[sunbug]

Okay. I have found a link to Ron Perlman’s recitation. I was off on a few lines. So will re-quote.
Think Ron Koslow (show creator) and Don Davis (soundtrack composer) are credited along with Ron Perlman for recitation and Rilke for the poem.

I did learn something interesting as I found another YouTube clip on Perlman’s recitation. One commentator below said this excerpt is from letter 8 of Letters to a young poet (Rilke) And the commentator was of the opinion that it was one of the best translations because the other translations mess up the part about the dragons. All subjective of course (grin). But interesting none the less.

Here is the poem quoted properly! It adds even more!

”Excerpt from Quest/Letters to a Young Poet” Ranier Marie Rilke

How should we be able to forget those ancient myths that are at the beginnings of all peoples?

The myths about dragons who at the last moment turn into princesses?

Perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses, who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave.

Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us.

So you must not be frightened if a sadness rises up before you larger than any you have ever seen.

If a restiveness like light and cloud shadows passes over your hands and over all you do.

You must think that something is happening with you.

That life has not forgotten you.

That it holds you in its hand.

It will not let you fall.

Ron Perlman’s Recitation of  Excerpt from Letters to a young poet

[sunbug]

Catherine,

I am trying to find the source or a link to source on that poem…since it was something I memorized long ago…from B&B. I think it is from Letters to a Young Poet (Rilke)

There are other lovely excerpts of Rilke on that album.

Maybe I can find the proper source. knock on wood! Considering I might be off on a few lines after all this time. But as kid loved it!

 

[sunbug]

Catherine,

Since you mentioned Rilke…

 

Lenoir Marie Rilke

How should we be able to forget those myths,
the myths at the beginnings of all peoples,
the myths about dragons, who at the     last moment turn into princesses?

Perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses waiting to see us once beautiful and brave.

Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest sense something helpless, that wants help from us.

So you must not be frightened if a sadness rises up before you larger than any you have ever seen,

if a restiveness like light and cloud shadow passes over your hands and over all you do.

You must think that something is happening with you,

that life has not forgotten you,

that it holds you in its hands.

It will not let you fall.

Wish I could remember the translator.

But this was the translation as recited by Ron Pearlman as “Vincent,” on CBS’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
There was an audio cassette of several of his other recitations on B&B.

And this was one of those so maybe the Rilke translator was listed there.

Since you were talking about transformations 🙂

Enjoyed your essay! Very thought provoking!

[sunbug]

Well this one is not a raven, but a fox. However am thinking of re-titling topic Loki the Raven…Animals and Music…new “folktales” come to life…

Also hoping this link will finally not redirect from this page. Realized that my iPhone screen kept cutting off the blue update button. So went to iPad and viola! Update button available.
So here is Andy Thorn serenading a wild fox.

Andy Thorn (man plays banjo for wild fox)Andy Thorn (man plays banjo for wild fox)

[sunbug]

Thank you Stephen! This does help a lot!

I can see where I did not click the gear to the right of arrow.
Then see need to re-paste the url in the next box and check mark: Open Link in New Tab. THEN click the Blue Update button on the bottom right.

I may print out the instructions and keep them on standby for myself. Ha ha.

 

Thank you again!

 

[sunbug]

I love that passage too Stephen!

It has been awhile since I visited John Howe’s site. Forgot he wrote essays as well. Lovely to find it again! Glad you enjoyed!

[sunbug]

I hope Shaahayda sees your response to her on this Stephen.

Seems like it’s been a while since she has posted. Certainly understandable these days!

I think she would enjoy your response very much.

Have other thoughts on myth and “social order” and “universal order,” but perhaps better to let them brew a while (like coffee not a storm!) 😅

And maybe post them elsewhere.
Also think Shaahayda will love the Diane McGhee myth blast and discussion. Thanks for letting me know about it!

[sunbug]

Thank you Diane for your nice response to me as well!
Love that you have trained youngsters in Horton! I am sure it meant a lot to your students!

I remember being enraptured by the djembe style drums at Ailey. The live drumming in Horton classes! It was electrifying and elemental…loved it! Even a basic across the floor combo came alive with the beat of the drums.

I have the highest respect for Jean Erdman and now you Diane!

What you say in the quote below, I feel to be very true!
And I love how Jean opened up dance into story and as you said experimenting with movements to evoke the energy of the elements.
Last year when Nancy Allison presented a video celebration…I was thrilled to see the choreography of Hamadryad! Maybe those new Tolkien screen writers should take note dare they include dancing elves!
Even in the photos of Jean dancing she commands a presence and energy!

And here is your quote. THIS feels right: 🙂

Jean was not one to borrow another’s tradition. From my own experience, sometimes one is given permission to participate or perform various rituals or traditions. For Jean, the differences in various world styles and their unique aspects were as spectacular colors selected from the entire spectrum of colors of the world’s peoples. Erdman diligently studied how the beliefs and values of a people informed the movements choices made visible in a particular dance or style. Erdman’s inspirations were derived from the primordial origins and stylization of the elements, which she often connected to images that arrive from the collective unconscious.”

To me this represents a playful maturity and a deep inner wisdom…

(from both you and Jean) 🙂

something we need more of!

So thank you to both of you!

 

[sunbug]

Diane, what a glorious myriad of experiences you have had in your life!

I loved reading your journey above!

It is like a jeweled labyrinth!

Now it feels as though there should be two myth blasts! One for your journeys in the world!

And another for your introduction to and knowledge and love of Jean Erdman!

I am loving this!

When you mention taking a “wrong turn,” in your adventures and how that led to other adventures you did not expect to have…it reminds me of the recent myth blast written by Kristina Dryza “The Myth of Missteps.” It is almost synchronous with it…that sometimes that “wrong turn” becomes the journey itself! But rather than regrets that turn led you to a deeper love of dance.

And when you mention wanting to be a mechanical engineer…I laughed because my Mom wanted to do something similar (I think work on helicopters) but she faced similar barriers. She did work punch cards at Lockheed back in the day but went into her other loves: astronomy and art.
Thank god for Lockheed though or she wouldn’t have met my Dad!
I strayed only a little from the field…found a love in dance. Thanks to my Grandmother suggesting it might be nice for me to take it for balance and coordination. Though in my first class at 4 one would not have guessed I would love dance. I stared at my feet in the air for the whole pre-ballet! 😅

Those feet have done a lot of tapping since and bared  the burden of some years of point. And enjoyed modern and free form. And sharing steps and guidance with students.

But this is exciting!
I am so thrilled that you are a part of CoHo!

Love the metaphor of Jean Erdman as the River Liffey but it’s also true as she choreographed and performed that role!

I know it’s not quite the same, but since you mentioned Ireland, Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” and “Feet of Flame” come to mind.

The little fey flute girl I believe is supposed to represent the Spirit of Ireland or the land.
So I’m fascinated to see these types of connections translated into dance, which bring an extra radiance to these stories and images!
What you write about Jean and the River Liffey, reminds me a little more of a work of fiction based on the Finn McCumhal legend in which the authors imagine Brigid (the Goddess of smith craft, inspiration, poetry and fire) to be a part of the land.  Bonfires are lit all over Ireland or Eire and they conjure Brigid’s image and energy as a Goddess of the land.

One of the things I really love about both your journeys (Diane and Jeane) is how much freedom each of you had in those adventures! It’s very beautiful!

And yes believe me I know there was hard work as well!

But I take in mind that if one chooses or is privileged to go far say in a ballet company, there might not be as much freedom. One can be beholden to the artistic director’s paintbrush. And even very good dancers might not always move beyond the Corps.
There was a time when ballet dancers needed to be more uniform in appearance in order to not stand out. Thankfully some of that is changing. And I’m thankful for the ballet I’ve had and the teachers (it is a backbone of dance) but I’m also aware of it’s “shadow side.”

But every time I read more about Jean Erdman, I am impressed with all she did and within her time! Even in the thirties and forties! And it’s remarkable! Of course the director of a modern company has the first say so too…

But to me, it feels like it would have been a freer experience for those who danced as part of Jeane’s company. And if she choreographed a piece on someone, I have the impression that she would be taking all she knew about their qualities of movement in mind as well as encouraging inspiration. And that it would feel like one of those wonderful and challenging mentors on the best journeys rather than a “guru of dance” who needs dancers to be “mere paint on a canvas,” rather than something dynamic as a living breathing person or living breathing people being part of the work…the art.
Not that there aren’t beautiful ballets as well. And not all artistic directors are so “static.”
My mind was blown, when I found out that Joseph Campbell’s wife was a dancer! Did not find out until after reading Reflections of Living. 
At 10 or 11 I was too young to appreciate the “Power of Myth” series though I sort of knew who Campbell was through my Mom.

Then when it re-aired, at 17 I was ready! And had to find as many Campbell books as possible!

Then to find that Jean Erdman had danced with Martha Graham! And started her own company! Too brilliant!

After a few summers taking classes at Alvin Ailey, I learned appreciation and humility for the style of Martha Graham as well as Lester Horton.

But enough on me…

This is what I love so much about your journey Diane! How all those twists and turns bring these crossroads and synchronicities and connections!
So then you come full circle and meet Nancy Allison! And meet that River Liffey (The River Erdman)through her!!

I completely agree with you and Stephen that anything on Joe Campbell is not complete without Jean Erdman who was well known and respected in her own right!
And I have to laugh at her “taking off” and leaving Joseph Campbell to hold the fort as “she went on her own journeys!” Oh Goddess that’s fantastic!

Have to wonder if he ever mentioned being the one waiting behind? Or was he too stubborn to do so? (Hehheh)

Or perhaps I need to go back to the Ecstasy of Being again (which was a treasure in Campbell’s works I never expected to find!) I can certainly see how Jean influenced more nuanced perspectives (grin.)

But what is so cool is that Jean travelled the world! And thanks I imagine in large part to her Joe Campbell extended his travels!

This is why the story of The Two of them is important!
For a while, I have had the impression, that most surface readers of Campbell assume he was some kind of professorial armchair mythologist who read dusty old tomes by old authors rather than someone who experienced world journeys himself.
Or someone who was married to this Dynamic dancing river who freely danced her own powerful course across history!
But I should have expected that dynamic when Campbell said “Jean is the one who drives the car.” Hehheh. I think it was a wee bit more than that!

And I think it is absolutely glorious all the paths that you Diane have experienced in your life and Jean in hers!

I wonder if Jean were in the prime of dance now…would she do anything differently?
I can tell that both you and Jean had great respect for learning dances from other cultures including indigenous ones and showed respect in incorporating those dances into new inspired pieces. Sort of as you said a fusion of dance.

From what I have read of Jean (as well as from you now) it felt like she was welcomed when she traveled to foreign places and that her dances were well received. It felt like glimmers of cultural exchange that kept growing across time. Love it!

But I also take in mind that things are more complicated now. In Jean’s time it’s incredible what she did and achieved. But many cultures have become very protective of their traditions. So it feels that one would have to not only be respectful but ask permission for “using inspiration.” I certainly understand!
And I’m sure Jean would follow through! But I also know that some cultures who feel they have more of a voice today want to be the ones who speak about and perform their own traditions. And they may not want outsiders involved at all beyond just watching and learning about those traditions from those cultures themselves. They might see fusion as too much “borrowing.” Or “philosophizing” as “misrepresenting” their own words or experience of being a living members of certain cultures.

I think that would be a challenge for Jean and Joe as well. But thankfully Jean was able to make all those beautiful works of living art in her time and shared them with us!

Of course there is always Robert Mirabal the Pueblo musician (who had experience with traditional and modern dance and was a world traveler) And he enjoyed opening the barriers to share his work with everyone, while still remaining deeply respectful of his Pueblo traditions.

I think there was a CoHo participant who had the privilege to see Jean perform live and it brought her to tears!
(maybe Marianne? Stephen. Can’t remember now.)

Okay sorry for this long and winding road Diane. But wanted to thank you again for not only your lovely essay on Jean Erdman, but also sharing adventures from your own life story!

 

 

 

 

[sunbug]

This is very beautiful and poignant Kristina! So do not feel there is much I can add from my thoughts. (Or the usual chatter in my mind heh heh)

Think I wound off on some other tangents when responding to one of your other essays.

But here you have opened this raw but heart felt path and I know many can relate to this.

You started a ripple like a small pebble and with Stephen’s, James and Tom’s responses…yes.

 

The Resonance is here. I enjoyed reading all of these responses, which again reflect that poignant awareness. 🙏 Beautiful from everyone!

“we don’t cure our wounds. They cure us.”

This feels true…and sometimes one is glad of the scars (grief) though it’s hard to say at its rawest time *care* because sometimes the scars symbolize love and that we loved those who are gone and in reflection for me would have it no other way…if the “scars” were not there I would worry…but the tears and “arrr” heart clench and the smiles, which flicker in between help remind of what is best of being human and then one feels that spontaneous something, which has been there calling all along in the heart (as Parzival felt and realized by reaching out with the question)

For some, those five years of wandering can feel aimless and strange until something inside begins to awake. Or perhaps one wakes to what is already waiting to be noticed?

And then the trick is to find the light or rather feel the light again.

So thank you Kristina and thank you all for this Wake of Ripples (observed and shared with compassion and empathy…so needed now)

 

[sunbug]

In answer to this:

I’d add to your list the Homeric hymns to Hermes, Aphrodite, and the other Olympians, not to mention the Psalms of scripture, and the tales of the troubadours (aka Minnesingers, in German) of the Middle Ages, which were performed as song.

Yes, yes yes!
And I love The Spell of the Sensuous!

I have been savoring it…as well as feeling appreciation for the More than Human world woven all around me.;-)

The rhythms certainly help with memorization! Found that out when memorizing poetry…and dance steps as well (though it took a little time to learn the synchronicity of movement in time with the music when I was little. Eventually the right brain and body mind took over and now it’s hard not to move when I hear music:-) It awoke that something inside I guess…those primal and mythic rhythms of life!

And then when singing along to Beatles songs even years since I’ve sung those songs the memory of the words are still there… and when I experimented putting out an imaginative folk music CD, (my music and lyrics) I found that it was even clearer to memorize the lyrics written even than memorizing oral spoken poetry.
It is very fascinating! And I do remember my Mother loved the poetry of the Psalms. Think she was also intrigued by the different translations of the Bible. For example The Moffit bible (Scottish) translates the “shadow of the valley of death” as “the glens of gloom.” And God is translated as “The Eternal ” or The Eternal One? (not to be confused with Marvel shenanigans these days heh heh.
It surprises me when I hear talks from spiritual people within certain traditions (very wonderful talks/sharing inclusive open) that this other Avenue seems to remain in the background as a secondary or separate topic…but I suppose that is because of the emphasis of WORD being the whole KEY to the story. And funny that key relates to Song! Well other traditions certainly have the Song woven deeply within them!

And no apologies on the Rhapsodies of Homer! I love that idea to “stitch a song together.”
I think another reason the Song of God appeals to me is The Music of the Spheres…

And there are recordings on Soho of sounds from the Sun.

my Mom used to play both classical and Beatles music when she taught astronomy.
It just seems like everything does weave together.
We live in a fascinating Universe!

[sunbug]

Leigh,

This is profoundly beautiful!
(Cunneware’s laugh)

And these lines: “…turn left and the world is different….

The light, the quicksilver, the jester…

a delightful bit of fluff that paradoxically opens the universe to infinity in its smallness…” 

It is a revelation captured in poetry, which in reflection feels more akin to holy fool than fluff.

I have truly enjoyed reading all the myth blasts on the JCF site written by the excellent alumni of mythologists, scholars/professors.

Now, There is something about your essay Leigh, which reminds me so much of the heart of Joseph Campbell’s writings and presentations. It’s that energy, which first called, inspired and informed me in the world of myth years ago. You have really captured the heart of what I remember about Joe Campbell!

I love the idea of “mutual compassion recognition instead of dominance.”
To me it seems a very innate thing.
(Coming from the heart…)

Interesting that Lady Cunnaware

alliteratively reminds one of “kenning”(knowing) and aware. Her laughter is profound as well as delighted and delightful.
And you mention “play and healing,” which also conjures a deeper aspect to laughter feeling good (laughter and well being.)

And Oh the paradoxes! When Parzival fails his journey the first time around, it seems to me, he has tried extra hard to learn all of the knightly ropes. And his earnest desire to keep with the code is blinding and deafening him to the deeper code within his own nature.
(yes maybe there are the ego issues of keeping up appearances as well—-“knights don’t ask questions”

But it’s almost as though Parzival comes to the place where after you learn the ropes…then the next step is to learn to let go?  What one thought they knew they did not know…Except the honor and compassion is already inside of Parzival. And he refused the Call until the 2nd time around, when the land is healed. Yet Parzival had to step away from the Code of his Knightly order for a moment in order to be able to hear the deeper call that led to the healing of the land..something which as you suggest is already foretold in Cunneware’s laugh.
And the paradox is the expectation of the knightly code being the Center of every story. Not that chivalry isn’t a nice poetic contemplation at its best. But as evidenced by the violent and heavy handed (and even abusive behavior) in the court, exactly what kind of code is now being celebrated? And that is a very good reason to look beyond appearances and look through…as your essay and comments suggest. And all three characters Cunneware, Antanor and Parzival are seeing through. Even if Parzival is still learning.
Is the most paradoxical part of Parzival’s journey, the part where he  has to put the code aside in order for the land to heal? In order to feel the prompt of compassion from his inner nature (and the universe?) That could seem counterintuitive at first. Except the true honor and code of a real knight is inside of Parzival. It does not come from the social order of the court.

Otherwise everything becomes “portentous and heavy…and weighed down…until one “loses the point,” as you say. And…

The point is not the constructs of civilization’s expectations and failings, but instead, an unfailing commitment to doing what is most right, most compassionate.

The quote you provide from Campbell clarifies this as well:

In Romance of the Grail, Campbell writes, “In Parzival, you are to follow your own nature, your own inspiration; following someone else will lead you only to ruin. That is the sense of Parzival’s journey…”

When Parzival adheres to his mind and others expectations…

the wasteland remains. When he peacefully rebels with his heart…the land is healed.

And all this from the awkward but earnest young man who came to court.

How wonderful and strange!

It is no wonder Lady Cunneware laughed in delight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sunbug]

I can definitely see what drew you to Rainbow Stephen!
It reminds me in a way of Woodstock (though I wasn’t born yet and in the late sixties my Mom was busy teaching astronomy at Fernbank.)

Rainbow sounds quite adventurous and wonderful!
I am familiar with other burning man festivals indirectly…some buddies in a touring Celtic band used to perform at various eclectic locales in addition to the usual Celtic/Renaissance/Highland fests and Restaurant/Bars. Think they lit the straw man once in another venue. I wasn’t there…just heard about it and they posted photos. Don’t remember which state. Maybe Ohio?

Does Rainbow include fire dancers?

I did not know about fire dancers until fairly recently. Saw some photos. Think they have batons lit with fire? Or even some implement they swirl and arc fire around like a ribbon. I might guess the Permit People would get their knickers in knot!!

And it’s funny when you mention meeting Aboriginal people or shamans…I can’t help but think of Rainbow! Rainbow Serpent! There seems to be a lot of Rainbow archetype there!
I have a friend who used to live in Australia and she would send me the neatest things…a carved wooden snake, an inlayed pearl bracelet…and books filled with Aboriginal legends and stories. A lot were children’s books. But I loved them.
The Aboriginal people inspire me so much. Even in spite of all the displacement which happened and the lost generations…there were still tribes at the edges? In the same areas… and the anthropologists who found old bones can trace the presence of these same tribes for 50,000 years! That absolutely blows my mind! And I can only  imagine what all their  ancestors must have faced and experienced! Spirit will find a way!
So I’m a little carried away…but maybe it’s thinking about Rainbow. Love the idea of the peace prayers and prayers for the earth.

And yeah, as much as I love my wood stove fires don’t blame them for only having community fires!

As far as gatherings for me…beyond the Celtic ones…The NY/NJ Metro Fest for Beatles Fans had a feeling of gathering of different individuals all coming together to celebrate Beatles music…even including Re-inactors and Dale Earnhardt fans…which surprised me…

Of course Beatlefest was nothing on the scale of the Rainbow fest nor was it held outside… but people came from different countries…cultures

I know I’ve seen several East Indian people there. And one year a young Beatle band from Czechoslovakia won the Battle of the Bands. Mom bought a couple of paintings from an artist vendor from the Nederlands…and there was a fellow with Native American heritage there one year as well.
Now they have a make shift “ashram” rooms where not only talks on TM are given but one can also join Yoga classes  with Beatles music in the Background. Or join in other types of meditation. It’s neat. Though I’ve also enjoyed Beatlefest on Zoom. And participated by decorating my living room and dancing around to the music of Liverpool,  the house band.
Now that I think about it Stephen, when you mentioned planting the flowers to help with keeping the soil healthy…I think maybe I saw a special about Rainbow on CBS Sunday morning. The way you describe it sounds soo familiar!
I think they interviewed a man, who was talking about the flowers…and there were tie-die clothes or flags hanging on a forest path…and they talked about probably the LEOs as well  I bet…and the varying opinions about gathering. I hadn’t thought of that in a long time!
Do know the man interviewed talked about it being a peaceful gathering.
That is beautiful to think of so many different people coming together peacefully, while celebrating differences as well as things in common!
It sounds like you had a chance to meet individuals one on one as well as participate in group events. A lovely balance! What memories for you!
Oh yeah the other gatherings I’ve attended are VW ones…they can also be colorful with plenty of tie-dye:-)

The way you describe the meeting or Rainbow Moot, (sorry couldn’t resist since you mentioned Tolkien) also makes me think of the Quaker meetings. Unless I’m mistaken thought there was no direct head in those meetings either?  Granted the Quakers probably weren’t wearing tie-dye…lighting straw men, welcoming those who nod to Goddesses…or praying and chanting in those numbers.

I can imagine that is eerie! Just as you describe it!  All those voices raised together in chant! Hard not to imagine a tingle of electricity in the air!

I have a different story about Chanting involves Monks… and it was kind of an eerie happening too but not sure the right JCF category for it. Time? Spirit? History? It happened at the Cloisters in NY and I’ve never forgotten it. It just one of those things perhaps to leave to the mystery!

Really enjoy the idea of wandering through the festival. That’s one of my fave way of experiencing gatherings.

Oh and how can I forget the Cherokee Kituwah! Except it is more a gathering of Natives selling their crafts along with some story telling.
The Zuni’s who came to Asheville…it was cute…they must have driven, but it was night by the time they arrived in NC. They told me, they thought the trees were mountains! Well it’s definitely a change of scenery from Mesas and Quaking Aspens… and Scant Cottonwoods and escarpments!

Your experience with Rainbow sounds like “quite the adventure!”

And the Story telling! Brilliant! Fits right in with Myth/Adventure/Experience!
I am sure many stories unfolded while you were there!

Thank you so much for sharing this Stephen!

 

[sunbug]

Stephen, I think somebody else sent me a link to that book as well The Dawn of Everything. Sounds absolutely fascinating! And of course one would love to imagine how Joseph Campbell might respond to that book!
I’m kind of fascinated by the distances people traveled then too from that perspective.
It paints whole new pictures of the past in our minds.
Of course can’t help yet another reference to Robert Mirabal but in the number “Painted Caves” he asks: “Who were these ancestors painting the same images all over the world?”

Keeping in mind he was a traveler…spent time in Russia, (where he was known as “gypsy man,” in Japan (worked with two Japanese Boka? dancers and Australia (and plays a digeridoo in performance)

Of course when I heard that, immediately thought of Joe Campbell.
I love synchronicities even as I celebrate beautiful differences in the world.

Think my imagination has always been called by those stories of the Polynesian Wayfinders the old canoes, rumors of the Welsh Prince Madoc in the Americas…and many other tales and histories. There is a historical fiction writer Anna Lee Waldo who studied the Madoc legend and incorporated it into her books.

And there was even once an article about two men who washed ashore in a boat in England (long before “discovery” of Americas) The description or the account of that in the article conjured a similar image to the Miq’ Maq Natives of North America, who had similar small boats? Wish I could remember more of it.

Then, there are times I hear East Indian music and of all things it reminds me of the tones of Irish or Gaelic songs or vice versa!

Of course most of this is in the imaginal realm.

But as far as verifiable stories, I still cannot get over the Homo Florensis people nicknamed “hobbits” of course.
Unless the evidence has changed again, it seems the anthropologists decided those 3 foot? tall skeletons were not diseased but perfectly formed…

That’s mind blowing.

There was another author Parke Godwin, who wrote fictional but legend-inspired books about the British Isles.

In one story, she writes of a small race of tan skinned people (peaceful nature oriented) but the taller people are superstitious of these people. So the author comes up with the idea that the tan or brown skinned people are allergic to iron and thus in her story she hints about the myth of fairies not liking iron. So the tall folk bar their doors with iron.

This is all fiction of course, but there was a recent anthropological article about ancient remains found in England perhaps even some of the earliest tribes (or Briton?) people to be there.  The scientists determined they were dark skinned and blue-eyed and more on the short side (not as short as homo florensis.)  That is dark skin as similar pigment  to African, African American, Australian Aboriginal!

Of course also occurs there are some beautiful dark-skinned people from India as well.

But regardless of all that wow! Once again what a horizon to imagine!

Really takes one to the mythic metaphor of what one thought they knew they did not know.

Scientists have also begun to discover that Viking groups were much more diverse than originally thought. Not all blond. Of course one could argue the Vikings were just in the business of um assimilation. 😉

Would love to see Joe Campbell delve into all of this!

Okay enough on that. But awesome ponder Stephen!

p.s. hope my “stony” response to Mark does not appear flippant, especially considering there are people in the world dealing with grief and pain (know a little bit about that myself.)

Since Chronos (time) was also in the conversation, sometimes it takes time to sort all these things out. And what works for me now might not be what helps another person. Just want to be considerate. 🙏 (and aware of my words.)

And Terrific thread so thank you Stephen and Mark.

[sunbug]

There are so many interesting insights here. I want to wander on all these paths!
But first on Chronos/Kronos and the Old and New Years…

It seems like many people had trepidation entering this new year.

This reminded and reminds me to be humbly thankful for the small blessings I have, especially knowing that everyone is experiencing everything from different places. And it’s certainly not easy!

For example now just with the winter storms it’s different for my friends in the big cities. And snow pushed up against cars on the sidewalk. And I know what it’s like for them in smaller apartments.

But for my part I have felt very thankful to have a space of nature. Not that storms don’t happen and also take preparation.

But when it comes to the bigger storms, the ones which conjure Kronos in the mind. For me the rhythms and beauty of nature have helped balance all the circling thoughts in my mind.

Or even cleared the clinging cobwebs of uncertainty and worry…well sometimes. Grin.

Even being out in the cold on a snowy day felt good. Or gathering wood when cold winter winds are determined to blow back the hood of my winter coat.

Of course the mind will come back to do its circling eventually hee hee.

So Mark you ask about the “stone” we might give Kronos. And I was thinking about that this morning.
Chronos/Kronos inspire Fear. And in the case of the innocent image of the old man in the rocking chair with the scythe, perhaps it could represent the fear that takes one by surprise…hidden in that at first unassuming image.

Since Kronos eats his children and there are other metaphors in this essay of “being eaten alive” or not wanting “to be eaten alive” by the old year, it reminds me of another sentence “being eaten alive by fear.”
So I wonder if it is fear of the Old Year which conjures trepidation about the new one?
That “Kronos” will swallow this year as well? (And as you suggest Mark fear of Chronos as the time aspect also fits neatly into this metaphor.)

Could the fear, which Kronos inspires  be what “eats alive?”
There is certainly very real and understandable cause today to bring fear.

 

Being aware of “Kronos” and not blind is wise. The guy in the rocking chair is still holding a very sharp dangerous implement after all!

But when fear becomes “all consuming”   it can become almost paralyzing and then the ability to acknowledge the fear calmly even when one is afraid, or to face it or transmute it or integrate it? Or to keep focus, keep peace or calm even in trying situations  (in spite of the fear, while still acknowledging it)  Becomes or feels almost impossible because one is frozen. Or “eaten alive.” The fear is in control or “Kronos” is.

But I’m not sure the fear is something to be destroyed. If transmuted into awareness would it keep us on our toes and open-eyed? Be ready for any eventuality including that old guy jumping out of his chair?

But maybe it’s the “paralyzing” consuming fear, which is the problem?
It does not help us (it eats us alive.)

And could it be metaphorically said that old Kronos gives us this “eating alive fear,” since that seems to be his specialty?

And then there is the “stone” traded for Zeus. What if the stone could represent “fear?”

All those metaphors of fear a “sinking feeling?”

Something “weighting” down?

Sounds stony to me.

So maybe the stone is the paralyzing fear, which Kronos gives us and which eats us alive like him?

And returning the stone to Kronos is a way of both acknowledging the fear but choosing not to be eaten alive by it?

Return to sender. No thanks you can keep it Mr. K.

Though fear might also make some feel the opposite of weighted down more scattered and nervous drifting aimlessly and afraid. Without an anchor.

So maybe then the “stone” also has a different effect of fear? Or maybe it’s simply just a stone! Heh heh.

As for baby Zeus could he represent an open-eyed New Year not tethered to “paralyzing Kronos fear?” But since he carries lightning bolts just a reminder to keep our eyes open and be aware?

Of course I could be off my rocker on all this. 😂 Sorry horrible joke!

In the meantime since Stephen mentioned a rainbow group, at the risk of sounding a 2nd generation Beatles person…I decided to not walk into this New Year blind or without an invisible cloak or coat of love. Yes there is the purple metaphor but for now for me it works as well as trying to lean into the light just a little. Or sunshine when it’s there. Peace to All. 🙏

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Author]

Posts