Category: Film Series

“Herstory: The Visionary Life of Lydia Ruyle and the Banners of the Divine Feminine,” is a new 1-hour documentary film by Dr. Isadora Leidenfrost that shows the colorful and heartwarming story of Lydia Ruyle, a scholar, author, professor, political activist, matriarch, and iconic artist. 

At age 60, Lydia  began creating her Goddess Banners, which are visionary images of the Sacred Feminine drawn from all cultures. The collection grew from 18 banners to  over 300, which she used to inspire, empower, teach, and share their herstories all over the world. 

The film also documents the incredible story of how her worldwide community came together when she was terminally ill, with less than 2 weeks notice, to celebrate her, say goodbye, and then to honor the passing of a matriarch.

Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD, says: “The documentary, “Herstory” is a powerful movie that is beautifully filmed! I am delighted to show it to my circles of women worldwide.”

See the film trailer here.

The much anticipated “Herstory” movie, featuring many ASWM scholars and leaders of women’s spirituality,  was released worldwide in August 2019. It is  a poignant tribute to Lydia’s life and work. Since its premiere, the film has screened in 59 countries. For more information: https://www.theherstorymovie.com/

The film will be shown Saturday evening at to close our conference on an inspiring note. Lydia was an important member of the ASWM advisory board, guiding us through hard times after the loss of co-founder Patricia Monaghan. With Sid Reger, she also established the Modern Matriarchal Studies Day which is held following our conference.

Here is Dr. Isadora presenting the film, wearing Lydia’s wreath and her smile.

Join four Hebrew Priestesses–Amanda Nube, Judith Maeryam Wouk, Sheva Melmed, and Sarah Chandler–for a vegetarian dinner & ritual to celebrate the opening of the Jewish sabbath with poetry, prayer, and song. This special event takes place on Friday, March 13, over the dinner hour at ASWM’s 2020 conference. The language of the ritual plays with gender of God/Goddess both in Hebrew and English. It also includes some earth-based imagery. Participants will have the option to interact with natural objects on a small altar at the center of our table/altar, as well as the option for contemplative time. For more information and to RSVP, contact Sarah Chandler.  All are welcome.

The cost is $75 per person. A limited number of subsidized scholarships are available. Please contact Sarah to inquire.  It is required that all participants register and pay in advance, as the meal will be catered. To register, send $75 via PayPal from the ASWM Donation page, with “FRIDIN” in the “use my donation for” section.  Reservations are required and will be accepted until March 9th, which is the hotel’s catering deadline.

Remember to use the Donation page and write FRIDIN in the memo!