This unusual book inquires into many questions, one of which is “What does the Evolution of Humankind owe to the Divine Feminine?”

Author Starr* Saffa investigates this as a researcher in to the life of a woman virtually unknown to the Western world, Tahirih-Qurratu'l-Ayn. Starr* not only produces fascinating details of this charismatic woman who lived in Iran and Iraq between 1814 – 1852 (when she was martyred), she also states that she, Starr*, is the living representative of Tahirih now. She describes her own adventurous life and the spiritual studies and experiences which give validity to this claim.

Tahirih was an highly accomplished spiritual leader, educated in the Koran and legal matters. She taught with her twin soul, a man called the Bab, in announcing the new era of gender equality and of direct communication for each person with the Source, rather than the commonly held view of communications through the imams or mullahs.

She forthrightly declares herself of God and eventually removes her veil. In 1840 this was enough for a man to slit his throat at the sight of a woman's face which, according to the records, this is what actually happened.

She wrote poetry, composed songs, people gathered to hear her powerful revolutionary speeches. It is historically interesting to notice that at the same time as her declarations of freedom for all women, a Women's Rights Convention in New York was held.

Author Starr* is imbued with the spirit of Tahirih and throughout the book seeks to reveal her brilliance and truth. The theme is of “She Whom God Will Make Manifest”. She includes the screen play for a film about Tahirih's life and the relevance to women today.

At the recent public launching of the book at the Alexander Library in Perth, Western Australia, on 3rd August, Starr*, with veiled face, performed the story of Tahirih with great energy and purpose.

Tahirih is seen as bringing into being the Cosmic Christ Spirit of the present time of the Cycle of Balance.

Starr* supports her argument with reference to Rudolf Steiner and other spiritual writers. In fact the book reflects the years of serious study made by Starr*, her fascinating life spent with many ethnic cultures around the world, her closeness to Persian communities and the Baha'i faith, her wide ranging education enabling her to include chapters on quantum physics linked with esoteric spiritual studies. She admonishes the current Baha'i leadership of neglecting the vital input by Tahirih into their faith and of refusing to allow women into their highest global council.

Her personal experiences here must have provided the fire for Starr* to ignite the revolutionary in herself.

The Internet now enables private research and collaboration with other scholars to reach new heights. With Starr* this resource is profoundly deepened by recording her channelling of and spiritual identification with Tahirih. What makes this book unusual is that it can be seen as two simultaneous “autobiographies”, embellished with prayers, exultations, guidance, songs, poetry, screen play and random experiences of women and men who Starr* sees as influential in bringing in the new Cycle of Balance.

Tahirih exists above an ancient landscape peopled with the hundreds of forms of the God/ess and continues her work through Starr*.

If Tahirih is a diamond, Starr* reveals its' nature by polishing the facets of cultural and spiritual history, physics, recorded speeches, contemporary commentaries, poetry and direct channelling. In doing this polishing, Starr* is not afraid to reveal herself with courage, and shows the Arabic meaning of her name ‘Saffa' is “steadfast” or “rock”, or in Persian, “the pervading wave of harmony”.

They are two fascinating entwined stories.

Georgia Efford