ABOUT US
Father Phallosy
October 31st, 2008Of all the books I’ve ever read -Under Saturns’ shadow, (1994 James Hollis) is probably one of the most profound pieces of literature that I have thus far discovered. Right away I was amazed by the many revelations to which I soon began to experience, and only as a direct result of this newly found information, which so thoroughly outlines (in a mere 130 pages) the struggle of a man -not only within himself, but within the constructs of society as a whole. For eons men have competed with each other, living fear filled existences as they’ve suppressed their emotions, playing both victim and victimizer -and not just only to one another but to the women who love them as well. Moreso, as the torrents of ancestry continue to reek havoc on the hearts and minds of men, it’s only through the out play of such timeless dramas, (more specifically those most patternistic classic motifs) that we’ve begun to actualize the need for change in our maladies of soul.
Like Carl Jung and many others, Hollis (a Harvard grad as well as a Jungian analyst) uses mythology to illustrate the psychological phenomenon of the human condition. Father phallosy as I’ve been so inclined to entitle this article is just one aspect of the overall larger theme, and wide range scope of ideologies -with their many implications, that the myth of Saturn represents. “Saturn was the infamous Roman god who ate his children in an attempt to keep them from usurping his power.” There are many deep seeded psychological truths revealed behind this tyranical god of agriculture. Here is just one example:
In summary, men eat their children by consuming and transforming their natures. They do so by ridiculing and shaming them in such a way as to make them conform to the same dogmatically oppressing life principals -that were once impressed or instilled, even forced upon themselves, (and as often the case) whether they themselves continue living out such principals or not. Hence the cliche, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
The result of such action is that the weaker more amenable (mind of the) child is eventually and indefensively brainwashed, as they are ultimately set up to relinguish their free will, and thereby destined to live out lives of internal struggle, often exhibiting the same problematic behavioral patterns as their fathers before them. Be it alcholism, drug addiction, violent temper and tendencies, or anything other, this type of systematic programming can be carried over through generations unless we as fathers and or parents begin coming to greater awarenesses as to that which we actually do. Hopefully, through a more conscious effort we may be able to gain the neccessary insight -in order to weed out (what Hollis refers to as) the worst influences of patriarchy.
NOTE:
Now don’t misunderstand this, generally a father always wants the best for his children. But nevertheless, there may still be some repressed fears lingering just beneath the surface, where as a man may very well subconsciously feel disempowered -even by the success of his very own offspring as they threaten to take over his reign.
You see, it’s more then evident to me, that just as a father may in turn walk his children down the road to success, he may also have just as much of a likelihood to walk his child down the same path or pathos that he himself once stumbled upon. (In essence, by cancelling out these negative inputs we can save our children a lifetime of conflict and troubles).
So then we must always remember to listen carefully to what our fathers tell us, for they are wise and they love us. However, we must always keep our minds with eyes wide open, so therefore we can be our own persons. Otherwise, too much of daddys’ fear filled passions might permeate into our own subconscious, further manipulating us, at which point Saturn can rob us of our souls’ truer convictions.
A Musing
October 31st, 2008I say what of this world, it forces you to find happiness in sorrow, and pleasure in pain. Why is it then, that we are so blind, that we can’t see past the treachary inside of our very own hearts, the artificiality of Fame and Fortune, and the meaninglessness of Remembrance and Glory?
Oh how often I’ve done things to create an impression. My mental weaknesses and my low self esteem has me striving after luxurious possessions (for status purposes) and in order to create a fradulent sense of self worth -through the praises and applauding of the shouting multitude… who know neither who nor what they are. I suppose partly this is why I write, to say that I was here, and out of conceit from Under Saturns’ Shadow.
However, through generations is it not inevitable that every spark of remembrance must be eventually quenched. So what a futile act is yearning to be remembered anyway. Besides isn’t ones written history quite deceiving in comparison to the complexity and totality of a life? Is a life of sin really even worth bragging about, as I’m so often consumed by such anger and grief? Why hast thou forsaken me?
The truth is, I often wonder about my dreams, and if they could ever live up to how I vividly imagine them. Or maybe I’ve already lived them out through these experiences more truly, more real. Maybe I’m ready to step off the edge afterall, but fear that I haven’t yet tasted everything. I don’t understand why, for what is so great about it?
And for this, there is only one thing that comes to mind that I haven’t yet satiated, and that being… an overwhelming, over compelling desire in my heart -to love and to experience love, and for that and that alone… I bear the beast of this burden.
