 REVIEW “Societies of Peace: Matriarchies Past, Present and Future” Edited by Heide Goettner-Abendroth Inanna Publications, 2009 It is time to celebrate with the publishing of Societies of Peace! We now have the definitive textbook on the incredible outpouring of modern matriarchal studies that has occurred in recent years. An excellent anthology of research, essays and ideas by luminaries in the academic world, Societies of Peace also brings together political activists, goddess scholars, feminists and indigenous wisewomen from all over the world. The new paradigm of Matriarchal Studies is here to stay! Presenting concrete social alternatives to the looming global crisis of patriarchal civilization, matriarchal studies holds great political potential, offering lifeboats developed from thousands of years of experience. If we take the wisdom in Societies of Peace and DELIVER IT! as Kenyan activist and powerhouse Wahu Kaare suggests, it will have an incredible impact on the world. The times require a fundamental shift in the way we live our lives, and findings on matriarchal cultures can offer us the vision of a new society.  Matriarchal Power ~ Embroidery by Lyssanda Eyers Matriarchies have a non-violent social order, conform to motherly values, and are based on gender equality. Political decisions are reached through consensus, and social guidelines guarantee a good life for everyone. Matriarchal spirituality, deeply rooted in a reverence for Mother Earth and her gifts, prevents the exploitation of nature or animals. These societies, both ancient and still existing on the planet today, are humanity’s – and especially women’s – great heritage. Societies of Peace presents to a wider public the message of an alternative social and cultural model that promotes trust, mutuality and abundance for all. Edited by Heide Goettner-Abendroth, the founding mother of modern matriarchal studies, the scholarship and ideas in Societies of Peace are taken from two groundbreaking World Congresses on Matriarchal Studies that she led – “Societies in Balance” in Luxembourg in 2003, and “Societies of Peace” in Texas in 2005. For the first time at these Congresses, international scholars working on matriarchal studies and women’s spirituality in isolation from one another came together to connect and collaborate. The book features exciting, creative and important contributions from (among others) Riane Eisler, Barbara Alice Mann, Peggy Reeves Sanday, Claudia von Werlhof, Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum, Vicki Noble, Susan Gail Carter, Annette Kuhn, Lamu Gatusa, Bernedette Muthien, Fatimata Oualet Halatine and Wilhelmina J. Donkoh.  The Matronae ~ Celtic Mother Goddesses Of special interest is Genevieve Vaughan’s contribution and sustaining gifts, both to the Texas congress and the book, as well as her article “Matriarchy and the Gift Economy”. The guiding light for the new gift economy movement, Genevieve describes the practice of “freebies” like housework, childcare and other “random acts of kindness” that already exist in society, unrecognized and unappreciated by the dominant patriarchy. Within a matriarchal culture, the mode of distribution is based on the principles of nurture and needs are met directly, resulting in a more functional community than that of a market economy based on self-interest, greed and profit. Gift-giving creates positive relationships, justice and solidarity, and with radical change, could be adopted as the new alternative economy. The knowledge and insight made possible with modern Matriarchal Studies is absolutely amazing, and has the capacity to change the historical record and create a paradigm shift in the prevailing worldview. Societies of Peace gives us the tools to wake up and take on the great work, which is creating alternative, life-affirming matriarchal models as the basis for a new society!  Heide Goettner-Abendroth, HAGIA International Academy of Modern Matriarchal Studies & Matriarchal Spirituality, www.hagia.de  This review originally appeared in "Crone: Women Coming of Age" Issue #4 Metamorphosis www.cronemagazine.com CommentsLeave a Reply | Pegi Eyers (AKA Lyssanda)
The creative acts of painting and writing are my passions and contribution to the great turning.......advancing the energy of the Divine Feminine into the world one day at a time!  ArchivesMarch 2012 Categories |
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