Erotic Wisdom:
The Snake as Guardian
of Passion and Prophecy
by Louise Diane Baumgartner
Women and snakes have been connected through antiquity. This work explores that connection, particularly in relationship to eros, intuition, and prophecy - qualities once openly celebrated in the Neolithic. Louise's research into the depiction of the snake in Greek mythology reveals that as women became subjugated by male rule, the mythic powers of the snake were demonized. She contrasts the roles of the oracular priestess in Minoan Crete, an egalitarian culture which celebrated sexuality, and in Delphi during the patriarchal Classical period. Reclaiming the qualities of eros, intuition, and prophecy as ways of knowing vital to the discovery of one's inner truth, this study demonstrates the importance of merging sexuality with spirituality, intuition with rational thinking, and passion with focused action.
Master's Thesis, May 1998
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Women and snakes have been connected through antiquity. This work explores that connection, particularly in relationship to eros, intuition, and prophecy - qualities once openly celebrated in the Neolithic. Louise's research into the depiction of the snake in Greek mythology reveals that as women became subjugated by male rule, the mythic powers of the snake were demonized. She contrasts the roles of the oracular priestess in Minoan Crete, an egalitarian culture which celebrated sexuality, and in Delphi during the patriarchal Classical period. Reclaiming the qualities of eros, intuition, and prophecy as ways of knowing vital to the discovery of one's inner truth, this study demonstrates the importance of merging sexuality with spirituality, intuition with rational thinking, and passion with focused action.