Exploring Divine Femininity: Lessons from Ancient Goddess Myths

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Recommended: Portrayal of women in mythology

Many people have heard or read Greek and Roman goddess myths in literature classes or as part of modern fiction. Yet many of us are completely unaware of the thousands of goddess stories that have been told in cultures around the world from a few millennia ago to current day. These stories have persisted because they have important lessons about basic human needs and conditions. They also open our hearts to recognizing the importance of the divine feminine spirit in a world often dominated by masculine energy.

When I first began leading groups of women and girls to explore ancient feminine myths (so many moons ago!), I was amazed at the depth of meaning and value we found in these remarkable stories. Layer upon layer of understanding led to personal reflection and growth. Each girl and every woman connected with a different part of the story. Sometimes it was a particular character and other times the location …show more content…

Sometimes we must continue, knowing that "this too shall pass." Imanja, Brazilian goddess of the ocean is known as "she who endures," because she was brought from Africa with the slave trade and continued to guide her people as they struggled through hundreds of years of mistreatment.

#4 Goddess stories offer us great examples of a moral feminine code to live by. When Amaterasu is repeatedly disrespected by her brother Susanowo, instead of lashing out she retreats into a cave to get others to take action. In the end, Amaterasu, the Shinto Sun Goddess gets a lot of attention because the withdrawal of her beautiful light is sorely missed!

I have shared these stories with special needs girls, mothers and daughters, and women felons in the county jail. The meaning of the stories continues to stir long after the story has been told... So settle in... make yourself comfortable. And let me tell you a story!

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