Episode 184 - Rites of Transformation

This special edition of Living Myth uses a longer format to connect ancient ideas of rites of passage with the need for both transformation and healing on many levels of life.

 

An old idea from the process of initiation states that before the journey begins, you own the journey. But, once the journey has begun, the journey owns you. Both collectively and individually we are in the midst of a journey that we don't own.

 

The way forward involves great uncertainties; yet each day makes it more clear that there can be no turning back. We are being called to understand a radical mode of transformation in which letting go of old forms and old attitudes becomes necessary both for psychological growth and for reimagining cultural life.

 

Life, death and renewal is the mystery that underlies all of creation and shapes the ideas and images of rites of passage. In such rites the initiates become frightened and frustrated, disoriented and confused. However, this liminal condition of being betwixt and between was considered to be a holy confusion that precedes awakening and genuine transformation.

 

The current state of widespread uncertainty, doubt and agitation can be seen a modern version of holy confusion. Chaotic conditions can be seen as a prerequisite for finding the greater inspirations and deeper levels of healing needed to renew life and shape a better world for everyone.

 

Thank you for listening to and supporting this podcast.  You can hear Michael Meade speak more about initiation by joining his new live onl ine series “Paths of Initiation” that runs through on July 17. Register and learn more at: mosaicvoices.org/events

 

You can save 30% on this online series, and receive additional podcast content each month, by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. For just $10/month you will receive 3 bonus episodes each month, including regular live Q&A events, the full podcast archives of over 250 episodes and a 30% discount on all products and live online events.  Learn more and subscribe at patreon.com/livingmyth. 

 

You can support this podcast by leaving a review on iTunes and sharing it with your friends.

 

On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you and your loved ones continued well-being, protection and deep community connection during this period of great challenge, change and transformation.

Om Podcasten

Mosaic presents Living Myth, a podcast with Michael Meade, renowned mythologist and storyteller. Meade presents mythic stories that offer uniquely insightful and wise ways of understanding the current dilemmas of the world we live in. Living Myth proposes that genuine solutions to the complex and intractable problems of our world require both transcendent imagination and cohering, transformative narratives.