The Power of the Dark Feminine

by China Galland

The award-winning author of Longing for Darkness escorts us on a spiritual pilgrimage in search of the mythic feminine power of "fierce compassion".

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Self Help, Feminism, Audiobook, Education

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kylie Shattuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a divine, beautiful book; it taught me so much about Tibetan Buddhism, Christianity, mother Mary, and other female deities across time & space. This book focuses on teaching us to stop equating darkness & blackness with negativity, returning to our root systems, and embracing the dark mother. This is easily the most profound, significant modern spiritual text I’ve read. This may not be true for someone who doesn’t personally relate to the author, but there is still so much wisdom beauty, & knowledge in this book. Not to sound cheesy, but this book felt like coming home to a faith that I felt alienated from for so long. I cannot express enough gratitude towards this author, the black Madonna, and Tara 🥰

[Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such beautiful wisdom. Taught me so much about the dark feminine across religions and has inspired me to embrace the aspects that resonate with me of the Catholic faith, a faith in which I was raised but have long rejected. The idea that Buddhism helps us develop compassion and Christianity forgiveness resonates deeply in my soul. Perhaps I need to forgive the parts of the Catholic Church that were so traumatic for me, as I explore the ones that inspire love and kindness.

[Zara Chauvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok usually when borrowing a book from my mother I am very prepared to give a review along the lines of ‘ok that’s some random hippy BS and they don’t know what they’re talking about’ but I was VERY happily wrong about Galland.

This book is actually wonderful, very thoughtful, the author knows their stuff, and I highly recommend.

Galland speaks of the ‘dark feminine’ as an aspect of personhood which is most commonly suppressed and rejected today - a vitally important trait centred around tranquil, powerful ferocity - that of the protective mother who will kill and die to protect that which is good. The powerful side of feminine.

And very fascinatingly speaks to our euro-centric, racist vilifying of darkness in all its aspects. Characterising death and night and blackness as evil and scary - but how originally, even etymologically, blackness can be incredibly vivid and bright. How dark soils bring forth richness and life, and how we need night to rest, replenish, and grow.

After visiting the historical concentration camps of Auschwitz, Galland recounts “I realised that […] it to so many people to allow what happened and to allow Hitler to create the Holocaust. And I realised that it wasn’t Hitler. He could have been a crazy man standing on the street corner, had everyone ignored him, but people listened and this is what was so disturbing to me. Was getting a physical sense of how many people either didn’t know, didn’t want to know, ignored or participated in what happened. And I began to think, what is it in my own country? What is it we allow because we’re turning around, what terrible thing are we allowing because we don’t want to know what’s really going on? We want to turn away from suffering, we don’t want to see what’s in front of us. Then we might have to act.”
In Chapter 11

[Camellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this on cassette tape. Every well worth listening too.

[Gertrude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not yet read

[Niks Eehee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would've loved to give this book a higher rating, but because of the woke factor sadly had to downgrade it.
I enjoyed this book simply as stories of China's travels as a Tibetan Buddhist exploring concepts like forgiveness, compassion, and fierceness linked to the dark feminine, and her learnings and insights along the way. I loved learning about the deities and the inter-religious links across many major world religions (with a couple of glaringly obvious ones missing, not through China's fault!).
It reminded me of I May Be Wrong by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad, which I read at the start of the year. They both had a very similar way of sharing small stories, which felt connected to the Buddhist tradition of passing on teachings through Jatakas and koans (but in their modern day style).
I listened to this as an audiobook and I loved the way the book was narrated. The narrator's voice was nourishing and rich, and washed over me as I listened. During the meditations, it shifted to being softer and more intimate, lower in tone, almost whisper-like at times, which made you feel and flow with it. There were moments of profound insight and I wish I had a chance to stop and capture some quotes. I was definitely impacted by her overall journey of giving up on Christianity in search for something else that resonated more, taking her towards Tibetan Buddhism, and then returning to find, accept and forgive Christianity for its shortcomings towards her and integrating it as a part of herself.
I loved learning about the Black Madonna, Tara, and Kali (the only one I was aware of as she is big in the region of Asia where I'm from). But she had to bring up race and that apparently Europe is built on racism, which meant there was no space for these dark deities. Completely untrue and unlinked as far as the establishment of these forms not being widely praised across the world. Literal skin colour didn't have anything to do with it, although it could've been about people not being willing to accept and integrate the dark side and celebrate/pray to it instead of suppressing it. Apparently, China Galland doesn't see the irony of reducing the 'dark' in 'dark feminine' about race when it's a universal human experience, and that it ends up having a belittling effect if you link race to it. Kali too, is a regional goddess within India for example. So, in a way, the more noticeable trait here is that in small proportions/areas these deities have sprouted up that have a deeply devoted following. Similarly, the feminine being praised may also be a trait/quality and not literal biological femininity.

[Nando Gigaba · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Power of the Dark Feminine is a 2 hour, 46 minute journey narrated by the author China Galland which delves into the depths of diverse spiritual traditions, exploring the profound impact of the "dark feminine" - a potent force for fierce compassion and inner transformation.

Raised in a Christian upbringing, Galland's search for understanding leads her through Zen Buddhism, encountering figures like Yaśodharā. Her travels take her across continents, from India to South America and medieval Europe, where she meets both spiritual luminaries and everyday people, all connected by their reverence for the divine in its many forms.

This rich exploration develops her respect for many faiths and individuals, recognising the shared spark of the "dark feminine" throughout all humans. Beyond captivating encounters, the book offers practical tools for personal growth, including authentic meditation practices and inspiring stories of women who embody compassionate action.

Beyond captivating encounters, the book offers practical tools for personal growth, including authentic meditation practices and inspiring stories of women who embody compassionate action.

The Power of the Dark Feminine on Audible

Side note. I gave this book a go because my sister is interested in these kinds of subjects.

[Katie Radcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

China Galland offers a profound exploration of the often-misunderstood archetype of the “dark feminine.” Galland redefines this concept not as negative or destructive, but as a “radiant dark,” representing fierce compassion.

[Ninali Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Favour Adaeze]

Nice book

[Flourish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book

[Malagu Leticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a good book

[Thando Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰🥰

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice but kinda short so I don't know if it was very focused

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would love to read this book so bad

[Agadaigho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read it