Persephone Rising: Awakening the Heroine Within

by Carol S. Pearson, Callie Beaulieu (Narrator)

Our era of professional and familial pressures, constant connection, and a renewed debate on having it all presents unprecedented challenges to contemporary women. In Persephone Rising, celebrated scholar of depth psychology and archetypes Carol S. Pearson brings a fresh vision for meeting those challenges and rising above them, as only she can. Drawing on her profound understanding of myth's enduring power to catalyze transformations, Pearson guides listeners on a journey of self-discovery, teaching us how to activate and apply the archetypes of Demeter and Persephone, as well as Zeus and Dionysus, in our own lives. Illuminating ancient wisdom for a modern audience, Persephone Rising offers meaningful and effective strategies to answer the call to heroism in our own lives. Just as Demeter and Persephone discovered, in the midst of great difficulty, their own powers, gifts, and abilities for creating a better path not only for themselves, but the world, Persephone Rising teaches that each one of us has more options than choosing whether to lean in or out; we have the power to change ourselves, and thus our world.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Spirituality, Feminism, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published October 13, 2015

About the author

Carol S. Pearson, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized scholar and well-known author of numerous books, among them the bestselling The Hero Within, Awakening the Heroes Within, The Hero and the Outlaw, and Magic at Work. Her new book, Persephone Rising: Awakening the Heroine Within, was published in October 2015.

Dr. Pearson previous book, The Transforming Leader, is an edited collection of cutting edge essays on the challenges facing leaders in the 21st century. It grew out of the Fetzer Institute's Leadership for Transformation Project, for which she was principal investigator. The Transforming Leader was honored by the International Leadership Association for making a significant contribution to the field of leadership.

Dr. Pearson previously was executive vice president and provost and later president of Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, CA. She has been a senior administrator and professor at higher education institutions including the University of Colorado, the University of Maryland, Georgetown University, and Goucher College; a consultant for multinational corporations and government agencies; and a popular public speaker and workshop leader. Before going to Pacifica, she was executive director of the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland, a professor in the UM School of Public Policy, and a member of the executive committee of the International Leadership Association. Earlier in her career, she was president of CASA: the Center for Archetypal Studies and Applications; president of Meristem, a nonprofit educational organization; and senior editor of The Inner Edge: A Resource for Enlightened Business Practice. She and her husband currently live in the Washington, DC area.

Reviews

[M&A Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

"چهار قدرت مهم زنان" اثر خانم کارول. اس. پیرسون می‌باشد. دکتر کارول. اس. پیرسون، نویسنده معروف حوزهٔ آرکی‌تایپ‌ها و کاربرد آن‌ها در زندگی روزمره و کار است. آثار او به مردم سراسر دنیا کمک کرده تا هدف خود را بیابند و زندگی موفق‌تری داشته باشند و به سازمان‌ها یاری رسانده تا به اهداف سطح بالای خود دست یابند.
در این کتاب پیرسون با استفاده از داستان کهن الگوها سعی نموده به بررسی شخصیت درونی افراد و نقش کهن الگوها در شکل گیری هویت فردی بپردازد. چهار کهن الگویی که در این اثر با آن سر و کار داریم عبارتند از: زئوس، دیمیتر، پرسفونه و دیونوسوس. «زئوس به ما کمک می‌کند که خودمان و خواسته‌هایمان را بشناسیم و به ما جسارت دنبال کردن خواسته‌هایمان را می‌دهد. دیمیتر به ما یاد می‌دهد که به خود و دیگران مهر بورزیم. پرسفونه به ما یاد می‌دهد با استفاده از اراده‌ی آزاد خود سرنوشتمان را محقق کنیم و دیونوسوس ما را ترغیب می‌کند که از زندگی پرمشغله‌ی روزمره فاصله بگیریم و زمانی را به سرور و نشاط اختصاص دهیم»
اما تجربه‌ی من از خواندن این کتاب: ابتدا فکر می‌کردم چون نویسنده‌ی کتاب خانم است به احتمال زیاد با توجه به نام کتاب باید مباحث مردستیزانه در اثر مشهود باشد؛ اما اصلاً بدین گونه نبود. نویسنده سعی در آگاه کردن مخاطبان خویش با کهن الگوهای پرسفونه، دیونوسوس و... داشت و با توجه به ویژگی‌های این کهن الگوها به بررسی ویژگی‌های شخصیتی افراد پرداخت. این که دیمیتر به عنوان کهن الگوی مادر چه ویژگی‌هایی دارد یا کی ما باید دیونوسوسی رفتار کنیم و... . بررسی این کهن الگوها از مضامین جالب و مورد علاقه ام بود.

[Marieluise Niehus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I will have to read it again, so much to take in! Fits in with Clarissa Pinkola Estes and similar books.

[Hedieh Madani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Thank you Dr. Pearson.

[Hosein Eghbal · Rating 5 out of 5]

یعنی از این بدتر نمی شد عنوان برای این کتاب انتخاب کرد ....
این مشکل عنوان کتاب در تقریبا عموم کتاب های نشر بنیاد هست که محتوا عالی ولی تیتر زرد و عنوان زرد براش انتخاب می کنند

به هر حال این کتاب راجب ۴ انرژی آرکیتایپی است که دو تاش روانا زناه و دوتاش مردانه است و در ادبیات یونگی که خانم پیرسون هم از این مکتب است روان زنانه و مردانه هیچ ارتباطی به زن و مرد بودن نداره ....


بسیار قلم فوق العاده ای داره خانم پیرسون و کتاب برای چند بار هم خواندن لذت بخش است و بسیار در زندگی جاری کاربردی و قابل لمس ....

[Petro Kacur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since reading The Hero With a Thousand Faces I have been interested in the role that archetypes play in literature and all storytelling. Pearson relates how an understanding of archetypes to which we are drawn to can shed light into our own lives. She's chosen the myth of Persephone to illustrate this. It is appropriate as the Eleusinian Mysteries from ancient Greece provided a way of understanding life to generations. People from all ranks of life would gather to undergo initiation into these rites where a perspective of the afterlife was shared. Persephone's story is at the heart of that tradition.

I have heard archetypes described as "universal concentrations of psychic energy." Whatever you may think of that statement, it is clear that archetypes give us a way to talk about transitions, power, inner journeys, sexuality, desire, anger, grief - in short the full spectrum of what it means to be human. The mythology of the ancient Greek world was far more than a way to explain natural phenomenon like lightening or the changes of seasons. They formed a template of how we understand ourselves.

Pearson has done a great job of relating Persephone's story to a modern context for not only women, but how all of us can harness the power of myth in our own "hero's journey."

[BookzBookzBookz · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Per ARC received)

In one sentence, I'm going to explain this book:

"Persephone Rising was is a pretentious, loquacious instructional book that vilified any form of previous faith by taking a precarious situation and masking it as a meliebrous, heroic accomplishment!"

See what I did there?

I love Greek Mythology; it's amazing and the basis for many tales we've enjoyed for years. But the story of Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus and Zeus is in no way, according to me and my upbringing, a schooling for womanly heroism! It's about a girl being sent away, intended to Hades; a mother who was lost, angry and threw a tantrum because her husband- a God with the propensity for provocation, again acted in character.

Pearson gave the original story, and I was enthralled. Did I mention, I love mythology? But afterwards, she divided the book into Parts, expounding on the character's roles and how they can Awaken the Heroine within.

I read up on Pearson, PH.D and... Read the rest of my review at: http://tinyurl.com/pkmt7nj

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Persephone Rising is a banquet of delicious stories, facts, anecdotes, images, insights, and activities. In addition to her vivid and scholarly exploration of the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, Pearson also covers an exciting array of ancillary topics—including education, economic theory, history, political science, archaeology, medicine, and contemporary commercial culture. Pearson touches on issues like equality/inequality, historical change/stagnation, and social justice/racism.

And then she asks you to think about it! I was wonderfully surprised by this book. I found it stimulated my thoughts, my curiousity, and my creativity.... For more of my reactions to this book, please see my online review here: http://www.pgiaa.org/a-review-of-pers...

[Michele Dechert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNF. This book just wasn't for me. I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I borrowed it from the library, but it turned out that it wasn't the right fit for me.

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Persephone Rising: Awakening the Heroine Within by Carol S. Pearson

In "Persephone Rising: Awakening the Heroine Within," Carol S. Pearson invites readers on a transformative journey through the lens of archetypes, literature, and mythology. Drawing upon her fascination with storytelling and the role of archetypes, influenced by Joseph Campbell's seminal work, "The Hero With a Thousand Faces," Pearson crafts a compelling narrative that weaves together ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance. Through the myth of Persephone, she illuminates the hero's journey in all its complexity, offering profound insights into the female psyche and the shared experiences of humanity.

Pearson begins her exploration by grounding her discussion in the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece, a spiritual tradition that revolves around Persephone's story. These mysteries not only provided insights into the cycles of life and death but also highlighted the rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences. By positioning Persephone at the center of this tradition, Pearson emphasizes the universal themes of transition, power, and personal transformation that resonate across cultures and generations.

The author eloquently describes archetypes as "universal concentrations of psychic energy," enabling readers to engage in deep discussions about human experience. This framing allows us to understand how these archetypes shape our narratives and influence our identity. Pearson's insights encourage readers to reflect on their own lives, drawing parallels between personal challenges and the timeless stories embedded in mythology. By doing so, she fosters a greater sense of connection not only to the myth of Persephone but also to the archetypal roles that we each embody at different stages of our lives.

One of the most striking aspects of Pearson's work is her ability to connect ancient myths to modern contexts. She demonstrates how Persephone's journey—from maiden to queen of the underworld—mirrors the struggles and triumphs that women and indeed all individuals face as they navigate life's transitions. In doing so, she opens up discussions on themes such as empowerment, resilience, and the reclamation of voice, making the narrative accessible and relevant to contemporary readers.

Pearson's exploration extends beyond the female experience, illuminating how the archetypes found in Persephone's tale resonate with the broader human experience. The author effectively situates Persephone within the framework of the "hero's journey," allowing readers from all walks of life to see themselves in the narrative. This inclusion fosters a sense of solidarity among readers, encouraging introspection and prompting them to consider their unique journeys within the universal story of transformation.

However, while Pearson's thematic connections are thought-provoking, the book occasionally drifts into the territory of abstract reflection. Some readers may find themselves yearning for more concrete applications of the archetypes in daily life. A deeper exploration of practical exercises or frameworks to integrate these insights into modern living could enhance the book's accessibility and utility for those seeking actionable guidance.

In conclusion, Carol S. Pearson's "Persephone Rising: Awakening the Heroine Within" serves as both a scholarly inquiry and a deeply personal journey into the power of archetypes and mythology. By intertwining the ancient with the modern, she creates a rich tapestry that offers readers insight into their own life narratives. This book is a source of inspiration for anyone looking to explore the depths of their inner world and the archetypal stories that shape their experiences. Pearson’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of myth and the importance of understanding our roles within the larger narrative of humanity.

[Callie Pey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thoughtful discussion on the archetypes of a few of the hellenic gods: Demeter, Zeus, Persephone and Dionysus with examples and characterizations that allow you to incorporate more of their energy to achieving all that one can out of their life. While I disagreed with some of the interpretations of the myths and would be far more interested in diving into her sources for the Eleusinian Mysteries, this was well outlined and each detail thoroughly discusses. I didn't enjoy the parts where the author would use a modern work to retell some of the points, but are quite a lot of nuggets to leave me thinking for example: a person will become more exhausted in their daily because they are not engaging in most or all of who they are supposed to be.

Definitely a book I'll be mulling over for weeks to come.

[Grazia Palmisano]

Ho tentato la lettura, più che leggerlo. Mi aspettavo che fosse in linea con il titolo. Cercavo un libro sul mito di Persone. Questo è invece il testo di una psicologa, in chiave psicologica, con rimandi al vissuto personale dell'autrice. Inoltre non è incentrato su Persefone ma sui miti Eleusini, con interi capitoli dedicati a Zeus, Dioniso, Demetra. Nulla di sbagliato, a parte il titolo, del tutto fuorviante. Non era ciò che cercavo. Ho letto varie pagine ma nemmeno il capitolo su Persefone era all'altezza. Valido alla fine solo l'introduzione, realmente basata sul mito.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember how I came across this book but it's probably the most integral to my growth for this year. Last year I learned about my inner child with What My Bones Know. This year I frolicked and screamed and laughed and cried with myself and now I feel ready to grow up and Persephone Rising is my guide.

As a woman, a witch and a soul I highly value the lessons from this book and have a deep appreciation for Carol S Peterson

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of Persephone Rising felt very dense and slow to read. Sometimes, it felt like the author was trying to force in bits of information that she wanted to share but that didn't actually *quite* fit with the material. However, if you have the patience to trudge through some of the tougher parts, there are some gems in here about how to connect with and strengthen the Zeus, Demeter, Persephone, and Dionysus archetypes within yourself.

[Amber Middlebrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mythology and Carl Jung. This book served as an excellent method to gain insight into the internal narratives we construct for ourselves or that others have instilled in us. I found listening to this on audio while driving and doing house chores enjoyable. I intend to delve deeper into the study of Persephone, Dionysus, and Zeus.

[Kimia Karbasi]

نمیدونم چرا با وجود تعریفات خیلیی زیادی که از این کتاب شنیدم نتونستم زیاد باهاش ارتباط بگیرم⁦⁦乁( •_• )ㄏ⁩
داخل این کتاب چیزای خوب خیلیی زیادی هم گفته شده بود ولی خوب من زیاد دوسش نداشتم و برام خسته کننده و کسالت بار بود⁦¯\_(ツ)_/¯⁩

[Fatima Khalili]

Wasn’t based on a scientific approach … mmm in other words, it was merely a woman’s experience and record of few readings about women in modern world!!!
To me it could remain as a piece of personal blog(article) rather than wasting hundreds of a pages to print in form of a book!

[Soroor · Rating 5 out of 5]

من این کتاب رو خیلی دوست داشتم و به طرز عجیبی به کهن الگوها علاقمند شدم😍اولای کتاب خیلی آهسته و گُنگ پیش میره، جوری که من گذاشتمش کنار😅ولی بعد به مرور روان میشه جوری که دوست داری تا آخر بخونیش👌🏻
جز قشنگ ترین کتاب ها در زمینه ی زنان بود که من خوندم🌱

[Carolyn Moor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional read and took a lot of wisdom away that was affirming for my philosophy of life.

[Bellatuscana Bellatuscana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good look at archetypes / mythology, and how exploring symbolism / metaphor helps us to understand and find peace within our own world.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An artful reframing of everyday life using the lense of 4 ancient Greek gods, this part philosophy, part story, part therapy book was a pleasant if a bit long read.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting view to all Greek myths translated into the modern world. However, the fascination from the first Carl Pearson's The Hero within - can't be matched.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book informative and I was interested in the subject matter, but it often reads like an academic paper or book report. Bit difficult to get through and I wouldn't say I enjoyed reading, but really found it thought-provoking and worthwhile.

[Mizzy Mint · Rating 5 out of 5]

So This book is very complex, not to read and understand, but I don't think I can write a short and comprehensive review easily. I love this book, I have read it three times. This most recent time went by really quickly. So basically this book covers the basics of the Eleusinian mysteries, including the story of the Persephone, and the archetypal characters and stories which comprise them.
It includes the archetypes of Demeter, Persephone, Zeus, and Dionysus. Demeter as mother, protector, starter of the mysteries. Zeus as authority and leader. Persephone as queen and child, maiden, cyclical, and in control of her fate (by way of eating the pomegranates). Dionysus as partier and freedom. Remembering to be balanced in all things.
There is mention of the rape of Persephone as it relates to trauma, (they also include the death of a child tied to Demeter's fear at the loss of Persephone) and how we can shape our narrative to write purpose into tragedy and pain so we don't dwell on that sadness and instead grow from it. I like what she's saying, but I don't feel it is as simple as that. I've never been fond of the argument that god wanted me to experience X so that I could reach Y and become Z. I find that as a terrible way to shift blame onto the a higher power or fate and not on the true inflictor of harm. In cases of horrible accidents I can see the appeal to write a narrative to have a reason for pain, but really I feel it's right to just accept that terrible things happen without rhyme or reason and there is no one to take the blame.
Of course the story of Persephone and Hades is the creation of Elysian mysteries as well as Demeter's decent unto the mortal realm. The book covers lots of themes like the impact or influence of society, fighting for needs of woman, embracing all aspects of the Eleusinian mystery in yourself, seeking balance for happiness and success. It is a lovely and empowering read.
My only "issue" is it states it is for women and for men to support women, but I feel it could be updated and improved to strengthen the divine feminine within everyone regardless of their gender identity. Overall I find this to be a great read and I will probably read it again in the future.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this; i found it to be very informative and the author gave a lot of practical advice. The author is looking at the Eleusinian mysteries that encompass the myth of Demeter and Persephone.

This was my first time looking at a Greek myth through a symbolic and metaphoric way, instead of just taking them at face value which i had previously read. The author goes through each of the main characters involved in the myths (Demeter, Zeus, Persephone, and Dionysus) and their different archetypes. She gives you different lessons in each section about the archetypes. I resonated more with the Demeter and Dionysus section, Dionysus being my favorite, while the other two chapters didn't offer me very much.

I found a of good information in the book and the author was well researched in what she was saying. She gives you ways to take each of the archetypes and parts of the myth into your own life like the ancient Greeks did. I got a lot out of this book, i noticed i keep quoting things from it, meaning it has really resonated with me. I found it to be very insightful and something i would want to go back to and reread in more detail.

[Devin · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s good stuff in here but it’s a bit of a slog at times. It didn’t get to the “root” issue for me. It’s also a bit too corporate, as though we exist only to be employees.

[Sukhmani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Reads like a high level overview with random scattered thoughts.