Living Myth

This episode brings a focus to the importance of recognizing that we live in more than one world. Before modern times, it was commonly understood that there was another world next to the daily domain of facts and figures and that this other world is real in its own way. What traditional societies called the Otherworld turns out to be the primordial center, the place of origins and the essential source for changing and healing the daily world. Thus, the problem is not simply that damaging things have been done in the course of history. Rather, the greater issue is the fact that so much has been lost and forgotten over time. By insisting on seeing reality as only those things that are measurable and provable, modern societies have lost the subtle connections and hidden threads that secretly tie the time-bound world to all that remains immeasurable, timeless and capable of renewing life. The sense of the Otherworld as the endless source of imagination and ongoing creation allowed ancient people to accept the fact that things do fall apart, but also have the understanding that life can be renewed by being in touch with the sacred center and secret source of all existence. The Otherworld, that keeps being lost but can be found again, has always been the source of the unity that is lacking in the common world. It cannot be scientifically proved, but can intuitively become known, that what we most need when everything is falling apart and time is running out on us is not simply more time, but importantly, more timelessness and the redeeming touch of the eternal. We may increasingly feel that we are but tiny, frail beings who are insignificant in the great expanse of an accidental universe. Yet, we have always lived in two worlds and as the fabric of life loosens, the veil between this world and the Otherworld thins and we are called to be witnesses of the collapse, but can also become again the soulful vessels through which the daily world of the time bound and the redeeming realm of the eternal can meet. Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can hear Michael Meade live by joining him for two online events: "Your Genius is Calling", an in-depth workshop on December 6 and "In This Darkness Singing", a free solstice ritual on December 20. Register and learn more at mosaicvoices.org/events. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 725 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles. Learn more and join this community of listeners at patreon.com/livingmyth If you enjoy this podcast and find it meaningful, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.

Explore the profound connections between grace and gratitude, rooted in ancient myths. Discover how gratitude is a fleeting moment of wholeness that reveals life's gifts. Michael Meade delves into the Greek graces, linking them to nature and joy. He also traces the origins of grace to feminine figures like Gaia, emphasizing spiritual practices that attune our hearts to receive these blessings. Ultimately, he highlights grace as an unearned gift that transforms and opens us to deeper connections and mercy.

The discussion dives into how global troubles weigh heavily on individual souls, triggering feelings of abandonment. Michael Meade uses the symbol of a dream with abandoned infants to explore our need to nurture neglected parts of ourselves. Joy is positioned as our original wealth, requiring us to heal wounds of self-betrayal. Empathy from caregivers shapes our sense of self, and the podcast reflects on reclaiming joy as a divine connection. Poetic insights highlight the beautiful madness intertwined with this joy throughout life.

This discussion delves into the intriguing split between the ego and the deeper self, exploring how this inner division affects our lives. The symbolism of golden balls in fairy tales represents our innate quest for wholeness. Listeners learn about the importance of dreams and creative inspiration as guidance from this deeper self. The chat highlights how suffering can activate personal transformation and the vital role of creativity in reclaiming our lost selves, ultimately leading to inner unity and a meaningful existence.

Explore the fascinating concept of blindness, both personal and societal, and the quest for genuine visionaries. Discover how obstacles in life can serve as calls to awaken deeper insight. Delve into ancient myths like Tiresias and Oedipus, illustrating the paradox of visionary blindness and the consequences of ignoring fate. Emphasizing the importance of imaginative metaphor, the discussion encourages a shift from ego-driven perspectives towards transformative visions that can reshape culture and foster renewal.

The discussion explores the rise of vertical morality that prioritizes obedience over empathy, critiquing how this mindset fosters division and alienation. Michael Meade contrasts this with vertical imagination, a powerful concept that reconnects us to feelings and collective healing. He dives into the long-term effects of historical dualism on our perception of empathy and calls for a revival of the soul's role as a unifying force. The conversation ultimately emphasizes the importance of balancing ascent and descent to foster deeper connections and renew compassion in troubled times.

The discussion explores how trauma affects our bodies, revealing that witnessing pain—even on screens—triggers our fight-or-flight response. Constant exposure to traumatic news can deplete our resilience, leaving us overwhelmed. Helpful strategies include setting boundaries on news consumption, connecting with nature, and reaching out to loved ones. The conversation also delves into how trauma can shift our worldviews, with a mythological lens offering hope that chaos can lead to renewal. Finally, there's a focus on connecting to both the macrocosm and our inner selves for healing.

This conversation dives deep into the concepts of eros and kairos in our contemporary world. Eros is presented as the soul's connection to existence, contrasting sharply with the isolating force of Thanatos. The loss of eros leads to societal decay, hatred, and environmental neglect. Kairos is introduced as special moments that break the flow of ordinary time, offering opportunities for change and connection. Through myth and poetry, the discussion emphasizes the need to overcome barriers to love in order to foster genuine relationships and restore meaning.

The discussion kicks off with the idea that internal conflicts can become external realities, manifesting as our shared fate. Historical parallels are drawn, highlighting how rhetoric like 'the enemy within' is used to divide and dehumanize. Personal shadows and their projections are explored, revealing how our unacknowledged fears create societal strife. The need for authenticity over inauthentic power is emphasized, along with the transformative potential of embracing our shadows. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to seek inner unity and connection in these polarized times.

Explore the transformative power of creation myths and how they can inspire renewal amidst chaos. The discussion delves into the dual nature of humanity, emphasizing our role as vessels for the eternal. With insights into inner awakening and rites of passage, listeners are invited to reconnect with primal narratives that resonate with our deepest selves. The concepts of abundance and isolation are examined, highlighting how these dynamics shape our lives and potential for regeneration in troubling times.