Autumn Gospel: Women in the Second Half of Life

With her characteristic honesty, gentleness and insight, Kathleen Fischer explores the spiritual dimensions of women’s middle and later years as she weaves together stories, experiences and research from a variety of traditions and cultures. She begins with a discussion of how societal images of older women constrict their sense of worth and their possibilities. The author then suggests ways in which older women can embrace new visions of themselves. She proceeds to explore the place of transitions, the inner life, contemplation, the body, mourning, remembering, caregiving and intergenerational connections as each relates to women’s spirituality in later life. At each chapter’s end, Dr. Fischer offers rituals, prayers and meditations that mark the passages of the second half of life.