Table of Contents
Anne Baring’s discussions of the Lunar period often focus on prehistoric times, particularly during the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, which span approximately from 2.5 million years ago to around 2000 BCE. Here are some key periods within this timeframe that she addresses:
Paleolithic Era (c. 2.5 million years ago – 10,000 BCE):
- Upper Paleolithic (c. 50,000 – 10,000 BCE): This period is marked by the emergence of symbolic art, such as cave paintings, and the worship of the Great Mother goddess. The Moon was likely a central symbol in early human spirituality, representing the cycles of nature and life.
Neolithic Era (c. 10,000 – 2000 BCE):
- Early Neolithic (c. 10,000 – 4500 BCE): The advent of agriculture led to the establishment of settled communities. During this time, the Moon’s cycles were crucial for agricultural practices, and feminine deities associated with fertility and the Earth were widely venerated.
- Late Neolithic (c. 4500 – 2000 BCE): This period saw the development of more complex societies and the construction of megalithic structures, such as Stonehenge, which are believed to have lunar and solar alignments. The transition to patriarchal societies and the rise of solar deities began in this period.
Transition to Historical Periods:
- Bronze Age (c. 3000 – 1200 BCE): The gradual shift from matriarchal to patriarchal societies continued, with the increasing prominence of male gods and the decline of lunar-centered worship.
- Iron Age (c. 1200 – 600 BCE): The dominance of patriarchal, solar-based civilizations solidified, leading to the further marginalization of lunar and feminine symbolism in mainstream religions and cultures.
Anne Baring’s work often reflects on these ancient periods to illustrate the profound changes in human consciousness and societal structures that occurred with the shift from lunar to solar dominance. She emphasizes the need to revive and integrate the wisdom of the Lunar period in contemporary times to address modern spiritual and ecological challenges.
