There are two dimensions to a myth - the universal, which is a life principle that exists irrespective of time and space, and the local, which imparts a particular flavour according to the needs of a specific culture at a particular time. The sun-god, for example, is a universal mythic image which crops up in diverse cultures throughout history. But the shape and form it takes differs depending on the location and historical period. In ancient Egypt, Ra (or Re) was a masculine deity, as with the sun-god Helios in ancient Greece. To the eskimos of Greenland, however, the goddess Malina is the feminine local form of this universal symbol.

Now imagine what happens when a migration of people occurs, whether they were forced to flee from their native soil or departed voluntarily. They will tend to take with them the myths, legends and rituals that have sustained their culture and attempt to keep them alive in the new location. Whether they succeed depends on a number of factors, one of which is the suitability of the myth to the new time and place.

One friend in Australia told me how she remembered her mother slaving over a hot stove to cook a Christmas dinner in temperatures of up to 40 degrees centigrade! Over time, the celebration for her family has transformed into a cold buffet on the beach, which makes much more sense in the local situation.

This points to another, related factor, which is the ability of the people to adapt the myth to the new circumstance in which they find themselves. Some Australians, for example, have moved their Christmas celebrations from December to July, when the temperatures are more amenable.

A similar process of adaptation takes place when a new myth is imposed upon a culture from outside, as has occurred during the horrors of religious crusades, colonization and empire- building. The native people face a double threat from the loss of their existing cultural values, and the imposition of alien ones, and are forced to find a way to retain their sense of identity and purpose.

In Europe, the way in which many christian myths have been successfully integrated into the pre-existing pagan mythology is quite remarkable, and maintains a thread of continuity from the past into the modern day. In America, the gospel, blues and spirituals that are sung in christian churches today carry echoes of the songs that have resonated with the rhythm of the earth in Africa for thousands of years.

And this seems to be a necessary part of the process..... to retain that sense of the sacred that all indigenous peoples throughout the world have held, whilst bringing forth a new mythology that will guide and sustain us through these 'interesting' times.

January 14th-15th 2006, Jersey
Emotional Healing Seminar
Essential tools for self-healing and helping others to heal themselves. Ian's first seminar to be held in Jersey, an opportunity to experience his popular emotional healing weekend.

January 22nd 2006, Woodstock, Oxford
Shadow Work Seminar
An introduction to the psychological shadow. What it is, how it shows up in our lives and how we can begin to integrate shadow contents into our conscious awareness. An essential component of personal development and practitioner work.

February 12th 2006, London,
Mother's Son~Father's Daughter Seminar
*JUST ADDED*
A new seminar exploring the energies of the inner masculine and feminine, bringing greater understanding to ourselves and our relationships with others.

March 10th-12th 2006, New York
The Tao of Homeopathy Seminar

May 13th-14th 2006, Co. Clare, Ireland
Emotional Healing Seminar

May 27th 2006, Yorkshire
Confident Communication Seminar

June 3rd-10th 2006, Mallorca
Life of the Spirit Residential Retreat
*Still some spaces left - book now while flights are cheap!*

June 18th 2006, Kendal, Cumbria
The Sacred Marriage Seminar *Fully Booked*

October 2nd 2006, London
Talk to S.E. London Homeopathic Group

I still have a few slots available for consultations in London on January 9th-10th. My next available dates in London will be February 10th-11th. Please send an email if you wish to book an appointment or would like further information.

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