The divine feminine in ancient Europe : goddesses, sacred women, and the origins of western culture

This book is an exploration of the spiritual traditions of ancient Europe, focusing on the numinous presence of the divine feminine in Russia, Central Europe, France, Britain, Ireland and the northern regions. Drawing upon research in archaeology, history, sociology, anthropology and the study of religions to connect the reader with the myths and symbols of the European traditions, the book shows how the power of European goddesses and holy women evolved through the ages, adapting to climate change and social upheaval, but always reflecting the importance of living in an harmonious relationship with the environment and the spirit world. From the cave painting of southern France to ancient Irish tombs, from shamanic rituals to Arthurian legends, the divine feminine plays an essential role in understanding where we have come from and where we are going. Comparative examples from other native cultures, and quotes from spiritual leaders around the world, set European religions in context with other indigenous cultures. Sharon Paice MacLeod is a professional scholar, teacher and musician, and trained in Celtic Studies through Harvard University. She has taught at the university level, and published and presented academic work in North America and Europe. Her areas of expertise include Celtic and early European religious practices, indigenous studies, shamanism, and women's roles in Celtic and other northern European cultures. Preface: To Remember Is to Know PART I: ARCHAEOLOGY—SACRED STORIES FROM THE EARTH 1 Through the Past Darkly The Branch of Origins A Time of Transfiguration Art, Ritual and Religion 2 Sanctuaries of Consciousness Women of the Shadows Primordial Icons Anatomy of a Goddess The Divine Incarnate The Magic of Numinous Existence 3 Voices from the Forest Shaman, Serpent and Elk The Symbolic Language of a Changing Earth Ancient Climate Change 4 The Ancient Mothers of Europe The Code of Human Existence The Seven Mothers of Europe 1. Ursula 2. Xenia 3. Helena 4. Tara 5. Velda 6. Katrine 7. Jasmine Adam and Eve in Consensus The Gifts of the Primordial Tree 5 The Sickle and the Hearth From Forest to Field We Are Forever Changed The Ritual Landscape The Re-Emergence of the Divine Feminine Goddess, Magician and Ancestor The Seeds of Change PART II: ANTHROPOLOGY—TRANSFORMING DIVINE WISDOM 6 The Power of the Inner World The Art of the Spirit World Talismans and Entheogens The Dark Goddess of the Tombs 7 The Vessel and the Sword Circles of the Sun Theology, Music and Ritual The Cauldron and the Sword Dancers, Birds and Sword-Bearers The Spiritual Ancestors of Europe 8 Priestess, Goddess and Warrior Woman Kindred Tribes and Milk of Mares Animals, Griffins and the Antlered God Magicians, Gold and Goddesses The Amazons of Ancient Europe Priestesses of the Ancient Plains PART III: MYTHOLOGY—THE SPIRITUAL ORIGINS OF EUROPE 9 The Cauldron of Immortality A People of Skill Poets, Heroines and Warrior Queens Druidess, Seer and Priestess Goddess of the Grove The Goddesses of Ireland 10 The Tribes of the Goddess The Intertwining Tree of Faith The Ancient Tribes of Europe Earth Mother and Boar Goddess Snake Worshippers and Sun Goddesses 11 The Once and Future Goddess The Wisdom of the Past The Roots of Ancient Legend The Abducted Goddess The Dragon and the Star The Lady of the Sword The Goddess of the Grail The Mysteries of Avalon 12 She Who Dwells Within Us The Wisdom of the Elders Remembering the Wisdom We Once Knew Chapter Notes Bibliography Recommended Reading List of Names and Terms This book is an exploration of the spiritual traditions of ancient Europe, focusing on the numinous presence of the divine feminine in Russia, Central Europe, France, Britain, Ireland and the northern regions. Drawing upon research in archaeology, history, sociology, anthropology and the study of religions to connect the reader with the myths and symbols of the European traditions, the book shows how the power of European goddesses and holy women evolved through the ages, adapting to climate change and social upheaval, but continually reflecting the importance of living in an harmonious relationship with the environment and the spirit world. From the cave painting of southern France to ancient Irish tombs, from shamanic rituals to Arthurian legends, the divine feminine plays an essential role in understanding where we have come from and where we are going. Comparative examples from other native cultures, and quotes from spiritual leaders around the world, set European religions in context with other indigenous cultures.