WELCOME TO MY BLOG THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY. I AM HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE. EACH DAY LIVED WITH A STRONG SPIRIT WILL BE A DAY OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE, IRREGARDLESS OF WHAT IS OCCURRING.
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A. A. Milne
There is a college student in my city who has been battling ovarian cancer for five years. It does not seem fair that as a teenager she has such a difficult challenge. Her classmates have not lost their hair, spent weeks in a hospital, missed sporting events or suffered with extreme fatigue or nausea. Her strength and courageget her through those tough days of chemotherapy and its side effects.
A friend has cancer of the vulva which is the rarest form of the gynecological cancers. Despite radiation burns and severe side effects from the chemotherapy, she is never without a smile and has encouraging words for others.She had no symptoms and her diagnosis was the result of a pelvic exam. From her experience each woman can understand the importance of yearly pelvic and rectal exams. A woman needs to be proactive in checking EVERY part of her body.
“What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Our nation and other countries are facing a serious health crisis due to the Coronavirus. We havebeen challenged with wars, other epidemics, and financial crises, yet we have persevered because of what lies within us. It is not a time to play politics, blame, or hide in fear. It is a time to be wise, compassionate, and use our inner strength and spirit to get through this difficult time.
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.” Confucius
In all my books, there is the message of how the spirit of one or morecharacters helped them to rise above a challenging time or a fall. It is the spirit of love, determination, strength, and faith that is essential for overcoming any fall.
ALL BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT OVARIAN CANCER RESEARCH. FROM MARCH 18-24, THERE ARE SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. THANK YOU.
Gratitude means being thankful. I have been thinking about those people or events for which I am grateful. I challenge myself to express my gratitude on a daily basis. Melody Beattie says gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
I am actually grateful in many respects that I was diagnosed with cancer. I am sure this statement shocks or surprises the reader of this blog. Here are the reasons I am grateful: it pushed me to publish my writings and journals that I had kept secret; it introduced me to some of the most amazing survivors and care partners; I am actively involved in spreading the word about ovarian cancer, and I have written articles and done presentations. My life is richer and more meaningful as a cancer survivor.
Many of our social issues stem from a lack of gratefulness. Some people turn to drugs and alcohol to find happiness and peace, but that only create more problems. Some people of meager means might turn to stealing rather than be grateful for what they have. Anger and envy often are feelings preventing people from seeing all they could be grateful for.
Gratitude is riches, complaint is poverty. (Doris Day)
I am recommending two books about gratitude. Grateful Life: The Secret to Happiness and the Science of Contentment is written by Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons. Each inspirational story shows how practicing gratitude can have a positive change in a person’s life. The authors have included exercises, quotes, and guidance.
Rave Reviews Book Club author, Yecheilyah Ysrayl, in her book Keep Yourself Full writes about how one’s life can change for the better when it is filled with love. Then that love is shared with others and each person experiences a sense of gratitude.
Keeping a daily journal of those events or people for which you are grateful is one way to cultivate gratitude into your life. When we write down the names or events, it stimulates us to practice gratitude and therefore make positive changes in who we are and those people around us.
From The Network of Grateful Living the newsletter states grateful living reminds us that when we take nothing for granted, we can wake up to the wealth and wisdom of life as it is.
For those of us who have lived or are currently living with the challenge of cancer, you might find inspiration from these quotes:
When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t. (Thomas Edison)
When it rains, look for rainbows When it’s dark, look for stars. (I Had Cancer)
It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars. (I Had Cancer)
Your illness does not define you. Your strength and courage does. (Unknown)
Many people are suffering from abuse, poverty, addiction, and other social issues. I encourage everyone to find strength, guidance, and peace with these quotes:
Love and peace of mind do protect us. They allow us to overcome the problems that life hands us. They teach us to survive… to live now… to have the courage to confront each day. Bernie Siegel
Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourself a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles. Helen Keller
It’s not whether you get knocked down. It’s whether you get up again. Vince Lombardi
One of the things I love about books, is what I learn from them. There is always a lesson even if it is a mystery, paranormal, erotica, or other genre. Here are quotes from my book Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir.
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, it’s when things seem worse that you musn’t quit. (Joe O’Keefe)
The more you praise and celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate. (Oprah Winfrey)
There is an answer to the suffering you see, and though it isn’t easy, it’s still as simple as you and me.” (Author Unknown)
Thank you for reading this blog. I welcome your comments. Perhaps there is a quote that has inspired you. If so, please share it.
I have been nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award by two bloggers, D.L. Finn and Ron Yates. I am honored and thrilled. The award is given out by members of the blogging community in recognition of their inspiring, creative, and motivational blogs.
My thanks to both Ms. Finn and Ron Yates whose blogs are uniquely different and yet both well worth the time to read. Author D. L. Finn is one of my favorite blogs (https://dlfinnauthor.com/blogs/). Her philosophy is Embrace your inner child by reading a good book. Ms. Finn has written biographies, children, poetry, paranormal, and short stories.
Mr. Yates blog can be found at https://ronaldyatesbooks.com/latest-news/. His blogs often challenge the reader about certain social or historical issues as well as supporting authors and their books. He is an award-winning author of action books, historical fiction, and former foreign correspondent.
Part of the nomination process requires that I answer 11 questions. Here are the eleven questions, D.L. Finn has asked me to answer. You may well learn something new about me.
1. How long have you been blogging?I have been blogging for about eight years. I recently moved my blog from Blogspot to WordPress.
2. Do blogs encourage you to purchase books?Yes, I have purchased, read and reviewed many books based on what I learned about them from various blogs that I follow.
3. How many blogs do you usually read in a week?I read 2-3 blogs each day, but do not always leave a comment. Unfortunately, I do not read the many I subscribe to.
4. Do you enjoy seeing poetry on blogs?Yes, I love poetry. D.L. Finn and Natalie Ducey are two of my favorite blogs with poetry.
5. If you could write your blog from anywhere where would it be?I love where I am right now for all my writing: in my office looking out at the lake.
6. If you could be any animal for a day what would you be?I love cats and would love to be a tiger for a day. They are beautiful, strong, and I feel a spiritual connection to them.
7. Do you collect anything?No, I do not collect anything.
8. If you could beam anywhere, like in Star Trek, where’s the first place you’d go?I would beam myself to a wildlife preserve somewhere in Africa.
9. What draws you to a blog?Anything about books and/or authors, anything spiritual, and about social issues (not political).
10. What do you write about in your blogs and why?I write about social issues, cancer and/or medical issues, and authors. I care deeply about such issues as abuse, chemical dependency, and discrimination and try to do what I can to bring awareness. As an ovarian cancer survivor, I want every femaleto know about this lesser known cancer. It is not a cancer for just us older women…it can affect any female of any age. I have always loved to read and I love to support those authors and their books who have informed or inspired me.
11. If you could transport to anytime in history when would you choose to visit?I am fascinated by the Civil War era, but I would like to be an abolitionist helping to save the slaves.
Ron Yates had the following questions for me to answer:
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer or blogger?I started writing when I was a preteen to help me deal with an abusive family. I did not share my writing with anyone until I was 70. I was then told I had the gift of writing.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a published author or blogger?Believe in yourself. Others might not like your writings, but don’t let them influence you.
What do you think makes a good story?A great story must have interesting and believable characters and it must be well edited. I prefer stories that have a moral, historical, or spiritual message.
If your book became a movie, who would be your first choice to play the lead roles?I will respond to this question for my book, Davida: Model & Mistress of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. I do not know current actresses of today that well so I am going to say the role of Davida would have to be someone similar to Grace Kelly.
Do any of your characters have qualities/characteristics that are similar to yourself?I believe Davida’s qualities of strength, deep love, and motherly devotion are similar to me.
Is anything in your books based on real-life experiences or are they all solely the product of your imagination?In my book, Outshine, it is all real-life experiences. In the other three books, it is a combination of both.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?I would love to meet my great-grandmother, Davida. Her life is a mystery. We only know she was born in Sweden, her first name was Albertina, and some snippets of her adult life when she met Mr. Saint-Gaudens.
What books have most influenced your life?Sermon on the Mount by Emmett Fox, This is Africa (read it as a preteen), After You, Marco Polo, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, Life After Life by Mooney, Being Mortal by Gawande, 7 Lessons from Heaven by Mary Neal, MD, and the Bible to name just a few.
If it were mandatory for everyone to read three books, what books would you suggest?This is a very difficult question to answer. Since I believe that all of us must find a relationship with God or a Higher Power to live a moral and peaceful life I would recommend Sermon on the Mount by Emmett Fox, Life After Life by Mooney, and 7 Lessons from Heaven.
If you could spend a day picking the brain of one author, who would that be? Why?I am assuming that the author could be living or dead. This is also a difficult question because there are so many. One of my favorite books is Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. I have read it twice.I also read War and Peace. His life in Russia was not an easy one and he often doubted his ability as a writer. I would ask about how he faced his self-doubt, dealt with the early death of his parents, the turmoil occurring in Russia, and his faith journey.
What do you think makes a book “a great book?”Strong and interesting characters, a message of love and faith. All of my favorite books have these qualities.
For accepting the Sunshine Blogger Award nomination, there are a few rules.
Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer 11 questions the blogger asked you.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your blog post.
Nominate 11 new bloggers & their blogs. Leave a comment on their blog to let them know they received the award and ask your nominees 11 new questions.
My Nominees for the Sunshine Blogger Award
Here are my 11 nominations for the Sunshine Blogger Award. They are listed in no particular order. It’s difficult to choose only 11 blogs to nominate because there are so many excellent sites out there. However, I did my best to nominate ones that I find interesting and well-written, so please be sure to check them out too.
My 11 questions for my nominees are listed below. If there are any questions you do not wish to answer, please feel free to give them a pass. Many of these questions are directed at authors, but if you are not an author and are primarily a blogger please feel free to adapt any question to fit your expertise.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Describe your favorite writing place or environment.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
If you had the opportunity to go to the moon, would you and why or why not?
If you could be any person for a day, who would it be and why?
If you were lost in a forest, who would you want to be with you and why?
What are your two favorite books and why?
What is the hardest part of being a published author, and what is the best part?
When writing your story, do you seek advice from others? If so, who and why that person(s)?
What methods do you use to market your book?
For fun: name a cartoon character that is most like you and why?
I wish for you to have fun and success with your blogging in this new year of 2020.
Just under 50 percent of those who develop ovarian cancer go on to survive for 5 years, according to more recent data.
New research however, may have found a way to prevent ovarian cancer from coming back. A team of scientists, led by Dr. Ronald Buckanovich, who is also a professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, discovered a drug that targets stem-like ovarian cancer cells and stops cancer from returning.
Dr. Buckanovich explains that, even though chemotherapy can destroy up to 99 percent of ovarian cancer cells, the treatment still “misses” stem-like cancer cells. “I especially like the dandelion analogy. When we treat cancer, we’re essentially mowing the lawn. But the problem is that dandelions always come back.” MARCH 2019https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324706.php#1
THE GOLDEN RULE WILL RULE
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Whatever that you wish others would do to you, do also to them. It is a simple rule that has many benefits for everyoneand is found in every religion.
Christianity
All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1
Confucianism
Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no resentment against you, either in the family or in the state. Analects 12:2
Buddhism
Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. Udana-Varga 5,1
Hinduism
This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you. Mahabharata 5,1517
Islam
No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself. Sunnah
Judaism
What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellowman. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary. Talmud, Shabbat 3id
Taoism
Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss. Tai Shang Kan Yin P’ien
Zoroastrianism
That nature alone is good which refrains from doing another whatsoever is not good for itself. Dadisten-I-dinik, 94,5
Adapted from “The Christopher Newsletter”
THAT YOU WILL READ THESE BOOKS ABOUT HOPE
These are books by Rave Review Book Club authors which had hope in part or all of the story. I read and reviewed them in 2019.
KEEP YOURSELF FULL, by Yecheilyah Ysrayl, BEFORE, AFRE, & AFTER by Maureen Twomey, AMINA, the SILENT ONE by Fiza Pathan, A SOLDIER’S CHILDREN by Jan Sikes, and JOURNEY TO THE RAINBOW’S END by Forrest Stepnowski.
I WISH THE YEAR 2020 WILL BRING YOU JOY, PEACE, AND GOOD HEALTH. HOPE WITH ACTION IS THE KEY TO BRINGING POSITIVE CHANGES FOR OURSELVES, OUR COMMUNITY, AND OUR COUNTRY.
Drugs known as PARP inhibitors are used to treat some women with advanced ovarian cancer that has returned after earlier treatment. Now, results from three new clinical trials show that the drugs might also benefit women who are newly diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer.(NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUE) Zejula and Lynparza are two such drugs.
Cancer and other diseases have been a part of human life from the beginning of time. I marvel at the ongoing research and treatments now available. The word “cure” is not yet available for many cancers, including ovarian but I believe that someday there will be a cure.
DRUG DEPENDENCY
Whether drug dependency is related to alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs it is a worldwide problem that goes back thousands of years. I have witnessed it in my family too many times. It is heartbreaking to see families broken apart, individuals on a path of self-destruction, and the related economic and health issues.
I support Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon. These programs have proven successful and the philosophy is wholesome, healthy, and spiritual/religious/a belief in a Greater Power. The addict must take responsibility for their choices. I have watched some family members and friends successfully change their lives.
AUTHORS AND BOOKS
An author who has had a powerful influence on me is Emmet Fox. He was born in 1886 and died in 1951. He was one of America’s most popular spiritual leaders of the twentieth century. My favorite book is the Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life. Other books include The Ten Commandments, Alter Your Life, Power Through Constructive Thinking, and more.
He was very involved in the New Thought movement. Some of its tenets are:
God or Infinite Intelligence is “supreme, universal, and everlasting”;
divinity dwells within each person, that all people are spiritual beings;
“the highest spiritual principle [is] loving one another unconditionally… and teaching and healing one another”; and
“our mental states are carried forward into manifestation and become our experience in daily living”.[5
Here is an interesting side note: Mr. Fox’s secretary was the mother of Bill W., one of the founders of Alcoholic Anonymous.
***
My grandmother taught me about a healthy body, mind, and spirit. I learned about vitamins, minerals, meditation, exercise, faith in God, and living with love in my heart. She introduced me to Emmet Fox when I was about twelve years old. I met my adopted aunt when I was sixteen and she reinforced everything my grandmother taught.She is now ninety-four and continues to be an important role model.
I believe that due to my grandmother, my aunt, and Dr. Fox, I have survived ovarian cancer for almost twelve years, went through a difficult divorce, and chose to learn and grow from every adversity.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I welcome your comments. The holiday season and the start of a New Year and be joyous and exciting or they can be depressing and lonely. Let’s reach into ourselves and to others so we all will truly have a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season and 2020.
I am announcing my newest book which is a series of twelve short stories. Each tale is about a health, social, personal, or family issue. There is a truth and the symbolism of a tree associated with each tale.
One might ask why are trees included. The title comes from a poem written by my grandson, which is inspirational, meaningful, and thought-provoking. The first sentence is: Songs being sung outside in the trees… sets the tone of the book.
I have always loved trees, flowers, animals, and nature in general. When I am near an oak tree I feel its strength, a willow gives me comfort, aspens convey adventure, and pines bring me joy.
REVIEWS:
D. L. FINN writes A heartfelt and meaningful book that offers truth with hope and brings in one of my favorite things, trees. I highly recommend this, especially if you enjoy a positive outlook in dark times.
FIZA PATHAN states This book will let you know the magic of trees & how we must persevere in spite of all the odds against us, to achieve everlasting bliss, like the eternal trees themselves.
I appreciate your support and interest in my books. I give all proceeds from the books to ovarian cancer research. I am an 11-year survivor of this cancer and my life is dedicated to helping bring awareness and fund research.Thank you.
I am pleased to welcome Rave Reviews Book Club author, Steven Neil today.
From Steven Neil, the author of THE MEREST LOSS
A story of love and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of the English hunting shires and the streets of Victorian London and post-revolutionary Paris.
An important intervention
The direction of travel is unclear at this point in the novel. Harriet’s situation is unpromising but an important intervention is about to be made. In chapter twenty six of The Merest Loss Henry Fitzroy, the fifth Duke of Grafton, makes his presence felt and changes the course of events.
Chapter Twenty Six
The New Politics
Towcester and Chislehurst, England
Chantilly, France
1859
Henry Fitzroy, the fifth Duke of Grafton, is at home at Wakefield Lodge, his hunting estate near Towcester, some forty miles north of London. His arthritis troubles him and he is unable to travel. Like his father before him, he has a tidy mind and he has a list of issues and questions he wants resolved. His physician assures him he is generally in good health, but he knows better. He asks Lord Normanby, now retired from diplomatic service and Sir George Lewis MP if they will call on him. The old families still have some clout in England. Normanby travels up from London and Sir George breaks his journey from his country seat at Radnor, on his way back to town.
The two men arrive at about the same time, turning in off Watling Street at the turnpike and several footmen and stable hands are waiting to take over the horses and carriages.
‘Any idea what this is all about?’ says Normanby. Sir George shrugs.
The enthusiastic under-butler greets them and they make their way along the north face of the house. The visitors ask polite questions about the architecture and they learn rather more about Venetian windows, flattened arches and semi-elliptical lunettes than is strictly necessary. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the overall appearance and style of the place is attractive.
Fitzroy meets them in the main hall. It is a room designed to impress: from the elegant, balustraded, wooden gallery; to the beamed, ornamental, plaster ceiling; to the magnificent stone chimneypiece, adorned with carved trophies of the hunt: a fox’s head on the left and a badger’s head on the right, undercut with bows and spears. A log fire roars in the grate and a rather splendid oil painting of a mare and foal, by Mr Herring senior, sits above. Candles are alight all around the room and the soft glow bounces off the mirrors and the silverware, set for tea. It has all the appearances of a cosy fireside chat, but that is not at all what the duke has in mind. He is in no mood for small talk. An apparently chance meeting with Tom Olliver at the Cesarewitch meeting, at Newmarket last year, has alerted him to the situation Harriet Howard finds herself in. He wants action.
‘Enough is enough,’ he says. ‘She has endured a great deal. I feel an enormous guilt that we did not do more when we had the chance.’
‘It was a matter of national security. We had to do the right thing for the country,’ says Normanby.
‘I am weary of this. I am an old man now. I made a promise on my father’s memory. I will not go to the grave having failed. Let us do the right thing for Miss Howard. Call off the hounds once and for all. I insist upon it.’
‘I am sure you realise that these things take time …’ says Sir George.
‘I don’t have time. And I will not be patronised. Between you two, you have the means to resolve this. Please get it done. And let me know when you have. I won’t hear another word. Do I make myself clear?’
When they are gone he sends them each a letter, confirming the agreements between them. A month passes without any sign of action, so he copies the letters to Lord Palmerston, now prime minister again, following the collapse of Lord Derby’s minority government. Henry Fitzroy and Palmerston are old adversaries in the hunting field. The duke makes it clear that he holds the prime minister personally responsible for ensuring that the agreements are implemented. He mentions that he is still keeping the matter of Palmerston’s liaison, with the unnamed governess, strictly between themselves. He hopes to keep it that way, he says.
Follow Steven Neil onhttps://twitter.com/stevenneil12for information on how to purchase the paperback through an independent bookseller in the UK.
Genres
Historical Fiction and Victorian Historical Romance
Bio
Steven has a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics, a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the Open University and an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University. He has been a bookmaker’s clerk, bloodstock agent, racehorse breeder and management consultant amongst other professions in his varied career. He is married and lives in rural Northamptonshire, England. The Merest Loss is his debut novel.
To follow along with the rest of the tour, please visit the author’s tour page on the 4WillsPublishing site. If you’d like to book your own blog tour and have your book promoted in similar grand fashion, please click HERE. Thanks for supporting this author and his work!
Linnea Tanner is a creative author of historical fiction. I am honored to have her as a guest on my blog. Her books are well-written and researched. She is a member of the Rave Reviews Book Club and Rave Writers International Society of Authors.
Introduction
To understand the present and to seek alternative pathways for future social evolution, we must re-examine human history to understand how myths and religion support and perpetuate the social order it reflects. Since childhood, I’ve passionately read about ancient civilizations, legends, and mythology that spoke of a more harmonious and peaceful time when women and men lived together in partnership. A pantheon of gods and goddesses were worshipped.
Today, many of us view ancient beliefs and mythology as fantasy. Further, we may believe the presupposition that women have always been historically depicted as dependent and secondary to men. However, studying ancient art, archaeology, religion, mythology, social science, and historical records leads to a different conclusion. Evidence suggests ancient women were held in high esteem in many cultures and could serve many roles—ruler, priestess, healer, warrior, caretaker, and mother.
As the author of the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, I’ve explored the spectrum of roles that women held and have extensively researched and traveled to sites described within each book.
World of the Goddess
Archaeological findings and mythology point to an era where our prehistoric ancestors solely worshipped the Mother Goddess. Neolithic art portrays a rich array of symbols from nature that is associated with the worship of the Goddess and attests to the awe and wonder of the beauty and mystery of life. Everywhere—in murals, statues, and votive figures—there is the image of the divine Mother cradling her child. In the shrines of the Neolithic settlement of Catal Huyak (approximately 7000 BC), female figurines were found near the shrines.
Often the Goddess is surrounded by powerful animals such as leopards and particularly the bulls. As a symbol of the unity of all life in nature, she is sometimes represented as part human and part animal. Just as all life is born from her, it also returns to her in death to be once again reborn. Worldwide, the deification of the female in the various ancient civilizations was probably based on her biological ability to give birth and to nourish as the earth does.
Minoan Society
One technologically advanced society where the Goddess was supreme was the Minoan society in Crete that was eventually displaced by warlike male gods. The destruction of the society provides a window on how a peaceful culture, whose social structure was based on the partnership between women and men, was catastrophically changed. Their social organization evolved from a matrilineal clan to a more centralized organization around 2000 BC, as a result of the agrarian economy changing to stock breeding, industry, and trade that contributed to its prosperity. Though the urban centers were technologically advanced, the architecture of the cities allowed Minoans the opportunity to enjoy nature.
One of their entertainments was the bull-sport where young men and women working in teams would take turns grasping the horn of the charging bull and somersaulting over its back. These games vividly illustrate the partnership between women and men in this society.
Gods of War
What brought about the radical cultural change to the ancient Goddess society and how does this impact us today?
Beginning in 5000 BC, there was a long line of invasions from nomadic people from the Asiatic and European north. Ruled by powerful priests and warriors, they brought the male gods of wars, e.g. Ares, Greek God of War. Their social organization was based on male dominance which was characterized by acquiring material wealth through conquest and destruction. Around 1000 BC, the onslaught of these invaders was catastrophic. There was wholesale destruction of towns, of shrines, and of art. Masses of people were massacred and enslaved.
The cultural norm was men with the greatest power to destroy rise to the top; the social structure became hierarchical and authoritarian. Women who were closely identified with the old view of power symbolized by life-giving and sustenance were gradually reduced in status. The Goddess becomes the wife and consort to male deities who were associated with the destructive weapons and thunderbolts. And eventually, the Goddess disappears altogether in modern religion.
Golden Age of Celts
During the golden age of the Celts, their culture spread from Ireland to Turkey. Although the Celts were becoming more paternalistic, women were still held in high regard and could rule.
There is historical evidence that Celtic women fought in battles and took on military leadership. The Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, described Celtic women in Gaul (modern-day France) as “…usually strong and with blue eyes; especially when, swelling her neck, gnashing her teeth, and brandishing her sallow arms of enormous size, she begins to strike blows mingled with kicks, as if they were so many missiles sent from the string of the catapult.”The Roman historian, Tacticus, writes the British were accustomed to women commanders in war. Boudicca was a warrior queen who united the Celtic tribes in Britain and almost expelled their Roman conquerors in 61 AD. She was also known as a powerful Druidess who Romans claimed sacrificed some of her victims to the war goddess Andaste.
The major female character, Catrin, in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series embodies the complex archetypes of Celtic goddesses and historical figures. A Druid warrior princess, she derives mystical powers from her dual nature of absolute love and loyalty countered by her third for vengeance and destruction. She embodies the complex archetypes of Celtic goddesses as described below.
Celtic Goddesses
The Celtic goddesses embraced the entire religious spectrum from healing to warfare, from creation to destruction, and from nourishment to the Otherworld of the dead.
The Irish Celtic goddesses were associated with fertility and sovereignty. Many of the Irish goddesses were destructive and promiscuous and personified warlike strength to defend their land so it could flourish. Battle goddesses were invoked in times in war. They could shape-shift into ravens as harbingers of death.
Water is the life-force of goddesses, serving as the interface between the earthly and spiritual worlds. Many of the spring-sanctuaries in the Celtic provinces of the Roman Empire had goddesses as their patrons. One such site is located beside the river Avon at Bath, England. Long before Roman occupation, the site was considered sacred because of the hot, healing water associated with the goddess, Sulis, who is equated with the Roman goddess, Minerva.
Similar to other ancient civilizations, the Mother Goddess was perhaps the most important of the supernatural deity as reflected by their images on friezes and statues. They symbolized the generative power of the female and are associated with symbols of the cornucopias, animals, and children.
The concept of partnership is a prominent concept of Celtic religion and myth. At the time, the female is portrayed as the dominant partner. In early Irish and Welsh law, women could own their own property and had to consent to marriage. Irish myths telltale of marriage and divine love between a mortal king and goddess to assure the well-being of the lands. Images of male and female deities are represented as being the same size, with each of them having many functions. The female generally associates with domestic prosperity, fertility, and abundance.
Conclusions
Modern-day women can learn from ancient traditions and mythology to understand how they can embrace their complex but equal roles in society and marriage as a positive force. The Celtic goddesses were powerful entities embracing the entire religious spectrum from warrior to caretaker.
References
Miranda Green, Celtic Goddesses: Warriors, Virgins, and Mothers; British Museum Press, London, 1995.
Jean Markale, Women of the Celts; Inner Traditions International, Ltd, Rochester, Vermont, 1986.
Riane Eisler, The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future; 1995; HarperOne: Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, New York.
About
Linnea Tanner
Since childhood, award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology that held women in higher esteem, particularly the enigmatic Celts who were reputed to be warriors and druids. She has extensively researched and traveled to sites (United Kingdom and France) described in the Curse of Clansmen and King series.
A native of Colorado, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Windsor with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.
I hope you have enjoyed meeting Linnea Tanner and learning about her books. I have read and reviewed all three of them, each receiving well-deserved five stars. Please leave a comment which she and I both will appreciate. Thank you.
This time of year brings to mind joy, family, and giving. Unfortunately, for some people, it also can bring sadness, loneliness, and greed.Here are five practices to create an abundant lifeall year.
GRATITUDE:
When we are grateful it expands our life into one of joy, kindness, and openness. It opens our hearts. We see life through sunshine rather than clouds. Our mind shifts from negativity. We speak with love and compassion.
RECEIVING:
As we give so shall we receive. There is nothing wrong with wanting something as long as it comes from the heart. When we receive something as simple as a compliment, it lifts our spirit. Receiving is not about the newest gadget, toy, or article of clothing. It is about receiving gifts from the heart or soul.
ACCEPTANCE:
An important lesson many of us must learn is to accept or recognize what a situation might be. It does not mean you agree with it. It means that once we accept, then we can choose to change. For example, once I accepted the fact that I had cancer, I chose to live with a renewed purpose of helping others with cancer and advocate for awareness and raise money for research.
COMMITMENT:
Making a commitment to a person or a cause opens us up to success and joy. We will set goals, establish methods, and surround ourselves with others of like minds. Commitment comes from the mind. We must have positive thoughts and believe in our ultimate goal. Frustration or negative thoughts can be changed through the practice of meditation, using imagery by seeing ourselves succeeding, and seeking support from others.
EXPRESSION:
When we express our passion or our commitment, we open ourselves to abundance. It is a success based on how we live with grace, how we give and receive, accept, and commit. A favorite expression is doing the right thing for ourselves and others. Only then will we have abundance and grace.
May the blessings and the true meaning of the Thanksgiving season be with you.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 