Star Women and Earth Mothers
Women are all raised to be nurturers, but some of us are born to lead.

Star Woman or Earth Mother—which one are you? A majority of women are predominantly Earth Mothers, nurturers and protectors who are other-directed, and who center their lives on caring for their families and helping others. One out of five is a Star Woman, natural born leaders and visionaries who are self-directed, who are driven to accomplish goals, and who inspire others.

The Native Americans who originated this concept estimate that 80% of American women would likely consider themselves predominantly an Earth Mother and have this nurturing imperative as the driving force in their personalities. Within the other 20% is the Star Woman, a natural born leader who is more driven to set and accomplish goals, and who persuades and inspires others.

All women have both Earth Mother and Star Woman aspects in their personalities in differing, not equal, amounts. One aspect is always stronger than the other. The stronger part is the personality type with which we most identify. This is the face we present to the world and this is how we approach everyday living; however, when the situation requires it, we can call forth the other part to help us.

The Earth Mother

For the Earth Mother woman, giving is as natural and easy as breathing. It is her nature to give. She loves doing for others, especially her husband and children. She?s the one who brings the most delicious casserole to the potluck. She?s quick with a hug for a crying child. She notices if you?re feeling dowwn and tries to cheer you up. She loves being a mother and strives to be the best mother she can be. She finds great satisfaction in selflessly serving and helping other people, and usually require that a great deal of fuss be made over her contributions. The power and leadership abilities of the Earth Mother are directed towards others, especially in service to her immediate family. Thank goodness that a great majority of women are strong Earth Mothers. We need the nurturing, sustaining energy these women bring to the world. They are the ones who grow, attend to and care for the people and environment around them, for their families and their communities.

The Star Woman

In many Native American tribes, women leaders were called Rainbow Women and were highly respected. They were recognized as potential Rainbow Women early in their lives and groomed to be leaders and shamans for their people. Our culture is less enlightened. We seldom recognize or encourage the leadership gifts of our girls in the same way. We have no respectful title like Rainbow Woman in our culture for female leaders, so let us crown her with one: Star Woman.

The Star Woman is generally possessed with talents and skills that desire interaction and recognition in the outer world. She tends to be more oriented toward self and intent on finding ways to express her gifts and gain approval or status. It is her nature to lead and inspire others to follow her cause. She sees the big picture and wants to have an effect on it. To others she can appear self-centered at times because she is so focused on her goal.

Star Women often feel that they are destined for greatness if they can just find the right way to use their talent and leadership abilities. They are ambitious dreamers who long to make their mark on the world somewhere. While they can be excellent mothers, they also need to find some success and applause in the world outside of the family to feel truly satisfied with their lives.


This article excerpted from Venus On Top by Barbara Wright Abernathy