Sistahs, after a long spell of pure work and rebuilding of my home environment I have set aside time again to read and research. I found this increasingly important as Wombyn Studies further develops itself. I have a long list of books to read that link to the subject of the Divine Feminine - the Great Mother. Recently, it was recommended that I read the book The Red Tent. Many people speak highly of the book - I even had people comment on the book seeing me read it in public. I found the book powerful on many levels but it never quite made it into my heart as a reader because Bilhah, the one sister of Afrikan descent was portrayed as ugly and unlovable. There was a light mention of how she was close to nature but other than that she had little to offer except to comfort others and make an attempt to have a baby for her "beautiful" sister Rachel who could not have children.
A friend who picked up the book at the same time called me furious about the same thing - why are Black women portrayed as virtually invisible - ugly and meaningless...I told her I was thinking the same as I read the story and Spirit prompted that it was because our story has not been written - we have not told the bold story of ourselves as matriarchs - as Wombyn with sisterhood practices-magic, medicine, birth rites - as Wombyn who built nations - who were consider the most beautiful and POWERFUL on the planet. Sistah, I really think it is time for us to start telling and writing the historical truths of our role in the shaping of this world past, present and future...Yes, there are many great Black female authors but in the context of historical fiction and fact concerning the Divine Feminine we need more...Mama Zogbe' laid the foundation with the books the Sibyls and Mami Wata...As we uncover the truth of the SistahGoddess we take her out of the realm of myth and return her to flesh. May some of be brave enough to tell our Mother's story.
Peace,
Sis. Camara
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3 comments:
this is so true I forgot about that part in the book. Its funny how we assimilate and take on unconsciously other races comments about us black women. I wonder if Anne Diamont (sp) ever received comments regarding this.
A great post Sistah
Sis...I was finally able to really sit with the blog and am now about to sit with the website. Give thanks for your works. Your voice is necessary and welcomed. Its an honor to be amongst ones who recognize the beauty and privelege (as well as sacred work) that it is to be a wombman..thank you for providing an outlet for those voices...all love
I almost could not finish that book because of how that sister was portrayed. I agree with you 100% we need to tell our own story.
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