I first read this book about 20 years ago and in doing so after I saw a PBS TV program called the "Power of Myth" with Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, was able to change my life in a more positive direction.

From reading this book and the many others that Campbell published I learned how to read and understand mythology, reading it as "poetry" and not prose. Reading for the "connotation" rather than the intonation.

Mythology is worldwide. It can be localized to specific cultures and even small geographical areas. But once one learns to "read" the mythology from around the world one can see that there are also very common myths that transcend cultures and are found throughout humanity. This and the ability to explain the process is the gift that Campbell gave.

Mythology helps all of us to understand that which is unknowable, to a point, there will always, likely, be more. Mythology helps us all make transitions through life, birth, adolescence, adulthood, and the decline. One interesting thing that I have learned is that "lig" in Latin, from religious, means to bind or to link back to.

Interestingly George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars", had read some of Campbell's books including "The Hero" before starting "Star Wars" he contacted Campbell and they spoke, met, and Campbell visited his ranch prior to and during the filming of the movie.

I can truthfully say that as a result of these writings I have learned to create my own myths to live by. I certainly have absorbed things, traditions, and knowledge throughout my life from other sources but this has allowed "me" to pull it all together for me. I am not here to sell anyone else's faith or traditions short. Mine I suspect is more like a stew that was made from the available ingredients leftover in the refrigerator after half a lifetime. ;^) But you know it works darn well.

I have no financial interest in any links that I provide. The following is a link to the Joseph Campbell Foundation that has a nice bio:

http://www.jcf.org/new/index.php?categoryid=11

My only hope is that some small part of this information might benefit someone allowing a smoother passage.

To paraphrase "Obiwan" from "Star Wars" "Metaphors be with you." I will add more as the journey continues. ;^)