By Marjorie Young

These days Zombies are everywhere; whether in TV, films, or fiction, they indeed seem to be ‘taking over’ the earth. Though fascination with these creatures definitely eludes me, their appeal cannot be denied. But why the attraction? The topic was suggested by an ‘expert’ in the field, Pisay Pao, who stars in the hit SyFy series ‘ZNation.’ You guessed it; ‘Z’ stands for Zombies, and Pisay and her co-stars valiantly battle to save what remains of the human race after those pesky troublemakers take over. Yet even she wonders at the near obsession many have with the ‘undead.’ Even talk of a coming ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ is endlessly bandied about.

A ‘rival’ fiendish group, our friends the Vampires, are usually portrayed as good-looking and seductive, luring many an innocent creature to his or her doom. In contrast, Zombies are unfailingly drooling, stumbling, decomposed, and inevitably poorly dressed. If one was lurching in your direction, it would seem ridiculously easy to get out of the way! Yet, they continue to evoke an odd longing combined with dread in the eyes of many.

Perhaps the explanation is that those ‘defunct’ creatures continue to ‘live’ (although their only interest seems to be in creating other zombies). Is it because we mortals fear oblivion that we find any method of overcoming it to have its charm? Surely the subject of ‘life after death’ remains a riveting one, with many possible options. Some firmly believe in ‘heaven and hell’ while others are equally convinced of ‘reincarnation’ and its accompanying ‘karma’ which follows from life to life. And of course, atheists are positive death is a finality; the end of us. The ‘truth’ remains to many an unsettling unknown. As a result humans, almost from the beginning, have speculated upon what comes ‘after.’ Thus, traditions evolved featuring entertaining if hair-raising tales of those who manage to somehow outwit the Grim Reaper.

Actually, while having no fear of fictional zombies, I know dismay concerning ‘real’ ones! We humans frequently stumble through life, lurching forward without considering the deeper truth of our own essence or what we might achieve while there is still breath in our lungs. We take care of daily requirements; get up, work, come home, care for family, pay the bills, watch TV…without pausing to marvel at the magic of existence or our place in the great scheme of things. Living on ‘automatic pilot’ is a form of ‘Zombie-hood’ and more distressing than any made up creature we might conjure.

And let us not forget the uncountable millions who ‘zone out’ in front of their computer screens, smart phones, etc…preferring to ignore reality or actual companions in favor of gaming or ‘communing’ with those whom they may never meet face-to-face. Many can no longer walk down the street without having their phones in hand. Perhaps we so delight in the world of the imagination because we take so little time to ‘imagine’ our own lives or to create something great with it. We are meant to overcome the boundaries imposed upon us. Refusing to die is less an issue than refusing to truly live!

Therefore, enjoy ‘Zombies’ on the silver screen if you wish…but take a vow never to permit your time here to become ‘Zombified’…on the contrary, be aware, filled with resolve, and make your life a LIVING (and undrooling) masterpiece!
Marjorie is available for readings at the Ballard Sunday Market, her Ballard home, or by phone.

Please email her: myballardpsychic@juno.com

See her fantasy/adventure series: www.theboywithgoldeneyes.com

Follow her on Twitter @psychicmargie