S2E6 - The Four Dragons: Medicine for When We Know What Needs to Be Done

In this episode of Story Medicine, we explore The Four Dragons from Chinese folk tradition: a story rooted in a relationship between dragons and the rivers of China stretching back at least three thousand years, and carrying medicine about what happens when the structures we depend on fail us.Four ancient dragons, playing high above the Eastern Sea, look down and see a land in drought and a people dying. They petition the celestial Emperor for rain, and he promises it but fails to deliver. Ten days later, the people are eating clay. The dragons look at the vast sea around them, take the water into their mouths, and make it rain. The punishment is severe. And their final act is to become the rivers of China, flowing without ceasing long after the Emperor's court has been forgotten.This story speaks to anyone who has ever waited for permission to do what's needed, anyone who has felt the pain of an authority that no longer serves those it governs, and anyone who has weighed the cost of acting but not the cost of standing by.The episode includes the complete story told in full, depth psychology analysis exploring the senex and puer archetypes, the symbolism of water, and the concept of the anima mundi - the soul of the world - and three practical integration exercises to help you embody the medicine.Send us Fan MailSupport the showLearn more about Joe's therapeutic work: www.joesummerfield.co.uk Connect on Instagram:  @joe.therapiesRegister your interest in the online Story Medicine Circle: www.joesummerfield.co.uk/story-medicine-podcast