Myth in the Mojave

Send us a Text Message.“Writing is a way of thinking. When I compose poetry, the refining of language, the rhythms and compacted structures and the resultant shaped and cadenced language is a still life that captures an instant of ongoing discovery.” Greg GilbertThis special edition podcast with poet and writer Greg Gilbert is part of our annual celebration of National Poetry m

Send us a Text Message.“Nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the senses.” AristotleWe celebrate National Poetry month with this special edition interview with high desert poet and writer, Caryn Davidson. Caryn shared the quote (above), which may lead you to ask, “Why would a poet quote Aristotle, the father of modern science?”According to Davidson, curiosity an

Send us a Text Message.“It was an adventure much could be made of: a walkOn the shores of the darkest known river…” ---Mark Strand, from “Orpheus Alone”The Greek myth of Orpheus, singer of sweet songs, and his beloved Eurydice, has inspired countless artists and lovers of all stripes. The version shared in this podcast is based on Ovid’s telling in Book X of the Metamor

Send us a Text Message.“Everything changes and no thing abides.” HeraclitusI’ve devoted the last two podcasts to the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, and the connection between the life of the soul and the underworld initiation.These podcasts generated a lot of comments and questions about Greek ideas of the underworld, and fascination with the underworld experience. Whe

Send us a Text Message.In this podcast, I return to the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone to reflect on the soul’s longing for depth, meaning, and experience, and the violence that may perpetrate on the sunny side ego and the innocent personality. These reflections lead me to the telling of an Inuit tale called “Skeleton Woman,” and a few wise words from Jungian Anne Ulano

Send us a Text Message.How can one summarize a myth as profound as the one I offer you this week? The Homeric Hymn to Demeter gave rise to the Eleusinian mysteries, a potent, secret ritual that was performed for millennia, to liberate men and women from their fear of death. This story of mother and daughter continues to speak to us today about love, grief, and perpetual renewal. Bl

Send us a Text Message.“A myth is an image in terms which we try to make sense of the world.” Alan WattsMany stories, old and new, begin with someone leaving home. This leave taking comes in many forms, from answering the call of destiny to running away or being abandoned. Whatever the circumstances or intent, “leaving home” entails letting go of the familiar to engage the

Send us a Text Message.“I had no idea that the gate I would step through to finally enter this world would be the space my brother’s body made.”From “The Gate” by Marie Howe Many of the most familiar fairytales, and the issues and questions these tales raise, revolve around the happily-ever-after marriage between prince and princess, king and queen. But there is another

Send us a Text Message.The fairy tale “The Twelve Brothers,” collected by the Brothers Grimm is the story of brothers and sisters, murderous kings, evil queens, and enchantment in various forms. It’s also an interesting meditation on the need for psychic renewal and the process we undergo when that time comes. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Seasonal darkness is an invitation to move inward, to do the deep soul work that proceeds all meaningful outer action or personal growth. The holiday culture urges social interaction, busyness and brightness and yet, you may feel the warmth of a tiny spark of a new idea burning deep within, a potential that you can’t articulate.You may feel a palpable tensi