E14 | Vincent Stanzione | Stories of Soul & Sustenance: Exploring the Mythic Dreamscape of the Popol Wuj

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“Myth is a map of being.”

— Vincent Stanzione

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In this episode, we accompany Vincent as he traces his journey from childhood curiosity to his dedicated study of the ancient K’iche’ Maya text, the Popol Wuj. Vincent reveals the vital connections between place, language, myth, and culture, showing how Indigenous storytelling and wisdom is essential for reclaiming our humanity. We explore the rich mythic narratives of the Popol Wuj, gaining insights into the lives and landscapes of maize-growing cultures in the Americas and discovering how the text invites modern readers to engage deeply with imaginal realms while refining their sense of place and sustenance. Vincent also reflects on the importance of reviving ancient knowledge and stories to strengthen our relationship with the land and deepen our sense of belonging, wherever we are. This episode encourages listeners to decolonize their perspectives and imaginal capacities to reconnect with the mythic dimensions and place-based stories that shape our existence, whether we recognize it or not.

Find Thematic Show Notes Below

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Thematic Show Notes

Vinnie’s Journey to the Popol Wuj:

• Vinnie's path from childhood to academia and Guatemala, leading to his deep study of the ancient Maya text, the Popol Wuj.

• The significance of the Popol Wuj in understanding ancient maize-growing cultures in the Americas.

The Importance of Place:

• Exploring the concept of ‘place’ and its importance in Indigenous cultures, particularly for the Maya.

• The necessity of teaching children about place and its associated stories and myths.

• Quotes: “Indigenous people have a very strong sense of place.” and “Myth is a map of being.”

Language, Culture, and the Land:

• Discussion on how language and culture originate from the land.

• Vinnie’s experience learning Mayan languages and their non-abstract nature compared to English.

• A brief history of the Popol Wuj’s translations and its original purpose.

• A brief overview of the Spanish conquest and its impact on Mesoamerican history, particularly the Mayans.

Key Themes and Stories of the Popol Wuj:

• Introduction to the Popol Wuj as the cosmogony of the K’iche’ Maya, a story of “the many-treed people.”

• The mythic meaning of ‘the twins’ and their connection to Maya land, animals, food, and life-ways.

• Discussion on the use of psychedelics (bufo, psilocybin, datura) and practices like live heart extraction (sacrifice) in ancient Maya culture.

• Emphasis on the idea of “reciprocity of sustenance.”

Reviving Ancient Wisdom:

• Vinnie’s reflections on how the Popol Wuj has shaped his understanding of self, other, and place.

• Invitation to listeners to engage in decolonizing the self.

• The importance of reviving ancient indigenous knowledge, with the Popol Wuj as a key text.

Belonging and Myth:

• Discussion on how myths expand our sense of self and resonate deeply within us.

• Encouragement to connect with the stories of the places we inhabit to foster a sense of belonging.

• Quotes: “When we belong to a place we are always going to treat it better.” and “The liberation of the Human Soul is up to each and every one of us.”

Closing Thoughts:

• The necessity of connecting with myth to find meaning and feel at home in the world.

• Vinnie’s final message on the power of myth and the journey to liberate the Human Soul.