Voices of the Sacred Feminine

This wide-ranging book derives its 40 chapters mainly from a radio series of the same name with four main parts addressing deity, archetype and ideal, ritual and healing, alternatives to patriarchy, and sacred activism. Some contributors are well known, and others less so, but the content forms a powerful message amounting to a new cultural agenda of rebalancing masculine and feminine and demanding a radical reshaping of education and culturally embedded roles. The editor argues that patriarchy is based on racism, sexism, environmental and cultural exploitation resulting in inequality, abuse and injustice. The necessary new education is unlikely to come from the system itself, but must draw on many of the insights and experiences contained in these inspiring interviews and articles. A number of mythological figures make an appearance, including the Egyptian Sekhmet, and there is a thoughtful reflection on the role and significance of Mary Magdalene. Ava explains the importance of the Queen archetype along with the maiden, mother and crone as an embodiment of empowerment as an architect of life. Among the more unusual but persuasive contributions is David Hillman on pubescent goddesses and sexual rituals. The last part on activism includes contributions from Charles Eisenstein and Matthew Fox where one can discern real change afoot, albeit initially at our cultural margins. The hope of the volume as a whole is to contribute towards the emergence of a new normal and every reader is sure to find elements that they can incorporate into their own lives.