Psychedelic Mysteries of the Feminine: Creativity, Ecstasy, and Healing

by Allyson Grey (Foreword), Maria Papaspyrou (Editor), Chiara Baldini (Editor)

An exploration of the connections between feminine consciousness and altered states from ancient times to present day

• Explores the feminine qualities of the psychedelic self, ancient female roots of shamanism, and how altered states naturally tap into the female archetype

• Discusses feminist psychedelic activism, female ecstatics, goddess consciousness, the dark feminine, and embodied paths to ecstasy

• Includes contributions by Martina Hoffmann, Amanda Sage, Carl Ruck, and others

Women have been shamans since time immemorial, not only because women have innate intuitive gifts, but also because the female body is wired to more easily experience altered states, such as during the process of birth. Whether female or male, the altered states produced by psychedelics and ecstatic trance expand our minds to tap into and enhance our feminine states of consciousness as well as reconnect us to the web of life.

In this book, we discover the transformative powers of feminine consciousness and altered states as revealed by contributors both female and male, including revered scholars, visionary artists, anthropologists, modern shamans, witches, psychotherapists, and policy makers. The book begins with a deep look at the archetypal dimensions of the feminine principle and how entheogens give us open access to these ancient archetypes, including goddess consciousness and the dark feminine. The contributors examine the female roots of shamanism, including the role of women in the ancient rites of Dionysus, the Eleusinian Sacrament, and Norse witchcraft. They explore psychedelic and embodied paths to ecstasy, such as trance dance, holotropic breathwork, and the similarities of giving birth and taking mind-altering drugs. Looking at the healing potential of the feminine and altered states, they discuss the power of plant medicines, including ayahuasca, and the recasting of the medicine-woman archetype for the modern world. They explore the feminine in the creative process and discuss feminist psychedelic activism, sounding the call for more female voices in the psychedelic research community.

Sharing the power of “femtheogenic” wisdom to help us move beyond a patriarchal society, this book reveals how feminine consciousness, when intermingled with psychedelic knowledge, carries and imparts the essence of inclusivity, interconnectedness, and balance our world needs to heal and consciously evolve.

Genres: Spirituality, Feminism, Nonfiction, Goddess, Psychology, Philosophy, Occult

368 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2019

Reviews

[Angie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well researched and wonderfully written. It flows nicely even though it takes on the challenge of weaving a wide expanse of multi-cultural information into coherency. Ancient cultures have historically left indications that disclosed the use of mind altering substances and techniques as a means by which to understand the human experience, encapsulated as it is, in greater worlds, and to transcend it for brief periods of time. These worlds of our ancestors were not beleaguered by the restrictions and protocols of our contemporary societies. Rather, they were open to the Mystery, and self-empowered, unlike today, when we are still strapped to particular paradigms and indoctrinations installed in our psyches by patriarchal, monotheistic religions, masked as governments. This is an observation, not a judgment. In the telling of these stories, we get a glimpse of a more inquisitive, egalitarian way of life as it was, and a potential of how much more it can be as we begin once again to allow ourselves to build landscapes that embrace these modalities.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book full of information, inspiring and informative!

[Angy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was hard to follow for me, but it may be due to personal preference. I am not opposed to psychedelics but I have no interest in using them. I respect the authors though for their work and insights.

[Chris Osantowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time following the range of tones by each essay, but I really enjoyed it.

[Nancy McQueen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Checked it out from the library. Could not get through the first essay. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so I am giving mine.

Way too much feminist clap-trap!!!

I do believe that psychedelics and entheogens will expand consciousness.

I am a mother, I have a deep, caring relationship with my husband and my children. I hate reading a book and feel that I am getting preached to! That I am not good enough or a pawn of the "patriarchy" if I have chosen a more traditional lifestyle!

Can we please stop linking different ways of seeking the Infinite to what is politically in vogue?!

Will Not Waste My Hard-Earned Dollars On This!!!

The artwork is beautiful. That is the only bright spot of this publication.

Update: I choked through three more essays. I still did not like it. Why are we obsessed with identification with ourselves and the body, either with attachment to it or adversion to it? Gender politics is the focus of this book, fancied up with ingredients to expand consciousness. Sigh...

[Elura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Goddess! Where do I start with this book. It was the best book I read last year, and I used quotes to share at events I cofacilitated. This is a must read if you want to work with Goddess energy, the divine feminine, and use herbs of any kind really.

Each chapter is written by a different woman, so it feels like a collective ted talk, and I believe it adds comprehensive variety to the topic of using psychedelics and feminine energy. The chapters cover archeological and cultural history, examinations of the effects in the western world, and awakening that is currently happening, the western worlds effects on indegeneous communities (which needs to be addressed), where and how people are gathering for these plants, and philosophical and artistic uses and views. A world awaits for you with this book.

[Su La · Rating 2 out of 5]

They almost lost me when they half-assedly admitted this anthology was written mostly by cis-gendered middle class white women meanwhile claiming to be more comprehensive in covering diversity of psychedelic culture. Then they had me running never to return when the intro said something absolutely wild about hoping that more diverse voices are inspired to "come out of the closet"-- as if representation of diverse voices in this field were just a matter of those people feeling confident to step into the limelight.

[Claire Sheeres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it looks to be; an important, in-depth, feminine perspective of psychidelic use, origin, folklore, and practice. Anyone interested in learning more about psychidelics or thinking of going on a retreat should absolutely read this book. At times, this was a little too "left" for me, but I guess that comes with the topic. I was impressed at the diversity of articles in this collection and learned more than I thought I would

[Abstract Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent content

Written in a form of essays by various authors. Full of fantastic insight and providing alternative views, while focusing on uplifting and freeing the feminine.

The audio, while performed great by the narrator, needs editing. Quite a few errors and not just occasional mispronunciation, but actual errors in audio editing. I hope that gets resolved providing future readers uninterrupted and non frustrating read/listen.

[Natasha Cassinerio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the essays were compelling and I enjoyed reading them....and some included blaring mistakes, such as calling Africa a country (who the heck edited this?). I really wanted to love this one. The divine feminine is a particular mode I live in. However, the writing was not always enough to bring me through to the end.

[Gabrielle Maylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book to me, and I can certainly see why! It was so validating and healing literature to read. Empowering. Intellectually stimulating, too. I, too, will recommend this book to anyone who wants to connect to the healing powers of plant medicine and divine feminine energy. The mysteries continue...

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book selectively. Reading an essay, then skipping another. They are significantly diverse and many resonated with me while others didn't catch my interest. I'd recommend the same for other readers.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a satisfying collection of essays ranging from the academic to the mystic, and a good contemporary companion to other anthologies of women's roles in visionary art and writing about psychedelics. I particularly enjoyed the essay by Kathleen Harrison.

[Ella Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of essays. So important when the psychedelic field is dominated by men, yet the psychedelic mysteries are seen as feminine. It made me question some beliefs and had many points of view. There is also a delightful panel of visionary art in the centre.

[Pamela Lugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Información que transforma, que da entendimiento, luz, guía, perspectiva, esperanza....
Lectura básica para ejercer el vivir

[Corina Malinalli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy buena información y habla de estudios muy interesantes.

[Alice McKim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will open the eyes of anyone who dares tread so far beyond the controlling narratives of patriarchy.

[Shannon Webber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched dive into the world of psychedelics. The book consists of essays from scholars, psychologists, healers and artists. I found it fascinating and interesting.