Exploring Oracular Dreams with Sarah Janes
Episode Overview
Sarah Janes discusses her visit to the Oracle of Amphiaraus. The practice of enkóimesis for divine guidance. Exploration of ancient healing and mythology. Plans for a dream garden in Greece. The sensory experience of incubating dreams.
The vibes were excellent. The place was amazing actually.
In the latest episode of the Hesitation Media Podcast, host Brian Nuckols engages in a captivating dialogue with Sarah Janes, a dream researcher and author of 'Initiation into Dreams.' Together, they delve into the mystical realms of oracular dreams and ancient healing practices, shedding light on how these ancient traditions intersect with modern understanding of sensory perception and mythology. Sarah recounts her profound experience at the Oracle of Amphiaraus, an esteemed ancient Greek sanctuary north of Athens.
This site was historically renowned for dream incubation, where individuals sought divine insights through dreams. The practice, known as enkóimesis, involved sleeping within the sanctuary with the hope of receiving divine messages—a tradition that later intertwined with healing rituals during a plague in Athens. The conversation takes a personal turn as Sarah shares her journey with her Greek friend Nicoletta, a Hellenic polytheist, who enriched the experience by reading Orphic hymns within the temple.
This immersive visit was uniquely powerful due to its off-season timing, allowing for an intimate engagement with the site’s history and spiritual essence. Throughout the episode, Sarah emphasizes the evocative potential of sensory experiences in dreams and the arts. She reveals her ambitious plan to create a dream garden in Epidavros, Greece, a place where visitors can engage in dream incubation surrounded by flora associated with different deities.
This garden aims to recreate the multi-sensory experiences of ancient dream sanctuaries, enhancing the dream state with the scents and sights of its natural surroundings. Listeners are invited to support and participate in this visionary project, promising a modern revival of a tradition that bridges the ancient with the contemporary. For more information, Sarah directs audiences to her website, TheMysteries.org.
This episode not only provides insight into the fascinating world of dreams but also inspires a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of history, mythology, and personal experience.