Thursday 6 September 2007

Rock Art /Art rocks

When I got interested in Shamanism again, I first began to read about American Shamans. Then I found out that the word "Shaman" itself was first used in Siberia, and in a negative way. I began wondering what had become of the European Shamans. I had always though the modern Druids of Brittany were a bit of a joke. I suppose it's always easier to get interested in faraway places and folks than in our next door neighbours... :o)

Anyways, "from thread to needle" as we say in French, I got interested in the Barbarian tribes from the steppe and then on to the various invasions that plagued Europe for centuries and that produced amazing art. The Huns, the Vikings, the Celts, the Saxons... you name them...

True, our parents took us to see various archeological sites throughout Europe and it had deeply impressed me, for years I even told everyone I would become an archeologist when I grew up and play the lyra. And I have been strongly drawn to rocks recently (including graffitis). But yesterday, thanks to Marija Gimbutas, I found out about the site of Bohuslän in Sweden, which is protected by UNESCO and I'm really excited about this ! These carvings/paintings are 4 000 years old !

Both photos (c) A. Lecus Objectif Suède

While on the subject of rock art, I have read that C G Jung had a rock art phase while he was discovering a new way of healing people. I seem to recall that in his memoirs he claims that this saved him from collapsing.

4 comments:

ACey said...

Oh Helene if you have any way of getting access to old issues of a magazine called shaman's drum - you will find a lot of fascinating info and jumping off places for more dreaming, research and creative inspiration ...

Padparadscha said...

Thanks so much for the advice, Acey, I'll definitely look into that !

KV said...

Gosh, I am simply going to have to visit your blog regularly! Most thought-provoking entry I have encountered in quite a while. I live in the American Southwest not far from some of the most interesting rock art to be found. Somewhere on our bookshelves I have a wonderful book on shamans -- I will try to find the title for you.

Kathy V in NM

Padparadscha said...

Thanks KV ! I'll be glad if you find this title... :o)