The Black Madonna

The Black Madonna is a sound starting point for anyone with an interest in Dark Goddesses, the Magdelene, and the Black Virgins (BV) of Europe. As this is a book published by a house providing information about Jungian psychology, Gustafson spends much of this work exploring the Jungian symbolism behind the BV. He also provides the history of a specific BV, using its history and symbolism as a lens to dissect theories concering other BV's.An entire chapter of the book is devoted to comparing the BV to other Dark Goddesses, such as Kali, and Isis. Although I found "The Black Madonna" a useful tool in learning more about the phenomenon of the BV, I was dissapointed by a publisher's 'teaser' on the back cover of the book. The teaser hints that a relationship between the Hebrew Lilith and the BV will be established in this book. Although many Dark Goddesses are mentioned, Lilith is overlooked.I also found some of the scholarship of this book in opposition to other books concering the BV. For example, "The Templar Revelation" disproves the oft-repeated theory that BV's black coloration was created by accidents concerning soot deposits from centuries of exposure to flame. "The Templar Revelation" also makes the case of Mary Magdelene's ties to the BV much clearer. I would recommend starting with "The Black Madonna" for a background about the BV, and then tackleing "The Templar Revelation" for more information."The Black Madonna" is, all-in-all, a good starting point for those interested in the BV and is certainly the definitive resource for psychological symbolism surrounding her. It is not, however, her full story.

This book is a treasure-find for any one interested in unearthing the dark and mysterious Feminine within themselves or exploring more about the phenomenon of the Black Madonna and the rich symbolism She has for our culture today. The author has researched his materially masterfully and thoughtfully. His presentation is serious and deep, inviting the reader to dive in to the deep pool of the mysterious darkness that the Sacred Feminine presents to us in today's world. This is essential reading for anyone who has a thirst for the Grail Adventure, Marian devotion and Jungian Study.