exploring through myth

(also in the december MC newsletter)

There are many ways to learn and explore. There is studying ancient texts and their contexts, exploring the meaning of the words and all the possibilities of what was trying to be said. There is exploring dream time, contemplation and meditation. And there is following intuition and metaphor to see what that may disclose. This article describes an experience of exploring intuition, myth and metaphor.

Recently one afternoon, when experiencing a happy moment and prolonging it by thinking of things to be grateful for, my attention was drawn to the purse hanging on my arm. I'm fond of my African, woven purse that’s like a basket with leather straps. Then the myth of Little Red Riding Hood and her basket of goodies for her grandmother flashed across my mind, what I call an intuitive "hit." Next clicked the thought of Our Lady in Red and the story of the wolves with her in the forest, "There were many times disciples saw wolves going along with the Holy Bride in the woods," (p. 97, St. Mary Magdalene by Tau Malachi).

So I explored the myth of Little Red Riding Hood to see if there is any possibility that it could have its beginnings with Mary Magdalene. As far as I looked, that doesn't appear to be the case, although the resonance and possibility is definitely there. While exploring the mythos I came across several different metaphors within it, but what piqued my interest (another "hit") was about how Little Red Riding Hood was in a liminal state, between girlhood and womanhood, before starting her menses. Liminal states, according to Wikipedia, are characterized by ambiguity, openness, and indeterminacy. I love this state, that I often try to stretch, between waking and sleeping, when consciousness gets all surreal and nonlogical, where there's awareness but it's much looser than waking consciousness. It almost has a fluid tangibility and the end is indescript.

There are many examples of liminality. It is said that gnosis is somewhere between knowing and not knowing. Teenagers are liminal, between childhood and adulthood. There's also the wonderful seasonal tradition of hanging mistletoe in doorways. Mistletoe is considered a liminal plant as it grows between earth and sky, off the ground in trees, but then sheltered by their tree homes (not exposed to the sky). All thresholds are considered liminal, as they are between rooms or between outside and inside. Then kissing, like a peck on the cheek, is considered liminal as it crossing the threshold of someone's personal space without intruding into it. It's considered ok to kiss someone who may be committed to another person, another way the mistletoe tradition celebrates liminality.

From this liminal space, we learn about nondual reality! Certainly textual studies can expand what intuition can use to direct our learning. And so what began with a light-hearted moment of gratitude can end with more profound contemplations. The still, small voice inside (intuition) can lead us in fun and educational lessons. Something to consider 'neath the mistletoe this holiday season!