Celebrating women and the goddess : six women's perceptions of goddess spirituality

Abstract

Goddess Spirituality is both a new social movement and a form of spirituality. It has increased in terms of the numbers of members and also in influence. This influence can be measured by its impact on mainstream contemporary western society mainly from the late 1970s onwards. This form of spirituality has developed as an alternative to mainstream secular and religious perceptions of women's roles and experiences in contemporary society. The central aim of this study is to gain a greater understanding of what Goddess Spirituality means for those involved in the movement. Concentrating on how Goddess Spirituality is integrated into the daily lives of its members, who are part of a society that is patriarchal in character. This study is centered round the perceptions of six women (in the Canterbury area) who have been; or are; actively involved in the Goddess Spirituality Moment in New Zealand. It discusses their views on Goddess Spirituality as a spiritual, social, (and for some political) movement. It aims to describe their reasons for becoming involved and their perceptions of what Goddess Spirituality is, and what it provides for them in a spiritual, and practical sense. These areas of research are important as they provide an insight into the way these women integrate their chosen form of spirituality into their daily lives; using it as a means of developing and strengthening their sense of identity and community with other women.