Using the Greek Goddesses to Create a Well-Lived Life for Women

Book excerpt: This book brings to life the meaning of the stories of the seven goddesses of Greek mythology. Each goddess represents a “sacred calling,” a way of life whose goal is to live for the sake of something greater than oneself. Athena is the goddess of wisdom and justice; Artemis is the woods woman who protects the natural world; Demeter is the goddess of the fertility of the earth and the birth and nurturing of children; Hera is the wife of Zeus, the king, who dedicates her life to creating a high quality of public life through nurturing various community activities; Aphrodite is the goddess of creativity; Persephone is the victim who was raped by Hades and abducted to the underworld where she punishes those who victimized others while alive; and Hestia is the contemplative, she who reflects upon human affairs and “sees” how all the parts fit a larger whole. The book will allow readers to recognize themselves and their own sacred passions in these stories. Once recognized, women can educate themselves and each other. They can use the wisdom represented in Greek mythology to create meaningful and complete lives in the context of a culture that is still dominated by men and their passions. In this way, women will be liberated to do everything they can to leave a better world behind for their children, grandchildren and future generations.