Sacred
Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations ,
by Karen Tate
It might be argued that the moment a place
is mentioned in a guidebook, it can no longer be rightfully
described as "off the beaten path." In fact, when
guidebook authors do research they sometimes encounter reluctance
on the part of locals who have no interest in seeing their little
piece of heaven turn into a tourist Mecca. Those who provided
author Karen Tate with insider information, however, probably
have little to worry about. The 108 "places of goddess"
she profiles around the world are either already well-known
sites of interest or will remain destinations that only the
most dedicated pilgrims will seek out. It is her focus on sites
dedicated to the feminine divine that make Sacred Places
of Goddess a unique resource, not only for those who share
her interest, but also for anyone who loves visiting unusual
places.
Tate profiles sites around the world, but there's
plenty to keep North American road trippers happy in her sections
on Canada, the United States and Mexico. While sites like
the Statue of Liberty and New Orleans' French Quarter appear
in any number of guidebooks, few if any provide background
information on their spiritual significance and connection
to goddess worship. Definitely "off the beaten path"
are sites like the Sekhmet Temple, an Egyptian-inspired sanctuary
just north of Las Vegas. Others, like the Tien Hau Temple
in San Francisco, are right in the middle of big cities, but
are still off well-worn tourist routes. Nearly 40 such destinations
in North America are described, and Tate also provides detailed
information about how and when to visit.
While this guidebook is not for everyone
-- it has a clear focus on feminist interpretations of both
natural phenomena and human creations -- it is excellently
and meticulously written and includes plenty of background
information, history, archaeology, theology, and a generous
number of illustrative black-and-white photographs and drawings.
For those interested in seeking out "places of goddess,"
it is an indispensable resource. For those in search of unusual
and out-of-the-way road trip destinations, this book, like
its companion volume Sacred
Places North America, offers tantalizing possibilities.
The author, obviously a seasoned road warrior, has also provided
excellent general information and tips for travelers.
Megan
Edwards
3/26/06
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