through its early years. The loss will plunge her into being an angry,
grieving Demeter.
Even if there are no power struggles or she survives this crisis,
personal issues now arise for her—and for all Demeter women who
have put their maternal energy into their work. Now it is time to
consider what is missing in her life, and what she might do to fulfill
herself.
LATER YEARS
In their later years, Demeter women often fall into two categories.
Many find this phase of life very rewarding. They are active, busy
women—as they always were—who have learned from life and who
are appreciated by others for their down-to-earth wisdom and gen-
erosity. They are Demeter women who have learned not to tie people
to them or to allow them to take advantage. Instead, these woman
have fostered independence and mutual respect. Children, grand-
children, clients, students, or patients who span generations may
love and respect her. She is like the goddess Demeter at the end of
her myth, who gave humankind her gifts and was greatly honored.
The opposite fate befalls a Demeter woman who considers herself
a victim. The source of her unhappiness usually stems from the
disappointments and unfulfilled expectations of midlife. Now,
identified with the mourning, betrayed, angry Demeter who sat in
her temple and allowed nothing to grow, such a woman does nothing
with her later years but grow older and more bitter.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFICULTIES
The goddess Demeter was a major presence. When she stopped
functioning, life ceased to grow and all the Olympians trooped down
to plead with her to restore fertility. Yet she could not prevent the
abduction of Persephone or force her immediate return, she was
victimized, her pleas were ignored, and she suffered depression.
The difficulties faced by Demeter women have similar themes: vic-
timization, power and control, expression of anger, and depression.
Goddesses in Everywoman