In the last issue I shared a selection of letters I have received over the years from women sharing definitions and descriptions of their Queendom. And just as I had hoped, they sparked some deeply felt responses from you, the loyal, royal sisterhood who comprise The Queen's Court:

I am an avid reader. I usually have about five books on the nightstand. I read mostly personal growth books and some fiction when I am not reading technical information for my profession, data processing. I have chanced upon books in the past that have changed my life and always felt grateful for the blessings they bestowed. Chancing upon books that I needed was a little too random. I prayed to "Mother Goddess" and asked for a book that would enhance my life for the new stage I am entering. Something to show me the way. I am a fifty-year old mother, I am married and my only child (girl) is living a half a country away and doing well. Immediately after my prayer I went to the library, walked to the new book section and walked straight to your book. I spent the next two weeks reading it and knew I needed to add it to my "keepers." I just received my copy yesterday and I am busy writing in it this morning. It's 6:30 here in the Midwest. Thank you for holding a bright torch up in the darkness and showing us that we are entering an exciting phase of our lives. I feel "Queenly". I am sexy, juicy, intelligent, attractive, fearless, adventuresome, regal. Thank you, Queen Mama Donna. Sincerely and with much respect,

- Pam, IA

 As I read The Queen of My Self, you described and named so much of my new experience of myself. Once I could name it, I could finally claim it and allow myself to grow with the "me" I actually was, at 52, after a complete hysterectomy because of the ovarian cancer they found very early, after walking away from a career I had cultivated for almost 20 years, after finding that my spiritual journey has moved in a totally new and exciting direction, after recognizing a new strength and power in me. Up until reading your book, I just thought what I was experiencing was a bit of craziness/laziness and not really growth. Now that I see things differently, I feel myself stronger, more adventurous, more relaxed, more confident, more accepting of my choices and much happier. Now I'm very excited about where I am and where I'm heading. That is where your help came in. With great expectation,

- Dorothy, NY

How can this be?? I know myself as a seeker, and have never heard of becoming a Queen in my 50s? Is 60 the new 40? I am in my final year of my 50s, and have never felt so secure and aware in my life! Looking backward seems almost to me like a betrayal of what I have become. I can see the lessons hard-learned and painful, that led to the WOMAN I am now. Never having been blessed (?) with children, I have not gone through the Mother change. However, I have always had the feeling that I am "Mother Courage," constantly building up my two late husbands, my women peers, and the men I have in my life now. I entered menopause early, but still have a desire for intimacy. It is a drive I hope I never lose...A QUEEN? Yes - I deserve the title!!

- Suzanne, WA

I have been thoroughly enjoying your book, Queen of My Self. I  howled at your depiction of the on-again-off-again ritual of the bed covers. That's me alright! I was very moved by your coronation ritual. I have attempted a similar ritual, but it wasn't as deep as yours. I'm saying that because ritual is your life's work and I am so impressed with where you are and what you're doing. I also was very moved by your journey. The way you told your story is beautiful and honest. I will be using your book (recommending it to my clients and girlfriends) as an example of how to tell our stories in a meaningful way, and how profound that experience can be.

- Penny, CA

The Queen of My Self is just exactly what I need right now, and I am enjoyably, slowly, repeatedly devouring it in every available moment. It is just what I was looking for, I was ready to move into the Queen phase, and had made a start by myself, and now your wonderful writing provides a so helpful, authenticating guide. Thank you very much. Bless you.

- Alisa, England

This is a must-read. While I remember turning 30 with dread, my forties are proving a different matter, entirely. I love the age I am now, and wouldn't be any younger for all the world. In fact, I feel more than ever that the world is already at my feet. And that's with two kids still at home. Thank you for helping me feel like the Queen that I am.

- Kathryn, KS

I'm learning about the ways in which I can live up to my namesake as Queen Victoria! Your work is helping to provide me with much hopefulness of rediscovering my true Self. As a recent post-menopausal woman of 53 years young, I was beginning to think I was headed straight to the rocking chair, never to live out any of my long-stifled dreams. Thank you so much for the realization that I've only just begun my journey! From an evolving Queen of My Self,

- Victoria, MA

I just had the pleasure of reading your daringly illuminated article regarding the Queen aspect of the Triple Goddess, and would first off like to thank you for sharing your concept with the world. As you stated, the Universe is primarily dissected into fours. Seeing this has hindered my identification with a deity that has only three aspects. Also, lately, having enjoyed the Maiden and endured the Mother, but being nowhere near the wisdom of the Crone, I've been feeling rather out of place. Reading your article has given me a celestial place to rest my throne. For that I very much thank you. I feel so strongly about the Queen aspect I am going to incorporate Her into the teachings to my daughters and others who have asked for my guidance.

- Deborah, Taycheedah Correctional Institute, WI

Thanks very much - I couldn't do Crone at all, but had nothing to hang my mid-life hat on - don't even like "mid-life" to tell you the truth. Queen - that's it! Thanks so much. 

- Rita, MN

After being surgically menopaused at 38, I've wondered what the heck I'm supposed to be, because it sure ain't yet a Crone. Thanks for giving me new language for my new self!

- Kelley, TN

 I would love to further this discussion. Do send in your definitions, descriptions and declarations of Queendom.