The Sacred Whore: Sheela Goddess of the Celts
Since Medieval Times patriarchal domination has led to war, violence, sexual abuse and near destruction of our planet. As if to balance this, there is now a growing awareness of ancient carved stone images of naked female figures. Unnoticed and ignored for centuries, they are being rediscovered on early churches, medieval castles and bishops' tombs. Is this a signal to pay attention to the feminine side of the human psyche? This is the story of these mysterious carvings, their history,...
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Since Medieval Times patriarchal domination has led to war, violence, sexual abuse and near destruction of our planet. As if to balance this, there is now a growing awareness of ancient carved stone images of naked female figures. Unnoticed and ignored for centuries, they are being rediscovered on early churches, medieval castles and bishops' tombs. Is this a signal to pay attention to the feminine side of the human psyche? This is the story of these mysterious carvings, their history, location and psychological significance. Called Sheela na gigs, these figures display and emphasise the genital organs, as symbols of fertility and new life. Originally symbols of God as 'The Great Mother' in pre-Celtic society, the Celts integrated them into their druidic religion to later become part of Celtic Christianity. Then the victory of the Roman over the Celtic Church gradually turned the Divine Hag into a Harlot. But to the Irish, Sheela personified the land, landscape and fertility. Today they are found at early monastic settlements in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and pilgrim routes on the continent set up by Irish missionaries. Anthropology, archaeology, mythology, history and psychology are combined to produce this first study of the subject for many years.
Introduction1Ch. 1What is a Sheela na gig?7Ch. 2Sheela : symbol of the goddess18Ch. 3The Sheela of the Irish Celts : myth and the hero44Ch. 4Celtic Christianity : Sheela's Golden Age (350-800 AD)56Ch. 5Conflict between Roman and Celtic churches80Ch. 6The Sheela is occulted91Ch. 7Symbols of 'luck' on castles : a hex on enemies115Ch. 8Sheela : sexuality and spirituality142Ch. 9The psychological significance of the Sheela164App. 1191Endnotes193Bibliography217Index223
