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“In Virgin Mother Goddesses of Antiquity,
Marguerite Rigoglioso explores the power of virgin
birth, or parthenogenesis, as the primal creative
process. The clarity of her analysis reveals how
pervasive and influential this motif and its rites were
in the ancient world. Most interesting is her remarkable explication of the Eleusinian Mysteries, where––by her application of the “missing piece” of virgin birth––she makes sense of much that has been passed over or ignored in the ancient texts. This is an original piece of scholarship that dares to imagine traditions at the foundation of Western culture in an entirely new light. As with any paradigm-shifting theory, some may challenge Rigoglioso’s interpretations, but all readers will recognize that parthenogenesis, as a symbol of profound spiritual perception, could not have received a more articulate spokesperson. One feels in reading her work that she is writing from inside a tradition that we didn’t even know existed, and the authenticity of her writing makes it all the more accessible and inviting.”
–– Gregory Shaw,
Professor of Religious Studies, Stonehill College, and
author of Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus
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Virgin Mother Goddesses of Antiquity
Various goddesses of the ancient Mediterranean world were once understood to be Virgin Mothers––creators who birthed the entire cosmos without need of a male consort. This is the first book to explore evidence of the original parthenogenetic power of deities such as Athena, Hera, Artemis, Gaia, Demeter, Persephone, and the Gnostic Sophia. It provides stunning feminist insights about the deeper meaning of related stories, such as the judgment of Paris, the labors of Heracles, and the exploits of the Amazons. It also roots the Thesmophoria and Eleusinian Mysteries in female parthenogenetic power, thereby providing what is at long last a coherent understanding of these mysterious rites.
“The Cult of Divine Birth in Ancient Greece
is bold, creative, and courageous, and makes
a considerable contribution to feminist re-readings and reinterpretations of religious
and mythological traditions from the Greco-Roman world. Especially convincing is the close reading of a large collection of mythological texts that illustrate the subtle and not-so-subtle movements from a more matriarchal to a more patriarchal ethos.”
–– Marvin Meyer, Ph.D., Griset Professor of Bible and Christian Studies, Chapman University; author of The Gospel of Judas, The Gospels of Mary, The Gnostic Bible, Ancient Christian Magic, and other volumes
Website Design by Irene Yoannides Young
The Cult of Divine Birth in Ancient Greece
Greek religion is filled with strange sexual artifacts –– stories of mortal women's couplings with gods;
rituals like the basilinna's "marriage" to Dionysus; beliefs in the impregnating power of snakes and deities; the unusual birth stories of Pythagoras, Plato, and Alexander; and more. In this provocative study, Marguerite Rigoglioso suggests such details
are remnants of an early Greek cult of divine birth,
not unlike that of Egypt. Scouring myth, legend,
and history from a female-oriented perspective, she argues that many in the highest echelons of Greek civilization believed non-ordinary conception was the only means possible of bringing forth individuals who could serve as true leaders, and that special cadres of virgin priestesses were dedicated to this practice.
Her book adds a unique perspective to our understanding of antiquity, and has significant implications for the study of Christianity and other religions in which divine birth claims are central. The book's stunning insights provide fascinating reading for those interested in female-inclusive approaches to ancient religion.
Greek religion is filled with strange sexual artifacts –– stories of mortal women's couplings with gods;
rituals like the basilinna's "marriage" to Dionysus; beliefs in the impregnating power of snakes and deities; the unusual birth stories of Pythagoras, Plato, and Alexander; and more. In this provocative study, Marguerite Rigoglioso suggests such details
are remnants of an early Greek cult of divine birth,
not unlike that of Egypt. Scouring myth, legend,
and history from a female-oriented perspective, she argues that many in the highest echelons of Greek civilization believed non-ordinary conception was the only means possible of bringing forth individuals who could serve as true leaders, and that special cadres of virgin priestesses were dedicated to this practice.
Her book adds a unique perspective to our understanding of antiquity, and has significant implications for the study of Christianity and other religions in which divine birth claims are central. The book's stunning insights provide fascinating reading for those interested in female-inclusive approaches to ancient religion.
The Divine Birth Mystery Teachings:
Reawakening the Ancient Mediterranean Priestesshoods
A Five-Month Program of Study and Priestess Preparation for Women
To learn about these teachings, click here.
