Mackey writes both prose and poetry and has published many novels and books of poetry. She reveals her writing and creative process and how each kinds of writing requires a different approach and describes her process of “creative trance” that helps her to move into her own unconscious. She takes us from Western Kentucky to the Brazilian Rainforest.

There was a time in human history when a matristic culture dominated the social structure. When ask to describe the difference between matriarchal and matristic cultures, Mackey responded, “Patriarchy is men in charge, matriarchy would be women in charge . . . Matristic is a more collaborative, partnership, a communal way of governing. It’s a way in which the Earth is seen as a great mother that brings forth life and is worshipped for that, but at the same time it’s not a society in which ...