“We believe that women are in the midst of a profound rite of passage.”

The authors warn against getting “hijacked” by habit and recommend various techniques to develop “conscious response,” utilizing three forms of intelligence: head, heart, and hara, or physical awareness. Journaling, self-mothering, centering--all will be part of the process leading to new, unconditioned responses and freely chosen actions that open up profoundly new ways to live, love and lead. Women need to understand and manage the universal archetypes of The Father, Mother, Hero, Maiden, and Crone that live within all of us. The Father, for example, can limit and judge, making an individual feel “I do not belong,” or liberate, creating a sense of belonging and true authority. The Mother can be (ideally) a nurturer creating a sense of self-acceptance, or, conversely, a neglector who forgets her own self-care, even a devourer who holds on too tightly to others.

Each internal figure has shadow selves. The Maiden, a fresh young aspect of the self which approaches life with enthusiasm, can easily turn into one of two shadow selves: the Bohemian, making impulsive decisions and avoiding consequences; or the Puritan, afraid of relationships, ridden with guilt. In later life, a woman may embody the Crone, or wise woman, someone who has processed her personal mysteries and can share her knowledge with candor. But the Crone, too, has shadows: the Hag, determined to accomplish and be recognized but harsh and manipulative; and the Denier, who may help others but cannot help herself, who fears accomplishment and tries not the rock the boat. Using real people to illustrate the authors’ modalities is one strength of this complex, well-organized work. Denier Christina, for example, found she was going numb, “attending to everyone else’s agenda except her own.” As she integrated her talents and used them for the benefit of others, she became “the teacher and sage guide she had always secretly felt herself to be.”

By using the practical exercises and studying the conceptual material detailed in this wide-reaching guide, Cannon and Anderson believe women can become “mysterial,” gradually gaining recognition in society as their work becomes “part of the new integral consciousness and culture.” Instead of a few fine instruments playing alone, their efforts will harmonize to create innovative, inspiring sound.

Thoughtful women will appreciate this innovative, practical and inspiring signpost to new horizons.