We need to create a new myth

 Anyone who has listened to Joseph Campbell explain the important role that myths play in creating who we are as a people know that WE ARE OUR MYTHS. Whether we believe them or not, we are part of the collective and they are a part of us on some level.
 The myth that I believe we need to replace in our mostly Judeo-Christian culture is the story of Adam and Eve. It’s the foundation that the culture is built on. I believe that what really happened is that when we were in The Garden we were only learning about our light side. It was an act of bravery, courage and love to decide to explore our shadow side which must have been a scary prospect. But only knowing half of ourselves we needed to do this. It wasn’t an act of defiance as the story’s told it was an act of love. Of course once we were in our shadow side we chose not to take responsibility for our actions and created a story where blame was put on others. That’s the people we have been during the era of exploration of or dark side. Soon we will understand why we needed to go through all the suffering we have and are going through. But that era is almost over. We need to focus on a new myth. We are creators and we need to create our future rather than having it thrust upon us through not making choices. The more people we have focusing on where we want to go the closer that reality becomes and perhaps it will make the transition less painful. 
 Start thinking of the values you want to see expressed in the coming era. Here’s a few to get you started:
 We will take responsibility for all our choices. Even the ones we make by not choosing.
 Men and women will work together in balance valuing both sides equally.
 We will live in balance with our Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.
 We will value all individual’s ideas and ways of being. No person is more important and none less important.
 All will be taken care of. There will be no rich and poor.
 National borders will become meaningless as we all work together in harmony to solve our problems.
 We will have returned to The Garden.
May Peace Prevail On Earth
 

Re: We need to create a new myth

I love your approach, Andy–I am a firm believer in the power of myth and the importance of it, and in many ways I agree, completely, with what you’re saying.

I’m curious, though–is it possible to consciously create a myth? In many ways I think of myths as the unconscious, unquestioned assumptions we use to navigate the world, and in our culture, the majority of people are not aware of these deep and powerful stories. How do you go about creating a new myth without being accused of manipulation or propaganda?

Re: We need to create a new myth

I suppose technically I’m more interested in trying to get people to focus their thoughts where I see ourselves as moving toward. Once we get to the new era and see what we’ve become the new myth would be obsolete. Perhaps myth isn’t the right term. I’m just trying expand the base of people helping us move in the right direction. 

Re: We need to create a new myth

Oh, that makes complete sense, then–like creating a vision for others to see that we can then, together, work toward. I understand, and completely agree. :)

Re: We need to create a new myth

Perhaps slightly different from vision and also slightly different from unconscious assumptions. Not sure, but when I think of myth, I wonder if it might be a vision PLUS a context for that vision, a story in which the vision is embedded, like who we are, why this vision, our role in it all, how the vision fits a Bigger Picture, etc. Does that make sense? Is that what either of you might have been meaning?

Blessings, OM Bastet

Re: We need to create a new myth

Here's where I'm coming from. One day I was thinking about the myth of Adam and Eve and realized how that myth is a part of the collective consciousness. I didn't know where the information I felt I was receiving was coming from but it wasn't the first time I had this happen. I started writing before I forgot. I realized that our choice to explore our shadow side was an act of love and courage, not an act of defiance. We needed to know all of ourselves not just the light half. As the myth was written after we were in our shadow side, we blamed the serpent for tricking us effectively pushing responsibility for our actions away from ourselves. A behavior that is rampant in our culture. The concept of myths as a blueprint of who we are as a collective came into clear focus. 
  We need to start focusing on where we want to go. Get everyone thinking about the values we want to embrace in the coming era and start acting on them. When I use the word myth in this context I'm talking about a story of who we are to become. Create that story and start working toward it. I have a list I keep adding to of values I want to see expressed in the coming era by the collective and that is my myth. I plan on being back in The Garden in the coming era. The fact that we're talking about it tells me we're already on our way.
May Peace Prevail On Earth

Re: We need to create a new myth

I love what you have said here Andy -and I do agree with you.
Although I am not sure if we can create a myth in our own time -
I am sure we can create one for future generations to look back on !

Our entire idealogy is created on a myth, which has beocme a rigid
truth to many -I do not believe that is good for human nature and I
do believe that is what is impeeding us from gaining our spiritual oneness.

Before peace can prevail on earth -it has to be achieved~