be understood within a Christian framework to avoid potential dangers. Ultimately, the book advocates for a return to a more profound and direct experience of faith.

Iron John

A Book About Men

Robert Bly

In this book, Robert Bly uses the Grimm fairy tale 'Iron John' to analyze and redefine traditional notions of masculinity. Bly draws on Jungian psychology and mythology to outline a journey of male maturation, emphasizing the importance of male initiation rites, the role of the 'Wild Man' archetype, and the need for men to balance their emotional and instinctual selves. The book is a seminal work in the mythopoetic men's movement and has been influential in discussions about modern masculinity[2][3][5].

Courting the Wild Twin

Martin Shaw

This book is not known to me.