The healing power of women

Photographer: David J. Green MUA&stylist: Shannon Hyne Designer: Lucy Tammam for House of Tammam Model: Alex B.

As I was having breakfast this morning I checked my Facebook wall and found a wonderful video-clip shared by Anne Enke, the woman behind Anne of Carversville - I was featured by AOC last December, as you may recall, and continue to read AOC as well as being in touch with Anne through social networking sites.
The video-clip, which you can see below, is made by Max Dashú, who also writes the blog Veleda.
Max's project is fascinating. She has been  involved with the Suppressed Histories Archives since the 1970s and is reclaiming women's past history as shamans and healers, something that has always been associated with men. She has collected evidence from the art imagery of different cultures to support the proposition that it was women who were the original healers and this occurred cross-culturally. Indeed she has amassed a wealth of archaeological evidence and is currently engaged in making a film about her research.
I welcome Max Dashú's project. Women need to be reminded that patriarchal values can be opposed. There is an alternative to the war-mongering culture we seem to be living in and that alternative, which is for both men and women to share, is rooted in revalorising the immense and active contribution of women to cultural history, an input that has systematically been undermined and suppressed.
Max Dashú is fund raising for her film project. I am myself donating and I would urge you to consider doing the same, her target is $7,000. You need not give a huge amount. Every little bit helps.
Why do it?
I will quote Max:  "We've been taught that women spiritual leaders didn't exist, or were rare exceptions, or insignificant. We've also been told that the shamanic cultures were superstitious, backward, ignorant. Woman Shaman: the Ancients shows the reality, making visible the long and rich cultural record of medicine women, diviners and oracles, trance-dancers, shapeshifters, and women who journey through the worlds. To experience the beauty and power of these spiritual legacies is medicine for the spirit, especially for all the women who have been pushed down, marginalized and silenced in the name of religion. And it's an offering for everyone who knows the immeasurable value of aboriginal spiritual ways. They are our birthright, however far back we have to go to reach it...Contributing to Woman Shaman is a way for you to vote for media you would like to see". 


Please do give and spread the word. You can find out more about the project by visiting the Woman shaman website