Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estés is a powerful book that explores the instinctual, wild nature of women. Through myths, stories, and Jungian psychology, Estés encourages women to embrace their inner strength, intuition, and creativity.
This book has inspired countless readers with its insightful and poetic quotes. Below, we explore some of the most powerful quotes from Women Who Run with the Wolves, their meanings, and how they can inspire personal growth.
The Power of the Wild Woman
1. “Within every woman, there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing.”
This quote reminds women of their inner wildness-a source of strength, wisdom, and creativity. Society often pressures women to conform, but Estés encourages them to reconnect with their natural instincts and embrace their full potential.
2. “The wild nature carries the medicine for all things. It carries stories and dreams, words and songs, signs and symbols. It is both vehicle and destination.”
Here, Estés describes the wild woman archetype as a healing force. By embracing our natural instincts and passions, we unlock a world of stories, wisdom, and creativity that guide us toward personal fulfillment.
The Importance of Intuition
3. “A woman’s intuition is strong when she trusts it. When she follows it, it leads her well. When she ignores it, she suffers.”
This quote highlights the power of female intuition. Many women are taught to doubt their instincts, but Estés emphasizes that listening to our inner voice can lead to wisdom, protection, and empowerment.
4. “The doors to the wild self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door. If you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door.”
This poetic quote suggests that pain, love, and deep longing are gateways to self-discovery. Instead of fearing these experiences, we should see them as opportunities to grow and connect with our true selves.
Breaking Free from Societal Expectations
5. “To be ourselves causes us to be exiled by many. Yet to comply with what others want causes us to be exiled from ourselves.”
This is one of the most famous quotes from the book. It speaks to the struggle many women face-choosing between pleasing others or staying true to themselves. Estés urges women to embrace their authenticity, even if it means standing alone.
6. “A healthy woman is much like a wolf-robust, resilient, strong life force, life-giving, territorial, aware, fiercely loyal, and wild.”
By comparing women to wolves, Estés challenges the idea that femininity must be soft or submissive. Instead, she celebrates the strength, independence, and loyalty of women who embrace their true nature.
Healing and Transformation
7. “When women hear those words, ‘She is too much,’ they should smile and say, ‘Yes, and so much more.'”
Women are often criticized for being “too emotional,” “too ambitious,” or “too outspoken.” Estés reclaims this idea, encouraging women to embrace their fullness rather than shrink to fit societal expectations.
8. “Go out in the woods, go out. If you don’t go out in the woods, nothing will ever happen and your life will never begin.”
This quote urges women to take risks, seek adventure, and step into the unknown. Growth happens when we leave our comfort zones and embrace new experiences.
9. “The doors to the world of the wild self are few but precious. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a true life, that is a door.”
A deep desire for authenticity and purpose is a sign that you are being called to reconnect with your wild, true self. This quote encourages women to listen to that calling and pursue a life of depth and meaning.
Creativity and Expression
10. “Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.”
Many women struggle to prioritize their creative passions due to responsibilities and societal pressures. Estés emphasizes that creativity deserves dedicated time and space, not just leftover moments.
11. “If you have ever been called defiant, incorrigible, forward, cunning, insurgent, unruly, or rebellious, you are on the right track.”
Women who challenge norms are often labeled negatively. Estés reassures them that being bold and questioning authority is part of reclaiming their power.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
12. “We find lasting love by becoming like wolves-loyal, strong, and trusting our instincts.”
This quote connects self-love, relationships, and personal strength. Women who trust themselves and embrace their wild nature attract genuine, deep connections.
13. “If we live as we breathe, take in and let go, we cannot go wrong.”
A simple yet profound reminder that life is a cycle of receiving and releasing. Clinging to the past or fearing the future disrupts the natural flow of life.
14. “Beneath the surface, we are already full. We do not have to strive to be complete; we already are.”
In a world that constantly tells women they need to “fix” themselves, Estés reminds them that they are already whole. True fulfillment comes from embracing oneself as is.
Women Who Run with the Wolves is a book filled with wisdom, empowerment, and inspiration. The quotes from Clarissa Pinkola Estés encourage women to trust their intuition, embrace their wild nature, and break free from limiting beliefs.
By applying these insights to daily life, women can rediscover their inner strength, creativity, and authenticity-living a life that is not only fulfilling but also true to their wild, untamed spirit.