The Vital Spark: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire

Lisa Marchiano's "The Vital Spark: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire" has been a transformative journey, not just a book on my shelf. As a renowned Jungian analyst, Marchiano extends an empowering call to action, beckoning women to reunite with their vibrant, creative, and fiercely independent nature. Her words, like a soothing balm, have touched the deepest recesses of my soul, urging me to excavate the essential part of myself buried under layers of societal expectations and self-imposed niceties.This book, with its rich tapestry of personal stories, intercultural mythology, and introspective guidance, has become a personal Bible for me, a guide in my quest for authenticity and empowerment. Each chapter, dedicated to core aspects of our being—shrewdness, disagreeableness, desire, and more—has been a revelation, a mirror reflecting the multifaceted woman I am and aspire to be.Listening to the audible version brought an added layer of warmth and intimacy to Marchiano's words, making the experience all the more enthralling. I've found myself nodding in agreement, laughing at the uncanny accuracy, and at times, moved to tears by the profound truths she unveils. It's a journey I'm eager to embark on repeatedly, each reading uncovering new layers of insight."The Vital Spark" has not only reshaped my self-perception but also transformed how I relate to the women in my life. It's fostered a sense of camaraderie, a shared understanding and appreciation of our outlaw energies. The book, entertaining yet deeply impactful, has ignited conversations, sparked debates, and, most importantly, kindled a collective desire to embrace our feminine fire fully.I envision study groups forming around this masterpiece, women coming together to explore and reclaim their vibrant spirits. Marchiano's work is a beacon for anyone yearning to break free from the constraints that dim their inner light. "The Vital Spark" is more than just a book; it's a movement, a warm embrace encouraging us to live life to the fullest, with our inner flames burning brightly, guiding us toward our truest selves.Lisa mixes the old voice of archetypal wisdom with the newest research to create an entertaining and helpful narrative. She touched on a few topics that I had never heard of before but I found intriguing and very helpful. I will be re-reading it with my post its, highlighters, and notepad.

Remember about ten years back, when everyone was reading Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In? Even people I didn’t think read “that kind of book” were quoting it to me as they described their workplace conversations about maternity leave and promotions. Well, The Vital Spark reads like Lean In for the soul (and there’s a refreshing absence of private jets in this author’s vignettes!).The Vital Spark shows women how to look within, find and sharpen some of life’s more powerful tools (which the culture pushes us to avoid): ruthlessness, shrewdness, cunning, desire and disagreeableness. We certainly don’t want to show up all the time as calculating and ruthless, but there are situations that call for something darker than those ubiquitous “be kind” tee shirts indicate we’re allowed.My favourite idea in the book was the “worthy opponent”. If women can know themselves and what they want, and find the courage to centre that as they approach difficulties, then resentment and bitterness are replaced with something healthier and more pure.This is a book that really needs to be read slowly - in order to think through the application of the concepts properly and to sit with their potential - but which I couldn’t resist racing through. The mix of fairy tales, vignettes from the therapy room and personal anecdotes is deft, and a gentle initiation into some key Jungian ideas.The Vital Spark leaves the reader feeling breathless with possibilities. It has a strong “it’s never too late” message. Life inevitably scars us, and we live in a world that’s in many ways rigged against women. If we can examine those scars, though, and give patriarchy a cold-eyed stare, then we can allow ourselves to jump right in and grab some of life’s richness for ourselves.

I am reading this now and wow wow wow wow wow it has been life changing! I am facing my fears, embracing my inner rebel, and being the bold, authentic person I've dreamed of being. This book came to me at the exact right moment in my life when I was looking for such guidance. It is resonating with me on a spiritual level. Highly recommend.

This is the book I'm giving to my girlfriends for their birthdays this year--this book has really made me consider these rejected energies in ME (author calls "outlaw") that I may need to accept, get to know, and integrate into my Self, SO enjoyed reading, well written, clear, fun and serious work.

Lisa Marchiano masterfully weaves together fairy tales, myths, client stories, film, and her own experiences as she makes the case that the Lilith of ancient mythology is not only relevant to today, but essential. Many works relating to Lilith focus on her sexual autonomy. Marchiano breaks her free from that one-dimensional container, presenting all of her complexity and nuance as she describes how Lilith energies can help us to realize our potential through our Feminine Fire. This textured depth psychological exploration of Lilith gets right at the heart of the archetype in accessible language that focuses not on psychological theories but instead provides clear and lively examples of Lilith energies that are essential to a complete feminine.One doesn’t need to understand psychology to benefit from this book. It is not only useful but is also a spirited read. Brava!

I first listened to the Audible version because I love to listen to good books while I am walking. Very inspiring. The sections on Shrewdness Getting Over Innocence was inspiring and gave me courage to reclaim my authority in certain situations as opposed to "trying to keep the peace" , "being a good person" when others where taking advantage of my kindness or overstepping on my boundaries.Quotes Lisa shared were also inspiring.I bought the book soon after I finished listening to the Audible version. I will listen again.I highly, highly recommend Lisa Marchiano's podcast with her friends and colleagues This Jungian Life.

I love Lisa (as her two friends in This Jungian Life) so I purchased the book right away as it came out. As I saw Lilith on the first page I thought: Oh No! I'm passed that - I'm 74 (and a half)! Her writing is so good, so engaging, that it pulled me in and on, and I soon realized that I was getting myself into a passivity and fragility trance in preparation for what I believed old age to be. The Vital Spark woke me up paragraph by paragraph. I realized, thanks to Lisa's bold writing, that even more than before - I need to be on top of my game. Both internally and externally (soul and practicality). I can't afford to fall into whichever hands will be there to catch me. The book describes the qualities I need to engage for what's to come. Also infuses me with permission and authority! Thank you, Lisa, thank you!Many books use examples, but when the examples involve dreamwork and therapeutic processes - the depth shines through even the words themselves.The questions at the end of each chapter do not just summarize the chapter, they take its depth even deeper.I marked endless sentences to come back to, reflect upon, respond to. I'll probably do that on my own (writing, painting), but if I didn't hear the big clock ticking I'd have created a group, and made it not only a process of emboldening but also of a wild celebration of our Vital Spark.I'm overflowing with gratitude for the devotion (and passion!) it took to write this book. Also for Grace for dropping it into my lap when I need it the most. I did kick ass all right in the past but thought it was all behind me. Now, thanks to Lisa, I'll do it better, and more soulfully.Lisa, on my knees with my hat off - Thank You!!!!!

This book looks at the wisdom held in different fairy tales and how they might help the development of the female psyche.It is soothing to read and relatable enough to inspire fundamental changes in attitude.It is the book that I wish that I had been gifted in my adolescence and one that I will be certainly be sharing with friends and family, Highly recommended.

I’m so impressed with Lisa, she is truly a sage and wisdom figure for our times. As a therapist myself, I’ve recommended this book to many women, and have heard only positive reviews. I too couldn’t put it down! Thank you Lisa!

Excellent book rekindling the beauty and glow of our inner flame, once owned then lights our way, in the darkness where it is found.

I bought this book for my girlfriend when it came out and she is really loving it. She is reading through it very quickly! Also, I have read another book by Lisa and she is a great author.