I intended to reblog Laura Bruno’s important and insightful (and thus highly recommended) review-post about the late Monica Sjöö’s book, The Return of the Dark/Light Mother, but stationing Mercury apparently had something else in mind.
So we go with the flow, taking our lead from water itself, and find another pathway to share key intel for those walking-the-talk on the Way (versus ‘ascending’ above such Earthly concerns … read on for more on that!).
I came across Monica Sjöö’s work in mid-2010, after waking from a crystal-clear in-between-time message about Ta’Nit (sometimes spelled Tanit). Having no idea then who Ta’Nit was, I sleuthed a bit and learned not only of Monica Sjöö’s beautiful paintings but also writings from her own journey following still-existing clues about this particular Phoenician goddess of ‘No Fear’, Ta’Nit.
Sjöö was an artist, writer, and feminist who left much inspiration, and works in progress, too, behind when she died in 2005.
So it was a delight to be reminded once again not only of that Ta’nit connection from 2010, but also to be introduced in insightful depth to Sjöö’s book, The Return of the Dark/Light Mother (1999), from Laura Bruno’s blog post and book review.
What’s more, I couldn’t agree more with Laura’s key insights, particularly about the “just add water and stir ‘insta-shaman'” ridiculousness, and the shadow side of the New Age ‘movement’.
In her post, Laura writes:
“Sjöö presents a well-researched, sometimes shocking look at the cultural appropriation, racism, patriarchal and imperialistic attitude and actions of many New Age messages and gurus. I found her analyses articulated the discomfort and occasional outrage I’ve felt when reading channeled material or hearing New Age platitudes, as well as through observing in private sessions with clients just how much damage New Age thought has caused some lovely, sincere and good-hearted people.”
“I have never felt comfortable with the “instant shaman just add water” nature of so many New Age books and trainings, and I, too, have noticed how much of the channeled material supports passivity and denial in the face of a looming military industrial complex and international globalist New World Order.”
And Laura quotes from Sjöö herself:
“I sense that we are having a mass near-death experience at this time… Now is the time for all visionaries — women and men — to come to the aid of our ancient Earth Mother. We must struggle to make far-reaching changes politically and economically if we are to survive, and we must indeed also mediate worldwide and dream Her alive.”
But these are just a few juicy appetizers. Please do read Laura’s full post about this important book — including timely and powerful insights — here.
Big Love,
February 12, 2015 at 6:37 pm
Those new age books with the “this is really easy” covers and the purportedly simple recipes tend to obscure the wisdom beneath the ideas. Nice post.
February 12, 2015 at 8:06 pm
That’s true enough, Malcolm. The ‘easy recipe books’ or ‘2 easy steps to … ” books definitely tend to obscure the wisdom (and the work required) beneath the ideas. I’m glad you enjoyed the post(s).
February 12, 2015 at 7:44 pm
Hi Jamie,
Laura recommended this book to me, as well as many other feminist gems, to see me through a brutal astrological beating. I agree the book is well-researched and powerful, setting her up as one of the greats in Feminist eco-writing. I especially appreciate that Monica had some incredibly shattering experiences, including losing two children, and still found the strength to persevere. Losing children is no love and light, only those grounded in the true darkness of the Earth Mother can handle that kind of loss and live to tell about it. Monica is firmly rooted as an author, a feminist, a mother, and a human being.
Thank You
Amanda
February 12, 2015 at 8:04 pm
Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your insight and your own experience with the book. It’s true, isn’t it? That for those of us who’ve had those ‘brutal astrological beatings’, the examples of those who’ve experienced the shattering experiences, such as or including the loss of a child/children, and still persevere through it, are an inspiration to those still in the Underworld or climbing the way out of it.
And very wise words, these: “Only those grounded in the true darkness of the Earth Mother can handle that kind of loss and live to tell about it.” That’s the truth. And as a mentor-teacher of mine said when I was at the low-point of the ‘descent’ or ‘undoing’, “only those who’ve been burnt can do the work that’s needed now on behalf of Life and the Mother.”
Thanks so much for your comment!
Love,
Jamie
February 12, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Thanks and love to you both! Always good to know more empowered women rising from the ashes — or the compost heap, as the case may be. Having had several brutal “initiations” I both empathize and celebrate. The dark Earth Mother knows how to heal and how to grow after the time of the dying. Much love, Laura
February 15, 2015 at 9:44 pm
Thanks, Laura. Somewhere out there in cyberland, my original ‘reblog’ of your Dark/Light mother post wanders. 🙂 I enjoyed doing the intro and excerpts, though, and am glad others found their way to the post, too. Indeed, phoenixes rising from the ashes is something to celebrate. Thanks again for sharing the post. Love, Jamie
February 16, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Yes, I have some intended blog posts and other things wandering, too. We’ll have to trust that wherever they are, they’re needed there more than here. 🙂 Love and blessings, Laura
February 16, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Yep, they’re all doing their work in parallel universes. 🙂