Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype » (Reprint)

Within every woman there is a wild creature--an inner force filled with passion and creativity. Unleashing this natural power and reclaiming the feminine soul is the subject of Women Who Run With the Wolves, the original audio gem that launched Dr. Estés’ legendary book. Drawing from her work as a Jungian psychoanalyst and poet, Estés uses her own stories and folk tales to inspire a new level of self-knowledge among women everywhere.

Publishers Weekly

Folklore, fairy tales and dream symbols are called on to help restore women's neglected intuitive and instinctive abilities in this earthy first book by a Jungian analyst. According to Estes, wolves and women share a psychic bond in their fierceness, grace and devotion to mate and community. This comparison defines the archetype of the Wild Woman, a female in touch with her primitive side and able to rely on gut feelings to make choices. The tales here, from various cultures, are not necessarily about wolves; instead, they illuminate fresh perspectives on relationships, self-image, even addiction. An African tale of twins who baffle a man represents the dual nature of woman; from the Middle East, a story about a threadbare but secretly magic carpet shows society's failure to look beyond appearances. Three brief, ribald stories advocate a playful, open sexuality; other examples suggest ways to deal with anger and jealousy. At times, Estes's commentary--in which she urges readers to draw upon and enjoy their Wild Woman aspects--is hyperbolic, but overall her widely researched study offers usable advice for modern women. (July)