Women and Dionysus: Appearances and Exile in History, Culture, and Myth

Description

Women and Dionysus links repression of the Dionysian spirit in Western culture with the rise of the patriarchy over the course of two millennia. It effectively draws aconnection between Dionysus and women throughout history, with examples from cultures both past and present, and the author's own experiences. Maggy Anthony explores Dionysus' role as god of the vine, creativity and passion, and his impact on art and literature. The book examines the Dionysian influence on creative older women, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Martha Graham and Marguerite Duras; examines Dionysus in mythology, history and religion; and considers connections to mysticism and the Renaissance. Anthony goes on to explore how women's expressions of creativity through healing, wine-drinking and dancing were condemned in history, and how modern African and Latin American rites contrast with Western traditions. Finally, the book looks at 'outbreaks' of modern Dionysian spirit - from Haight-Ashbury to the Burning Man festival - and speculates on its future. This unique study will be essential reading for academics and scholars of Jungian and post-Jungian studies, and for analytical and depth psychologists, particularly those with an interest in female individuation, creativity, and spirituality. Cover Endorsement Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of contents Acknowledgments Introduction Reference 1 The Dionysian body 2 The approach of Dionysus to older women Martha Graham Georgia O’Keeffe Marguerite Duras References 3 Dionysus in mythology References 4 Carnival as temenos References 5 Dionysus in the Early Middle Ages References 6 Women mystics Mechtild of Magdeburg Julian of Norwich Saint Teresa of Avila Note Reference 7 Dionysus underground Note References 8 Dionysus in projection Note References 9 Dionysian women Colette Josephine Baker Frida Kahlo References 10 Jean Houston’s mythic life Reference 11 Dionysus appears, again References 12 Dionysus rampant: Haight-Ashbury at its highest 13 Burning Man: Dionysia into the twenty-first century References 14 The return of Dionysus References 15 Apollo/Dionysus, masculine/feminine, yin/yang References Index