What is a mythic animal? Traditionally considered a product of
people’s imaginations, they are animals that do not exist on the
physical plane. In fact, many mythical animals are a combination of
several real animals. (They usually have the characteristics of both
animals.) But mythic animals are real to those who dream.
Mythic animals live on the edges of our minds. Moreover, they live in
our world, in places where everything is a little wild and primitive.
Furthermore, we may encounter them, when we least expect it. For
example, on a foggy day or a moonlit night, you may glimpse one. I have
seen dragons sunning themselves on mountains as I traveled a busy
highway. Dragons have also appeared briefly in raging snowstorms in my
local area.
The edges of cultivated areas and wild areas are the best places to
encounter mythic animals. Since they are “between places,” these border
areas have great power and mystery. At marshes and beaches, encounters
with water beasties will often occur. Also, you can come upon mythic
animals in deserts or deep in the forests, where things are lonely and
wild.
Mythic animals come from many places. To ancient peoples, they were
the forces of nature, in all her aspects. For example, thunderbirds
governed the weather. Later travelers returning from faraway places told
of the exotic creatures they saw. Romans reported on dragons that lived
in Joppa in the Middle East. In the Middle Ages, people reported on
their encounters with local dragons and other animals. They listed them
in their bestiaries, describing each animal.
When people started measuring and examining the natural world, they
lost their ability to see any mythic animals. At the same time, all the
mythic animals seemingly disappeared. In modern times, people usually
seek rational explanations for every phenomenon that they witness.
However, the mythical beasts never really went away. Some people
believed that they could still see them. The mythic imaginations of
these folks led scholars to continue collecting tales of griffins and
others. Today, more people have been able to see more of the mythic
animals.
In her book, The Great Work, Tiffany Lazic writes that
“mythical beasts guide us in our quest to find the synthesis between our
inner and outer worlds.” She sees their uses in heraldry, such as the
griffin, connects people to the past and to the future. Because mythic
animals are both products of the human imagination and composite of
actual animals, Lazic believes they are excellent helpers for
integration work.
How do we begin the search for the Mythic Ones? What do the mythic
stories, from around the world, have in common? What is the true
treasure that the Mythic Ones hold? Does it differ from mythic animal to
mythic animal? How can we deepen our relations with the ones, who are
friendly to humans? Are there any that we should avoid? Study the myths
of the world for the answers.
One example would be the griffin (half-lion and half-eagle). Often
used as a last name, this mythic animal is also featured on people’s
coats of arms. Lions and eagles both represent royalty. Moreover, the
eagle is the Ruler of the Skies, and the lion, Ruler of the Land.
Mythology has the griffin protecting and governing both realms. Given
the griffin’s exalted status, only the most noble and courageous of
people could approach him.
Once we know who are friendly to humans, such as fu dogs, we can
begin to approach them. When we do that, we widen our realm of
possibilities and develop a new sense of worth. Our relations with them
will nurture our hopes and dreams, as well as, give us a greater
reverence for all life. When we embrace their energy, we become
conscious of the mystical in our lives. Finally, we align ourselves with
the mythical world. We bring magic back into our lives.
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