Wise Women In Ancient Greece
Kristina M. Lisanti
Women’s Studies
Research Paper
17 December 2009
"If we inquire, we find that all the kingdoms of the world have been overthrown by women." from Malleus Malificarum, a witch hunter 's guide, 1486
Mid “Witchery”
Wise women were spiritual advisors and healers. In the beginning all sorts of superstitions surrounded the birth of a child and wise women were there to help aid and welcome the new child into the world. She was asked to notice the alignment of the stars and the surroundings that accompanied the birth. A wise woman was asked to present the baby to the world and predict its fortune. A wise women, or witch was the priestess who instructed women in blood, birth, and the magic of it all. The French …show more content…
One of the Greeks most sacred Goddess’s was Artemis (also known as the Roman Goddess Diana). When Artemis was born she assisted her mother in the birth of her twin brother Apollo. She became the protector of women and made decisions regarding who would live and die during birth. (Encyclopedia mythica: Artemis) Heket was an Egyptian Goddess. She had a frogs head which was a symbol of life and fertility. She was also known as the Goddess of the last stages of birth. Although the word midwife did not exist at that time, the occupation of a midwife held the title of “the servants of Heket.” (Heket; Encyclopedia Mythica) The Celtic Goddess Brigid is very interesting because she went from pagan mythology to Christianity and sainthood. Brigid was known as the Goddess with three aspects. She was a the patroness for blacksmiths, for poetry, and for healing and fertility. Brigid has a seasonal holiday on the calendar of paganism called Imbolc which is celebrated on Febuary first. It is a celebration to usher in the spring. Christians accepted Brigid as a surrogate mother to Christ and changed the pagan Imbolc to Candalmas. She was canonized as St. Brigid. (Brigid; Encyclopedia …show more content…
It is Americas worst history of witch hunts. Today there are many powerful women around the world. These women hold important positions in business, hospitals and even government offices. Midwifery has made a come back in the area of obstetrics. Many doctors offices offer midwife services to clients. Women are interested in the experience of having a midwife rejoice in their celebration of life. But even with all of the accomplishments women have made they still struggle for equal rights. In 1992 Pat Robertson wrote in a fund raising
Women’s Studies
Research Paper
17 December 2009
"If we inquire, we find that all the kingdoms of the world have been overthrown by women." from Malleus Malificarum, a witch hunter 's guide, 1486
Mid “Witchery”
Wise women were spiritual advisors and healers. In the beginning all sorts of superstitions surrounded the birth of a child and wise women were there to help aid and welcome the new child into the world. She was asked to notice the alignment of the stars and the surroundings that accompanied the birth. A wise woman was asked to present the baby to the world and predict its fortune. A wise women, or witch was the priestess who instructed women in blood, birth, and the magic of it all. The French …show more content…
One of the Greeks most sacred Goddess’s was Artemis (also known as the Roman Goddess Diana). When Artemis was born she assisted her mother in the birth of her twin brother Apollo. She became the protector of women and made decisions regarding who would live and die during birth. (Encyclopedia mythica: Artemis) Heket was an Egyptian Goddess. She had a frogs head which was a symbol of life and fertility. She was also known as the Goddess of the last stages of birth. Although the word midwife did not exist at that time, the occupation of a midwife held the title of “the servants of Heket.” (Heket; Encyclopedia Mythica) The Celtic Goddess Brigid is very interesting because she went from pagan mythology to Christianity and sainthood. Brigid was known as the Goddess with three aspects. She was a the patroness for blacksmiths, for poetry, and for healing and fertility. Brigid has a seasonal holiday on the calendar of paganism called Imbolc which is celebrated on Febuary first. It is a celebration to usher in the spring. Christians accepted Brigid as a surrogate mother to Christ and changed the pagan Imbolc to Candalmas. She was canonized as St. Brigid. (Brigid; Encyclopedia …show more content…
It is Americas worst history of witch hunts. Today there are many powerful women around the world. These women hold important positions in business, hospitals and even government offices. Midwifery has made a come back in the area of obstetrics. Many doctors offices offer midwife services to clients. Women are interested in the experience of having a midwife rejoice in their celebration of life. But even with all of the accomplishments women have made they still struggle for equal rights. In 1992 Pat Robertson wrote in a fund raising