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إطلاق الروح البرية للمرأة
تؤكد كلاريسا بنكولا من خلال عملها في إطلاق الروح البرية للمرأة، على قيمة الحب من خلال تحرير روح النساء واستلهامها لمريم العذراء كأيقونة نسوية عالمية مقدسة تتكرر بآلاف الثور والتجليات وبكل الألوان في فلكلور مختلف الشعوب، وتحض كل النساء على بعث مريم بصورها الأخرى غير تلك التقليدية الوديعة الساكنة، حيث إنها أم الإله ومعلمته وأم الإنسانية، وحدها القادرة على إفشاء الحب والسلام.
وتنطلق كلاريسا من مفهوم إطلاق الروح للنساء إلى معالجة القضايا الاجتماعية والسياسية من منظور التقديس النسوي الصوفي. ولأنها شاعرة تتدفق صلواتها الشعرية التي ابتدعتها واستمدتها من الفلكلور الشعبي، تترنم بها في تقديس الروح النسوية التي تتجسد في آلاف المريمات التي تتجلى فيها المرأة، وتتغنى بتقديس الأمهات اللواتي تستمد منهن جذور سلالتها.
وتنطلق كلاريسا من مفهوم إطلاق الروح للنساء إلى معالجة القضايا الاجتماعية والسياسية من منظور التقديس النسوي الصوفي. ولأنها شاعرة تتدفق صلواتها الشعرية التي ابتدعتها واستمدتها من الفلكلور الشعبي، تترنم بها في تقديس الروح النسوية التي تتجسد في آلاف المريمات التي تتجلى فيها المرأة، وتتغنى بتقديس الأمهات اللواتي تستمد منهن جذور سلالتها.
654 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
392 people are currently reading
4136 people want to read
About the author
Clarissa Pinkola Estés
76 books3,513 followersAn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 18, 2012
I picked up this book because it is by one of my favorite authors and hesitated -- I am not Catholic and wondered if this was going to speak to me on a level I could comprehend. Oh why would I ever doubt the powers of Clarissa Pinkola Estes? In our world, any time harshness, bitterness, hatred and loss can be fought with love, kindness, and open-handed compassion that is a victory for souls. Her quest to build a fountain is worth reading alone as it is a obeying of a deep-seated need and the waters that flow are on so many levels of complexity that one is humbled to find that, if one is open to following the bent of the intuitive soul, one shall always receive exactly what is needed for the journey on so many levels. Her poetry also graces this book's depth. The only problem I had with this book is the title -- as a practicing dyslexic, it always translated as Unite the Strong Woman - but perhaps that is the title that lurks. I have told too many about Unite the Strong Woman and they laugh after finding it and knowing that I have struck again! Well worth the read.
October 9, 2012
First of all, I love the main title of this book: Untie the Strong Woman. I love that it is a command and that it calls the Divine Feminine the Strong Woman. The secondary title gave me pause: Blessed Mother's Immaculate Love for the Wild Soul. If this sounds Catholic to you, it really is. I admit that, despite the cover, I was expecting a more universal approach to the Divine Feminine, but truly this book is adoration of Maria specifically. Yes, it does link her to other aspects of the Divine Feminine, but I found that I grew weary of the endless praising of Mary, the many prayers, and even the pictures started to have a feeling of sameness that wore on me. I wanted something that was accessible to me no matter what my religious or spiritual background.
This book is presented as a series of small essays, poems, and prayers to and about The Holy Mother. Sometimes the link between the pieces of history and Mary take a while to come clear, and these parts often seemed to have more to do with the idea of untying than with the Strong Woman, but they were interesting. Throughout the book, the author tells pieces of her own story, and in my opinion, these are the strongest moments in Untie the Strong Woman. I especially enjoyed the story of the building of the grotto.
Do I recommend it? So hard to say. I'd say pick it up at your public library, flip through it, give a taste-test of the readings and see if it works for you. For myself, after a while, I began to skim to find the bits I was most interested in.
This book is presented as a series of small essays, poems, and prayers to and about The Holy Mother. Sometimes the link between the pieces of history and Mary take a while to come clear, and these parts often seemed to have more to do with the idea of untying than with the Strong Woman, but they were interesting. Throughout the book, the author tells pieces of her own story, and in my opinion, these are the strongest moments in Untie the Strong Woman. I especially enjoyed the story of the building of the grotto.
Do I recommend it? So hard to say. I'd say pick it up at your public library, flip through it, give a taste-test of the readings and see if it works for you. For myself, after a while, I began to skim to find the bits I was most interested in.
March 27, 2014
Beautiful and ethereal. It's been a long time since I have openly wept while reading a book like this. The words read more like poetry than prose, and hit the heart in a place that no scientifically-worded devotional or religious work could. Each chapter is just the right size for a daily devotional to Our Lady- which I recommend to anyone looking for the kind of supportive, open, life-giving, primal, strong and sensitive spiritual relationship that Estes describes in 'Untie the Strong Woman'. Just wonderful.
March 7, 2017
Although I am not (officially) a Catholic, I have always been impressed how Catholicism embraces the feminine. This may sound odd, considering the way the boys in the Vatican treat women, but I don't think it is. There is something older, wilder, more female and, dare I say, more deeply attuned to Spirit than the rules, regulations, glitter and power of Vatican city. Many of the nuns I've met get this.
Estes brings this older, darker, more vibrant female to the fore, and she does it with great respect to the goddess who those of us who feel at home with more earth-borne and yup, pagan, roots can identify with. Did not the Lady of Guadalupe appear on a site sacred to the Indigenous people of Mexico? She did. Not, I contend, to displace her, but to assure those who believed in her that a simple change of name really changes nothing. She is still here, among us.
That's an experience I've had at a number of Christian sites in France and Wales; sites built upon much older sacred sites. The power of the sacred transcends shifts in religious fashion.
So, all this to say that Estes works hard in this book to reconnect us to that timeless and powerful female energy and she does a hell of a job, incorporating stories, poems, prayers, visual art and song to draw us in.
If this sort of thing interests you I urge you to put aside any prejudices you may have (and we all do), and take a wander. I think you'll enjoy it, and it will enrich you.
Estes brings this older, darker, more vibrant female to the fore, and she does it with great respect to the goddess who those of us who feel at home with more earth-borne and yup, pagan, roots can identify with. Did not the Lady of Guadalupe appear on a site sacred to the Indigenous people of Mexico? She did. Not, I contend, to displace her, but to assure those who believed in her that a simple change of name really changes nothing. She is still here, among us.
That's an experience I've had at a number of Christian sites in France and Wales; sites built upon much older sacred sites. The power of the sacred transcends shifts in religious fashion.
So, all this to say that Estes works hard in this book to reconnect us to that timeless and powerful female energy and she does a hell of a job, incorporating stories, poems, prayers, visual art and song to draw us in.
If this sort of thing interests you I urge you to put aside any prejudices you may have (and we all do), and take a wander. I think you'll enjoy it, and it will enrich you.
March 4, 2012
I admired and loved Women who Run with the Wolves, I was blown away by Dangerous Old Woman...there aren't words to describe how much I liked this book and how my heart was drawn into the stories told by this marvelous wise cantadora. I read it, then started again...It is a book I will return to over and over, especially in this season of Lent -- Dr. Estes brought me into the warmth of her firelight to share the spirituality and joy of family and faith.
October 14, 2014
If I could give two-and-a-half stars, I would. Some years ago, I read Women Who Run with the Wolves and I loved it, so I recommended this book to my book group. This one wasn't nearly as good as that one, though.
Part of the reason I wasn't happy with this book was that it was very different than what I expected. I expected the author to talk about the feminine divine in many of her forms, but it was all about Mary, Jesus' mother and some about Jesus as a baby/child. Once past this disappointment, I found the book to be heavy, repetitive and meandering and in need of much more aggressive editing. Clarissa Pinkola Estes is recognized as a story-teller, but in this book I couldn't often tell when she was embellishing some real experiences to make the story more dramatic.
There were some nice passages-particularly the poetry that Estes wrote about Mary's roles in the life of her followers. There were also some interesting stories here and there in the book. Overall, however, the book was too dramatic and tedious.
Part of the reason I wasn't happy with this book was that it was very different than what I expected. I expected the author to talk about the feminine divine in many of her forms, but it was all about Mary, Jesus' mother and some about Jesus as a baby/child. Once past this disappointment, I found the book to be heavy, repetitive and meandering and in need of much more aggressive editing. Clarissa Pinkola Estes is recognized as a story-teller, but in this book I couldn't often tell when she was embellishing some real experiences to make the story more dramatic.
There were some nice passages-particularly the poetry that Estes wrote about Mary's roles in the life of her followers. There were also some interesting stories here and there in the book. Overall, however, the book was too dramatic and tedious.
July 5, 2013
Pinkola-Estes' dedication to the sacred feminine and women's wild soul is inspiring. Her Jungian influence translates as she integrates personal narrative, poetry and folkloric analysis into her discussion of Blessed Mother's Immaculate love. As with her other works, she does an excellent job explaining how common tropes and symbols are found in distant indigenous communities. As a person who has done advocacy work for women, I would recommend as a tool for critical reflection and profound discussion. Whether hearing her speak or reading the text, there's a great deal women in difficult situations could glean from the text.
As a professor, I would teach this against Gebara's work. I appreciate alternative approaches the marian theology. While Pinkola-Estes is not a theologian, her discussion of women as representations of the Immaculate Mother and or Mary, along with her review of historic images, offers intriguing insight.
As a professor, I would teach this against Gebara's work. I appreciate alternative approaches the marian theology. While Pinkola-Estes is not a theologian, her discussion of women as representations of the Immaculate Mother and or Mary, along with her review of historic images, offers intriguing insight.
April 10, 2018
I got this book believing it'll be about the 'divine feminine archetype'...and the author does invite everyone regardless of their spiritual or cultural background to know 'Her' through this book, but it was too religious, too catholic (the tradition which the author grew up in) and too devotional. I struggled in connecting with this Catholic version of the divine feminine...and couldn't find myself in her. And to be honest, I barely read the chapter about abortion..it just didn't settle with me. Nevertheless, there were great pieces of wisdom and inspiration shared by the author, which I was grateful for.
April 18, 2014
Before discovering this beautiful, moving work, I had only heard of Dr. Estes through her previous masterpiece, Women Who Run With The Wolves, which I must admit I have yet to read, although I do own it.
The present book is a loving tribute to Mary, the mother of Jesus, but it goes beyond that, for Dr. Estes connects the Blessed Mother to the Divine Feminine. Thus, she is really the Great Mother Goddess, prevalent in all human cultures throughout the centuries, and known by many names.
It's really fascinating to see how much this love of God as Mother has come to the surface in recent years. Although I share the author's religion -- Catholicism -- I'm not completely comfortable with Estes's take on this, since the Virgin Mary has never been a goddess. She was born a human being, just like the rest of us, except that she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. Still, I can't help but be drawn to this book, because somehow, it speaks deeply to me. I suppose there's just something in the human soul that yearns for a mother's nurturing, fierce love. And that's just how Estes pictures Mary, and the Divine Mother -- as a fierce, yet tender warrior, always ready to protect her children.
At the beginning of each chapter, there are photographs of the author's own collage artwork, done in honor of Our Lady, and as a memento of prayers answered. The cover of the book depicts Our Lady of Guadalupe, done in the beautiful style of Mexican muralist George Yepes.
It was this beautiful cover that initially attracted me to this wonderful, profoundly spiritual, yet profoundly earthy, book. The woman on this cover is a tender, yet strong, warrior mother. She is of her people, a woman of great moral courage, of strength in the face of injustice. She has suffered, and triumphed. She is holy, and loving, and proud, and she will never be defeated, never be completely blotted from human history. The author emphasizes this point many times throughout the book.
It wasn't just the cover that attracted me, though; when I picked up the book, which I found in a Barnes & Noble store I visited recently, and opened it, the most delicious book smell wafted from its pages. I don't know what kind of paper has been used for this treasure, but it has certainly helped me love this book! From the moment I first saw it standing proudly on a bookshelf, I felt it calling to me. Grabbing it, I went straight to the snack section of the store, quickly found an empty table, and proceeded to get lost in the wonderfully-scented pages, that were filled with gentle eloquence.
There are many short, as well as longer, chapters in the book, in which Estes vividly details, in her unique, lyrical style, the many facets of the Divine Mother. She writes at length about Our Lady of Guadalupe, and in one of the more touching chapters, "The Drunkard and the Lady", tells the story of a drunk with stone mason skills who helps her build a shrine to Guadalupe, under the title of "La Conquista" ("The Conquest"). Long before he had finished the shrine, the man had stopped drinking -- completely.
Another beautiful, yet poignant chapter, "Our Lady Behind the Wall", tells the story of the mural at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in North Denver. This mural, which depicts the Lady with the Indian saint, Juan Diego, has been hidden behind a wall for several years now.
Yet another chapter, "Massacre of the Dreamers: the Maiz Mother" ('maiz' means 'corn') tells the sad legend of the wholesale massacre of Moctezuma's dreamers, by Moctezuma himself, in a vain attempt to stop the prophetic dreams about the brutal colonization of the Americas. The Corn Mother was then known as "Xilonen".
There's also a chapter dedicated to the Black Madonna, as well as another on "The Marys of Mother Africa". In the chapter on the Black Madonna, she tells of how her Swabian grandmother, Katerin, rescued blackened pieces of wood that were left after fires burned down, calling them her Black Madonnas, because they had an uncanny resemblance to the overall shape of Our Lady. These she would plant in her vegetable and wheat fields, which would then flourish.
Perhaps the most difficult chapter for me to read was the one titled, "Post-Abortion Compassion: 'The Children She Got That She Did Not Get'". This line in the title comes from a Gwendolyn Brooks poem, "The Mother". Dr. Estes had a chance encounter with the poet, as she was flying to Chicago's O'Hare Airport once, and the two of them discussed the poem, in which Brooks regretfully alluded to her own abortions.
In another chapter, Estes relates the Good Friday ritual of "Pesame" ("I am sorry" is an approximate translation), in which a statue of the Madonna is brought down from an alcove in the church, and placed outside the altar rail, in the church's nave. The congregation then slowly comes forward, to either tenderly touch the statue, or to place a warm shawl over her head, or a cup of water at her feet. All the people come to the church in silence, and sit with her in silence, to console her for the death of her Son. I had never heard of such a ritual before; it's obviously part of Mexican Catholic spirituality. I found it very moving and beautiful.
Another chapter tells of the tradition of "La Posada" ("The Inn"), in which, every Christmas, a family portraying the Holy Family goes from house to house, being turned away, until at last they come to the designated house where they will be welcomed with open arms. Along the way, they sometimes meet up with folks who, moved with compassion, forget that they are supposed to turn away the travelers, and eagerly ask them to come in, to the amused consternation of the participants.
There are many stories throughout this book, which is a wonderful combination of things -- memoir, history, spirituality, philosophy, and poetry written by the author, which she weaves into several chapters. In a style that is unique, tender, and full of rich metaphors, Estes pulls the reader along, delving into the recesses of the heart and soul, as she touches the sacred and brings it to life, inspiring us to marvel, to ponder, to enter into the mystery ourselves.
Estes ties the story of the Great Mother with the stories of all those who suffer and struggle for justice -- from her own Mexican ancestors, to women in Africa still enduring abuse, to the Russians who finally were able to tear down the Berlin Wall, to those who were killed during the Holocaust. She tells these tales simply, with no vindictive rage, but with the firm stance of one who presents these horrors to the reader, one who serves as witness. And the Great Mother grieves....
Some readers might be put off by the fact that the book has a heavy Catholic influence, while more traditional Christians might object, as I do, to the idea of the Virgin Mary being divine. But then, the concept of the Divine Mother is something universal, something that speaks to a very deep yearning within the human heart, so I would say that everyone and anyone can read this book. There's something about the idea of God the Mother that is, quite simply, immensely appealing, in spite of its controversy. This book is sure to charm and ensnare the unsuspecting reader, whatever their views on the Divine Feminine. Totally fascinating in its grand scope, it's sure to become a spiritual classic!
The present book is a loving tribute to Mary, the mother of Jesus, but it goes beyond that, for Dr. Estes connects the Blessed Mother to the Divine Feminine. Thus, she is really the Great Mother Goddess, prevalent in all human cultures throughout the centuries, and known by many names.
It's really fascinating to see how much this love of God as Mother has come to the surface in recent years. Although I share the author's religion -- Catholicism -- I'm not completely comfortable with Estes's take on this, since the Virgin Mary has never been a goddess. She was born a human being, just like the rest of us, except that she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. Still, I can't help but be drawn to this book, because somehow, it speaks deeply to me. I suppose there's just something in the human soul that yearns for a mother's nurturing, fierce love. And that's just how Estes pictures Mary, and the Divine Mother -- as a fierce, yet tender warrior, always ready to protect her children.
At the beginning of each chapter, there are photographs of the author's own collage artwork, done in honor of Our Lady, and as a memento of prayers answered. The cover of the book depicts Our Lady of Guadalupe, done in the beautiful style of Mexican muralist George Yepes.
It was this beautiful cover that initially attracted me to this wonderful, profoundly spiritual, yet profoundly earthy, book. The woman on this cover is a tender, yet strong, warrior mother. She is of her people, a woman of great moral courage, of strength in the face of injustice. She has suffered, and triumphed. She is holy, and loving, and proud, and she will never be defeated, never be completely blotted from human history. The author emphasizes this point many times throughout the book.
It wasn't just the cover that attracted me, though; when I picked up the book, which I found in a Barnes & Noble store I visited recently, and opened it, the most delicious book smell wafted from its pages. I don't know what kind of paper has been used for this treasure, but it has certainly helped me love this book! From the moment I first saw it standing proudly on a bookshelf, I felt it calling to me. Grabbing it, I went straight to the snack section of the store, quickly found an empty table, and proceeded to get lost in the wonderfully-scented pages, that were filled with gentle eloquence.
There are many short, as well as longer, chapters in the book, in which Estes vividly details, in her unique, lyrical style, the many facets of the Divine Mother. She writes at length about Our Lady of Guadalupe, and in one of the more touching chapters, "The Drunkard and the Lady", tells the story of a drunk with stone mason skills who helps her build a shrine to Guadalupe, under the title of "La Conquista" ("The Conquest"). Long before he had finished the shrine, the man had stopped drinking -- completely.
Another beautiful, yet poignant chapter, "Our Lady Behind the Wall", tells the story of the mural at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in North Denver. This mural, which depicts the Lady with the Indian saint, Juan Diego, has been hidden behind a wall for several years now.
Yet another chapter, "Massacre of the Dreamers: the Maiz Mother" ('maiz' means 'corn') tells the sad legend of the wholesale massacre of Moctezuma's dreamers, by Moctezuma himself, in a vain attempt to stop the prophetic dreams about the brutal colonization of the Americas. The Corn Mother was then known as "Xilonen".
There's also a chapter dedicated to the Black Madonna, as well as another on "The Marys of Mother Africa". In the chapter on the Black Madonna, she tells of how her Swabian grandmother, Katerin, rescued blackened pieces of wood that were left after fires burned down, calling them her Black Madonnas, because they had an uncanny resemblance to the overall shape of Our Lady. These she would plant in her vegetable and wheat fields, which would then flourish.
Perhaps the most difficult chapter for me to read was the one titled, "Post-Abortion Compassion: 'The Children She Got That She Did Not Get'". This line in the title comes from a Gwendolyn Brooks poem, "The Mother". Dr. Estes had a chance encounter with the poet, as she was flying to Chicago's O'Hare Airport once, and the two of them discussed the poem, in which Brooks regretfully alluded to her own abortions.
In another chapter, Estes relates the Good Friday ritual of "Pesame" ("I am sorry" is an approximate translation), in which a statue of the Madonna is brought down from an alcove in the church, and placed outside the altar rail, in the church's nave. The congregation then slowly comes forward, to either tenderly touch the statue, or to place a warm shawl over her head, or a cup of water at her feet. All the people come to the church in silence, and sit with her in silence, to console her for the death of her Son. I had never heard of such a ritual before; it's obviously part of Mexican Catholic spirituality. I found it very moving and beautiful.
Another chapter tells of the tradition of "La Posada" ("The Inn"), in which, every Christmas, a family portraying the Holy Family goes from house to house, being turned away, until at last they come to the designated house where they will be welcomed with open arms. Along the way, they sometimes meet up with folks who, moved with compassion, forget that they are supposed to turn away the travelers, and eagerly ask them to come in, to the amused consternation of the participants.
There are many stories throughout this book, which is a wonderful combination of things -- memoir, history, spirituality, philosophy, and poetry written by the author, which she weaves into several chapters. In a style that is unique, tender, and full of rich metaphors, Estes pulls the reader along, delving into the recesses of the heart and soul, as she touches the sacred and brings it to life, inspiring us to marvel, to ponder, to enter into the mystery ourselves.
Estes ties the story of the Great Mother with the stories of all those who suffer and struggle for justice -- from her own Mexican ancestors, to women in Africa still enduring abuse, to the Russians who finally were able to tear down the Berlin Wall, to those who were killed during the Holocaust. She tells these tales simply, with no vindictive rage, but with the firm stance of one who presents these horrors to the reader, one who serves as witness. And the Great Mother grieves....
Some readers might be put off by the fact that the book has a heavy Catholic influence, while more traditional Christians might object, as I do, to the idea of the Virgin Mary being divine. But then, the concept of the Divine Mother is something universal, something that speaks to a very deep yearning within the human heart, so I would say that everyone and anyone can read this book. There's something about the idea of God the Mother that is, quite simply, immensely appealing, in spite of its controversy. This book is sure to charm and ensnare the unsuspecting reader, whatever their views on the Divine Feminine. Totally fascinating in its grand scope, it's sure to become a spiritual classic!
October 24, 2012
I like the way that Our Lady of Guadalupe in general and Mary in particular as depicted in this book is both Strong and Feminine, not a meek and mild individual who fades into the background. She is our Mother and she cares about us deeply and is willing to fight for her children as any Mother would do. I believe this book finally does her justice. I first got this book from the Library and was surprised and delighted when I managed to buy a copy not long after i had finished reading it.
October 10, 2024
to była tak wspaniała lektura. lepiej być nie mogło. nawracająca, pozbawiająca wątpliwości, lecząca duszę, przywracająca duchowe człowieczeństwo. jestem tak wdzięczna za tą książkę, jestem bardzo głęboko poruszona i odmieniona. idealnie na nią trafiłam w momencie choroby, kiedy potrzebowałam wsparcia i sensu, i w momencie powrotu do wiary, kiedy wciąż miałam pewne wahania. teraz mam w sobie o wiele więcej spokoju, bo wiem, że zawsze mogę wrócić do tej książki, gdy będę potrzebowała wrócić do korzeni samej siebie. jestem pełniejszą kobietą teraz, fr.
November 28, 2012
The title indicates a promise which I personally find is not fulfilled. As a presentation of a female archetype, in the authors world, maybe the only female goddess image?, it is disappointingly anemic and dry. I get a picture of a meek, mild, loving mother figure- and I miss the complexity of a fully mature woman- which in my eyes embody both the meek, mild, loving mother, as well as the mother who with raging fire will fight to protect her self and the one she loves. A mother who teaches her children to stand up for themselves, to cut through bullshit, to fight when it is necessary. I would not find the strength to find my way trough the challenges in my life depending on this presented archetype- thank god I am reading this in retrospect. I also find it kind of boring how it goes on and on about the various ways people worship this archetype, and the various ways people see her personified literally. The book is way to long, is my opinion- and it was kind of hard to force my self to finish it. Truly disappointing as I loved "Women who run with wolves"
July 23, 2016
This was not my favorite book by CPE, but I did enjoy it immensely. I think the disconnect for me was in the overt emphasis on Our Lady, Mary the Mother of God. I have never felt much affinity or affiliation with the Virgin Mary, probably because I did not grow up in Catholic setting. I felt a much stronger connection with the Wild Woman archetype of Women Who Run with the Wolves. However, I could appreciate the archetypal associations between the Lady and the Divine Feminine. Clariss Pinkola Estés is a storyteller, cantadora and Jungian psychologist of the first order. I always enjoy her work.
March 15, 2012
I am surprised by the way this book easily helped me shift my paradigm towards understanding Mary as a fighter for the good of all as opposed to just an example to live up to. Had another eye opener about the hispanic perspective on Mary which is empowering to the individual. Images of statues and paintings of Mary were enlightening too. Found the image of Our Lady, Shirt of Arrows on page 67, moving. Absolute favorite part so far is the long chant she quotes, "Guadalupe is a Girl Gang Leader in Heaven", on page 40-44.
July 26, 2017
this book is really repetitive (and I'm only up to page 54). i get the main argument, and i like it and agree with it. I'm just not sure if i can read 310 more pages of it.
One of my favourite quotes (this whole book feels like a prayer and reverence)
"....
Holy Woman
who is unafraid
of any dark.
May all be given
The ways of seeing
That most benefit
The growth of
Rather than the restriction
of their souls."
One of my favourite quotes (this whole book feels like a prayer and reverence)
"....
Holy Woman
who is unafraid
of any dark.
May all be given
The ways of seeing
That most benefit
The growth of
Rather than the restriction
of their souls."
September 16, 2016
i enjoy her lyrical voice
this a celebration and finding of comfort in the vast love of the divine mother
the author's love is in a dualistic framework still
though the heart of the mother shines through her writing
i like how her stories are grounded culturally and historically (albeit sometimes an oversimplified history)
i would like to meet the author she sounds neat
this a celebration and finding of comfort in the vast love of the divine mother
the author's love is in a dualistic framework still
though the heart of the mother shines through her writing
i like how her stories are grounded culturally and historically (albeit sometimes an oversimplified history)
i would like to meet the author she sounds neat
April 1, 2016
Clarissa Pinkola Estes is my go to for introspection in what it means to navigate this world as a woman. I am now going to look into The Black Madonna more because of this book. The chapters discussing The Black Madonna are the ones that resonated with me most. I highly recommend any of Clarissa Pinkola Estes' works to uplift your soul <3
January 31, 2018
This book was so religious! Many times I was bored and skipped all the poems. However, some of the stories were quite interesting, as I didn't know so much about the sacral symbols and how they have evolved throughout lifetime in many cultures. The thing I loved the most was the passion of the author and her strong beliefs.
November 21, 2011
I love any book by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, and this was no exception. She discusses women's issues, and reminds us that Mother Mary is always with us in the most trying times of our lives. It was very inspirational, a little more religious than I like, but still a good and moving book.
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April 27, 2012Another great book from CPE about the Goddess Mary. I listened to it on CD while driving to Maryland and have several Mary experiences along the way. That's what happens when we tune into our own divine Self and intuitive knowing.
June 5, 2019
I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author who has a beautiful voice and was very intimate and conversational. I burst into tears halfway through the book. I related very strongly to her articulation of the Virgin Mary and the love shared between us.
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April 17, 2013I was intrigued by the title, but I just couldn't get into this. The writing style is unusual. I didn't finish it.
April 27, 2012
This book is the authors experience with Mother Mary throughout her life. It is so inspirational and insightful. Absolutely love this book.
May 21, 2017
Beskaitydama pagalvojau, kad knyga turėtų būti populiari tarp imigrantų - pirmiausia tų, kurie iš Meksikos, paskui ir visų kitų.
June 30, 2017
Skipped most of this, I simply got bored. I loved Women Who Run with the Wolves, but this didn't come anywhere close to that.
May 25, 2018
Excellent read. Read this on retreat a couple of years ago.
October 12, 2013
I don't know if it was my state of mind at the time, or if I've been spoiled by reading almost exclusively on my Kindle, but I could not get through the hardcover version of this book. A couple months ago, I got the CD version and have already listened to it twice. What a beautiful, beautiful, and inspiring book. I now have almost all of "Dr. E's" books as audio books, and love them all.
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September 2, 2024one of the only nonfiction books that has truly touched me, making me cry, in a very long time. there's so much heart, soul, and godliness in this book. reading about CP Estés's devotion and connection to Divine Mother, to God, is truly beautiful...this book (or any of CP Estés's work) feels like a breath of fresh air, a reminder that other gifted, self led, loving, deeply spiritual women exist now, and have existed throughout time. as someone who was raised Catholic, I also enjoyed reading about her relationship to Divine Mother, which exists in the context of her Catholicism.
the only time I felt hesitant and some disagreement was in her chapter on abortion... however, I felt that her perspectives could be incredibly helpful specifically for women who have had abortions who also feel a deep desire to be a mother, or who feel guilt about the abortion. for women who do not feel these things, however, I felt that many incorrect assumptions were made, and that it could be confusing and troubling for some. however, her perspective on abortion (which she discusses in length, tending to women who have had abortions, loving them, healing them, etc) clearly comes from her perspective as a woman who always felt a deep calling to motherhood, who never wanted an abortion, which is still an important perspective, and one I'm sure many women who have had abortions who feel these hurts can benefit from.
the only time I felt hesitant and some disagreement was in her chapter on abortion... however, I felt that her perspectives could be incredibly helpful specifically for women who have had abortions who also feel a deep desire to be a mother, or who feel guilt about the abortion. for women who do not feel these things, however, I felt that many incorrect assumptions were made, and that it could be confusing and troubling for some. however, her perspective on abortion (which she discusses in length, tending to women who have had abortions, loving them, healing them, etc) clearly comes from her perspective as a woman who always felt a deep calling to motherhood, who never wanted an abortion, which is still an important perspective, and one I'm sure many women who have had abortions who feel these hurts can benefit from.
October 8, 2020
This audiobook didn’t resonate with me.
It’s always nice and relaxing to hear this beautiful woman tell her stories.
This story is about love for her blessed mother.
It’s always nice and relaxing to hear this beautiful woman tell her stories.
This story is about love for her blessed mother.
August 14, 2023
Heart-opening.
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