Cultural Mythology: American Notions of Self and Country

Riting Myth, Mythic Writing workshop

Riting Myth, Mythic Writing:
Invoking the Embodied Energy of Presence
with Dennis Patrick Slattery

Two Separate Retreats Offered in Santa Barara, CA August 12-15 or August 19-22 Thursday 6:30-8:30 pm Friday 9:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday, 9:00 am-1:00 pm $550 General Admission $500 Special Admission (Full-Time Students, Pacifica Alumni, and Seniors) $475 Active Pacifica Students (Fees include Thursday dinner; Friday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Sunday breakfast and lunch)

Dennis is a wonderful teacher and writer--- a long weekend in his company is sure to be entertaining, stimulating, and useful. Two of his poems, One Sin, One Book and Mountain Lion have been featured here.

For more details and registration go to Riting Myth, Mythic Writing, a special event hosted by Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Artemis and Actaeon

High Desert Mythological Roundtable

 Tuesday May 25th, 7-9PM,

Meditation Hall, Joshua Tree Retreat Center

One day the hunter Actaeon was our hunting and came upon the goddess Artemis, who was bathing in a mountain pool with her nymphs. The goddess turned the poor guy into a stag and things went rapidly down hill from there. Join us for the rest of the story ...

Free,donation for the room appreciated. Please bring cookies or other goodies to share.

The painting is "Diana and Actaeon" by Giuseppe (d'Arpino) Cesari (Cavaliere), 1568-1640

JT Music festival and ICC Aesthetics of Change

Two upcoming events that I encourage you to attend, both guaranteed to provide community and food for the soul!

This weekend, May 14-16th, here in Joshua Tree, CA, the Joshua Tree Music festival, produced by a family of friends and funsters convinced that music is the soul of life, and that art enriches and saves lives. Outdoors, camping available.

Next weekend, the Aesthetic Nature of Change , a three day conference organized by the Institute for Cultural Change May 21-23, 2010 in Ojai, CA. Organizer Lori Pye has assembled a fascinating group of speakers---so the schedule posted at the link above.

"Every day I wake up wanting to change the world and have a hell of a good time. This makes planning the day difficult."--E.B. White

Joshua Tree Music Festival

This is a marvelous event and the weather is so, so,fine thus far this spring. Come on out for good music, dancing, and community. In the words of JTMF organizers:

The festivals are produced by a family of friends and funsters convinced that music is the soul of life, and that art enriches and saves lives.  That the  experience is enhanced when embraced in the great outdoors amongst fellow music lovers. Better still in an intimate setting, where the distinction between artist and audience is blurred, and a passionate performance can be truly relished in close proximity to the stage. Add FREE water to patrons, no service charges on reasonably priced tickets, and well.....let the games begin. 

Also, this year you have the opportunity to buy discounted tickets and support the local arts at the same time if you purchase festival tickets through this link.  Proceeds from the sale of 175 tickets via this program will go directly to artists providing artwork and installations at the 2010 Arte del Lago at the JTMF. 

Michael Meade, Tales of the Divine

Michael Meade is a marvelous storyteller. I've attended several workshops of his workshops and they have all been extraordinary, inspiring, and fun.

Tales of the Divine is Thursday April 8th, 7-10PM at the United Methodist Church in Vashon, WA. Meade explains:

"In ancient myths, the divine presence can be found in things of this world as well as in the eternal realm. The story of creation is not a one time event, but an ongoing process that requires human attention and involves human destiny.

In this mythic view, finding one's inner passion and "calling" in life is more essential than simply having choices. Amidst the increasing dilemmas of the world, it becomes more important for each of us to become "fully alive" and be able to express our inner Uniqueness.

Join us for an evening that considers how to become a "disciple" in one's own life and how to find one's true worth in the world. This dynamic and surprising array of stories, poems, and commentary offers tools for negotiating the troubles of the modern world while finding paths of purpose, meaning, and destiny."

More information and registration at the Mosiac Multicultural Foundation.

Aesthetic nature of change

The Aesthetic Nature of Change, International Conference  May 21-23, 2010    Ojai, CA

organized by The Institute for Cultural Change

Whether invited or not, change happens, not only in the natural and social worlds we inhabit, but in our souls as well. This inter-national gathering will explore ways in which we might learn to welcome the complexities of change as beautiful and life-giving, rather than as something to fear and resist.

Our hope is that to approach change in all its complex ecological, biological, neurological and psychological aspects aesthetically, would lead to the discovery of new ways of living and being.

I'm familiar with the ICC through Pacifica Graduate Institute and encourage anyone with an interest in combining depth psychology, myth, and social change agendas to check out their work. You can read about the conference, speakers, accommodations & transportation and make your reservations at ICC website.

Full Moon dates calendar

If you want to follow the cycles of the moon (which may mirror your own more then you realize), here is a calendar for the next three years. The February full moon is Sunday the 28th.

Look for the hare.

High Desert Mythological RoundTable (R) Group

High Desert Mythological Roundtable

Tuesday February 23rd, 7-9PM,

Friendship Hall, Joshua Tree Retreat Center

“MYTHOLOGIES OF THE MOON”

The first in our 3-month series devoted to myths, poems, and fairytales about the special powers of the moon: the cycle of waxing and waning, luminosity and lunar light, associations with the feminine, water, wholeness, and wildness (just for starters). We’re all touched by the mysteries of moonlight and linked to images, past and present, of this celestial body.

Free. Donation for the room appreciated. Cookies and other goodies gladly shared. The High Desert Mythological Round Table meets the last Tuesday of every month at the JTRC.

High Desert Mythological Roundtable Meets Tuesday January 26th

High Desert Mythological Roundtable

Tuesday January 26^th, 7-9PM,

Friendship Hall, Joshua Tree Retreat Center

"Dumuzi's Dream"

The Goddess Inanna has been rescued from the meat hook in the Underworld but the story isn't over yet. If she is allowed to go back up, someone else must go down. Who will go to the Underworld in Inanna’s place? What do the exploits and imaginal journeys of these characters have to do with us? Join us for the final installment of this cycle of ancient Sumerian myths.

Free. Donation for the room appreciated as are cookies and other goodies to share. Above, Leaping Stag, cylinder seal from Assyrian period c 1300-1200 B.C.E.

High Desert Mythological RoundTable (R) Group

High Desert Mythological Roundtable

 

Tuesday November 24^th, 7-9PM,

Friendship Hall, Joshua Tree Retreat Center

“The Descent of Inanna: From the Great Above to the Great Below”

 

One of the oldest recorded stories in the world is the Sumerian myth of Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Inanna was literally on top of the world until she was drawn down to the Underworld. Come hear the story of the golden Inanna, her loyal maidservant Ninshubur, and shadowy Erishkrigal, Queen of the dark depths.

 

Free. Donation for the room appreciated. Cookies and other goodies gladly shared.

 The High Desert Mythological Round Table meets the last Tuesday of every month at the JTRC.