Anima Mundi - Interview by Bibliotheca Aeterna
Bibliotheca Aeterna: You have written and published previously in German. What is the reason that you have written your new book 'Anima Mundi' in English?
Viktória: Like with most of these things, there was some guidance involved. Originally, I planned the manuscript in German. It had the title Die Weltenseele, which translates as The World Soul. We lived in England, but I still continued to write in German, simply because my German is more native. One day, my friend Sharon said she felt dizzy and had to lay down on the couch. Normally, I don't talk much about the stories I'm writing, but this time I felt I had to mention the story, and she began to ask questions. I described some scenes ... and she continued with the descriptions! Soon it turned out that in a strange and mysterious way she could see the same visions I could see. Writing is a magical process, it requires seeing into the unseen world. In that particular moment in time, we both saw the same thing. It was profoundly exciting. Sharon encouraged me to write an English version, which she helped me with.
Writing in a foreign language is a bit like participating in the Paralympics. You have a handy-cap and it is not easy. Sometimes, however, it helps enliven the original spirit: It can be more experimental, more creative, and more original at times.
B.A.: 'Anima Mundi' can be called a fantasy book for young adults. Why did you choose this genre?
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Viktória: I have not. Stories exist in the invisible realm, and I believe the work of a writer is to find these stories in order to bring them into the world. Talking about genres is more a pass-time for professors. I don't know about all that. I would not say that the book is for young adults, either; it is for anyone who likes to think about hidden things.
In general, children's books are very underrated. If something is simple, easy to understand and fits in with the current paradigm, you can write a doctoral thesis on it. But if you have an idea which is revolutionary and requires a shift of perception to understand, often you have no other choice but make it into a "children's book." |
Artist's Impression of Wanjemok,
the Weaver of Worlds by Laurent Brindeau |
B.A.: The (Latin) title of your book would be in English The World Soul. What do you mean by the world soul? How does it appear in the book?
Viktória: The Latin title is suggestive of the Alchemical roots of the story. Jung, the famous psychologist, who coined the term ‘collective unconscious,’ was also the one who discovered the hidden, psychological meaning behind medieval Alchemy. According to his interpretation, Alchemy is a process of inner transformation, or as Jung called it, the process of individuation. Colours, such as black, white, red, and golden signify the stages of this process. They also play great part in the story. Interestingly, I wasn't aware of the Alchemical significance of this colours and related symbols, but after I wrote the book, I found the old Alchemical texts. I was utterly surprised that we all spoke of the same thing!
Viktória: The Latin title is suggestive of the Alchemical roots of the story. Jung, the famous psychologist, who coined the term ‘collective unconscious,’ was also the one who discovered the hidden, psychological meaning behind medieval Alchemy. According to his interpretation, Alchemy is a process of inner transformation, or as Jung called it, the process of individuation. Colours, such as black, white, red, and golden signify the stages of this process. They also play great part in the story. Interestingly, I wasn't aware of the Alchemical significance of this colours and related symbols, but after I wrote the book, I found the old Alchemical texts. I was utterly surprised that we all spoke of the same thing!
Joseph Wright: The Alchemist
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The Latin title is an invitation to find meaning - for those who dare to inquire. It is a suggestion that there is something timeless which is waiting to be explored, especially when the television sets and all our mobile phones are turned off. Silence can be much more interesting than all the noises of the modern world.
B.A.: The central theme of Anima Mundi is the creative power of thoughts. Kati and Kali, once left alone, create a whole world to themselves. These days, within all the noise you mention and all the mass media entertainment, we may become too comfortable to think for ourselves. What is your message? Viktória: At all time, people are happy to be entertained. In Ancient Rome by watching gladiators killing each other, today by watching non-stop visual bombardment on large screens. It is each and every individuals choice to be slavishly dulled into entertainment, or giving their own lives a special meaning by evolving into creative human beings. |
Self-actualized human beings who fulfil their potential by becoming awake and aware (who make choices instead of reacting) are as rare as diamonds are among coal. My message is: living an authentic life is indescribably valuable.
B.A.: We have heard that Kati and Kali will re-appear in your next book. Will that be a sequel to the Anima Mundi story?
Viktória: Only insofar as Kati and Kali indeed re-appear, but as adults, participating in a spiritual adventure. I was wondering about childhood adventures. Today, we live in a world deprived of magic, in which adventures into the unseen world are seen as mere fantasies. Fairy tales are seen as mere lullabies for children. But originally, fantasies and fairy tales were never meant to be some sort of holidays from reality. Originally, they were blue-prints for understanding reality and life in its depth. Kati and Kali remember their childhood dreams, and integrate it into an adult world-view, which is based on the power of the Mind rather than a mechanical universe.
Thank you so much for the discussion!
B.A.: We have heard that Kati and Kali will re-appear in your next book. Will that be a sequel to the Anima Mundi story?
Viktória: Only insofar as Kati and Kali indeed re-appear, but as adults, participating in a spiritual adventure. I was wondering about childhood adventures. Today, we live in a world deprived of magic, in which adventures into the unseen world are seen as mere fantasies. Fairy tales are seen as mere lullabies for children. But originally, fantasies and fairy tales were never meant to be some sort of holidays from reality. Originally, they were blue-prints for understanding reality and life in its depth. Kati and Kali remember their childhood dreams, and integrate it into an adult world-view, which is based on the power of the Mind rather than a mechanical universe.
Thank you so much for the discussion!