THE WISE WOMAN IN GUIDED IMAGERY: A FEMINIST INTERPRETATION (SPIRITUALITY, RELIGION)

The objectives of this study are to increase the understanding and awareness of the wise woman image; to explore the usage of this image in guided imagery with women; and to provide a rationale for the usage of the image of the wise woman as an appropriate therapeutic tool. These objectives are met through a grounded theory study based on the data gathered from a theoretical sample of five adult self-identified feminist women.;The interrelatedness of the categories was examined to arrive at 7 theoretical propositions: (1) Wise woman imagery is a path to self knowledge. (2) The wise woman is a powerful personality who is capable of handling very complex situations because of her ability to draw on various subroles such as mother, midwife, healer and virgin. (3) The guided imagery technique is an effective method for gaining access to the wise woman. Further, the guided imagery technique, in tandem with the wise woman image, provides an effective process of personal change. (4) The wise woman is a mediator between a woman's current expressions of self and her possible expressions of self. (5) The wise woman is an image of female diety. (6) Wise woman imagery erases the dualisms within and between psychology and theology. (7) Wise woman imagery has important political implications. Therapeutic implications were considered.;The women participated in four guided imagery sessions in which the only image specified was a woman of wisdom. Each imagery session was followed by a report of the experience. The Tennessee Self Concept Scale was administered as a pre- and post-test. It was administered a third time with instructions to complete it as the wise woman would. The experience concluded with a structured interview at the conclusion of the study. These data were subjected to content analysis, coded and arranged into theoretical concepts and categories.