Magical Activism: Transforming the War Cult

The Odyssey is this summer’s big movie. The Manosphere is obsessed with testosterone. Wars rage, driven by some strong man’s ego. Maybe it’s time to re-examine the cult of the Warrior, that Bronze-Age propaganda coup that has driven our myths, our religions and our conceptions of gender for thousands of years.  The cult still shapes politics, entertainment and religion, in ways both obvious and unseen.  And it lives within us, constricting who we can be. What is the Warrior cult? It’s the stories, the philosophies and the ingrained assumptions that aggression equals strength and manliness, that caring and compassion are womanly and weak, that the glory of conquest is more important than life itself. 

Yet there are other images of strength and courage, both older and potentially newer.  The ancient Goddesses long pre-date the rise of the Warrior, and in their imagery and stories we can find alternative visions of power.  And at this crucial time, when the world is literally burning and democracy itself may fall victim to the strongmen, we need both those ancient powers and our own creativity and vision to forge a new mythic ground.

In this 6-week online course, we’ll explore the warrior myths and the ancient Goddesses that underly them. Through reading, discussion, ritual and trance journeys, we’ll transform the our internalized War-cult and reawaken deeper creative and healing powers.  Our path will take us from the Odyssey and the figures of Athena, Circe and Calypso through journeys of initiation as a different model of courage.  We’ll look at our cultural fear of the body and pleasure and the ancient erotic rites of the Sacred Marriage to reclaim our love for our bodies, and the embodiment of beauty and pleasure in the natural world. The Witch represents our cultural fear of and attraction to power that goes outside of conventional bounds. Finally, we’ll explore the Healer’s journey, and co-create myths and stories that can guide us through these times.

Students will gain increased awareness of the Warrior Cult underlies patriarchy, and gain tools for withstanding the stress and anxiety of this moment.  We will transform the internalized stories that limit us and awaken deeper sources of power. Participants will come away with increased creative energy, confidence, and sharpened capacities for action in the service of justice.

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