When a Goddess Erupts explores the living mythology of Pele–where myth, nature, and the psyche intertwine in a timeless dance of creation, destruction, and renewal. This heartfelt and multilayered book is rooted in Hawaiian culture, firsthand experiences with Pele’s fiery eruptions, and decades of psychotherapy practice. Through masterful storytelling and rich illustrations, Dr. Freedle takes readers into her therapy room where images of Pele emerge during Sandplay Therapy to help her clients transform their lives–inspiring us to kindle our own inner fires. No prior sandplay experience is required: the languages of archetype and image are universal.
Pele: A Living Goddess
Pele, Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, is alive in the ‘āina (land) and Hawaiian people. An ever-present archetypal force, she takes many forms. Her story is one of trauma, exile, self-discovery, and spiritual rebirth. Respecting and harnessing her potent energies allows people to navigate life’s complexities with passion, authenticity, and purpose.
Dr. Freedle describes her community’s resilience during the devastating 2018 Kīlauea eruption. She shares her personal encounters with Pele and stories of women who meet Pele in their psychotherapy. These narratives illuminate themes of cyclical change and profound connections between life, death, and rebirth.