Round the Herne

 A discussion with a friend on social media prompted this philosophical musing about the vast popularity of murder as a form of entertainment - films, TV shows, novels (my own included) etc. Along the meandering way there is consideration of Christian theology (well, more soteriology really), the psychological craving for order in the face of chaos, Kantian ethics, and a few other asides.

 It has been quite a while since I have had the time or inspiration to post anything - obviously running out of brain cells. Anyway, the next meeting of the Suffolk Jungian Circle will be discussing Jung's Red Book, so here is a meander around the topic and some of the angles that could be taken for discussion.

 My reflection on Jung's notion of the Senex archetype - the Inner Sage, Wise Old Whatsit, call it what you will - mainly for the Suffolk Jungian Circle which will be discussing the topic at the end of the month. The reflection takes in the relationship with its polar opposite, the Puer/Puella Aeternus, and with the alchemical phase of citrinitas (the yellowing) that Jung felt people passed through after they had reconciled with their inner anima/animus.  

 Wanted to do this for St George's Day but work got in the way (and I must admit to feeling  reservations - not being a Christian, it seems rude to presume to chip in). However, as the national day for all things English, I thought it would be nice to share some poetry from a man who, though Indian-born, was once thought of as the poetic soul of the nation - Rudyard Kipling (I could do with a Rudyard Kipling right now).  Whilst he has other poems that are more explicitly based around patriotism, I like these ones because they centre on history and folklore. The three poems are - Puck's Song, The Land, and The English Way.  Make sure to drink tea whilst nibbling a scone as you listen.

 A Greek myth about the invention of the aulos (two-reeded flute) and the subsequent fate of the satyr Marsyas, whom the Romans considered to be a great exponent of, possibly even inventor of, parrhesia (free speech). This myth, a bit like the one involving Apollo and Pan, can also be understood as a clash of musical cultures: the high classical lyre music of Apollo, versus the bawdy, rural, flute music of the satyrs (and to some extent the labouring classes). The fate of Marsyas is a tad grim, but (if you want to put a more positive spin on it) think of it as being akin to a snake sloughing to become a fresh, new form.  

 I was interviewed by Victoria Young Bennison for her American radio programme Fika United Public Radio on 107.7FM and 105.3FM, which mainly broadcasts in the New Orleans are. The first interview took place in February and was about my Magic of Wolves book: https://soundcloud.com/uprn/fika-with-vicky-author-robin-herne-the-magic-of-wolves-bard-song This was then followed up in April with an interview about Pantheon - the Egyptians book and A Dangerous Place crime anthology. It was an enjoyable experience being able to explore lots of ideas - not just talk about the books https://soundcloud.com/uprn/fika-with-vicky-author-robin-herne-returns-pantheon-the-egyptians-a-dangerous-place Discussing a third interview over the summer, so I guess the listener feedback must be fairly good!