Journey to the Dark Goddess

We all reach a point in our lives when we know we are not on the right path.  Maybe we are dealing with self-destructive behavior like smoking, drinking or being around harmful people.  Perhaps we are depressed, angry or constantly feeling on edge.  Of course, the situation may not be so drastic. We could simply be at a point where we know it is time to do some deep inner work to make our lives better.  Whatever the reason, we all have a time when it is time to descend into the Underworld.  Now is when we call to the Dark Goddess.

I was given a book titled Journey to the Dark Goddess to review at the same time that I felt ready to work with Her.  You gotta love the Universe's timing!  I will review it at the bottom of this, but for now I'll just say it was an excellent book and perfect for this journey. The past few months I have been dealing with my journey into the Underworld, although I didn't recognize it as such at the time.  I suppose that is often the way. It is only upon looking backward that we see where our path has been leading us. My path has so gradually become darker that I didn't really notice it.  Sort of like when we were a child happily playing outside as long as possible, reveling in the magic of liminal times that the encroaching dusk allows us to taste.  Suddenly we realize that it's so dark we can hardly see our hands in front of our eyes. That is where I found myself - helplessly peering in the dark for my way.

For the past year I have had an odd fascination with Inanna, the Sumerian Queen of Heaven and Earth.  I had no idea where this had come from, but no matter how much I tried to set it aside for a later time it would keep popping up.  The Queen has quite a sly smile, especially when you finally accept She isn't going anywhere until you acknowledge Her. Then the pieces start to come together. Her images.  Her stories.  Her mysteries... Her descent into the Underworld. Aaahh...  Now I get it.  And suddenly I can see a path before me.

So where do you go from here? Once that siren call wraps around you there is no way to move forward until you fully acknowledge what it is asking of you. It is not an easy journey.  It is one you mostly have to undertake alone. That is not a reason to fear it though.  This solitary journey means you can go at your own pace.  Take the time you need for each step.  That is the only way to truly do such a thing and make it through successfully.

Where am I now?  I'm still early in the journey. I am no longer afraid.  Apprehensive, yes, but not afraid.  If I reach a point where I feel I can't take another step I can simply raise my head and there is the gentle gaze of Goddess, encouraging me to keep moving.  This is a journey alone, but a journey of strength.  Each step you leave something behind as some part of you dies.  Eventually you will realize that you are moving swifter and standing taller. Suddenly it all makes sense. After all, there is no longer as much weighing you down.

Now on to the book...
The timing for the opportunity to review this couldn't have been more perfect. Even better, it truly is all that it claims to be. As soon as you start to read, you feel as though you are getting ready for a true adventure.  She prepares you with tips, amazing insights, and hands you a few ways this journey may happen.  I very much appreciated the stories from different Goddess perspectives.

One of the most important statements within this book is "in entering the Underworld at all, some part of us has to die."  So true.  That gets to the heart of the matter. This book is a manual for how to let that which no longer serves to die so that the reader may emerge reborn.  So often in books of this nature there are silly little rituals that seem to be in a book more to make it appear more professional than for any actual assistance to the reader.  Here I found exceptions.  The rituals to prepare yourself are exercises in looking within to figure out why you are at this point and where your journey needs to go.  I have a tendency to skip them, but this is a rare occasion where I did not. It was a wise decision as those rituals helped me to gain insight that I truly needed, even if I wasn't willing to go all the way through this yet. They are of such value I even intend to use them in my Women's Spirituality group.

In truth, this book is a map.  It is a literary guide to the descent.  It does not paint it as a pretty little picture.  The author makes sure you understand this is something that will strip you down to your very core.  She also makes sure you understand that the pain and fear is worth it.  Pick up this guide.  Take those first steps.  Just understand this is not something you will skim.  It is the beginning of living a new life of authenticity. All it takes is a moment of courage and a one word answer....

"Yes"


http://www.moon-books.net/books/journey-to-the-dark-goddess