The Return of the Feminine and the World Soul [Paperback]

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

The feminine holds the mystery of creation. This simple and primordial truth is often overlooked, but at this time of global crisis, which also carries the seeds of a global transformation, we need to reawaken to the spiritual power and potential of the feminine. Feminine qualities belong to both men and women, and they draw us into the depths within us, into the mysteries of the soul whose wisdom is called Sophia. Without the feminine nothing new can be born, nothing new can come into existence—we will remain caught in the materialistic images of life that are polluting our planet and desecrating our souls. We need to return to the core of our being, to where the sacred comes into existence. And the mystical feminine holds the key to this work of redemption and transformation.

Over the past two decades Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee has given different teachings on the feminine and the anima mundi, the World Soul. They are compiled here for the first time.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A vital contribution to the Great Work of rescuing the human soul . . . Few are able to define and evoke the Feminine in the way that Vaughan-Lee does; Women and men alike will welcome and treasure this book."  —Anne Baring, coauthor, The Myth of the Goddess: Evolution of an Image

"A deeply thoughtful message (which) calls us all, each in our own way, to contemplate the Divine Feminine, to encounter the realm of Sophia, and thus discover the nature of our souls and Knowledge of the Truth that passes all understanding."  —Peter Reinhart, author, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice and Brother Juniper’s Bread Book

"Vaughan-Lee has listened deeply and transcribed for us so we can awaken to the true feminine, which so urgently needs to be understood and embodied at this time in human history."  —Lama Palden, sukhasiddhi foundation, www.sukhasiddhi.org

"Vaughan-Lee’s profound yet easily accessible exposition of the Divine Feminine will appeal to anyone who yearns for greater wholeness in life. A beautiful formula for the healing of a world which has developed masculine principle competency to the point of self extinction."  —Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, author, Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessings, clinical professor, UCSF school of medicine, and founder and director of the Institute for the Study of  Health and Illness at Commonweal

"This beautiful book celebrates our interconnectedness in Her eternal web of life."  —Meinrad Craighead, artist, scholar, and visionary

"Taps into what may be the most important message of our time—the need for the re-emergence of the feminine . . . a must read for all seeking to understand the global transformation now underway."  —Dena Merriam, founder and convener, Global Peace Initiative for Women, www.gpiw.org

"Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee presents us with a clear picture of the Feminine which is now essential to building a new vision and value for our dear planet Earth."  —Marion Woodman, PhD, Jungian analyst and author

"Everyone interested in exploring how we must now learn to live in our new world, a world in which we know that ‘everything is connected to everything else,’ will find something inspiring and productive in this book."  —Frederick Kirschenmann, distinguished fellow, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

About the Author

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee is a Sufi sheikh who has lectured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe and the author of more than 15 books, including Alchemy of Light and Spiritual Power. He lives in Inverness, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: The Golden Sufi Center (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890350141
• ISBN-13: 978-1890350147
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #32 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam > Sufism

More About the Author

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D., is a Sufi Teacher in the Naqshbandiyya-Mujadidiyya Sufi Order. Born in London in 1953, he has followed the Naqshbandi Sufi path since he was 19. In 1991 he moved to Northern California and became the successor of Irina Tweedie, author of "Chasm of Fire" and "Daughter of Fire." In recent years the focus of his writing and teaching has been on spiritual responsibility in our present time of transition, and the emerging global consciousness of oneness. He has also specialized in the area of dreamwork, integrating the ancient Sufi approach to dreams with the insights of modern psychology. Author of several books, Llewellyn lectures in the United States and Europe. For further information, please see: www.goldensufi.org and www.workingwithoneness.org.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable for women on a spiritual path November 17, 2009

By Michelle Moore

Format:Paperback

I found this book invaluable, because it spoke to my greatest frustrations as a woman seeking Truth. Vaughan-Lee uncovers differences between men and women on the spiritual path, untangling many of the experiences that can confuse and stifle a woman traveling a path designed by men and for men.

In this compilation of writings and talks, Vaughan-Lee honors feminine consciousness, prepares a space for this forgotten way of knowing, and makes it clear that women have an important role to play in awakening this consciousness. This book offers the tools and teachings needed to help women realize their potential and make a contribution during this time of change.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a pure, life-affirming joy December 6, 2009

By Alyssa B.

Format:Paperback

Underneath my busy modern life there is a constant pain. A vital part of my being is denigrated by the culture around me. Turning the pages of this book is a pure, life-affirming joy. I am a woman after all! I am made differently from men. And that very difference, the feminine in its physical and spiritual dimensions, is what is missing from our world and what is needed to make it whole.

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee eloquently articulates the present condition of the feminine principle. He describes Her imprisonment, Her anger and Her need to be acknowledged. He also sets forth an inspiring call to action. Women are asked to summon forgiveness and reclaim our primal power to wrench Her free from the dark.

The negative masculine, with its qualities of domination and control, has pillaged the Earth to the crisis point. Every woman is needed to reconnect to that part of herself that is one with the soul of the World. Vaughan-Lee explains that this will stimulate the Earth's own vital forces and initiate Her renewal. Conscious men are needed honor Her, to challenge the norms we have come to accept and protect the work that is being done. Conscious women are needed to do the work of transforming the World.

Read the book. Share it with friends and help unfold the revolution.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Truth Unveiled January 26, 2010

By Cygnus Deneb

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is one of the most extraordinary revelations of inspired truth and wisdom I have had the profound privilege to read in the past 20 years. In this work of grace and compassion, Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee helps the spiritual seeker to know in no uncertain terms, that we are brothers and sisters all, that it is possible to imagine the living reality of "On Earth As It Is In Heaven". In the text, there were many startling and synchronous reflections of wisdom that have also arisen from the Beloved within the ground of my own being. This joyous confirmation helps the seeker to know we are not alone, rather we are AL-ONE. There is the work of awakening to be done. Have you heard the call? Will you respond? Will you dare to embrace your own Shadow so that together, we may embrace the Shadow of the world? In this call to Life and Redemption, everyone and everything belongs. Let there be light as we embrace the darkness, Luciat!