If you click on this link, thank you for contributing to us. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. Learn more ›
Immerse in reading with the All-new Kindle Paperwhite and enjoy 3 free months of Kindle Unlimited. Discover the best sellers in Audible Books & Originals through Audible. $0.00 - Get 30 Days Free and $14.95/month after 30 days. .
“Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype” by Clarissa Pinkola Estés is a powerful and transformative book. It can help women heal from their past wounds, embrace their true selves, and live lives full of joy and purpose. We can reclaim our power and freedom by reconnecting with our wild woman archetype.
- Genre: Psychology, Mythology, Feminism
- Themes: Feminine Archetypes, Empowerment, Women’s Stories, Psychological Healing, Creativity
What is this book about?
“Women Who Run with the Wolves” profoundly explores the wild, untamed feminine spirit. This book lies at the intersection of psychology, mythology, and feminism. It centers on reclaiming women’s inner power and wisdom by studying ancient myths and stories.
Estés begins by introducing the concept of the “wild woman,” a primal and instinctual aspect of the female psyche that has been suppressed and domesticated by societal expectations and norms. She argues that reconnecting with this wild and intuitive essence is essential for women to live authentic, empowered lives.
The book draws upon a rich tapestry of myths, folklore, and fairy tales from various cultures worldwide. Estés uses these stories to explore and illuminate the archetypal patterns and symbols that have been part of the collective female consciousness for centuries.
Elevate your shopping experience with the Amazon Mobile App – enjoy real-time tracking, 360° views, and 24/7 live chat. Unlock 6 months of Amazon Prime Student for free!
One central theme is the exploration of feminine archetypes, such as the Wild Woman, the Mother, and the Wise Old Woman. Estés delves into the symbolism and characteristics associated with each archetype, inviting readers to recognize and embrace these aspects within themselves.
Through the retelling and analysis of myths and stories, Estés explores various stages of a woman’s life journey, from the innocence and curiosity of childhood to the challenges and transformations of womanhood. She delves into topics like sexuality, creativity, relationships, and the healing of emotional wounds.
The book strongly emphasizes the importance of storytelling for healing and self-discovery. Estés encourages women to tap into their creative and narrative abilities to reclaim their voices and share their personal stories.
Throughout “Women Who Run with the Wolves,” Estés provides psychological insights and exercises to help women reconnect with their wild, intuitive selves. She offers guidance on how to navigate life’s challenges, access inner wisdom, and embrace the transformative power of the wild woman archetype.
The overarching message of the book is one of empowerment and self-liberation. Estés invites women to shed societal conditioning, self-doubt, and limitations to access their innate strength, intuition, and creativity. She emphasizes that women can rediscover their authenticity and live more meaningful and fulfilling lives by embracing their wild, untamed nature.
Takeaways and tips
- Nurture your creativity. The wild woman is creative by nature. She loves to explore, to experiment, and to create new things. When we reconnect with our wild woman archetype, we learn to tap into our creativity and express ourselves in new and innovative ways.
- Set boundaries. The wild woman knows how to protect herself. She sets boundaries with others, and she protects her own energy. When we reconnect with our wild woman archetype, we learn to set boundaries and protect ourselves from the negative influences of others.
- Listen to your intuition. The wild woman has a strong intuition. She trusts her gut feeling, and she follows her heart. When we reconnect with our wild woman archetype, we learn to listen to our intuition and to follow our inner voice.
- Experience your emotions fully. The wild woman is not afraid to experience her emotions, both the positive and the negative. She allows herself to feel her feelings deeply and to express them fully. When we reconnect with our wild woman archetype, we learn to allow ourselves to experience our emotions fully and to express them in healthy ways.
- Find a community of women who support you. The wild woman is a social creature. She needs a community of women who support her and encourage her to be her true self. When we reconnect with our wild woman archetype, we need to find a community of women who support us and help us live our best lives.
Best for
“Women Who Run with the Wolves” is best for women of all ages on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing. It’s ideal for those interested in exploring the depths of their own psyche and embracing their feminine essence. Whether seeking to heal emotional wounds, reconnect with your creativity, or navigate the complexities of womanhood, Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ book offers profound insights and guidance. It’s particularly well-suited for readers who appreciate the power of storytelling and mythology as tools for self-exploration. This book inspires and empowers women with the wisdom and encouragement to reclaim their wild, intuitive, and authentic selves, ultimately leading to a more liberated and fulfilling life.
Best-recommended books besides “Women Who Run with the Wolves”
“Women Who Run with the Wolves” is a transformative book. It explores the wild woman archetype through myths and stories. If you enjoyed this book, here are alternative books in the psychology, mythology, and women’s empowerment genres:
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is a powerful memoir and self-help book encouraging women to break free from societal expectations and embrace their authentic selves. Doyle shares personal stories of her own journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. She challenges conventional notions of womanhood and offers insights into living a courageous and untamed life.
Why we love it:
- Gain inspiration from a personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
- Explore themes of authenticity, courage, and liberation.
- Discover practical advice for living a life aligned with your true self.
“The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant
“The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant is a novel that reimagines the biblical story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. The book transports readers to the ancient world of women, where the red tent is a place of sacred gatherings and storytelling. Through Dinah’s perspective, the novel explores themes of female friendship, spirituality, and resilience.
Why we love it:
- Experience a reimagined biblical tale from a female perspective.
- Dive into the rich storytelling tradition of women in ancient times.
- Explore themes of sisterhood, spirituality, and resilience.
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
“You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero is a motivational and humorous self-help book that encourages readers to embrace their inner power and live life to the fullest. Sincero offers practical advice and mindset shifts to overcome self-doubt, set goals, and create a life they love. The book is filled with empowering stories and actionable steps.
Why we love it:
- Receive a dose of humor and motivation to overcome self-doubt.
- Learn practical strategies for setting and achieving personal goals.
- Gain inspiration from real-life success stories.
“The Dance of the Dissident Daughter” by Sue Monk Kidd
In “The Dance of the Dissident Daughter,” Sue Monk Kidd shares her journey from a conservative Christian tradition to embracing the sacred feminine. The book explores themes of women’s spirituality, feminism, and the search for a deeper connection with the divine. Kidd’s narrative encourages women to question and redefine their spiritual paths.
Why we love it:
- Embark on a thought-provoking journey of spiritual exploration and transformation.
- Explore the intersection of feminism and spirituality.
- Gain insights into the importance of redefining one’s relationship with the divine.
“The Heroine’s Journey” by Maureen Murdock
“The Heroine’s Journey” by Maureen Murdock offers a unique perspective on personal growth and empowerment from a woman’s standpoint. Drawing from mythology and psychology, Murdock explores the stages of the heroine’s journey, which include self-discovery, healing, and the reclamation of inner power. The book provides a roadmap for women seeking wholeness and self-actualization.
Why we love it:
- Discover a feminist reinterpretation of the hero’s journey from a woman’s perspective.
- Explore the stages of personal growth and empowerment in a mythological context.
- Gain insights into the transformative power of the heroine’s journey.
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer blends indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge to explore our connection to the natural world. Kimmerer, a Native American botanist, shares stories of her relationship with plants and the land. The book invites readers to reconsider their relationship with the environment and offers a profound perspective on reciprocity and gratitude.
Why we love it:
- Deeply understand indigenous wisdom and our connection to nature.
- Explore the importance of reciprocity and gratitude in our relationship with the environment.
- Be inspired by Kimmerer’s storytelling and insights into the natural world.
“The Women Who Raised Me” by Victoria Rowell
“The Women Who Raised Me” by Victoria Rowell is a heartfelt memoir that traces the author’s journey from foster care to becoming a successful actress and advocate for foster children. Rowell pays tribute to the women who played pivotal roles in her life and shared her experiences of resilience and self-discovery. The book explores themes of identity, family, and empowerment.
Why we love it:
- Be inspired by a memoir of triumph over adversity and the power of female mentors.
- Explore themes of identity, family, and resilience.
- Gain insights into the importance of mentorship and empowering the next generation.
