"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. This book is for women." ( )

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.

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 common to all human experience, regardless of situation, culture, or influence.

Bolen focuses on the Greek Goddesses as archetypes for female behavior. The jealous wife as Hera, the focused Artemis, etc. But what is so great about these archetypes is that Bolen shows the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in each. She shows how they work together, how they conflict, and how to mediate between.

My only real struggle with the book is that I felt Bolen was a bit biased against some and towards others of the archetypes. She is clearly a strong Artemis, and tends to speak of Artemis in glowing terms. Persephone, Athena, and Hera don't fare nearly as well. I suspect this comes from her experience as a psychiatrist and seeing those types suffer more than others. That doesn't excuse devaluing those goddess types, though.

I can't speak highly enough of this book. If you haven't read it, go out and get it. If you have, pick up your copy and give it another go. Amazing! ( )

another excellent book by a well-known Jungian analyst. ( )

Eye opener. ( )