Quick, which women paved the way for your sacred path?
Marija Gimbutas. Rachel Carson. Hmmm. Who would be my third?
Archaeologist Marija Gimbutas gave us evidence of the
Great Mother-influenced, peaceful societies of the Neolithic, showing that women and men of Old Europe (“pre-history”) revered the cycle of life and death of the living earth.
Marine biologist Rachel Carson told us that chemicals polluting our land, water, and air will combine in unknown ways to destroy ecosystems and health.
Who would I add?
Jane Jacobs who championed livable neighborhoods and fought urban development?
Eleanor Roosevelt who championed social justice and seemed a strong independent woman?
Writer and activist Marjory Stoneman Douglas who I only heard of because of the recent murders in the Florida school named for her? She wrote of social, racial and gender inequalities, highlighted women in power, and late in life championed the conservation of the Everglades rather than paving over that “worthless swamp” as most viewed it. She justified her involvement saying, “It is a woman’s business to be interested in the environment. It’s an extended form of housekeeping.”
Precursor to Ecofeminism?
“Housekeeping” aside, no wonder it was my friend Ynestra King, a foundational ecofeminist scholar and writer, who first told me of Douglas’ life and influences. I am an ecofeminist and ecofeminism is core to my spirituality and activism. Yet, I’m not an ecofeminist scholar, so pardon my oversimplifying here. Ecofeminism is the notion of being part of, not separate from nature. And the radical idea that treatment of women and treatment of nature are interconnected, that both women and nature are subjugated and dominated by patriarchy. Ecofeminism comes in many flavors and genders–not all ecofeminists are women.
Too white
Herstorically, though, ecofeminism’s been very white. I hope this is evolving as it needs to.
I’m aware that the women I heralded, above, are white and most are quite privileged. (Sound familiar in our world?) I’m calling myself out here and will be researching Women of Color to highlight in the future.
Off to create ritual
I need to close and head to our NYC Reclaiming (our feminist tradition of Witchcraft) gathering, where we’ll be sharing stories of foremothers of our paths and co-creating a ritual to celebrate and spread their influence. Won’t you join us?
ps The Actual Ritual
It’s March 9th and I’m reflecting on the delicious ritual we crafted last night. We called in Gaia and our foremothers, then felt our bodies as the vastness of Gaia’s body. Her mountains, her inner fires, her waters, and her atmosphere surrounding us. We are her and she is us. Through healing us we heal her, and vica versa. We sang at least three chants last night to raise energy. One high energy, raising a cone of power. Two gentling and soothing the energy. And one silly chant. Thanks to those who joined us. Next gathering is April 12th, 7pm, at Earth Arts Center in Brooklyn. Stephanie, Lynne and Cathy are already planning the ritual.