The Eloquent Blood: The Goddess Babalon and the Construction of Femininities in Western Esotericism, by Manon Hedenborg White.
International Journal for the Study of New Religions March 23, 2022 DOI: 10.1558/ijsnr.22347 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
The book examines the figure of the goddess Babalon within Western esotericism, tracing how she has been constructed and reinterpreted across different historical and cultural contexts. It argues that Babalon serves as a complex symbol through which various femininities are articulated, challenging simplistic notions of female divinity and offering insights into gender, power, and religious practice. The work analyzes primary sources from occult traditions, showing how Babalon's representations reflect and shape ideas about female agency, sexuality, and spirituality.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | History |
| Key finding | The goddess Babalon functions as a multifaceted symbol that enables the construction of diverse femininities within Western esotericism, complicating conventional understandings of female divinity and its relation to power and spirituality. |
Abstract
The Eloquent Blood: The Goddess Babalon and the Construction of Femininities in Western Esotericism, by Manon Hedenborg White. 2020. Oxford University Press, 368pp., Hb £71. ISBN-13: 9780190065027.