Mythic U

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Join hosts Karen Foglesong and Erin Branham as we discuss the mythological significance of snakes, and their dual symbolism of life and death. We explore various cultural perspectives, including Chinese mythology where snakes represent power and transformation, and Hindu mythology where snakes are both protective and deceptive. The conversation also delves into the historical and symbolic use of snakes in medicine, such as the Caduceus and the rod of Asclepius. We highlight the snake's role in ancient myths, from the Minoan Snake Goddess to the Garden of Eden, and conclude by encouraging listeners to embrace the transformative power of the snake in their own lives.

SHOW NOTES

Wadjet:  Cobra Goddess of Egypt 

Ningishida: Snake God of Mesopotamia

Nuwa and Fuxi: Chinese Mythology

Orinico River Petroglyphs

Great Serpent Mound in Ohio

The Solstice Snake in the Moab Desert

Nagas of Indian Mythology

Minoan "Snake Goddess"

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Artificial Intelligence is everywhere now, available for your use and possibly coming for your job! Karen and Erin discuss the hefty moral implications of AI for humans - and for the artificial intelligence itself. The discussion ranges from AI art in competitions to the Church of AI to (of course) Star Trek, the Borg, and Commander Data (with a little Star Wars thrown in for good measure).

SHOW NOTES

What Isaac Asimov Can Teach Us About AI - article in The Atlantic

The Mathematical Basis of the Arts by Joseph Schillinger, 1943 - Internet Archive

Inside the First Church of Artificial Intelligence - article in Wired

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 2, Episode 9 clip - Picard and Guinan discuss disposable creatures

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Erin Branham and Karen Foglesong interview Shannon Gaulding, a film and television producer, about her personal mythology. Shannon discusses the importance of self-created stories in defining one's identity and the role of mythology in entertainment. She shares her journey from a chaotic family background to finding self-love and spiritual growth through the 12-step program. Shannon emphasizes the need for self-awareness, acceptance, and action in shaping one's life narrative. She also highlights the significance of community and spiritual practices in overcoming personal challenges and creating a fulfilling life.

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Welcome to a discussion about the nature of conspiracy theories, looking at their symbolic and mythic roots. What are conspiracy theories and why do people believe them? What do conspiracy theories have to do with personal mythology?  The conversation delves into the motivations behind belief in conspiracy theories, and the history of conspiracy theories. The discussion also touches on the psychological impact of conspiracy theories and the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's personal stories.

SHOW NOTES

The Search for Roots: C.G. Jung and the Tradition of Gnosis by Albert Ribi

Speaking of Psychology, Why Do People Believe in Conspiracy Theories with Dr. Karen Douglas - podcast by American Psychological Association

David Icke and the Reptoids (sounds like a band name!)

The Great Fire of Rome: of fake news, conspiracy, and social disruption - essay on The Spirit of the Eye blog

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Join us as we discuss divination and its role in illuminating life's hidden significance and personal challenges. We explore divination's historical context, noting its ancient origins and modern relevance. Then we go deep on astrology, Myers-Briggs, and tarot, highlighting their Jungian origins and how they use symbolic archetypes. We also touch on modern augury, sharing personal experiences with animal omens and radio songs as divinatory tools. Does divination tell the future? Probably not - but does it tell us a lot about ourselves? Definitely!

Show Notes

Divination - Britannica

Divination - Open Encyclopedia

Jung on Astrology - Jungiancenter.org

Psychological astrology - wikipedia

Seventy-eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness by Rachel Pollack

Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small by Ted Andrews

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Join us as we discuss a couple of fundamental social myths of Western culture: the ideas of progress and the Golden Age. We take a look at the historical sources of these myths and how they ripple through our culture today. We explore the complexities of time and progress, looking to challenge the linear mythology that underpins Western culture and offer insights from various cultures and perspectives to broaden our understanding.

SHOW NOTES
Wikipedia references if you want to know more:
Euhemerus

Johann Gottfried Herder

Golden Age

Golden Age (metaphor)

Hesiod, Works and Days - Perseus database, Tufts University

The Myth of Progress: An Interview with Author Paul Kingsnorth, Emergence Magazine

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Join us for a fun romp through the Magic Store and the works of the genius artist of play, Jim Henson. Puppets were dismissed as mere children's entertainment until Jim Henson took the art form to unforeseen levels with the affectionate anarchy of the Muppets. We explore Henson's philosophy of difference, creativity and play!

SHOW NOTES
The Henson Company
Jim Henson: Idea Man now on Disney +
How Muppets Creator Jim Henson Changed Puppetry - NPR article
The World of Jim Henson - youtube documentary
Jim Henson & Philosophy: Imagination and the Magic of Mayhem

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We take a deep dive into the fluidity of myth across place and time using Demeter and Dionysus as examples. While lesser known in our age, these two powerful gods once had thousands upon thousands of worshippers across the ancient Mediterranean. We explore their varied cults and the diverse versions of their myths.

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Join us for a deep dive into the Greek and Roman pantheons. We look at the Classical Gods as archetypes and discuss how they have come down to us as literature versus how they were worshipped and thought about in the ancient world.

SHOW NOTES

Theoi.com - excellent resource on the original written and visual works of the Greek Pantheon

U Penn comparison of Greek and Roman gods chart

Jean-Auguste_Dominque Ingres Jupiter and Thetis

Neptune’s Horses by Walter Gray on the Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood website

Botticelli’s Birth of Venus

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Whether you know it or not, you already have a personal mythology. It is made up of stories - stories of your place of birth, your family, your religion or spirituality (or lack thereof), your own lived experiences. Examining these tales can teach you a lot about yourself - and give you the agency to realign your stories to more fully reflect the you that you want to be.

Human Beings are Wired for Story: Here's Why - Forbes
The Neuropsychological Basis of Religions, or Why God Won't Go Away  by Eugene G. d’Aquili and Andrew B. Newberg
How Where You're Born Influences the Person Your Become - The Conversation
National Myth - Wikipedia
Height Discrimination: How "heightism" affects careers - BBC
Religion and Identity -  Steward Harrison Oppong, Polish Academy of Sciences Graduate School for Social Research
Colorado Gators Rescue Park
Suicidal Tendencies - Wikipedia

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