On this page we share with you relevant resources – books (fiction and non-fiction), films and music - that we have enjoyed and which we feel may be of benefit to our students and members.

Notice: Be aware that while we have enjoyed these resources, we invite all to remain in loving discernment as always, as to the integrity and clarity of the information shared in these resources. Feminine Source Academy does not necessarily support all information/perspectives shared in the following resources.

Some of the listed books may not be available from bookstores, and some perhaps need to be found second hand. We found some of the following books in second-hand stores and online. Try shopping on the internet if you cannot find a particular resource at your local store.

BOOKS - Non-Fiction

Goddess/Feminine Spirituality/Women’s issues

'Goddesses in every woman' - Jean Shinoda Bolen - an exploration of Greek Goddess archetypes as they relate to women living in a patriarchal society (and echoes of the feminine aspect within all of us). An enlightening read to uncover some of our patterns and behaviours and how we can harmonise these archetypes for a more positive experience and expression in our life.

‘Intimacy and Solitude’ – Stephanie Dowrick – a well-written and intimate exploration of intimacy, solitude, relationship with self and others and how to develop a stronger sense of self-esteem and self-love. Plenty of insights, points to ponder, affirmations and suggestions. A wonderful self-help book to assist us to come to peace with ourselves, our own company and thereby with others.

‘Crossing to Avalon’ – Jean Shinoda Bolen – Trying to heal from her divorce, this is the adventure of the author as she goes on a spiritual Goddess pilgrimage a certain sacred places throughout Europe, meets with the Dalai Lama and finds awakening, healing and friendship.

‘Woman Changing Woman – Restoring the Mother Daughter Relationship’ – Virginia Beane Rutter – written by a Jungian analyst and phychotherapist, this book traces the journey of 3 diverse female clients and their struggle with the feminine archetypes, essence and expression. Through reference and exploration of various feminine traditions, myths and practices, we learn the magic that can unfold in the healing relationship between a woman therapist and her women client

‘The Wounded Woman- Healing the Father Daughter Relationship’ – Linda Schierse Leonard – written by a Jungian analyst, this books weaves in personal experience, client’s stories, myths, fairy tales, traditions and popular culture to explore the development of feminine psychology in relation to the masculine, especially in the relationship between father and daughter and the wounds often present within this primary influence in the life of women.

‘Succulent Wild Woman’ or ‘Inspiration Sandwich’ or ‘Bodacious Book of Succulence’ – all 3 books written by Sark – these very fun, playful and colourful books celebrate the journey of personal discovery, growth, learning, human experience and creativity. Aimed primarily toward women, these books are drawn mostly from the experience and observation of the author with her own process of personal growth. They are so much fun, very cute, yet they will touch you and give you something to ponder… all with a big smile!

‘ The Feminine Connection: Freeing the female psyche’ – Gayle Owens Ph.D. – This short volume takes an insightful snapshot at most women’s dysfunction and disempowerment and inspires women to reconnect with the value of the feminine and how this can help all of us in our lives.

‘Women Who Run with Wolves – contacting the power of the wild woman’ – Clarissa Pinkola Estés – a Jungian analyst and storyteller following the tradition of her South-American foremothers, Clarissa uses traditional feminine tales and myths and their lessons to assist us to reawaken to feminine wildness and natural wise connection in our modern lives.

‘The Myth of the Maiden – on being a woman’ – Joan E. Childs – the author explores the evolution of women from helpless maidens to powerful individuals through sharing of her own life journey and the many roles she has played for others and herself in many context. Drawing on her life lessons and the experience of some of her therapy clients she offers models and stories to guide us towards fulfillment.

'Shakti Woman - feeling our fire, healing our world' - Vicki Noble - A shamanic perspective on women's empowerment and returning to a grounded connection with our inner strength,creativity, wisdom and appreciation of the body. A classic in feminine work.

Men’s issues/Masculine mysteries

‘Gods in Every Man’ – Jean Shinoda-Bolen – the masculine partner to the book ‘Goddesses in every woman’, this volume explore a series of key Greek God archetypes and how they play out in the lives an expression of men (and the male aspects present within all of us). It also offers nsights on the possible dysfunction and guidance towards more wholeness and balance.

'Fire in the Belly' - Sam Keen - an exploration of manhood as relevant in this modern age, relating with the author's own journey and exploration of important themes in a man's life and relationships.

General personal Growth/Spirituality

'The Road Less Travelled' - Scott Peck - a life-changing book on meaninful leaving and orienting one's life towards Love and Authenticity. This volume will give you plenty to ponder and open you to deeper understanding of what this life is all about, and reorient your consciousness towards taking responsibility for travelling the path less travelled, that of spirit.

BOOKS - Fiction

'The Mists of Avalon' - Marion Zimmer Bradley – the Tale of King Arthur and Avalon seen from the persective of the women in the story. The main narrator, Morgan Le Fay, half-sister to Arthur, reveals her tale of adventure, magic, serving the Goddess, mistakes, loss and love.

‘The Red Tent’ – Anita Diamant – Dinah, daughter of Jacob of the Old Testament, reveals the story of her mothers, aunts and her own life in this moving retake on an old testament episode. Filled with old tribal women’s wisdom and stories, births and midwives, ‘moon time’ in the women’s red tend, love and murder, travelling from Canaanite country to Egypt, the reader bears witness to Dinah’s life from beginning to end. It left me in tears at the end of it. (ISBN 978 1 86448 679 7)

'The Expected One' and its sequel 'The Book of Love' - Kathleen McGowan - some very enjoyable adventure fiction around the controversial theme of the relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus, the cathar traditions in southern France, sacred relationships and the Sacred Feminine. A greatly entertaining read and some beautiful inspiring passages about love and sacredness. (nb: Feminine Source does not necessarily support the veracity of historical facts included in these books)

'A Thousant Splendid Suns' - Khaled Hosseini - a deeply moving and intense story of women in Afghanistan over a period of some decades as political regimes and social situations change dramatically. A beautiful and emotive story of feminine harship, endurance and the triumph of friendship and love. Make sure you have tissues nearby!

FILMS/DVDs

‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ (2003) - with Diane Lane- the beautiful story of a woman lost after a difficult divorce, and her journey to finding herself and her 'Source' again as a result of an adventure in Tuscany, Italy.

‘Chocolat’ (2000) – with Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Adapted from the book of the same title, it is the story of a mother and her daughter moving to a conservative old village in France and bringing with them family secrets of chocolate receipes which will shock and awaken the local villagers as they learn about enjoying life and sensuality. Johnny Depp co-starts as a seductive gypsy who adds a ‘love story’ dimension to this charming film.

‘Stealing Beauty’ (1996) – with Liv Tyler, Rachel Weisz, Jeremy Irons – A beautifully filmed movie about youth, innocence, first love and first sexual experience, family, death and life. A young woman, still a virgin, comes to a beautiful villa in Italy to stay with friends from her family. Looking for first love and for her real father, she undergoes experiences of betrayal, disappointment, new friendship, loss of a sick friend, healing from her mother’s death and finally her first sensual and sexual awakening.

‘The Women’(2008) – with Meg Ryan, Annette Bening and Eva Mendes – with an all-female cast, this film is a half-serious satyre of what busy modern women’s lives and women’s issue can often be like. With lots of intelligent humour and some subtle social comments, this movies tackles issues such as body image, aging, marriage, girl friendships, mother-daughter relationships and success in career.

Documentaries

“Birth as we know it” – a beautiful DVD that will transform our concept of the experience of giving birth, introducing the new vision of Conscious Birth. Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova shares of her experience developing a program of preparation for soon-to-be parents. This program can start from before conception, or during pregnancy, and we witness the amazing results obtained through this program: giving birth without any pain, but instead a graceful and profound experience of love and mystical union. www.birthasweknowit.com

MUSIC

Tori Amos - all her albums weave in themes of women's issues, feminine spirituality and Mary Magdalene. Tori is an amazing pianist, singer, songwriter with much passion, quirkiness and raw feelings piercing through her music. Her original lyrics use many cultural, religious and sometimes mythical references. (Popular Music)

Bliss - 100,000 Angels - Beautiful music filled with love and nurture. A very powerful song called 'Shiv Shakti' as an invitation for the return on the Goddess in every woman. (New Age)

Loreena McKennitt - Any of her albums. Her music is a haunting mix of instruments and styles from many varied times and cultures. Loreena takes you on a journey through Celtic Mystery, Spanish adventure, Arabic enchantment and Medieval serenades. Her beautiful Bard-Goddess voice will mistify and open the senses. (World Music/Mystical)

Dead Can Dance – any of their albums. This mystical duo bring together musical influences and instruments from many cultures, times and traditions while the voices of Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry are outstanding and magical. Their songs can take you on trance-like journeys, some invite you to dance while other songs will simply move you. Dead Can Dance music feels timeless, ancient and sometimes otherworldly. (World Music/Popular)