Book Club: Week 5: Processual and Fragmenting Maeve
The multi-faceted nature of Queen Maeve as an Archetype
Welcome back for Week 5, Chapter 4 of Celtic Queen Maeve and Addiction by Sylvia Brinton Perera.
I loved this chapter (not just because it is comparatively short compared to many of the chapters!). I loved the opening paragraphs which offer an insight into cultures based on oral traditions, and how their attuned awareness guides all that they do / did. It’a a reminder of our inherent intuitive wisdom, and capacity to align with the cycles and seasons of our environment.
Perera goes on to explore how the derogation of both nature and women unfolded, giving rise to the patriarchal culture and repression of vulnerability and dependency. These are themes close to my heart as a woman, a circle holder and mother to a son. I have recently finished reading Lean On Me, A Politics of Radical Care by Lynne Segal which offers a beautiful reflection on the history of feminism, and offers a guide for how we can embrace our vulnerability and inter-dependency in order to survive!
Overall this chapter dives into the multifaceted nature of Queen Maeve as an Archetype. It explores how Maeve's fragmented and processual nature reflects the complexities of addiction and personal transformation.
The chapter illustrates Maeve's role in embodying the disintegration and subsequent reintegration that individuals experience in their journey through addiction and recovery.
Quotes:
"Maeve embodies the cycle of destruction and renewal, a mirror to the addict's journey of losing oneself and finding a path to recovery."
"Her fragmented nature symbolises the chaos and disorientation felt by those battling addiction."
"The processual aspect of Maeve's story highlights the ongoing struggle and gradual progress towards healing and wholeness."
Provocations:
Reflect on a time in your life when you felt fragmented or disoriented. How did you navigate through that period?
Consider the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal in your personal journey. How have you experienced renewal after a period of struggle?
Write about the gradual progress you have made in overcoming a personal challenge. What steps did you take, and how did you sustain your efforts over time?
Thank you so much for reading along with
and I. This is a huge tome of a book, but I hope our short overviews, shared quotes and provocations, spark curiosity and reflection.Here’s to disintegration and reintegration - whatever form that takes.
With you in Circle in these (r)evolutionary times
Mitlé