Review this Book   Kindle Edition LIterarylady literarylady Category:  Self-Help Publisher: Literary Lady Publications Pages: 168 Copyright: 2015 ISBN-13: 9798684471247 Price: $2.49 (eBook) Myth, Magic & Metaphor attempts to awaken the aesthetic sense and inspire the reader to be a writer, artist, or musician. Myth, Magic & Metaphor, A Journey into the Heart of Creativity attempts to awaken the aesthetic sense, the creative muse who lurks within us all. Today, in a cognitive/technical society, people have become more and more removed from the instinctive aspect of the psyche. My task as author is to enhance the creative spirit through myth and metaphor, to restore the sense of wonder adults experienced as children. My method is multi-sensory, interdisciplinary, and holistic. There are no limitations to what thoughts, ideas, observations, or research could and might be used to stimulate the creative process. The ultimate tool is the human heart. The medium is words. Philosophy, art, music, and linguistics are some of the disciplines used as stimulation. As Phyllis Whitney said, learn to "think with a pencil." What comes out on paper may be the most wonderful gift you have ever received. And, just think, dear reader, you gave it to yourself!      Excerpt Another common attribute is the Native American belief about language. Generally, words are thought to have a force which is related to their specific sounds. Basically, words are not considered as symbols for reality, but rather as forces themselves. Since the breath is identified with the principle of Life, and since words are spoken with the breath, words are considered sacred and must be used with care. Also, since words are considered as forces, it is thought that the spoken word can have a direct affect upon the natural world. This idea is similar to the concept of magical incantations and the use of mantras. Native Americans are not the only ones who consider sound or vibration as a creative force. Consider this quote from the Holy Bible. The gospel according to Saint John (Chapter 1 verses 1-4) puts it this way: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; without Him was not anything made that was made. In him was Life; and the Life was the Light of Men." The "Word" or Logos is an ancient Greek concept. It is basically the idea that everything manifests through vibration. Furthermore, ancient Greeks believed that everything came into existence by a sacred Word spoken by God. As a matter of fact, at the molecular level, everything is vibrating. Furthermore, if a note is intoned at the proper pitch, a glass or other object will shatter, thus proving that sounds are forces. So the American Indians and the Ancient Greeks may be right.

Triangle of Creativity
Dr. Patricia Daly-Lipe has shown we have the Triangle of Creativity within us. The Three In One creative spirit is what makes us US. When using our HEADS we wonder what will happen if... Using our HEARTS is the excitment we feel when beginning and our HANDS actually bring our finished creation to completion. This book sparkles with creative gems as brightly as the sunshine dapples on a body of water.

medium of words
One usually remembers creative people for their productivity, not for their thoughts on the origin or the process which leads to their resulting achievement. In this book, the authoress explores what creativity means to musicians, historians, artists, poets, philosophers, scientists, and even mathematicians through the medium of their own words.
Each chapter begins with a topical quotation. These introductory words match the chapter title and set the tone for the chapter's content, whether it be art, myth, magic, or music.
Ms. Daly-Lipe lures the reader in with thoughts on creativity as expressed by the likes of Aristotle, Carl Jung, Albert Einstein, Toni Morrison, and Joseph Campbell (to name but a few). Her real purpose appears to be to draw us into the writing process. Each chapter is interspersed with words of encouragement such as "Write the way you perceive and the way you feel"(p. 72) or "Write about what you see but also write about what you cannot see" (p. 143) or "Don't question whether to write and don't procrastinate doing it." (p. 158)
Each chapter also gently concludes with an assignment for those of us who need structure to get us writing: "Your assignment is to slow down." (p. 39)(Ch. 2) or "Let yourself tell you more about your self." (p. 81) (Ch. 6). Ms. Daly-Lipe urges us to read all sorts of authors, not just current best sellers; to listen to Mozart and Bach for rhythms; to study science and language for insights into the magic of symbols.
This slender tome is a handbook for creative writing whether for the individual looking for a different perspective on the craft or for the student needing to find references for a writing class.
To quote Phyllis Whitney, as the authoress does at the beginning and end of her book, "...think with a pencil." I say read this book, take up your pencil, and write.

Richard Lederer, author
According to San Diego’s own verbivore and commentator of KPBS”s ‘A Way With Words’, Richard Lederer“Myth, Magic, & Metaphor is luminous with oracular wisdom about the nature and sources of creativity. From first page to last, this book will inspire you to be inspired.” The book was composed to do just that: inspire. It is not to teach or to substantiate a bias. It was written as a jumping off point for the reader to become the writer using etymology, mathematics, painting, music, philosophy, even psychology as some of the concepts for stimulation. As Joseph Campbell stated, 'The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are." Nothing more is requested of the reader. Take away the rules. Listen to your heart. That is where you will find the source; in this case, the source of creativity.