ISBN: 0-88739-352-7
128 pp.
Size: 6 x 9
Pub Date: 12/2002
Paperback Original
Price: $13.95
|
Demeter's Mysteries
The Secret Path to Happiness
Marguerite Chiang
In this small book Marguerite Chiang accomplishes the formidable task of making the wisdom of ancient Greek spirituality relevant to the lives of today's women and men. Combining extensive research into Greek mythology with her professional experience as a psychotherapist and personal experience as a mother, Chiang offers a retelling of the story of the goddess Demeter's search for her beautiful daughter Persephone, abducted by Hades, lord of the underworld. In Demeter's grief, rage, persistence and final joy, the reader finds a path through the real trials of busy modern life to a happiness that often seems elusive.
During ceremonies for initiates into the Greek Mysteries the priestess would take on the identity of Demeter telling her story and counseling the initiates on the secrets of happiness. Chiang revives this ancient tradition, giving the narrator of Demeter's Mysteries the voice of Demeter speaking to an initiate, illuminating her modern telling with the texts of poets and thinkers, from William Blake to Emily Dickinson to C. G. Jung, and commingling it with counsel on creativity, work, romantic love, parenting, friendship and aging.
Review: "The gentle, wise soul of this extraordinary author permeates this fascinating ancient path she has adapted so effectively to the modern psyche. Enter Demeter's Mysteries with her and find your life smiling with change.
-William T. Riley, M.D., psychiatrist
"Marguerite Chiang has made herself known both professionally and spiritually in her book, Demeter's Mysteries. The creative muse and insightful woman whom I have been honored to work with, and consult with for many years has reminded me many a time, 'I am ready to dance.'"
-Linda Jean May, PhD, MFT
"In a style all her own, Marguerite Chiang borrows from Greek mythology to help us remember the forgotten joy of living playfully, like a child. After reading the book, one cannot help but question all the acquired habits that get in the way of enjoying life as an adult. A must read for all happiness seeking individuals."
-Nansen D'Sa, entrepreneur
"I was intrigued by the book Demeter's Mysteries. It seems to make sense out of what has become a chaotic time in our history. In the search for the child who exists in the core of each of us the author leads us back through the layers that make up our adult selves to the place where we can once again create and feel joy. I appreciated the combination of poetry and stories webbed into the myth."
-Toni Morley, ATR, MFT
Bio: MARGUERITE CHIANG is a psychiatric social worker and art therapist. Born in France, she came to the United States to attend business school in 1982, and has also worked as an engineer and vice-president of an advertising agency. She lives in California with her two daughters.
|
