In classic Jungian style， the author explores multiple expressions of the archetype of Mother through fairy tales， myths and fables。 This book is not a “how-to” parenting manual espousing theories to inform， inspire and reassure women to be better mothers。 Rather， it is a guide through the potential psychological and spiritual transformative experience of giving birth and raising a child to adulthood。 Embracing both the joyful as well as the darker aspects of motherhood is a hallmark of wholenes In classic Jungian style， the author explores multiple expressions of the archetype of Mother through fairy tales， myths and fables。 This book is not a “how-to” parenting manual espousing theories to inform， inspire and reassure women to be better mothers。 Rather， it is a guide through the potential psychological and spiritual transformative experience of giving birth and raising a child to adulthood。 Embracing both the joyful as well as the darker aspects of motherhood is a hallmark of wholeness。 These aspects are liberally illustrated through vignettes of the author’s own experience as well as those of her clients。 One thing I particularly appreciated is the distinction drawn between the hero’s and the heroine’s journey。 The feminine journey is characterized by a descent into the underworld or the unconscious…a journey down， rather than the masculine journey out。 （One of my favorite books is Descent to the Goddess; A Way of Initiation for Women。） The author invites the reader to take this downward journey to discover the untapped wellspring of creativity and inner authority within。 Each chapter has “Questions for Reflection” to support the process of self-discovery。This book is well worth reading and would make a great focus for a women’s support group。 I found myself underlining many passages to highlight the author’s compassionate wisdom。My thanks to the author， Sounds True， and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent， honest review。 。。。more