Dissertation Title:

Dancing with the Archetypal Feminine: Embracing the Warrior and the Lover

Candidate:

Selena Madden

Date, Time & Place:

June 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm
at the Lecture Hall on the Lambert Campus


Abstract

Archetypal psychology is a version of Jungian depth psychology that emphasizes the importance of myths and archetypes for understanding the self and one’s relationship with others. This dissertation examines how the archetypes of the feminine warrior and the feminine lover may be integrated within those who identify as female or are female-embodied. The strengths and shadows of the warrior and lover are analyzed as a means of developing authenticity and connection to a woman’s primal self. I assert that the integration of these archetypes empowers her individuation process and its journey toward wholeness. The warrior provides the strength for the lover to emerge while the lover propels the warrior forward.

Feminine warrior and lover archetypes are exemplified through a study of Asian, Greek, Middle Eastern cultural traditions. Specific attention is given the Hindu goddesses Durga and Lalitā Tripura Sundarī, the Greek goddess Hestia, the mythic Chinese woman Fang Qiniang credited with the development of White Crane boxing, martial arts, and the practice of bellydance within Middle East and North Africa traditions.

Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Mythological Studies, I, 2015
  • Chair: Dr. Patrick Mahaffey
  • Reader: Dr. Dana White
  • External Reader: Dr. Natania Meeker
  • Keywords: Archetypal Psychology, Jungian Depth Psychology, Warrior Archetype, Lover Archetype, Goddesses, Fang Qiniang, Capoeira, Kung Fu, Aikido, Martial Arts, Bellydance