The Emerald

Notre Dame in Flames, The Goddess Isis, and the Architecture of Consciousness

May 26, 2019

Exploring the mythic implications of the Notre Dame fire, the podcast discusses the importance of buildings in human consciousness and myth. It explores the connection between architecture and sacred geometry, and reveals the little-known history of Notre Dame's worship of the goddess Isis. The podcast also questions the role of architecture in power dynamics and contrasts it with the meditative practice of San Mandala. Finally, it reflects on the rebuilding of Notre Dame and envisions a sustainable and inclusive future for the iconic cathedral.

31:48

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Quick takeaways

Buildings hold mythic implications and shape human consciousness, as seen in the aftermath of the Notre Dame fire.

Architecture reflects sacred geometry and ancient beliefs, such as the connection between Notre Dame and the goddess Isis.

Deep dives

The Mythic Implications of the Notre Dame Fire

The podcast explores the mythic implications of the Notre Dame fire and the importance of buildings in human consciousness and myth. The fire at the French Cathedral evoked public grieving and sympathy, with world leaders expressing condolences and over $1 billion pledged for rebuilding efforts. Different perspectives on the importance of buildings emerged, with one view emphasizing their temporary nature and another highlighting their reflection of order and power. Personal experiences, such as the impact of the Twin Towers' destruction, highlight how buildings shape our consciousness and perception of the world.

Shaping Consciousness and the Myth of the Tower

03:31

Architecture Reflects Natural Proportions

01:28

Sacred Architecture, Power Dynamics, and Human Consciousness

03:54

Introduction

3min

The Significance of Buildings: Reflections of Order and Loss

3min

Architecture, Consciousness, and the Link to Isis

5min

Sacred Architecture and the Deviation from Jesus' Teachings

14min

Rising Up and Breaking Open: Mythologies, Conservation, and the Rebuilding of Notre Dame

6min

In this inaugural episode of The Emerald we take a look at some of the more mythic implications of the 2019 Notre Dame fire, the place that buildings hold in human consciousness and myth, as well as the little-known history of the cathedral which involves a popular goddess of the ancient world.

Architecture can tell many stories — at its best, it reflects a synchronous relationship between human beings and nature. The great temples and mosques of the world are designed to convey the proportions of sacred geometry that are found throughout nature, and many are built on former sites of nature spirit worship. Notre Dame is no different. There is strong evidence that Notre Dame is built on a former site of worship of the mother goddess Isis.

Of course, architecture can also tell a very different story — that of power, class divide, and the human preoccupation with size.

In the Tantric traditions, external architecture is seen as but a poor reflections of a deeper architecture that lives latent in the human mind, an architecture which is revealed and shaped through meditation.

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