an ambitious and able man. For Athena women (as former Secretary
of State Henry Kissinger noted), “power is the best aphrodisiac.”
Athena women do not suffer fools lightly. They are impatient with
dreamers, are unimpressed with men who are in search of anything
otherworldly, and are unsympathetic when men have too much
compassion to act decisively. They do not think of poets or artists
who starve in garrets as romantic figures, nor are they charmed by
eternal adolescents masquerading as men. For an Athena woman,
“tender-hearted,” “neurotic,” or “sensitive” are adjectives to describe
“losers.” When it comes to men, only heroes need apply.
An Athena woman usually chooses her man. She may do so either
by refusing dates or job opportunities with men who do not meet
her standards of success or potential for success; or she may set her
sights on a particular man, with such subtle strategy that he remains
unaware, believing it was he who chose her. With the timing instincts
of a sensitive negotiator who knows her man, she may be the one
to bring up the subject of marriage or of a working alliance.
If she seeks to become his business protégée or secretary, she finds
an opportunity to impress him with her capabilities and hard work.
Once in his proximity, she strives to become indispensable to him—a
role that, once achieved, gives her both emotional and work satisfac-
tion. To be “an office wife” or a “second in command” gives an
Athena woman both a sense of power and affiliation with a chosen
“great man,” to whom she may give a lifetime loyalty.
An Athena woman loves to discuss strategy and be privy to what
goes on behind the scene. Her advice and counsel can be quite per-
ceptive and helpful, as well as potentially ruthless. She values men
who go after what they want, who are strong, resourceful, and suc-
cessful winners of modern power struggles. For some Athena wo-
men, the more like the “wily Odysseus” her man turns out to be,
the better.
SEXUALITY
An Athena woman lives in her mind and is often out of touch
with her body. She considers the body a utilitarian part of herself,
of which she is unaware until it gets sick or hurt.
Goddesses in Everywoman