ABSTRACT
Symbol and symbolic action are widely used in Goddess rituals and feminist liturgy: In summary, symbols are things that represent something else and that have the power to evoke memories, feelings and understandings. The women not only make conscious use of symbolism within their rituals, but, intentionally or not, their use of space bears symbolic meaning. All of the rituals held in homes finished with a shared meal, either provided by the woman hosting the ritual, or through contributions from the group. For women within the Christian tradition, there is for many a sense of ambivalence, if not conflict, with church and tradition. Marjorie Procter-Smith argues that the centrality of the suffering of Jesus in Christian theology poses a major difficulty for women in relation to prayer. Women's ritual making is an intentional and consciously-chosen act. It has transformative potential and power, shaping women's lives, actions, and—whatever name they use—their encounter with the sacred.
