Author: Linda Foubister
Trade Paperback, 216 pages
Publisher: Ecce Nova
Publication date: October 2003
ISBN: 0973164824
Price & More Info: Click Here
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Refeminizing the Serpent: If you would like to learn more about both ancient and modern goddesses, you will enjoy Goddess in the Grass: Serpentine Mythology and the Great Goddess by Linda Foubister (published by Ecce Nova Editions. Foubister explores the archetype of the Great Goddess in myths and art. Modern theorists contest the view that there was a universal Great Goddess in prehistoric times, but Foubister presents the Goddess more as a psychological concept.
I appreciate that the author took an inclusive approach to the investigation of the Serpent Goddess. Goddess in the Grass, by including myths from cultures around the world, including Africa and the Americas.
I especially enjoyed the fairy tales about Snake Queens, such as the French fairy tale, Melusine. A fairy who became a demi-snake on Saturdays, Melusine married a nobleman who eventually violated her taboo about not seeing her on a Saturday. This story was paralleled by the popular Chinese folk tale of Lady White Snake, who also married a mortal who was unaware of her true form as a snake. Both of these wives had hidden serpent natures, but were credited with bringing prosperity.
The Dictionary of over 100 forms of the Serpent Goddess would be useful to artists. For example, the Greek goddess, Hygieia, could be illustrated to symbolize healing, the Mayan goddess Ix Chel to symbolize fertility, and the Celtic goddess, Rosmerta, prosperity. The book could also inspire ideas for pagan rituals. Snake dancers, too, may be interested to learn about some of the meanings of female face of the serpent.
Over all, I recommend Goddess in the Grass: Serpentine Mythology and the Great Goddess. It is thought-provoking, leading to questions about the why some legends included snake maidens, why images of ancient goddesses included serpents, and why serpent goddesses are worshipped to this day.
Reviewed by Alex Allen
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