natural way of relating and gathering information for many women
(and men) who like people and focus their total attention on them
intently.
Such a woman takes in people in the same way that a wine con-
noisseur attends to and notices the characteristics of an interesting
new wine. To appreciate the metaphor fully, imagine a wine buff
enjoying the pleasure of getting acquainted with an unknown wine.
She (or he) holds the goblet up to the light to note the color and
clarity of the wine. She inhales the bouquet, and takes a lingering
sip to capture the character and smoothness of the wine; she even
savors the aftertaste. But it would be a mistake to assume that the
“loving attention” and interest she pays the wine means that the
particular wine is special, valued, or even enjoyed.
This is the mistake people often make when they respond to a
woman who uses Aphrodite consciousness. Basking in the glow of
her focus, they feel attractive and interesting as she actively draws
them out and reacts in a loving or affirming way (rather than assess-
ing or critical). It is her style to be genuinely and momentarily in-
volved in whatever interests her. The effect on the other person can
be seductive—and misleading if her way of interacting creates the
impression that she is fascinated or enamored, when she is not.
APHRODITE CONSCIOUSNESS,
CREATIVITY, AND COMMUNICATION
My own discovery of Aphrodite consciousness began with the
observation that neither “focused consciousness” nor “diffuse
awareness” described what I was doing in my psychotherapy work.
Comparing notes with artists and writers, I found that in creative
work a third mode was in operation, which I came to call “Aphrodite
consciousness.”
In a therapy session, I noticed that several processes go on simul-
taneously. I am absorbed in listening to my patient, who has my
rapt attention and compassion. At the same time, my mind is active,
mentally associating to what I am hearing. Things I already know
about the person come to mind—perhaps a past dream, or know-
ledge about the family, a prior incident, or current events in his or
her life that might have a
The Alchemical Goddess