The Muses

The muses of ancient mythology are the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne; protectors of the arts and sciences. The names of the muses are Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia and Urania. In modern times, the muses have become our archetypes, aspects of ourselves which we posses or wish to embrace. Many times they represent qualities we admire and respect, but they can also embody our shadow side, and areas in need of improvement. As you dive deep into your psyche, you will see these facets of your personality and which muse governs it.

These nine women act as guides, their subtle influences being felt as we turn our intentions inward. Each muse is unique but they share a common thread. They each strive to inspire us, to help us on our personal journey, and help us live our lives to the fullest.


Calliope
Eldest and most distinguished of the muses, Calliope is the muse of epic stories and heroic deeds. She tells the tales of our greatest heroes and our darkest villains. From these stories we learn about life. Movies, books, poems and Bardic circles are all her domain. Master orator, She captures her audience and has them hanging on her every word. Calliope knows that life needs to be savored and enjoyed. She helps seekers live life to the fullest and keep it invigorating! She understands that life is a winding road, that one needs to take it slowly to appreciate it. Those who seek her, learn about the moment, the “Now” of life. Too often we live in the future or in the past, but Calliope shows us to live in the present moment and that to live is the greatest story of all!

Clio
Clio stands for Truth, Pure Truth. She wields the Sword and Scales of Justice. Clio is the impartial truth-seeker and does not care if the truth helps or hurts, for she helps seekers find the essence of life. She is also an Alchemist, aiding one in Spiritual Alchemy. She is the holder of the panacea and can aid all who are suffering. Clio also works many times in the reverse. If you are seeking the light of Truth, she will plunge you into darkness, so that you will understand the duality of life. She resides in the shadows, elusive to many who seek her. She whispers on the wind, brings inspiration to your dreams, and awakens you at 3am with an epiphany. Clio is the fame giver. From the dark she can shine the spotlight, exposing you for all that you are. We are all beings of great talent and joy, if we can learn to romance the shadow.

Erato
Erato represents all forms of love, from the maternal adoration a mother has for her child, to the platonic affection between close friends, to the sizzling passion of two lovers as they come together beneath the stars.

Of all these loves, the love one has for one’s Self is what Erato strives to cultivate the most. Here lies the core nature of our being, our ability to love. Unless we can love ourselves, we can never truly love another another.

Love and Fear can be the most dominant emotions in our lives. How often are we ruled by fear instead of love? How often does our fear of rejection, failure, death or abandonment overpower our ability to experience success, friendship, and self-actualization? These fears can chain us and prevent us from becoming who we really are.

Love is the key to open the shackles of fear. Erato is there to guide us to look deep within, to see these two root emotions for what they are, and to embrace love.

When overcome by fear, envision love streaming from your heart like a wellspring. See this spring wash over you and rinse away these binding emotions. Fear is created in the mind, while love is generated by the heart. Let Erato’s whispers pierce your heart and restore the positive flow.

Euterpe
In the distance, a soft flute can be heard faintly upon the wind. Its melody reflects the mood of the day. Sometimes the notes are light and airy, other times the tone is dark and melancholy. You will always hear the music before you ever hear the footfalls of the player. The flutist is the Muse Euterpe, the muse of Terra, the Caretake of the Earth.

This Muse reminds us that every living thing is sacred. The earth is our mother. Walk gently upon her and with intention. Think before you act and respect the web of life of which we are merely a strand.

As a woman’s cycle moves with the moon, our birthdays move with the sun and we celebrate with the seasons. Euterpe reminds us that our cycles correlate with the cycles of the world around us. We cannot escape the laws of gravity or stop the day as it turns into night. So gaze within before you look without, and honor the Earth and all her bounty.

Melpomene
When the heart is heavy with grief or hurt, turn to Melpomene. This Muse has embraced tragedy and has surmounted it. With deep luminous eyes, she gazes upon the seeker with compassion and understanding. She has witnessed war, famine, disease, and loss of love. While throughout the ravages of time Melpomene has seen tragedy in all forms, out of that tragedy she helps to bring forth the triumph of the human spirit. She will act as a guide, to inspire you to weather the storm. When you feel alone, abandoned, or betrayed, know that spirit is with you. The divine is always with you and Melpomene reminds you of that. When the world has turned on you, turn within, for as Melpomene has shown, inside is where you will find the answers you seek.

Polyhymnia
Polyhymnia speaks of balance. She watches each individual as they perch on the fulcrum of life. As our being experiences peaks and troughs, it is she who teaches us to adjust and find our equilibrium. For when the mind, body and spirit are one, great things are made most manifest.

Every seemingly random event is a perfect equation of form. Nothing happens without a reason or purpose. Life is sustained by the complex building blocks of science, but its true formula is a mystery to most.

Polyhymnia is a spiritual architect, achieving harmony with nature. The art of Feng Shui, Meditation and Sacred Geometry all fall under her canopy. As you study these areas, a whole new world of understanding opens up, and balance is found.

When one is unstable, turn to Polyhymnia. By utilizing simple tools, she teaches us to step with ease like a tight rope walker. Moving slowly and steadily, breathing with intention, and taking it one step at a time, you will cross the chasm.

Anxiety and stress will only lead to the seizing of muscles, and fear will keep us off balance. Let Polyhymnia inspire you to release these emotions, balancing them with calm and peace, and victory in all things will be assured.

Terpsichore
Terpsichore is the Muse of Dance, Movement, and Martial Arts. Strong in spirit, She embodies the notions of valor and grace. She honors her body as a temple and she knows every inch of her flesh. Those who seek her, seek to understand themselves. Terpsichore helps those she inspires to manifest energy into form, the creation of reality. She shows one how to focus, to realize, and to actualize. Terpsichore is a dancer, celebrating life through motion. Whether it be through Tai Chi, Chi Gong, or Dance, energy courses through her body and out her hands and feet, imbuing her with strength and courage. She moves with the rhythm of the planet and the cyclical nature of life. Seek Terpsichore if you wish to understand your physical self and how it relates to the world and to spirit.

Thalia
Thalia is the Muse of Comedy, she reminds us to take ourselves lightly and to learn the incredible healing that comes from laughter. Thalia can be seen swinging on branches or splashing in puddles ,for this muse embodies the inner child, and she lets it come out to play!

Thalia embodies radiance as her eyes playfully reflect the joy in her heart. Her insatiable curiosity leads her on many varied adventures. This Muse inspires you to enjoy life with all the wonder and curiosity of a small child. Look around with fresh eyes, let the inner child come out to play, and the world takes on a magical air.

Thalia reminds us that all work and no play dulls the mind. Her medicine is laughter; her bandage is a beautiful smile.

Take the time to be silly each and every day. Look in the mirror and show yourself your funniest face. Sing, howl, laugh, play, and the world multiplies your intentions in kind.

Urania
Urania is the Muse of Astronomy, of Fate, of the Passage of Time. She has charted the heavens, seen stars as they are born, then watched them fade to nothing. Under her steady gaze, she witnesses the result of each of our choices and the ripples they create. No act is more important than any other, and each action has an effect. From her heavenly vantage point, she can see the effects of a single flutter of a butterfly’s wing. “Think before you act” is the wisdom of this Muse. Urania heeds you to watch your thoughts, for thought is the birthplace of action, and we are powerful creators of our reality.

Urania is the Muse of Order, but the Chaos that is the opposite of Order - like the universe itself - is her playground. The phoenix is a symbol of this muse. Birth, death and rebirth are stops on Fate’s wheel as it spins throughout our lives. Urania shows us that out of chaos comes form; out of destruction comes rebirth.

When you are going through transition, turn to this Muse. She will help you see the big picture, stay true to your path, and help you find your inner compass. She will show you that there are no coincidences and that things unfold as they should. When lost and wandering, this muse is your guide.