Healing Trauma Through Mythology
Using mythology to heal trauma is a powerful and symbolic approach. By tapping into ancient stories, archetypes, and metaphors, you can process and transform your pain. Myths often contain universal themes of struggle, loss, rebirth, and redemption. When you read myths you may find you relate to one or more characters. You also may notice connections to situations, settings, or themes in a myth. These connections can become compelling tools for personal healing. This post explores how holistic therapists use mythology to support trauma recovery.
Myth as a Mirror of Human Experience
Mythological stories reflect the complexities of human experience, including suffering and healing. For example, in Greek mythology Hades abducted Persephone while she was picking flowers. He took her to the underworld and forced her to marry him. She eventually returned to the Earthly realm in the spring, bringing new growth. In winter she returned to the underworld, retreating into darkness. We experience seasonal weather changes in our lives during winter and spring. Myth allows us to expand our understanding through our connection to nature. Sometimes in our lives we move through ‘seasons’ of rebirth and of hibernation. Like Persephone, we must explore darkness to find light.
Another relatable example is the Greek myth of Sisyphus. The Gods punished Sisyphus for trying to escape Death. When Death came for him, Sisyphus chained him up in order to escape. For this act, the Gods delivered an eternal punishment to Sisyphus. Over and over he must roll a massive boulder up a hill in the underworld. Each time he nears the top the boulder rolls back down the hill. Many people relate to this metaphor for the futility of the challenges of modern life. Wake up, go to work, buy the groceries, cook the food, sleep, wake up, go to work, pay the rent, sleep, wake up….
Archetypes and Symbolism
Mythological characters often represent archetypes, universal patterns of human behavior and emotion. The hero's journey is a prime example of an archetypal narrative. Joseph Campbell prolifically studied and wrote about the hero's journey. A leading character faces challenges, undergoes transformation, and returns stronger. This journey can serve as a framework for someone working through trauma. It involves navigating through darkness (the trauma) and emerging stronger (the healing).
Storytelling and Reframing
Trauma can distort one’s self-narrative. It can make us feel stuck or powerless. Mythology, through storytelling, provides a way to reframe our trauma. In depth psychotherapy, you might be invited to identify with a character in a myth. This helps you to gain perspective and make sense of your own experiences. For example, seeing yourself as a hero in a myth can empower you to reframe past trauma. You may come to see it not as a defeat, but as a challenge that leads to growth.
Ritual and Symbolic Actions
In many mythologies, ritual plays a significant role in transitions and transformations. Therapists who integrate mythology into trauma healing may incorporate symbolic acts. For example, you might write your own myth. Or create art to express a mythical character you see within yourself. You might engage in a physical practice like dancing or drumming to symbolize a healing process. These actions allow you to externalize and process your trauma in a symbolic way.
Integration of Shadow and Light
Mythology often involves characters that represent both shadow (pain, loss, suffering) and light (hope, redemption, healing). Trauma work involves acknowledging and integrating both aspects of oneself. For example, let's consider the Sumerian myth of Inanna. Her descent into the underworld represents facing pain or suffering in your life. Likewise, her eventual rise symbolizes the self that reemerges after therapeutic shadow work.
Community and Shared Humanity
Many mythological stories were originally shared within communities. Today’s examples include novels and films. Scholars believe mythology's purpose was creating a collective sense of meaning and connection. We know that healing from trauma can feel isolating. Engaging with myth can provide a sense of shared humanity and timeless wisdom. Group therapy settings that use mythological storytelling can help participants feel less alone. They also can facilitate a connection to something larger than the self and the group.
Example of a Myth-based Healing Process
Identify a myth. Choose a myth that resonates with your personal trauma. For example, maybe you’re struggling with feelings of betrayal or abandonment. You might explore the story of Ariadne, who was abandoned by Theseus but later became a goddess.
Engage with the story. Read the myth, meditate on it, or write about the characters and events. Can you imagine having a conversation with the protagonist? What do they want you to know? How do events in the myth mirror your experiences? What can you learn from the myth?
Create your own myth. As part of the holistic healing process, you may be encouraged to write your own myth. The idea is to integrate your personal story with archetypal elements. This can provide a new, more empowering narrative.
Perform symbolic actions. Use ritual, art, or movement to externalize the mythological journey. For example, you might perform a ritual of release and rebirth.
Archetypal Healing
There are many ways that engaging with mythology helps heal trauma. These range from reframing your trauma narrative to finding meaning in your experiences. Additionally you can tap into the universal themes of resilience and transformation. The stories we tell ourselves matter. Mythology offers a rich resource for rewriting our inner narratives.
Find Support in Healing Trauma Holistically
Discover the transformative power of holistic therapy, where your mind, body, and spirit are nurtured to achieve true balance and well-being. Our compassionate holistic therapists at Rezak Therapy are here to guide you on a journey toward healing and self-discovery, addressing your unique needs with personalized care. Embrace a holistic approach and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Follow these three simple steps to begin healing:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if holistic therapy is right for you.
Begin meeting with a skilled holistic therapist.
Start healing and addressing your unique needs.
