Women Who Run With Wolves | Book Summary
Have you ever felt a wild, untamed force within you that yearns for freedom and fulfillment? If so, you are not alone. This inner force is known as the wild woman archetype, and it is the subject of the ground-breaking book Women Who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Drawing upon myths, stories, and fairy tales from around the world, Estes weaves an epic narrative of female empowerment, courage, and resilience that inspired me to create this website - amiethestoryteller.com
In the first section of the book, entitled "Singing over the Bones," Estes sets the stage for the wild woman archetype by discussing the importance of reclaiming and honouring our instincts, intuitions, and inner wisdom. She uses powerful myths and stories from various cultures to illustrate this point, such as the story of La Loba, the wolf woman who collects and sings over the bones of the dead. Estes argues that we have been taught to suppress and repress our wild nature, leading to feelings of disconnection and emptiness. However, by embracing our wildness and engaging with our inner knowing, we can tap into our full potential and live a more meaningful and authentic life.
The second section of the book, "The Howl: Resurrecting the Wild Woman," delves deeper into the process of reclaiming our wild nature. Estes emphasizes that this process is not easy or straightforward, and it may involve confronting painful and uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our lives. However, she also offers practical advice and exercises for working through these challenges, such as creating a "creative burrow" or safe space for exploring our creativity and intuition. Estes also explores the power of story and how it can help us navigate difficult emotions and experiences.
The third and final section of the book, "Walking in Two Worlds: The Mystery of the Relationship between Intellect and Instinct," explores the intersection of our intellectual and instinctual selves. Estes argues that society often values intellect and rationality over intuition and emotion, leading to a neglect of our wild nature. However, she suggests that by integrating both aspects of ourselves, we can achieve a balance and harmony that leads to a more fulfilling life. The section includes stories and myths about the goddess Athena, who embodies both wisdom and intuition, and the importance of the "sleeping beauty" archetype in helping us awaken to our wild nature.
Women Who Run with Wolves is a powerful and transformative book that provides a roadmap for discovering and embracing our wild nature. Using myths, stories, and fairy tales, Clarissa Pinkola Estes weaves together a narrative of female empowerment and courage that is sure to inspire and uplift readers of all ages and backgrounds. I believe this book is a must-read for all women looking to tap into their full potential. So go ahead, run with the wolves, and discover your true wild nature - I know I did and look at what I’ve created…
