Oh where, oh where have our archetypes and myths gone?
Oh where, oh where can they be?
Joseph Campbell, the late great American mythologist, lamented that in modern society we’ve lost our connection to myth, and therefore, a connection to our true selves. But modern day rock musicians fulfill an essential mythic role for us, that of spiritual shamans/healers and messengers.
What better way to shake-up mass consciousness than with music? After all, the word music stems from the Greek Mousa, meaning "Muse.” A muse is a source of inspiration, and to inspire indicates something or someone which affects, guides, or arouses by divine influence. Were John Lennon, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend and Jimmy Page divinely inspired to lead a generation of people toward healing and spiritual enlightenment, just as shamans have done for thousands of years?
Numerous myths and religions around the world state that vibration or “The Word” is the fundamental building block of creation. And what is a word, but a VIBRATION? Sound and music have been used as shamanic tools to help humans shift into altered states of consciousness, as well as facilitating in healing the human mind and body. Though many musicians might not be conscious of this role, modern day rock gods fulfill a similar shamanic/high priest position by bringing people together and using music as a vehicle for transformation.
Musicians are also messengers. This is a very important role, because thousands of years ago, the Greek godHermes (Mercury in Roman mythology) acted as a messenger between gods and humans. But who fulfills that messenger role today? Priests? Yes, they do to a certain extent, but it seems that musicians also act as a translator between us mere mortals and God because they’re both in the business of VIBRATION. Musicians are conduits or channels for the divine (God) and their job is to relay inspirational and healing vibrations to the masses.
If rock musicians represent mythic shamans and messengers, then what mythic or archetypal role do fans play out? Based upon surveys I conducted among rock music fans, and Carolyn Myss’ Archetype cards, one possible archetypal character rock music lovers follow is: The Child.
The Child is one of four primary archetypes we all share according to medical intuitive and best-selling author Carolyn Myss. She discusses a variety of archetypes such as the Hero, the Trickster, and the Victim in her book, Sacred Contracts, and there are several different aspects of the Child archetype. The Abandoned/Orphan Child seems to represent many superfans, though most are unaware of this strong influence. The Orphan child is prevalent in numerous fairytales and children’s stories, (Cinderella, Dorothy from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Luke Skywalker or Harry Potter) and “reflects the psyches of people who feel from birth as if they’re not a part of their family, including the tribal spirit.”
If feelings of abandonment are never healed so that the person can mature and develop independence, they typically seek out surrogate family structures to experience tribal union. The Law of Attraction draws people of a similar archetype or vibration together, and being a fan of a rock band is one path towards belonging to a group, using a collective passion for the performers and their music as the glue that binds everyone together. The internet has allowed thousands of rock music fans the opportunity to connect easily with one another outside of concerts, thus strengthening the family or tribal bond.Via the principle of “Law of Attraction,” we are vibrationally drawn together to heal our past in order to create a new vision for society.
Perhaps our society is on the cusp of tremendous psychic change, and music may well indeed be one of the primary catalysts to usher in our brave new world. So where oh where have our archetypes and myths gone? One place you can find them is at a performance of your favorite rock band!
Laura Faethfirst appeared as an author in NoNiche magazine in December 2007 with a featured article. We've followed her work now for nearly a year and were pleased to review and endorse her book that hits the shelves on 11.11.08. - You can learn more about Laura and her book at her Official website: Sound of Your Soul. Rock on and keep the Faeth! The Magical Mystery Tour-o-Life is happening all around you - everyday. All you have to do is listen.
November 6, 2008 by Network Abundance Publications
