Mythic Physique Ecstatic

About a decade ago I became aware of Belinda Gore's perspective-altering book Ecstatic Body Postures. The tome, which is based on the bold theories of anthropologist Dr. Felicitas Goodman, demonstrated how various ecstatic states can be accessed by assuming the postures depicted in prehistoric, aboriginal and ancient art.

There were many postures to experiment with, and experiment I did! After a few years I settled on three - all strongly associated with Hercules, and they became part of my daily fitness ritual. Transitioning between these postures eventually grew into a moving meditation. And I also found, much to my delight, that after a while I could enter the ecstatic trances rather quickly, sometimes even while in the process of assuming the postures.

I loved the system and wrote a glowing review of the book., which is still proudly posted on my Mythic Physique website. A modified version of Ecstatic Trance became a key component in my Olympian spiritual practice. Every now and again I revisited and modified the review. Recently I discovered that I seem to have outgrown one of the postures, and so I began experimenting again.

Fortunately, Belinda Gore wrote a sequel, so I did not need to return to my well-worn copy of Ecstatic Body Postures.

The Ecstatic Experience, whose awesomeness even extends to the evocative cover art, broadens and streamlines the shamanic theories and practices presented in her earlier book, and offers a wealth of new postures from cultures scattered throughout the globe and human history. It provides an excellent Portal for those who are newbies to altered states, and an excellent expansion for those who already practice the art. The categories synchronize with those in EBP: Healing, Divination, Metamorphosis, Spirit Journey and Initiation, which is very helpful. All but one posture can be performed alone.

I don't know if any of the postures in The Ecstatic Experience will eventually become part of my daily routine, but it has certainly contributed greater depth to an already exciting journey! And the audio CD of Trance Rhythms, included with the book, further enhances the trip.

Thanks Belinda Gore!

Onwards!

Review by Hercules Invictus