“Michael Meade on Cultivating Mythic Imagination /124” Interview by ‘FOR THE WILD’
The crises of cosmological, mythological and psychological disconnection from nature and from each other may drive us to places of darkness and suffering; and yet there is great potential in that darkness to interact with creative energy. Retracing meaning through archetypal myth offers an opportunity to understand the great challenge of our time to heal the planet from its wounds, and to refresh our dominant worldview with one based on connection. This week, journey into Michael Meade’s expansive vision of awakening ancient meaning for the individual and collective consciousness.
“The Old Woman Weaving in a Cave” — a Native American Story
This is a centuries old Native American myth about an ancient woman who lives in a cave. People far and wide know of her existence, but the cave, and thus the woman have never been found. Her partner in this story is a very old black dog that caringly watches her every move. The old woman’s focus and passion is operating an ancient loom — patiently weaving a sizable and most beautiful of garments. She never leaves her task except to occasionally walk over to the fireplace to stir a kettle of “very special soup.” Interestingly, whenever she walks away from the task at hand (the garment), the old black dog, unhurriedly and determinedly pushes himself upwards and then heads towards that remarkable garment.
I’ll leave the rest or the story for you to read and interpret…
“Elders are Bridges” by Michael Meade
In the old wisdom traditions, elders act as a living bridge between the visible, measurable world and the mostly unseen realms of spirit and soul. Although more in touch with timeless things, elders would not be out of touch with the conflicts and troubles of daily life. In times of great trouble, the elders could be seen to have one foot firmly on the ground of survival, and the other in the realm of great imagination.
“Three Kinds of People” by Michael Meade
An old idea suggests there are but three kinds of people in this world. The first kind of person tends to be preoccupied with self-interest as everything refers back to “I, me and mine.” At this basic level the world can be divided into winners and losers as self-assertion rules the day and excesses of aggression and rule-breaking can seem justified. Often, the only restraints on self-aggrandizement become the fear of public shaming or the threat of condemnation and punishment by law.