Cactus Critic's Corner

One of the authors I have enjoyed the most was Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Dr. Estes discusses important issues using stories, legends, and myths she has collected around the world. In her interviews I have heard her explain that, since the beginning of human time the stories we have told, whether around the campfires of our ancient civilizations or in our more modern books, have reflected society's attitudes and taboos. The stories are like a mirror into the past. From our past are the keys to our future--keys that can set us free.

Dr. Estes is a consummate story teller. She weaves a web of truth that hits like a sledge hammer.

She holds the reader spell bound as she leads us from story to story, explaining every crevice and corner behind the subtle meanings within the seemingly harmless fair tales we grew up with. She discusses life at its most exciting, death at is most gruesome, and all that lies between the two. She talks about sensuality, women's issues, men's issues, the after life. She teaches us to look beyond the obvious for what is beneath and unseen. She takes us to the underworlds of ancient cultures and to the courageous who battled for the hand of a maiden. She talks of betrayal and of brutal societies who cage us, clip our wings and try to kill our very souls.

Her writing is not for everyone. Men should read her, but seldom understand her concepts. Women must read her, though to do so brings up such hidden emotions. We often have to stop in the reading to deal with the flood of emotions that erupt. Her writing has changed the life of a 73 year old woman who found answers to questions she had wondered about all her life. Her writing has changed the life of a young mother who found her wildish nature in the writings. It has even changed the life of a business woman who discovered her spiritual connection to other world around her. Dr. Estes' books are my legacy to my granddaughters as well my daughters. I have bought a book for each. As my granddaughters become young women, I will present each a book in hopes that the teachings within these stories will enhance their life and preserve their wildish natures for generations to come.

I invite you to read Ms Estes' book, Women Who Run With The Wolves. It is an adventure of the spirit.

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