The Witch of Portobello

by Paulo Coelho

it’s the nature of the female to open herself to love easily.

Don’t confuse the teacher with the lesson,

We women, when we’re searching for a meaning to our lives or for the path of knowledge, always identify with one of four classic archetypes. The Virgin (and I’m not speaking here of a sexual virgin) is the one whose search springs from her complete independence, and everything she learns is the fruit of her ability to face challenges alone. The Martyr finds her way to self-knowledge through pain, surrender and suffering. The Saint finds her true reason for living in unconditional love and in her ability to give without asking anything in return. Finally, the Witch justifies her existence by going in search of complete and limitless pleasure.

And the best way to know who we are is often to find out how others see us.

‘Do you know what the word “ecstasy” means? It comes from the Greek and means, “to stand outside yourself”.

search for beauty isn’t always associated with anything practical and yet we still search for it as if it were the most important thing in the world.

I’m independent; I see life through my eyes and not through other people’s.

‘We’re surrounded by Universal Desire. It’s not happiness; it’s desire. And desires are never satisfied, because once they are, they cease to be desires.’

‘Try to feel good about yourself even when you feel like the least worthy of creatures. Reject all those negative thoughts and let the Mother take possession of your body and soul; surrender yourself to dance or to silence or to ordinary, everyday activities – like taking your son to school, preparing supper, making sure the house is tidy. Everything is worship if your mind is focused on the present moment.

Live now what others will only live in the future.

“Please, God, my Mother, don’t give up until I’ve taken on the shape that You wish for me. Do this by whatever means You think best, for as long as You like, but never ever throw me on the scrap heap of souls.”’

In order for us to liberate the energy of our strength, our weakness must first have a chance to reveal itself.