Women Who Run with the Wolves,   ISBN:9780345409874

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An Inuit fisherman hooks an enORmous fish, and, as he reels in his line, obsesses on how good that will make him look in his community, how rich it makes him, how much pleasure it will give, how it will fill him up and meet his needs--all about himself; ego thoughts. (As with the first blush of infatuation, we often focus on how our own physical, emotional and social cravings will finally be fulfilled--how greedy we can be, thinking that this avarice is 'love'!) Then the 'fish', as he pulls it out of the water, turns out to be a terrifying other-thing, a skeleton, which he cannot disentangle from his line: a horrifying apparition confronting him with his own mortality, which he cannot escape. He runs in terror to his igloo but cannot shake her. After exhausted sleep, he wakes and dares to truly see her, finally--and feels... instead of terror, compassion--for he has mangled her utterly by dragging her behind him on his fishing line. As he untangles her and puts her bones back together, he experiences her full humanity, and then (as she transforms into a living being again) her beauty and warmth, and finally, genuine love. Born of empathy, giving, care... abandoning greed, and embracing his own flawed humanity with tenderness.

This is how I recall this story, as told by Estés in "Women Who Run with the Wolves". Here's a version of the story: [...]

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This book is so much more than words can ever say! I first read this book when I was 18 or 19 years old and since then, over 20 years later, it is still read and re-read. There is such depth, knowledge and soul to this book that with each reading I get a deeper understanding of myself, the world, archetypes...everything, really. I continue to be strengthened by this book and will most definitely read it with my daughter when she is able. A must read for everyone. A delight, a treasure, a masterpiece in the true sense of the word. Soraya

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I read this book when It first came out and lost my copy i liked it wo well, I bought another. Still on reading list!

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I read this book when I was turning 30 and then again 10 years later. It is one of the most significant books a woman will ever read. Each myth/story allowed me to open my eyes and come to a deeper understanding of myself. I have bought this book for so many of my women friends, and they too have talked about how much it has affected them and helped them to grow. I can't say enough about it...it's a masterpiece!

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This Miraculous book delves into the inner spirit of women,Through archtypical Stories,many of them classic folk lore,It reminds me of the way Jesues used to teach us by stories and parable,the subconscious understands in a more holographic way through the story form of teaching,and Clarrisa is a literary genius and spirit teacher extraordinaire!!!
I cannot put into words how deeply this book can effect the spirit inside women!!! to reawaken our inner force and wisdom!!!!it speaks to an inner part of us,a part that really is the wild nature,and It speaks in the wild woman's native tongue in such a way,that a women that has been beaten down and has had her spirit raped from her can find it once again,And I can only say that Clarisa Saved my life in ways she will never know,And I hope that she realizes what a gift she has given to humanity in writing this book of miracles,And I wish i COULD TELL HER MY SELF!!!
SHE HAS A HUGE FOLLOWING OF WOMEN THAT MEET TOGETHER AND DISCUSS THE TEACHINGS AND Grow stronger as women and as spirits and over come the desolation of both abusers and society as well as the inner nature that we all possess,that kills our spirits within before we even realize what is going on...I will say it again,Clarisa saved my life when I was in this place of no return,in chains... held hostage by Bluebeard himself!!!Because Of Clarisa I escaped and I live to tell the story!!!I recommend this book to all women who have ever been abused And to all women in general,And if the truth be known,I think that we should all be given our rightful copy of this book at birth(men too) The world would be a whole different place if this were so,It would be a world with far less pain,and a whole lot more strength,magic and miracles,Love,light and abundant wisdom,But alas I had to stumble on this book when it was almost to late!!!Thank you Clarisa,You'll never know how much I appreciate the miracle of Women who run with wolves!!!I can't recommend it enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have read it 3 times,!!!!!And when I need extra strength,I just open it up and start reading!!!!Its always exactly what I need at the moment,My guiding light!!! I keep it with me always...Ok.... its my security blanket!!! That's for sure!!!!

Sincerely,
Athena Alexa
Inspirational artist and Poet and
Author of the Earth Prayer series
Earth Prayers Angels And Dreams
The Angels Awaken
Fairy tales in the land of tomorrow
All of God's Children
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