Mustering the Muse

Anyone who has stared at a blank page or canvas knows that when the words, brushstrokes, or musical notes refuse to form, it is a sure sign our muse has abandoned us. Perhaps her time with us ran its course. Maybe we failed to nurture her.

Some theorize that the gods and goddesses of the old religions disappeared, changed form, or retreated when they were no longer worshiped. The Muses were originally venerated as goddesses who embodied inspiration. Temples were built in their honor and the word museum originally meant, “cult place of the Muses.” Hesiod, Plutarch, and Varro described a triad of muses. Later, in Hellenistic times, the triad tripled to nine, and the Muses were assigned specific names, attributes and emblems.

Today when dancers, writers, musicians, and artists think about their muses, they may not envision them as goddesses. But treating a muse like a goddess—or at least a cherished collaborator or source of creative inspiration—is a good way to ensure the muse will remain with you.

Muse Lost

“Happy is he whom the Muses love: sweet flows speech from his lips.”
~Homer
The Homeric Hymn to the Muses and Apollo
Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White

While I was writing my first book, Spell Check, every night I lit a candle in honor of The Muse. My muse identified with fire—the passion to create—hence the nightly flame and the wall I had painted red behind my desk. I continued the candle ritual when I began writing Spell Struck, the sequel to Spell Check. That manuscript was near completion when I moved from northern California to southern California.

After the boxes had been unpacked and my desk and computer had been set-up in my new home, I focused on finishing Spell Struck. But late into the night, the temperatures blazed in the triple digits, and high winds roared through the single-pane windows over my desk. I worried the strong gusts would knock over my goddess candleholder and set the papers on my desk on fire. So I abandoned the ritual and powered through. I was determined to get Spell Struck to my publisher in time for a June 2013 release. To my muse’s credit and my deep gratitude, she defied time and space and stuck with me until the manuscript landed in my editor’s hands.

I resumed writing my next manuscript, a Young Adult novel I had started some time ago but had never completed. I had already worked out the plot and written the first act. I knew where the story needed to go, but every writing session was a struggle. Finally, I realized the awful truth. Like an ignored lover, The Muse had left me.

Meet Your Muse

Through shamanic journeying (spirit flight/astral projection) I discovered the tie between muse and place. What a stretch it must have been for my muse to stay with me as long as she did. No wonder the final writing for Spell Struck streamed like a rollercoaster speeding down its final descent. The muse helped me meet my deadline before her time—and mine—ran out.

During that revelatory spirit flight, a new muse materialized. Her clothing indicated she was not associated with Fire. Whew! No candles! Instead, I set up sacred space on my desk to honor her and the element from which she draws her power. Not coincidentally I now realize, I had already begun painting the interior of my house in a color completely aligned with my new muse—a color I have never used before.

Not everyone meets his or her muse through spirit flight. It worked for me because I am a shaman. You might prefer to meet your muse through meditation.

• Begin by finding a comfortable and quiet place to sit or lie down.
• Close your eyes. Slow your breath.
• Set your intention. I wish to meet my muse and receive help with…
• Protect yourself. Draw in your aura so it hugs your body. Since you do not know where your search will lead, place a psychic shield around yourself. Above and below, in front and behind, to the left and to the right, I create a shield of protection around myself. Envision yourself encased in a silver egg, or pull the silver egg in close so it molds your body.
• Repeat your intention.
• Relax. Focus on breathing deeply. Empty your mind until it becomes a blank screen.
• Wait with an open mind and see what unfolds.
• You may not fully see your muse or learn her name during your first meditation or spirit flight. Do not be discouraged. Before you fall asleep at night, repeat the steps above and add to your intention: And I will remember what I experienced when I wake up. Be sure to keep paper and pen by your bed so you can write down anything you remember as soon as you wake up.
• When you come out of your meditation or sleep, reflect on what you saw. Did you see indicators that the muse was aligned with air, fire, water, or earth? Did you learn your muse’s name?
• Express gratitude. If you met your muse or another helpful guide during your meditation or spirit flight, be sure to thank them.

Nurture Your Muse

• Create sacred space dedicated to your muse. Place an object or objects on your desk (or in your studio or other creative space) that represent your muse or her power element. Keep the chi/inspiration flowing by occasionally adding flowers or other offerings to your muse.
• Thank your muse at the end of each creative session.
• Each night, be in gratitude for the progress you made and the inspiration you received.

Through daily attention, recognition, and intention, you can build a mutually rewarding relationship with your muse. May your creativity and productivity soar!