Goddesses in everywoman : a new psychology of women /

A new psychology of women? More like a feminist parlor game. To Jungian psychiatrist Bolen, the ancient Greek goddesses are archetypes--""powerful inner patterns"" that explain differences among women and direct their lives. ""The more complicated the woman,"" moreover, ""the more likely that many are active within her."" The rest becomes a game of pick-and-choose from among the self-sufficient goddesses (Artemis, Athena, Hestia); the vulnerable goddesses, representing women's needs for attachment and bonding (Hera, Demeter, Persephone); and the alchemical goddess of sensuality and creativity (Aphrodite). Bolen provides helpful descriptions and examples. Thus, Gloria Steinem (who contributed a foreword) exemplifies Artemis, big sister to the lesser nymphs and deities. ""There in the public eye is Gloria Steinem, a leader of the women's movement, and there in the mind's eye is a tall, graceful Artemis . . . ."" Athena, by contrast, is more male-identified, a goddess associated with war and wisdom. Athenas run the gamut from Mary Cunningham to Phyllis Schlafly to Rosemarie Woods. ""When I think of. . . that 18-minute erasure on the Watergate tapes, I wonder if Athena's hand was present."" Women who have wanted to marry and/or have children have been guided, of course, by the vulnerable goddesses--starting with Hera, commitment maker and wife (think Nancy Reagan); then Demeter, nurturer and mother (Mother Teresa, Mary Baker Eddy); and finally Persephone, maiden and mother's daughter (Brooke Shields). In a category apart, neither virginal nor vulnerable, is Aphrodite: muse, lover, creator. With different goddesses competing to be heard, the ego must act as chair, helping the women decide what to do either that day (""Hestia. . . proposes a quiet day at home. . ."") or with the rest of her life (""time to go back to school. . . thus heeding Athena""). Occasionally fun--but, if taken seriously, a step way backwards. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.