I have really been delving into the Greek archives of myth lately, and boy have my readings made me contemplate the concept of fate! I have been re-reading the story of Oedipus Rex, contemplating how it is a treatise on how we are all at the mercy of a higher power that is working for the highest good, or simply making sure that we experience in this lifetime that which we are meant to. Unfortunately for Oedipus and his family, his ardent efforts to evade prophecy are in fact the actions that lead to the prophecy being fulfilled. He ends up killing his father, copulating with his mother, and having offspring that are both siblings and his progeny.
Re-reading this tragedy, it stood out to me how I have learned the most in times of strife. When I had to work through tragedy and pain, finding meaning in heartache has proven to be my biggest teacher. Losing a loved one is the path that has lead many to spiritual awakening (including myself). Loss forced me to contemplate the deeper meaning to life, and my purpose here on Earth. Our time here is truly a wonder, I am constantly humbled be the fact that I am living life, with the aid of my five senses, experiencing what it means to walk the planet as a human being. Our consciousness is truly the key, and awakening to the subtle realms is what opens up life and its mysterious dimensions!
Time and again I am reminded that ignorance can truly lead to the downfall of man along with hubris. Hubris is what leads Oedipus to being over zealous in seeking the murderer of King Lauis; when he in fact is the person that he sought. I realized while reading Edith Hamilton's Mythology that the plays of the Greeks were enacted during the festivals of Dionysus, which allowed the secrets of his mysteries to be taken in by all. It is interesting to note that the Greeks veiled their allegory within the tragedies, I think this is because they too understood that we learn the most when confronted with adversity. Ironically, at the end of Oedipus Rex, the king realizes how his eyes had not truly been viewing the reality that is his world, and therefore he decides to put the lights out, by taking his sight. Another irony is the old prophet of the play Tiresias who is also blind, is the one who is truly able to see, informing Oedipus that he is in fact the murderer of his father, even though at the time of the reveal, Oedipus was blind to the truth.
Assuming the you hold all the facts without ever consulting a source, is the height of ignorance, and the myths convey the fact that when you choose to lead your life in this way, it paves the way for your downfall. Always seek to shed light on your path, for here is where you find truth. Yet, you must also delve into your internal darkness in order to be illumined to the light. I feel all of these truths are being conveyed within the story of the House of Thebes. When living myth you awaken to the allegories that life experiences are meant to reveal to you!
Dream, Love, Know... JYN Star
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