From a psychological and spiritual perspective, this exploration unpacks themes of tremendous importance to women: sexuality, being part of a couple, the relationship with children, and menstruation, as well as different methods of self-fulfillment. The author argues that in a world with unprecedented freedoms and opportunities for women, the goddess archetypes—lover, mother, priestess, creator, virgin—can offer profound wisdom and encouragement, demonstrating traditional concepts of femininity as well as providing women with a model of what they can become. This is an illuminating guide for both men and women interested in the power of the feminine.

Manuela Dunn Mascetti is an anthropologist and a linguist. She is the author of The Song of Eve: Mythology and Symbols of the Goddess and Vampire: The Complete Guide to the World of the Undead.