Look and Listen

Biography

Being a midlife woman, I have had the opportunity to enjoy a multi-faceted life—interior designer, cultural mythologist, author, retired from law enforcement and more. One of my most satisfying achievements was to earn my doctoral degree in mythology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in the Santa Barbara area, home of Joseph Campbell’s archives. While at PGI, I researched the phenomenon of ritual tattooing that is affecting a broad spectrum of Western Culture. I ended up writing my dissertation on the scripted skin. I wanted to comprehend what compels us to mark our bodies. My book, Natives of A New Skinscape: Tattoos as Cultural Coding was the end result of my research. My journey into the world of mythology also took me into the realm of alchemy, a discipline steeped in bizarre imagery, secretive symbolism and esoteric writings, and where the mavericks of intellectual society were engaged. I was hooked! After years of delving into this mysterious place, my colleague, Dr. Catherine Davidson and I were compelled to write a book on the alchemical journey of transformation. Our undertaking was to translate the ages-old alchemical traditions into contemporary and practical tools for self-discovery. In writing this book, we wanted to explore a unique and powerful way for women to embody their purpose by asking the right questions that would guide them towards living a meaningful life. Using the formulas found in the five stages of alchemy, I gradually learned to identify how to release my own restrictive patterns that kept me locked out of my full potential. The keys I now use open doors that I didn’t know were there before, and I gratefully share them with women seeking a dynamic and self-fulfilling life. I invite you to activate your “Golden Woman” within by living a life that is in alignment with your true being.

Inspiration

Since a child growing up in a small town "barrio," a tiny Mexican hamlet usually located in a larger town, I have had an extremely active imagination. Being an only child, a rare occurrence in my culture, I would spend countless hours playing in my treehouse and pondering the vast world surrounding my home. At times, I would imagine giant witches asking me to fly with them or magical beasts desiring to be my friends. I had dozens of animal friends, rabbits, dogs, chickens and even a pig that helped me envision my adventure-filled world. My parents took me to carnivals, fiestas, and pinata parties. At many of these gatherings, I would entertain my cousins with outlandish stories that included many of my imaginary friends. I even made up voices as I went along. Sometimes my creative impulses got me into trouble with their parents, but in no time, I'd have the adults interested in my "imaginary world." As I think about my early years, I can see the connection between my overactive imagination and my desire to become a Cultural Mythologist. This amazing world of gods and goddesses, tricksters, cyclops and unicorns was an ideal realm for me to explore, and it gave me permission to live in an extraordinary place filled with mythical beings. Gradually, my studies led me to the dark and secretive world of alchemy where borderline mavericks worked their magic to create the elixir of life. It was where Hermes Trismegistus as Thoth, Akhenaten and Balinas stood guard over their precious Emerald Tablets that are said to contain mysterious and powerful secrets capable of transforming one's basest qualities into golden ones. In fact, some believe that as we evolve into higher states of consciousness, we will be given the elixir of life. Deep within me, I knew that I found my new home, my revisioned treehouse. Like psychologist, Carl Jung, I've discovered soulful treasures that are asking to be revealed for the benefit of modern culture. I've been compelled to delve deeply into this image rich and bizarre riddled world that carries profound messages for today's reader. It is urging you and me to find the essence of our true being, to connect with our inner alchemist. I'm planning on writing additional books on self-discovery using alchemy as the tool to uncover our inner gold. But for now, I am please to introduce The Alchemical Woman: A Handbook for Everyday Soulwork.