Goddesses in Everywoman - 30th Edition by Jean Shinoda Bolen (Paperback)

About the Book

Jean Shinoda Bolen's celebrated work of female psychology that uses seven archetypical goddesses to describing behavior patterns and personality traits, as relevant and timeless today as when it was first published thirty years ago. Myths are fascinating stories that become even more intriguing when we realize that they can reveal intimate truths about ourselves and others. Jean Shinoda Bolen brings the Greek pantheon to life as our inner archetypes and applies the power of myth to our personal lives. Once we understand the natural progression from myth to archetype to personal psychology, and realize that positive gifts and negative tendencies are qualities associated with a particular goddess within, we gain powerful insights. Depending on which goddess is more active within, one woman might be more committed to achieving professional success, while another more fulfilled as a wife and mother. From the autonomous Artemis and the cool Athena to the nurturing Demeter and the creative Aphrodite, she teaches women how to decide which to cultivate and which to overcome, and how to tap the power of these enduring archetypes to become a better heroine in their own life story.

Book Synopsis

"A glorious book. Jean Shinoda Bolen's weaving of myth, science and keen observation makes this an outstanding contribution to the humanities." -- Rita Mae Brown

Jean Shinoda Bolen's celebrated work of female psychology that uses seven archetypical Greek goddesses to describing behavior patterns and personality traits, as relevant and timeless today as when it was first published thirty years ago.

Myths are fascinating stories that provide a framework for self-knowledge, becoming even more intriguing when we realize that they can reveal intimate truths about ourselves and others. Drawing on her experience as a Jungian analyst, Jean Shinoda Bolen brings the Greek pantheon to life as our inner archetypes and applies the power of myth to our personal lives. Once we understand the natural progression from myth to archetype to personal psychology, and realize that positive gifts and negative tendencies are qualities associated with a particular goddess within, we gain powerful insights.

Depending on which goddess is more active within, one woman might be more committed to achieving professional success, while another more fulfilled as a wife and mother. From the autonomous Artemis and the cool Athena to the nurturing Demeter and the creative Aphrodite, she teaches women how to decide which to cultivate and which to overcome, and how to tap the power of these enduring archetypes to become a better "heroine" in their own life story.

This landmark book provides the tools to understand your own inner landscape, offering profound insights into:

• The Seven Goddess Archetypes: Explore the virgin goddesses (Artemis, Athena, Hestia), the vulnerable goddesses (Hera, Demeter, Persephone), and the alchemical Aphrodite to learn which patterns govern your life.
• Jungian Psychology Made Clear: Grasp complex concepts like the collective unconscious through vivid mythological stories and relatable examples from Dr. Bolen's twenty years of clinical practice.
• A Feminist Perspective: Gain "binocular vision" by understanding how inner forces (archetypes) interact with outer cultural expectations (stereotypes) to shape a woman's experience.
• Pathways to Personal Growth: Each chapter offers practical "Ways to Grow," helping you cultivate underdeveloped aspects of your personality and move toward wholeness and conscious choice.

From the Back Cover

Myths are fascinating stories that become even more intriguing when we realize that they can reveal intimate truths about ourselves and others. Jean Shinoda Bolen brings the Greek pantheon to life as our inner archetypes and applies the power of myth to our personal lives. Once we understand the natural progression from myth to archetype to personal psychology, and realize that positive gifts and negative tendencies are qualities associated with a particular goddess within, we gain powerful insights.

Depending on which goddess is more active within, one woman might be more committed to achieving professional success, while another more fulfilled as a wife and mother. Bolen teaches women how to decide which qualities to cultivate and which to overcome, and how to tap the power of these enduring archetypes to become a better heroine in their own life stories.

Review Quotes

"A creative departure from Jungian orthodoxy. . . Bolen's book is interesting, even fascinating, and rings true psychologically." - Nashville Tennessean

"Every woman will find herself in one or more of the Greek heroines, and no woman . . . will find herself criticized. Goddesses in Everywoman supplies powerful concrete images that can be used effectively to produce self-understanding and change. Highly recommeneded." - ALA Booklist

"The highest value of Goddesses in Everywoman lies in the moments of recognition it provides. The author labels them as moments of "Aha!' that insightful second when we understand and internalize; when we recognize what we ourselves have experienced, feel trust because of that truth, and then are taken one step further to an understanding of 'Yes, that's why.'" - Gloria Steinem

"Dr. Bolen dreams big. . . hers is a strong voice as a leader in the women's empowerment movement." - Dallas Morning News

"A glorious book. Jean Shinoda Bolen's weaving of myth, science and keen observation makes this an outstanding contribution to the humanities." - Rita Mae Brown

"Every woman will find herself in one or more of the Greek heroines, and no woman . . . will find herself criticized. Goddesses in Everywoman supplies powerful concrete images that can be used effectively to produce self-understanding and change. Highly recommended." - Booklist