| The
Mythic Imagination Institute
Who we are and what we're about
Myth is the symbolic language of the
human experience, of story and ritual, of dreams and tradition, of poetry
and art. Myth links us together, providing crucial context and illumination
for understanding the mysteries of existence. Myths are the eternal truths
hidden within the heart of the stories we hear, read, and see. Their wisdom
guides us to meaning, mental health, and even conflict resolution. But
today, people seem to be cut off from their traditional sources of meaning.
We believe that there is such a thing
as a deeper meaning in life, and that it can be reached through delving
myths, archetypes, stories, and our cultural history. Scholars, teachers,
artists, and psychologists are showing the relevance of myth in the modern
world. Through this work, audiences find new contexts for appreciating
the deepest truths of their own mythic traditions. They gain "permission
to believe" again. At the risk of sounding maudlin, we believe that the
world would be a better place if more people were aware of this work and
could integrate it into their lives.
To that end, this is our Vision:
The Mythic Imagination Institute seeks to help
to create a better world by increasing the mythic literacy of people everywhere.
You'll find more about our Vision and
Mission on the new Web site, coming soon. In the meantime, if you'd like
to read our Vision and Mission Statement, which includes our tactical plan
for the next five years, send a note to info@mythicjourneys.org
or call (404) 832-4127.
We're depending on support from people
like you. If you'd like to learn more about the Mythic Imagination Institute,
or to contribute time, expertise, money, or materials, please write to:
info@mythicjourneys.org or
call (404) 832-4127. |
"Legends
and myth are largely made of truth, and indeed present aspects of it that
can only be perceived in this mode; and long ago certain truths and modes
of this kind were discovered and must always reappear."
-J.R.R. Tolkien
“I believe
so strongly, so viscerally, in a wisdom and vast joy under the tangled
weave of the world, under the tattered blanket of our evil and tragedy
and illness and brokenness and sadness and loss, that I cannot speak it,
cannot articulate it, but can only hold onto ritual and religion like a
drowning man to a sturdy ship.”
— Brian Doyle
"We live in
an increasingly complex and dangerous world. To survive in it, we need
think that somehow, it all means something. Where does that meaning come
from? That's the myth."
-Marion Woodman
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