The New Return to the Great Mother
The New Return to the Great Mother shares stories and wisdoms about the initiations of womanhood, and how the Great Mother is present at births, always supporting—sometimes sustaining—the women and children as they moved through the sacred initiation of childbirth.
Since publishing Return to the Great Mother in 2013, numerous mothers, partners, and birthing attendants have come forward to share with me their stories and to express gratitude for helping them connect with the power of the Great Mother. Some are continuing to strengthen their relationship with this ancient and ongoing source of power, calling upon her whenever they are faced with situations that require them to step outside of their comfort zone and into a new way of knowing themselves or life.
In this updated edition, I have included information about the importance and power of initiations. While the focus of the book is on childbirth (the one initiation we can choose whether to participate in), it is just one of seven key steps we take on the path toward personal growth. Men have their own essential initiation processes, of course, but because this book highlights the uniquely female endeavor of giving birth, I have spoken only to the initiations of girls and women.
It is through the discussion of the seven initiations of birth, puberty, menses, first sexual encounter, childbirth, menopause, and death that I hope to shed light on the life-altering effects that initiatory experiences can have on us. Like rungs on a ladder, each initiation can serve as a sturdy step upon which we feel supported as we climb upward toward greater awareness and understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Purchase The New Return to the Great Mother in the Sacred Stream Store.
“The exploration of life’s key initiatory moments, Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. maps a healing journey in The New Return to the Great Mother. I highly recommend Isa’s book as a valuable guide for navigating both the physical and spiritual realms. It represents a life-enhancing prescription for self-healing and transformation that empowers women to gain sovereignty over their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.” Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D., Stem Cell Biologist, Epigenetic Science Pioneer, and bestselling author of The Biology Of Belief
“In this complex world, Isa Gucciardi’s The New Return to the Great Mother is the gift we need to find our way back to ourselves, our strengths, and our connection. Her straightforward process, inspiring examples, and reminder that there is more to us than meets the eye is exactly what’s needed to fill our hearts, minds, and bodies with the power of healing.” Sue Baelen, Licensed Homebirth Midwife, Sacred Body Midwifery
