About
Queen Mama Donna
Donna Henes is an internationally renowned urban shaman, award-winning author, popular speaker, and workshop leader whose joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than 100 cities since 1972. She has published four books, a CD, an acclaimed quarterly journal and writes a column for UPI (United Press International) Religion and Spirituality Forum. Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy in Exotic Brooklyn, NY where she works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion. |
Quick Links...
 Some time ago I was asking myself what I can do in order to nourish and feed me in this difficult midlife situation. One action was to order your book. Now it has arrived and I can't stop reading. It helps me a lot to understand what I am going through, how I can deal with it and what the outcome will be. You are a wonderful person and do a great work!
- Moira, Germany |
CALLING ALL QUEENS!
The Queen's Chronicles
Offers
upbeat, practical, and ceremonial inspiration for all women who want to
enjoy the fruits of an influential, passionate, and powerful maturity.
I would appreciate it if you would please forward The Queen's Chronicles to people who might value it.
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You have set me on a journey,
Mama D. All things are possible!
- Laura, NY
Consult the
Midlife Midwife
The transition from Maiden and Mother to Queen can be a difficult one, fraught with hard lessons and lots of loss. It takes great determination and courage to confront and embrace the changes brought about by the midlife passage.
It can be really helpful during this confusing time to have the inspiration, advice and encouragement of a counselor/coach/mentor - someone who has been there and done that and is ready to help you do the same.
Queen Mama Donna offers upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity.
TURN YOUR MIDLIFE CRISIS INTO YOUR CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT!
Further information: www.thequeenofmyself.com
Click on Individual Consultations.
Sessions are available in person and by phone. To make an appointment, call 718-857-1343 or email the Queen at TheQueenOfMySelf@aol.com
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.
- Carol Burnett
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE QUEEN'S COUNSEL
Ever since I first introduced The Queen as a helpful archetype for midlife women, I have received hundreds of requests for detailed instructions on how to become a Queen.
"Dear Mama Donna," women would write, "I want to be a Queen, too. How do I access my power? How can I feel good about myself? How do I change my life? How do I find magic and spiritual wisdom? How do I know what to do? How do I learn how to rule?"
The reality is that I cannot possibly know how anyone else will attain her Queendom, I only know how I came into mine, and that is largely through hindsight. The truth, my truth, at least, is that there is no one true truth. We must each find our own way in this world.
As a shaman, I teach through example, but not through dictum. I can and do offer information, exposure, personal experience, encouragement, inspiration, suggestions and support to my constituents, but I cannot - dare not - pass judgment or establish rules and laws. It is simply not for me to say.
When you come to me for help and spiritual guidance, I listen to your concerns and embrace your needs. I pat you on the back, give you a good, swift kick in the butt, or let you cry on my shoulder, as needed. I can tell you what I did in such and such situation, how I did it, what I learned from this or that lesson, but I cannot tell you what you should do. How do I know what your soul needs?
Only you know what you know. I can, of course, aid you in reaching into the well of your own deepest wisdom, and help you to hear the messages from your best inner Selves. And I can offer tools and practices to help you develop the confidence to follow your own purpose, path, passion and power.
A woman who I have been working with recently told me that I had changed her life. "Well, no, of course, I didn't, honey," I assured her. "You changed your own life." The fact of the matter remains that I could not give her what was not already hers. |
A Queen Event
Near You
GLOBAL
JANUARY
January 1-31
NEW YEAR TAROT SALE!
With Mama Donna, Urban Shaman
Start new year on a new foot.
In person or by phone
Call for your appointment 718-857-1343
$100. (1/3 off regular price)
APRIL
Saturday, April 4
11AM EST, 8AM PST
AUTHORS READ RADIO
Mama Donna reads from The Queen of My Self
www.blogtalkradio.com
Listen live or check out the archives.
WASHINGTON, DC
JANUARY
Monday, January 19
6PM
END OF BUSH ERA PURIFICATION RITE
Mama Donna and Kate Clinton will lead a participatory ritual to cleanse our government after eight years of dirty politics, dirty deals, and dirty wars. Bring a smudge stick and a drum or bell. DRUM OUT THE OLD, RING IN THE NEW!
Dupont Circle at the fountain
Washington, DC
FREE
NEW YORK
JANUARY
Monday, January 26, February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9
6 Mondays
7PM
SPIRIT SUPPORT GROUP
with MAMA DONNA HENES
New group forming. Join in an empowering experience with a small group of other spiritual women who are also trying to keep their spiritual center in their daily lives. These evenings will keep you centered as you pursue your path.
Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
Advance reservations required: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
$240.
Saturday, January 31
1-5PM
PSYCHIC PROTECTION FROM ENERGY VAMPIRES:
Spirit-Depleting People, Places and Predicaments With Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman
Learn how to protect yourself against the predators and parasites who steal away your personal power and resolve.
Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
$40. If prepaid
$50. At the door
FEBRUARY
Monday, February 2
7:30PM
A CANDLEMAS CEREMONY TO CENTER US AT THE HALFWAY POINT OF WINTER
One of the eight power days in the wheel of the year. Please bring a candle in a holder.
Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
Advance reservation required.
$25.
Saturday, February 14
1-5PM
DANCING WITH THE QUEEN OF HEARTS: FALLING IN LOVE WITH OUR TRUE SELF
With Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman
A ritual exploration/celebration of Self: -definition, -permission,
-acceptance, -affection and -esteem. Embrace, exalt and enjoy. Please be really red!
Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
$40. If prepaid
$50. At the door
Sunday, February 22
2-4PM
YES, THEY DID! A PHOTOGRAPHIC CELEBRATION
OF WOMEN WHO DARED!
Collectors and curators Daile Kaplan and Donna Henes will offer a visual presentation of extraordinary women.
The Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art
The Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-638-5000
FREE with museum admission
Saturday, February 28
10-4PM
BECOME THE QUEEN OF YOUR SELF: MEANING, MOXIE AND MAJESTY IN MIDLIFE
Are you in your middle years or about to enter them? Are you living your true potential and following your fondest dreams? If not, why not? And if not now, when? Now is the time to leave behind old patterns that no longer serve you and to make way for the Queen - that wonderful midlife stage of meaning, moxie, and majesty that is rightfully yours to enjoy.
The Grace Within
195 Blue Point Avenue
Bluepoint, New York 11715
631-772-6469
thegracewithin@yahoo.com
$100. (includes crown and amulet bag of royal treasures)
MARCH
Sunday, March 1
12-5PM
INTUITIVE TAROT READINGS
With Mama Donna
The Grace Within
195 Blue Point Avenue
Bluepoint, New York 11715
631-772-6469
thegracewithin@yahoo.com
$100.
Saturday, March 7
1-5PM
TAROT 101
A Spirit Support Skills Workshop With Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman
Learn the basics about the tarot. This beginners workshop will be required for future tarot classes.
Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
$40. If prepaid
$50. At the door
Friday, March 13
7:30PM
THE LIVES AND LOVES OF LADY LUCK: A sizzling Shakti Ceremony to honor our Goddess Selves
With Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman
Friday the 13 is a Holy Goddess Day. Let us bless and chant and drum and dance and shimmy and shake our power up to the surface.
Please wear your reddest finery.
Mama Donna's Tea Garden & Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
Advance reservation required.
$25.
Friday, March 20
7:15AM
34TH ANNUAL WORLD FAMOUS EQUINOX CELEBRATION:
Eggs on End: Standing on Ceremony
With Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman
A sunrise ceremony to usher in spring.
Pier 16 South Street Seaport
Manhattan
For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com
FREE |
Have Crown, Will Travel!
To discuss booking Queen Mama Donna for a reading, presentation, workshop, or a keynote address in your area, call her at 718-857-1343 or e-mail her at TheQueenOfMySelf@aol.com
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The Queen's Emporium
Make sure to visit The Queen's Emporium, which specializes in all manner of elegant, practical, and frivolous goods to fulfill all the royal needs and fantasies of The Queen of Your Self. Therein you will find a choice collection of goods to augment and accessorize your royal prerogative.
Anoint, Adorn, Enjoy!
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Imagine Your Ad Here!
Welcome to our new advertiser, artist extraordinaire Melissa Harris, NY, creator of Inspirational women's art and messages, Spirit Essence Portraits and Painting Outside the Lines workshops. Thank you for your support and your desire to network with our fabulous royal readers around the globe.
May you be successful in your endeavors and blessed with spiritual and material abundance.
Would you like to reach the 4000+ Queens in our royal network across the country and around the world with information about your business?
Advertising listings in the Queen's Chronicles are available for $50/per issue with significant discounts for ongoing listings.
For more information and to place your order contact: thequeenofmyself@aol.com or call 718-857-1343.
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Royal Resources
for Queenly Women
Our extended circle of Queens includes some mightily talented women. Please support them by availing yourself of their superior services and by buying their excellent products.
Maguire Pubic RelationsExpertise in journalism and marketing qualifies us to position and deliver the news of our clients
Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist.Focusing on women's health and other chronic issues
Psychic reader, medium,
pet communicator
Simple Recipes for Hibachi
Herbal Magic & Sacred Space
SpiritLiving E-Magazine
Offering Everyday, Practical Eco-Spirituality to Connect the Hearts, Minds and Spirits of People Across the Globe
Your Advertisement Here!
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Circle of Concern
Please
Offer Your Purest Thoughts, Your Heart-Felt Prayers, Your Great Good
Feelings, And Your Very Best Blessings For Healing and Peace of Mind to:Alice,
CA; Amy, NY; Amy, TX; Barbara, CA; Berenice, NY; Carol. NY; Carolyn,
MA; Chrissie, NY; Daile, NY; Deni, NY; Dominique, NM; Donna, NY; Edie,
PA; Gail, OH; Geraldine, CA; Ilene, NY; Irma, FL; Janet, NY; Jo, AZ;
Joan, ME; Josie, MI; Karel, ME; Kimi, NJ; Letitia, VA; Linda, NJ;
Linda, NY; Lucia, TX; Lynne, NY; Mary, TX; Maureen, NY; Marjorie, NY;
Naomi, NJ; Randi, NY; Roberta, NY; Susan, NY; Susan, MA; Terry, CA; and Valerie, CA.
May Their Spirits Rest in Peace:
Helen Mary Lampart, CT
Vi Hilbert, WA
With Sincere Condolences:
Janet Fish, NY
Please
send your requests for physical and spiritual healing and positive
energy so that the powerful women of The Queen's Court might send their
prayers and blessings to you in your time of need.
I can be changed by what happens to me; I refuse to be reduced by it.
- Maya Angelou |
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Kudos to the Queens!
Lauren Curtis, NJ; Tatana Kellner, NJ; Gail Rothschild, NY; and Linda Vallejo, CA; on the exhibitions of their art work.
Anne Bean, England, on her receipt of the prestigious Legacy: Thinker in Residence Award.
Jalaja Bonheim, NY, The Descent of Inanna (CD) and Three Guided Meditations (CD); and Rosemary Serluca-Foster, NY, Genevieve's Gift: A Child's Joyful Tale of Connecting with Her Intuitive Heart (book) on their new publications.
Michelle Mais, CA, on her Broadway triumph in Rock of Ages; and Susan Mogul, CA, on the premiere of her film Driving Men at Lincoln Center.
Amy Fischetti, NY, on her marriage to Nick Boncardo.
Lillian Slugocki, NY, on the launch of her new blog, Mad Women for Modern Times.
Send
your good news, achievements, accomplishments, successes and
celebrations so that our international circle of sovereign sisters can
send you blessings and accolades.
And we are glad to so. It is
a joy and a privilege to share in the fortune of another woman. I
recently heard Oprah say the saddest thing ever - "The hardest thing
about being successful is having someone to be glad for you."
It
takes a centered and confident Queen to break that pattern. There are
60 million thrones out there. One for each of us. There is plenty of
purpose, passion and power for us all. May we use it well!
It
is important that you recognize your progress and take pride in your
accomplishments. Share your achievements with others. Brag a little.
The recognition and support of those around you is nurturing.
- Rosemarie Rossetti
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It is my
hope that as more and more women rise to reign in the fullest potential
of our supremacy, we will harness our purpose, passion, and power and
direct it toward creating a more balanced and peaceful world. This is
the legacy of Her majesty.
- QMD
Turn Your Midlife Crisis
into Your Crowning Achievement!
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Hail Queens,
I don't know about you, but I am so glad and relieved that we are finally in 2009. And just in time, is all I can say. The house-of-cards-culture of deception, cynical exploitation, excess and greed that has prevailed for the past decades has collapsed under the weight of its own consumption, crushing the lives and dreams of millions of people.
A new year, a new beginning, a fresh start is just what we need about now. New Year is a return to the eternal beginnings. Back to where there is only hope and promise and enthusiastic, well-intentioned energy. Back to the original big bang back seat cosmic conception where all things are possible.
Despite the dismal prognostications, there is definitely hope in the air these days, and excitement at the prospect of change. The freshness, idealism, and renewed faith in the future, even in the face of impending hardship, is palpable and vivifying.
Ironic, isn't it? And so very heartening.
It is like the entire nation is waking up from a stuporous dream, drugged by too much food and drink, our adrenals depleted by years of operating in frantic overdrive racing to achieve, to succeed, to spend, to accumulate, to expand until we explode. Enough already. Basta!
Time to shake off the shroud of vacuous values and get back to the basics. People everywhere are girding themselves for tough times ahead, but instead of resistance and resentment, I sense a sincere desire to live in a more conscientious, connected and authentic manner. A yearning for life built on principles that we can be proud of.
This fall I went to the 60th birthday party of a very old and dear friend. Due to budget constraints, the venue was the back room of a funkyish bar. The refreshments consisted of pitchers of beer and sangria and scant little fried things. All in all, perfect for a college bash, but a bit strange for a room full of midlife women. Or so it seemed at first.
The birthday Queen specified no gifts, but requested a song, instead. And her adoring guests complied. They brought songs alright, complete with costumes and creative props. The show was fabulous - touching and hilarious. And there was dancing. Lots of dancing. It was a really great celebration, rich in all the right components. I can't remember having so much simple down home fun at a party in a long time.
After all, how many poo-poo foodie parties can you stand? You know the kind I mean. "This cheese is so special, only two cows in the whole world make it! And it only costs $46. a quarter of a pound." Pulease.
One of my New Year resolutions is to entertain more this year. Not big parties, but intimate dinners with six or eight people who can be depended upon for fascinating conversation and true communion. I am craving old-fashioned one-pot suppers - soups, stews, casseroles, salads. Good bread. Good wine. Good talk. Good quality time.
I remember my mother talking about the depression. It dashed her plans to go to college. Instead, she had to work in a fruit store. But she never complained about that. (Don't get me wrong, my mother was a great complainer.) She always said about those years, "People stuck together then, and helped each other." And, "We knew how to have fun."
With this new year we enter a new era. The main challenge that we will face in these uncertain times is not the economy. Nor is it the unnerving and seemingly psychotic political scenarios being played out all around the world. Not to mention the grief that they create.
Our challenge is to stay in our center come what may. Our challenge is to breathe in the energy of the life force and to exhale respect, reverence and awe. Our challenge is to be unshakeable in our faith. To share our love. And to shine our spiritual light.
This year may we discover and embrace our own purpose, passion and power. May we accept our responsibility and our rule. May we take our ideas and our skills and use them to create a viable, safe, sustainable and sane world for us all.
With blessings of peace and joy. Peace! And joy!
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Out, Out Damn Spot
Hallelujah! We made it through eight years of filth!
And now after all the dirty politics, dirty deals, and
dirty wars our government needs a deep cleaning!
END OF BUSH ERA PURIFICATION RITE
with Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman,
Kate Clinton, Comedienne Extraordinaire & Friends
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 6PM
BANISH DECEPTION, CORRUPTION AND AGGRESSION!
INVOKE PEACE, PROSPERITY, EQUALITY AND FREEDOM!
DRUM OUT THE OLD, RING IN THE NEW!
Dupont Circle at the fountain
Washington, DC
FREE
Please bring smudge sticks,
lighter wands and drums and/or bells.
And please let us know you will be there.
 Excerpt from Maenad Prophecy
When kings wage unjust war,
When poison fills the skies,
When the rich prey on the poor,
When hope for justice dies
When a spell lies o'er the land,
Of malice and of lies,
Then a wild and fearless band
Of women shall arise
 Crazy saints, yoginis,
Peering through the gloom,
Maenads and dakinis
Witches grab your brooms!
Sweep away the stench
Sweep away the sneers!
Sweep away the clench
Of hunger and of fears
Kate Clinton - Starhawk
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The President Is a Queen
Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile is the Queen of Presidents as far as I am concerned. She models so beautifully how a truly empowered woman, secure in her Self, can completely ignore the patriarchal political rules and rise to rule on her own terms. She rules by virtue of her virtue.
She tells the truth. About her beliefs and positions as well as about her private life. In America, politicians take polls to find out what people want to hear so that they can say it to them. Most of our so-called leaders have been, in reality, followers, saying what they must in order to get elected.
Not our Michelle. She is an avowed agnostic in an almost exclusively Roman Catholic society. She is a proud Socialist in a capitalist country. She is a single mother and medical doctor in a very traditional, conservative, male dominated culture where divorce was legalized only a couple of years ago. "I am a mother of three. Right now, I don't have a partner," she announced. "I am a woman, a socialist, separated and agnostic - all the sins together."
She told the people who she was, what she stood for, and not to vote for her if they disagreed. And they elected her for that truth, rather than despite it. Many political analysts say it is her refreshing warmth and personality that has attracted Chilean voters and put her at the top of every major opinion poll.
 We want a more prosperous, more
just, more equal, more inclusive
future. I shall keep my word. I shall
tell you what I think and I shall do
what I say. I give you my word as a
woman.
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Female Heads of State and Government Currently in Office
By most counts there are 95 countries in the world today. A little more than a third of them are headed by women, all but five of whom came into office since 2000. Watch out, world, here we come!
ÅLAND (Finish External Territory) 2007
 Premier Viveca Eriksson (b. 1956-)
She served as Chairperson of the Liberal
Parliamentary Group 1999-2001,
Member of the Speaker's Conference
1999-2000, Chairperson of the Finance
Committee 1999-2001, First Vice-
Speaker 2000-07, Speaker 2001-05 and
Party Chairperson from 2004.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA 2007
 Governor General Dame Louise
Lake-Tack (b. 1944-)
A former nurse, she was a magistrate
from 1995.
ARGENTINA 2007
 Executive President Cristina E.
Fernández de Kirchner (b. 1953-)
As candidate for Partido Justicalist, she
won the first round of the presidential
elections in October 2007. She was
Member of the Assembly of Santa Cruz
1989-95, Vice-President of the Assembly in 1990, National Senator 1995-97 and again since 2001, National Deputy 1997-2001, and President of the Senate Committee of Contitutional Affairs since 2001. Her husband, Nestor Kirchner was President until 2007. Mother of two children.
AUSTRALIA 2008
 Governor-General Dr Quentin Bryce
(b. 1942-)
Former lawyer, academic and human
rights advocate, Federal Sex
Discrimination Commissioner, she was the
founding chair and Chief Executive
Officer of the National Childcare Accreditation Council and Governor of Queensland 2003-08.
BANGLADESH 2009
 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed
(b. 1947-)
Elected President of the Awami Leauge
in 1981, she was Opposition Leader
1986-87, 1991-96, and 2001-06, and
Prime Minister from 1996-2001. During
both of her tenures as chief of Government. she also headed a number of other cabinet positions, including that of Defense.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 2007
 President Borjana Kristo (b. 1961-)
She was Minister of Justice of the
Bosniak-Croat Federation, an
independent entity in the Republic of
Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2003-07.
BRITISH COMMONWEALTH 1952
 Queen, Defender of the Faith, Head of
the Commonwealth H.M. Elizabeth II
(b. 1926-)
Until 1953 her title was Queen of Great
Britain, Ireland and the British Overseas
Dominions. She is head if state in 15
countries apart from Great Britain and as Head of the Commonwealth she is the front person of the organization of many other former British colonies and territories. She is the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York. Although when born it was unlikely that she would become Queen, events in the 1930s led to her father's Accession and her becoming heir to the Throne. Her reign takes place during a period of great social change, she has carried out her political duties as Head of State, the ceremonial responsibilities of the Sovereign and an unprecedented program of visits in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and overseas. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary is the mother of three sons and a daughter. Married to Phillip Mountbatten, former Prince of Greece.
CANADA 2005
 Governor-General Michaëlle Jean
(b. 1957-)
She is daughter of Haitian immigrants
who fled the Duvalier regime in 1968,
former university literature professor,
social activist and veteran CBC
broadcaster from Quebec, and non-political. Married to French-born Jean-Daniel Lafond, and mother of Marie-Eden.
CHILE 2006
 Executive President Michelle Bachelet
Jeria (b. 1952-)
She held the posts of Minister of Health
and Minister of Defense from 2002-04.
Her father, a general, was killed by the
Pinochet dictatorship. Her boyfriend was
also detained, tortured and disappeared. She and her mother were also imprisoned and tortured. Afterwards they lived in exile in Australia and East Germany. She returned to Chile in 1979 and worked for various NGOs helping children of the tortured and disappeared. She had two children with her first husband and a daughter with her former partner.
DENMARK 1972
 Supreme Commander of the Defense
Forces and Head of the Evangelical-
Lutheran Church,By the Grace of God,
Queen H.M. Margrethe II. (b. 1940-)
She is the ruler of the Rigsfælleskab, or
Commonwealth of the Realm, includes
the external territories of The Faero Islands and Greenland. She has engaged in translation work and made her mark artistically in several genres. She has made a point of knowing and reaching out to all parts of the realm, and the Faeroe Islands and Greenland are favorite destinations. She succeeded her father, Frederik 9, and married to Count Henri de Laborde de Monpezat, Prince Henrik. Mother of two sons.
DUTCH ANTILLES 2006
 Minister-President Emily de Jongh-
Elhage (b. 1943-)
Her past positions include Commissioner
of Public works and Public Housing of
Curaçao 1998-99, Commissioner of
Education, Sport and Cultural Affairs
1999-2002, Minister of Education and Culture of the Nederlandse Antillen 2002-03, and Commissioner of Public Enterprises and Public Housing 2004-05 of Curaçao. In 2005 she led De Partido Antia Restrukturá (PAR) and served as Minister of General Affairs and External Relations.
FINLAND 2000
 President Tarja Halonen (b. 1943-)
A Social Democrat member of Parliament
1979-2000, she was Chairperson of the
Social Affairs Committee and Member of
the Presidium of the Parliament 1984-87,
Second Minister of Health and Social
Affairs (Health Minister) 1987-1990, Minister of Nordic Co-operation 1989-1991, Co-leader of Soumen Sosialidemokraattinen Pulolue 1989-91, Minister of Justice 1990-1991, and Minister of Foreign Affairs 1995-2000. Halonen married her long-time partner, Dr. Pentti Arajärvi, after she was elected President for the first term. She has an adult daugher, Anna.
GERMANY 2005
 Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel
(b. 1954-)
During her career she has held numerous
positions of leadership: Deputy
Spokesperson of the Government of the
DDR 1990, Deputy Chairperson of CDU
1990-98, Federal Minister Women and Youth 1991-94, Federal Minister of Environment Protection of Nature and Reactor Safety 1994-98, Chairperson of CDU in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 1993-2000, Federal Secretary General 1998-2000, Federal Chairperson of CDU since 2000, and also Parliamentary Leader. Bundeskanzlerin in a Grand Coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD 2002-05. Née Kasner and married secondly to Joachim Sauer, no children.
HAITI 2008
 Prime Minister Michèle Pierre-Louis
(b. 1947-)
She had been Executive Director of the
Foundation of Knowledge and Liberty
since 1995.
INDIA 2007
 President Pratibha Patil (b. 1934-)
She is the first woman to hold the office
of president of India. Previously she
served as Deputy Minister 1967-72,
Cabinet Minister 1972-83, Congress
Leader and Leader of the Opposition
1979-80 in Maharastra, Deputy Chairperson of the Union Upper House, the Rajya Sabha 1986-88, and Governor of Rajasthan 2004-07. Married to Devisingh Shekhawat, a former Mayor of Amravati.
IRELAND 1997
 President Mary McAleese (b. 1951-)
She is the world's first woman to
succeed another woman as an elected
head of state as well as the first
individual born in Northern Ireland to
become President of Ireland. She was
Professor of Law and 1993-97 Pro-chancellor of University of Belfast. The eldest of nine children, she grew up in Northern Ireland and her family was one of many adversely affected by the conflict. She is an experienced broadcaster, having worked as a current affairs journalist and presenter in radio and television with Radio Telefís Éireann. She has a longstanding interest in many issues concerned with justice, equality, social inclusion, anti-sectarianism and reconciliation but never engaged in party politics. During the 1997-elections five candidates were female and there was only one token male candidates finishing a distant last. President Mary McAleese is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders, an international network of current and former women presidents and prime ministers whose mission is to mobilize the highest-level women leaders globally for collective action on issues of critical importance to women and equitable development.
LIBERIA 2006
 Executive President Ellen Johnson-
Sirleaf (b. 1938-)
Africa's first elected female head of
state, she served as Secretary of
State of Finance in 1972-73 and 1977-79,
Minister of Finance 1979-80, President of
the National Bank 1980, worked for the World Bank in 1980-85. She was under house arrest as a dissident from 1985-86 and leading member of exile-government of Amos Sawyer in United States of America 1990-92. Then she was African Director of the UNDP (United Nations Development Program) 1992-97, Leader of the Unity Party from 1997, Candidate for the Chairmanship of the National Transitional Government in 2003. A Presidential Candidate in 1997, she finally won the presidential elections in November 2005. In November 2007, she was bestowed with the U.S. Medal Of Freedom Award, which is the U.S. Government's highest civilian award. Divorced, mother of four boys with eight grandchildren.
MOLDOVA 2008
 Prime Minister Zinaida Grecianîi
(b. 1956-)
Her jobs have included Vice-Minister
2000-01 and First Vice-Minister of
Finance 2001-02, Minister of Finance
2002-05, Vice Prime Minister, and
Coordinator of the activity of executive institution in charge with economic-financial sector from 2005.
MOZAMBIQUE 2004
 Prime Minister Luísa Días Diogo
(b. 1958-)
She represents the Liberation Front of
Mozambique (FRELIMO), and has been
Department Head for the Ministry of
Finance 1986-89, National Budget
Director 1982-89 in Ministry of Planning and Finance, involved in the World Bank 1993-94, Vice- Minister 1994-2000, and Minister of Planning and Finance 2000-05. Mother of three children.
RÉUNION (French Oversea's Territory) 2004
 President of the General Council
Nassimah Magnolia Dindar (b.1960-)
She was Vice-President of the Regional
Council 2001-04.
SAN MARINO 2008
 Capitan Regent Assunta Meloni
(b. 1951-)
She started out as Member of the
Consiglio Grande Generale for Alleanza
Popolare from 2006. Married to Fabrizio
Stacchini and mother of two sons.
ST. LUCIA 1997
 Governor-General Hon. Dr. Dame C.
Pearlette Louisy (b. 1946-)
A former civil servant, she is a non-
political appointee.
THE NETHERLANDS 1980
 By the Grace of God, Queen of the
Netherlands H.M. Beatrix (b. 1938-)
Queen Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard is
also Princess van Oranje-Nassau,
Princess van Lippe-Biesterfeld, etc. The
Kingdom of the Netherlands includes the
external territories of Aruba and the Nederlandse Antillen. She succeeded upon the abdication of her mother, Queen Juliana, and she closely follows affairs of government and maintains regular contact with ministers, state secretaries, the vice-President of the Council of State, the Queen's Commissioners in the provinces, burgomasters, and Dutch ambassadors, etc. She meets the Prime Minister every Monday. Much of her work consists of studying and signing State documents. She regularly receives members of parliament, as well as other authorities on social issues. Married to Prince Claus of the Netherlands, Jonkheer von Amfeld (1926-2002), and mother of three sons.
THE PHILIPPINES 2001
 Executive President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo (b. 1947-)
As chief executive, she is also Head of
the Cabinet. She was Assistant Secretary
from 1987-1989 and Undersecretary of
Trade and Industry 1989-92, Senator
1992-98, Vice-President 1998-2001, and Secretary of Social Development and Welfare 1998-2000 when she was charged with the leadership of the Cabinet Meetings. In 2001 the parliament sacked President Estrada because of corruption and she was sworn in as his successor. In addition, she serves Secretary of Foreign Affairs 2002, Secretary of Defense 2003 and 2006-07. Not a party member, she has formed her own block of parliamentarians.
UKRAINE 2007
 Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko
(b. 1961-)
She is former Co-Leader of the Hromda
party and Director of United Energy
System 1998-2000. Dismissed from the
government in January 2001, detained
and charged with corruption, but later acquitted. Leader of Batkivsjtjina (Fatherland's Party) 2000/01-05 and of the Bloc Tymoshenko from 2005. She was Chief of Government in 2005 and Designate Prime Minister in 2006.
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The Queen's Correspondence
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to the Queen's Chronicles. Please keep your comments coming. And do feel free to make suggestions about content you would like to see. Or anything else, for that matter. It is a joy to connect with you.
Letters In Response To The December 2008 Issue
For days now I've been saying, "All is dark, everything is dark, why are all these dark things happening?" And then reading your Chronicle, I journeyed into your incredible research on Dark, making it not so frightening. I felt embraced by the dark. Thanks,
- Linda, NY
Thank you for continuing to do what you do, bringing inspiration to people all over the world and reminding us all of how we can be of service and make a difference. With all best wishes at this time of the year and especially as we move towards the new beginnings as the light returns to our world. Yours,
- Queen Margaret, England
The Queens Chronicles is endlessly satisfying. I am always inspired by your profiles of women of exceptional substance and courage. They provide wonderful role models and offer lofty standards to aspire to. Keep them coming!
- Carol, the Queen of My Self, NE
Are you collecting these essays for another book? I always learn something from them - and I do know something about women's history, having made a Margaret Sanger film.
- Terese, NY
I have forwarded the Queens Chronicles to my friends all over the country. I love sharing such affirmative messages with them. We all need to feel more empowered in our own lives. And this does the trick. Thanks so much.
- Shelley, WA
What a delicious delightful informative and inspiring sun rising Chronicle. Thank you,
- Laura, NY
Letters In Response To Articles About the Queen Published Elsewhere
I just read your article in the 2008 Witches' Companion, and am delighted to understand an additional aspect of the mysteries that is Womyn. I am a solitary male, and prefer the quiet and peacefulness of Self. I raised a wonderful daughter, who is also solitary, although I hope that was her own well-considered decision, and not my influence. Anyway, she had trouble dealing with the situation of Maid, Mother, Crone in her own life, as she has decided not to bring children into this very destructive world. She was confused as to where she fitted in. She was not Maid any longer, after wed to a wonderful man who is her life-partner. And she is long away from Crone. A very insightful, elder man of our acquaintance, saw that she was confused and hurting, recommended the path of the Warrior. As he explained to her, this is not necessarily a militaristic idea, but rather a way for her to be strong, supporting, caring and leave her mark on the world in a parallel path to Mother. Also, it is a way to extend the middle time of her life to well beyond Mother, but not yet Crone. For a few years she was a teacher of elementary age children, which is a strong Warrior path, with overtones of Mother. I will share with her your excellent ideas about Queen, as she left teaching, and is searching again for the Way. Blessed Be!
- Steven, CA
Hello Donna,
I just finished reading your article, "The Queen's Quarter of the Fourfold Goddess," and I had to write to let you know how much I enjoyed that article and how much it resonates in my life at this time. Without going into details of my life's learning experiences, I will just say that I had a black period of nothingness in which I liken myself to a defective motor that needed to be rebuilt with newer, better parts in a better configuration. Then the rebirth and continuation of growth I had started years before. This article gives confirmation for a message I received during a Shaman overseen meditation quest in a power spot - that I am to "hibernate" this winter and consider my home my chrysalis. This article has added one more to your fan club. Blessed Be in Love and Light,
- Sarina (Healing Mystery), NY
Please send your responses to thequeenofmyself@aol.com.
Your letters will be printed in the next Queen's Chronicles.
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The Queen's Court
The Queen's Court is a gathering of sovereign women of a certain age - our dear peers - who graciously offer information, guidance, inspiration and encouragement to each other.
We Queens know what we know. And we know a great deal. Our experience has made us wise. So, feel free to consult with our cyber counsel when you are need of sage advice or wish to explore a particular topic of interest.
Who knows what can come out of these sister alliances we are building?
-QMD
Dear Queen Mama Donna,
I've been reading your book, The Queen of My Self. I LOVE IT!!! I am in a Womyn's Circle called The WildWomyn. Most of us are approaching 50. We gather twice a month, usually every other Tuesday. Each hostess selects the topic of discussion, activities, and of course we share a meal. We usually pick a couple of books a year to study and discuss.
We practice old ways: we are creative, imaginative, daring. We stir pots, look into mirrors, anoint ourselves, sing and dance. We learn new things and share our wisdom. We investigate the divine feminine, herbs, elements, plants, animals and use all kinds of tools to help us. We pay attention to the moon phases: making new moon intentions and full moon water. In March every year, we celebrate Gather the Women. Last year, we each selected a Goddess whose energy we wanted to bring into our lives, and we made masks of them.
I would love to incorporate the teachings of The Queen of My Self into our circle and suggest it as the theme for this year's Gather the Women celebration. Do you have any suggestions for activities, study, discussion, or anything else? In the past, we've found that some women are reluctant to speak and/or give their opinion. I've never been in a book club and was wondering if there is any companion workbook or something to assist in promoting discussion? Sincerely,
- Joanne, MI
Dear Queen Joanne,
I think I can speak for the Queen, who is undoubtedly delighted and honored that you would dedicate your group to exploring and celebrating Her Majesty's empowered energy. As it happens, I have been working on a discussion and ritual guide to accompany The Queen of My Self. I just haven't been working on it hard enough or fast enough. So I welcome your request as a friendly nudge to get on with it! I promise to make this a priority. In the meantime, it occurs to me that this is a question for the Queens Court. I know for a fact that there are quite a few similar Queen groups out there in several countries. I invite them to share their experiences and suggestions, Queen to Queen. Thanks for your patience with my procrastination. Gotta go write now!
- Queen Mama Donna
Dear Queens wherever you are,
Please Submit Your Royal Reports:
· Tell us about your club: who, what, where, when, why?
· What Queenly topics do you explore?
· What projects do you engage in?
· Describe some golden moments.
· Send pictures!
Please send your questions or responses to thequeenofmyself@aol.com. Your letters will be printed in the next Queen's Chronicles.
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Where the Queens Are
Dear Queen Mama Donna,
Lady Tiana Mirapae, who I've been working with for a few years now, recently told me about you and the work that you are doing. About a year ago I received a vision for a ceremony celebrating the completion of an immense amount of personal growth work coupled with menopause. I thought it was going to be a croning ceremony but Tiana told me about a new phase being celebrated called a Queening. The other day she told me about you and that you were the one who came up with the Queen phase of a woman's life. Thank you! At 47 years old I wasn't quite ready to become a crone, after all.
I haven't written my actual ritual yet but I am looking forward to it. My Ceremony will include an almost full moon Enchanted Artwalk in my woods in Ashby, MA, complete with guest artist installations, lots of my artwork, along with an ecstatic dance, and a drum circle in a 24 foot dome my partner built out of used billboard vinyl. The ceremony is happening a few days before my 48th birthday and 3 years after my last period. For the first time in my life, I sincerely want to be of service and this ceremony is about me giving what I have to offer to my community. My spiritual connections are deep and getting clearer each day. I have no doubt that I am being encouraged to share some of the visions I receive with others.
- Lucretia Hatfield, MA
Note: Queen Lucretia's art just
happens to include creating
crowns!
What regal activities are you up to? Please send your Queenly news!
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