Keep watch for other interesting clips and announcements!
Musical Album "Chosen"
Showing posts with label Terra Mysterium. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Terra Mysterium. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Terra Mysterium's Video Blog
I am very proud to have been included in Terra Mysterium's Video Blog series.
Keep watch for other interesting clips and announcements!
Keep watch for other interesting clips and announcements!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Terra Mysterium Announces a Special CD and 2012 Calendar Promotion!
Dear Friend,
Thank you so much for your support of Terra Mysterium over the course of our journey. Since its inception, Terra Mysterium has strived to offer unique and innovative ritual theatre to the Pagan communities of Chicago and surrounding areas, and we could not have done it without your incredible enthusiasm. So it is with excitement that we are writing to you today to announce that Terra Mysterium is about to enter a new chapter in our artistic development, and we need your help!
We have made it our goal for 2011 to incorporate and become a 501(c)3 not-for-profit company so that we can invest even more in the development of the arts in our communities, as well as continue to provide you with fresh and engaging music, storytelling and ritual theatre. In order to meet this goal, we have worked hard to develop a number of truly exciting projects. First, we are thrilled to announce that we will be releasing our much anticipated cast album, featuring all of your favorite Terra Mysterium songs, this June. Additionally, poet and company member Ruby Sara has produced a solo spoken word album entitled Phaskein that will also be available in June.
We would also like to announce two additional projects. Premiering in July, is the solo music CD, Chosen by company member Amy Christensen, which is inspired in part by her work in Finding Eleusis. Available this fall, is the 2012 Terra Mysterium Calendar, Feminine Mysterium. This beautiful color calendar, marks the lunar cycles, major American holidays, Equinoxes and Solstices, and includes the major festivals of the twelve Divine Feminine Forms featured in the works of Terra Mysterium and Amy Christensen. And there are even more projects in the works! As you can see, we have a full year ahead of us.
And you can help make all of these goals possible!
As our dear friend and loyal supporter, we would like to offer you a special pre-order promotion. If you order any or all of these forthcoming works, before June 1, 2011, in addition to a pre-production saving and no additional shipping costs, your Feminine Mysterium calendar will be autographed by the women of Terra Mysterium.
Remember, all of these projects will help finance our not-for-profit incorporation as well as future productions. They will also become our primary marketing materials so that we can continue to present our work at events like the Chicago Fringe Festival and Earth Traditions Oasis.
Hurry before June 1, 2011 when this special savings will be gone. Order on PayPal today!
We are enormously proud of our musical and artistic collections and we know that you will love them! Please help make these and future project productions possible. Thank you again for all of your support.
Blessings,
Matthew Ellenwood
Artistic Director, Terra Mysterium
Order Now Before June 1, 2011 to Receive Special Discount Prices and Free Shipping!
 | Terra Mysterium Cast Album (CD) Special Promotion Price: $13.00 Price after June 1: $15.00. (You save $2.00 plus free shipping!) (Available 6/12/11) | |
 | Phaskein: Spoken Word by Ruby Sara (CD) Special Promotion Price: $13.00 Price after June 1: $15.00. (You save $2.00 plus free shipping!) (Available 6/12/11) | |
 | Chosen: Music by Amy Christensen (CD) Special Promotion Price: $13.00 Price after June 1: $15.00. (You save $2.00 plus free shipping!) (Available July 9, 2011) | |
 | Autographed Feminine Mysterium 2012 Calendar Special Promotion Price: $10.00 Price after June 1: $12.00. (You save $2.00 plus free shipping!) (Available September 15, 2011) |
Join the Mysterium! Become a Donor!
| Initiate | $25.00 | |
| Magician | $50.00 | |
| Adept | $75.00 | |
| Ipsissimus | $100.00 | |
| Other Donation Amount |
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A Review of Finding Eleusis by Paul B. Rucker
On October 22, 2010, Terra Mysterium's Finding Eleusis was given a thoughtful review by Paul B. Rucker on The Juggler Blog. I have posted my own version of it, but it may be easier to read the original HERE. I am honored to learn that something I found so meaningful was enjoyed, appreciated and understood by others.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Finding Eleusis
Art is powerful. It has the power to direct our thinking. It is simultaneously, an inspiration and inspiring. Before being cast as Persephone in Finding Eleusis by Terra Mysterium, I thought I had my world well figured. What I hadn't perceived, was that were still figures to ponder and the simple truth is, I may never have all the answers.
The Goddess Persephone is regarded by many feminist spiritualists as a weak mythological character created by a paternal driven society. While I was immensely honored that they talented of people of Terra Mysterium wanted me to play Persephone, I was one of those feminist spiritualists; and I cringed at the thought of playing this wispy divinity that marries Her own rapist.
Persephone's most notable story is translated as "The Rape of Persephone." At the time of the story's first circulation, "rape" was not necessarily synonymous with criminal sexual assault, but meant "abduction." It is my belief that the artistic telling of the trials and tribulations of the Gods are to assist mortals in the life journey. The abduction of Persephone by Hades serves as metaphor for the end of virginity, when a woman leaves her mother to marry and become a mother herself. In Persephone's case, Demeter was so over-protective of Her that had not Hades kidnapped Her, She would have been arrested in Her development. It was the one act that forced a change.
Persephone’s story also illustrates that even the all-powerful Demeter could not keep Her daughter as an eternal child; and so if this is beyond even a Goddess' power, then it is certainly beyond mortal scope. Interestingly enough "losing one's virginity" is sometimes posed as a kind of death and it is the King of the Dead himself that comes for Persephone. Once again, we must remember that at the time of this story's first circulation, death and change were somewhat synonymous and were regarded as a part of the cycle of life and not necessarily a bad thing.
The erotic overtones of the story cannot be denied and the pomegranate makes for a sultry symbol of the physical maidenhead. Persephone is forcibly taken to the Underworld by Hades; but before one casts Her in a submissive, victimized role there is more to consider. Persephone's father Zeus committed criminal sexual assault numerous times, but these stories are small flecks of archaic vulgar jokes and not the poetic saga of the "Rape of Persephone." Hades was not like His brother Zeus. He could have had any number of concubines both mortal and divine, but He did not. He wanted a Queen. He chooses to woo only Persephone and it is there in the Underworld that She discovers the pleasures of womanhood. As a child goddess, She had no official standing in Olympus, (the only pure bred child without one) but as the Queen of the Underworld She becomes a true force of such power that the ancient people of Greece and Rome were frightened even to speak Her name and referred to only as "Kore (the maiden)." I find it sad that time has forgotten the stories of Persephone's power, strength and compassion for the living.
For those following my blog, you may notice that I am particularly fond of a white dress. Persephone, I believe liked it too. I wore that same dress in Finding Eleusis.
It is my belief She placed me in Terra Mysterium's path so that She and I could meet. Persephone is far from wispy and She certainly is not weak; more than that, I found that I needed Her, and that She was perhaps the only one who could heal some of my very ancient wounds. She has taught me that perhaps I don't need all of the answers as long as I keep asking questions.
Terra Mysterium's Finding Eleusis was one of the 46 performances featured in the very first Chicago Fringe Festival in 2010.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Chicago Pagan Pride
I am so grateful to Terra Mysterium for broadening my horizons in so many ways. They suggested that I contact the coordinators of Chicago Pagan Pride set for August 14, 2010.
I have to tease those lovely coordinators just a little to tell a funny story. I did indeed contact them as Terra Mysterium suggested, but as it was a very late submission, when I didn't hear back from them, I simply assumed that they didn't need me. I didn't know I was performing until I received a cast email for "Finding Eleusis" (the Terra Mysterium Fringe show in which I was cast) that announced I would be following their performance!
My performance was barely a hiccup in our plan as my son Tynan, our Au Pair, Gift and I had already planned to be in attendance. We really enjoyed Chicago Pagan Pride! They really did a wonderful job and there were many activities. I was unable to attend any of the workshops because Tynan and I were too busy making wish bracelets, magic wands, getting painted and of course watching Terra Mysterium. They are awesome! This Pagan Pride was very family friendly and had something for everyone.
My son was still talking about it the next day.
I'll be back next year for sure!
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Songs (Cycle 1)
Some songs titles now have links to sound or video! Be sure to scan for the links in red.
My selection of songs is for a project for the Reformed Congregation of the Goddess. I am to study 10 different Goddess and then apply that research to a creative project. When I heard "The Voice" by Brendan Graham, I knew that I wanted to put together a collection of songs. During performance, I allow the songs to speak for the Goddesses without explanation, but in case you were wondering, here is a list of my songs with the explanation of how I came to associate them with a Goddess.
"The Voice" by Brendan Graham
When I heard this song I was completely drawn to it--the music is captivating and the lyrics are deeply spiritual. When people inquire as to why I chose to become pagan from a Christian background, I often reply that I feel that the Divine is a Woman. The fact that this song soars in the vocal range of a woman, makes it the perfect spiritual hymn for Goddess Woman. The Goddess Hecate from Greek Mythology is the Goddess for whom I sing this. Hecate is usually associated as Demeter's Consort and Persephone's Handmaiden. The true depth of Her power goes far beyond those roles. She is an ancient Goddess as old as the earth and held domain over magic. She was one of the only Titans Zeus, the King of the Olympian Gods, revered.
"The Call" by Regina Spektor
"He'e'e, A Hopi Kachina chose this song before I have even completed my research! He'e'e is a maiden who was having Her hair done by Her Mother when Their homestead is invaded. He'e'e imediately grabbed Her bow and joined the battle. She is depicted by the Hopi Tribe as having Her hair only half-done. I was drawn to Her spirit and She reminded me very much of Diana (or Artemis) who is my patron Goddess. "The Call" sings of triumphing over personal battles.
"The Black Swan" by Gian Carlo Menotti
A song about Death is of course befitting of the Norse Goddess of the Underworld. I had learned this song years ago in college and Hel let me know that the black swan is a symbol of Hers. Norse Mythology comes from an oral tradition and it is very difficult to find written research sources. The name Christensen is nordic in hertiage and I have almost eerie knowledge of this mythology. JRR Tolkien was once reported as saying that he didn't "create" his Elvish language, but that he "remembered" it. I too think I may be remembering reverences to Hel; and although I cannot provide documented proof, the black swan is an animal sacred to Her.
"The Prayer"
I chose Kwan Yin of Buddhism as a private joke. As a single mother I rely on Au Pairs to help me with child care. I have had three beautiful young women from Thailand in my home and not one of them will eat beef. Given that vegetarianism is against my religion, it is very difficult for me to cut sacred cow from my diet. What most do not realize of Buddhism is that there was more than one Buddha to reach enlightment. Kwan Yin was the only documented female and She sacrificed Herself to save Her father's life. Her father was so horrid to Her however that he was reincarnated as a cow, and buddhists who give reverence to Her do not eat beef out of respect. Kwan Yin's compassion is what led Her to enlightenment. No song came to me and so I began scowering the internet for ideas when I came across "Kwan Yin's Prayer for the Abuser" translated into English. The next day I wrote "The Prayer".
"The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun" by Brendan Graham and David Downes
Alright I cheated on this one. I'm a huge fan of Mr. Graham and I just found this song to be so beautiful that I specifically chose Eos (also known as Aurora) from Greek Mythology just so I would have an excuse to sing it. Eos had such great love, that was what made the dawn.
"One Question"
I found "The Voice" while looking for song attributed to Diana (also known as Artemis) from Roman and Greek Mythology. But the more I listened to it the more I felt it belonged to a more ancient crone Goddess and therefore, Hecate claimed it. Diana's song above all others had to be perfect as She is my patron Goddess. She has been the Goddess I associate with the greater divine since the birth of my son. After 4 days in the hospital I went home with my gigantic baby boy (10 pounds 2 ounces thank you very much) when a blood clot the size of a softball passed out of me and my temperature sky-rocketed past 105. I was shaking and near delirium when I looked over at my new little baby and I realized, I was dying. "Diana!" I cried out, "Please don't let me die. I need to be a mother to my son." Now the doctors will tell you that the antibiotics are what saved me from the broken placenta that went septic inside me; but I swear to you my fever broke the second after my plea. I found out later Diana the Eternal Virgin Huntress is also the Goddess of Childbirth. Who knew? ...well She did. After that day I felt summoned to Diana, but as a petite 5'4" I have constantly struggled with why She would chose such a girly girl to be Her amazon. One of my heros, Dave Grossman, has great respect for female warriors and it was after I was able to attend one of his empowering lectures that I wrote this song.
"That Old Black Magic" by Harold Arlen
Next to Diana, the Goddesses of Norse mythology are of great reverence to me. Freya was heralded as Queen of the Vanier Gods and even Odin deferred to her. She is a powerful Goddess of Magic with truly awesome power, so when Mr. Arlen's popular standard was presented to me I rebelled! How could I possible sing a song so mundane for One so Great. Freya Herself, I think thumped me on the head. She reminded me that with all her power, She is a love Goddess. Her message I think is that divinity can be found in everything, even in the mundane, even in the popular.
"Ava Maria" by Franz Schubert
I have yet to perform this song in public, but obviously I chose it for Christianity's Virgin Mary. Just because I am pagan it doesn't mean that I detest Christianity. If the religion is what speaks to a person and it brings them peace and a sense of connectivity to life, then it has value. While Christians may argue that the Virgin Mary (who incentally is a mother Goddess, not a Maiden) is not a Goddess allow me to offer Merriam-Webster's definition of "God:" a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and powers and to require human worship; specifically : one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality or a person or a thing of supreme value. Mary is said to have supreme faith and if prayers to her and offering to her are not considered worship then I'm afraid I'm confused on that defination as well.
"The One Who Knows" by Dar Williams
I am also studying another Hopi Kachina, Angwusnasomtaka, the Crow Mother. She took a long time to choose a song. All I got from her was "pick a song about motherhood." Angwusnasomtaka will never ask a child to do something that she will not do herself. She is however, a firm believer in learning by doing. The things hardest won, are those most treasured.
"Persephone Waking" by Ruby Sara and Matthew Ellenwood
My 10th required Goddess is once again from Greek Mythology, Kore/Persephone.
I was singing at a Pinic for The Chicago Pagan Fellowship as was Terra Mysterium. They announced during their performance that their new original show "Finding Eleusis" was playing as a part of The Chicago Fringe Festival. The show is a modern day depiction of the Eleusinian Mysteries a pagent filled festival recounting the story of Demeter, her daughter, Persephone and Persephone's violent marriage to Hades. After their amazing performance, Terra Mysterium came up to ME and asked me to play the role of Persephone. I am honored beyond words. I believe that coincidences are gifts from the Goddess. I find it highly coincidental that I was missing my 10th Goddess when I am suddenly handed Persephone on a silver platter. I feel that I chose to study the first nine, but Persephone undoubtedly chose me. I hope I will be able to honor her.
My selection of songs is for a project for the Reformed Congregation of the Goddess. I am to study 10 different Goddess and then apply that research to a creative project. When I heard "The Voice" by Brendan Graham, I knew that I wanted to put together a collection of songs. During performance, I allow the songs to speak for the Goddesses without explanation, but in case you were wondering, here is a list of my songs with the explanation of how I came to associate them with a Goddess.
"The Voice" by Brendan Graham
When I heard this song I was completely drawn to it--the music is captivating and the lyrics are deeply spiritual. When people inquire as to why I chose to become pagan from a Christian background, I often reply that I feel that the Divine is a Woman. The fact that this song soars in the vocal range of a woman, makes it the perfect spiritual hymn for Goddess Woman. The Goddess Hecate from Greek Mythology is the Goddess for whom I sing this. Hecate is usually associated as Demeter's Consort and Persephone's Handmaiden. The true depth of Her power goes far beyond those roles. She is an ancient Goddess as old as the earth and held domain over magic. She was one of the only Titans Zeus, the King of the Olympian Gods, revered.
"The Call" by Regina Spektor
"He'e'e, A Hopi Kachina chose this song before I have even completed my research! He'e'e is a maiden who was having Her hair done by Her Mother when Their homestead is invaded. He'e'e imediately grabbed Her bow and joined the battle. She is depicted by the Hopi Tribe as having Her hair only half-done. I was drawn to Her spirit and She reminded me very much of Diana (or Artemis) who is my patron Goddess. "The Call" sings of triumphing over personal battles.
"The Black Swan" by Gian Carlo Menotti
A song about Death is of course befitting of the Norse Goddess of the Underworld. I had learned this song years ago in college and Hel let me know that the black swan is a symbol of Hers. Norse Mythology comes from an oral tradition and it is very difficult to find written research sources. The name Christensen is nordic in hertiage and I have almost eerie knowledge of this mythology. JRR Tolkien was once reported as saying that he didn't "create" his Elvish language, but that he "remembered" it. I too think I may be remembering reverences to Hel; and although I cannot provide documented proof, the black swan is an animal sacred to Her.
"The Prayer"
I chose Kwan Yin of Buddhism as a private joke. As a single mother I rely on Au Pairs to help me with child care. I have had three beautiful young women from Thailand in my home and not one of them will eat beef. Given that vegetarianism is against my religion, it is very difficult for me to cut sacred cow from my diet. What most do not realize of Buddhism is that there was more than one Buddha to reach enlightment. Kwan Yin was the only documented female and She sacrificed Herself to save Her father's life. Her father was so horrid to Her however that he was reincarnated as a cow, and buddhists who give reverence to Her do not eat beef out of respect. Kwan Yin's compassion is what led Her to enlightenment. No song came to me and so I began scowering the internet for ideas when I came across "Kwan Yin's Prayer for the Abuser" translated into English. The next day I wrote "The Prayer".
"The Sky and the Dawn and the Sun" by Brendan Graham and David Downes
Alright I cheated on this one. I'm a huge fan of Mr. Graham and I just found this song to be so beautiful that I specifically chose Eos (also known as Aurora) from Greek Mythology just so I would have an excuse to sing it. Eos had such great love, that was what made the dawn.
"One Question"
I found "The Voice" while looking for song attributed to Diana (also known as Artemis) from Roman and Greek Mythology. But the more I listened to it the more I felt it belonged to a more ancient crone Goddess and therefore, Hecate claimed it. Diana's song above all others had to be perfect as She is my patron Goddess. She has been the Goddess I associate with the greater divine since the birth of my son. After 4 days in the hospital I went home with my gigantic baby boy (10 pounds 2 ounces thank you very much) when a blood clot the size of a softball passed out of me and my temperature sky-rocketed past 105. I was shaking and near delirium when I looked over at my new little baby and I realized, I was dying. "Diana!" I cried out, "Please don't let me die. I need to be a mother to my son." Now the doctors will tell you that the antibiotics are what saved me from the broken placenta that went septic inside me; but I swear to you my fever broke the second after my plea. I found out later Diana the Eternal Virgin Huntress is also the Goddess of Childbirth. Who knew? ...well She did. After that day I felt summoned to Diana, but as a petite 5'4" I have constantly struggled with why She would chose such a girly girl to be Her amazon. One of my heros, Dave Grossman, has great respect for female warriors and it was after I was able to attend one of his empowering lectures that I wrote this song.
"That Old Black Magic" by Harold Arlen
Next to Diana, the Goddesses of Norse mythology are of great reverence to me. Freya was heralded as Queen of the Vanier Gods and even Odin deferred to her. She is a powerful Goddess of Magic with truly awesome power, so when Mr. Arlen's popular standard was presented to me I rebelled! How could I possible sing a song so mundane for One so Great. Freya Herself, I think thumped me on the head. She reminded me that with all her power, She is a love Goddess. Her message I think is that divinity can be found in everything, even in the mundane, even in the popular.
"Ava Maria" by Franz Schubert
I have yet to perform this song in public, but obviously I chose it for Christianity's Virgin Mary. Just because I am pagan it doesn't mean that I detest Christianity. If the religion is what speaks to a person and it brings them peace and a sense of connectivity to life, then it has value. While Christians may argue that the Virgin Mary (who incentally is a mother Goddess, not a Maiden) is not a Goddess allow me to offer Merriam-Webster's definition of "God:" a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and powers and to require human worship; specifically : one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality or a person or a thing of supreme value. Mary is said to have supreme faith and if prayers to her and offering to her are not considered worship then I'm afraid I'm confused on that defination as well.
"The One Who Knows" by Dar Williams
I am also studying another Hopi Kachina, Angwusnasomtaka, the Crow Mother. She took a long time to choose a song. All I got from her was "pick a song about motherhood." Angwusnasomtaka will never ask a child to do something that she will not do herself. She is however, a firm believer in learning by doing. The things hardest won, are those most treasured.
"Persephone Waking" by Ruby Sara and Matthew Ellenwood
My 10th required Goddess is once again from Greek Mythology, Kore/Persephone.
I was singing at a Pinic for The Chicago Pagan Fellowship as was Terra Mysterium. They announced during their performance that their new original show "Finding Eleusis" was playing as a part of The Chicago Fringe Festival. The show is a modern day depiction of the Eleusinian Mysteries a pagent filled festival recounting the story of Demeter, her daughter, Persephone and Persephone's violent marriage to Hades. After their amazing performance, Terra Mysterium came up to ME and asked me to play the role of Persephone. I am honored beyond words. I believe that coincidences are gifts from the Goddess. I find it highly coincidental that I was missing my 10th Goddess when I am suddenly handed Persephone on a silver platter. I feel that I chose to study the first nine, but Persephone undoubtedly chose me. I hope I will be able to honor her.
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