The Fates and Graces Mythologium Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
2023 Myth Conference to be Held on Lambert Campus July 28-30
In 2019, when Drs. Joanna Gardner and Stephanie Zajchowski were finishing their dissertations in Pacifica’s Mythological Studies program, the end of grad school both beckoned and loomed. They would be relieved to be done, but what came next? Where would they find the creative, intellectual conversations that had nourished them during school? The weekend immersions into myth? How would they carry their work forward in the world?
What they needed, they decided, was an event that focused on mythology. A place for the myth community to gather, share their work, and spark new ideas. A compelling excuse to get together and talk over coffee and wine. A weekend that would combine the best of an academic conference and a creative workshop.
So they assembled a team, picked a date, and put out the word on social media. They posted a call for proposals. Arranged list after list of details. Wondered if this idea would work at all—but then the day arrived, and 30 mythologists showed up in Morro Bay, California, to celebrate myth and each other. The Mythologium was born.
The Fates and Graces Mythologium is now an annual conference dedicated to cultivating the myth community. Mythologists, depth psychologists, therapists, writers, artists, businesspeople, and many other mythophiles gather to create the experience of each Mythologium and be inspired by the work of their community.
The Mythologium brings creativity and depth to the container of an academic conference. Presenters deliver their research in 20-minute presentations, and the community carries that conversation forward in Yes-And discussions. Some presenters share papers, and some offer mini workshops. Sponsored panels support the community’s exploration of vital topics related to racism, diversity, and ecological awareness. The program incorporates poetry, writing reflections, and mythic imagery.
“We have seen firsthand how the Mythologium builds this community,” Joanna says. “Mythologists prepare and present their work, their ideas grow stronger in conversation with others, and we all leave with new insights. The community has collectively re-visioned the archetype of the academic conference.”
“We honor soul side-by-side with rigorous research,” Stephanie adds, “and the imaginal alongside the intellectual. It’s a wonderful way to refill the creative well—for yourself and the whole community.”
The event has become a summer touchpoint for mythologists, friends of myth, and the myth-curious. In 2020 the Mythologium pivoted to Zoom, which allowed people from all over the world to attend. In 2021, 50 mythologists presented their work on 18 panels, all focused on the theme of Myth and Healing. In 2022, the theme was Myth and Ecological Consciousness, and the team added a one-day workshop called “Your Mythic Career” to the weekend’s program.
Going forward, Joanna and Stephanie’s vision is to strengthen the Mythologium as a platform for individual mythologists, for the myth community, and for the field of mythological studies.
To that end, the Fates and Graces team is thrilled to announce that the fifth annual Mythologium will be held on Pacifica’s Lambert campus in Carpinteria, CA, with a streaming option for remote attendees, thanks to the sponsorship of the Pacifica Graduate Institute Alumni Association. Thank you, PGIAA!
The conference dates are July 28-30, 2023, and the theme will be Myth and the Heart. The CFP opens on January 1, 2023. To receive details, visit mythconference.com today and subscribe to the Mythologium email list.
In the meantime, Joanna and Stephanie hope you keep sharing ideas, inspiring each other, and amplifying each other’s work. They’ll see you at the 2023 Mythologium!
