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The Archetypal Feminine in the Mystery Stream of Humanity

Towards a New Culture of the Family

Paperback
January 2011
9781906999179
More details
  • Publisher
    Temple Lodge Publishing
  • Published
    5th January 2011
  • ISBN 9781906999179
  • Language English
  • Pages 112 pp.
  • Size 5.2" x 8.2"
$20.00

In ancient times, people's experience of the divine was imbued with the feminine archetype. The world of spirit was seen to be populated by goddesses, and women were honored as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The later Greek and Roman civilizations, in contrast, were characterized by the principle of patriarchy, which still dominates our culture—despite the political and social emancipation of women in the West.

This unique book goes way beyond the usual studies on gender. The authors maintain that, during ancient times, people experienced the divine as imbued with the archetypal feminine.

The world of spirit was seen populated by goddesses, and this perception was reflected by honoring women as priestesses and guardians of sacred rites. The Greeks and Romans, on the other hand, were led largely by the principle of patriarchy. More recently, however, we have seen the political and social emancipation of women, but patriarchal thinking continues to dominate our Western culture.

The Authors' survey of the feminine archetype attempts to illuminate the spiritual significance and meaning of the feminine principle today as well as its future destiny. By considering the mystery behind human and earthly evolution, they arrive at clear and accessible perspectives that can help to transform human life today, especially the culture of family.

Beginning with Eve in tradition and legend, the authors comment on the Queen of Sheba, the image of the Virgin in esoteric Christianity, Isis-Sophia and the Great Mother, the birth of art from the primal feminine, and the importance of women for modern esotericism.

C O N T E N T S:

Foreword

1. Eve in Tradition and Legend
2. The Image of the Virgin in Esoteric Christianity
3. The Birth of Art from the Primal source of the Feminine
4. Isis–Sophis and the Great Mother
5. The Importance of Women in Modern Esotericism
6. The Queen of Sheba

Manfred Schmidt-Brabant

Manfred Schmidt-Brabant was born in Berlin in 1926. In 1975 he became a member of the Executive Council of the General Anthroposophical Society at the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland, and served as Chair of the Council from 1984 until his death in 2001. His service during those years included leadership of the Social Science Section of the School of Spiritual Science, and he lectured around the world on many subjects. He was the author of several books that have been published in English.

Virginia Sease, PhD

Virginia Sease was born in Pennsylvania and earned her doctorate in German from the University of Southern California. She taught in a university and a waldorf school in Los Angeles and has been a member of the Executive Council of the Goetheanum since 1984. She directs the English language Anthroposophical Studies Program at the Goetheanum.