Entering the Imaginal Realm: Myth, Metaphor, and Psyche

One of the deadening tropes of modernity is the literalist belief that myth is false, silly, and irrelevant because its events are not historically true. A close cousin to this view is the reductionist insistence that because atoms have no meaning or purpose (that we know of), we must therefore inhabit a universe which is also devoid of meaning or purpose. In other words, there's no point to anything. By discounting the metaphorical messages of myth, modernity paradoxically allows those deeper meanings free rein in the subconscious, whether they be helpful or harmful. Further, the depressive forces of literalism and reductionism can combine all too easily in a gravitational field of resignation and compliance. Luckily there's an antidote: connecting with your soul's unique wisdom and purpose through the mythic imagination.

In this course, you will venture into the realm of mythic metaphors, archetypes, and interpretations, especially as they apply to soul-play and creativity. Drawing on the work of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, Marija Gimbutas, Marion Woodman, James Hillman, Henry Corbin and Tom Cheetham, the course will introduce you to mythic narratives from many traditions to activate your own mythic imagination. You will gain fluency in metaphorical interpretation by encountering creation myths, heroic journeys, and wonder tales. Your soul will travel in the company of goddesses, gods, and pantheons, re-invigorating your imagination and sense of purpose as we co-create an experience of beauty, meaning, and purpose.