Mysticism

By: Eileen Wood
Submitted: 2007-01-17 11:22:48
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Mythology

"Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life.” Joseph Campbell

Mythology is told through stories, rituals and symbols as a way to share experiences and connect with the divine or sacred. A myth is a story that gives life meaning and guides us to an understanding of the purpose of life as well as how life works. There are many different religions in the world today, yet each one believes theirs is special and contains the truth; all other religions are just myths. However, beyond the religious specific ceremonies, rituals, stories and symbols they all represent the end result, which is cultivating universal events and relieving concerns of everyday life. Each religion has something to offer with insights and spiritual perspectives, thus mythology is found everywhere.

As our world evolves to another level of consciousness, which can be called “spiritual awakening,” or “Age of Aquarius,” key questions are beginning to be explored on deeper levels. These questions include: Where did I come from? What happens when I die? Why is there bad/evil in the world? What is my life purpose? . Fundamental religion and orthodox science have trouble with mythology because of the need to have concrete, visible evidence. This, unfortunately, is a reflection of lacking in imagination, looking beyond boundaries and understanding the soul or spirit. Myth opens the Pandora’s Box to unpredictability, uncontrolled experiences, and truths of great magnitude in relativity or an “unreal” world.

Keith VonderOhe gives three key points about mythology. The first states that myths are ultimately expressed in story form. The human soul needs deeper meaning reaching beyond the rational, scientific mind reaching into imagination, symbolism and creativity. New layers showing new ways are necessary for our spiritual growth through mythology and stories. These stories connect with the divine mystery of life unfolding a path to wholeness, healing and understanding. The second key point explains that we have several mythologies guiding our lives simultaneously. Creating harmony is essential in creating a balanced life and by formulating our own personal mythology we can define it’s meaning ourselves. Finally, the third key point is the power of a myth can dissipate over time. At some point in history, mythology looses its importance thus leaving behind a legacy and allowing newer mythologies to take its place.

David Elkins, author and PhD, points out that when we view mythology as inferior to science and religion, we see it as irrelevant to modern day living. Actually, there is a lot of value in mythology we need in order to nurture the spirit and soul leading us on a path to enlightenment. It is a guidance system that helps us evolve through the various stages and major events in our lives. Mythology is a record of the past with wisdom helping us understand our journey and how to create a smooth ride. There is a theme in mythology which states, “there is an invisible plane supporting this visible one.” This is a channel for spiritual energies to nurture the soul and support our spirituality. Both VanderOhe and Elkins believe man has destroyed our ability to embrace mythology as an integral part of our lives. Organized religion has destroyed the ability to connect spirit with symbols, rituals and stories alienating the next generation in spiritual growth. Through the systematic destruction of the Native American way of life, our forefathers took away their traditions and mythology. The results of these experiences are the loss of life’s meaning, joy and happiness. The soul cannot live solely by science, logic, reasoning or linear thoughts, rather it strives for meaning and grounding. Mythology is a map of ourselves and can be a tool for exploring the deeper meaning of life.

The movie Pleasantville is about change and loss of innocence. It is a reflection of imagined perfection that is shattered by the realization of new discoveries when values change. The movie exemplifies the goodness in change, new horizons we can manifest and hope for a better life. The reference to a road that continues to endlessly circle is an analogy to life with boundaries. Learning that roads go on forever and there are no boundaries allow us to awaken to the world around us and to loose our attachment to the familiar. Pleasantville in black and white suggests the loss of potential and possibilities, while the color version shows the gaining of a new world full of knowledge, enrichment and loss of innocence. We cannot hide from ourselves, the truth or other realities; rather we must open up to the present and future with outstretched arms and welcoming the new and different from what we currently accept.

Today, we struggle to keep alive an old system rather than explore new stories and symbols. Searching for understanding the connection to divine and transforming to a new consciousness is the key to evolution. Rituals that once identified spiritual reality have lost their power to nurture and give sustenance to life’s questions. New archetypes are evolving from our consciousness allowing us to see clearly the oneness of life, raising our spiritual awareness, blending science with spirit and moving away from untruths. VanderOhe believes our spiritual mythology needs to change in order to help people connect with the divine and move to the next level of consciousness.

Eileen Wood is a mystic and healer. She is currently pursuing her Masters at Atlantic University based on Edgar Cayce philosophy. Her degree will be in Transpersonal Studies understanding the mind,body and spirit connection. Eileen is a Reiki Master/Teacher and practices Arcing Light, Intuitive Healing, and enhances people's lives through teaching, guidance and inspiration. She is opening a retail/cafe business that will nurture the mind, body and spirit: Mystic Gardens and Cafe. Contact information: http://www.serenityexpressions.com, 919-523-7872, eileen@serenityexpressions.com.

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