Meinrad Craighead: Praying with Images

I first became aware of the immensely gifted artist and mystic Meinrad Craighead in 1989 when I came upon her book `The Mother's Songs: Images Of God The Mother' while browsing around a Catholic bookstore in Costa Mesa, California. I was struck by the vibrant colors and evocative image on the cover. Looking within I was immediately taken aback, it was akin to opening Pandora's Box. The contents were highly evocative, strangely threatening and deeply personal. I intuitively understood that I was being exposed to a depth and scope of spirituality that was unlike anything I had experienced up to that point in my life. Momentarily confused, I couldn't help but wonder why this book was on the shelf of a Catholic shop. It most certainly didn't resonate with anything Catholic that I was aware of. My initial opinion would change in time.Not long after discovering this little gem Meinrad's `The Litany Of The Great River' was released and my journey into her fascinating inner landscapes and sacred spaces continued. Now eighteen years later I have finally been given the opportunity to meet this incredible, unique woman through this lovingly crafted documentary film. Her life, her work, her inner thoughts are all there pulled up from the depths and brought into the light via the vehicle of cinema. Absolutely spellbinding. I may never get the opportunity to meet her, but at least I have `Meinrad Craighead: Praying In Images' to watch whenever I feel the need to return and rest in the "dark beauty" and "divine gaze" of the Great Mother.Personal Note: The only contents I have an issue with is the glaring absence of a masculine perspective of this amazing woman. There are numerous comments and appearances sprinkled throughout the video by family, friends and fellow artists and only one of these individuals are male. Even more bothersome was the fact that several times during the film the narrator mentions how inspiring Meinrad has been to so many women. Can't men be inspired as well? The divine Goddess is a universal image with a universal message accessible to both genders. I hope the makers of this beautiful documentary didn't intentionally leave us out. That would surely be a disservice to both Meinrad's legacy and the Goddess.

Meinrad Craighead is an amazing mystic/artist and so is the Praying With Images DVD. It works in every way- this beautifully produced DVD compellingly captures Meinrad's life, art, and the natural world in which she is integrally embedded. The DVD rings true to what I know of Meinrad over several decades of acquaintance. The audience of several hundred artists, writers, friends, family, healers and the spiritually-inspired at the recent film opening in New Mexico was clearly absorbed, delighted, and transported into a sacred space that Meinrad's presence and vision evoke. This is a DVD that is so rich that you will want to watch it many times to absorb all that it has to offer on so many levels.

It is wonderful to be able to see Meinrad talk about her past and see her in her studio working. She is a very powerful, sensitive artist. My only problem with this documentary is that I found it a little short at one hour and wished I could see at least another hour's worth.She takes you into the realm of the sacred and I find that inspiring, as an artist who likes to work that way as well. I hope that more people get to know who Meinrad Craighead is through this documentary. Meinrad's artwork and life are very rich and full of a spiritual depth that is rare.

I have been waiting for years for a deeper connection to this deeply spiritual and talented woman artist. I have some books but the dvd Praying with Images is more powerful and moved me to tears. The film is well presented and has suitable music. I have never paid more than 15 quid for a dvd but this was good value and the experience was priceless.Angela Davis uk.

This woman's artwork is astounding. Her personal journey reads like Campbell's heroine's Journey. The book and the movie are well worth the price. Deep sacred art you keep coming back to.

What a Joy to be allowed a view into the world of Meinrad Craighead. This video led the viewer on the Mystics path of the Sacred Feminine. A Seeker and an Artist, Meinrad reveals her Heart through her Artwork and her Poems.

The imagery is poetry and the essays are imagery. Beautiful and profoundly impactful, this is a work of art and inspiration cover to cover.

An amazing artist and modern day mystic...beautiful.

A well-made documentary about Meinrad Craighead, artist, writer, spiritual being. A perfect companion to Meinrad Craighead: Crow Mother and The Dog God, her stunningly beautiful coffee-table book featuring Ms. Craighead's paintings and other artwork, her thoughts and writings. Highly recommend both. - Marina