Tag Archives: nature studies

Arieahn Matamonasa-Bennett to Speak on The Power of Place

Posted on March 29, 2013 by | Leave a comment

ArieahnMB_webWe are please to announce that Arieahn Matamonasa-Bennett, Ph.D., will give the keynote presentation for ASWM’s Symposium (April 20, St. Paul, MN).  Her topic is “Honoring the Web:  Indigenous Wisdom and the Power of Place.”

Arieahn is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been teaching and facilitating spiritual and personal growth workshops and development workshops for over 15 years. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is an assistant professor at DePaul University.

Arieahn is frequently sought out regionally and nationally for her expertise on Native American Studies and Indigenous Healing Practices; Equine (Horse) Assisted Psychotherapy; and the Animal-Human Bond.

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A Note about Bees

Posted on May 16, 2010 by | 1 Comment

ASWM’s mission is to promote the study of mythology.  Myths about animals are essential to our ability to explain our humanity to ourselves.  And they are based on observation of the wonders and magic of living species.  We can’t isolate ourselves from our animal “relations” whose wisdom we celebrate.  We have an obligation to promote their welfare along with our own.

Bee Goddess of Rhodes

We chose the image of the Bee Goddess as our logo and central metaphor for ASWM for very good reasons.  It is not only that bees are great collaborators and communicators. The honey they produce is a magical substance unlike any other, sweet beyond compare, more often given through cooperation than taken by competition.  Honey is also associated with shamanic travel and physical healing.  Myths of bees are intimately related to the myths of goddesses in many traditions, and more often associated with women than men. Continue reading →

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The Bee Goddess and ASWM

Posted on October 28, 2008 by | Leave a comment

This gold plaque from Rhodes (7th Century BCE) portrays a powerful goddess of the natural world.  Myths and reality converge in the mysteries of bees.  The facts of their life cycles and behaviors provide the basis for stories of communication, prophecy, healing, and rebirth.  The founders of ASWM have chosen this image to represent the rich harvest to be gathered when women collaborate and communicate to promote understanding of women’s ancient myths.  The Bronze Age bee goddess also reminds us of our essential connection with the stories of all creatures, and our need to ensure their continued survival.

Bee Goddess of Rhodes

Bee Goddess of Rhodes

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