Women Who Run With the Wolves

I have been doing some research for a character in my book, and ran across this book.

Has anyone read it? It is by Clariss Pinkola Estes, Ph.d.

Here is a passage:

"We are all filled with a longing for the wild. There are a few culturally sanctioned antidotes for this yearning. We were taught to feel shame for such a desire. We grew our hair long and used it to hide our feelings. But the shadow of the Wild Women still lurks behind us during our days and in our nights. No matter where we are, the shadow that trots behind us is definitely four-footed."

I can not put this book down.

Candlegirl

Holy Crap CG . . . . .that sounds like a really neat book. I would like to have some of those women offer me a job, to like, have them follow me and get paid for it !! Sorry, I know you are serious, I just could not resist ! The author is definitely one intelligent person!

CandleGirl, I wonder how many out in Cyber land, have these primal urges, and I wonder who will admit to this ? How about yourself ? What type of "Chord does this strike in you?" It makes me think of a full moon, chasing the beautiful wolf, and trying to conserve my energy for when she finally lets me catch her !!!!
It will be so interesting to see what the girls print on this one. Come on ladies, get brave, what do you think ? I want to hear all of your thoughts. It is for a book I want to write. . . . the title—

"All the Beautiful Women I ever Wanted and Couldn't Have"

Or how about, "All the Fantasys I ever Wanted to Live Out and Just Never got Lucky !"

You know Linda, I am thinking you may have opened a big can of worms here, . . . . Of course what do I know, I am just another man, . . . .

You asked, you received! Is it 'I' after 'E' unless it is C—?

NOW WHO IS A STINKER. Polaris, or is it alright if I call you by name now>>>

Linda

OH Goodness, you know my english sucks. . .and yes, I am a stinker, but I can not help it. . .I am a product of being a wild and crazy person who is blessed with a head full of ideas, and not many places to put those ideas. . .Can I help it if I pop the clutch on my fingers before I start my brain —
Please, be nice to me. I am suffering from CRS. Did I boo boo and now you want to use a BFH on me —

Should I be wearing a life jacket ? ?

How can I sleep, . . .—

I'm intrigued by the passage, Candle Girl - I really want to read it. Is it a philosophical kind of book, or a fictional novel, or what exactly? Because I love a good book...

Alright, so here's a fantasy (not sexual, really...well, everthing is a bit sexual, isn't it? Not intentionally sexual, or sex-inspired...but lemme share): Sometimes what I really want to do, is live in the woods, like the middle of the woods, deep deep in the woods, and have just a simple shelter made out of twigs and leaves...and my "beloved" and I (lol, that was intentional cheesiness) live there, and just live together, away from the city, away from all the modern crap, and there's a creek that our shelter is next to, and a waterfall, and we don't really wear clothes, and we can just run around and be together whenever, wherever...and hide from each other behind trees and play little games. That really sounds a lot more stupid in writing than it does in my mind....in my mind, I picture this beautiful creek, and all the rocks, and the cool shadyness of the woods, and the leaves everywhere, and the smell of everything, and everything is blue and green.

I don't know why I have this fantasy, I just do. I've had it for a long time.

hi candle girl: could you tell me the title of that book. it's sounds like a good read. i truly have primal urges. i've always seemed to keep a lid on them. being a cap, that's a given, but i'm slowly taking that lid off to the surprise of the men in my life. i don't think they approve too much. i have a cancer, scorpio and a leo in my life now. the scorp knows of the cancer, the cancer knew i saw the scorp previously, but doesn't know i just saw him the other night, the leo knows of both scorp and cancer, but neither the scorp or cancer know of the leo. i wonder what some men think of women who truly let go, because the men i know want to keep me for themselves, except the leo. they are not into sharing, that's for sure. all the while i must let them free to do what they want. now the cancer tells me he is not seeing anyone else, but goes on kayaking trips all the time with many people for days or weeks or more. he's quite social and handsome, so i wonder if that's true, but i let him go without saying too much anymore, because i guess i now have a scorp, and sometimes the leo to spend my time with. whereas before, when i didn't have someone else, i would be very jealous and angry when he left me alone. this seems to balance me out, and i let these men be who they are and do what they want. so like i said, i'm slowly releasing all those primal urges, but i still worry about the consequences of it all though. it's too bad that we here in the US don't have the sexual liberation they have in europe. it can be so rigid here. i think it causes alot of problems, including rape. well, now that i opened that can of worms....
i'm really enjoying the dialogue lately with polaris, freebird, and all. hello to alana. this is a good question, candle girl, about primal urges. am looking forward to the responses.

The title of the book is 'Women Who Run With the Wolves, Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype', by Clarris Pinkila Estes, Ph.D.

I picked it up when I was doing a Lewis and Clark expedition on the Columbia River, back in 97. I didn't finish it, but I was doing some research and remembered this book and sent for it through Amazon.com.

I didn't finish it yet, but let me tell you this is a great read.

Here is another excerpt:

"It is not by accident that the pristine wilderness of our planet disappears as the understanding of our own inner wild natures fades. It is not so difficult to comprehend why old forests and old women are viewed as not very important resources. It is not such a mystery. It is not so coincidental that wolves and coyotes, bears and wildish women have similar reputations. They all share related instinctual archetypes, and as such, both are erroneously reputed to be ingracious, wholly and innately dangerous and ravenous."

Now don't get me wrong here, it is the instinctual wildness, not the self destructive wildness, she is writting about.

So the fantasy you speak sounds like you haven't lost you natural instinctual nature, Phoenix Rising.

Peace to all,

Linda/CG

Pato, what are these primal urges ? You are among friends, so please, share with us. Any particular events help kick in the show ? How about this, .. .. a vast snow covered mountain top superinsulated cabin, with a nice smokeless fireplace lit, your favorite beverage and snacks, with your favorite music playing, not to mention, a huge picture window next to the king size bed, overlooking the side of the mountain, at night with a full moon, clear skys no neighbors for 20 miles and no interuptions, . . . careful now, this is a test, we want to know if you are able to communicate, under pressure, . . . heres the question, . . . who is there with you and what are you doing—

Anyone can take this question by the way. We are looking for a few good articulate people, to see how good they communicate with those of us out here in Cyber land. Just an excercise for some of you ladies, whose fingers have had too much rest lately. . . . . . . come on, who is gonna know besides your friends here — You may be helping one or two of us out, and we would be so appreciating you doing that. . . .!!! Please ?

well polaris, that is truly one place i would love to be, except i'm somewhat of a nutcase. i would be in a tent. you see, i'm a winter camper. all snuggled in down, two warm bodies. existing amongst the extreme. living the extreme. doing the extreme. slowly..building into an extreme crescendo of passion and depth. waking in freshly fallen deep snow, with brilllant sunshine. there's nothing like it. i can tell ya, because i've done it. as far as my primal urges go, that is something i keep to myself. can't give away the secrets. they'll lose their power. you see, i'm a cap. we're just too reserved. only let loose on those special moments. sorry.

Well, I certainly dont have enough primal in me to use a tent in the winter! No way. I understand reserved. Who dont, but at least you printed something when everyone else is waiting to see who prints what !!! You know, I dont even use a tent in the summer, let alone winter ! To many animals I dont trust to leave me the heck alone !
As for doing the extreme, I do alot of extreme stuff, most of it motorized, but, I in no way could ever extreme in a tent in the snow !!!

Wow, I'm really need to share this with everyone.

I am reading this book for research as I said. But OMG,
if anyone has been in an abusive relationship, this unlocks a lot of questions as to why we let it happen. We are, smart, pretty, you name it, but somehow we pick the wrong partner and stay for an incredible amount of time.

Sorry to share that much, but it is so interesting. When my ex and I broke up, I was lost and devastated. I kind of went underground in the winter, so to speak and came out in the spring a new woman. I healed myself, my soul.

So there now. Too Heavy huh—?

Take care,

Candlegirl

Hi Candlegirl, . . . . Nope I dont think that is too heavy ! We have all probably had our hearts ripped in half at least once and some of us, two or three times. They say love is blind, . . . well no shot sherlock, it is. When you have given up everything, put in all you can possibly do, and then find out you are a complete love sick fool, trust me, the pain is gut wrenching, and lasts much longer than we would like it to. Nope, we dont like to brag about our "war wounds of the heart" , but, . . . I am one person that was blessed by God, thanks to having my heart torn out. . . There is not space in this area for all the blessings I have recieved, thanks to God. I have to say, when your eyes are opened to the truth, you see so many things you never saw before. You realize so many things you used to take for granted. Anyway, let me say, sometimes you nice ladies make me see things in a different light, and I think there is more than a few of you, who dont realize, there are men who have hurt just as much, and because we have a need to be strong and brave in public, we tend to act like " no big deal, we can handle it"
Say, I wonder how many guys read what you all write and realize there is a better way to do things sometimes ? I bet some of them would not admit they have learned something here. You think— I know I appreciate this site, it is too bad we have so many MIAs. . . .whats up with that?

I hope they are not MIAs because of bad news.

You are a fine LEEBRA but a MAN.. So All the good girls are scared.

Candlegirl

You are a fine LEEBRA but a MAN.. So All the good girls are scared.

Candlegirl

I enjoy your point of view Polaris. It is refreshing to have a male communicate with such candor.

CG

My people belive the wolf will not enter a burning house to kill a person. My people belive this because they are a backward race of people who feel the only thing separateing them from the animals or there redundant, superfluous, ridiclous rituals and ostentatious pageantry. I belive this also.

James Tate, how the heck are ya? Having a few pints? Have you heard a Bob Seger song lately?

This is such an interesting book. It is more about the fact we should go back to our basic instincts now and then, trust our gut so to speak.

Isn't the world getting into a big mess?

Take care,

CG

candle Gril I am fine how are you. Hope your world is not to big a mess. I must say I can see you and a few other women who visit here running with the wolf's.

I was just wondering if anyone has gotten a chance to s read "Women Who run....." yet??

I'm reading 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath now.

Interesting at best.

CG

Hi CG 🙂

I just wanted to let you know that I have been reading, "Women Who Run With The Wolves" and what an incredible read. I must agree with you, CG it is very hard to put down...this is a must read for all women!!!!!

Thanks for your suggestion CG....I need to get back to my book 🙂

Glad you wrote back. It doesn't answer all things but some things!!! So Happy to hear from you.

seems to be a standard book gift for any modern woman.

yet I have not had it so far. Where are my gfs at?

Posted by phoenix_rising
[...] here's a fantasy [...]: Sometimes what I really want to do, is live in the woods, like the middle of the woods, deep deep in the woods, and have just a simple shelter made out of twigs and leaves...and my "beloved" and I (lol, that was intentional cheesiness) live there, and just live together, away from the city, away from all the modern crap, and there's a creek that our shelter is next to, and a waterfall, [...]

Interesting. I had this fantasy when I was 14-15. But I dreamed of living on a farm. I wrote an essay about it in the school.

Nature was always the source of excitement for me.

This book might be a cooperation between Aqua and Cap. Alien meets tradition.

writer: Clarissa Pinkola Est?s (born January 27, 1945)

Sun/Aqu + Mars/Merc/Cap
+ Venus/Pisces oppos. Jup/Virg
+ Moon Cancer/Leo? + Sat/CancerR
+ Nept/Lib/6R conj. Chir/Lib/3R

I've collected a few of the readers reviews to introduce the book. Reviewes are from goodreads.com. I hope it helps.

shelter: archetypes, womens-interest, shamanic, mythos, questing, pop-feminism,

+) storytelling at its best.

+) It is filled with fairy tales and lessons that speak to me at different times.

0) huge contribution to the field of Jungian Feminist Psychology

0) The use of the word wild in the context of this book is meant to mean natural rather than out of control.

0) ——?_?? —— ———? ?_?? —_—? ?? ——?_?? ———? ?? ?? —— —? ?_?? ——? ??_——?? ——?? ——?? —_——.

+) Men and trans people should read it too, though, since it deals with the wild in all of us as well as in those we love.

+) Another facet of this book I quite liked is Est?s?? multicultural perspective.

+) It is a very spiritual book and explains how women can get back in touch with their deep feminine instincts.

+) It's an especially important message given the negative stereotypes and portrayals bombarding our young women today through various media outlets.

+) Full of incredible wisdom and insight for women of all ages;

-) I was a bit surprised that even when she was encouraging wildness and restoring women back to themselves, she kept referring to arts, and childbirth, and barely a mention of science.

-) Manchmal waren mir die Ausf?_hren zu langatmig

-) this book is all moon-goddessey which, as a rule, I find highly suspect & difficult to stomach.

-) a collection of pseudo psychology ... overblown and full of hybole

-) a bunch of confused mumbo-jumbo

+) Read the book. This audio version doesn't even come close.

+) I don't have a date to finish it because I am still reading it, over and over.

-) It does get repetitive, especially toward the end

+) Slow but interesting read. Lots of food for thought.

-) I tried several times to get into it, and it just was impossible.

-) I couldn't get past the first chapter. Too much new age...

-) each chapter with the same idea said a hundred different ways.

+) I've read this book although, this time, I read it for its poetic language and imagery.

+) Unexpectedly recommended to me by a male friend after divulging to him tidbits of my own wisdom gained from a handful of key life experiences.

+-) come for the content, try and stay despite the poor writing.

+) This is the second time I have read this book and th

ff.

+) This is the second time I have read this book and this time around some 20 years later, I found myself connecting with it even more.

-) Just as she claims certain cultures have one version of what women should be, so does she -- and that is a weak, selfish, unintellectual woman who feels constantly persecuted.

+) Live comfortably in the underground world of your life-the deeply emotional and instinctual world, but always keep your topside world intact, the balance is crucial for continuous progress, whatever it may be.

+) I do think this book would be great for women who have felt oppressed at some point in their lives, and are working to overcome that oppression and change thier lives.

+) A brilliant reference book for anyone - not just women, as it opens one up to the inner journey we are all on and uses creative maps that we can all relate to as humans .

+) Any woman with an ounce of soul will love this book, NEED this book and return to it repeatedly.

Favorite quotes:

"If you have a deep scar, if you yearn, that is a door..."

"Running is part of the process. It is only human to do so, but not for long and not forever."

"When the student is ready the teacher appears."

"It is worse to stay where one does not belong at all than to wander about lost for awhile."

"She who does not howl will never find her pack."

+) This is not a book to pick up and read cover to cover, but to devour in chunks over time.

+) I wish I had read this book as I was coming of age, as I would have learned so much in advance.

0) I would recommend this book for women who are going through any kind of crisis: age crisis, identity crisis, you name it; also for any woman with existential doubts about what she wants in life, or this who are suffering from a separation or divorce.

-) Although I am a supporter of the creative use of language, flaunting rules to nurture emotional responses that adherence to strict grammatical rules might sometimes stymie, this book, like her audio books, comes across as the ramblings of a deranged hobo that was caught on tape, transcribed and translated first by a drunken, masturbating monkey into the hand gestures of the creatures that live in the outer reaches of Uranus, then into English by an illiterate corpse.

+) my favorite quote:
—When a woman is frozen of feeling, when she can no longer feel herself, when her blood, her passion, no longer reach the extremities of her psyche, when she is