Louvre Museum [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Like many Americans, my ancestors are a mixed bag: a rag-tag bunch of immigrants, gathered here from all over the globe. Irish, Welsh, and Scottish forebears I can claim, as well as Dutch, French, Cajun, and African ancestors. I lack any real racial identity I am a potpourri, a crazy quilt, a melting pot in my own lovely body.
This has given me a healthy dose of curiosity about the faces and places outside the United States cultures that aren't so homogenized, assimilated, pasteurized, and co-opted by huge corporations. I seek something different, something real and true, something raw and wild. Something brand new, or as ancient as old bones.
Muses all over the world have inspired creative souls for generations, since the dawn of humankind. I hope to smuggle them across the borders to inspire artists and writers a little closer to home.
Jill Badonsky's NMDM are a hip twist on the Nine Muses of Ancient Greece. These articles and profiles also feature Molly's exclusive interviews with Spills, Marge, Lull, Aha-Phrodite, Albert, Muse-Song, Audacity, Shadow Muse, Bea Silly, and Arnold (the Bodyguard).
Invoke the original Athenian Goddesses into your music, poetry, art, creativity and imagination. Inspirations from Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania.
Zarpandit, Mesopotamian Creator Goddess, rules the Moon and the Night. To connect with Zarpandit, Seed-Maker, wander in the woods as the moon begins to rise. Plant a garden of inspiration-seeds, and wait patiently to see what grows there.
Yemaya is an ancient African goddess of the sea who wards off despair with music, ritual, and celebration.
A journey through space and time to ancient Sumer to visit Ninsaba, the mysterious Goddess of Creativity, Education, Fate, and Agriculture. Ninsaba is known for her talents as an oracle and interpreter of dreams; she also brought science, architecture, reading, and writing to her people.
Darkness can make a fascinating subject for an artist to explore. Try a little free-writing about shadowy subjects.
Fauna, an Earth and fertility goddess from ancient Greece. Encounter the wild one who dwells in your heart, and dance with her. Do not shut her out, or silence her. Do not fear her. Let her sing, and your heart will be whole.
Queen of Transformation, Metamorphosis, and Change. All creative endeavors begin alone, in the deep darkness. The artist must withdraw from the world outside, creating space in which to work the magic of transformation that is your true work in this world.
Gnomes do not seek dominion over all the Earth and every living creature. Their very existence depends upon and reveres the sanctity of wild places.
Mermaids symbolize abundance, creativity, wisdom, and renewal. Who are these strange creatures? What messages from the deep blue sea do they carry ashore? Includes a word pool, story starters, quotes, and inspiring Mermaid Tales to inspire your Selkie story telling and creativity.
Pele is a creative powerhouse, with abundant energy for new inspiration. The element of fire has long been associated with creative inspiration, transformation, energy, intense emotion, and change.
Muses and deities associated with the element of water and the creative arts. If the rain inspires you, or you find yourself exalted by the view of a river, write a poem or a story to honor these Muses from the natural world, and their many gifts.
The importance of allowing your creative work to be the foundation you stand upon.
The air we breathe is like creativity itself intangible, invisible, and essential to our very survival.
Answering questions about the dark side of creativity.
How is all this possible, such limitless resources of both light and dark, such a mixture?
The legends and mysteries surrounding the standing stones and megaliths at Cornwall.
For writing inspiration and overcoming creativity blocks.
It is in the wilderness that we learn, heal, find a sense of the sacred, and become inspired. 3 Creative Visualizations for artists and writers.
There is a common misconception that art arises only from a lofty state of grace, in the rarified air of delight. Tips to making the relocation of your creative life much easier.
It is time to look coldly and honestly at the things that scare us. Then do one tiny thing every day to face your fears.
The symbols, images, people and places found in my dreams are my richest source of inspiration, wisdom, and self-knowledge.
How can the stories of other writers true or fictional inspire and inform our own work? Features free printable Creative License.
What exactly is it, this place or concept of home?
Don't need no stinkin' muses? Try these 101 creative ways to delight and inspire yourself.
This wonderful creative spirit inspires, surprises, and delights me at every turn.
Zarpandit: Ruler of Moon & Night
Finding Yemaya: An Adventure At Home
Ninsaba's Garden of Dreams
Leanan Sidhe: Dark Faery of Emerald Isle
La Fauna: A Journey to the Heart
Soaring with Hopi Butterfly Maiden
Seeking the Elusive High Desert Gnome
Sirens to Selkies: Mermaids as Muses
The Fire of Inspiration: Pele
Water: Fount of Inspiration
Earth: Creative Bedrock
Air: Soaring with Swans
Dark: Muse of Shadows
Light: A Return to Joy
Dancing Stones at Cornwall
Landscape for Writers
Nature: Muse, Healer, Guide
The Chaotic Muse
Fear: Muse & Motivator
Dreams as Muse
Story as Muse
Coming Home
Be Your Own Muse
Inner Muse Interview
Aha-phrodite
Albert
Audacity
Bea Silly
Lull
Marge
Muse Song
Shadow Muse
Spills
Arnold (Bodyguard)