help-2-succeed.com

The Nine Muses

February 14, 2010 for the Muse

In Greek and Roman mythology, the nine muses were the daughters of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. The muses were the patron goddesses of the arts, and over time each muse became associated with a specific art form.

Calliope–the muse of epic poetry

Clio–the muse of history

Erato–the muse of love poetry

Euterpe–the muse of lyric poetry

Melpomene–the muse of tragedy

Polyhymnia–the muse of songs of praise to the gods

Terpsichore–the muse of choral songs and dance

Thalia–the muse of comedy

Urania–the muse of astronomy

Traditionally, a poet–especially an epic poet–would invoke the aid of the appropriate muse to guide and assist him in his creative endeavor.

In its earliest development, however, the invocation was essentially a prayer, a request that the goddess being invoked to inspire–literally, “breathe into”–the artist. The idea was that the artist did not himself “create” the work of art, but merely served as a mortal channel through which the divine voice of the muse could speak.

So, what works for the muse in this day and age? Here’s some tips:

* Keep a little pocket notebook with you at all times along with a pen or pencil. When something inspires you, take a moment to jot it down or sketch it out. At some later point when you feel that the muse has escaped you, read through your entries to get inspired.

- Be sure to take along your pocket notebook for the following suggestions to get the muse going…

* Play music – if you ordinarily listen to one type of music, try listening to something else. Old masters such at classical and old time jazz may turn the muse on. New masters such as classical crossover and new wave may be something to try.
* Take a walk – especially if its in natural surroundings rather than in a city or on a street.
* People watch – go to a crowded place such as a busy mall, an airport or some type of event such as a sports or theater; watch the people for interactions.
* Take a trip on a bus – a city bus or, if you have the time, take a little trip. Get a seat near the window and watch the sky, the surroundings and people to get inspired.

To Your Success!
ILIA

Related articles by Zemanta

• Aurora Borealis: Nature’s Holiday Light Display (Slideshow) (treehugger.com)

Tags: Arts, for the Muse, Literature, Melpomene, muse, Myths and Folktales, Roman mythology, Terpsichore, Urania, Zeus