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The Pregnant Virgin a Process of Psychological Transformation: A Book Review
By Michael Allen
Marion Woodman is a Jungian analyst who trained at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. Woodman has written over twelve novels to date: “Dying into Life” and “The Maiden King” are two of her most renowned books. She is also the founder of The Marion Woodman Foundation which uses dream work and visualizations to gain insight into the inner processes of the subconscious (Wiki…). In, “The Pregnant Virgin…” some of the core concepts that were highlighted include; the belief that a person’s purpose is simply to be, and that in order to experience wholeness mind with body must be seen as one. As well, the home can be seen as symbolic of the womb and unconsciously some of us gravitate to our womb/home for security. The initial chapters deal with the birthing process and in one example Woodman described tunnels in dreams as being symbolic of birth. For people who experienced difficulties during the birthing process feelings of suffocation or claustrophobia later in life are often common (Virgin). Woodman stated in the first chapter, “To get rid of one’s past to forgive-confront and forgive and move into the present. Forgive oneself too, and God (Virgin).” This quote is told in conjunction with another of Woodman’s beliefs in that each person is not alone and there is an underlining bond of togetherness, which joins humanity. Within, “The Pregnant Virgin…,” Woodman discussed the present society as being patriarchal in structure. And some women are able to work within a patriarchal framework. “Some women can accept their destiny in a traditional, patriarchal relationship…” Other women have to turn to their own inner Animus or inner masculine energy to find spiritual and intellectual importance. Woodman noted that many men are unaware of their own apathy or contempt for women as they are also unaware of their own Anima or female energy (Virgin). Some men act as Prince Charming. Their childhood bonding with the mother has created a man, “…who is dependant on women’s approval.” In Woodman’s book she wrote that those individuals who have turned away from their own inner positive guide have projected a negative archetype onto others. For women the negative archetype has been the, “Demon Lover” and for men it has been the “Demon Goddess” or “Kali” of Indian lore. For those who have listened to their inner guide creativity, spontaneity, and freedom can be achieved. In some of Woodman’s final thoughts she related the consequences of children who were not given boundaries, specifically that children, “…will become tyrannically demanding.”
In addition, children who are rejected early in life will unconsciously attempt to set up similar rejections later in life. This is why each child and their psyche must be allowed, “…into full blossom (Virgin).” During the 190 page novel Marion Woodman’s expertise on Jungian ideas like archetypes, the collective unconscious, and the subconscious filter through the pages. Much of the early novel is devoted to the process of birthing and how it shapes much of people’s lives. The middle of the novel seems unfocused as the writer moves from topic to topic. Many of the discussions in “The Pregnant Virgin…,” revolve around food and the consumption of food. Some of these concerns might be gender based, yet, most of the other topics are universal and will appeal to many readers. If as a reader you have an interest in psychology then this novel will appeal to you. For other readers who have issues regarding food then this book will offer some valuable insights into the workings of the subconscious. For more information on Marion Woodman and her many books contact the website below. Sources: Woodman, Marion. Marion Woodman. 25 Sep. 2008 http://www.mwoodman.org/ Woodman, Marion. The Pregnant Virgin A Process of Psychological Transformation. Toronto: Inner City Books, 1985.
This intel first appeared on: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1064387/the_pregnant_virgi...
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Marion Woodman's Homepage
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