The Handless Maiden & Skeleton Woman - Stages of Initiation & Transformation w/Paula Burt

Author Paul Burt and I chat about the book "Women Who Run with the Wolves", by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. We zeroed in on two particular stories: "The Handless Maiden" and "Skeleton Woman". I absolutely love the story of "The Handless Maiden" because it’s a great review of the book and talks about the different stages of initiation that we go through as a woman. That story also shows us the male psyche and how important it is for men to go through their own journey in the underworld. It’s a perfect set up for the story "Skeleton Woman" because that story is about a particular fear that overcomes us, especially men, the fear of falling in love. We also looked at the importance of being able to receive in order to transform ourselves and our lives.

"The Handless Maiden" recovers the Wild Woman initiation rites. 

"Skeleton Woman" gives us a glimpse at a mythical relationship and how dead feelings can be revived.