When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women

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. The Healing Power of Sandplay Dr. Freedle specializes in Sandplay Therapy, an expressive modality developed by Dora Kalff and inspired by Jung's theories. Clients use sand and figurines to create scenes and activate the healing capacity of the unconscious. Freedle explains seven key principles of sandplay and shares vivid images made during sessions as the process unfolds. Stories of Transformation: Five Remarkable Journeys Five women, guided by Pele’s archetypal energies as they navigate life’s challenges: Lehua, a Native Hawaiian girl draws upon Pele’s lessons to face anxiety amidst community crises–from a major eruption to the global pandemic. Ginger, an environmental activist, confronts burnout and perfectionism, finding strength to embrace the unknown through surrender to Pele’s wisdom. Maile, a Native Hawaiian career woman and mother, taps into Pele’s elemental energies to confront childhood trauma, channeling her anger into an inner sanctuary of peace and empowerment. Daisy, a young gay Christian woman, discovers self-acceptance in a world of conflicted identities, with Pele and the Black Madonna as her guides. Puahone, a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, releases pain from personal and ancestral trauma to reclaim a sense of self and collective healing, as Pele appears in many forms. Contributors Blessing and original mele (song) Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaʻole , written for this book in honor of Lehua (Chapter 4) describes how Pele dances, carrying the beloved to the landmarks lost in the 2018 eruption. Foreword by Donald Kalsched, Jungian Analyst explores Pele’s trauma story, post-traumatic dissociative defenses, and how sandplay facilitates healing. Kumu Hula Ryan McCormack shares Pele and Hiʻiaka stories in Hawaiʻi’s oral tradition and discusses them with the author. Afterword by Martin Kalff , esteemed sandplay teacher connects Pele’s mythology to Jung’s Red Book, Tibetan Buddhism, and universal themes of resilience. His global perspective reinforces the relevance of Pele’s lessons in today’s fractured world. Additional Hawai'i Cultural Practitioners: Kahu Kauila Clark†, Kahu Lawrence Kidder, Kumu Hula & Professor Taupōuri Tangarō Hawaiʻi Artists:Nelson Makua (cover image), Linda Rowell Stevens (paintings of Pele myth), Don Hurzeler (lava photography)