In her warm, conversational way Jean illustrates how ego, complex, myth and personal choice play out in our individual lives. She offers us a field guide to some of the most common postures we fall into unconsciously. Jean shares parts of the myths of Procrustes, Atalanta, Hera, Hestia, Inanna and Hecate. These stories speak of being cut up and still being intact, of sovereignty and commitment. They hold clues about how to find our own autonomy, creativity and capacity for relationship. We learn that when our old self is dead we need to visit the underworld, for that is the place of resurrection and return.
Jean both lets us be where we are and sends us on our way. She says that if your life is dry, maybe you need to let go of what’s old and grab something new. She holds the question to us: What are you going to do with your creativity and your truth?
Course Overview:
Part One: Heart connections
Jean touches several topics in this opening lecture. She begins with the power of Hera’s jealousy to possess us. The goddess Hestia shows us the importance of tending the fire of relationship. Every significant relationship we’re in is either a circle of mutual interest or a hierarchy of one person over the other. The story of Procrustes´ bed illustrates how we spend much of our lives adapting, meeting other peoples’ expectations.
At some point that doesn’t work anymore. We realize we need to make a commitment to our own soul. This isn’t easy. The place of creative tension is where we’re drawn to do something and also held back. The struggle itself is of value. Sometimes our unchosen hardships turn out to be the lessons that give our life meaning. In this context Jean shares her experience of her son’s lifelong illness and her continued connection with him after his death.
Part Two: Crossroads and the Underworld
In this class Jean talks about Hecate, the goddess of the cross roads. Hecate sees the path we’ve come down and she sees the options before us. Jean gives the example of prominent doctors who chose to present evidence of reincarnation though they knew it would damage their careers. Jean sees therapists in Hecate’s role as they help clients hold their experience, let go of the old and claim what they know is true. Jean tells the Sumerian story of Inanna’s descent through 7 gates to the world of the dead. Inanna’s story illustrates how we must shed old personas and recover what we’ve cut off from ourselves.
Part Three: Sowing Circles
Jean shares her “Millionth Circle” work creating groups of people who care about each other (see glossary) .These circles become vital supports for personal and sacred connections. Jean tells the story of the goddess Atalanta, an indomitable and powerful virgin. Atalanta has a footrace with a suitor who distracts her with 3 golden apples. The apples represent questions every strong woman must consider. Working on ourselves with these questions impacts the whole net of humanity.