Speaker
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Cybele Brandow
Organiser
Last checked 23 Aug 2021. Event series starting 31 Oct added. No other events.
Poetry of the Depths: Mystics, Transcribes & Psychologues
"Has any one at the end of the nineteenth century any distinct notion of what poets of a stronger age understood by the word 'inspiration'? If not, I will describe it. If one had the smallest vestige of superstition left in one, it would hardly be possible completely to set aside the idea that one is the mere incarnation, mouthpiece, or medium of an almighty power. The idea of revelation, in the sense that something which profoundly convulses and upsets one becomes suddenly visible and audible with indescribable certainty and accuracy, describes the simple fact. One hears—one does not seek; one takes—one does not ask who gives; a thought suddenly flashes up like lightning, it comes with necessity, without faltering—I have never had any choice in the matter." — Nietzsche, Ecce Homo (1888/1908) [trans. Ludovici]
As Jung once said, “We cannot, therefore, afford to be indifferent to the poets, since in their principal works and deepest inspirations they create from the very depths of the collective unconscious, voicing aloud what others only dream.” Jung held a great fascination for poets throughout his life, writing frequently on the relationship between analytical psychology and poetry (the above quote by Nietzsche about poetic inspiration is one he himself referenced multiple times).
In this program, we will explore the poetry of the depths – both in terms of poetry as expression of the depths, and of the poetic qualities of the depths themselves. We will do this by visiting with the specific tradition of mystical poetry, which expresses itself throughout time in the unfiltered, often unconscious (or “automatic”) transmissions of sensitive poets. Rilke described this process as one of receiving “spontaneous inner dictation” or “enigmatic dictations.” Sufi poets similarly composed as vessels, verses arising spontaneously during trance-like states and transmitted orally to an audience eager to record them.
Mystical poetry and creative methodology from different eras and cultures, including some of Cybele’s own recent work, will be shared to invoke the voice of the depths. This presentation and performance will be followed with a short workshop in which attendees will be encouraged to “step aside” and transcribe any poetic dictations that may be arising within them. The program will conclude with time for sharing. Let us see what synchronicities and unimagined possibilities might reveal themselves to us, through us~
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