The Women Who Fly: Goddesses, Witches, Mystics, and Other Airborne Females by Serinity Young is a captivating exploration of female figures across history and myth who possess the ability to fly or transcend the earth. From ancient goddesses to modern-day aviatrixes, this book reveals the diverse and powerful stories of women who have taken to the skies, either literally or symbolically, challenging earthly boundaries and societal norms. For enthusiasts of the Maier Files series, Young’s work offers a wealth of mythical and legendary figures that align with the enigmatic and otherworldly themes present in the series.
Exploring the Archetypes of Women Who Fly
Young begins by tracing the mythological and spiritual significance of flying women, from the winged goddesses of ancient Egypt to the Valkyries of Norse mythology. Figures like Isis, who resurrected her husband Osiris, demonstrate how the power of flight was often associated with immortality and divine intervention. Similarly, the Valkyries, those fierce female warriors, had the power to transport fallen heroes to the afterlife. These archetypes provide a framework for understanding how flight has symbolized freedom, power, and, at times, danger.
Young highlights goddesses such as Athena, Nike, and Aphrodite from Greek mythology, each embodying unique aspects of flight. Athena’s intellect, Nike’s victory, and Aphrodite’s allure illustrate how flight was interwoven with diverse traits, extending beyond the physical act of flying to encompass the freedom of spirit, intellect, and sensuality.
Magical Flight and Transformation: Witches and Shape-shifters
The book dives into the realm of magical flight with tales of witches, who were believed to soar through the skies to their midnight sabbaths. This section is especially intriguing as it draws on historical accounts and folklore to reveal how flying witches became symbols of both fear and fascination. The act of flight enabled them to transcend their earthly roles, embodying freedom and rebellion against societal norms. Young explores the shape-shifting swan maidens, who shift between avian and human forms, emphasizing the fluidity of their identity and freedom.
Spiritual Flight: Mystics and Shamans
Young’s exploration extends to mystics and shamans from various cultures, like the Buddhist ḍākinīs and the yoginīs of Tantric tradition. These figures were not only revered for their spiritual wisdom but also for their ability to journey between realms. The tales of female shamans who could traverse spiritual planes and connect with celestial beings illustrate a universal fascination with transcending the mundane and connecting with the divine.
Modern Aviatrixes: The Real-Life Women Who Conquered the Skies
Moving from myth to reality, Young profiles pioneering aviatrixes like Amelia Earhart and Hanna Reitsch, women who brought the power of flight into the modern era. Their accomplishments and the cultural impact they left behind are significant, as they broke barriers and redefined what women could achieve. The book examines how these aviatrixes were often portrayed as both heroic and otherworldly, akin to the mythical figures that preceded them.
Why You Should Read The Women Who Fly
Serinity Young’s The Women Who Fly is more than a historical account; it’s a rich tapestry of stories that reveal the ways in which women have long been associated with the skies. This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in mythology, history, or feminist perspectives on power and freedom. Young’s research uncovers the common threads that link ancient goddesses, witches, and modern aviatrixes, showing how the act of flight—whether physical, spiritual, or metaphorical—has always represented freedom and transcendence for women.
Purchase your copy of The Women Who Fly on Amazon and discover how these airborne females have shaped human imagination across the ages.
