Dr. Selena Madden

Introduction

Dr. Selena Madden is a mythologist, somatic educator, and spiritual guide known for her integrative work at the crossroads of mythology, movement, and psychology. Rooted in a deep understanding of archetypes, she empowers individuals—especially those seeking feminine wisdom—to reconnect with their inner stories through myth, embodiment, and sacred ritual. With a Ph.D. in Mythological Studies and Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Dr. Madden brings both scholarly depth and experiential knowledge to her teachings. Her mission centers on rekindling the power of the feminine psyche through transformational practices grounded in symbolic language and sacred traditions.

Area of Expertise

Dr. Selena Madden brings a rare synthesis of disciplines into her work. She specializes in mythology and depth psychology with a focus on feminine archetypes, using tools such as sacred dance, martial arts, and meditative rituals to bring myths to life. Drawing inspiration from Jungian and archetypal studies, she helps students engage myth not merely as stories, but as living energies shaping consciousness. She incorporates Eastern philosophies, particularly Hindu and Taoist frameworks, to emphasize wholeness and inner alignment. Her educational methods often combine theoretical insight with physical embodiment, allowing individuals to personally experience the archetypes through curated movement practices and interactive sessions.

Books & Publications

Though not yet an author of a full-length book, Dr. Madden’s intellectual and creative work is widely recognized through essays, journal articles, and conference papers. Some of her most impactful written pieces include:

• “Dance in the Christian Traditions” – a reflection on how embodied rituals once formed the core of spiritual expression within Christian history.

• “The Sorceresses of Merlin” – exploring magical feminine figures in Arthurian legend.

• “The Alchemical Goddess” – focusing on transformation through divine feminine energy.

• “Dancing with the Archetypal Feminine: Embracing the Warrior and the Lover” – analyzing the dual nature of feminine power.

• “My Personal Lilith’s Lair” – a deeply personal exploration of Lilith’s relevance in modern psychology and spirituality.

Through these writings, Dr. Madden demonstrates how myth and symbolism, when blended with introspection and cultural analysis, reveal pathways to healing and self-realization.

Research & Contributions

Dr. Madden’s research stands at the forefront of contemporary mythological studies, with a distinct emphasis on the archetypal feminine and its potential to initiate both personal and societal transformation. Her work draws inspiration from ancient figures like Enheduanna—Sumerian poet-priestess and the world’s first known author—whose hymns to Inanna reshaped the spiritual and political landscape of her time. This historical context fuels Madden’s belief in the creative feminine as a cultural force capable of healing fragmentation and restoring balance.

In collaboration with Pacifica Extension, Dr. Madden presented “Saraswati After the Sword: The Muse as Healer and Sacred Resistance,” examining how feminine energy becomes a form of resistance and renewal in oppressive times. She has also co-developed courses like “Dark Feminine for Dark Times,” offering a space to reflect on shadow aspects of the feminine through figures like Lilith and Kali.

Her academic affiliations include membership in the International Society of Mythology, a community she helped establish with fellow Pacifica scholars. Through this and other initiatives, she brings forward living traditions that blend the mythic and the modern, exploring how archetypal narratives manifest in today’s cultural, spiritual, and psychological terrains.

Awards & Recognitions

Although there are no public records of Dr. Madden receiving formal awards, her influence is deeply felt across the mythological and psychological communities. Her invitation to keynote and present at major conferences such as Mythologium and Art and Psyche reflects the esteem of her peers. Her courses with Morbid Anatomy and Pacifica Extension have also received recognition for their innovative integration of scholarship and somatic practices. These platforms have acknowledged her for championing the resurgence of the creative feminine in both academic and personal development settings.

Social Media Profiles

Dr. Selena Madden’s digital presence mirrors her commitment to accessible, embodied wisdom. Her official website, selenamadden.com, functions as the nucleus of her work, featuring writings, course listings, and links to her current offerings. On WordPress at selenamadden.wordpress.com, she shares poetic reflections and mythic insights tailored to those on a personal or spiritual journey.

Her professional credentials are showcased on LinkedIn, where she is identified as a Mythologist and Archetypal Educator. Here, she connects with scholars, students, and spiritual practitioners interested in archetypal psychology and somatic awareness. She also maintains a profile on Academia.edu, hosting her research work and listing her educational background.

Dr. Madden is often featured on the International Society of Mythology’s platform and Morbid Anatomy’s speaker roster. One of her notable upcoming talks includes “The Fierce Muse: Kali at the Threshold with the Blade of Becoming,” which exemplifies her dedication to the powerful intersections of destruction, rebirth, and feminine sovereignty.

Bibliographic Sources

Madden, S. (2025). Selena Madden – Home. Retrieved from https://selenamadden.com/

Madden, S. (2025). Curriculum Vitae. Pacifica Graduate Institute. Retrieved from https://pacifica.academia.edu/SMadden/CurriculumVitae

Morbid Anatomy. (2025). Bio Selena Madden. Retrieved from https://www.morbidanatomy.org/bio-selena-madden

Twitter. (2025). Selena Madden (@madden_selena). Retrieved from https://twitter.com/madden_selena