A Professional Space for Mythologists
The International Society of Mythology (ISM) is a global community dedicated to the study, exploration, and preservation of mythology.
We bring together scholars, students, practitioners, and enthusiasts to explore mythology across cultures and disciplines, from literature, religion, history, psychology, theology, anthropology, the classics, art, the humanities, and popular culture.
Mythology is not simply a record of the past. Myths continue to shape how we understand ourselves, our cultures, and the world around us.
What We Do
(ISM) aims to advance the interdisciplinary study of mythology. We strive to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern interpretation, providing a forum for exploring mythological themes, narratives, symbols, and their influences on various fields while promoting, fostering, and encouraging a robust understanding of mythology from various cultures around the world.
ISM creates opportunities to study, share, and engage with mythology through:
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Opportunities to present, publish, and connect with fellow mythologists
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Conferences and public events
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Courses and educational programs
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Scholarly research, resources, and the Journal of Mythology
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Professional networking and community
Our goal is the strengthen mythology as a field of studying and making it accessible to everyone who wishes to explore deeper meaning in story.
Who We Serve
ISM welcomes professors, researchers, students, educators, artists, writers, or anyone who loves mythology. Together we are building an interdisciplinary professional and mythic community, rigorous scholarship and a living relationship with myth coexist.
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JOIN ISM
Whether you're here to learn, publish, teach, research, or simply explore the power of myth, we invite you to become part of ISM.
Leadership
Heather Taylor, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Dr. Heather Taylor, Executive Director of The International Society of Mythology (ISM), is a filmmaker, mythmaker, and storyteller. Heather believes we each have unique gifts and perspectives to share with the world. Mythology can help us discover these gifts by exploring archetypal patterns as they are presented through the stories. Heather enjoys searching for the myths that resonate with people, and the culture, today, and exploring how they help us find purpose and community. She has a particular fondness for animals, both mythological, and real. Heather is the writer, producer, director, and researcher of the award-winning documentary Breaking Through the Clouds: The First Women’s National Air Derby (BTTC). Produced through her company Archetypal Images, LLC, BTTC won top honors at numerous film festivals and received the prestigious Combs Gates Award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame. BTTC continues to air on PBS stations across America. Heather was inducted into the Amelia Earhart’s Forest of Friendship. More information can be found at BreakingThroughTheClouds.com. Heather worked at Discovery Communications where she managed thousands of programming hours. She has a Masters in Producing Film and Video from American University. Heather has a Masters and PhD in Mythology with an Emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She earned several scholarships during her academic tenure including from the Joseph Campbell Foundation, Christine Downing Dissertation Fellowship Award, the Walter Odajnyk Mythological Studies Scholarship, and the Presential Scholarship. Heather was awarded the Kore Dissertation of Merit from the Association for the Study of Women and Mythology (ASWM) in 2025. Heather’s dissertation focuses on animals, specifically horses, and the sacred messages encoded in their mythological tales (tails). Heather and Dr. Lydia Griffiths began a student run program called Mythic Musings during the pandemic which we grew into what is now ISM.
Lydia "Dia" Griffiths, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Lydia Griffiths, PhD is a mythologist, fandom scholar, and cultural story interpreter. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on Steve Rogers fanfiction. Then she had a baby. Turns out they're the same myth. Her work explores the ancient stories living inside the ones we can't stop thinking about — bringing the oldest interpretive tools in human history to the stories that shape our everyday lives. She is co-founder of the International Society of Mythology and has published and presented widely on popular culture, AI, personal myth, and the mythology of American identity.
Jason Batt, Ph.D.
Co-Foudner
Jason D. Batt, a mythologist, writer, futurist, whose PhD focused on future mythologies of interstellar travel, co-founded Signal Hill Road Publishing, Deep Space Predictive Research Group, and Project Lodestar. He is the Creative and Editorial Director of 100 Year Starship, founder of the Canopus Awards, and is currently the associate editor of the Journal of Space Philosophy, with his latest contribution being “Evolving Light” in Routledge’s 2023 publication “Outer Space and Religion.”
Seleana Madden, Ph.D.
Co-Founder
Selena, a distinguished mythologist with a PhD in Mythological Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute, merges archetypal education, somatic arts, and profound insights into the human psyche, guiding others on transformative journeys through myth, symbolism, and personal growth. Drawing upon her expertise in dance, martial arts, and depth psychology, she crafts immersive experiences that blend movement and archetypal exploration, inviting individuals to rediscover their inner selves and the luminous potential of their own mythic narratives.
Talia Harris, M.A.,
Ph.D. Candidate
Co-Founder
Talia Harris, a distinguished third-year myth student at Pacifica, seamlessly blends academia with passion as an Associate Professor of Computer Science in Vancouver, B.C. Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Talia harbors a zest for supercars, holistic wellness, spirituality, and fitness, creating a tapestry of interests that enrich her multifaceted life.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the International Society of Mythology is to advance the interdisciplinary study of mythology in all its multifaceted forms. We strive to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern interpretation, providing a forum for the exploration of mythological themes, narratives, symbols, and their influences on various fields such as literature, psychology, anthropology, history, and more.
ISM is dedicated to fostering a global community that appreciates the complexity of myths and their pervasive role in shaping societal norms, moral frameworks, and cultural identities. We achieve this through promoting scholarly research, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue, and organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops. We are committed to cultivating the next generation of mythologists by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for students who are passionate about the profound narratives that have been, and continue to be, pivotal in human expression and understanding.
By uniting professionals, students, and enthusiasts under a shared passion for mythology, ISM endeavours to shed light on the diverse tapestry of human storytelling, inspiring a greater appreciation for our shared cultural heritage and promoting the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom across borders and disciplines.
