The Once and Future Goddess

by Elinor W. Gadon

A richly illustrated testament to the reemergence of the Goddess in the art and in the lives of contemporary women and men. In this beautifully illustrated and far-reaching history. Elinor Gadon vividly weaves words and images to demonstrate the powerful connections between ancient and contemporary art, between the Goddess of the Ice Age and the Goddess of today. This panoramic view of Goddess imagery extends from the prehistoric Goddess representations of Catal Huyuk, Malta, Avebury, and Crete, tot he more patriarchal images of the Sumerians, Greeks, and Christians, to the wide range of contemporary artists inspired by the Goddess, including Frida Kahlo, Mayumi Oda, and Judy Chicago.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Feminism, Mythology, Goddess, Religion, Spirituality

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first flipped through this book I felt energy swirl around me. It's all about images of female creative energy down through time. It's almost like tracking the apocrypha of history.

[Leesa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most deeply wise, fascinating, and validating books I have ever read on the Goddess. Elinor W. Gadon delves into a truth so ancient and obvious that one wonders how we were ever deceived and controlled by the patriarchy in the first place. If you are on the edge of awakening, and need something solid to hold on to... the information and art shared in this book will surely enlighten and empower. It's been in my library for over 20 years, and I still marvel at the abundance of beauty, wisdom and encouragement I find within its pages.

[Liaken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of speculation or seeing things through a very particular lens. It has some fascinating information, but I found myself feeling skeptical often enough to be bothersome because there was so much "certainty" where I saw lots of room for "who knows?"

[Tristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books that totally changed my life. It begins with showcasing prehistoric Goddess art and details several hypotheses as to how and why the sacredness/worshiping of the Goddess was ground out by patriarchal forces. Interspersed throughout the book are some incredibly powerful images of works art, covering almost all mediums. I often re-read this book when I need to brush up on my Goddess history, or want to be re-inspired by the incredibly powerful feminist art of the 1980's, or even when I am thinking about creating a new ritual and need some inspiration. There really hasn't been another book before or since, with such rich visuals, combined with such important Goddess history.

[Annierobert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great if your a chick that just went through a bad break up. I like the historical aspects of it but it is very Wiccan/Feminist.

[Michaela Hutfles · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the beginning I wanted to kick the author in the ovaries, her assumptive arrogant imperious introduction made me hate everything about the author. That said, skip the introduction and go straight to the text, her agenda will still be evident, but slightly more palatable.
She often puts the horse before the cart stating things about "non-violent" prehistoric cultures before stating the evidence that leads to this belief/theory. Which personally I find maddening as the evidence for this is often pages later and unless you're watching for it you might miss it.
Not my type of scholarly style.
The information is certainly interesting and for putting 'Goddess culture' in a historical context it seems solid (not 'Ascent of the Moon' solid, but I like Hutton's style so I may be biased). The book is definitely showing its age and a revised updated edition with some foot noting of what material has been discovered in support of this book since it's publication would certainly be welcome

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must for any artist to see the increase in feminist art from 1970-the present in the context of the documentation of the rise of Goddess/Earth Mother consciousness. Documents the suppression of the goddess and the woman's role in society by patriarchal religions. Generously illustrated and referenced.

[Felicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book most influenced my art for the last twelve years.

[Amanda J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had the opportunity not only to read The Once and Future Goddess, but also to hear Elinor Gadon speak. The text is richly illustrated and Gadon, an art historian, presents her material well. Nevertheless, I did not feel the text was well suited for those interested in religous studies as much as for those looking to understand goddess imagery in art.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book on a recent reading list. It is a sweeping historical, anthropological, archaeological, religious, artistic, literary and mythological study of the sacred feminine. Even though the book was first published well before 2000, it is timely and is still recommended.The author is a cultural historian at the Women's Studies Research Center at Brandeis University.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very beautiful, visually stimulating book of the history of goddess worship. I'd recommend it for any pagan or Witch's book case!

[Valentina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reference book on the origins and future of Goddess worship!

[Carole Brooks Platt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for goddess studies!

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was assigned to me via a religious studies course I took in university. I loved this book. It's written with an academic flair that may seem boring to some but I enjoyed it.

[Jennifer Hinton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book struck as a rehash of other author's thinking and research. After reading it, I felt like it added nothing new to my understanding of the subject matter. Perhaps, a good read if you are absolutely new to this topic. If you've already read a lot of Gimbutas' works, I would forget it. That said, I have seen many good reviews of this book from artists, I am not one. Perhaps, they come to it with a different perspective.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one interested in archaeology I am more inclined to believe the information shared in this book. Especially since so much of the information we have been taught are designed to create belief in the those people who hold power. Especially the teachings of the bible, so much of it is abut violence against the others, and the taking of property and others by those with superior weapons.

[Onute]

I'd like to sell this book

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in conjunction with class at UUFA. Wonderful thing bout internet--I wasn't able to finish before leaving for Yakima--but I can put it on hold there with my mom's card.

[Catherine Veritas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn your women's history through art, from Venus of Willendorf to Judy Chicago and beyond. Beautiful color plates inspire on every level. An all around fantastic book.

[Denise M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Barbc]

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