The Great Goddess
Reverence of the Divine Feminine from the Paleolithic to the Present
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Inner Traditions Bear and Company
Published:1st Sep '99
Should be back in stock very soon
This book examines the enduring legacy of the Great Goddess, exploring her worship across various cultures and historical periods.
This insightful exploration delves into the enduring figure of the Great Goddess, examining her worship across various cultures and epochs. The book traces the roots of goddess veneration, highlighting myths, shrines, and sanctuaries that celebrate this profound symbol of creation. The Great Goddess embodies the essence of life, serving as a testament to the powerful feminine force that has shaped human spirituality throughout history.
The author, a distinguished historian specializing in pre-Christian societies, presents a comprehensive global listing of sites linked to goddess worship. From Native American traditions to the ancient civilizations of Egypt and India, the text reveals the diverse manifestations of the Goddess across cultures. Despite the challenges posed by patriarchal societies, which sought to diminish her significance, the book demonstrates that the worship of the Great Goddess has persisted, often in hidden forms.
Through a careful examination of various myths and historical contexts, The Great Goddess illustrates the resilience of this archetype. Even as her attributes were appropriated by male deities, the essence of the Goddess remained a vital source of spiritual devotion. The book ultimately affirms that the Great Goddess continues to inspire reverence and recognition, serving as a powerful reminder of the mysteries of creation and the enduring strength of the feminine divine.
"Markale provides a breathtakingly sweeping overview of the divine feminine. Written with fervor and panache, Markale's very readable book is an extraordinary and challenging treatment of the subject." * Booklist *
"He repeatedly compares the imagery of the Virgin Mary to the imagery of goddess worship as far back as we can trace Her. All in all, this is a good book. It has a great deal of interesting information about the history of Goddess imagery." * PagaNet News *
"In this comprehensive work, Markale traces beliefs and practices from ancient times to the present. For those who wish to learn more of the Great Goddess, reviled yet embraced by religions of the world, this book is a general overview offering excellent, readable information." * Glenda Martin, Crone Chronicles *
"This is an important book, adding well-researched and thoughtful information to the goddess literature. I recommend it." * Seacoast Spirit, March/April 2003 *
ISBN: 9780892817153
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 23mm
Weight: 485g
272 pages