Sacred Rage, Sacred Trickster: The Role of Eris in Decolonial Resistance and Celebration

Abstract: This paper explores the relevance and potency of Eris, the Greek goddess of strife and discord, in disrupting colonial paradigms. Using the mythology and symbolism of Eris, I illustrate how celebration, resistance, and accountability inform Eris’s metaphysically confrontational approach to decolonization. By exposing the unconscious motivations that underlie unjust power systems, Eris compels the colonial paradigm to undertake a spiritual and psychological inquiry process in which only transfiguration through chaos becomes sufficient to achieve peace. This paper also discusses how Eris’ trickster nature, echoing Zen Kōan paradoxes and Taoist yin-yang cosmology, spurs humanity in a dialectical process toward decolonization.

Presenter bio: Rayner Jae Liu is an Integral Coach®, inclusion strategist, and systems theorist who creates leverage for conscious leaders. He has been recognized by Marianne Williamson and Melinda Gates for his work on archetypes and whole-person development and graduated from Duke University with a BA in Cultural Anthropology and Political Science.