MYSTIC GUIDE WITH SASS BY ELIZABETH M. IBARRA

Elizabeth M. Ibarra is an award-winning artist, art instructor, healing jewelry designer, mystic guide, writer, a singer-songwriter with her musician husband and a full-time Mom.

Mythology has so many powerful lessons to teach us. It is an ancient source of cultural references as well as providing a deep psychological blueprint for the inner workings of the human psyche. I have been fascinated by mythology since childhood; especially the myths of ancient Greece. When I was eleven, I had the life-changing experience of spending a winter traveling in Europe with my parents. We visited Hungary, Romania, then took a train through the Balkans into Greece where we resided on the island of Syros in the Cyclades. This experience fueled my artistic and spiritualist imagination. I became more deeply connected to the energy of the mythos; witnessing wild, natural phenomena which brought realizations of what the ancient polytheistic religion and worship of the Olympian Gods must have felt like. There is a magical energy in the land, an intensity among the people and the ancient/classical artwork has withstood the test of time; teaching us so much about the ancient deification of the Gods, their consorts and the heroes whose stories became mythic and wonderous.

I represent the ancient Greek deities and mythical creatures in my award-winning acrylic paintings. I have had deeply powerful visions of the paintings before bringing them into vivid life on canvas. Hera; Queen of the Gods, in particular, was most persistent. I had an entire composition in mind and felt that I was being compelled by the archetype to focus on her power and majesty. This painting; “Hera and the Peacock '' is featured in the article. I had a similar experience with wise Athena (also featured in the photographs); a Goddess whose presence in my life has been powerful. With an innate and intuitive awareness of these archetypal figures within myself as well as in their inspiring mythos; I have been able to translate my passion for the myths and their archetypal significance into a series of classes via my website. I am currently focusing on Greek deities, but will also be featuring prominent archetypes from cultures around the world. These stories are ancient, powerful and have profound significance for us today. They can guide us to find our true paths/callings, to be authentic, inspired and empowered individuals in this modern world. One of the things I find fascinating about world mythology is that there are commonalities among the different ancient polytheistic religions and legends. My classes and future book discuss those connections and are a wonderful way to bridge cultures for better understanding; that we as a species have a connection to one another in a deeply profound way.

Archetypology is a word I coined to describe the work I do; combining archetype and mythology. During these interactive classes; women are invited to engage with their inner Goddess archetypes to inspire self-empowerment and mystical spiritualism. I believe that we have the ability to recognize the different archetypal voices within. We are

able to get in touch with these aspects of our personalities; to practice what I call “emotional alchemy”. This is the act of choosing our emotional responses in the moment; to not be victims of our negative mind chatter. For example; the self-depreciating, self-piteous, angst-ridden thoughts which come from habitual emotional responses. What if instead you were to choose a different aspect of your personality to inform your decisions and emotional responses? How would that feel? What would it look and sound like? This is what my Archetypology classes prompt students to do; to look within to find new keys which unlock their personal power, while also connecting with ancient, divine mythos and deities.

Exploring the mystical, divine and the practical are all a part of my work with the archetypes. I believe that we can learn from our connection to the ancient world with its deep magic and wisdom. We hold the power within. Archetypology classes explore mystical divinity, ways to manifest specific Goddess/God energy in our lives while also reinforcing the Delphic Maxim; “Know Thyself”. We have a connection with the divine, deep within ourselves. Rather than only allowing a higher source to guide us; I believe that claiming personal power and being proactive with the archetypal influences is key to personal and spiritual development. I invite you to join me; to participate in my Archetypology classes and continue your heroic journey towards empowerment and emotional alchemy. Most classes are free with a donation/tip suggested.

Link to register for Archetypology Classes: https://www.elizabethmibarra.com/events

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