May 2013 Mustering the MuseAnyone 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
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 MuseThrough 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.
Nurture Your Muse
Through daily attention, recognition, and intention, you can build a mutually rewarding relationship with your muse. May your creativity and productivity soar! |