I have hiked in this local park, nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, several times a week for many years without giving a thought to its name. I began my usual trek today with my dogs who were beyond excited to be in a forest washed clean by overnight rain. The air was brisk and cold and fresh and smelled of redwood and dampness and decaying leaves. The dogs were irresistibly drawn to the layered scents of the forest floor and stopped frequently to breathe in its richness.
I have been frustrated lately that at the time I need Psyche to reveal a few of her mysteries to me, to inspire me to actually write the dissertation I have committed to, guidance seems elusive. I try to remain open to synchronicities or intuitions that might indicate interest in the project but I have a hard time remembering dreams or deciding which resources might be the most important to include in the project. To be honest, I worry that I have overstepped and offended the archetypal figures I am attempting to understand by demanding too much from them in my initial attempts to assemble a Dissertation Council.
A Dissertation Council is an assembly of archetypal figures who might wish to have something to say about its production or who would be willing to give me their perspective on my topic. I am better about pursing the yang aspects of inquiry–the active searching and reading and annotating of books and journal articles. More elusive is the yin aspect of a research project, the idea that while you pursue a research project, the project simultaneously pursues you, dropping subtle hints through intuitions or synchronicities. Yin is an attitude of openness and receptivity to the dialogue that might be emanating from the work itself, giving clues about what might need to be included or an important point that has eluded previous researchers.
These concepts are covered more completely in a beautifully written book, The Art of Inquiry: A Depth Psychological Perspective, by Elizabeth Nelson and Joseph Coppin. I love the ideas they elaborate, especially the idea that even dissertation writing should be ensouled and include Psyche in the creative process. The Council is one of their suggestions. I wonder what assent or an indication of willingness from an archetypal figure might look like in my own process.
I wasn’t thinking about any of these things this morning when I rounded a corner and was greeted by the sun shining spectacularly between the trees and the simultaneous sudden and unexpected realization that I was walking on the hallowed ground of Mt. Madonna and had been greeted by the Goddess herself as we strolled through the morning mist. I was overwhelmed with gratitude as I stopped to snap the photo above while the dogs patiently (for once) waited.
I didn’t experience a thunderclap flashing from the sky or an overwhelming dream figure or a booklist downloaded and endorsed from a divine source. What I heard was a still small voice in the beauty of the forest in a park dedicated to the Madonna. It is enough to step into mist and trust that what I need will be there when it is needed and will be provided by someone who is taking keen interest in my devotion to her. I thank the Madonna for her assent to be part of my project.