Animal Myths and Mysteries at Conference

We are very happy to include in our program such varied and unique scholarship concerning the mysteries of animals.  Ever-present in world myths and literature, animals of all kinds are, in many cases, as much a part of our lives as people (some might say, “other people”). In every culture their attributes and qualities contribute to our symbolism and sacred stories.  Here are just a few of the panels featured at this year’s conference!

 

 

LIVING MYTHS: REVIVING FEMININE IMMANENCE

  • Idoia Arana-Beobide, “Mari: The Power of Feminine Immanence in the Basque and Anishinabe Belief Systems”
  • Lauren Raine, “Spider Woman: A Myth for Our Times”
  • Monica Mody, “Snake Priestesses and Snakes in India”

 

 

COMPANIONS IN EVOLUTION AND ITS OUTCOMES: HUMAN-ANIMAL SPECIES BOND IN MYTHS

  • Heather Kohser, “Pollinators and People – Our Evolving Story”
  • Marie-Lucie Tarpent,  “The Animal Origins of Medusa”
  • Lisa R. Skura, “Natural Darkness and Women”

ANIMAL ALLIES IN HUMAN-SACRED ENCOUNTERS: THREE CANONICAL MYTHS RETOLD

  • Judith Maeryam Wouk, “Sorcerers, Kings, Donkeys and Angels: A ReFraming of Biblical Story”
  • Colleen Harris, “An Automythography of Liminality: Dante’s (Un)Natural Worlds Bounded by Animal and Woman”
  • Sarah Chandler, “The Bereaved She-Bears: Violent Saviors or Terrorizing Monsters”