The Seven Myths of the Soul (revised edition) 

Description

For more than one thousand years, the Pythagorean and Platonic philosophers of antiquity visited and revisited their primeval mythological heritage which was the living heart of their pagan religion, art and science.  In earliest antiquity the inner truths of myth were held to be suitable only for those who had undergone the initiations and training of mystery cults and academies of philosophy, and were communicated in secret and guarded language; in later antiquity, circumstances forced their interpreters to become more open and commit their insights to writing.  It is these writings upon which Tim Addey draws in order to present to the non-specialist reader a philosophic interpretation of the beautiful and powerful myths of the Greeks. The Seven Myths of the Soul is based on a passage from Damascius, the last head of Plato’s Academy in Athens:

The Soul descends into generation, after the manner of  Kore;

She is scattered by generation, after the manner of  Dionysus ;

Like  Prometheus  and the  Titans , she is bound to body.

She frees herself by exercising the strength of  Heracles;

Gathers herself together through the help of  Apollo

And the Savior  Athene , by truly purifying philosophy;

And she elevates herself to the causes of her being with Demeter.

In the stories of Persephone (Kore), Dionysus, Prometheus, Heracles, Apollo, Athene and Demeter the trials, initiations and ultimate triumph of each human soul are outlined in mystical symbols.  For those seeking soul wisdom this book provides the starting point for a cycle of  profound meditations.   This is a greatly revised edition.