Louvre Museum [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Exclusive Series Spotlight
The original nine Athenian muses were the nine sister Goddesses of Imagination, Inspiration, and The Arts in ancient Greek mythology. Many cultures have celebrated, worshipped, and tried to entice the Muses. This series explores the variety of ways in which you can invoke each of the muses and enjoy their accompaniment in your own creative life.
The Athenian Muse Calliope inspired Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. Epic poetry may not be as popular today as it was in the days of Homer, but creative story-telling is enriching, inspiring, fosters community, and will never go out of style.
Her head is crowned with laurel leaves, and her eyes are bright. Celebrate the gifts of history, education and knowledge that come from the Athenian Muse Clio.
Writing about the erotic can be difficult (Not to mention controversial!), dark, scary, and ultimately, a lot of fun! Erato encourages us to express our desires with juicy verbs, ripe-for-the-picking adjectives,and inventive details.
Classical depictions of the Muses usually feature Euterpe in a toga, playing a flute or lyre. The Athenian Goddess of lyric poetry and music has many gifts to share.
Melpomene is a guide for the lost; a dark-haired woman, clad in widow's weed who tells us to make a record of our experiences, to create new works of art to help ourselves express loss so we may be healed.
She is referred to in some texts as Polyhymnia; in others, simply Polymnia. Credited with inventing the lyre, she is the inspiration of lyric poets everywhere.
Terpsichore, Athenian Muse of Music and Dance, mother to The Sirens, is a tiny, fiery old woman who insists we meet in a Blues bar in downtown Chicago.
Invoking the Muse of Comedy — humor and laughter make new things grow. There's something delicious about laughing when you should be solemn and serious.
Stargazing with the Muse of Astronomy, Astrology, and Universal Love. Man has always looked longingly at the night sky, seeking the wisdom writ large there.
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)