Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics

by Mirabai Starr

Wild Mercy is essential reading for anyone ready to awaken the feminine mystic within and birth her loving, creative, and untamed power into the world. “Mystical brilliance at its best.” —Caroline Myss “No one can take us into the fiery and tender depths of the sacred feminine with more skill, humor, clarity, and vibrant naked honesty than Mirabai Starr.” —Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope and The Return of the Mother We live in a world that has suffered the abuses of an unbalanced masculine rule for thousands of years—but the feminine is rising. “Seeds of feminine wisdom that have been quietly germinating underground are now breaking through the surface,” writes Mirabai Starr. “Women everywhere are rising to the collective call to step up and repair our broken Earth. And we are activating a paradigm shift such as the world has never seen.” With Wild Mercy, Mirabai shares the subversive wisdom and fierce compassion of the feminine mystic across cultural boundaries and throughout history. From saints and sages, to goddesses and archetypal energies, to contemporary teachers and seekers—you’ll meet women who blazed a path that will illuminate your own. Each chapter explores a different facet of feminine mysticism through a tapestry of teachings, reflections, and stories, along with a practice for integrating the chapter’s themes into your own life. As you journey through these pages, you’ll  Taking refuge in contemplative practice with St. Teresa of Avila and the ShekinahLonging, embodiment, and union as the heart of feminine spiritual practice with the Hindu poet Mirabai and Mary MagdaleneYour relationship with the Earth, motherhood in all its forms, and a loving call to action alongside Gaia and Ix ChelCommunity and the web of life with Indra, the Beguines, and female prophets throughout historyWild, playful, and compassionate mercy with Tara and Kuan YinFinding joy in creativity and the arts with Saraswati and Chiyo-niMore inspiration from archetypal goddesses and amazing women past and present—Julian of Norwich, the Sufi saint Rabia, Pachamama, Sophia, Old Spider Woman, Hildegard of Bingen, Demeter, Kali, and more Wild Mercy provides a much-needed alternative to the models of religion and spirituality that have dominated history. Here, Mirabai invites you to welcome the wisdom of women back into the collective field where it may transform the human family, heal the ravaged Earth, and awaken the divine love in our hearts.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Feminism, Religion, Womens, Audiobook, Mysticism

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2019

About the author

Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author, internationally acclaimed speaker, and interspiritual teacher. In 2020, she was honored on Watkins’ list of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People. Drawing from 20 years of teaching Philosophy and World Religions and a lifetime of practice, Mirabai shares her wisdom worldwide on contemplative living, writing as a spiritual practice, and the transformational power of grief and loss. She has authored over a dozen books including Wild Mercy, Caravan of No Despair, and renowned translations of sacred literature. Her most recent book, Ordinary Mysticism, has been praised by Anne Lamott as “a gorgeous, transformative, welcoming book is for anyone who longs to feel more present, more alive, more joyful and aware of the holiness of daily life”. She lives with her extended family in the mountains of northern New Mexico. For more, visit www.mirabaistarr.com.

Reviews

[Haliation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not expect to be up at 1AM on a work night crying while reading this book. It was a good cry.

Not every aspect of this book resonated with me, but that's ok. The biggest message of this book is "love", in all it's small moments and loftyness. But it's not a fluffy book. It challenges the "law of attraction", capitalism, white supremacy - something that is more often than not completely missing from books like this. I was pleasantly surprised.

In my opinion, just the death section alone makes this worth purchasing. I mean, that's coming from my grief stricken heart over the traumatic loss of a good friend, but it was cathartic and needed and I'm grateful!

[Miya (severe pain struggles, slower at the moment) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, powerful, mystical, magical...
Fierce and Tender were perfect words to use in the title. Eye opening, cultural conditioning surrendering, just gorgeous!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book for a book club. I expected it to be a look through history about women mystics across the globe. It’s about 15% that. 80% vignettes, memoir, and advice. And 5% interesting exercises. That 80% had a strong binary gender bent. She does about 3 paragraphs of lip service to non-binary individuals over halfway through but then goes back to talking about how women (not all women...) act certain ways and men act other ways. I do not jive with the internalized social norms repeated throughout this book that defines “feminine” traits as one thing and “masculine” traits as another separate thing.

[Johanna DeBiase · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There is a secret fiesta going on in the wildwood, and you are invited. This party has been unfolding for millennia. Its hosts are women mystics from all branches of the soul family…Its guests include anyone whose heart has ever yearned for union with the Beloved and the alleviation of suffering for all sentient beings. Which means YOU.”

So begins the book of spiritual writings released this month, “Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics,” by author Mirabai Starr. Readers of all genders are invited into a secret gathering where the paradigm of male-dominated faith traditions is disrupted and feminine wisdom reigns. “Wild Mercy” is a healing journey into the feminine experience, “With its emphasis on the value of relationships, feelings and mutual empowerment over individual success and empirical argument.”

The premise of Starr’s book is that devotion and nondualism, the belief that we are not separate from God, can co-exist. She writes, “…if the feminine is all about incarnation and embodiment (which is what I am proclaiming in this book), then she rests squarely in the realm of form. And in form we have separation as well as unity. We have mountain ranges and blue spruces, inner cities and dive bars, old white dudes and radical black feminists… This world is filled with glorious, untidy multiplicity. Sometimes God feels very far away, and so we long for God. Not because we believe that God and self are ultimately existentially separate, but because here in the midst of our relative reality our souls yearn to return to where we come from: Absolute Love.”

Each chapter begins with a haiku that concentrates the heart of the theme into three lines. Then, the author addresses the reader using the pronoun “you” to draw us into the circle before she proceeds with the teachings of women mystics past and present. The stories of these exemplary women are linked and entwined with the author’s own reflections and personal anecdotes. Chapters conclude with a suggested practice, such as meditation or writing, holding space for the reader to reflect on how the teachings pertain to their personal journey.

“Wild Mercy” is structured in such a way that it does not have to be read in order; one could open to a section randomly or choose a topic that speaks to them in the moment. However, the order of the chapters feels intentional, and the reader might benefit from following the mystical voyage in the direction given. Either way, be sure to have your pencil nearby as there are so many insightful lines in this book, you’ll find yourself unable to stop underlining.

[Betsy Cornwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to Chapter 5 and just gave up. I wish I could say why. Maybe it's because the women she talks about don't always match her descriptions of feminine spirituality. Maybe it's because even though I consider myself to be a spiritual person, I didn't find much to identify with. I just felt happier when I thought about abandoning this book in the middle so I did.

[Maggie Camden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Expected a history of female mystics. The author dedicates 3/4 of a page to a superficial overview of a mystic in each chapter buried in memoir and pandering. Rife with cultural appropriation, the author essentially encourages the readers to cherry-pick sacred spiritual practices from marginalized cultures and shows off her privilege when she explains that there is no excuse to not dedicate time to creativity and meditation. Gave off some transphobic vibes and although the author briefly mentioned that “the path” is for both men and women, is pretty disparaging to men otherwise. Some reflections were encouraging and I’m sure many people will find them inspirational, but overall, left a bad taste in my mouth with so much to be desired.

[Milley T · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read halfway through the first chapter and thought it was great as the author was describing the way she was raised and giving us a lens into how she came into the perspective that she has. I also liked how she seemed to want to educate the reader. And then the book started to get boring for me so I jumped ahead to see if I could find something else about the book to catch my interest.

Jump to page 79 and she is now on a rampage projecting her own low vibratory views on the man that this country elected as the president. Where is the love and compassion in labeling this human as a misogynist, a master of racist rhetoric, an apologist for white supremacy, and megalomaniacal? He clearly has some healing to do but this is not healing talk. It’s destructive and causes further separation for humanity. Is this the best way to connect to the divine feminine or the divine anything???

I’m a female immigrant who has lived the best years of my life under his presidency even though I don’t follow politics. This is because I practice love, compassion, positivity and higher awareness thinking so that I can use my divinity to transcend circumstance and live the happy life that I want. I read books to be empowered, inspired, and learn. Unfortunately, all I’ve learned about here is about how one can write books under the guise of spiritual growth to expel their own low vibratory negative beliefs onto their readers. This book is a waste of my money and will be used as an example of what not to do in spiritual practice. She should step down from writing about the divine feminine and start reading Victor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning.

[Kirin McCrory · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a no from me, dawg.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a time I was on a search for myself. Oh maybe I did that a few times in my life. And this book was recommended to me. So, I began reading.

It became a slow process read, because I found myself underlining so many different passages that seemed to resonate with where and what I was feeling in that moment like...

"We do not need to be afraid of the emptiness."

This she says is the face of Love. We are the face of Love. Trust in ourselves that whatever changes we are going through are going to be good, and we can grow and learn from those changes.

Or...

"You welcome unknowingness." Okay! I'm ready bring it on.

I especially loved her saying...

"Silent sitting becomes a magic carpet."

In this way we can rescue ourselves from every neurotic thought and move on to a sense of peacefulness.

Mostly, asking ourselves the question:

"Where does your heart feel most happy?"

There is so much to learn here in this book.

I just touched the surface of what her inspiration can teach readers. Her "language of love" shows readers our connectedness through the thread of love and belonging that holds us individually and collectively together.

We need more inclusiveness in this world. Maybe reading a book like this, is a start.

And...

We can start by being kind to ourselves.

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! I felt so many emotions throughout this book. A friend of mine who is a priest recommended this author to me while she was in the seminary. (my friend). I have read another book but this one is the best so far. A beautiful soul. I will keep adding her books to my TBR. Highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to read for review.

Update: Happy International Women's Day! We were moved by these words from Mirabai Starr, Author of "Wild Mercy." Today, you may be as well.
She writes: "As you have undoubtedly noticed, the feminine is rising at last, overflowing the banks of every landscape, from politics to religion, from the world of entertainment to the fields of peace and justice. She is unconditionally loving, and she is deliciously irreverent. She is shifting the global paradigm from one of dominance and individualized salvation to one of collective awakening and service to all beings."

The above quote I did copy and paste from a post I saw on Facebook from an organization I follow, The Center for Action and Contemplation. This is an amazing book. So glad to see it getting such recognition still.

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so important for me to read and really caused a shift in how I think about spirituality. I will keep it and come back to it over and over. My mind was blown multiple time and wow is Starr a compelling writer.

I give it a four instead of a five because sometimes it was a little too Gen X battle of the sexes for me. “Femininity” seemed very attached to having sex with men and being a mother (even women who choose not to be mothers are still “mothering the world” according to Starr). I’m ready for less binary thinking. And throughout the book I was reminded over and over how little space there is in formal religion for anything not centered around a male prophet. (The “female soul in a male body” argument doesn’t do it for me. )

I am truly truly glad I read this book, though, and will think about my own life and spiritual journey differently because of it.

[Craig Bergland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really outstanding, a shift of consciousness that rejects the shaming and exiling many of us have endured at the hands of Institutional Religion because we love God more than the Institution, or because their dictates didn’t speak to all of us with the same clarity and we (perhaps at long last) had the courage to say so. Mirabai Starr points out a way forward that affords each of us a way to explore our truth without coercion. Perhaps that’s what’s most been mission in masculine religion only to eager to shun, exile, excommunicate, and deny Sacraments to those whose conscience won’t allow them to conform.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, how this book unravels the depth of femininity!
You'll love reading from Mirabai's life experiences and bouncing that off the various female mystics that she shares and it's such a profound, personal read that you are never the same after reading it.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Stephanie Barko]

This is the April 2021 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.

[Rio Sharkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sure enjoyed it and am coming away with a long reading and research list that I hope I get to. I feel like it started with more specifics and information about feminine mystics of the past and feminine forces in various traditions and by the end it was more personal stories and ideas, but still with a lot of insight. Surely more of a gateway/teaser for feminine mysticism (and general life) than a reference book. I also listened to the audiobook and I think the author did a great job reading in an engaging way, and I love the way she says “women.”

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high expectations of this book and wanted to love it; I have heard Mirabai speak and have been impressed by her words and the expression of her philosophy and spirituality. It is a proverbial suggestion that one does not judge a book by its cover but in this case, I think after reading it, you can - at least partly. The book is vivid and lush, part 'Sex and the City', part 'Girls just wanna have Fun' and, not least, if it feels nice do it (a lot). There are some very profound passages in the book, full of wisdom but they don't balance the content. At times it felt as if she was saying that everything nasty, selfish, restrained, mean and repressive is caused by men unless they are predominantly feminine in their nature. Largely the book is about the life experiences of Mirabai with occasional brief and superficial sketches of women mystics through the ages - an aspect I was hoping for very much more of - and feminine spiritual advice for women. We are witnessing the rise of the feminine in the world and that is to be celebrated, women have been outwardly oppressed by patriarchal systems for so much of human history. I say outwardly because many women know that they have immense power over men, especially with their beauty (as celebrated here) and are as territorial and protective as men, perhaps more so, particularly when they have given birth to children. Also, a very large number of men are oppressed and forced to work in menial, unsatisfying jobs and endure abuse and bullying to remain employed and maintain difficult marriages. That isn't to deny that men are predominantly the abusers especially concerning sex and violence. I think the negative feelings expressed in this review will be seen (not least by Mirabai) in terms of 'well you would say that wouldn't you, you're a man'. I first became a little unsettled when, starting the book, I read the numerous pages (13) of glowingly favorable praise from fellow spiritually awakening people. It rather set the tone for the rest of it - OTT. But that is just one man's opinion.

[Ms. Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is, in a nutshell, fierce love. This is the multi-faceted, feminine mystic – the Great Mother - and the subject of Mirabai Starr's Wild Mercy: Living the Fierce and Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics. If you’re new to goddess myths and the pantheon of female wisdom teachers, let this book be a delightful primer. For those looking for a way to navigate the current polarized political climate, this book offers solace, contemplative practices, and practical exercises. "Wild Mercy" salutes the The Great Mother and her nurturing wisdom while urging women to join together to cultivate community and spirituality. Read this book slowly, one chapter at a time, to savor its wisdom. Or, consider reading it from front to back in one day, like did, for the full force of her timely message. Of her books thus far, "Wild Mercy" is Starr’s masterpiece. It’s been a long time since a book has affected me so deeply.

[AnSmellica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Oh. Oh. I really loved this, it felt... So incredibly life (and death!) affirming; the writing is energetic and clear like spring water. Discussion of these big social/spiritual paradigms is refreshing and accessible. I feel like it is a few different books all braided into one.
1. It is a collection of stories of feminine spiritual leaders/teachers from all over the world and history
2. it is a practical guidebook to prayer/meditation/reflection/whateveruwannacallit
3. it is a tender first person account of her own life and spiritual journey
I was deeply moved at the stories and teachings of divine women of the past. Also her critique of patriarchal harm is beautifully said and emotionally impactful, and with so much understanding and grace. There isn't any charged sort of 'blame', which might prevent those who (even unconsciously or unwillingly) benefit from the privileges of an androcentric society from engaging with the idea of repairing the wounds of gender inequality

[Mischa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters of this book felt so disjointed I honestly had no idea what the author was getting at. Her vocabulary came across pretty dogmatic at times, which was a turn-off. And I didn't appreciate that she wrote about some of the historical characters as if she was 100% confident of their life story, when the reality is that they lived in the 11th century and records of their life are pieced together from a variety of sources, some of which are dubious. I also was confused by the random rant about Donald Trump? Despite all of that, I found this book to be thought-provoking and ultimately worth the read. The writing prompts are also a nice touch.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and discussed this book with a group of about 20 friends. It was a beautiful, heart-opening experience and perfectly supportive during the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter demonstrations. We gathered strength and courage from Mirabai's poetry, reflections, and stories of goddesses and mystics. I reread parts of the book frequently and will continue to do so.

[Heather Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

gratitude

Sister Mirabai, thank you for bring such a beautiful, liberating, and unapologetic peace to my heart and soul. May life’s journey bring you more wisdom.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure quite how to rate this book. Parts of it are beautiful and there are many gems of wisdom, particularly in the lovely chapters on forgiveness and dying. I went in to this book expecting to love it for its emphasis on the feminine divine and its focus on the mystics, who I was intrigued by. However, I'm afraid it left me with some seriously mixed feelings about mysticism, its utility, and even its desirability as a spiritual path.

Some thoughts in no particular order:

1) The language of the book was too ecstatic for me. Starr and her mystics are people who are on fire with passion for the divine, and the book is steeped in metaphors of total surrender, sexual union, and overwhelming devotion to the Beloved. As an agnostic person with a complicated relationship with the divine with some religious trauma in my past (especially in a patriarchal religion), that kind of ecstasy for the divine is not only unrelatable, it's deeply unappealing. So while I can read Julian of Norwich and appreciate that she is encountering a god that is so much more expansive than the restrictive religious culture of the time, I don't connect with her rapture.

2) The book does not really explore some of the more complicated ethical questions relating to these ecstatic-union-with-the-divine moments. To begin with, the line between psychosis and other mental health disorders and mysticism seems very blurry to me. Several anecdotes shared as inspiring encounters with the Beloved or expressions of enlightened devotion came across to me as very worrying from a mental health perspective. There is also huge potential for abuse in the religious communities that seem to spring up around these mystics. Starr shares in the book that she was sexually abused by her guru as a teenager, and her own obsession with obtaining enlightenment left her vulnerable to that abuse--but she doesn't really explore the implications of how the pursuit of ecstatic union with the divine makes people vulnerable, nor how religious communities surrounding a charismatic, enlightened figures can create conditions for abuse to thrive. Similarly, she briefly mentions how she was given LSD as a child and again as a teenager by her abusive guru, but there's little tackling of the role of psychedelics and other forms of bodily distress in inducing states of ecstatic union. They are all treated at face value, as long-sought, precious visitations of the divine lover.

3) In her chapter on motherhood, Starr states that conventional spirituality has minimized the spiritual path of motherhood, instead elevating asceticism and monasticism, which are particularly inaccessible to mothers, as the highest spiritual paths. But although she acknowledges this, nearly all of the examples and anecdotes she provides in the book are of extraordinary individuals whose mystical experiences came through extreme spiritual seeking that is possible specifically because these mystics were not mothers or were past their childrearing years. I was so disappointed in her lack of examples of how motherhood offers a spiritual path that is worth just as much as being a pilgrim. I'm left with the feeling that she does not actually believe this or there would be more discussion of the ordinary people in addition to the monastics, the gurus, the great founders of religious communities.

So. I learned, I suppose, that mysticism does not really appeal to me. I appreciate many of the writings and insights of the great mystics, but I am afraid I must retain my skepticism about the extreme states of distress and deprivation that led to many of their mystical awakenings. And I must seek elsewhere for spiritual material that can provide me with something useful to hold on to between changing diapers and cutting the crusts off sandwiches.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is full ❤️ My soul is uplifted ✨️ We as women are powerful and beyond wise

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have struggled through the audiobook format of this book, turning it off so many times. To be honest, I don't know why I finished it. The longer I listened, the more frustrated I got with the constant name dropping and cultural appropriation. It may be that the author has been gifted certain practices by members of other lineages - if she has, that still doesn't mean they are hers to give to others. While she is a scholar, it seemed that most of the content about mystics is her own thoughts/experience of them, rather than historical information. I had expected this to be more factual/researched. There were many points which read as untrue to me, and it distracted me from the message she was trying to convey.

[Bj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so profoundly powerful. The women mystics offer an invitation to dance and revel in the sacred feminine- felt like a cool drink of water after a long walk in the desert. Mothering as a path of awakening broke me open.
Not a lesson in history so much as an “invitation” to meet the call of the sacred in today’s world. We are all being called to be healers, if not to do great things then to do “small things with great love” mama T. As women weave meaning into family and community life,Mirabai Starr shares her experience, strength and hope and inspires us to develop a personal relationship with the fierce and wise women mystics to guide us on our journey toward the One

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book connected SO many dots for me. It gave language to my experience—I loved every word.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and engaging book, full of food for thought.
I enjoyed the style of writing and how the book was developed.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not far into this book, I was getting that dreadful feeling I was going to hate it.

I am naturally wary of any of these "spiritual but not religious" type books. Though I recognise the problematic and, certainly, historically consequential affixation of male pronouns onto God, I cannot help but feel any concerted effort to call Him "Her" is missing the ultimate point that God is neither male nor female. The generally liberal Pope Francis, of all people, has offered some interesting theological justifications for our continued, if essentially arbitrary, use of male pronouns, in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelli Gaudium (at least, I think it was that one).

However, it could just well be the natural consequence of the recording, copying and disseminating of scripture (in most religions) being, however unfairly, a domain that was systemically patriarchal and male-centric. No one who professes to have more than a couple of brain cells believes God was in any literal sense a man (excepting, of course, His Incarnation as Jesus, for Christians). Nor that any such talk like "Behold the heart that has so loved men" is ever meant to suggest that God only cares for blokes, let alone is one of "those" ...

So, to me, it's just people being needlessly pedantic and prickly over the unfortunate but unchangeable fact that religion was likewise an area that, barring certain notable exceptions, the dominant and suppressive sex hogged the podiums and preaching rights. I say, let's not focus too hard on this particular little point of contention, as it really isn't that important, nor very interesting. Though, of course, I would say that. If I weren't a male, perhaps I would feel different.

But whatever. It just always puts me on my guard, because I cannot help wondering if they are entirely earnest in their feminizing of God, of if they are just trying to be subversive and alienate any of the more traditional believers who pick up the book because of its nice cover.

Then, there is the much more complicated and arguably precarious approach the writer takes to the actual nature of Truth - God being the highest and most absolute embodiment of that ideal. I can hardly claim myself to be a rigid fundamentalist, and nor would I want to. Christian exclusivism (i.e. "Christianity is the only true religion, and [insert denomination] is the only true Christianity" is both dangerous and supremely arrogant. Though I hold my faith in Christ as being the truest path, and I find Catholic theology and teaching is the most comprehensible framework for understanding and approaching God, I do not think for one moment that the Catholics (and they are a diverse bunch) have all the answers, or are the only surefire way (pun kind of intended) of avoiding Hell and reaching Heaven.

From what I know about Islam and Judaism, I think they are beautiful religions, and I could not convince myself that God doesn't have a loving space in His Heart for all those that are true believers and practice their faiths with genuine love and devotion to Almighty God. I think there will be many Muslims and Jews in Heaven (though unfortunately this feeling doesn't seem to be mutual - to the former anyway; I still haven't worked out if Jews - Orthodox ones who actually believe in God - even think there is a heaven). And, unfortunately, there may be many Christians that aren't. God knows I am in no way confident of my getting to Heaven but for my desperate hope in God's compassion, and Christ's Holy Sacrifice, and perhaps a little whispering plead for mercy from Our Holy Mother.

Then again, the whole question of Hell - whether it exists or not; what it would be like if it does; what its existence and nature would say about God, and the peace and justice of Heaven. Well, I just don't know, and nor does anyone else. We can only formulate ideas, with or without the help of the mystics, poets, philosophers and theologians. But either way, it's a scary and disturbing subject one should treat with respect but not linger on so much that it blinds them against the light.

And, well, shit ... I guess that's my rambling way of trying to say I am hardly the type to think all Hindus are devil worshippers (like one of the popes actually said, and got in a bit of trouble for), or that all atheists, no matter their nice qualities and good works, are destined for the hellfire. No single religion - including the one I happen to adhere to and believe is the holiest - can claim exclusive monopoly on Truth or the pathway to Heaven.

And yet, I still found the sushi-platter approach to faith here a bit dubious and naive. The whole "let's dabble in every religion, keep the stuff that's nice and ignore the more difficult aspects" approach is well and good and makes one feel nice to share in such a universal sense of divine connection. But always underlying this kind of relativism is the suspicion that you are not being entirely intellectually honest with yourself. It is an inconvenient fact that full commitment to any religious philosophy that is logically consistent (so far as logic can apply) at least encourages a negation of other competing beliefs. For example, I think Islam is a beautiful and holy religion, but I also think Muslims make a grave mistake in rejecting the divinity (and the crucifixion) of Jesus Christ. Likewise, Jews for their outright rejection of Him; Hindus who eschew the more "quasi-monotheistic" brands such as Hare Krishna for a colourful panoply of demigods and goddesses, with no overarching Supreme Being. Buddhism for its practical if benevolent atheism.

This make-your-own-religion fad might appear trendy to modern-age types who find Nietzschean nihilism unfulfilling but find institutionalised worship even less appealing. But like someone who sneaks into a cinema, watches the film for fifteen minutes, then sneaks into a different one, then another, and another, they are essentially whoring out their attention and their spiritual yearning for little snippets instead of one great if limited picture of an abstract Truth that no worldly religion can entirely capture in its theology. Even the Dalai Lama discourages people from abandoning the faith they were brought up under. When there is trauma involved, or a genuine, heartful desire to convert, it is one thing, and it's fair enough. But when its roots are essentially "nurtured" in the shallow soil of ignorance, or worldly distraction, peer pressure, or the desire to shock one's family, etc., etc., it becomes like an annoying git who keeps changing seats on the same bus. You want to whack him over his superior head and tell him to stay fucking still.

And, yes, I guess I thought this book was going to be one of those. And in places, it was. More often than not, it treads the thin line between open-mindedness and wilful heresy for heresy's sake. God as Holy Mother - fine, whatever. Cross-breeding the Virgin Mary with pagan deities of the forest - well, let's maybe calm down a bit. Jesus and Mary Magdalene having children - well, I know there's a lucrative market for that kind of shit, but no thank you. All of these examples are Christian-focussed because it is really Christianity I think Starr expects her readers to be most familiar with - which is not the same as being fond of it.

It is a cliche to indulge in the whataboutism that many frustrated Christians - myself included - are guilty of, but it is still noticeable that few liberties are taken with the Prophet Muhammad, or Lord Krishna, or the horrific-looking goddess/demon Kali. They are more or less taken at face value, due to their exotic otherness. It is, as usual, Jesus and Mary, the apostles, the dreaded Catholic Church, and all the other safe targets that are put through the washing machine and bent into weird shapes.

So, why the hell did I like it? Well, at least the writer has done her homework. She is well-versed, and genuinely inspired by, the great writings of many mystics and theologians. And I absolutely can get on board with her amplification specifically of the women of different religions - from the Catholics Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Sienna to many legendary and contemporary writers associated with Islam, Judaism, Wicca and Druidry.

And while I did not resonate with the book's overall push for a universal transcendence of particular "boxed in" religions in order to attain a more liberated, less organised form of spirituality where you can do and believe whatever the fuck you want, I do think that much of the wisdom and compassion of these women of different faiths can and should be listened to inasmuch as they help one along the path, and to practice love and tolerance and humility in the face of the Divine.

So, it's a beautiful book. And I'm sure anyone who is too cool for church or synagogue will find much to love. But even for a practicing Christian or Muslim or whatever, it's a nice, insightful meditation - if you ignore the actual, kind of cringey, meditation sections - on God, and our relationship to Him as His children.

[Terell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this slowly, morning by morning, over the last three months to digest and fully take in each page as it presented itself. This book is overflowing with feminine wisdom. Mirabai Starr took all of the beauty found throughout time and weaved a book together full of love and grace. I am inspired to read more about the life of Teresa of Avila and other wise women who walked a life of love and challenged the patriarchal perception of religion.

There are so many quotes; my entire book is page after page of highlighter. Here is just a taste:

“It’s not that falling in love with the Divine rescues us from the travails of human condition… it’s that keeping the heart open, even in hell, makes space for the Beloved. It is in the darkest nights of our soul, when all we know is that we know nothing, that the presence of the sacred may quietly well up, mingling with our pain and connecting us to a love that will never die.” pg. 57

“Taking on family life as an opportunity for spiritual transformation requires vigilance, humility, and the ability to see the cosmic joke in the midst of our children’s fractured digits, and our partners flirtations with people who aren’t us. Praising God by praising our kindergartners first painting. Worshiping at the altar of the kitchen stove, making offerings of rice and vegetables and blueberry muffins to the Holy One. Bowing to the Beloved in the form of an angry teenager or a needy spouse. And most of all welcoming the presence of the sacred in every cell of our body while singing our daughter to sleep or watching her eyelids flutter in the mornings when we wake her for school, or catching our partner, gazing at us in adoration, as we cuddle our little ones close, explaining why the baby bird that fell out of the nest will never fly.” pg. 122

“Family is the most powerful spiritual teacher I have ever known… Don’t be fooled; most of the spiritual books that have influenced us were written by men in societies where women were not included. You’ve been programmed by a lot of dead men who had no idea what it is to be a woman.” pg 123

“God-the-Mother encourages us in states of paralyzing doubt, even as she challenges us to subvert entrenched systems of power and authority, and cultivate a direct relationship with the Holy One in the temple of our own souls.” pg. 126 - Julian of Norwich

Mother Teresa said: “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.” pg. 154

And last but not least: “ every wisdom tradition on the planet emphasizes that compassion is the quintessence of holy. Forgiveness is the very face of the Divine Feminine. Each time we allow mercy to enter the shattered spaces of our hearts, we participate in divine nature. To forgive ourselves is to forge a contract with the Divine Mother: I will mirror you in my own soul. Yet this is not so much a decision as an allowing. It is Grace.” pg. 172

[Jacci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was stretching for my brain, which is still deconstructing from my Christian tradition, to be able to include and learn from other faith traditions. This has been very good for me and Mirabai comes from so many life experiences herself that she naturally brings in and explains well the wisdom from other faith traditions. I'm excited to begin to reclaim feminine wisdom from the mystics formerly unknown to me.