The Way of the Wild Soul Woman: 5 Earth Archetypes to Unleash Your Full Feminine Power

If you have followed Mary Reynolds Thompson’s writing, you will be familiar with her archetypes, analogous landscapes that echo our beings and mark our journeys to a more fulfilled life. With The Way of the Wild Soul Woman, Reynolds-Thompson delves deeper into nature as a healing force -- melded with practical exercises that help the reader implement learnings in her own life. More than theory, these exercises enable one to reclaim time, energy, insight and freedom — a glistening pathway to self knowledge, better habits, peace and reflection. Ms. Reynolds Thompson's honesty in sharing her own journey illuminates this book with humanity and compassion.Ms. Reynolds-Thompson utilizes iconic landscapes — desert, forest, ocean and river, mountain and meadow — analogous habitats through which she charts the path of growing wildness, the quest to be authentic and free. The journey begins in the desert, where in the realm of emptiness and silence, you are asked to put distance between yourself and the everyday.Interspersed with poems, reflections, elegant literary references, the stories of women shine through. But this volume promises more. At each chapter’s end are questions and thoughts that challenge the reader to actively engage in reflection, investigation, journaling, and movement exercises designed to prompt flow. Profound and inspiring, The Way of the Wild Soul Woman breaks boundaries, dances between spiritual, practical, poetic and mystical in an entirely engaging style. I highly recommend this book for women of any age, in any situation, as a prompt and invitation to think differently (dare I say wildly?) about their life and their potential.Joanna Felder

A WILD SOUL WOMAN belongs with BRAIDING SWEETGRASS as a cultural landmark and guiding light for our times. Reading this book can help women embody the strength within themselves found in 5 major landscapes: desert, ocean, forest, mountain and prairie. As someone who often forest bathes in the ancient redwoods, I was amazed at the author's ability to describe the exact qualities I've discovered in the forest: quiet, cocooning, and allowing the rooted patience that opens the imagination. As Mary puts it, "Forest Woman stops you in your tracks. The dark, impenetrable aspect of her realm beckons, but she doesn't present you with a clear or easy-to-follow path." The book continues with many more brilliant and highly applicable insights related to each one of the ecosystems. Readers are left with a huge gift; we all have the ability to contact the power of these landscapes from within our own beings. Mary's writing is clear, poetic, full of wisdom, at times personal and yet also universal. A WILD SOUL WOMAN gives us a way to understand ourselves and find balance in the midst of all the current personal, social, and environmental changes we are experiencing. It would be great to use with women's groups as a way to deepen our intimacy and understanding of ourselves and each other in a more expanded and Earth-connected way. I also want to add that the gorgeous illustrations of each feminine archetype by Kathleen Brigidina add so much to the book. Kathleen captured the essence of forest, desert, prairie, ocean, and mountain woman to the point that I could much more deeply feel my way into the meaning of each section in the book. Just exquisite art!

This book is SO timely for all women. In The Way of the Wild Soul Woman, Mary Reynolds Thompson perfectly balances sharing her path of release and reclaiming, with actual tools, rituals, poetry and journal prompts to enlighten and engage our stories of release and reclaiming. I really appreciate the "integration" reflection moments throughout the book. (I love adding to my spiritual toolbox!) I was engaged on all levels – intellectual, emotional, physical, and perhaps most importantly, spiritual. And y’all, I’ve been doing this sort of deep inner work since 1991, founding The Modern Goddess women’s circle in 1994! I didn’t even know how much I longed for someone to walk me through a journey to meet myself where I am today in middle age – ready to release, dream and move forward in new provocative ways.

Mary Reynolds Thompson has written an inspiring life-changing guide, creating a path for individuals to discover and realize the full potential of feminine power in their lives. The earth is the mother who has given birth to the landscapes that nurture and protect all of us. Women carry those landscapes in their hearts and souls. Outmoded patriarchal power structures have objectified and disempowered the earth and women. It is time for us to journey through the landscapes to recognize and embody our power. It is time for us to rise and take a firm stand to protect ourselves, Mother Earth, and her children. Mary shows us the way.

I'm really enjoying this book. I like that the topics are introduced in short, bite-sized pieces. I'm only on page 62, but I identify so much with the insight being shared. I really appreciate the introspective questions asked, so I'm journaling as I go (as suggested). It would be great if it came with a companion book to write in, sort of like "The Artist's Way."

I’m just read through desert woman and I’m digesting all the information and tasks accompanied by that section. I’ve learned a good deal about myself. After I’ve digested the information I’ll move onto forest woman. It’s a great book and think it could only get better if you were reading it in a group then discussing the contents.

Mary Reynolds Thompson has created a work that is energizing, enlightening, captivating, and excellent. I am so taken with this book and the powerful paths she opens that I purchased at least five copies for friends and family…including men and young women! All are grateful recipients now on their way to discovering the remarkable insights Wild Soul Woman offers. Hugely recommended!!!!

Having read Mary's first book I was looking forward to this one...it did not disappoint. The writing is poetic yet so earthy it grounded me. The exercises are clear and deceptively simple as they take me into places I hadn't thought about. However, unlike many other books, I felt that I was being supported as I explored the material.It felt like Mary was a compassionate presence accompanying me. I finished it feeling more connected to the earth and to myself.

Mary Reynolds Thompson is a magician with words. In this book, she guides us effortlessly towards the wild female archetypes in ourselves that empower us to shape our own stories and live our best lives as strong and - at times - defiant women, connected intimately to the rhythms and landscapes of Mother Earth. This is not just a book to read once and quickly, but to ingest slowly and engage with deeply from a place of curiosity and vulnerability, while still feeling safe and connected to like-oriented women through Mary's capable "holding of space" for reflection and growth. I love the regular invitations to reflect and synthesise - this is where the personal growth happens and we can uncover what we need to change in ourselves to work towards a better future for all. For me, this book will be a vital companion for many years to come.