Art by Susan Seddon-Boulet
(http://www.turningpointgallery.com/)
"In the best known version of the Greek myth, Persephone is dragged down into the underworld by Hades, whose title is 'Pluto.' But in earlier, pre-patriarchal tales, she descends there under her own power, actively seeking to graduate from her virginal naïveté by exploring the intriguing land of shadows. 'Pluto' is derived from the Greek word plutus, meaning 'wealth.' Psychologist James Hillman says this refers to the psyche-building riches available in Pluto's domain. Hades, he says, is the 'giver of nourishment to the soul.'" – Rob Brezsny
I’m writing this during the month of my mother’s birthday, and when I recently read this quote, it made the tale of Persephone and Demeter become mine, and I wanted to explore this new perspective in the context of my relationship with my mother.
I was never taken into the underworld, so the archetype as it is commonly known never really resonated with me, but that changes drastically if it is understood as a willing and self-powered journey of nourishing discovery! I'll be wanting to ponder this tale in its new light (thanks, Rob Brezsny!)
Read on for a personal exploration of the complexity of these roles of mother and daughter in the context of this ancient myth...
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Hello, Lia, Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed reading this. It still amazes me every time one of the ancient stories communicates -
Thank you for your words and wishes, Jason. I wish the same for you. Not only did we choose these depths, but we have the capacit -
I welcome you as a follower of my blog and appreciate the sharing here. My own mother has passed over ( 9 years now) and as I ente -
Lia, It was so very interesting for me to read your take on the separate but entwined journeys of Demeter and Persephone, from th
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Thanks for sharing your perspective and your own post with me, JudithAnn. Your painting is compelling, and your story is both touc
