Astoria Chen Leoni Embraces Modern Priestess Identity in New Book
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Astoria Chen Leoni has released "The Priestess's Year," a book exploring a modern interpretation of the ancient priestess role, drawing from her diverse life experiences and research into ancient cultures. The book offers a methodology for self-discovery and empowerment, resonating with readers seeking authenticity.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Astoria Chen Leoni released "The Priestess's Year" exploring modern priestesshood.
- Her journey includes careers as an actress, diplomat, and therapist.
- A land purchase in Tzofim and ancient Canaanite dreams inspired the book.
- The book blends personal narrative with historical and archaeological research.
- It offers a methodology for self-discovery and living authentically.
Astoria Chen Leoni, formerly known as Chen Koran, has released her second book, "The Priestess's Year," exploring a modern interpretation of the ancient priestess role. The book, published by Yanai, draws on Leoni's personal journey, which has included careers as a child actress, opera singer, diplomat, and developer of a therapeutic method called Cellular Memory Therapy (CMT).
Leoni's path took a significant turn three years ago when she felt an inexplicable pull to a plot of land in the settlement of Tzofim, near Kfar Saba. Despite facing construction delays due to the October 7th attacks, labor shortages, and rising costs, she took on the role of contractor herself, driven by a sense of connection to the land. Simultaneously, she began experiencing dreams featuring a Canaanite priestess and midwife named Asherah, which inspired her to research ancient Near Eastern cultures, consulting with Dr. Galit Avia Ben-Tuvia.
Her research into Ugarit, an ancient city in Syria known for its texts on Canaanite culture, further fueled her exploration. This journey culminated in "The Priestess's Year," which blends her personal narrative with archaeological and historical findings, using biblical female figures like Deborah the Prophetess as archetypes. The book outlines "Ten Gates of Priestesshood," a methodology for self-discovery and empowerment.
Leoni, a mother of three, previously published "Curator of Memories" about her CMT method, which reframes memories without erasing them. She describes the modern priestess as a woman who lives authentically, guided by her inner voice and intuition, rather than external expectations. This role, she explains, involves service and connection, distinguishing it from personal development which often focuses on self-improvement for personal benefit.
Leoni has trained approximately 250 professionals in CMT and opened a priestess center in Tzofim. The book has resonated deeply with readers, many of whom have reached out to her expressing emotional responses and a desire to learn more about priestesshood. Leoni emphasizes that the core message is not about drastic life changes, but about women questioning whether their lives align with their true selves and being open to listening to life's prompts.