Spider Woman's Web: Traditional Native American Tales About Women's Power

Description

In the Americas, the oral tradition has created one of the oldest surviving bodies of literature on earth. Native American storytelling, in particular, stands out for its distinctive honoring of womanly power and the female forces of the universe.

Gathered here are traditional versions of stories and songs that best portray this strength and vitality. Illuminating the scope of human behavior—from treacherous mates and medicine men to magical sages and murderous mothers—these tales offer universal truths. And for readers who wish to explore the transformative healing gifts of these stories in a more personal way, each is accompanied by thought-provoking exercises and meditations. Also included are brief introductions to provide historical and cultural context.

Entertaining, educational, and inspirational, this collection of timeless wisdom will shed light on the lives of readers for generations to come.

At the end of each chapter, the author offers exercises and meditations that help women relate these mythical stories to everyday life. For example, following a selection of warrior stories, Hazen-Hammond encourages women to imagine themselves as warriors. She then examines how the warrior metaphors and archetypes lend themselves to the experiences of the modern workplace. In another section, "The Quilt of Men s Eyes" (named after a Seneca tale), Hazen-Hammond explores the age-old story of women stifling their creative longings to appease the men of the tribe or because of male fear of feminine power. A generous section in the back titled "For Further Reading" and a thorough index make this a useful reference book as well as an intriguing read. --Gail Hudson