The Twelve Faces of the Goddess: Transform Your Life with Astrology, Magick, and the Sacred Feminine

by Danielle Blackwood

Discover the Guiding Goddesses in Your Birth Chart and Ignite Your Authenticity, Passion, and Purpose Did you know that astrology and magick are woven from the same threads? The more you learn about one, the more you'll intuitively understand about the other. This inspiring, hands-on guide shows you how to connect with the twelve faces of the Goddess through astrology, story, ritual, and pathworking. Explore cross-cultural myths associated with each goddess, delve into astrology from a groundbreaking feminine perspective, and discover the personality, archetype, and correspondences of each zodiac sign to unlock a deeper understanding of yourself as the heroine of your story. Work with the specific guiding goddesses in your birth chart, learn how astrology is connected to the seasonal turning points on the Wheel of the Year, and much more. The Twelve Faces of the Goddess is a reminder that connecting with the sacred feminine is an empowering and radical act that can guide you on your journey. "Join [Danielle Blackwood] at that moonlit crossroads where magick and the sacred feminine intersect with astrology...Let The Twelve Faces of the Goddess be a lantern for you."―Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky "This beautiful perspective on the stars and our relationship to them is uplifting and inspiring, enlightening and intriguing."― Spirituality Today , 5-star review "An inspiring exploration of the archetypal interconnections between astrology, ritual, and the divine feminine."―Kris Waldherr, bestselling author of The Book of Goddesses and creator of The Goddess Tarot "Danielle has beautifully woven a book that everyone can use to enhance their journey into the feminine and the mysteries on many levels. Though it is about the goddesses and the feminine found in the archetypes of astrology, mythology, ritual and the magical, it is not a book for women only. It is a book for all on the seeking path―to the realms of their own inner space; all the types are familiar to us, but now we have the language."―Erin Sullivan, author, astrologer, and teacher "A refreshing look at astrology from the perspective of the divine feminine. The topic of astrology is often intimidating to learn, but Blackwood presents information about the signs and how to use the magick and power of the goddesses connected to them in an easy-to-understand and relatable way...this is a must-read."―Stephanie Woodfield, author of Dark Goddess Craft "This beautifully written book is a thoroughly uplifting, as well as informative, read and now has a place at the top of my list of favorite astrology books."―Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, author of The Planetary Myths and Take Control with Astrology "Looking for a book that seamlessly weaves Goddess spirituality, archetypal psychology, and astrology together into a tapestry of love, magic, and (surprise!) real-world wisdom? The Twelve Faces of the Goddess by Danielle Blackwood is the book you are looking for."―Anne Newkirk Niven, editor of SageWoman

Genres: Astrology, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Magick, Paganism, Womens

312 pages, Paperback

Published May 8, 2018

About the author

Danielle Blackwood (she, her) is a professional astrologer with more than 30 years experience and is certified in the Principles and Practice of Contemporary Psychological Astrology through world renowned astrologer and author, Erin Sullivan. Danielle is also a Registered Counseling Therapist (RTC) in private practice.

Her therapeutic approach is Jungian, transpersonal and person centered. In 2016, she completed the intensive, Singing Over the Bones with Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and she holds a certificate in Jungian and Post Jungian Clinical Concepts through The Center of Applied Jungian Studies.

Her passion is helping others through their rites of passage, finding meaning on their journey and consciously reframing their stories through an archetypal lens.

She has been a priestess and educator since 1994, facilitating workshops, retreats, classes and public ritual. Danielle is the author of The Twelve Faces of The Goddess: Transform Your Life with Astrology, Magick and the Sacred Feminine and A Lantern in the Dark: Navigate Life's Crossroads with Story, Ritual and Sacred Astrology. She is also a regular contributor in Llewellyn annuals.

She lives in an enchanted cottage on magical Salt Spring Island on the west coast of Canada, the original lands and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples.

Reviews

[The Starry Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Twelve Faces of the Goddess by Danielle Blackwood is a deep journey into goddess archetypes. First Danielle explains the zodiacal archetype, and then goes on to explain what the modern day archetype looks like. Next, an exploration of the guiding goddess archetype is explored by using lesser known goddesses. For instance, how many people have heard of the goddess Macha? I know I never have. Next, how we can incorporate the lessons of the goddess are discussed by using very relatable examples. Guided meditations, rituals and correspondences of the zodiac and goddeses are also included.

What I most loved about this book was that Danielle was able to show very clearly how we can tap into our own inner goddesses for self empowerment. Too often in goddess studies there is a disconnect between the archetype and our modern day applications. This book does the exact opposite. It is made obvious that we all possess the twelve goddess archetypes within us, it’s just that we don’t always know how to activate them either because of patriarchal conditioning or because we have lost touch with ourselves. This book does a beautiful job of reminding us that we as women are multi faceted beings on our own unique journeys. Empowering the sacred feminine begins with honouring our authenticity and wide array of emotions. There are going to be times when we need to be the warrior Athena, and there are times when we will call upon Aphrodite. Goddess spirituality has less to do with invocation rituals and more to do with conscious awareness of our multi dimensional energies as women. The Twelves Faces of the Goddess are not some ancient mythological figures. They are within us.

This book is a must read for astrology lovers, women and men, priestesses, those new to goddess spirituality, and for those who are on a self-discovery journey.

[Latasha]

DNF around 24%

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGelley for this ARC that I read voluntarily*

I honestly wasn't too sure about this one but I wanted to give it a go. I'm glad I did, I loved learning about the feminine side of the zodiac. I loved using the exercises and just reading through each Goddess. This is a book that I think I will be flipping through often.

[Natalia Iwanyckyj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, accessible and multi-faceted information on how magic, tarot, and astrology weave together.

"Astrology is a symbolic language of energy."

The author offers a fresh perspective and deep insights. She keeps the text flowing for easy reading while exploring complex topics, including astrology concepts and the archetypal feminine face of each sign. The sense from reading is expansiveness, as the author encourages connecting with elements and goddesses throughout the wheel as needed by the individual reader.

"In this book, you will learn how to personally connect with the twelve faces of the Goddess through astrology, story, ritual, and guided meditation."

Between pages of wisdom, resources, and how-to, the author encourages the reader to honor her own truth and way.

"Connecting with your guiding goddesses will reignite a sense of mystery in you life and help you forge a connection with the Divine."

Way beyond astrology 101, this book can be used as a primer, or for in-depth study. Highly recommended -- though I suggest buying a hard copy as flipping back and forth and marking pages will be easier.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim Wanless · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a complete novice, The Twelve Faces of the Goddess was uniquely inspiring, informative, user-friendly, and I found it such a good read that I'm in the process of buying copies for my friends! I loved the way Danielle Blackwood wrote as if it was to me personally. This is a book that I will keep coming back to time and time again. Great read.

[Anastasia Alén · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Twelve Faces of the Goddess is a very beautiful work. It's not your e-zine or magazine kind of astrology, it's the opposite. First the book covers a lot of basic concepts of astrology and then it moves further to cover each sign in more detail. It has a lot of historical facts on different ancient festivals and myths.

“In Celtic and ancient Germanic society, it wasn't only the men who went to battle. Women fought alongside men with just as much ferocity, courage and valor. Lagertha, the formidable shieldmaiden made popular on History Channel's Vikings, is a female protagonist who embodies the archetype of the Aries woman.” ― Danielle Blackwood, The Twelve Faces of the Goddess

Moreover, it also ties each sign with own goddess and that makes this book stand out from all the other ones.

I would recommend this book to female readers. As you can tell from the title, it focuses more on feminine aspect of astronomy. And as author writes: "As I have written this book for women, I have chosen to refer to the journey through twelve signs as the heroine's journey: the quest toward individuation from a feminine perspective. Not really sure how male readers would find this.

If you love astrology, this is a must read for you. And even if you don't believe in astrology, this still is a great book because it is very informative and very clearly written in case you want to know what is the meaning of birth charts, rising signs and what is the meaning of different phases of the moon in astrology.

4/5 stars

Thank you Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[April Martin-ko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a unique approach when looking at Astrology! As well, for anyone new to the field, Danielle outlines those basic principles in a very comprehensive way. This book is extremely well researched and draws upon various disciplines such as Jungian Psychology and history, which is not common for a book within this genre. The author's writing style is very accessible and engaging, even though she has done much academic research to provide the background for the themes. I found her research on the various Goddesses attributed to each of the signs so interesting and spurred me on to do further research myself into other Goddesses I was unfamiliar with. This gave me incredible insight into the connections with in my life, as well, as the stories of these Goddesses which are associated with different cultures that are connected with my family history. I think any woman who is interested in exploring this history and wants to learn about the connection of Archetypal Psychology and Astrology and gain insight into her own power as a woman would greatly benefit from reading this book!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

How fascinating is this: a book that takes the usually male=dominated imagery/vernacular of astrology, and combined it with the Divine Feminine forms of the goddess! The author is quite knowledgeable about archetypes and shadow, as well as the Hero/Heroine's Journey, and uses this in the main content of the book which devotes a great many pages to each of the 12 signs of the zodiac as related to one guiding goddess. Having been born in May, I especially loved reading about the "Taurus Woman," and found everything she wrote about "me" spot on (also I love being connected to Aphrodite in this way)!

For each zodiac sign/goddess, there is a section called "Pathwork" which is a guided inner journey, as well as ideas and suggestions for ritual, essential oils, and more.

[Tapasya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got to read an awesome astrology book after a long time.
It's always a treat to read divination books. Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC. (Sorry that I reviewed it after the release date)
Recommended to divination lovers.

[Britanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally bought this for the section on Rhiannon, but it has a lot of good information for other things too. This book assigns a goddess for every zodiac sign and while Rhiannon was assigned to the Leo (I'm a Virgo), it was still an interesting tidbit.

[Kelly Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle's skillful writing paints a luscious picture packed with visualizations and thought-provoking passages. While I've enjoyed learning about the various gods and goddesses and their mythologies it's so refreshing to experience how this book pulls together the sacred feminine and numerous goddesses, intertwined with astrology and other magical traditions. I know I will refer to this book, again and again, to help me unlock the doors within myself. ♥

[Kari G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently lost in the throes of a dream within a dream. Danielle's writing is beautiful and uplifting. It's already changed my life by reconnecting me to a favourite muse goddess I had long forgotten. The imagery she weaves stays with me in stories that I feel will never leave me. I'm so inspired by the wisdom she shares, I can't wait to open it nightly to find what further mysteries will be revealed.

[Robin Corak · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I love divination and related arts, I have never been very proficient at astrology. I thoroughly enjoy reading about my sun sign, but haven't really delved very deeply into other factors such as my moon sign, ascendant sign, or the signs in each of my houses. I think I unfortunately associated the work of astrology with math and I have long had a hate/hate relationship with that subject as well as major math anxiety in my earlier years.

I was intrigued by the cover of "The Twelve Faces of the Goddess" and had heard good things about it from friends so I thought I would add it to my big (I mean huge) pile of books to read. I just completed reading this book and I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. All but a few of the descriptions of various signs aligned with what I knew to be true about people I know. Looking at the information for my moon sign in particularly also helped me to glean some fascinating insights about myself that I had not previously thought of. I am a Scorpio, through and through, and haven't connected with many Leos in my life so I was shocked to find that Leo is my moon sign. Yet, as I read the description of a Leo I began to see how these traits have manifested in certain areas of my life and how I could build on them for self improvement and greater integration.

I found the pathworkings to be full of vivid imagery and very powerful. Each time I read the pathworking in a quiet space, I found myself transported and strongly connected to the goddess and environment that I was being introduced to. One of the things I particularly appreciate in these types of books are hands on activities and there is a plethora of activities throughout the book which encompass everything from making oils and incense to ritual work. Perhaps the highest compliment I can give this book is that it made me want to learn more about astrology. I don't anticipate that I will be learning how to cast my own charts any time soon, but I do intend to dig a little deeper into my own chart and the chart of those I am close as a way to help me better identify and fulfill my potential, understand, support and communicate with those I care about, and improve my ability to be of service to others.

I would recommend this book without hesitation not only to those interested in astrology but to any woman who desires to experience a deeper connection with the divine feminine and learn more about themselves and those around them.

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I became interested in this novel because of the cover. I have been a long time fan of Mucha so it caught my eye. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I was lost, however.

Do not be fool by the author’s easy style. The book is filled with deep, heavy topics. The author approaches such concepts in a way that makes them not only graspable but interesting as well.

It is difficult to write a review for such an informative and powerful book. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in astrology. It is stuffed with information and good for any level, whether beginners, expects, or just curious.

[Leeza Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. I have read a lot of goddess books over the years, but aligning the goddesses to the 12 signs of the zodiac was refreshing and thoroughly engaging. Not to mention I truly enjoyed the goddess exercises as well. This book has a fabulous layout. The candle blessings, rituals, pathwork and even incense making is wonderful. I am looking forward to going deeper with this book during new moon and full moon cycles, spell work and even tarot work. There are just so many different ways to use the content in this book. I highly recommend this book.

[Lauma Llamandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend as a means to better understand both astrology and goddess work. Since the cover of the book was totally cute and a short extract of the book resonated with me, I thought why not pick it up.
It brings you on a very fascinating journey on some of the key "common" characteristics and preferences as well as strengths and weaknesses of each of the signs of the zodiac from a female point of view. I found the pure focus on the feminine energies so refreshing!
The chapters on my rising and sun sign resonated very much with me and the chapter on my moon sign both reminded me of times when I embodied this sign better and also what I may wish to return to.
It was of course fascinating to also gain a deeper insight into other signs as well and the goddess archetype for each, which also gave a certain background and flavour to the signs.
I am afraid that in this point in life the meditation and ritual sections of the book did not speak to me at all, however, as I will be keeping this book in my library, who knows, maybe once I revisit it in a few years, that may change.
If you are interested in astrology, goddesses, witchcraft and all things feminine, you will like this book.

[yamiyoghurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the pathworking section of the book, the visualizations are kind, healing, and empowering, it was a delightful experience encountering the featured goddesses in this book. The astrology sections gave me a deeper insight into the various signs as well. More importantly though, the book serves as a catalogue of personality traits that gives us the vocabulary to write our own narrative. Like the author accurately pointed out, "all of us have every sign in our birth chart". By adopting an expansive stance over a limiting one, the book helps bring to awareness various behaviours and their associated thought patterns, giving us the opportunity to confront and assess whether these behaviours serve us or detract from us.

[yamiyoghurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the pathworking section of the book, the visualizations are kind, healing, and empowering, it was a delightful experience encountering the featured goddesses in this book. The astrology sections gave me a deeper insight into the various signs as well. More importantly though, the book serves as a catalogue of personality traits that gives us the vocabulary to write our own narrative. Like the author accurately pointed out, "all of us have every sign in our birth chart". By adopting an expansive stance over a limiting one, the book helps bring to awareness various behaviours and their associated thought patterns, giving us the opportunity to confront and assess whether these behaviours serve us or detract from us.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great book. Part One has an excellent overview of astrological signs including houses, the Wheel of the Year and grounding, centering, etc. One of the best I've come across so far.

The breakdown of each sign with description, goddess and rituals is just awesome. Especially with the encouragement to read about other signs since none of us are just influenced by one planet/position. The dive into lesser known goddesses from many different cultures is greatly appreciated as well.

I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley but I plan to purchase a paper copy when it is released.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't the biggest fan of this book. The astrology section was pretty decent, but the other sections of the book were filled with New Age dribble. Despite the book having a slant toward the feminine, I felt that it only touched on what femininity is, while spending the most time perpetuating the Myth of Femininity. What I mean by Myth is that there is nothing that makes a woman more or less womanly. That being said, if you are interested in the sacred feminine, I suggest titles such as Jailbreaking the Goddess or The Spiral Dance.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and unusual book with interesting reflections about our astrological characteristics and the female archetype identified by a goddess. There explanations, examples and exercises to help to get in touch with the characteristics of the female archetype we want to discover in ourselves.
Strongly recommended.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Astrology is a symbolic language of energy, and when we realize how its patterns are so artfully aligned with the turning of seasons and the rhythms of the earth, it becomes an evocative vocabulary that can empower us to find our own sacred connection to the immanent divinity in nature and ourselves. Astrology can illuminate our personal myths, helping us to see the deeper meaning of events, relationships, trials, and victories that unfold in our lives... The twelve astrological signs contain a virtual treasure trove of potential and possibility, with a seemingly endless array of expression. As a whole, these twelve archetypes reflect the entire spectrum of life and all the lessons on the path. They include everything in the collective unconscious and reflect the stories, mythos, and truths of every culture through every time. They are the twelve faces of the Goddess." Part One - pg. 1

If you are a student of Astrology and a Lover of the Goddess, this work will be a welcome addition to your studies and overall acumen. Danielle has created a cornucopia of Wisdom, which delves into each sign from the perspective of both light and shadow while referencing the unique Goddess Archetype and its dynamic impact on your Sun, Moon and Rising signs. She also lists comparable cross-cultural counterparts for the stated Goddess, allowing the reader to employ their own Intuitive Guidance as to which Goddess is more representative of their singular chart. With Pathworking Visualizations, Rituals, recipes for anointing oils, reflection questions, as well as, quick reference of corresponding Crystals and further details for each sign this becomes an invaluable resource, which can be repeatedly returned to for ceaseless insights.

[Isobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Twelve Faces of the Goddess" crucially answers the call for a much needed feminist perspective in astrology. Within its pages, Danielle Blackwood weaves traditional astrological wisdom with Goddess spirituality and transpersonal psychology, offering readers new avenues to explore archetypes within their own chart and bring illumination to their personal myth. With references to C. Jung, Joseph Campbell, and Dr Pinkola-Estes, this book is well researched and draws insightful connections between myth and magick. It provides the reader a means to understand the wheel of the year through the energy of the zodiac, with rituals and pathworkings associated with the guiding goddesses for each sign. The author's style is warm and accessible, bringing new aspirants up to speed with basic correspondences and definitions before diving into deeper layers that hold wisdom even for those well versed in astrology and Pagan practice. This book feels extremely timely and necessary, with the call to the Sacred Feminine all the more urgent in today's sociopolitical climate. The writing is queer and gender inclusive, encouraging one to align with the goddess as present in each of us regardless of identity. Refreshing, empowering, and expansive.

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly magnificent book.

I am still in awe...I don't know what I was expecting, but I got more than what I was expecting.
I will definitely be keeping this book and referring back to it; my copious kindle notes/highlights/and bookmarks will serve me well although if you read both ebooks and physical books this is one you will want on your shelf.

This is a book written for women...feminine spirits who truly wish to know about the goddess myth in its entirety divided into 12 facets that mirror astrology. Each astrological sign has a complete profile. Everything you want to know. Things you didn't know you wanted (needed) to know! Crystals, essential oils, the patron goddess, the ruling planets, the history and a little fantasy written...completely a breath (lungs-full breath) of fresh air. I truly hope others read this book, it contains wisdom that we all need.

Thank you to the author for writing such a beautiful book and bestowing the sacred knowledge upon us

thank you to Llewellyn Publications for providing me an advanced electronic copy for review consideration

[Karen Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Twelve Faces of the Goddess, Danielle Blackwood initiates her reader into the life-transforming mysteries of astrology, magic and the Goddess. Her beautiful, elegantly structured writing democratizes astrology, stripping away its complex, esoteric layers, and making it accessible and empowering to the novice and adept alike. Here you’ll find everything you need — the fundamentals, stories, pathwork, and rituals — to set off on a heroine’s journey through the twelve signs of the zodiac and their guiding Goddesses, and delve into the depths of your birth chart. This book is a treasure, offering up the author’s vast well of knowledge and feminine wisdom in service of your quest for self-knowledge and spiritual growth.

[Andrea Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover in itself invokes magic and almost immediately when I opened the page to where Danielle writes, “astrology and magic are woven from the same threads”, it felt like a homecoming. Danielle breaks down astrology in simplest terms. It was exactly what I had been looking for to help me understand the basics of my birthchart. To my amazement, I gained so much more by connecting with the Goddesses through story, ritual and pathworking. The Twelve Faces of the Goddess is very practical and is an excellent resource guide that I return to continuously, always gaining a new perspective.

[Dyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book that combines Goddess energy with astrological cycles. The author takes the male-dominated imagery of astrology and shows the Divine Feminine that lives within these signs as well. The book also gives a lot of information on the 12 signs of the zodiac as related to the Goddess associated with the sign. She gives an easily understandable look at astrology and the planets associated with it. The author takes you through the magickal wheel of the year sharing information about each of the eight turning points of the Wheel and the cardinal signs associated with it as well as some of the things to consider in celebrating each.
In the author's laying out of the Heroine's Journey, she gives historical examples of the archetypical woman associated with the sign. She gives guiding goddess Archetypes, pathworking, meditations and rituals to help you connect with the energy of the divine feminine associated with your astrological sign.
I enjoyed this book and it's information very much. It has made me more interested in astrology enough to want a hard copy of this book. I have always had an interest in goddess energy, this book shows it in a new way. The author was spot on when describing many of the astrological traits of my sign and the archetypical goddess that the author associated with that sign.

[Tay Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a beautifully-written and powerful book. Truly helped me connect with not only my sun sign, but delve deeper into moons, risings and houses. Danielle delivers her extensive knowledge in such a magical and artistically worded way that I immediately connected to. An absolute must read for anybody interested or even curious in astrology!

[Aurelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle writes from the heart. Her deep intuition and extensive knowledge of astrology are beautifully paired with her ability to make complex ideas accessible to everyone. Most encountering this book will likely have some basic knowledge of astrology and their own sun sign. This book will potentially introduce some new perspectives that could change how one sees oneself and others. The addition of magickal practices and Goddess references really takes this book to another level, filling in a gap that has been missing from the literature up until now. Highly recommended.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up liking this more than I expected. The initial chapters are a little dense if you are coming into this read without any prior knowledge of western astrology or the wheel of the year. With that background, I felt like the author gave a concise summary that was still interesting for those with this experience. There were chapters for some signs that weren't interesting to me, but that's probably a reflection of myself rather than the writing. I did find a few path working suggestions I'd like to try.