On the Proper Care and Feeding of Muses

A Column by FoxM Ember

Before I begin in earnest, I shall admit my profound assumption that there exists a general and common understanding of the muse’s defining characteristics. I state this, for it is no small matter, and germane to this entire writing. Further, I pray you will find it agreeable and reasonable that, in keeping with the earlier traditions, I assign and refer to this entity in the feminine, while reserving and referring to we mere mortals (including this author) in the masculine.

However, all too frequently, the artist is so smitten with the muse herself, as to lose in the glare of her beauty, the cherished gift she offers freely. Tragedy frequently results in these instances, and great works of art appear as blank canvas, unsung songs and empty pages. Even more tragic, the artist, entranced wholly with his muse - by virtue of her unaccepted gift will take leave - is left bereft of motivation, and heartbroken. A tragedy upon a tragedy still.

Thus manifests the quintessential conundrum of the artiste when confronted by his muse and her offerings: how and whether to direct his energy and focus - not upon the giver - but upon the gift. The layman would surely see this choice as simplistic child’s play, for common sense and prudence concerning one’s livelihood certainly dictates the mere “use” of the muse in order to benefit from her promptings, thus securing rewards and accolades for himself. However, for those who face this choice, the deep complexity is made visible through the ethereal mists of her beauty; the prudent decision becomes shrouded in thoughts of romance, feelings of elusive true love, and the irresistible temptations of her innocent seductiveness.

Yet, there is no malice in her snare. Hers is an unintended trap. Indeed, she is often heard raising her voice in stark warning to the artist to avoid his focus upon her, and to gaze upon that vision which she seeks to inspire. How blissfully tortuous are her natural and intrinsic ways, for in issuing warning and caution, she only amplifies her distracting beauty. Her kindness and concern do nothing more than intensify the desire to know her, and yes, to love her.

It is an irony, that in failing to heed her siren warning, the artist also fails to provide his muse with that which she needs to survive. For a muse, not to find a willing recipient for her inspirations is in no manner different than a doe seeking and failing to find the gentle stream that quenches her thirst. The same, as a dove whose wings now clipped, can no longer ride the wind, as is demanded by its very nature. In choosing to love the muse, at the expense of accepting her offerings, he condemns her to starvation.

Therefore, my fellow artists, writers, painters, musicians, creators of all sorts, heed this simple instruction as concerns your muse. Take anxiously of her gifts, and create wondrous passionate works. Place your efforts and focus on the vision given to you and see it through to its magical and beautiful conclusions. And, share these works with all people, for in doing so you breathe life into your muse, she is fed and satiated by virtue of meaning and purpose finding residence in her. And yes, cautiously if you must, earnestly desire her, romance her, fall in love with her…and always care for her properly.

"No Muse-poet grows conscious of the Muse except by experience of a woman in whom the Goddess is to some degree resident…A Muse-poet falls in love, absolutely, and his true love is, for him, the embodiment of the Muse…as manifest in the supreme power, glory, wisdom, and love of woman, and the individual woman whom the Goddess may make her instrument...

- British poet, Robert Graves

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