Divine Union: Weaving The Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine

Divine Union: Weaving The Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine

In the previous two articles, we explored the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine Principles individually. In this article, we are going to look at how they come together in Divine Union.. 

Divine union is a term used to describe the coming together of the Divine Masculine and Feminine energies. Leading to a state of balance and harmony as these two forces coming together as an integrated whole. The divine union can be experienced within oneself, as well as within partnerships. It is a sacred and transformative relationship that requires inner work, self-awareness, and a willingness to let go of old patterns and beliefs that create imbalances. When these principles are balanced and harmonized, it can lead to a state of wholeness within the self, deeper intimacy in sacred partnerships, and oneness with the universe.

The Divine Masculine & Divine Feminine

It is important to recognize and value the significant contributions of both masculine and feminine energy. The Divine Masculine principle is associated with traits such as strength, courage, action, and logic. The Divine Feminine principle is associated with traits such as compassion, intuition, creativity, and nurturing. These two energies exist in harmony. If one is out of balance it means that the other is also imbalanced. So if you are too grounded in your masculine energy, you will be deficient in the Divine Feminine and vis versa.

In an ideal world, both men and women would be able to connect with both energies and make conscious choices that blend the best of both aspects in every situation. Each person would be able to embrace intuition and logic. Making decisions with both prudence and inner awareness.  Display self-discipline as well as be able to go with the flow, connecting with the structures within the cycles. Show proper emotions while at the same time being rational and even-handed. You get the picture. 

If you feel stuck, stagnant or out of balance, I would examine how these two divine energies manifest in your life. A great place to start is to look at the formative and important relationships with the men and women in your life. What did you learn about masculinity? What did you learn about femininity?  How did these examples affect who you are and how you show up in the world?

A Great Model

Yin Yang symbolYin/Yang in Chinese philosophy describes equal but opposite forces that are attractive and complementary. It is a great model to understand Divine Union. Yin and yang are interconnected and counterbalancing. Yin symbolizes the dark, receptive, feminine force, while yang symbolizes the light, active, masculine energy. From this perspective, the universe creates itself out of chaos (the Feminine), and organizes into form (the Masculine). Then the cycle of creation and destruction continues indefinitely. 

The symbol itself consists of a circle divided into two halves by a curved line. One half of the circle is black (yin) and the other is white (yang), with a smaller circle of the opposite color in each half. These smaller circles are integral to understanding divine union. They symbolize the masculine within the feminine and the feminine within the masculine. Reminding us that these forces are interdependent and one without the other is incomplete.

The Integrated Whole

This is similar to Jung’s description of the Animus and Anima which describe the masculine and feminine aspects of the human psyche, respectively. The Animus represents a woman’s inner masculine and is often symbolized by archetypal figures such as knights or warriors. The Anima is the feminine aspect of a man’s unconscious mind and is often symbolized by figures such as goddesses, or muses.

To reach our full potential, we must allow these energies to interact and transform our consciousness. He called this the “mysterium coniunctionis,” the synthesis of opposites or the ability to hold opposing forces in balance. Bringing the King and Queen into Divine Union. The Animus and Anima are not fixed or static, but rather exist on a spectrum. Both men and women can develop and integrate these opposing aspects of their psyche to achieve a more well-rounded and balanced sense of self.

How They Serve Each Other

The Feminine without the Masculine exists as pure consciousness but has no awareness of where or what She is. The Masculine has structure and direction but no meaning or purpose. The feminine creates the container for all of creation but without the masculine can never bring form out of the formless. She remains unseen and unknown. Without the instruction or structure for her creative force. 

In less esoteric terms, you can be the most creative person in the world, but without structure or self-discipline, you may never see any of your creativity come to fruition. Conversely, you may have may be incredible at getting things done but lack originality or you burn yourself out without taking time to just be. 

Sacred Partnerships

Beyond just being an integrated whole, bringing together the divine forces in sexual partnership is a powerful experience. The merging of the pure consciousness and pure energy of both the male and female principles allows for the attainment of divine union in Tantra. Tantra, meaning to weave, is exemplified through the active feminine energy of Shakti rising into the passive pre-existing masculine consciousness of Shiva.

In her book, The Heart of Tantric Sex, Diana Richardson explores the importance of slowing down, being present, and connecting with your partner on a deeper level. By cultivating sexual energy, first within the self and then with your partner, this union creates a powerful magnetic field. As we learn to harness the polarity – meaning the positive male pole and negative female pole coming together within the individual and between partnerships to create a ‘magnetic intelligence’. It helps to not only build intimacy but also get the individual in touch with a vast well of creative energy that can be used to manifest in our daily lives. Sexual energy is creative energy whether in love or in life. 

Divine union is important for mankind’s evolution. It can lead to a deeper sense of self, more intimacy and catalyze personal growth by allowing us to show up as a whole, integrated human. It is important to understand and embrace both energies to achieve a state of balance and unity within one’s self and in our relationships. 

Check out this Tantric Guided Meditation for Partners 

 

(c) Can Stock Photo / pitinan

Balancing the Divine Feminine

Balancing the Divine Feminine

The Divine Feminine is often explored in contrast to the patriarchal structures that modern society was built on. However, the Divine Feminine is one of the fundamental archetypal and energetic building blocks of creation and is not limited to females. It is not just a response to patriarchal structures, but instead a principal form of energy that all beings possess, regardless of a person’s gender. It is complementary to the Divine Masculine, and together they are the forces behind all of creation. This article will explore the Divine Feminine traits, archetypes, and imbalances, as well as how to awaken this force within each of us.

Characteristics of the Divine Feminine

In many spiritual traditions, the Divine Feminine is personified as a goddess or a divine mother figure. It is associated with intuition, feelings, nurturing, receptivity, interconnectedness, healing, creativity, empathy, and communication. Symbols such as the moon, Gaia (Mother Earth), and water as all considered expressions of the Divine Feminine. It acts as a counterbalance to the masculine aspects, which are associated with the qualities of strength, action, and logic. If the masculine is focused on doing, the feminine is focused on being. She is not only represented by the more abstract and emotional aspects but she is also the container from which all things are birthed. She is the unmanifest consciousness that awaits the masculine structure and instruction to bring form out of the formless.

Read More About the Divine Masculine Energies

The Divine Feminine Archetypes

In mythology and literature, the Divine Feminine is represented in various forms and includes a multitude of energies, deities, virtues, and personifications. These archetypes are not goddesses but rather attributes of the Divine Feminine, and they can be used to cultivate a deeper awareness of ourselves. By recognizing which of these archetypes we embody, we can learn how these energies manifest as both the shadow and light depending on our own unique experiences. We can call upon different aspects of these forms to restore balance and wholeness to our being.

The following are examples of Divine Feminine archetypes:

  1. Maiden: embodies innocence, playfulness, and new beginnings. E.g. Persephone, Cinderella, Snow White
  2. Lover: represents sensuality, intimacy, and emotional connection. E.g. Aphrodite, Venus, Guinevere, Juliet, Cleopatra
  3. Mother: embodies nurturing, compassion, and unconditional love. E.g. Demeter, Mary, Gaia, Mother Nature.
  4. Enchantress: represents the mysterious, seductive, and magical aspects of femininity. E.g. Circe, Medusa, Baba, Maleficent.
  5. Healer: embodies the power of healing, restoration, and transformation. E.g. Hecate, Kuan Yin, White Buffalo Calf Woman
  6. Creatrix: represents creativity, imagination, and the ability to bring form out of the formless. E.g. Saraswati, Minerva, Sophia, Oshun
  7. Priestess: embodies spirituality, intuition, and connection to the Divine. E.g. Hestia, Isis, Mary Magdalene
  8. Queen: represents leadership, authority, and the ability to create order and stability. E.g.Hera, Ishtar, Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great
  9. Wild Woman: represents freedom, authenticity, and the ability to embrace one’s primal nature. E.g. Lilith, Eve, Salome, Calypso, Pandora.
  10. Wise Woman: embodies wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to guide others through life’s challenges. E.g. Sophia, Kuan Yin, Baba Yaga

Working with these archetypes can be a transformative journey for women (and men), allowing them to embody the highest expression of their feminine energies.

(Sacred Contracts by Caroline Myss is a fantastic book to learn more about archetypes)

The Divine Feminine Out of Balance

The best way to understand the balance of the Divine Feminine is to see it in relationship to the Divine Masculine. Think of the Yin/Yang. These two energies exist in harmony. If one is out of balance, it means that the other is also imbalanced. When our Divine Feminine energy is out of harmony, we exhibit the shadow side – the wounded feminine. This is characterized by unhealthy patterns of behavior such as jealousy, manipulation, and victimhood. Finding a balance between the two is key.

An imbalance in the Divine Feminine can manifest in various ways, including:

  1. Repression of emotions and feelings.
  2. Lack of creativity and self-expression.
  3. Difficulty in nurturing and caring for oneself and others.
  4. Overly passive behavior or playing the victim.
  5. Inability to set healthy boundaries.
  6. Disconnection from nature and the environment.
  7. Overly emotional or placing feelings above all else.
  8. A tendency towards perfectionism or people-pleasing.
  9. Difficulty in receiving and accepting help or support from others.
  10. Using emotional blackmail to manipulate others.

Awakening the Divine Feminine

Regardless of your gender, awakening the Divine Feminine within can benefit your spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Bringing a deeper sense of meaning and purpose into your life and connecting you to your inner guidance system.

Here are some ways to awaken the Divine Feminine:

  1. Spend time in nature, walk barefoot, sunbathe naked, and bathe in the river.
  2. Do things that deepen your relationship with the Earth like gardening, conservation, and working with animals.
  3. Access, fully feel, and release our feelings without judgment.
  4. Practice self-care and self-love.
  5. Cultivate healthy boundaries and learn to say no.
  6. Connect with the Divine Feminine through meditation, prayer, ritual, and ceremony.
  7. Embrace creativity, whether it’s through dance, art, music, writing, or other forms of expression.
  8. Cultivate intuition and take action on your inner guidance.
  9. Examine your wounds that arose from early and important relationships with women. Explore what they taught you about femininity and the qualities of the Divine Feminine.
  10. Practice compassion, empathy, and kindness towards ourselves and others.
  11. Nurture relationships, people, plants, and animals. Take care of your world with a loving presence.
  12. Flow within the micro and macro cycles of the day, month, year, etc.

Rise of the Divine Feminine

Patriarchal and masculine structures have dominated modern society for centuries. Part of bringing balance to a world that seeks domination over nature and each other is to bring balance to the divine principles. Awakening the Divine Feminine in each of us can help to empower all people and promote equality. In our linear and logical world, the qualities of the Divine Feminine like intuition, and emotions are seen as less than. But to bring balance and harmony to our world, all aspects of the divine energies need to be valued and revered. They don’t exist on a spectrum, they exist as a whole in complement to each other.

Read Seeing Beyond the Lens of Patriarchy

 

Connecting to the Divine Feminine helps us live more in alignment with our higher self and assists us in operating from a space of self-love, kindness, and inner peace. We can be compassionate and nurturing, without sacrificing healthy boundaries – embracing the idea of power with instead of power over. Essentially, when our energies are in balance, we are empowered and, in turn, empower others. Through meditation, prayer, and self-exploration, we can tap into the Divine Feminine energy within us and connect with the sacredness of all life. By embracing the Divine Feminine principle, we can create a world that is more compassionate, just, and equitable for all beings.

Balancing the Divine Masculine

Balancing the Divine Masculine

​The concept of the Divine Masculine is often misunderstood and overlooked in our society, which tends to focus more on the negative aspects of masculinity. However, the Divine Masculine represents the best and most inspiring aspects of masculine expression in the universe. The Divine Masculine is thought to reside within all individuals, regardless of gender identity, and is seen as a vital aspect of personal growth and spiritual development. It is complementary to the Divine Feminine, and together they create balance in the universe. In this article, we will explore the Divine Masculine principle, its archetypes, traits, and imbalances.

Characteristics of the Divine Masculine

The Divine Masculine is an energetic, spiritual, and archetypal ideal that exists on a transpersonal and universal level manifesting itself through conscious thoughts, plans, processes, goals, and structures. This principle is very action-based, focused on doing rather than being, and it is represented by power, strength, focus, leadership, and logic. In proper balance, it is confident without being arrogant, rational without being possessive, and strong while still being gentle. It offers safety and guidance through compassion and support.

Divine Masculine Archetypes

In mythology and literature, the Divine Masculine is represented by various archetypes. These archetypes can embody both the light and shadow aspects. Both men and women can embody these representations.

Here are some examples:

  1. The King – represents sovereignty, leadership, and responsibility
  2. The Knight – represents courage, chivalry, protection, honor
  3. The Warrior – represents strength, courage, and protection
  4. The Magician – represents intelligence, wisdom, and transformation
  5. The Father – represents nurturing, supportive, and protective energy
  6. The Lover – represents passion, intimacy, and emotional connection

Examples of these archetypes can be found in various spiritual traditions, such as Hinduism, Greek mythology, and Christianity. Characters like Hercules, Perseus, Shiva, Zeus, and even the idea of a masculine God or “Father” in Christianity embody the Divine Masculine archetype.

Here is a great resource to learn more about Divine Masculine Archetypes.

Unbalanced Divine Masculine

The best way to understand the balance of the Divine Masculine is to see it in relationship to the Divine Feminine. Think of the Ying/Yang. These two energies exist in harmony. If one is out of balance it means that the other is also imbalanced. So if you are too grounded in your masculine energy, you will be deficient in the Divine Feminine and vis versa. Finding a balance between the two is key.  If you notice any of these signs, it may be an indication that your Divine Masculine energy is out of balance, and you may need to work on tapping into your feminine energy or work on any deficiency in your masculine energy.

Here are some common signs to look out for:

  1. Overly aggressive or dominant behavior
  2. Lack of empathy or emotional intelligence
  3. Inability to connect with others on an emotional level
  4. Difficulty expressing vulnerability or emotions
  5. Overemphasis on doing rather than being
  6. Overemphasis on material success and wealth
  7. Lack of focus or direction in life
  8. Difficulty with self-discipline and not taking accountability

Awakening the Divine Masculine

Some practices that can help awaken the Divine Masculine energy within oneself include:

  1. Set boundaries: Being assertive and setting boundaries is a masculine trait. Saying “no” to people and things that do not align with your values is an important step in taking responsibility for your life.
  2. Practice Responsibility and accountability: Take charge of your life and be accountable for your role in situations.
  3. Examine your wounds surrounding the masculine: Reflecting on your formative and important relationships with the men in your life. What did you learn about masculinity? How did this guide your actions as an adult?
  4. Create Structure & Processes: Think about where your lack of structure and self-discipline has harmed you or inhibited your success. Can you create more processes or healthy habits that allow you to be more productive?
  5. Take action: Go get shit done.

By practicing these methods, one can nurture and balance the Divine Masculine energy within oneself, leading to a more balanced and awakened life.

Read: Seeing Beyond the Lens of Patriarchy

The Masculinity Crisis

Initiations and rituals that help boys transition into manhood used to be an integral part of traditional societies. However, over the centuries of civilization in the West, almost all of these ritual processes have been abandoned or discredited. This has led to a crisis in masculinity, where men are struggling to find their identity and purpose in life. The lack of meaningful ritual for masculine initiation has disconnected men from the processes by which they achieved their gender identity in a deep, mature, and life-enhancing way. As a result, many men either had no initiation into manhood or had pseudo-initiations that did not have the power necessary to achieve genuine transformation of consciousness.

It is necessary to find a balance between the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine to live a whole, awakened, and balanced life. Awakening the Divine Masculine requires responsibility, accountability, and self-awareness. We need to work on the shadow side of the Masculine to resolve the crisis of masculinity in society as a whole. By tapping into the balanced aspects and engaging with its archetypes, men can become more centered, and generative towards themselves and others, and live a more peaceful, aligned, and meaningful existence.

Jeanne Michele on Spiritual Equality

Jeanne Michele on Spiritual Equality

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Spreaker

What does the resurgence of the sacred feminine look like? How do we make space for both men and women to evolve? How does one have a courageous conversation?  In this episode, Jeanne Michele and Angela Levesque explore the messages that Mary Magdalene has for us as we move into spiritual equality and the Age of Partnership. We discuss moving out of resistance and getting out of the ‘fight’ mentality, and how to break through our collective molds and allow space for our evolution. Jeanne also shares stories from her pilgrimage to the ancient Mary Magdalene sites in France.

Receive your special gift of a sacred anointing rite that allows you to give and receive a blessing. 

You can find it here at https://drjmichele.ac-page.com/the-anointing-and-blessing

About the Guest

Woman by a treeDr. Jeanne Michele is many things: Part teacher. Part modern-day philosopher. Part change agent. Part Coach.

Her dynamic and engaging mentorship with individuals, couples, leaders, and so many others takes a departure from traditional counseling or marriage counseling in that she encourages people to identify what they really want in life and helps them design a plan to create it.

Through her work with people from many different spiritual backgrounds and belief systems, she is able to help them get in touch with the deeper truth of who they are and how they want to walk in the world. She then merges her passion for helping people create extraordinary relationships with her strong business background to deliver personalized programs to men, women, and couples helping them create and sustain dynamic lives, relationships, and business partnerships.

Dr. Jeanne believes in the power of relationships to help heal the past, and teach us about ourselves. Her relational work helps people deepen their connections with themselves and their partners, and to clarify and live more joy-filled and passionate lives.

Her personal spiritual sojourns have taken her to the heart of Bali, as well as explorations into France and Italy to explore the influence of Art and Myth in the reclamation of spiritual legends. From the small gypsy town of Sts. Marie de la Mer to the caves of Southern France, she has engaged in dynamic discoveries of the powerful legends of the Mary Magdalene Mysteries. She is planning on leading a group pilgrimage to France in 2022.

Links

Jeanne’s Websites

www.LivingandLovingCourageously.com 
www.ACallingoftheHeart.com
www.TheHerosQuest.com
www.instagram.com/drjeannemichele

 

chaosandlight.com

 

Seeing Beyond the Lens of Patriarchy

Seeing Beyond the Lens of Patriarchy

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any”. ~Alice Walker

I remember the moment that I really understood how my lens of patriarchy affected me and how it altered the way I showed up in the world. I was in the midst of reading the Women Who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes and I could feel a fire rising inside me. I felt the need to sit in deep meditation and witness as generations of suppression, repression, and helplessness moved as waves of emotion through my body. I cried for the harming of societies past who felt the brunt of a system much more deliberate than the version I was currently living. I grieved deeply as I saw the actions of myself and generations through this understanding. Then I sat with the revelation that I had never really understood the lens from which I viewed the world.

The Divine Energies

If I look at that experience carefully, it wasn’t just the suppression of women that brought me to such depths or the past hurts they’ve endured, it was much deeper than that. It was the diminishment of many of the values and ideals that I held dear. Aspects of the Divine Feminine that as a society we accepted as less than. In our current climate, it isn’t just about the suppression of women but about the imbalance of both the feminine and masculine energies. It’s about what we have decided is worthy and noble and what isn’t. The Divine Feminine is the embodiment of emotion, creativity, flexibility, and intuition. She is receptive, inclusive and mysterious and yes, even dark. The Divine Masculine is about loyalty, logic, reasoning, strength, and security for all. In our Western culture, we favor many of the characteristics that are inherently masculine and diminish those that are more aligned with the Divine Feminine. Though, in our patriarchal system, neither are well represented.

This isn’t a conversation about gender though it is through gender roles and stereotypes that the conversation has become muddied. It is about creating a new paradigm that benefits everyone, and this requires that we recognize and value both the masculine and feminine that exists within every individual and every culture. These energies have nothing to do with gender and everything to do with restoring balance, harmony, and wholeness. It is time for us to re-evaluate what it is we value and what brings us to the world we want to create. It is also time for us to understand the lens from which we see the world and how that defines or limits our power and what we believe is possible.

A Time of Revealing

Over the past decade, we have seen the underpinnings of our deceptive financial systems leading to outrageous wealth extraction and income disparity. We have seen the biases and racism of our political and judiciary systems, and now we are shedding light on sexual harassment and predatory behavior.  All of these are forms of abuses of power and all of these are symptoms of a system that benefits a few at the cost of the many.

In our most recent revealing, we have been bringing to light feelings of shame, self-betrayal, and feelings of powerlessness. But in our attempt to bring these wrongs to the forefront of our consciousness, we are substituting shame for shaming. We are bringing light to our own internal feelings of shame and replacing that with public shaming as a means of social control. Does that bring us toward the world that we want to see? We have talked about predatory behavior as really being about power over another. In this call out culture, are we not using the power of social media to destroy lives? We are at a point where a single allegation can bring down the life of another human with no conversation of due process, or opportunity for redemption. This can’t be our end game.

I’ve seen groups of people trying to silence other groups because how could they know the challenges and lives of someone else, someone different from them. The answer is we don’t, but if we tell anyone they shouldn’t be heard, then we diminish all voices. It further perpetuates the atmosphere of separation, polarization, and resentment. People should be able to engage from where ever they are and from their own experience; this is speaking their truth. And we need to listen, but when our truth also involves the silencing of another’s voice, then we are just doing to someone else what we have had done to us. That is matching the same level of consciousness that created the world we are in. So if we want to create something different, we have to approach it from a new place, from a new lens of our own conscious creation. Matching fear with fear, anger with anger or shame with shame will result in more of the same.  If we want to create a climate where all people are valued, welcomed and heard then we can’t squash one voice for the sake of another.

Tales of Power

Patriarchy isn’t just about men. It is a system. A system we all take part in. In order to dismantle this system, we don’t go after men; we unplug from the story that created it. We see the lens from which we have been viewing the world and opt to take another viewpoint. We are seeing people unplug from this story all over the place. What we are saying right now is that we will not plug our spirit and our wellbeing into a story that keeps us small. At the same time, we need to be mindful of what we are unconsciously creating and of the destruction that we are leaving in our wake. Otherwise what we are creating is no better. That is the reformation of a system, a Band-aid approach, that doesn’t let wounds heal, it only creates more. We want to birth a new system and this requires a new story. It is time to take our power back as individuals, not so we can have power over another but so we can witness our own power.

There are some very real things to be offended by, but being offended is a choice that we must consider carefully. Because when we do, we also accept the role of the victim. I know that some people are still in their anger. Anger, grief, and condemnation are all part of the healing process but so is forgiveness and compassion.  Anger is a powerful entry point into action and has the ability to destroy what no longer serves us. But without moving through it into forgiveness and compassion, anger’s destructive force can take over and leave more wounds.

“Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you see that people can change, and there is hope”. ~ Bell Hooks

 

Our world faces many difficult challenges, geopolitically and ecologically. We need to be able to come together more than ever. For myself, the endgame in this time of revealing is creating a world of honor, harmony and mutual respect for all living beings. What is yours and are your actions in alignment with it? Otherwise, we stay in the cycle of us versus them, or the victim and the perpetrator. What if we don’t move from a place of powerlessness, not at the level of the collective, but as an individual? What if we are powerful beyond measure and that is the lens we now see the world? Or if that is a hard place to see, can you use compassion and forgiveness and witness the wounds in another? Can you aid another in their healing, so there is room for redemption?

At some point, we have to have a conversation about how we begin to heal. How we learn to forgive those who have hurt us. Moving from a place of radical love for ourselves and for our fellow humans. A place where we can receive information that challenges us, triggers us even,  without going directly to a place of bad or good, or us versus them. Where we don’t feel the need to control the world through the lens of our wounds. Where we can hold space for forgiveness and provide the opportunity for people to continue to grow and develop and deeply heal. Arthur Schopenhauer said, “Everyone takes the limits of his own vision for the limits of the world.” How does your lens limit your power, your potential and what is truly possible? Are you ready to create a new story?

(c) Can Stock Photo / Jozef