The Queen of My Self: Stepping Into Sovereignty in Midlife [Paperback]

Donna Henes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 30, 2004

From one of the leading spiritual practitioners writing and working today, a landmark book that celebrates a new mythic model for the middle years of a woman's life - —the Queen!

Millions of women are now entering or in the midst of midlife. With unprecedented freedom, education, longevity, and wealth, they hold positions of unheard of responsibility and stature. No longer Maidens, nor Mothers, and not yet old Crones, the question arises: Where do these dynamic, accomplished middle-aged women fit into the traditional description of the three stages of womanhood? In The Queen of My Self, Donna Henes proposes a completely original paradigm that of the midlife Queen, a woman in her prime who has achieved wisdom, mastery, and self-esteem - that reflects more accurately the realities and needs of women today. Henes draws on history, mythology, and literature, her own life experience, as well as stories from women in many different societies, situations and stations to provide upbeat, practical, and ceremonial inspiration for all women who want to enjoy the fruits of an influential, passionate, and powerful maturity.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Finally, an archetype of midlife power and maturity that I can relate to - the Queen!" -- Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause

"For those intrepid ones among us who intend to take ownership of our lives, this book is our revolutionary manifesto." -- Vicki Noble, co-creator of Motherpeace Tarot and author of Shakti Woman and The Double Goddess

"Insightful, funny, a treasure, from one of the best 'goddess gals' around." --Olympia Dukakis

About the Author

Donna Henes is an internationally recognized urban shaman, writer and artist whose joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than one hundred cities for thirty years. She is also the author of The Moon Watcher's Companion, Celestially Auspicious Occasions: Seasons, Cycles, and Celebrations, and Dressing Our Wounds In Warm Clothes, as well as the CD, Reverence To Her: Mythology, the Matriarchy, & Me. In addition to teaching and lecturing worldwide, Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, publishes an acclaimed quarterly journal, Always In Season: Living in Sync with the Cycles, and maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy where she works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Monarch Press; 1st edition (November 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975890603
• ISBN-13: 978-0975890608
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #540,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

'Unofficial Commissioner of Public Spirit of NYC.' - The New Yorker
'For 35 years Ms. Henes has been putting city folk in touch with Mother Earth.' - New York Times
'Part performance artist, part witch, part social director for planet earth.' - The Village Voice
'A-List exorcist!' - NY Post
'The Original crystal-packing mama.' - NY Press
'Insightful, funny, a treasure. One of the best 'goddess gals' around.' - Olympia Dukakis

Donna Henes is an internationally renowned urban shaman, ritual expert, award-winning author, popular speaker and workshop leader whose joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than 100 cities since 1972. She has published four books, a CD, an acclaimed Ezine and writes for The Huffington Post, Beliefnet and UPI Religion and Spirituality Forum, and serves as a ritual consultant for the television and film industry. Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy in Exotic Brooklyn, NY where she works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion.

www.DonnaHenes.net
www.TheQueenOfMySelf.com
www.mamadonnasspiritshop.com
www.treeoflifefunerals.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Henes

Watch her videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MamaDonnaHenes

Read her on the Huffington Post:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-henes/

Connect with her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/MamaDonnaHenes
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Queen-of-My-Self/298671597047?ref=ts

Follow her on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/queenmamadonna
https://twitter.com/thequeenbook

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Take the crown - you deserve it! August 6, 2005

By Joni Golden

Format:Paperback

Maiden. Mother. Crone.

For centuries, women fell into three, well-defined categories, following the hormonal curve from first menses through menopause and straight on 'til death.

Times have changed, and our need to redefine womanhood seems to be following. No longer do post-menopausal women instantly enter 'cronehood' with its stooped and wizened imagery.

In fact, enlightened and powerful women in mid-years often begin new lives with a sense of freedom, following changes in family and lifestyle.

They become, author Donna Henes says, The Queen of My Self.

Subtitled Stepping into Sovereignty of Midlife, this 2005 release begins by delicately weaving a convincing fabric of wisdom and logic, describing the ancient archetypes and why they no longer apply. Everything here we already know to be true, whether we are Queens or members of her court.

A noted urban shaman and ceremonialist, Henes presents evidence showing the sacred nature of the number four, and how it relates to aspects of Queen: Consolation - caring for yourself, Contemplation - noting the process, Seclusion - being alone with your feelings and Creation - harnessing the power inside.

Embedded in the advice about each stage is the central message of Henes' work: That women must honor this sacred time of our lives in a way women before us could not.

The Queen of My Self is an entertaining and inspirational read, thanks to Henes' engaging voice and soft humor. And most women approaching their mid-life years should find themselves in its pages.

You may already be implementing Henes' suggestions and ideas, without having a hook to hang them on. You may be unaware, locked into traditional archetypes and afraid of what you imagine your future will be.

The Queen of My Self will touch you, either way.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-read Guide to Midlife March 17, 2005

By Renee G.

Format:Paperback

This book made me excited about turning 50! Great inspirational advice, interesting historical perspective, and a lot of practical suggestions for stepping into your full power in the prime of your life. Henes writes in a down-to-earth voice, with a sense of humor. Nothing stuffy or "head in the clouds" about this book. If you take it to heart, and do some of the activities on the "Queen Pages", you will feel like you are well on your way to becoming your best self!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Put on your crown February 8, 2007

By Lynn C. Tolson

Format:Paperback

Donna Henes states that she has thirty years experience as an "urban shaman and contemporary ceremonialist." She says that she was a "proud member of the pioneering Sixties Generation." When she found herself lacking in role models to mentor her through middle age, Henes chose to use her own leadership abilities. She developed "The Queen" image for herself and her cohorts. In doing so, she created not only a royal attitude, but also a lifestyle guide. Henes has established an enriching experiential "how-to" for stepping into middle age with aplomb.
Henes uses the classic "Queen" as a continuous theme throughout the book. Each of the eight chapters has a heading befitting the regal premise, plus a sub-heading of real world methods toward fulfillment. For example, Chapter 5 is titled "The Queen and I" with a sub-title of "Embracing Her Majesty." The readers are encouraged to "design our own roles and ideals, compose the scripts, and author the sagas of our own futures." The author presents personal experience and case studies of women who have successfully reinvented themselves in middle age; readers can easily relate to these examples.
Each chapter offers multiple suggestions to help readers identify their own wishes and wants. The author has a way-with-words in taking a topic to the top with lists, affirmations, alliteration, quotes, clues, metaphors, similes and analogies. If one style of story telling is not suitable for a specific reader, another style for the same subject is sure to meet the reader's needs. Henes even uses her own poetry to get the point of self-improvement across to the reader. The result is a book that is well-crafted, engaging, and entertaining.
Henes also gives the readers practical applications within the context of The Queen. With all that the author offers, Queen of My Self is a gift that keeps on giving. Ladies, put on your gem-studded tiaras! You are in for a great read from a thoughtful and thought-provoking author who is for and about a well-lived middle-aged life.
review by Lynn C. Tolson