"Neither a run-of-the-mill manual for new mothers nor a collection
of amusing anecdotes about mothering, this book is instead a
treasure-house of angry, poignant, fearful, ethereal and painful
observations on the subject, revealing fascinating mythological
parallels to the deeply personal experiences of present-day
mothers. From assuming that she "knew what it meant to be a
mother," to being "abducted" by the Great Mother Goddess into the
realm of "the collective Feminine soul," California psychotherapist
and former Unitarian minister Hansen guides readers through her own
transition "from maiden to mother." Through three pregnancies and
births that, she says, marked turning points in the growth, "death"
and rebirth of her family. Hansen leaves no stone unturned, no
topic taboo, no feeling unexamined. Many of the common experiences
that women share but rarely talk about are illuminated by her
bright focus. Equally brought to light is the succession of
emotions she experienced during and after giving birth: her
extremely painful first delivery, her unreadiness to leave the
hospital after three days, her hypervigilance for her son''s
safety, her stress and rage after months of colic and, finally, her
feelings of love and joy. This is a thoughtful, honest,
wonder-filled exploration of one of life''s most common, yet very
special, spiritual paths."-Publishers Weekly
"Maren Hansen is nothing less than a multi-mythic momma. Hers is a
brilliant, intuitive grasp of the essential myths of
Mother/Goddess." -Jean Houston, author of A Mythic Life