Descent to the Goddess: A Way of Initiation for Women [Paperback]

Sylvia Brinton Perera (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Descent To The Goddess is a highly original and provocative book about women's freedom and the need for an inner, female authority in a masculine-oriented society. Combining ancient texts and modern dreams, Sylvia Perera presents a way of feminine initiation. As Inanna-Ishtar (Sumerian Goddess of Heaven and Earth) journeys into the underworld to Ershkigal, her dark "sister". and returns. So modern women must descend from their old role-determined behavior into the depths of their instinct and image patterns. to find anew the Great Goddess and restore her values to modern culture. Male readers will also be interested in Descent To The Goddess, both for its revelations of women's essential nature and for its implications in terms of their own inner journey. Descent To The Goddess is a highly recommended addition to Goddess Worship reference collections, metaphysical studies reading lists, and an impressive contribution to feminine psychology reading lists. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Inner City Books; First Edition edition (April 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0919123058
• ISBN-13: 978-0919123052
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Deep and True Feminine, September 4, 2001

By 

Nancy R. Fenn "The IntrovertZCoach" (San Diego) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Descent to the Goddess: A Way of Initiation for Women (Paperback)

As an astrologer, Jungian and VisionCoach, I often recommend this book to my clients as a healing journey. It is probably necessary to have a little Jungian and mythological background to enjoy this particular approach to the universal truth of the female. The style is elevated and uses language familiar to Jungian analysts.

You cannot imagine what you will find in this book, though -- it is so different from Women's Lib and and the generalized Greek and Roman myths, for example.

Perera discusses the bi-polar nature of women and mythically describes their arrival to Power and The Deep Feminine.

If you are serious about your path of development on the female side, I can't think of a more worthwhile book.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading for Therapists Treating Depression, October 20, 1999

By 

Rhonda M. Griffin (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Descent to the Goddess: A Way of Initiation for Women (Paperback)

As a therapist (16 yrs), I have been using the material in this book for reframing the experience of depression for my clients. The clients I have introduced this book to are now reframing their illness as an intiation into a greater understanding of their relation to self/soul. While at times dry for most laypeople, It has become a reference book for my practice.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal...A totally unique interpretation of Inanna's descent, December 4, 2006

By 

Goddessnadiya "goddessnadiya" (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Descent to the Goddess: A Way of Initiation for Women (Paperback)

If you choose any book on Inanna, or even on the Goddess- and there are many- this is the one to get. Absolutely one of the best books I have ever read on the Goddess Inanna. Truly inspiring. What is truly great about this book is the way the author weaves the of Inanna's descent in a way that makes the relevance to women's lives and psyche's today clear and poetic. the author carefully and skillfully describes how aspects of the goddess Inanna have been relegated to the Shadow "other" and how reclaiming her lessons women can intergrate and reclaim themselves. But this book goes beyond simple Jungian analysis. Perera carefully describes Inanna's descent and interprets it's beauty and wisdom. I have read many books on Inanna and the Sumerian pantheon. This book remains one of my favorites. I can't rave about this book enough. highly recomended for the astrologer wishing to learn more about the roots of Venus, Sumerian buff, Inanna fan, or current explorer of earth based/ goddess based faiths. this book has been the foundation to which I have chosen to explore and learn about Jungian theories. A totally unique interpretation. For any woman on an exploration into herself.