Legend and Mythology
Perhaps the most important point in dealing with the phenomena of Montauk is to realize that we are dealing with “the stuff of which dreams are made”. We are directly tapping into the creative zone of consciousness. The creative process in humans is not only our closest approach to the Creator, it is the function which has given rise to myths and legends throughout the ages. When we are dealing with this subject, it is important to delineate exactly what is a legend and what is its relationship to the truth. Joseph Campbell has made extremely lucid comments about this relationship in his various talks and writings on the subject of myths. I am going to offer a simplified view from my perspective.
Legends abound in all primitive people. They also occur in popular culture, giving rise to folk heroes and the like. A legend arises when there is something noteworthy to describe. What is considered noteworthy is determined by the people involved. It would presumably be in direct relationship to the survival value or thought value of the concept being described. It could also have humor value.
For example, if a tribe of people were invaded and fought off their enemies through the bravery of a great warrior, stories and admiration would be due the warrior. In time, a legend would arise depicting the warrior with various attributes. In times of battle, the witchdoctor might even invoke the spirit of the dead warrior. Without consideration for any spiritual activity that may be a t work, the tribe would at least be concentrating and focusing on the archetype of such a warrior and would rally around the symbol in order to invigorate their fighting ability.
This is a very simple example. Legends would also arise about lovers, mothers, crops and all the various gods which one can read about in mythology books. It can get very complex. The main point is that the legend survives because it is describing something that has inherent survival or thought value. The popularity and actual value of the legend is in direct proportion to how well it is told and how well the truth of the principle is conveyed.
In the case of someone like Buddha or Christ, we are apparently dealing with individuals who could convey the truth with lucidity and simplicity. Because they lived the truth, they could convey it with few words and in a direct fashion. They were so good at what they did, legends abound to this day.
As a side comment, it may also interest the reader to know that there is a regular and recurring pattern behind all legends and mythologies. This pattern has been studied for ages by different cultures and mystery schools and is known by many as the “Tree of Life”. It is also called the Cabala, Qabala, Kabala, or Holy Kabalah.
One of the best works in this subject is “The Mystical Qabala” by Dion Fortune.
The Montauk Project, as it has been told by Preston Nichols, calls on us to rally around the symbol of time and break free from its limitations. It has its own place in legend simply because it is so unique. Whether or not it is true is secondary. The concepts and penetration concerning time that both Preston and Duncan have come up with are totally foreign and alien to most of us. At the very least, they are conjuring up thoughts and avenues of consciousness that are worthy of investigation in their own right. What is of particular interest is that there is information that backs up their story. Surprisingly, this type of information is beginning to spring forth like a fountain.
It is vital that the role of legends be explained and understood because the story gets a trifle more wild and all of this should be kept in proper perspective. Some parts of this book might ring loud and clear to you as being true. Other aspects could stretch your credibility past the limit. Remember, the universe is a complex structure and our commonly accepted form of thought are limited. At the very least, we are inviting you to stretch and exercise the muscles of your thinking process with the hope it may make you stronger and more aware.
If parts of this book cannot be accepted at face value, they should be understood in the context of legend and what the bizarre meaning is behind it all. Only in this manner can one arrive at the truth behind the subject matter.
- pages 23-26
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