Modulo 6 HERA

Hera is the first of the three Vulnerable Goddesses: Hera, Demeter and Persephone. These goddesses’ psychology and mythology cannot be separated from the significant others in their lives. Of necessity, they pay more attention to those around them, which diffuses their awareness of themselves.

The goddess Hera was the wife of Zeus, Chief God. Major temples and rituals were dedicated to her. Marriage was sacred to Hera, while her unfaithful husband Zeus was a philanderer, seducer and rapist whose progeny were gods and demigods. Hera became enraged and vindictive toward the women Zeus had been attracted to and took out this rage on them, their children or innocent bystanders.

The archetype of the wife is a powerful force in the psyches of Hera Women. Marriage is the goal, the source of meaning and identification. A married Hera Woman’s life centers around her spouse and a social world of couples. Her happiness and meaning depends upon fidelity and how important she is to her spouse.

In this module, you’ll learn:

• The positive aspects of being a Hera Woman, including capacity for commitment and individuation in relationship
• The Shadow aspects of Hera: rage, vindictiveness, obsessive thoughts and paranoia
• The challenges a Hera Woman faces, often learning through projection and disillusionment
• Paths toward recovery from negative Hera characteristics
• The procrustean effect of patriarchy on this archetype
• The message of The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan