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70th out of 442 books
—
456 voters
Goddesses in Everywoman: Powerful Archetypes in Women's Lives
A classic work of female psychology that uses seven archetypcal goddesses as a way of describing behavior patterns and personality traits is being introduced to the next generation of readers with a new introduction by the author.
Psychoanalyst Jean Bolen's career soared in the early 1980s when Goddesses in Everywoman was published. Thousands of women readers became fascin...more
Psychoanalyst Jean Bolen's career soared in the early 1980s when Goddesses in Everywoman was published. Thousands of women readers became fascin...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
March 2nd 2004
by William Morrow Paperbacks
(first published May 1st 1984)
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My students may not be surprised but educators probably would be to see this book on my education shelf. I've used this book when guiding women (younger and older) as they've struggled with their personal, social, and cultural identities. Archetypes of the goddess are helpful as guides to defining ourselves, our paths, and our place within our communities.
7 likes · like · see review
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Jan 31, 2009
Salma
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
All women (and men who REALLY want to understand women)
Shelves:
mythology-religion,
favorites
I read this book at a point where I was clueless about my life, and Dr. Bolen helped me get back on track. This book may be one of the first of its kind ever written- blending Greek mythology with modern psychoanalysis.
According to Bolen, the stories behind these goddesses(which she recaps in the book) have seeped into the collective unconscious and mold women's personalities from birth. She's separated them into three groups- 'virgin goddesses' (representing the independent, self-sufficient qu...more
According to Bolen, the stories behind these goddesses(which she recaps in the book) have seeped into the collective unconscious and mold women's personalities from birth. She's separated them into three groups- 'virgin goddesses' (representing the independent, self-sufficient qu...more
4 likes · like · see review
Every woman who has ever had any interest in psychology or mythology must read this book. It is excellent! Bolen unlocks the secrets behind the Greek myths and shows us that those goddesses are alive within each of us. And she does it in a way that is useful and insightful.[return][return]The foundation of the book is that mythology, in all its manifestations, is a representation of universal truth. Commonalities across cultures that had no interaction show that they come from a place that is co...more
For as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to systems that purport to map out the human psyche and to label types of personality to be found, hoping that I might synthesize their various wisdoms into an ever more precise mirror in which to see and know myself. Goddesses in Everywoman by Jean Shinoda Bolen is a remarkable addition to that mirror-synthesizing process. Bolen bases her system on a creative blending of Greek mythology and the notion of Jungian archetypes. In her telling, archety...more
I've enjoyed reading this book. Bolen's use of the Greek goddesses as archetypes to show the different temperments and stages within a woman's life is excellent. Bolen discusses the changes of the archetypes throughout a woman's life as she matures and provides direction for the acceptance of the changes in the archetypes. I was unaware of the different characteristics of the different Greek goddesses until I read this book and the explanations of the archetypes. What was most important to me th...more
Aug 02, 2011
Lynn
added it
I am an Artemis type, with strong Athena, Demeter, Hera qualities. I also have some Persephone traits as well as Aphrodite...but not as much. Artemis is strong, independent, nature-oriented, and has vitality. Athena is knowledge, creativity, fierce, and strong. They are focused and driven, intent on their goals, wants and needs. Hera is the wife, the patroness of relationships and marriage. Demeter is the eternal mother, and Persephone is her daughter. These three are more geared toward relation...more
I read this book as a senior in college, and more than twenty years later I still come back to its wisdom and insights.
Bolen, a Jungian psychologist, uses seven Greek goddesses as archetypal templates to help women -- and men -- understand some of the powerful psychological patterns that operate in women's lives. She divides them into three categories: the vulnerable (Hera, Demeter, Persephone) who are defined by their relationships; the virgin (Hestia, Athena, Artemis) who are not defined by th...more
Bolen, a Jungian psychologist, uses seven Greek goddesses as archetypal templates to help women -- and men -- understand some of the powerful psychological patterns that operate in women's lives. She divides them into three categories: the vulnerable (Hera, Demeter, Persephone) who are defined by their relationships; the virgin (Hestia, Athena, Artemis) who are not defined by th...more
So I guess it turns out I've been reading one self-help book a year right around New Years Time for the past few years. I have lucked out in that each of them have had some helpful insights to offer. 2010 it was "Radical Self Acceptance," 2011 it was "The Dance of Anger," and this year it was" Goddesses in Everywoman" which my sister gave me for my birthday. The book was written by a feminist Jungian analyst, who uses the Greek Goddesses as archetypes active in women's lives: the "virgin" goddes...more
May 17, 2009
Olga
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
those interested in Greek mythology and are inclined to psychological analysis
Recommended to Olga by:
a cover jumped at me in the store
This book's subject is the intersection of ancient Greek polytheistic mythology and Jungian psychology. I don't mind Jungian psychology too much, even though I disagree with some of the major postulates. However, over the years I found a way for it to still work for me, as I see some importance even in the concepts I don't take on (i.e., collective unconscious). And as someone who grew up with Greek gods and goddesses being as much of childhood friends as fairy tales heroes, I was delighted to d...more
I have benefited from every book by Jean Shinoda Bolen. Put her on your list if you haven't already discovered her!!!
Archetypes are a powerful tool for self-knowledge because they tap into the universal collective language we all share. Learning to become more aware of your own archetypes can help you see yourself, the bigger picture and is a good place to start creating solutions for yourself and others. Finding out which Goddess sits at the head of your table is also a very good way to balance your own personality so you are able to find a voice for lesser known parts (Goddesses) of your inner self. I high r...more
I'm pretty sure I got to see Jean Shinoda Bolen talk at a church in the Columbus area in 1985ish. She was pretty and great and there were only maybe 50 in the audience. What an opportunity.
She writes about archetypes before I think Caroline Myss wrote about them. Very readable, yet intelligent. I could understand what she was saying. Very much influenced me.
This is sort of like in the summer of 1979 I think I saw U2 open for the band Renaissance in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia. I can't prove it....more
She writes about archetypes before I think Caroline Myss wrote about them. Very readable, yet intelligent. I could understand what she was saying. Very much influenced me.
This is sort of like in the summer of 1979 I think I saw U2 open for the band Renaissance in Fairmont Park, Philadelphia. I can't prove it....more
E' un libro che mi ha dato molti spunti di riflessione. Le dee dentro la donna. Per par condicio sappiate che esiste una sorta di corrispondente maschile che è L’eroe dentro di noi di Carol S. Pearson. Ma è della dea che voglio raccontare, per scoprire come attraverso delle figure mitologiche si possa meditare sui nostri comportamenti, sull’interiorità, sui gesti consci e insconsci; senza pretesa di psicanalizzarci troppo. Come fosse un libro leggero da sfogliare, guardando delle raffigurazioni...more
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be my dad's daughter. He worked long hours and when he came home, he usually shut down. I wanted him to be my daddy so bad, but whenever I clung onto him, he would look at me like I was some strange creature who had wandered into his house. My mother told me once that I asked her if I even had a dad, he was gone so much. But one day, my sister got an erector kit for Christmas and she didn't want it.
My poor dad, trying to keep us girls interested in engineeri...more
My poor dad, trying to keep us girls interested in engineeri...more
This book, as much as I read, read like a combination of a Cosmo quiz and a self-help book for women 30 years ago. Admittedly, I have not kept up with theories on Carl Jung's archetypes, and this book made me glad about that. As I began the preface, my mind continued to leap forward thing.. am I artsy Athena, homemaker Hestia, or, like most of my results for those awful quizzes, the dreadful middle of the road?? Essentially, Bolen's aim is meant to be supportive, I think. Unfortunately her theor...more
This book has been around a long time. Unfortunately, I just read it. I would have fared better in life and my own psychology had a read it some time ago. The book is less technical and academic than The Goddess Within by Jennifer Barker Woolger and Roger Woolger (which is also an excellent, insightful book).
In The Goddesses in Everywomen, I found several archetype female characters with habits ringing true with mine. I was amazed at how much I connected with a couple of ancient greek goddess a...more
In The Goddesses in Everywomen, I found several archetype female characters with habits ringing true with mine. I was amazed at how much I connected with a couple of ancient greek goddess a...more
May 17, 2008
planetkimi
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
those interested in Jungian psychology & women's psychology
Shelves:
non-fiction,
psychology
Goddesses in Every Woman offers an intriguing way to think about one's personality - by relating to one or more of seven Greco-Roman goddesses.
In the course of the book, Bolen examines the central myths of Artemis, Athena, Hestia, Hera, Demeter, Persephone, and Aphrodite. She talks about their goals and motivations, then relates these to ways that modern women may manifest similar behavioral patterns. She explains common traps that each of the goddess types can become ensnared in, and recommend...more
In the course of the book, Bolen examines the central myths of Artemis, Athena, Hestia, Hera, Demeter, Persephone, and Aphrodite. She talks about their goals and motivations, then relates these to ways that modern women may manifest similar behavioral patterns. She explains common traps that each of the goddess types can become ensnared in, and recommend...more
I read this book shortly after it came out in paperback after it was recommended by an acquaintance. I was and still am very interested in archetypes, and appreciate the authors Jungian background. While I recall struggling to pinpoint myself as one goddess or another - a product of my youthfulness - I enjoyed the insight it provided into the people with whom I worked. It may be an interesting business/leadership re-read.
This book blends Greek mythology with feminist-y Jungian psychology--awesome, right? I loved it. Not only has it helped me to identify patterns and tendencies in myself (and my daughter), but it is also helping me to be more patient with other women by understanding the archetypes that are at work in them.
In case you're wondering, I was an Athena child, and I'm now an Artemis--with heavy influence from Demeter at this time in my life :)
In case you're wondering, I was an Athena child, and I'm now an Artemis--with heavy influence from Demeter at this time in my life :)
There are a lot of thorough reviews so I won't add much. I don't know much about Jungian psychology, but I thought it was a decent read with some interesting analogies of archetypal behavior demonstrated comparatively in classical mythology and "modern" women. I quote "modern" because the book, originally written 25 years ago, does show its age in some areas (in my viewpoint) that for all types, even the so-called virginal goddesses, a lot of time is spent explaining how women relate to their hu...more
Jan 14, 2008
Nathan
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People interested in archetypal/mythological psychology -- but only barely
Shelves:
mythology,
psychology
I liked Boden's "Gods In Everyman" so much, I grabbed this one as soon as I saw it in the local used bookstore. However, after just a partial reading, I found myself disappointed. It's not bad, it's just not that good, and somehow doesn't live up to the solid mythological archetypes of its predecessor. The analogies seem forced and lacking insight, the archetypes are more shallow than the ones with the gods and leave many empty spaces, many personality types uncovered. I suppose this could be co...more
can someone please explain to me the plot of the book and perhaps 6 or 7 quotes to demonstrate why you think so highly of the book and why would you choose those quotes and please give me the page numbers for the quotes as well.
im really interested in reading this book and hope someone can help me out with the info i asked for
im really interested in reading this book and hope someone can help me out with the info i asked for
For any writer, perspiring writer, or anyone who has to deal with a woman at all - I highly recommend this text. Dr. Bolen presents a framework for understanding personality types that is both accessible and highly applicable. Her writing style is open and clear with examples from her own Jungian clinical practice and her own life. I have her companion book Gods in Everyman to read next. I cannot wait so to do.
Stephanie Jarkins
www dot gothmomz dot com
@skjarkins
Stephanie Jarkins
www dot gothmomz dot com
@skjarkins
A very sweet for-mainstream-understanding book that gently lowers you into the many layered creature that is the human female.
I personally favor more forceful fare normally, but I can see the importance for women just coming out of their shell, or simply anyone unfamiliar with the concepts presented.
I personally favor more forceful fare normally, but I can see the importance for women just coming out of their shell, or simply anyone unfamiliar with the concepts presented.
Goddesses in Everywoman is Bolen's groundbreaking work in which she assigns GReek goddesses to different aspects of the feminine psyche. For example, Aphrodite is identified as the part of the personality which is focused on romantic love. This book was influential in helping me establish my thesis topic.
To understand a woman is to realize there are more than one aspect of her. A book that helps.
Para comprender a una mejor hay que darnos cuenta de que existen más de un aspecto que conocer. Un libro que ayuda.
Para comprender a una mejor hay que darnos cuenta de que existen más de un aspecto que conocer. Un libro que ayuda.
This is a fascinating read that I couldn't put down. After reading this book, I understood myself and others in a whole new light. By understanding the archetypal personalities that all of us are made up of (usually a blend of more than one) we can learn to accept oursleves for who we are, and also identify problem areas and the best way to remedy them so that a problem no longer exists. I highly recommend this book- you will better be able to love and understand yourself, your mother, sisters,...more
Bolen descriptions of the archetypes will bring you to another level of appreciation for women. Very empowering to seek out your inner goddess and recognize them in each female you meet.
At first caught my attention to know what goddess fitted in. But then it was like reading the horoscope or a test about your personality. But what for? I Never finished the book.
I was offered a lot of clarity from this book both about myself and my relationships, past and present. For myself, "Gods in Everyman" is an invaluable resource. So much so, that I recently used it in a class presentation in a "Masculinities & Manhood" course, to set a framework for patriarchy and capitalism.
If I could have wished for anything more, it would have been to expand the gods covered in the book to include archetypes both pre-patriarchy and the archetypes of gods/demigods who cha...more
If I could have wished for anything more, it would have been to expand the gods covered in the book to include archetypes both pre-patriarchy and the archetypes of gods/demigods who cha...more
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Jean Shinoda Bolen, M. D. is a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of the Institute for Health and Healing’s "Pioneers in Art, Science, and the Soul of Healing Award". She is a former board member of the Ms. Foundation for Women.
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“Moisture and greeness have to do with innocence, love, heart, feelings and tears. All of the [fluids] in our body become moist when we are moved-we cry, we lubricate, we bleed, all of the numinous experiences of our bodies have to do with moisture. And it's moisture that brings life to this planet, that is the cure for the desert experience and the cure for aridness.”
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11 people liked it
“O pilar e o anel em forma de círculo representam os princípios masculino e feminino. Na Grécia antiga o pilar era o "hérnia" que ficava do lado de fora da casa representando Hermes, enquanto a lareira redonda no interior simbolizava Héstia. Na índia e em outras partes do leste, o pilar e o círculo ficam "copulados". O lingam, ou símbolo fálico, penetra o yoni ou anel feminino, o qual se estende sobre ele como num jogo infantil de arremesso de argolas. Lá o pilar e o círculo juntavam-se, enquanto os gregos e os romanos conservavam esses mesmos dois símbolos de Hermes e Héstia relacionados, mas à parte. Para enfatizar mais essa separação, Héstia é uma deusa virgem que nunca será penetrada, como também a mais velha deusa olímpica. Ela é tia solteirona de Hermes considerado como o mais jovem deus olímpico - uma união altamente improvável.
Desde os tempos gregos as culturas ocidentais têm enfatizado a dualidade, uma divisão ou diferenciação entre masculino e feminino, mente e corpo, logos e eros, ativo e receptivo, que depois se tornaram valores superiores e inferiores, respectivamente. Quando Héstia e Hermes eram ambos honrados nos lares e templos, os valores femininos de Héstia eram os mais importantes, e ela recebia as mais altas honras. Na época havia uma dualidade complementar. Héstia desde então foi desvalorizada e esquecida. Seus fogos sagrados não são mais cuidados e o que ela representa não é mais honrado.
Quando os valores femininos de Héstia são esquecidos e desonrados, a importância do santuário interior, interiorização para encontrar significado e paz, e da família como santuário e fonte de calor ficam diminuídos ou são perdidos. Além disso, o sentimento de uma ligação básica com os outros desaparece, como desaparece também a necessidade dos cidadãos de uma cidade, país ou da terra se ligarem por um elo espiritual comum.
Num nível místico, os arquétipos de Héstia e de Hermes se relacionam através da imagem do fogo sagrado no centro. Hermes-Mercúrio era o espírito alquímico Mercúrio, imaginado como fogo elementar. Tal fogo era considerado a fonte do conhecimento místico, simbolicamente localizado no centro da Terra.
Héstia e Hermes representam idéias arquetípicas do espírito e da alma. Hermes é o espírito que põe fogo na alma. Nesse contexto, Hermes é como o vento que sopra a brasa no centro da lareira, fazendo-a acender-se. Do mesmo modo, as idéias podem excitar sentimentos profundos, ou as palavras podem tornar consciente o que foi inarticuladamente conhecido e iluminado o que foi obscuramente percebido.”
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1 person liked it
More quotes…
Desde os tempos gregos as culturas ocidentais têm enfatizado a dualidade, uma divisão ou diferenciação entre masculino e feminino, mente e corpo, logos e eros, ativo e receptivo, que depois se tornaram valores superiores e inferiores, respectivamente. Quando Héstia e Hermes eram ambos honrados nos lares e templos, os valores femininos de Héstia eram os mais importantes, e ela recebia as mais altas honras. Na época havia uma dualidade complementar. Héstia desde então foi desvalorizada e esquecida. Seus fogos sagrados não são mais cuidados e o que ela representa não é mais honrado.
Quando os valores femininos de Héstia são esquecidos e desonrados, a importância do santuário interior, interiorização para encontrar significado e paz, e da família como santuário e fonte de calor ficam diminuídos ou são perdidos. Além disso, o sentimento de uma ligação básica com os outros desaparece, como desaparece também a necessidade dos cidadãos de uma cidade, país ou da terra se ligarem por um elo espiritual comum.
Num nível místico, os arquétipos de Héstia e de Hermes se relacionam através da imagem do fogo sagrado no centro. Hermes-Mercúrio era o espírito alquímico Mercúrio, imaginado como fogo elementar. Tal fogo era considerado a fonte do conhecimento místico, simbolicamente localizado no centro da Terra.
Héstia e Hermes representam idéias arquetípicas do espírito e da alma. Hermes é o espírito que põe fogo na alma. Nesse contexto, Hermes é como o vento que sopra a brasa no centro da lareira, fazendo-a acender-se. Do mesmo modo, as idéias podem excitar sentimentos profundos, ou as palavras podem tornar consciente o que foi inarticuladamente conhecido e iluminado o que foi obscuramente percebido.”
