but the older priestesses had explained to her, as they…
““but the older priestesses had explained to her, as they gathered in the courtyard, that the Moon God was effacing the brightness of the Goddess, and she ran out with them joyously to join in the shrieks of the women to frighten him away. Later it had been explained to her how the sun and moon moved, and why, now and again, one of them crossed the face of the other; that it was in the way of nature, and the common people’s beliefs about the face of the Gods were symbols which these people, at the current state of their evolution, needed to visualize the great truths. Some day all men and women would know the inner truths, but now they needed them not.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage describes how ancient myths explain natural phenomena and how societies use symbolic stories to convey deeper truths, which are not yet fully understood by everyone.
In simple terms: Myths help people understand nature and deeper truths.
Key Takeaway
Recognize symbolism as a bridge to deeper knowledge.
Themes
mythology
education
knowledge
evolution
symbolism
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching children
- public lectures
- museum exhibits
- storytelling workshops
Key Concepts
cosmology
cultural narrative
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do myths shape our view of nature?
- When should we replace myth with science?
A Different Perspective
Symbols may oversimplify complex scientific concepts.