Mother Night: Myths, Stories, And Teachings For Learning To See In The Dark

by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

Where is memory of who we really are, who sent us here, and what is our work here, and why are we often so unusual, so different, so eccentric, so belonging often to a tribe of one? Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, published in 34 languages and one of the most far-reaching artist-psychoanalysts of our time, teaches that in archetypal imagination, "Mother Night is the quintessential medial woman, the woman who can walk in two worlds... 'the one who knows' and who can reveal solid ways of living and unleashing creative life in both worlds." The program Mother Night presents a new series of audio teachings from the Jungian psychoanalyst and author of Women Who Run With the Wolves. This six-session learning event invites us to tap the generative power of the goodness of the core self that is, all creativity and understanding that lies out of sight in darkness often called the unconscious. Throughout 11 hours of teaching stories, you'll hear 12 stories and myths told here for the first time.

Genres: Psychology, Audiobook, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Feminism, Mythology, Philosophy

Audible Audio

First published April 28, 2010

About the author

An American poet, psychoanalyst and post-trauma specialist who was raised in now nearly vanished oral and ethnic traditions. She is a first-generation American who grew up in a rural village, population 600, near the Great Lakes. Of Mexican mestiza and majority Magyar and minority Swabian tribal heritages, she comes from immigrant and refugee families who could not read or write, or who did so haltingly. Much of her writing is influenced by her family people who were farmers, shepherds, hopsmeisters, wheelwrights, weavers, orchardists, tailors, cabinet makers, lacemakers, knitters, and horsemen and horsewomen from the Old Countries.

Reviews

[Diane Kistner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I received this set, my first reaction was "This would make such a lovely, lovely gift for a special woman friend who is ripening past middle age." This is not to say that it is not appropriate for younger listeners, but I think that those who are more linearly and outwardly focused (as many women in their career- and family-building years must be) may find it harder to shift into the more global/oceanic right-hemispheric state of mind that I think is required to derive the most benefit from "Mother Night." Also, although the set seems geared toward women, anyone exploring archetypal psychology and aspects of the divine feminine would do well to explore it.

The set is beautifully (and not cheaply) packaged, and for eight CDs, I don't know how anyone could quibble with the price. iTunes ripped the CDs without difficulty, and the quality of sound and voice is superb. I do hope the publisher will rectify the one major flaw--the ID information not being on the tracks of most of the set--in future pressings because I'm sure those who purchase the set would far prefer spending time listening to it on their MP3 players or computers than laboriously keying in all the track information as I had to do. At least get the info out so it can be auto-updated from the Internet.

Although "Mother Night" is organized sort of like a course, I think it's important not to rush through it like you're trying to do it all and finish it all within a semester. I am approaching it more from a shamanic standpoint: defocusing my mind to the point of trance, then just letting it take me wherever it takes me. If I get the CDs out of sequence, that's okay. If I listen to something twice or three times, that's okay, too. If I fall asleep while listening (as I often do if I'm listening at bedtime with the lights off), I trust that I'm "getting it" at a much deeper level. In other words, I'm not trying to take notes or remember anything that's being said; rather, I am letting the wisdom of "Mother Night" sink into the parallel universe of my unconscious mind. Anyone who is familiar with shamanism and transformational psychology will understand the value of approaching the work in this way. Simply speaking, one cannot straddle worlds while trying to keep both feet firmly, logically planted in this one.

[S. Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where 'The Artist's Way' exorcises the emotions of the re-emerging creatrix's soul, 'Mother Night' soothes the soul to process hidden shadow emotions. Pinkola-Estes' voice alone is wonderfully warm and nurturing. While her voice has always come through in her literary work, hearing her speak her truth is perfect synergy for the message. Quite conversationally delivered, this series is ideal for the soul-seeker who is fairly comfortable traveling between the states of metaphor and individual. I can see that someone who is not versed in archetypal representations or the rich, earthy journey of the soul would be confused in Pinkola-Estes' manner of storytelling to reveal personal truth. Hers is a very old tradition of layered storytelling, speaking directly to the symbols the soul and cells remember, which the modern mind geared toward quick, bulleted points for self-help may find cumbersome. This series is very important in the trek back to wholeness and the celebration of the unique individual.

[Baroness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be Wild!
Be Sexual!
Be Creative!
Be Yourself!
Don’t Give A Fuck!

[Luminea · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much wisdom to distill here that I wish it was available as a physical book rather than just an audiobook! Clarissa's voice is so soothing and her storytelling gifts are incredible. I found myself going back to take notes and ponder important messages again. I look forward to listening to this many more times to gather more nuggets of wisdom and encouragement for living a soulful life.

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute soul nourishment. What beautiful wisdom from Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés. I started this audiobook journey in the depths of winter and it feels fitting to be finishing it right after the first marks of spring.

[H.J. Swinford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo many great thoughts. I greatly enjoyed listening to this. Her voice is so calming and she is so sharp. I wish there was an ebook or physical book of this so I could highlight the crap out of it.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Something about Pinkola Estes captured me, and honestly I'm not even sure what her message is, other than create. Create! Live the creative life. Live it with kindness and with humor. I will be looking for other works by this author.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful, wonderful, and so impactful. A book I plan to listen to again and again, whenever I need guidance and love.

[molly ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely blown away by the wisdom and depth of this woman and her writing. Can't wait to read everything she's ever written 😅

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

SO MUCH RAMBLING.

[Shel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Centering and soothing.

[Tom Schulte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on this while looking for an audiobook version of Mother Night and then was intrigued by the large number of interesting, positive reviews of this ostensible guide to enhancing creativity. Still, I didn't read it until I realized it was the same author as Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype which I consider a classic.

Like Joseph Campbell or C.G. Jung, Estés reviews, recalls and assimilates mythologies across cultures and the centuries to distill a wealth of human wisdom. I feel her doing it is more entertaining than the others, as well. This is an assembly of six podcast episodes with two additional ones where she gives long, generous answers to listener questions.

Beside her enlightening, wise audio essays they are delivered in her own calm, warm voice close the podcast mic making a near-ASMR experience.

[Stacy Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Dr. Pinkola-Estes' lyrical storytelling ways illuminate our deepest selves through story and symbol. Having been a psychology major, I deeply regret not having taken any course in Jungian theory because I think I would have loved it. Archetypes, the basis for words, the structure of stories all play a role in how we can interpret our lives, both the small life and the larger soul life, for our benefit and to be a light for others. As Dr. Estes says, we are all born to create something. I really enjoyed this group of lectures and if you liked her book, Women Who Run With The Wolves, you will like it too.

[Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some will approve, some will go ho-hum, others will say tell me more, some will abjectly disapprove, like water you flow through and you nourish everyone that you pass by, some will take it, and others will not."

Clarissa Pinkola Estes is a gifted storyteller. She has wisdom and insight that surpasses most. I also love hearing her voice. There are so many gems in this book that I will need to listen to it again.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of tales and wisdom from Pinkola Estés was inspirational for me. She really speaks about finding the intuitive voice within ourselves that is a source of creativity. I listened to the audio version, and hearing the words from Estés herself is powerful. She had my hair standing on end at one point, and laughing with her in other moments.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for the soul seeker. This books reminds us of to enjoy the process of life for the process. Pause and share in these moments with others, let everyone see the magic in the world. Do what you love and enjoy it. A poem you write makes you smile, a painting you painted makes you feel good, enjoy without worrying about consequences. Be in that moment!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I needed this book to remind me that we 'all' have so much in common in our ancestry & hearts. By all I mean tribe & by tribe I mean the one that Clarissa claims for the women who read this book...& by women i mean the divine feminine within all humans. This was a balm for my heart & soul during the difficulties our world faces of a pandemic, racism, & divisiveness.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio recording feels a little disorganized at times, but otherwise offers a lot of inspiration to live a more creative, authentic life. It would be worth revisiting, for me, though I wish a written version were available for that purpose.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! The numerous stories reinforcing the connection to a sacred heart. The seven swords of the unruined heart & patti griffin's song, "Mary," really spoke to me. I will to continue to listen to all of her worldly wisdom.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a long time fan of Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I especially liked the Q&A section towards the end where she responded to people's unique questions. This was an audiobook, but I love her written word or spoken, she has a poets/artists voice and I love listening to her.

[Danielle E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love listening to the author's wisdom. This book inspired me deeply as a creative soul. The message to the creative spirit to be authentic and not blend into the overculture empowered me. Your culture needs you to be you.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an amazing audio and people who love Women who run with the wolves should definitely try it. The book talks about how to connect with your creative nature, with your intuition, with yourself. It's really mazing. Every volume felt like a prayer.

[Linda Rowlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audio book features Estes delivering a series of lectures about mythology related to creativity and archetypal stories related to creative impulses. While I did not find these lectures as profound as other works by Estes, I was charmed by the myths that Estes presents here.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book. A must read for all like minded people!

[Gabriella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. A wonderful book. I wish there was a physical version, rather than just audio!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of lectures or pod casts it is incredibly insightful but it is structured differently from her other books.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. I got this audiobook from the library, but I need to buy it. So good!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the wisdom!

[Heather Ashington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure, in the true sense of the word. As is everything from Señora Estes.

[Sarah Sevedge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual well water so thick you need a spoon and a Bible for the tough stuff and shifting perception to uncover all the things that get suppressed by over inculturation.