Mythology
The collectively created and collectively used cultural output of thousands of generations of human beings.
The air god Shu, assisted by other gods, holds up Nut, the sky, as Geb, the earth, lies beneath. Photographed by the British Museum; original artist unknown [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Mythology is the study of the myths, art, and/or rituals associated with specific cultures over multiple generations. Interwoven cultural materials taken together form a mythic system or world view in which the individual and the community interact with each other and the world at large.
Mythologist
One who works with mythic artifacts to create multifarious awareness of oneself and the world around us to create balance in our ways of knowing and living on the planet.
A lover and/or student of mythology who reveals in uncovering the myths entwined in and influencing our lives.
What Does a Mythologist Do?
- Teach workshops on mythology.
- Write essays, research papers, and fiction.
- Help others learn how to tap into humanity’s mythic heritage and incorporate the mythic imagination into our daily lives.
- Integrate mythology into western culture.
To see upcoming public workshops, visit the Events page. Interested in a custom developed workshop? contact Karin.
What Karin is doing
Currently, I am researching Estonians’ relationship with the forest through the lens of folklore and mythology as evidenced by cultural artifacts and historic accounts and applying Depth Psychological perspectives to excavate the surface arguments of historians. In other words, we all live in relation to aspects of the world we love, fear and/or are neutral about if they present themselves in our daily lives. This imaginal relationship reveals our deepest emotional responses both positive and negative. Understanding the imaginal landscape of cultures is critical to understanding the “why” and creating greater understanding between individuals and people while revealing the nuances of the landscape in the cultural psyche.
Where Karin has shared her research
“Estonian Forest Tales – From Nation Building to Cultural Icons.” Western States Folklore Society 82nd Annual Conference, Los Angles, California: 2024
“The Forest as Cultural Heart of Estonians.” Presentation at the Fates & Graces Mythologium. Online and Carpinteria, California: 2023.
“Starting a Conversation on Decolonizing Mythology.” Presentation at the Fates & Graces Mythologium. Online: 2021.
“Rainbow Gathering: Prayer as Political Resistance.” Paper presented at the American Academy of Religion Western Region Conference section on Religion in America, Tempe, Arizona: 2019.
“Using Trickster Mythology to Create Change.” Presentation at the Fates & Graces Mythologium. Morro Bay, California: 2019.
“We Already Have a Border Wall: The US/Mexican Border as Cultural Complex.” Paper presented at the American Academy of Religion National Conference section on Psychology and Religion, San Diego, California: 2019.
Professional Affiliations
International Society of Mythology