The Path of the Priestess

SPIRITUALITY / WOMEN'S STUDIES "In this beautifully written book Sharron Rose shares her challenging journey between two diametrically opposed cultures--the ancient, spiritually dominated world of the East and the modern, technologically dominated world of the West. An intriguing tale of an American seeker on the spiritual path." --Ellen Burstyn, actor and writer "In this rich and fascinating book Sharron Rose evokes the connection between the Goddess and the luminous energy body in a way that is meaningful to modern readers. Through this process she reveals an ancient and sacred path toward healing ourselves and the world around us. A must-read for anyone in the healing and performing arts." --Alberto Villoldo, Ph. D. , author of Shaman, Healer, Sage "An inspiring read. Sharron Rose takes us on her spiritual journey, unveiling at every turn the presence of the Divine Feminine that has been hidden in this age of spiritual materialism, an age from which we are beginning to awaken." --Belinda Gore, Ph. D. , president of The Cuyamungue Institute and author of Ecstatic Body Postures: An Alternate Reality Workbook "Dancer, artist, philosopher, and spiritual adept, Sharron Rose is of the lineage of those bold and luminous women who take the journey to the Goddess wherever and to whomever it may lead. In this potent work Shakti power dances off each page. Here is the Goddess in her many forms, and in her masterful teachings. Here is living witness to the emergence of the light of the Divine Feminine after the long dark night of the patriarchy. Here, in vibrant words, is the transmission of the sacred current that would illumine our reality." --Jean Houston, Ph. D, author of A Mythic Life and Jump Time "The Path of the Priestess provides both eloquent insights into the nature of Goddess energy and ways for the reader to realize it for themselves. Goddess consciousness is the evolutionary path of choice for the planet. I give The Path of the Priestess my highest endorsement." --Penny Slinger Hills, author of Sexual Secrets The Path of the Priestess takes readers on a compelling journey deep into the heart of the feminine experience, presenting a rare glimpse of the essential and significant role of women as caretakers of the psychic, energetic, and emotional landscape of society. Author Sharron Rose draws on her years of experience with the ancient arts of tantra, Dzogchen, and Indian and Egyptian temple dance and healing, as well as her understanding of the mystic teachings of the alchemists, Hebrew Kabbalists, and Christian Gnostics. Through thought-provoking analysis of contemporary society's conditioning of women, descriptions of sacred ritual practices, and teachings on the Goddess traditions, The Path of the Priestess provides contemporary women with the means to walk this time-honored path. Included are specific exercises and visualizations designed to align women with the most powerful and profound feminine role model--the Great Goddess. SHARRON ROSE, an internationally acclaimed teacher, writer, and performer and Fulbright scholar in world mythology, religion, and sacred dance, has been investigating the wisdom of ancient cultures for the past twenty-five years. She lives in Los Olivos, California, with her husband and hermetic scholar, Jay Weidner.

Acknowledgments

Preface


Part One
Mystic Quest: A Modern-day Odyssey to Discover the Mysteries of the Goddess and Her Sacred Realms of Light

1 The Call of the Goddess

2 The Dance of the Dakini

3 Opening the Mystic Eye

4 The Keepers of the Light

5 History and the Feminine Mysteries: Reflections on the Cycle of the Great Yuga
The Golden Age: The Age of Divinity
The Silver Age: The Age of Ritual
The Bronze Age: The Age of Doubt
The Iron Age: The Age of Chaos
The Time of Transition

Part Two
Awakening the Divine Feminine

6 Lifting the Veil from the Face of Modernity
The Feminist Rebellion, Mind Control, and the Cult of Consumerism
Our Modern Cultural Malaise
Spiritual Materialism and the Birth of the New Age
Reclaiming Our Sacred Heritage

7 Discovering Strength and Power
The Goddesses of Strength and Power
The Myth of Durga
The Energy Field of the Strong and Fiery Goddess
The Feminine Art of Emotional Expression
Expressions of Strength and Power

8 Exploring Sensuality
The Sensuous Goddesses
The Legend of Mandarava
The Energy Field of the Sensuous Goddess
The Art of Sensuality
Expressions of Sensuality

9 Experiencing Love and Compassion
The Goddesses of Love and Compassion
The Story of Tara
The Energy Field of the Peaceful Goddess
The Art of Love and Compassion
Expressions of Love and Compassion


Epilogue

Notes

Biblography