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The Way of Woman: Awakening the Perennial Feminine
Why do so many women now feel so conflicted about their roles, so cut off from sources of spiritual nourishment in their lives? More importantly, what can they do about it? In The Way of Woman, Helen M. Luke has brought six decades of experience to bear in answering these two questions, drawing on a rich trove of feminine images and symbols from the Bible, mythology, folklore, Greek tragedies, and modern poetry to guide women on a path to the lasting personal fulfillment that can only come through understanding one's essential feminine nature.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1995
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712 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 25, 2014
This is another of those books that I acquired many years ago and am only now getting around to reading, and like others for me it was timed quite well without my intending it so. Having studied psychology and trying to be aware of how my own experiences have shaped me, owning the choices I have made in my life and all those I will make, I find that reading Luke's words helps me with that internal understanding. There were moments when I balked, but upon reflection I see her meaning.
I consider myself a feminist in that I do believe in the equal value of women and men in society, and that no one should be barred from opportunities based solely on gender. However, it has never sat well with me the negative connotations that label has accrued, which Luke talks of with candor and insight. I continue to wrestle with what it means for me to be a feminist, and Luke lays out quite well this struggle. Her words give me more to think about, which is the most profound thing any writer can do.
I consider myself a feminist in that I do believe in the equal value of women and men in society, and that no one should be barred from opportunities based solely on gender. However, it has never sat well with me the negative connotations that label has accrued, which Luke talks of with candor and insight. I continue to wrestle with what it means for me to be a feminist, and Luke lays out quite well this struggle. Her words give me more to think about, which is the most profound thing any writer can do.
January 2, 2016
I love reading so much. It's so hard not to buy every book I see! When I go to the used bookstore I often frequent, there are several books I want but I know I probably won't like. They are often on topics I'm interested in for whatever reason I don't think the author will handle them in a way I agree with. This was one of those books. But, on every birthday, I go to the store and splurge - so this year I bought this book! I finally read it.
I am not sure if this book is for me. I am not even sure where to start writing about it!
First, the text was very dry. It was difficult to stay invested - my mind often wondered while reading this. The major points she makes could be gleaned from two interviews with her that were previously published in magazines that are about 30 pages. While dry, the text was still thought provoking and perhaps worth a read.
Otherwise, it was not what I expected to be about (but can you fault a book for that?) This book takes a controversial stance on gender roles and feminism. It argues that feminism, in a way, has killed traditional female values. Women, while resenting men, also resent traditional feminine characteristics because they were forced on them in the past. Luke argues that women and men should have the same opportunities to do what they want in life - but that they should approach them differently, spiritually. (I.E., men having the need to individuate, women the need to relate.) This isn't new, other thinkers have definitely thought it before. But it is controversial and thought provoking. I'm not sure I agree, but it gave me a lot to think about. Luke applies this thinking by analyzing different stages of life, cultural symbols, and deities and characters from myths and books.
Apparently, this book is a selection of essays across Helen's career - this was the last book published after she died. I am not sure if they do this with all of her books, but it's clear some of the essays could be read in other publications of hers - so beware.
I am not sure if this book is for me. I am not even sure where to start writing about it!
First, the text was very dry. It was difficult to stay invested - my mind often wondered while reading this. The major points she makes could be gleaned from two interviews with her that were previously published in magazines that are about 30 pages. While dry, the text was still thought provoking and perhaps worth a read.
Otherwise, it was not what I expected to be about (but can you fault a book for that?) This book takes a controversial stance on gender roles and feminism. It argues that feminism, in a way, has killed traditional female values. Women, while resenting men, also resent traditional feminine characteristics because they were forced on them in the past. Luke argues that women and men should have the same opportunities to do what they want in life - but that they should approach them differently, spiritually. (I.E., men having the need to individuate, women the need to relate.) This isn't new, other thinkers have definitely thought it before. But it is controversial and thought provoking. I'm not sure I agree, but it gave me a lot to think about. Luke applies this thinking by analyzing different stages of life, cultural symbols, and deities and characters from myths and books.
Apparently, this book is a selection of essays across Helen's career - this was the last book published after she died. I am not sure if they do this with all of her books, but it's clear some of the essays could be read in other publications of hers - so beware.
June 14, 2017
Amazing collection of essays. Felt that she was deftly explaining many of the internal struggles of my own life. Every few paragraphs had something profound for me, and there are quite a few post it notes throughout. I will definitely be re-reading sections of this book in times of difficulty. Loved the analysis of the story of Oural; very relatable. The whole book was relatable. I want to send it to all the women I know, especially those going through a rough patch. I felt very connected to Helen's words. Did have to re-read at times to fully understand, but that usually means it's worth understanding. Highly recommend, and not only to women. Makes me want to read one on masculinity now. I love this subject.
July 22, 2024
On a Jungian jag... Helen Luke is steeped in mythology and literature, reading the archetypal images there for contemporary wisdom but with a decidedly feminist lens. This collection contains some of her wisest essays--"The Life of the Spirit in Woman" and "Suffering"--but also some heavy-handed, academic pieces I found impenetrable. Never mind. The gems here are worth it. Did you know the word money comes from the Latin MONETA, originally the name of the goddess in whose temple the Romans coined money?! "Money is a symbolic means of exchange and therefore belongs to the feminine principle of relatedness." Gosh, we need such reminders.
November 13, 2017
The Way of Woman: Awakening the Perennial Feminine (Paperback)
by Helen M. Luke
by Helen M. Luke
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
While Helen M. Luke’s The Way of a Woman delves into the archetypal journey of feminine individuation, the book feels overly abstract and esoteric
December 5, 2023
Really interesting; a bit cryptic and overreaching at times. LOVED that Helen M. Luke does a study of Orual in Till We Have Faces (Lewis). I haven't come across any secondary literature that references my favorite book, so that was quite neat. It was also interesting to see her read it from a Jungian rather than primarily Christian perspective.
I think the most valuable takeaway from the book—though something I had already thought previously—is how detrimental it is for modern women to believe that success comes through imitating the masculine. This attitude has stripped women of their greatest power. If only modern women knew how much strength resides in their femininity—what is commonly thought of as vulnerable, receptive, tender, surrendering. And to those whose immediate reaction is to wince in repulsion at those descriptives, is that not evidence of our pervasive misogyny? That our standard continues to be the masculine, that we—regrettably—think that the emancipation of women comes by becoming half-rate men?
My mother and many women I know have experienced the misogyny of our modern age. They have felt the contempt from family members and strangers when they chose the domestic over the public sphere, the immensely creative (and toilsome) discipline of motherhood and home education over careers that might have provided a more measurable means of "success". The contempt comes from those who have swallowed the lie that what has historically been delegated as "women's work" is not proper work after all, but something shamefully inferior compared to the work that men have had the freedom (or more accurately, the responsibility) to do.
This is not to say that women must always choose the domestic, or the traditionally feminine vocation! Helen M. Luke is quick to dissuade her readers of this assumption, and I do not hold this position either. Nor am I of the opinion that Biblical literature demands domesticity—St. Pauls commendation of women remaining single is evidence against this fundamentalist expectation. But the modern aspersion of traditionally feminine vocations and sensibilities troubles me; and it doesn't seem like women are much happier for eschewing it.
I think the most valuable takeaway from the book—though something I had already thought previously—is how detrimental it is for modern women to believe that success comes through imitating the masculine. This attitude has stripped women of their greatest power. If only modern women knew how much strength resides in their femininity—what is commonly thought of as vulnerable, receptive, tender, surrendering. And to those whose immediate reaction is to wince in repulsion at those descriptives, is that not evidence of our pervasive misogyny? That our standard continues to be the masculine, that we—regrettably—think that the emancipation of women comes by becoming half-rate men?
My mother and many women I know have experienced the misogyny of our modern age. They have felt the contempt from family members and strangers when they chose the domestic over the public sphere, the immensely creative (and toilsome) discipline of motherhood and home education over careers that might have provided a more measurable means of "success". The contempt comes from those who have swallowed the lie that what has historically been delegated as "women's work" is not proper work after all, but something shamefully inferior compared to the work that men have had the freedom (or more accurately, the responsibility) to do.
This is not to say that women must always choose the domestic, or the traditionally feminine vocation! Helen M. Luke is quick to dissuade her readers of this assumption, and I do not hold this position either. Nor am I of the opinion that Biblical literature demands domesticity—St. Pauls commendation of women remaining single is evidence against this fundamentalist expectation. But the modern aspersion of traditionally feminine vocations and sensibilities troubles me; and it doesn't seem like women are much happier for eschewing it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews