Longing for Darkness

Book excerpt: With this book, China Galland brought increased attention to the spiritual traditions of the Black Madonna and other cross-cultural expressions of the feminine divine. The popularity of recent works by authors like Sue Monk Kidd and Kathleen Norris have only increased readers fascination. Now with a new introduction by the author, "Longing for Darkness" explores Gallands spellbinding and deeply personal journey from New Mexico through Nepal, India, Switzerland, France, the former Yugoslavia, and Polandplaces where such figures as Tara, the female Buddha of the Tibetan tradition, and the Black Madonna are venerated today.