Selected thoughts on mythology

1) We reconnect with universal patterns that move the human heart and soul.
In some new way, we see the rich beauty of ordinary life. When we enter the
mythic imagination, we are participants. As we read the adventure, we go
as seekers in quest of the grail and face each test we come across. Along
the way we might find ourselves gaining greater understanding of the
challenges we face in the search for meaning.
2) Stories let us see through the eyes of others
3) .to carry on in the face of difficulties
4) One gift of the mythic vision is that it provides us with maps. We do not
have to start from scratch. Those who traveled this way before have
carefully left bits of guidance for us. The sagas and epic poems of the
Nordic and other traditions are not just richly crafted tales. They carry the
insights needed to live a worthy life. For example, when an initiatory story
describes the deep bond that forms with an animal guide, it is telling how
important it is to be one with nature.
5) By listening closely to the sacred stories of all times, we can become more
aware of the symbolism that is present in familiar rituals.
6) The rediscovery of timeless wisdom in stories has led to a great wave of new
insights.
7) illustrate the universal qualities of the great narratives

8) to reconnect with a dimension beyond ordinary time

9) that go beyond trendy concerns with possessions or appearance.

10)

the quandaries of existence, and,

The stories reveal the shape of cosmic relationships. The mythic

characters need each other, despite all their impressive powers. This
human quality reveals the ultimate interdependence of all creation.

11)

Mythology reminds us that we must honor this great mutuality if we are to

maintain balance on the planet. We also learn that the needs of the gods
and goddesses extend to mortals. These are our epic tales. We are not
bystanders. We are the seekers and elders. Our particular lives manifest
the great patterns of history. Once we see that mythology has to do with
how to live, we see that we each participate in the unfolding of creation. We
each have many crucial roles to play in the living of the mutual sagas.
Seeing this can enlarge one's sense of place and purpose. The recurring
themes in the world's key teaching stories reveal that living on a shared
globe in human form is a kindred experience for all peoples.
12)
Sacred stories continually show us how to align our energies and
attention with the forces of the natural world.
13)
These are constant reminders that we, too, are animal beings and
essential components of nature, not mere observers. The birds that
befriend Cinderella let us know that the resources to resolve her situation
come from the natural world. This sense of union with nature connects us
with a deep ecological awareness that permeates the mythic world view.
14)
How symbolic patterns can reveal hidden wisdom about the journey
of the soul.
15)
Symbolic images in stories represent and can evoke previously
unclaimed facets of our inner selves.
16)
As we read, we allow supernatural powers to seize our imaginations.
Gradually, we can learn to allow the divinities to speak to us, and invite
personal revelations, such as may come from dreams and fantasy, to
become involved in our decision-making processes.

17)
The tales have their own lives, each with unique eccentric qualities.
Part of the richness is that the same story will have different lessons for
each person who listens. Stories can be like the Holy Grail, which, when it
passed from person to person, let them drink what they alone desired. Also,
when we come back to the same story after a time, it will tell us new things.
This unpredictable element keeps the encounter lively. It may also show us
something about the way our lives are caught up in currents that are larger
than ourselves. Even such obvious powers as the flow of history, family

dynamics, and natural disasters take us to places we do not choose. The

more we can know about the dynamics of these and other forces, the better
chance we have of taking the best actions.
18)
Rather than giving us clear solutions, pondering stories helps us find
our own answers. Learning from stories is an interactive process.
19)
We begin to sense a vast web of interconnected being. In this
collection, we have insights on how to live with each other and how to live
wisely on this earth.