The Archetype of Connection: Mycelium Networks, Myth, and the Internet

RUNNING HEAD: The Archetype of Connection 1

The Archetype of Connection:

Mycelium Networks, Myth, and the Internet

Samuel L. Sohmer

California Institute of Integral Studies

The Archetype of Connection 2

The Archetype of Connection

A relentless drive for connection is perhaps the most

fundamental quality of the Universe. And this cosmic

intimacy has been reimagining itself through endless

manifestations since time immemorial. The coalescence of

elementary particles in space to form stars and galaxies,

the subsequent orbital relationships between astral bodies,

planetary symbiosis, and human sexuality are prime examples

of the impulse to connect. Myriad mythologies have

beautifully paid homage to the depth of this universal

force, thereby perpetuating and protecting its sacredness.

Fittingly then, there exists an incredibly profound and

explicit representation of connection just beneath our feet:

a global intelligence network of fungi, or mycelia. The

mycelium network provides an underground and interconnected

interface for interspecies plant communication and overall

environmental/ecosystem stability (Stamets, 2005, p. 2).


Unfortunately, however, due to the often oblivious

activities of humanity, this fungal web is not only

misunderstood but often damaged as the emergence of

agriculture supported the tilling of Earth, thus destroying

mycelia underneath; the deliberate cultivation of plants

became an isolated practice from the natural systems of the

planet. At the surface, this is, of course, quite an

unfortunate blunder; though, at a deeper more symbolic

level, the inadvertent damage to the mycelium network could

likewise reflect a deviation from the universal quality of

connection. Regardless, the planetary impetus to connect is

strong enough to continually generate novel representations

of this essential archetype, though often unconsciously.

Perhaps one such unconscious manifestation, possibly as a

response to humanity’s absent-minded interference with

mycelia, is the rise of a similarly mass-communicative and

global interface, the Internet. In fact, Paul Stamets,

mycologist and author of Mycelium Running, goes as far as to

describe the fungal network as “Earth’s natural Internet”

(Stamets, 2005, p. 4). Just as mushrooms are the fruiting


bodies of the fungal grid, personal computers and servers

are the nodes of this technological matrix. Hence, the

following paragraphs will investigate a relationship between

the Internet and the planet’s mycelium network, as well as

simultaneously guide an exploratory inquiry into the

importance of the archetype of connection through

comparative analysis of popular myth, film, technology, and

nature. Additionally, the implications of our interaction

with the archetype will be explored with hopes of more

comprehensively understanding the relationship.

In order to understand and appreciate the relationship

between fungal networks and the Internet, a brief

description of mycelium and its archetypal significance is

necessary. According to Stamets (2005), vast webs of

intricately entwined mycelia fibers, only a cell wall thick,

support the health of environmental systems by facilitating

communication between plants and producing enzymes that act

as chemical responses to challenges within an ecosystem (p.

2). He posits that the mycelium network is not only crucial

for environmental stability, but it acts as a “living


network that manifests the natural intelligence imagined by

Gaia theorists.” (Stamets, p. 3). In other words, this

underground system of fungi is aware and seems to represent

the information-processing component of planetary

consciousness. The mycologist even suggests the possibility

of tapping into this earthy interface with hopes to send and

receive information and data (Stamets, p. 5). Immediately,

what become quite apparent are the striking similarities

between the fungal web and the human counterpart, the World

Wide Web. At a fundamental level exists an archetype that

unites these two seemingly disparate phenomena; however,

before exploring this association, it is necessary, first,

to lay out significant implications accompanying humanity’s

rupture from a symbiotic relationship with the Earth.

Ironically, this tangible, as well as symbolic, break

from planetary connection (i.e. the unaware disassociation

with regard to mycelium) as a result of the emergence of

agriculture catalyzed the dawn of human civilization and

institution. Of course, this shift did not arise without a

laundry list of endemic weaknesses with which humanity is


still struggling. Tribes utilizing this method of

agriculture adopted a sedentary lifestyle that hinged on

crop production. In accordance, then, there were fields to

defend from neighboring tribes, thus requiring mechanisms of

military force. From here, individuals were effectively

dehumanized and efficiently manufactured to operate as cogs

in a machine. Nationalism became a standard for societal

living, which in turn segregated regional neighboring

tribes. And, as a result of the need to protect crops

through force, patriarchy emerged as the dominant

governmental and cultural norm, which reinforced the

subjugation of women. Most distressing of all, our

relationship with the Earth had thematically shifted from

reciprocity to resource.

There is an incredibly significant psychological

implication budding from this seemingly disastrous

alteration in human behavior: humanity had been successful

in breaking from the interconnectivity of the Earth. This

disconnect is not only substantiated but also directly

reflected physically and symbolically by our detachment from


the Gain matrix of mycelium. How paradoxical those

organisms born from the same Earth Mother as all other

living beings could effectively unplug themselves from the

great web of connection! Or, perhaps, this is not the case.

Perhaps at some level this disconnection was necessary in

order to foster a deeper awareness within humanity. Maybe

something remarkably as connective as the mycelium network

would emerge within humanity’s operating sphere that would

not only bolster the species’ interconnectivity but also

return our awareness to the Earth.

But, alas, a return to Gaia with the boon of greater

human connection has not felt close to becoming. Alluded to

previously, the seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of

destructive force that is humanity reflects little cohesion

with the natural world. Disappearing rainforests, polluted

oceans, and vanishing honeybees, which aid in the cross-

pollination of countless flowering plants, are all results

of human “progress” and development; the effect of these

phenomena on our planet’s physical and psychological state

is enormous. Viewed from a linear perspective, the


ramifications seem dire and the outlook of planetary

survival for the human race appears dreary. However, if one

takes a cyclical approach and perceives the changes within

the environment, resulting from human activity, as a part of

the natural ebb and flow of universal movement, a more

optimistic and hopeful sensibility can emerge. Therefore,

although human ignorance of and interference with the

mycelium network has aided in, at least temporarily,

breaking ties with the planet, the innate drive to foster

connection, expressed through pervasive archetypal symbols,

is not only impossible to avoid but presently embodied in

the Internet as a potential compensatory response.

Viewing the relationship between the mycelium network

and the Internet through an archetypal lens is both

fascinating and revealing of the deeper, resonate psychic

undertones reverberating throughout the Universe. The

emblematic web structure is a successful evolutionary

recurrence that is represented in myriad of forms from

string theory to neural networks in the brain (Stamets,

2005, p. 7). This deeply symbolic representation has also


been reflected within the mythological stories of seemingly

disparate cultures for millennia; these numerous myths

expressing the web, or net, archetype can be used as

comparative tools when analyzing this relationship.

For example, the Buddhist Avatamsaka Sutra of Indra’s

Net is quite a remarkable model of this archetypal

expression. The myth illustrates Indra, ruler of heaven,

and an infinitely large net where at each crossing point

rests a jewel. Each jewel is intimately linked to all the

rest by way of the vast web of interconnection, and

affecting one jewel affects the entirety of the net. When

viewing a single jewel, the reflection of all others is

available, conveying a sense of unity in all things (Loy,

1993). Similarly, we find mushrooms at the cross-sections

of the mycelium net, which act as interfacing devices (i.e.

facilitating decomposition) within the cycle of life and

death; here we find an analogous depiction of unity.

Likewise, the Internet, or World Wide Web, is an

imperceptible network connected by servers across the world.

Each server acts as a fractal body of the whole of the


network, facilitating a connection between the essentially

infinite web of information and human experience.

From a slightly different perspective, another useful

myth for comparison is that of the popular Navajo story of

Spider Woman. In the Navajo tradition, harmony and

connection are exemplified through the custom of weaving

from a loom. The story goes that Spider Man created the

loom providing Spider Woman a tool in which to weave

protective webs of connection for the Navajo people. Spider

Woman, in turn, offered this gift of weaving to the Dine

(Navajo) as a means in which to maintain balance, as well as

a way to mirror and make sense of experience in general.

The mycelium network is surely an example of a protective

web in that plants will communicate to one another signaling

when oncoming herbivore attacks are approaching.

Additionally, these fungal networks will allocate resources

from healthy vegetation to those in critical need; a balance

is maintained, which aids in the overall stability of

ecosystems. The Internet may share a few of these qualities

in regard to maintaining balance (i.e. exposing governmental


corruption, thus instigating cultural renewal), however,

disturbing shadows emerge, which deserve attention and will

be acknowledged in upcoming paragraphs.

A final, and exceedingly more explicit, example of the

web archetype is clearly represented in the modern film

Avatar, written and directed by James Cameron. In the film,

a living network of intelligent and luminescent fibers

covering all plant forms reacts and responds to external

stimuli within the environment, uncannily echoing the

similar qualities of mycelium webs. Additionally, the web

of awareness within the movie is accessed directly through a

particular tree, revealing information and healing

properties of ancestors long since passed. This tree can be

equated to both the hub-like servers of the Internet, which

facilitate retrieval of information, as well as the fruiting

mushroom bodies of mycelium networks that facilitate

decomposition and aid in environmental healing. Another

fascinating parallel noticeable in the film is the sentient

web of connection as responsive in a similar fashion to that

of mycelia: able to sense the pressure of animal feet or


debris and subsequently react or transmit signals to other

areas of the ecosystem (Stamets, 2005, p. 4).

What is important to note about these comparisons is

that, despite our disconnection from the natural world via

agriculture and reflected in massive cityscapes covering the

Earth’s surface, a more subtle level of human experience has

always been aware of and striving for universal unity and

intimate connection. In fact, not only has the human race

expressed the archetype through mythology, we have been

recreating and recapitulating similar patterns, or fractals,

of this connection since our inception. The Internet is

humanity’s most recent and complex technological

manifestation, while a planetary expression of this

archetypal connection is the mycelium network beneath our

feet, which allows interminable communication between plant

life forms. Therefore, the World Wide Web can be perceived

as an archetypal replication of the mycelium network but

from a fresh vantage point.

As a side note, it appears that time circumnavigates

patterns, revisiting deep archetypal forms but with a new


slant, always moving gradually toward greater complexity and

expression. In fact, one could argue that time is simply an

illusory phenomenological framework that allows passage for

basic and fundamental archetypes of reality to be expressed;

in other words, pure and unabridged connection may already

exist in our Universe, but humanity experiences the

archetype fragmentarily as it is expressed through time.

Now, if, fundamentally, a planetary network, mycelium,

and a human constructed network, the Internet, are

archetypal reflections of one another, how can we make sense

of their chronological positions in time, as well as

understand the implications of their relationship? From the

perspective of mycelium, global connection exists in nature

and only grows stronger through time (temporarily

disregarding the subsequent damaging effects of emerging

primate consciousness). However, ironically, the same

evolutionary force that developed the interconnected fungal

network also gave rise to a species of life, which, through

conscious efforts, created factions and intentional

separation that has now resulted in a near cataclysmic


dismantling of its own system. How can this be? Or,

perhaps more appropriately, why? Why would a force of

nature that has seemingly always produced greater connection

facilitate the emergence of something isolated and

implosive? These are valid inquiries of modern society and

those interested in understanding humanity’s place within

the larger framework. I want to suggest, however, that the

outward appearance of the human race as destructive and

unaligned to planetary systems is simply another piece of

the cosmic puzzle, a catalyzing piece, which, if placed

correctly, will elucidate a sizeable portion of the ever-

present universal enigma.

To be more specific, the rise of modern civilization,

resulting from agriculture and the accompanying ignorance of

the mycelium web, proved a means of catalyzing a globally

connected species of animals, which could potentially

harness the power to unite all constituents of Earth as well

as other planets and planetary systems. And, what is our

most salient and powerful tool of technological unification,

today? The Internet. Then, why do we not see it as such?


What has so greatly stigmatized this most formidable

instrument of connective force? Unfortunately, the

Internet’s début was met with a barrage of parasitic

nuisances (e.g. consumerism, government, pornography, etc.).

Their host was a highly advanced communication platform that

differed exponentially from any preexisting structure

available prior. In short, humanity did not appear ready

for this greatest of boons. And, as mythology so eloquently

reflects, the quintessence of the archetypal treasure cannot

be actualized or revealed until the right questions are

asked and appropriate action ensues. That is to say, what

needs to remain clear is that the Internet, despite its

shadows, is fundamentally a phenomenon of pure connectivity

that simply requires proper awareness and treatment to

unlock its benefits. With such a profound and effective

tool, humanity could not only fully unite itself but also

plug back into the planetary systems of the Earth (e.g. the

mycelium network, etc.). For example, with the infinite

reaching capacity of the Internet, we can now disseminate

valuable information related to no-till farming and soil


preservation as a direct means of encouraging a healthy

relationship with mycelium and the environment in general

(Stamets, 2005, p. 60).

Viewing the Internet as a valuable tool, though its

greatness sadly veiled by shadow, brings us to an important

question: how does humanity approach something so powerful?

Once again, perhaps a mythological lens might provide

insight into this dilemma. It can be said that technology

reflects a strong Promethean energy. Prometheus, in true

trickster style, offered Zeus an animal sacrifice disguised

as human flesh and bones. Zeus subsequently punished all of

humanity by relieving them of their access to ash trees,

which aided the ability to make fires. However, Prometheus

continued his efforts and subsequently stole fire from the

great god, Zeus. Prometheus’ thievery of fire from Zeus

gifted humanity with a means of advancement into new stages

of development and experience, though he was punished

greatly as a result (McClure & Leonard, 2004, p. 304).

Technology, and specifically the Internet, reflects

this Promethean trickster quality in that it simultaneously


holds both positive and negative potential. The lesson to

be extracted from the myth of Prometheus is one of

reciprocity and awareness. In order to avoid punishment,

the gods must be remembered and appropriately assuaged in

order to receive their valuable gifts. Similarly, then, if

humanity desires positive outcomes a higher level of

consciousness might then be allocated to our position in

regard to the Internet. Exploiting such a potentially

auspicious medium for the sake of acquiring material

possessions, satiating hedonistic desires, and controlling

the population will most likely only result in Zeus’ blazing

lightening bolt.

What myth provides for us is a framework, or story, as

a backdrop for our experience. That being said, in what way

can we influence our story? How can we avoid the dark side

of the Internet and technological advancement? One

potential avenue for inquiry is to explore the story of

mycelia. Balance, harmony, protection, connection, and

communication are all qualities of the myth, or sacred

story, of mycelium. Perhaps, humanity can use this as a


mirror in which to reflect similar traits within the domain

of technology and the Internet. And, what may result from

this comparison is a greater awareness and respect for the

mycelium networks that connect and protect our ecosystems

worldwide, as well. Humanity could honor these amazing

connective forces. And, most importantly, a dialogue

between them and humankind could be cultivated and

nourished, so that the archetype of which these natural

phenomena represents are held and protected as sacred.

It seems likely that a communication between archetypal

forms and human beings is conceivably always occurring.

Archetypes are present in nature (mycelia) as well as human

constructions, and we are consciously and unconsciously

fostering dialogue with their myriad forms. Therefore,

healthy and mindful communication between the Internet

archetype and humanity could bolster the relationship,

allowing more optimal interactions to produce greater

benefits. Valuing communication is to fully honor such a

universal notion of connection, which has forever acted as a

form of transformation and unity. This means that, as


conscious and reflective beings, it may be advantageous for

us to raise our level of awareness in regard to archetypal

underpinnings. The fact that humanity has, itself,

manifested a genuine representation of the web archetype,

the Internet, suggests that this level of reality is

occurring within us. In regard to the mycelium network, it

is just as obvious that nature expresses the same reality.

Problems arise only when our tendency to exploit and take

advantage of the fabric of reality through our conscious

efforts takes precedence. We might avoid these potential

issues could we view consciousness as a gift, a gift to be

protected, revered, and utilized with benevolence.

To conclude, there seems to be a felt sense of

connection and unity resonating through space and time, and

by acknowledging the binding archetype underlying different

outward forms (e.g. mycelium networks, the Internet, string

theory, neuronal nets, etc.) we acknowledge a deeper essence

of reality. This realization can foster greater respect

toward the forms in particular, but also unite them as

simply different expressions of the same phenomenon. As


mycelia trudge through the soil under our feet connecting

the root systems of trees, flowers, and a variety of other

plants, the Internet invisibly navigates the open space

within all matter, creating a cyber-environment of seemingly

infinite capacity and possibility. As Paul Stamets

suggests, it may be a reality in the future for these

networks of unification to come together, thus combining

forces in developing and perpetuating a an unmatched

connective potential. Imagine, a world in which nature and

technology are united through the interfacing efforts of

humanity; in fact, it may be that this is our true

significance as a species on the Earth.

Though a definitive understanding in regard to the

future of humanity and the Earth is not entirely possible, a

sense of prescience looms in the present moment. Greater

novelty and discovery are speeding up development to such a

velocity that life on Earth, should we be fortunate enough

to remain welcome, may be soon become indistinguishable from

our current experience. That being said, we stand at a

defining moment, a precipice of epic change and


transformation in which we may hold the master key. Will we

fumble, or will we take the reins with the necessary fervor

and awareness to keep it together? The archetypes are

guiding lights along the path of global individuation, and

our acknowledgement and respect of their presence may be

what leads us through the darkness. The reflective minds of

humanity have made the connection between technology and

nature (i.e. the relationship between mycelium networks and

the Internet), thus elucidating a deeper symbolic

representation of reality, a symbol of connection. This

understanding is crucial in regard to human relationships,

as well as to our sustainability on Earth and the Universe

at large. And, like the jewels of Indra’s Net, it would be

of immense value for us to view the reflection of all

humanity in a single individual; to see the whole in a part;

to honor the archetypal reality of connection within all

things.


References

Loy, D. (1993). Indra's post-modern net. Philosophy East & West,

43(3), 481.

McClure, M., Leonard, S. (2004). Myth and knowing: An introduction

to world

mythology. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Stamets, P. (2005). Mycelium running. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed

Press.

The Archetype of Connection: Mycelium Networks, Myth, and the Internet

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