World Public Library

The Miracle of Being : a Numinous Journey Into the Soul

Mrs. Johanna Jacoba Du Plessis, Jaime Ribeiro, Editor

Abstract

The book chronicles an archetypal hero's journey of 30-year-old Marjorie from current day suburbia into a surreal world containing seven realms. Her entry is abrupt and unexpected, as it breaks forth from resignation and disillusionment. At first not knowing whether she is intoxicated, dead or dreaming, she gradually discovers that her interactions in each realm are bringing her face to face with hidden aspects within herself. These need to be confronted if she is to take responsibility for her own experiences and prejudices. Her biases present themselves in the form of various rulers and nemeses. She is led through this labyrinth by an Animus-like figure called Kingston who reminds her of an imaginary friend she had as a child. He is a musician like herself and reintroduces her to dreams long buried by the need to please. Each world is rich with symbolism and draws inspiration from Marjorie’s knowledge of Jungian Archetypes, Eastern philosophy, art, music and literature. As her experience becomes more lucid, she starts using new knowledge gained to broaden the filters through which she perceives ultimate reality and finally the Universe at large. The message of the book can be expressed by a quote by German theologian Meister Eckhart: “If you're frightened of dying and holding on, you'll see devils tearing your life away. But if you've made your peace, then the devils are really angels, freeing you from the Earth.”

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