The Left Hand Path Versus the Right Hand Path in Mythology
There is a tradition in mythic studies of two life paths that exist: the “left hand path” versus the “right hand path.” Either path can be the correct one, depending on the individual.
The right hand path is considered the more “traditional” approach to walking through life. Those who choose the right hand path make all of the expected choices in life: studying hard and building a lucrative career for themselves, marrying, raising a family, buying just the right home, and so on. This is often considered the safer, more stable path to choose.
The left hand path, however, is for those who reject those more traditional choices, and who consider themselves seekers, or followers of the unexpected way through life. The follower of the left hand path is the one who leaves law school to study at an ashram in India, or sells all their possessions to seek enlightenment.
If you’ve read Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestselling memoir “Eat Pray Love” you have seen an example of someone moving from the right hand path to the left hand path.
Both paths are valid choices, and work for different people depending on where they are in their lives and what they are seeking.
For the purposes of this website, the right hand path (the right side of the page) is intended for my corporate clients, and will lead you to Mythic Stories Consulting. The left hand path is intended for seekers who would like to work with me as an individual, through private consultation, or attending a retreat or workshop.
Choose your path wisely.
Allison Stieger is a mythologist, speaker, management consultant and corporate storyshaper who is passionate about myth and what it has to teach both individuals and organizations. She holds an M.A. in Mythological Studies in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and is a member of the National Speaker’s Association and Toastmaster’s International.
In 2004 she founded Mythic Stories, and since then she has been working with myth in modern culture in many different ways, including working with corporations and individuals on living their stories with intention and planning, dealing with the effects of descent myths in modern life, and accessing creativity and innovation through a deeper understanding of the world’s most ancient stories.
Allison blogs on topics related to mythology at www.mythicstories.com and at www.mythicstoriesconsulting.com, and is a contributing columnist for The Creativity Post, writing on the intersection between myth, creativity and innovation.