Women's Mysteries: Ancient & Modern

by Mary Esther Harding, C.G. Jung (Introduction)

Here is a classic study of the feminine principle in myths, dreams, and religious symbolism. In presenting the archetypal foundations of feminine psychology, the author shows how the ancient religious initiations of the moon goddess symbolized the development of the emotions. Understanding the psychological meaning of these initiations, she believes, can help to heal the troubled relations between men and women today.

Genres: Psychology, Mythology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Goddess, Feminism, Religion

276 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Mary Esther Harding (1888–1971) was a British-American Jungian analyst who was the first significant Jungian psychoanalyst in the United States.

Reviews

[MihaElla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this introduction study to Woman’s mysteries: ancient and modern . Well, honestly speaking, the first quarter was more easily digested by my brains rather than the remaining parts of the book. To put it in a sensory manner, the twilight of understanding seemed to grow oddly oppressive and lay on me like a load, intellectually I mean, not physically. But then a curious thing happened. Another window of perception opened, and I seemed to get glimpses into the mystery of the mysteries. I can’t deny that I should have read more on the subject to be able to fully comprehend all the points the writer wanted to emphasize and convey. But I am interested to read more which is a good viewpoint to consider, eventually.

Last but not least, upon finishing the book, I was actually staring reflectively at the ceiling of my room and suddenly my eye got into an alert fashion as if seeing a curious fly sadly it was not a real one, and I realized that I was not that ancient as I was thinking myself to be, although I'm afraid I'm not much use in the modern world either with a sigh ;))

[Jennie Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anais Nin brought me here. The chapter titled "Virgin Goddess" was the most insightful for me in regards to the myths surrounding sirens / mermaids and equating it to contemporary times - for Harding having written this in the 30s that chapter is still very relevent espically in this age of extreme narcissism. Good for those who wish to start exploring their subterranean depths.

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the time I read this I wrote: "Accepts the existence of psychic as well as physical difference between male and female and purposively attempts to redress the overemphasized masculine by focusing on the feminine nature as symbolized by the moon motif."

For her time (1933) Dr. Harding was a feminist, but her approach, typical of the Jungians, is to emphasize the differences between the sexes while claiming to see them as equally valuable. This rankled a bit at the time of reading and may bother me even more now, particularly since I've finally read some material by and about transgendered persons.

While not denying long, and diverse, traditions of gender distinction, I find myself increasingly disinterested in appeals to nature, increasingly interested in seeing these traditions as merely suggesting possibilities--and, of course, problematics--to the free agency of human beings.

[Janice (JG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. Esther Harding was a student of Carl Jung's. This book is her treatise on the expression of the feminine principle as it was ritualized in the worship of the Moon Goddess (represented as Ishtar, Isis, Mary, etc.), and as it reveals itself in our unconscious. She explains the rich legacy of ancient symbols and practices and correlates their importance with the modern journey toward the evolution of individual spirituality for both men and women.

For such a large and complex subject, Harding does a wonderful job of opening the flower of the feminine one petal at a time with her poetic phrasing and deep understanding of the mysteries of the process of spiritual awakening. Highly recommended.

[Paola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia edizione: Astrolabio 1973
Un'interpretazione psicologica del principio femminile come è raffigurato nel mito, nella storia e nei sogni, anche lui letto nel lontano 1982.
Da rileggere perché ora sono altri i miti e i sogni, non più quelli di una giovin donzella in cerca di sé.

[Kressel Housman]

I attempted this in college. It came highly recommended from someone I respected, but I wasn't into it. I wonder what I'd think now.

[vinnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

ok grandma let’s get you to bed

[sasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cross-cultural comparisons are somewhat interesting. However, I can’t help but to think that one could easily cherry-pick information that affirms the point they’re trying to make, and as to whether the conclusions prove legitimate or are anything of substance, is dubious at best.

[Sandra Wsl · Rating 5 out of 5]

To understand 'eros' as the ruling principle of a woman's psyche I argue as essential and important. In our current age gender identities are diminishing and the full scope of what the feminine embodies is not fully integrated. Embracing feminine values and identity holds immense potential to heal society as a whole. One of the most important books that I read.

[Iulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about the history of the gods and goddesses of the moon, how old tribes and civilizations worshipped them and what their meaning meant. Moreover, it shows great intel about the women's psyche in different civilizations and how that is embodied today.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

(review coming up)

[David Withun · Rating 4 out of 5]

-

[Anne Cohen]

ce livre reste intéressant quand au symbolisme et à l'origine de certaines traditions. Reste qu'il a vieilli sur son approche anthropologique extrêmement occidentalocentrée, et sur son dénigrement quasi permanent des autres cultures... et des femmes!