Customer Reviews

Return of the Great Goddess

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I like to keep this book by my bedside and open it at random right before I go to sleep. I read the quote and look at the image, as my last thought of the day. I find the imagery powerful and empowering, and the quotes are insightful. This is not just a book for women, it is something that my husband also appreciates. This makes a great gift for special friends, and it is especially nice as a Mother's Day present.

This little book is a collection of images and words that expresses, in some special way, a connection between the Great Goddess Mother and those who seek Her out.

The editor herself is the founder of Hands of the Goddess Press, which published the calendars that this book mirrors. The layout of the book is similar: a page of text with an image opposite it. The copyright of this book is 1994, and it is published in Ireland.

So, looking at what the editor writes in the introduction, we hear a very feminist point of view, expressing delight at the return of the Goddess figure in our society and discussing the movement to restore Her to a place of respect. She discusses the Hindu tradition of Darshan, or the consideration of an image of the Divine as not so much a symbol but the real thing. This book is filled with images that are meant to be symbolic of the Divine Feminine, are to be considered the Mother Goddess Herself.

As you page through the book, you will see images in paint, statues, and photos of the feminine. Most of them lend themselves to the idea sought by the editor. There are a couple of photos of some women who have had an influence on our feminine culture.

As you leaf through the photos, you will see images of art that represent the Divine Mother, and they are for the most part well chosen and do inspire.

The other part to this is the text, which is a mix of quotes, passages, poems and moments of consideration of the expressions of various well known authors on the meaning of the Great Mother Goddess and the Divine Feminine. There are excerpts of stories, lovely thought concepts, ideas and poems to read, contemplate and meditate upon. Some of them are moving and some are surprising. Some might be considered a bit driven. But none of them are disrespectful, and there are many here to choose from.

I am not overly feministic, but often I find myself looking at the image of Woman, and how I am/we are reflections of the Goddess. This book offers some additional reflections, some new ideas and a focal point for that moment's reflection. A nice little addition to your meditative library. boudica

My husband presented this book to me as an anniversary gift, so I must credit him with awakening my own Goddess Within. I keep this book next to our bed and when I need stregnth I open it's pages and find exquisite artwork, inspiring prose, moving poetry. It never fails to lift me and it is my pleasure to have given at least a dozen copies of this book to others who might benefit from it's beauty and wisdom. Blessings to all...

This book was given to me as a gift. I haven't stopped reading since I first opened the cover. This collection of quotations, poetry, essays, etc. regarding female power and spirituality says all the right things and you don't shrink back at any of it. The artwork is pertinent and adds to the feeling engendered by the words. Any time you feel down or tiny, pick up this book and you will feel priveleged and powerful in no time. You owe yourself this book!

This book disappointed me because I thought I was buying a work describing modern practices and devotions to the Great Goddess, or at least modern mythology. Instead it is a collection of pics and facing pages of short, page length essays or poems or ditties. This isn't a deep book and is not academic or scholarly. A lay person wanting to find modern 'prayers' to the Goddess may enjoy this little book that could easily be read in 45 minutes.