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Las diosas de la mujer madura. Arquetipos femeninos a partir de los cincuenta
Tras el éxito editorial de su libro precedente, Las diosas de cada mujer, al que siguió Los dioses de cada hombre, la célebre analista junguiana se concentra ahora en las mujeres que han pasado de los cincuenta a fin de que, en lugar de convertirse en mujeres mayores inivisibles y descontentas, transformen la tercera fase de sus vidas en una etapa de esplendor, plenitud e integración personal.
Explica la autora en la Introducción: «He escrito Las diosas de la mujer madura para que las mujeres puedan nombrar y reconocer aquello que les inquieta. El origen de estos sentimientos son los arquetipos de la diosa que hay en nuestro interior, los patrones y las energías de la psique. Al saber quiénes son las diosas, las mujeres pueden llegar a ser más conscientes de las potencialidades que hay en ellas, las cuales, una vez reconocidas, son fuente de espiritualidad, sabiduría, compasión y acción».
Las diosas de la mujer madura ofrece así una espléndida y estimulante perspectiva que revolucionará la idea que cada mujer se hace del envejecimiento y la liberará para que vea su rostro en el espejo de modo completamente distinto.
Sobre Las diosas de la mujer madura ha escrtio Isabel Allende que «este es un poderoso libro que me ha ayudado a entender mejor la energía de mis años maduros, cómo utilizarla con compasión y humor, y dónde buscarla cuando parece faltar».
Explica la autora en la Introducción: «He escrito Las diosas de la mujer madura para que las mujeres puedan nombrar y reconocer aquello que les inquieta. El origen de estos sentimientos son los arquetipos de la diosa que hay en nuestro interior, los patrones y las energías de la psique. Al saber quiénes son las diosas, las mujeres pueden llegar a ser más conscientes de las potencialidades que hay en ellas, las cuales, una vez reconocidas, son fuente de espiritualidad, sabiduría, compasión y acción».
Las diosas de la mujer madura ofrece así una espléndida y estimulante perspectiva que revolucionará la idea que cada mujer se hace del envejecimiento y la liberará para que vea su rostro en el espejo de modo completamente distinto.
Sobre Las diosas de la mujer madura ha escrtio Isabel Allende que «este es un poderoso libro que me ha ayudado a entender mejor la energía de mis años maduros, cómo utilizarla con compasión y humor, y dónde buscarla cuando parece faltar».
319 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2001
287 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Jean Shinoda Bolen
59 books484 followersJean Shinoda Bolen, M. D. is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of the Institute for Health and Healing’s "Pioneers in Art, Science, and the Soul of Healing Award". She is a former board member of the Ms. Foundation for Women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 24, 2019
It may seem strange for a man to read a “women’s book,” and vice-versa, but it seems to me that understanding comes from being willing to be made uncomfortable. Jean Shinoda Bolen has written several books exploring Jungian archetypes of deities, both for men and for women. I haven’t read any of her previous books, but having written my dissertation on Asherah (which is my first book listed on my profile page), I have had a long interest in how goddesses are interpreted. Archetypes are one such form of interpretation.
The book is primarily for post-menopausal women who are trying to sort out their mental and spiritual lives, as I note elsewhere Sects and Violence in the Ancient World. Nevertheless, it is important to listen, across genders. To find this book useful, readers must be willing to credit Jungian archetypes with some kind of reality. Given Bolen’s medical credentials, it is hopefully not too far a stretch for most who would pick up such a book as this. It’s clear from the perspective of someone who has researched goddesses that the author has done considerable work on them, probing ancient stories for modern lessons.
Reading this book in the era of Trump and world-wide reactionary governments, it seems as if the optimism put into it only about a decade ago has been set back. Society seemed poised to improve for everyone, but the cold, dark nature of personal profit has shifted everything back to a more masculine paradigm of the worst kind. Books like this are important in such an era as this. There is a wisdom we could gain should the voices of women be given equal volume with that of men. We can only hope the goddesses are still there, for without their leadership there’s not much of a future.
The book is primarily for post-menopausal women who are trying to sort out their mental and spiritual lives, as I note elsewhere Sects and Violence in the Ancient World. Nevertheless, it is important to listen, across genders. To find this book useful, readers must be willing to credit Jungian archetypes with some kind of reality. Given Bolen’s medical credentials, it is hopefully not too far a stretch for most who would pick up such a book as this. It’s clear from the perspective of someone who has researched goddesses that the author has done considerable work on them, probing ancient stories for modern lessons.
Reading this book in the era of Trump and world-wide reactionary governments, it seems as if the optimism put into it only about a decade ago has been set back. Society seemed poised to improve for everyone, but the cold, dark nature of personal profit has shifted everything back to a more masculine paradigm of the worst kind. Books like this are important in such an era as this. There is a wisdom we could gain should the voices of women be given equal volume with that of men. We can only hope the goddesses are still there, for without their leadership there’s not much of a future.
December 25, 2018
I read this book for my Bride's sake. She turned 50 this year, and she really found herself going through the emotional and physical ringer that is perimenopause. She had done me the honor of reading Robert Bly's book, Iron John and discussing it, so I returned the favor to her with this book.
I found it really good and really explanatory. In the first section, Bolen goes into Sophia (a goddess alluded to in the Bible), Metis, and Hecate--three goddesses who are most easy to tie to the experiences of older women.
In the book's second section, Bolen revisits Goddesses in Other Women and offers brief synopses of the main goddesses in the Greek pantheon, Artemis, Athena, Hera, Demeter, and others, while imagining the impact of the "third stage of life" on these eternally young, beautiful deities.
The short, third section wasn't as strong, but in it Bolen imagines the women's circle as a vehicle for third-wave feminism.
The strongest idea that I took from GIOW was this: the crone years are a third stage of life. Moving into them, for women, is as much of an emotional, physical and hormonal mess as it was when they moved from girlhood into womanhood. Yet it is something that almost every woman in every age of human history has gone through. And they archetypes used to explain these transitions for ancients are no less relevant in an age of a single, male god, as they were in ages governed by an array of female goddesses.
I found it really good and really explanatory. In the first section, Bolen goes into Sophia (a goddess alluded to in the Bible), Metis, and Hecate--three goddesses who are most easy to tie to the experiences of older women.
In the book's second section, Bolen revisits Goddesses in Other Women and offers brief synopses of the main goddesses in the Greek pantheon, Artemis, Athena, Hera, Demeter, and others, while imagining the impact of the "third stage of life" on these eternally young, beautiful deities.
The short, third section wasn't as strong, but in it Bolen imagines the women's circle as a vehicle for third-wave feminism.
The strongest idea that I took from GIOW was this: the crone years are a third stage of life. Moving into them, for women, is as much of an emotional, physical and hormonal mess as it was when they moved from girlhood into womanhood. Yet it is something that almost every woman in every age of human history has gone through. And they archetypes used to explain these transitions for ancients are no less relevant in an age of a single, male god, as they were in ages governed by an array of female goddesses.
August 21, 2016
I have a longstanding interest in goddess archetypes and their history, so this book caught my attention in a Totnes second hand bookshop on hols. I wasn't disappointed. It's the perfect companion for women on the threshold fifty, or later, encouraging you to find and live out your juicy crone self. A book to dip into when direction or inspiration is needed. I was already familiar with my dominant archetype but enthralled to see how she is getting left behind as her crone version steps up after years of waiting patiently in the shadows because most people couldn't cope with her.
Shinola Boden talks about the grief some women experience when they have to reject their natural dominant archetype(s) in this way, saying:
Shinola Boden talks about the grief some women experience when they have to reject their natural dominant archetype(s) in this way, saying:
Most women of any complexity have several important and active goddess archetypes in them. Depending upon the "climate" of family and culture, some fit in and others spell trouble, even at a time when women are not burned at the stake or stoned for expressing suppressed goddesses.
In the first two phases of our adult lives, we may not have been able to embody a particular archetype and yet longed to do so. In the third phase, we may feel grief or depression at this missed possibility. Some women deny that they are older, and in maintaining the illusion of being younger become increasingly inauthentic. Psychological and soul growth comes through the crone archetypes and through the evolution of the "goddesses in everywoman."
June 19, 2014
What was I thinking reading this book? It was a bit disappointing and reductive actually I felt. For all that is celebrated women and "womanliness" and had some areas of comfort, normalizing the aging process it still very much had a heteronormative outlook (hard to avoid I suppose living in a hetero-patriarchy where all the goddess traditions stem from patriarchal systems of belief).
There was an "and lesbians" acknowledgement from time to time or a refusal to name the gender of the romantic "other" which was cute and a nice try but there was still a conception of woman through lenses such as wifehood and motherhood and those sort of sterotypes (which is quite accurate and true to the concept of any goddess worshipped in any patriarchal context ever so I guess it is fair enough).
I want to write my own goddess. One who is not defined by the gender binary at all. One who is not "other" but is herself (like the judaeo Christian concept of "I am" but female)
Or maybe I can stick to post-structuralist thought and leave pseudo-pagan spirituality to others. I suspect someone who isn't me might find this book liberating and empowering so please don't be put off by my rant, but for me it was not what I was looking for. I am still aging uncomfortably (I never claimed to be over 50) and angrily and without fitting in. Maybe I am doomed to stay that way
There was an "and lesbians" acknowledgement from time to time or a refusal to name the gender of the romantic "other" which was cute and a nice try but there was still a conception of woman through lenses such as wifehood and motherhood and those sort of sterotypes (which is quite accurate and true to the concept of any goddess worshipped in any patriarchal context ever so I guess it is fair enough).
I want to write my own goddess. One who is not defined by the gender binary at all. One who is not "other" but is herself (like the judaeo Christian concept of "I am" but female)
Or maybe I can stick to post-structuralist thought and leave pseudo-pagan spirituality to others. I suspect someone who isn't me might find this book liberating and empowering so please don't be put off by my rant, but for me it was not what I was looking for. I am still aging uncomfortably (I never claimed to be over 50) and angrily and without fitting in. Maybe I am doomed to stay that way
November 19, 2009
Would recommend reading "Goddesses in Everywoman" first to understand the premise and how the archetype plays out over the lifespan before reading "Goddesses in Older Women". The insights rang true, as do the inner conflicts described. At 47 and perimenopausal, I am ready to embrace being a juicy crone! Loved what she had to say about womens' circles and transformation.
January 3, 2021
I get why this is so, but the book often addresses itself solely to Baby Boomers. As someone from a later generation coming to 50/menopause looking for guidance, many parts of the book don't seem relevant to my life experiences.
February 15, 2018
Sometimes very special books come to you in unexpected ways. I picked this used book up at the Big Book Sale for Friends of the San Francisco Library. The insight I got from reading about archetypes in women over fifty was wonderful. From intellectual to spiritual to psychic to meditative wisdom Jean Shinoda Bolen beautifully defines the roles older women embrace. But the recounting of the myths of Sekhmet, a Goddess of wrath, and Bawdy Baubo, a Goddess of laughter, hit my center core. The stories were parallel to work I did in my theater group Les Nickelettes in the '70s. Strong stuff.
From one "juicy crone" to other "juicy crones" - read this book!
From one "juicy crone" to other "juicy crones" - read this book!
March 19, 2018
Oh my goddess! I never would buy or otherwise read this book as it is over-the-top New Age-ish, but it was hanging out on a bookshelf here at a remote island cottage where I've been staying and I just had to read it while in the hot tub. I discovered that the Statue of Liberty is really Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion. And I discovered my inner Artemis with the shadow aspect of righteous destructiveness. Useful perhaps. But I have re-shelved this book next to one by Shirley MacLaine (unread).
January 17, 2018
I actually wasn't sure I would like this book when I first started it but once I was into it, I did really enjoy it. It was interesting reading about the different mythical goddesses and their strengths. It was actually inspiring to think about how they are in all of us to some extent. It wasn't a quick read but it was an interesting one. I definitely could relate to some of the ideas about the power of women after fifty. I am embracing my third stage of life and am going to live it to the fullest.
July 31, 2013
It has some interesting stuff on myths and legends from across all cultures, but really, I'm not spending much time figuring out what feminine archetype I'm currently in. There's too much mumbo-jumbo in it for my taste.
May 16, 2012
couldn't get though it......
January 21, 2014
I just could not make it past the first 25 pages.
Read
January 12, 2025Review: Goddesses in Older Women by Jean Shinoda Bolen
In "Goddesses in Older Women," Jean Shinoda Bolen presents a reflective and empowering exploration of the goddess archetypes that resonate deeply with women, particularly those approaching or navigating the transformative phase of life that comes with age. Bolen's insightful examination encourages women to embrace their inner "crone," a term often imbued with negative connotations in contemporary society but one that she reclaims as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and authenticity. This book serves as both a guide and a celebration, inviting readers to explore the complexities of female identity as it evolves through the decades.
Bolen’s emphasis on the significance of goddess archetypes provides an intriguing framework for understanding the various roles women embody throughout their lives. As she delves into the different goddesses—each representing distinct qualities and strengths—Bolen poignantly articulates the grief that many women experience when they find themselves forced to abandon their dominant archetypes in the face of aging. This feeling of loss can be profound, as women often internalize societal expectations and definitions of femininity that may no longer resonate with their authentic selves.
One of the most compelling aspects of Bolen’s work is her acknowledgment that many women possess multiple goddess archetypes influenced by their family backgrounds and cultural contexts. This multiplicity underscores the richness of the feminine experience and challenges the notion of a singular female identity. By recognizing the complexities inherent in their lives, women can begin to understand the interplay between their various archetypes, leading to a more nuanced understanding of themselves.
The author thoughtfully addresses the struggles that women face in their younger years, particularly the difficulty in embodying certain archetypes due to societal pressures and personal challenges. Bolen's reflections on the emotional toll this struggle can take—manifesting in feelings of inadequacy, loss, or even depression—speak to the societal narrative that often marginalizes women as they age. Her work encourages readers to confront and process these feelings, urging them to acknowledge that aging can bring about a newfound freedom to explore and embrace the crone archetype, ultimately fostering a more authentic existence.
Moreover, Bolen highlights the resistance to aging that many women experience, a resistance that can lead to inauthenticity and disconnection from their true selves. She challenges these perceptions and advocates for a shift in narrative—a call for women to accept and celebrate their aging process as a natural and enriching aspect of life. In doing so, Bolen frames aging not as a decline but as an opportunity for psychological and spiritual growth, with the crone archetype representing a stage of life imbued with wisdom, intuition, and empowerment.
"Goddesses in Older Women" serves as a beacon of inspiration for women of all ages, urging them to embrace their evolving feminine identities and to seek out the strengths inherent in their experiences. Bolen's writing is both poetic and practical, weaving together psychological insights with spiritual wisdom. She provides readers with tools to reconnect with their inner goddesses, encouraging a deeper engagement with their past and a fearless embrace of their future.
In conclusion, Jean Shinoda Bolen's "Goddesses in Older Women" is a transformative exploration of femininity that resonates powerfully with women navigating the complexities of aging. By celebrating the multifaceted nature of goddess archetypes and encouraging the embrace of the crone, Bolen offers a fresh perspective on identity, wisdom, and empowerment. This book is an essential read for women seeking to understand and embody their own narratives, reminding us that every phase of life carries its own beauty and potential for growth. Through the lens of the goddesses, Bolen encourages readers to recognize the profound strength and authenticity that comes with age, inviting us all to honor the journey of becoming.
In "Goddesses in Older Women," Jean Shinoda Bolen presents a reflective and empowering exploration of the goddess archetypes that resonate deeply with women, particularly those approaching or navigating the transformative phase of life that comes with age. Bolen's insightful examination encourages women to embrace their inner "crone," a term often imbued with negative connotations in contemporary society but one that she reclaims as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and authenticity. This book serves as both a guide and a celebration, inviting readers to explore the complexities of female identity as it evolves through the decades.
Bolen’s emphasis on the significance of goddess archetypes provides an intriguing framework for understanding the various roles women embody throughout their lives. As she delves into the different goddesses—each representing distinct qualities and strengths—Bolen poignantly articulates the grief that many women experience when they find themselves forced to abandon their dominant archetypes in the face of aging. This feeling of loss can be profound, as women often internalize societal expectations and definitions of femininity that may no longer resonate with their authentic selves.
One of the most compelling aspects of Bolen’s work is her acknowledgment that many women possess multiple goddess archetypes influenced by their family backgrounds and cultural contexts. This multiplicity underscores the richness of the feminine experience and challenges the notion of a singular female identity. By recognizing the complexities inherent in their lives, women can begin to understand the interplay between their various archetypes, leading to a more nuanced understanding of themselves.
The author thoughtfully addresses the struggles that women face in their younger years, particularly the difficulty in embodying certain archetypes due to societal pressures and personal challenges. Bolen's reflections on the emotional toll this struggle can take—manifesting in feelings of inadequacy, loss, or even depression—speak to the societal narrative that often marginalizes women as they age. Her work encourages readers to confront and process these feelings, urging them to acknowledge that aging can bring about a newfound freedom to explore and embrace the crone archetype, ultimately fostering a more authentic existence.
Moreover, Bolen highlights the resistance to aging that many women experience, a resistance that can lead to inauthenticity and disconnection from their true selves. She challenges these perceptions and advocates for a shift in narrative—a call for women to accept and celebrate their aging process as a natural and enriching aspect of life. In doing so, Bolen frames aging not as a decline but as an opportunity for psychological and spiritual growth, with the crone archetype representing a stage of life imbued with wisdom, intuition, and empowerment.
"Goddesses in Older Women" serves as a beacon of inspiration for women of all ages, urging them to embrace their evolving feminine identities and to seek out the strengths inherent in their experiences. Bolen's writing is both poetic and practical, weaving together psychological insights with spiritual wisdom. She provides readers with tools to reconnect with their inner goddesses, encouraging a deeper engagement with their past and a fearless embrace of their future.
In conclusion, Jean Shinoda Bolen's "Goddesses in Older Women" is a transformative exploration of femininity that resonates powerfully with women navigating the complexities of aging. By celebrating the multifaceted nature of goddess archetypes and encouraging the embrace of the crone, Bolen offers a fresh perspective on identity, wisdom, and empowerment. This book is an essential read for women seeking to understand and embody their own narratives, reminding us that every phase of life carries its own beauty and potential for growth. Through the lens of the goddesses, Bolen encourages readers to recognize the profound strength and authenticity that comes with age, inviting us all to honor the journey of becoming.
August 18, 2022
Segunda parte del libro de la misma autora Las diosas de cada mujer Si aquel me pareció original, empoderante, profundo y complejo, esta continuación se me ha hecho algo pesada y superficial al tiempo (sé que suena a contradicción, pero no lo es...).
Parece que en su intento por valorar el envejecimiento de las mujeres, considerarnos como seres valiosos -a pesar de las canas, los achaques, la menopausia, las arrugas...-, requería un nuevo paso por el tamiz de los arquetipos. Y aquí es donde me ha fallado el libro.
Así como en su primera obra las diosas son reconocibles como arquetipos, las podemos identificar como aquellas que nos habitan de vez en cuando, en esta obra el discurso parece más forzado.
Sí es muy interesante el análisis del paso de las sociedades que adoraban a las diosas a aquellas que empezaron a adorar a los dioses, como reflejo del patriarcado inicial. Y también todas las referencias a los círculos de mujeres, a cómo envejecer con sabiduría y dignidad. Pero la inclusión de los arquetipos me resulta forzada
Me acerqué al libro buscando una información igualmente relevante para mi como cuando leí Las diosas de cada mujer y me quedo con el mismo arquetipo de ese primer libro. Lo consideraré como que no he envejecido aún (aunque mis rodillas se empeñen en recordarme lo contrario jajaja)
En cualquier caso, es mejor leer los libros en orden y, probablemente, más cerca uno del otro, y no con casi 20 años entre lecturas.
Parece que en su intento por valorar el envejecimiento de las mujeres, considerarnos como seres valiosos -a pesar de las canas, los achaques, la menopausia, las arrugas...-, requería un nuevo paso por el tamiz de los arquetipos. Y aquí es donde me ha fallado el libro.
Así como en su primera obra las diosas son reconocibles como arquetipos, las podemos identificar como aquellas que nos habitan de vez en cuando, en esta obra el discurso parece más forzado.
Sí es muy interesante el análisis del paso de las sociedades que adoraban a las diosas a aquellas que empezaron a adorar a los dioses, como reflejo del patriarcado inicial. Y también todas las referencias a los círculos de mujeres, a cómo envejecer con sabiduría y dignidad. Pero la inclusión de los arquetipos me resulta forzada
Me acerqué al libro buscando una información igualmente relevante para mi como cuando leí Las diosas de cada mujer y me quedo con el mismo arquetipo de ese primer libro. Lo consideraré como que no he envejecido aún (aunque mis rodillas se empeñen en recordarme lo contrario jajaja)
En cualquier caso, es mejor leer los libros en orden y, probablemente, más cerca uno del otro, y no con casi 20 años entre lecturas.
May 12, 2018
Jean Shinoda Bolen reprises her discussion of how the archetypes of Ancient Greek goddesses affect women in their lives past the age of 50. She adds also, that there are additional archetypes, unknown in Classical Greek Mythology, that also are important to the psyches of older women. It is helpful to have read Goddesses in Everywoman for reference, but the author offers a summary of how the goddesses tend to manifest in our personalities in the second half of this book.
I didn't find this book as life-changing for me as Goddesses in Everywoman was, but I do think that this book has value in reminding women that we continue to develop and grow as we move beyond child-rearing years. Thoughtful reading for anyone looking for an alternate contemplation of the ageing process and appreciating the value of one's life experiences. It would be great to see a companion volume for men.
I didn't find this book as life-changing for me as Goddesses in Everywoman was, but I do think that this book has value in reminding women that we continue to develop and grow as we move beyond child-rearing years. Thoughtful reading for anyone looking for an alternate contemplation of the ageing process and appreciating the value of one's life experiences. It would be great to see a companion volume for men.
April 22, 2019
This was an interesting look at feminine archetypes. Focused on a more Jungian psychological perspective than a purely spiritual one, it included goddesses from multiple cultures. I found the historical aspects interesting though a bit unfamiliar in some cases; I felt that the author's representation of history was rather biased, or at least very focused on certain concepts.
I picked up the book despite not being of the age it's geared towards in hopes of finding something to connect with. But it's definitely aimed at a particular audience and I didn't quite "fit in"... yet. I may reread it when I'm older. There did seem to be a lot of information and perspective that could be useful at a later date.
I picked up the book despite not being of the age it's geared towards in hopes of finding something to connect with. But it's definitely aimed at a particular audience and I didn't quite "fit in"... yet. I may reread it when I'm older. There did seem to be a lot of information and perspective that could be useful at a later date.
June 18, 2019
As a woman approaching the half-way mark of her fifth decade and the end of over thirty years as 'mother', I looked to this book for answers...for purpose. For that elusive question...so what next?
Yes, in its pages, I found those answers. I won't add spoilers because this is a book that must be interpreted through each individual's lense. What touched me might not you and vice versa.
Nonetheless, if you are a woman entering those later years in your life, seeking to find meaning in the surprisingly decades that stretch before you, then might I recommend you give this book a try...
Still not convinced, then I recommend you whet your appetite with her shorter, more comical, and less intense, Crones Don't Whine.
Yes, in its pages, I found those answers. I won't add spoilers because this is a book that must be interpreted through each individual's lense. What touched me might not you and vice versa.
Nonetheless, if you are a woman entering those later years in your life, seeking to find meaning in the surprisingly decades that stretch before you, then might I recommend you give this book a try...
Still not convinced, then I recommend you whet your appetite with her shorter, more comical, and less intense, Crones Don't Whine.
November 17, 2019
This volume was drier in content than I had expected. However, it still offered great insights into the archetypes that are within all women and how they are activated and reveal themselves as we move into the final third of live.
Not being well-educated in mythology, I was glad to have the author explain the roles of these mythical goddesses and how they help women understand the nature of our feelings and the challenges we face to lead, create and nurture.
I would recommend reading Jean Shinoda Bolen's first volume, Goddesses in Every Woman, before this one to enrich your experience.
As a Jungian, Bolen, has a full grasp of the significance of the collective unconscious in each of us and uses dreams and symbols to help us navigate our way.
Not being well-educated in mythology, I was glad to have the author explain the roles of these mythical goddesses and how they help women understand the nature of our feelings and the challenges we face to lead, create and nurture.
I would recommend reading Jean Shinoda Bolen's first volume, Goddesses in Every Woman, before this one to enrich your experience.
As a Jungian, Bolen, has a full grasp of the significance of the collective unconscious in each of us and uses dreams and symbols to help us navigate our way.
March 8, 2023
This is an older book but it somehow feels much more relevant for me as I approach another landmark birthday. I read it years ago and this time around I certainly took different things from it. The message I took away - time is limited and the third act stage of my life will likely be the shortest and therefore it should be the sweetest. Time will tell! I see the first stage as 35 years and the second another 35 years and the last hopefully close to 90?? I took great solace from her description of a juicy green crone life as opposed to one without vitality, optimism and creativity. Drawing on Artemis, Athena and the other goddesses feels empowering and hopeful and fitting for this day March 8 International Women’s Day!
April 28, 2025
El subtítulo de este libro en español es “Arquetipos femeninos a partir de los cincuenta”, por lo que, aunque lo había comprado hace mucho, estaba esperando a llegar a los cincuenta para leerlo.
No, no tengo cincuenta todavía, pero los 40 que cumplo este año se sienten como un hito similar. Además, siempre he vivido un poco adelantada a mi edad.
Este libro me ha acompañado y ha alimentado mi alma durante los últimos 15 días, me ha recordado cosas que no sabía que había olvidado y ha sido un bastón en momentos difíciles.
Volveré a él siempre que sea necesario.
No, no tengo cincuenta todavía, pero los 40 que cumplo este año se sienten como un hito similar. Además, siempre he vivido un poco adelantada a mi edad.
Este libro me ha acompañado y ha alimentado mi alma durante los últimos 15 días, me ha recordado cosas que no sabía que había olvidado y ha sido un bastón en momentos difíciles.
Volveré a él siempre que sea necesario.
November 30, 2023
When I incorporated a friend's library into my library, a number of "crone books" were added. I've waded through many of these - flipping through, scanning, selective reading of sections. And I've been mostly unimpressed. But this was the one I actually read. Its use of goddess myths added an interesting layer. It was thorough, more thoughtful, and less assumptive about the kinds of experiences women, specifically older women, might have or have had. It was varied enough to offer something for everyone.
February 25, 2018
This book is about archetypes of older women, of "juicy crones." I found it to be both inspiring and empowering. Our culture tends to discount older women and women buy into that to some extent. This book is a reminder of the amazing power of older women who have gained wisdom and experience to stand clearly and strongly in themselves and reach out to others in healthy healing ways.
April 3, 2021
Bolen is a psychiatrist who writes in an easily accessibly manner, friendly, informative, fun. I read this as a way of helping me with characters for my novel-writing. It's also fun to read it you want to check out which Goddess archetypes are operating in women you meet.
January 17, 2023
I love everything she writes. This was perfect timing since I recently turned 50. But my favorite book of hers is still Crossing to Avalon, I like it more and find it more relatable when she discusses her more personal spiritual journey.
November 11, 2016
Not my usual thing. Not awful. As long as you can keep the mindset that the concepts are descriptive, and not prescriptive, it's pretty interesting. Minimal woo-woo.
March 4, 2017
A fascinating look at human archetypes through the lens of Greek, Roman, and other Goddesses. A useful tool for self-exploration. Enjoyable to read.
March 22, 2018
A very helpful book for any woman struggling with how to psychospiritually navigate perimenopause/menopause.
May 29, 2018
Too much mythology
June 27, 2019
Read this for bookgroup, enjoyed more than I thought I would.
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