If I didn’t know writing’s dirty little secret before, I know it now: No author writes a book alone. Though she holds the pen, a thousand others teach and inspire her well before the first word finds the page, and long afterward.

While I cannot name them all, I am particularly grateful to my mother and father for bringing nature and her magic into my life—and for teaching me how to see and care for living things; and to my brother, for his love and unfailing support in my every endeavor; and to my grandparents and extended family, for the opportunity and effort they poured into my childhood.

This book began when I was six. In my driveway. Then simmered. Aside from personal experiences and a healthy imagination, my thinking was shaped by many better minds. These include, but are not limited to: Riane Eisler, whose book The Chalice and the Blade opened my eyes to a new world and unforgettable possibilities. Elaine Pagels, whose scholarship in The Gnostic Gospels provided startling insight and validated questions I had long harbored. Merlin Stone, whose daring work When God Was a Woman provided a historical framework for the story I wanted to tell. I also drew upon The Dark Side of Christian History by Helen Ellerbe and In Search of the Lost Feminine by Craig S. Barnes.

I would like to thank my community of friends for their love and encouragement. Mo and the VM, Patty and Dickie, for always believing. Patrick and Shereen at Tano for the beginning. Michael and Keith for building Folly I and Folly II. Chainsaw for surprise visits and hot coffee. Rudy and Melinda for countless reads. Alice Peck and Marlene Adelstein for their editorial prowess and generosity. Joanna for being the trusted roots beneath me. And Tina for making everything possible.

Creatures and places also contributed to this book. For his warm companionship through rain and snow, I will never forget Mick. And, for slowing me down, opening me up, and showing me The Way, I am forever indebted to Melvina.

I am equally grateful to my agent, Susan Golomb, who is as genuinely wonderful as she is intrepid, and to Terra Chalberg, who never quits.

Last, I would like to thank my editor at Crown, Suzanne O’Neill, whose brilliant instincts unearthed a far better book.

My deepest gratitude to you all, and to the mystery that brought me into being.