In the prologue of my book, Conversations with the Goddess: Encounter at Petra, Place of Power, I briefly introduce the story of my transformational visit to a site in the country of Jordan with these words:

“In these pages I will share with you my encounter with the Goddess.  Yes – the Goddess.”

I had learned that goddesses were relics, products of ancient peoples’ mythic imaginations. We of the modern world, on the other hand, are beneficiaries of the evolution of thought lifting us from the murky swamp of old world-views. That’s what I used to firmly believe.  Until I met up with Her in a most unusual place. Imagine traveling to a ruined city where the imprint of a long-vanished civilization leaves an indelible mark on you. Such is the Nabataean Arab city of Petra, carved into the rock of the Rift Valley of Jordan.

But the biggest surprise from my visit was this: my journey was not over when I returned home.  I just didn’t realize it for a while, for seven years, in fact. I didn’t know that my journey to Petra would lead me into an inner journey which would transform my life, or rather, I should say transform my perceptions about it.

You see, the great Goddess has her powerful way of attracting your attention. By following my curiosity about her, I found myself taking a step into uncharted inner ground, every bit as amazing as the site of Petra. I didn’t know at first that my curiosity would lead me back into a thicket of long-standing and unexamined confusions within myself, and then through it to something new, as I asked questions all along the way.

I asked questions—and I was answered. All of which became a lengthy dialogue that is the main part of this book.

My inner journey began after I started meditating in 1980. I was pleased to advance in meditation to a point where I could find interesting images and answers to personal issues, while having a fascinating journey along the way, all for myself. At the time I began this practice, I had no suspicion that I would encounter a goddess. There was no hint that I, not unlike seers and shamans of old, would follow a path to become a bridge between the worlds—the realm we live within, and Her realm.

Since that fateful day I began my journey into the world of the Goddess, quite a few years and waves and experience have passed over me. Now I’m telling my story, because the Goddess inspired me—as I believe she will inspire you—to see how there can be a path through the darkness of our confusions. I invite you to follow along on my journey through the mist of my confusions and the surprise of my discoveries. I hope that along the way you will feel that you too are experiencing the voice of the Great Goddess, and that you will find her words belong as much to you as they do to me. My wish for you is that her words will inspire you to see that you are part of Her Story, emerging in our times, a story which includes affirmation of the spiritual power of the feminine.