Maiden, Mother, Matriarch and Crone: Birthing the Circles of Our Lives with Elizabeth Davis

Program Description

Midwife, mother, teacher and visionary, Elizabeth Davis brings new insights to the experience of everywoman as she describes the phases and cycles through which all women pass. At the same time she recognizes the challenges and ambivalence often encountered in moving through each passage. Sharing her reverence for the mystical qualities of womanhood, Ms. Davis explains, “The blood mystery times are menarche (the first menstruation), childbirth and menopause. When women are in these times, they are volatile and transitional. They are visionary, and they have great potential to bring wisdom to culture.” With warmth and inspiration she describes the value of circles in supporting women and men alike, throughout a lifetime of questions, crises and transitions. (Hosted by Justine Willis Toms)

Elizabeth Davis is a certified midwife who has practiced as a women’s health-care specialist, educator and consultant for more than twenty-five years. She is the author of Heart & Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy and Birth (Celestial Arts 1997) and Women’s Sexual Passages: Finding Pleasure and Intimacy at Every Stage of Life (Hunter House 2000), and coauthor with Carol Leonard of The Circle of Life: Thirteen Archetypes for Every Woman (Celestial Arts 2003).

Topics Explored in this Dialogue:

• Why it is important to join with other women and men in circles and rituals to support and listen deeply to one another
• What are the rewards and doubts that you experience in moving through the many phases of womanhood
• How the typical hospital birthing process can eliminate the wonder and joy of giving birth
• What are the two powerful stages that define a woman’s life
• How the differences between men’s and women’s communication styles may challenge our sexual relationships

Program Number: 3020              Host: Justine Willis Toms             Interview Date: 11/11/2003