This was a refreshing read—the writing of pregnancy as it has been for millennia—a transformation and initiation. I'm opposed to the contemporary world's sanitisation of pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and every initiatory experience for human beings.
I can't recall what book I read this in (it may have been 'Burning Woman' by Lucy H. Pearce) but the author made me aware of how, in the Western contemporary world, we no longer have community and initiation rites, and so when we move through life's phases we're plunged into solitary fear, anxiety, and depression, unsure of how to navigate through very natural (and by rights, very naturally painful) experiences of the human condition.
Have you read 'The Pregnant Virgin: A Process of Psychological Transformation' by Jungian analyst Marion Woodman? This isn't so much about literal pregnancy but rather psychological gestation and birth. Apologies if you have already referenced or recommended it (I've only just discovered your Substack and podcast), but I sense it's the kind of book you read.
I'm very much looking forward to reading more of your pieces and listening to your podcast. Thank you kindly, Mollie.
This was a refreshing read—the writing of pregnancy as it has been for millennia—a transformation and initiation. I'm opposed to the contemporary world's sanitisation of pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, and every initiatory experience for human beings.
I can't recall what book I read this in (it may have been 'Burning Woman' by Lucy H. Pearce) but the author made me aware of how, in the Western contemporary world, we no longer have community and initiation rites, and so when we move through life's phases we're plunged into solitary fear, anxiety, and depression, unsure of how to navigate through very natural (and by rights, very naturally painful) experiences of the human condition.
Have you read 'The Pregnant Virgin: A Process of Psychological Transformation' by Jungian analyst Marion Woodman? This isn't so much about literal pregnancy but rather psychological gestation and birth. Apologies if you have already referenced or recommended it (I've only just discovered your Substack and podcast), but I sense it's the kind of book you read.
I'm very much looking forward to reading more of your pieces and listening to your podcast. Thank you kindly, Mollie.
- Mae