Yearly Archives: 2024

The Search for a New Mythology (1)

Journey ahead

Myth and Reality

This linkage with the infinite has of course been the intent of the great mythologies and religions; the healing creative and expressive arts; and the dreams we dream at night”                                                             … Joseph Campbell

Myths are more… Read More »


The Known and the Unknown (III)

Beyond the Borders

 

To respond to the lure of the Unknown is to celebrate the grand, heroic adventure –: that archetypal journey in which the protagonist leaves home to seek something — a magic potion, healing gift, insight, or atonement — in those unexplored and unmapped territories beyond what we know.

The impulse and tug of the Unknown opposes the literal interpretations of sacred texts; chafes at the leash… Read More »


The Known and the Unknown (II)

Shrinking Self-importance 

 

Our modern culture and politics is based on self-interest, and the values of psychology are ego-oriented, emphasizing self-knowledge, increasing self-esteem, and getting what we want. Yet, at the core, it’s these notions of self that make up a large part of our current problem.

An old Buddhist notion states that a primary cause of unhappiness is spending most of our attention and energy thinking about oneself, when… Read More »


The Known and Unknown (I)

Tradition and non-traditional times

The Great Mystery is not to be Solved!

 

Carlos Castaneda applies a simple and elegant distinction to reality: He divides the field of action and awareness (the world) into two spheres — the known and the unknown, the right side and left — and associates corresponding practices with each. These practices are called stalking, the art of handling ordinary reality (the known) in non-ordinary ways; and dreaming, the art… Read More »


Creating Sacred Space

the river's dream

I was recently at a men’s group gathering of about a dozen men, where the meeting was started by “creating sacred space.” As someone who’s guided vision quests for 35 years and been on over 30 quests of my own, I’m familiar with the concept, know the feeling of, and have spent days sharing time-honored wisdom and teaching about ritual, ceremony, and practices for creating and being in sacred space.

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Circles of Air & Stone • Putney, Vermont