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 (opens in new tab) via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe 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 | Argues that the goddess Babalon functions as a contested symbol in Western esotericism through which practitioners negotiate femininity, sexuality, and spiritual authority. |
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.