"The Power of Partnership," "The Chalice and the Blade," and Denmark

[Cerridwen]

A few weeks ago I finally re-read "The Chalice and the Blade" (Riane Eisler). It reminded me of how I want to use my energy for change. So, I then followed up with ordering "The Partnership Way" (Riane Eisler and David Loye; it's a workbook for creating partnership workshops, classes, groups, orgs, etc.). I had to order it as it wasn't available at any of the local bookstores (www.partnershipway.org). While I'm waiting for "Partnership Way" to arrive in the mail, I decide to read "The Power of Partnership" (Riane Eisler) a companion book to "Chalice." In it, Eisler notes the instances here and there of partnership ideas taking place around the world. She also comments on the backlash against partnership ideals from dominator systems and ideals throughout history in both "Power of Partnership" and "Chalice." Of the places on our planet where we can see partnership ideals, she mentions the Scandinavian countries, Sweden, Norway, and Finland as having made "huge advances toward the partnership model." ("Power", 152.)

A few days (may have been 1 or 2 days) later, I read on DU where a cartoon published in Denmark has brought that country under attack by one of the dominator ideologies present on the planet today. In addition, it is alleged that some of the Imams traveled to various communities using the cartoons, and allegedly including even more extreme "cartoons," to spread the outrage and violence.

Interesting coincidence, no?

Fortunately, Eisler also notes that times of the greatest upheaval and chaos can provide the greatest opportunities for change. Years ago while working in the political machine, I realized "the master's tools will never dismantle the master's house" (Audre Lorde) and began a search for an alternative way to create change. It was during that time I first read "The Chalice and the Blade" and began to view the world with an added awareness of partnership and dominator ways of "being" rather than liberal vs. conservative, Democrat vs. republican, right vs. left, us vs. them...

My copy of "The Partnership Way: New Tools for Living and Learning" arrived a couple of days ago. It contains the information and resources I had hoped. So, all these years later, during a time of the greatest unrest and upheaval I've experience in this lifetime, I have the mistress' tools to dismantle the master's house.

For any of you in the Phoenix area who may be interested, my person-to-contact-in-case-of-emergency and I will be starting partnership studies in the Cave Creek area within the next two months. He has a bit of reading to do to "catch up" so he can co-facilitate. ;)

The journey has been long and winding to this point, with, for me, Denmark being the final catalyst. Now my new journey begins. And you, where are you in your journey?

Peace and Partnership

Cerridwen

edited to add: I've been composing this post for a couple of weeks, now. The impetus for finally posting is all the anger and cries for revenge I see here on DU. It's time to start some serious healing. Partnership is my "tool" of choice. I'm wondering what choices others here are making.

[Desertrose]

1. Great post and great points, Cerridwen

I read "Chalice and the Blade" years ago and thought at the time that she made some very important points,too. I'd be interested in checking out the other books you mention. :)

Its basically all about taking away the polarity and working as equal co-creators. But I really like the phrase "having the mistress' tools to dismantle the master's house." Reminds me of the idea that we can't fix the problem from the same level..that we have to go up a "level" for the solution....

It is clear that the dominator systems DO NOT WANT anything or anyone to "blow their cover"...that we all have our own power and needn't buy into their programs of fear and heirarchy.

I also love that this is being said in so many different ways so that all belief systems have can have their own version (vision) of the truth...

Blessings
DR

[Cerridwen]

2. Thank you, DR.

Reading "Chalice" at this particular time in history, resonated with me on an even deeper level than it did the first time through. It was poignant (?) scary (?) to note that it was written in 1987 talking about and warning about the many things that have come to pass since then, and to view what has come to pass as seen through the lens of backlash against partnership.

The calls by progressives to "fight fire with fire" and to "win at all costs;" even if it means jettisoning ideals such as choice and GLBT rights or even, "evicting" one of "our own" (Paul Hackett) in the name of political expediency; further exemplifies the existance of the dominator model being alive and well within the Democratic party and progressive realm. We are becoming so violent in our thoughts and actions it's truly horrific. Have you seen the signature of one poster who uses Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs in which they replaced Self Actualization with Revenge??!! How sad is that?

Oh well, I can either cry or teach. I choose teach.

Peace,

Cerridwen

[Greyhound]

3. You should re-post w/new subject line.

;)