Meeting the Madwoman: Empowering the Feminine Spirit

The highest compliment I can pay Dr. Leonard is that this brilliant book catalyzed transformation in my life, and those whom I shared her premise with. I was spurred on, upon reading this book to create a dynamic workshop, which has led to a philanthropic theater project to be brought to girls coming of age in residential group care.The basic message Leonard imparts is that in the journey of spiritual and Self-realization the stage of `madness' precedes surrender and acceptance. Spiritual madness/ Breakdown is a potential path to truth, as it is a descent into darkness where all illusions are stripped away and an old consciousness and old belief system can be released. Essentially this state of madness involves a prolonged descent into the unknown. Intense suffering, disillusionment, and loneliness generally characterize this experience. During this intense prolonged crisis, one may feel abandoned, terrified and out of control. Initially the challenge is to turn within, and away from seeking direction from others, yet concomitantly remaining attuned to synchronicity and the principle of faith. Ultimately we are challenged to find communion from a new place of integration and perspective, in which paradox is embraced.The plight of the the woman struggling to actualize parts of the self that have been rejected, involves a descent into madness. Leonard emphasizes that it is essential to differentiate between the divine madness that involves an inner descent/journey that can lead to integration, from that which can be referred to as destructive craziness. The inner Madwoman erupts, in an effort to confront inner and outer oppression, and subjugation. When the oppressive forces of order and control are challenged, the Madwoman emerges as an impulse towards freedom. The repression of life-giving creative energy can result in a destructive madness, when the victimization is prolonged. The courage and determination to live in one's truth, requires the strength of a Madwoman. The creative aspect of madness, can potentially manifest as extreme creative outbursts, activism, visions, etc. However, when one's suffering is denied and avoided, the Madwoman can take over in a destructive way. It is then that her energy can be experienced as negative resigned stagnation, which stultifies creative life.Leonard introduces us to the many `faces' of the Madwoman. She helps us to to identify the madwoman within, by asking us what we are trying to break free from. What is the form of our rebellion? What are the internal and external oppressors in our life subjugating? She encourages us to examine what confines our spirit. How is energy trapped? Is there a symbiotic cord with a mad mother that needs to be cut? Do you need to reclaim you voice and vocalize rage? Are you an outcast, a visionary, an addict, a shrew/hysteric, a bitch, a feral child, a warrior, a whore, and a destroyer of self or others, a victim, a recluse/loner? We see in mythology the `Madwoman' is often depicted as a creator and destroyer. In fairy tales she is often depicted as a witch, catalyzing in the maiden great power when she faces the darkness within. We all live out our own personal myths and can relate to these archetypes on personal and transpersonal levels. It is by elevating our own stories to archetypal and mythical levels that we infuse the profane with the sacred. In so doing, we open up to transformative possibilities.What we ultimately discover through this dark journey is the gift is of paradox. The `destroyer' is the `creator'. The mythic and the mundane are interconnected. Polarities join. The Ego meets God and fantasy is removed. For those who endure and integrate the wisdom found within the descent into madness, it is also recognized that the Madwoman within is the Holy Spirit.

I read this book back in the 80's and loved it but couldn't find my copy. So, I was so happy when I realized I could still get a copy. Thank you for your quick delivery!

There's important information here, food for contemplation and personal discovery. I took a star off because sometimes the writing bogs down and I have to skip forward, something I don't like to do with a book with this much depth. I highly recommend it to anyone -- woman or man -- on an introspective journey to self enlightenment.

She is poetry and a Goddess. The entire book is fascinating and soulful. I have never seen any other like it or anyone that writes the way she does. Her passion flows in each and every word at the same time she engulfs you with her teachings. Absolutely amazing!!!

I have used this book in many women's groups. It details the mad woman in all of us. I have purchased many copies for other women. This book is great, if you want to deal with the truth. I highly recommend it.

I love this book.

Fascinating read. It engaged my attention from the first page to the last page. Great book, worth every reading. No regrets, money well spent.

Is a very good book

Great analysis of the Mad Woman we tend to hide or be afraid of and real people's stories, historical backgrounds to find more information on. Gripped me. Book came earlier than expected.

Altogether excellent.

Thank you in good conditions :) I am very happy!

This book was hard to read at first as I didn't have a great knowledge of Greek mythology. But I kept at it and found it to be one of the most informative and inspirational books for a woman's journey. Apart from the great stories there was wealth of other information. Leading to other books and DVDs it recommended. Amazon did well out of me during the time I was reading it.