The Myth of Genius, The Genius of Myth
A Workshop with Michael Meade
As the problems of the world grow massive and loom huge around us, there is a danger that the inner values and genuine inheritance of the individual soul become lost. Amidst the increasing alienation and polarization of modern life there needs to be a sense that something in the human soul remains resilient, creative, and capable of renewal. The sense of an innate genius imbedded in each human soul is an ancient and valuable concept and one of the few ideas that can stand against the onslaught of materialism, literalism, terrorism, and nihilism that increasingly characterize modern, mass cultures.
As “resident spirit of the soul” genius is both our natural connection to nature and our secret connection to the divine. As the source of uniqueness and spark of individuation in life, genius is essential for imagining change and re-creating culture. This workshop will focus upon the nature of genius and the necessity of myth for both the individual and collective levels of life.
Genius will be considered in its original sense as the innate spark and inner spirit that animates each soul, as the core imagination and mythic seed that makes each person born distinct and never to be repeated again. Whether appearing as guardian angel, inner muse, or divine twin, the genius within is the resident spirit of the soul that gives each person their unique way of being and perceiving life.
At this time when human society faces impossible tasks in every area of culture as well as in most aspects of nature, we may be able to redeem genius as an aspect of soulful presence that connects us to both the depths of nature and the mythic roots of culture. In mythic terms, the world is a place of continuous creation and our inner nature would have us contribute to the ongoing creation story of this world. Creation wishes to continue, yet can only work through the souls of those alive at a given time. There may be no better time for reimagining the nature and purpose of human genius and the wisdom and genius of myth.
Michael Meade, D.H.L., is a renowned storyteller, author, and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology. His hypnotic and fi ery storytelling, street savvy perceptiveness, and spellbinding interpretations of ancient myths are highly relevant to current culture. He is the author of many books including Fate and Destiny: The Two Agreements of The Soul and The World Behind the World. Meade is founder of Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, a Seattle-based nonprofi t dedicated to education and cultural healing. For more information, visit www.mosaicvoices.org.
PROGRAM DATES
Friday, July 8 • 7:00–9:00 pm
Saturday, July 9 • 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday, July 10 • 9:00 am–12:30 pm
For registration or additional information visit pacifica.edu, call 805.969.3626, ext. 103, or email public programs@pacifica.edu
TUITION
$380 – General Admission
$330 – Special Admission (Full-Time Students, Pacifica Alumni, and Seniors
$300 – Active Pacifica Students
Fees include Friday dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Sunday breakfast and lunch; extra meal available is Friday lunch ($19) The workshop will be held at Pacifi ca’s Ladera Lane Campus Accommodations are available at Pacifi ca’s Ladera Lane Campus and the Best Western
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