The Hero's Journey & Why it matters now more than ever

Back in college, I had a wonderful children's literature instructor that turned me on to the work of Joseph Campbell & Carl Jung. In the series, The Power of Myth, (based on his work in the book The Hero with a Thousand Faces) Campbell sat down with Bill Moyers and discussed the common themes, archetypes and story arcs of what he called "the monomyth". I was in awe as Campbell broke down ancient stories such as Gilgamesh & The Iliad, & connected them with modern day myths such Star Wars & The Wizard of Oz:


Recurring themes such as the CALL TO ADVENTURE, THE REFUSAL OF THE CALL & THE BELLY OF THE BEAST came up time and time again in all shapes and sizes and through out cultures that had no way of communicating with one another. As I studied further, I started making connections to my own life and found a well spring of human experience to draw upon for my art as well as my sanity in dealing with the ups & downs that came with the various stages of life. I started recognizing the recurring characters in my life, WISE MENTORS, THRESHOLD GUARDIANS & SHAPESHIFTERS, the various psychological masks that we all wear at different points in time. It helped me find connection and most importantly hope during times when things seemed the bleakest

In a modern age where information is coming at us at a pace that is hard to process & life becomes more & more automated, it is of great value being able to take a step back and see how we fit into the great human drama & find a sense of timelessness in our shared cultural stories. The Hero's Journey provides us with a center, a deep well of shared experience that helps us recognize our rites of passage and keeps us pushing forward on the road of life.

Want to learn more about the Hero's Journey? Join me for a six week class through the Ann Arbor Rec & Ed that focuses exclusively on the Hero's Journey & how to apply it's themes to your life & your art! Class starts Tues. 9/16!

Creative Writing: The Hero's Journey

Drawing from the depth psychology of Carl Jung and the mythic studies of Joseph Campbell, the hero's journey can be a valuable road map for any aspiring writer or artist. In this class you will explore the common structural elements found universally in myths, fairy tales, dreams, and movies. Through the study of stories such as The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, you uncover techniques that will make your work timeless. Instructor: Spencer Michaud. 6 weeks. Tues. 3-5pm SESSION 1: 9/16 – 10/21, SESSION 2: 11/4 – 12/9 Tuition: $125 per session

https://apm.activecommunities.com/aareced/Activity_Search/creative-writing-the-hero-s-journey/36465

https://apm.activecommunities.com/aareced/Activity_Search/creative-writing-the-hero-s-journey/36466

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