|
Finding Our
Power
Helen Hazlett
A review of Mother Power: Discover the Difference That Women Have Made All Over the World by Jacqueline Horner
Plumez, Ph. D.
|
|
We get things done in the world by using our power. Indeed, working with power can be an integral part of our spiritual practice. We raise power in our rituals and direct it in order to create change. Author Jacqueline Plumez explores how women use "Mother Power" to create change in the world.
Plumez writes that "[m]aternal feelings, not the presence or absence of children, are the key to Mother Power." More than just celebrating these maternal feelings, she explores their inherent power. She describes the many ways that women have used their abilities to "tend and befriend" in order to create change that serves the greater good.
|
Mother Power identifies the cultural and personal barriers women have to overcome in order to use their power--barriers such as public opinion, fear for personal safety or the safety of loved ones, or being ridiculed or called traitorous for one's actions. Examples are given of the ways women have overcome these obstacles through mutual
suport, collective action and peacemaking skills and strategies. The book also describes how Mother Power can be misused or leaked away.
As "goddess women helping women worldwide," we need to claim and use our power if we're to make a difference. Mother Power can provide the inspiration and the role models to help us take action in the world.
Helen Hazlett has been a priestess dedicated to the Goddess Gaia since 1992. She practices spiritual activism to honor and protect our Mother Earth. Having studied paganism as well as world religions for over 25 years, she practices the eclectic tradition of witchcraft. She works as a homeschooling consultant and tutor, writing mentor, group facilitator and spiritually-based counselor. This past year she deepened her commitment to service in the world by becoming ordained as a High Priestess through Global Goddess. She can be reached at <simpsoninfo@comcast.net>.
|
