Sacred Feminine and Masculine

On the becoming indigenous programme the subject of the sacred feminine and masculine showed up multiple times in one form or another. The masculine and feminine dynamic is a central theme of many peoples lives. In the modern world hierarchy and patriarchy are defining forces a fault line if you will that runs through many cultures. The inequality, division and misunderstanding that springs from these forces can be a powerful trigger. In the context of indigeneity comparisons of how more traditional peoples relate the masculine and feminine in their cultures has proved an interesting inquiry.

A caveat before I go further. It is too simplistic to equate the sacred masculine and feminine with physical gender. In my view conversations on this subject can too easily slip into this frame and in our group that also happened on occasion. Nevertheless, the marriage or balance between these two dominant archetypes is a significant defining motif of our times and worthy of much reflection and transformation. For me I try to remember that both archetypes live in me. To other is not helpful.

Bayo Akomalfe spoke about everything being entangled, nothing needs fixing. There is too much emphasis on othering. It is too simplistic to externalise the imbalance, wound or issue outside of oneself. Thus bringing the binary into focus, the separation between masculine and feminine qualities, characteristics or features then becomes ever more real. One being stronger, better, more powerful, effective and in control than the other. When the tensions, mystery, awkwardness are present - what do we do then? Bayo invites in this edge, let's the tensions dwell and move amongst us, he engages it and listens deeply. This does not imply fixing or solving. Instead it suggested seeing, revealing, recognising and acknowledging. It's in the paradox of simultaneously holding opposites, such as the sacred masculine and feminine, that something new can emerge. It need not be a battle or a contest. No winner is required.

Charles Eisenstein put forward the idea that to heal ourselves we also need to heal the other. What this represents is a new unifying story for health, for economics, for life itself. Charles brings in the paradigm of the gift. Can we drop the binary of masculine and feminine? This is very controversial because so much trauma lies underneath these archetypes. Mutuality needs to breathe. What is being grieved when the relationship between the masculine and feminine appears in the room? What can and needs to be praised also?

Loretta Afraid of Bear suggested the feminine needs new forms to witness and to speak into. Remember there is no other, there is no outside. There is no them and us. Notice all the compassion and beauty around. Notice your own patterns when triggered. What emotions show up? Can this emotional response be expanded into compassion? What is wanting to hide, to be unseen? With Loretta we are back to grief and praise.

Mac Macartney shared that the ancient stone circles that are dotted around the British Isles are a reminder of times gone by where peoples practice ceremonies to awaken the dragon. The circles representing the eye of the dragon opening and waking up again. The legend of George slaying the dragon some believe is a reference to the goddess being subdued and defeated. From that moment god cultures became dominant. And now we live through times when goddess energies need to be woken placed alongside god energies.

Balance as Martin Shaw might say, 'comes when the king and queen marry the  land'. What this implies is restoring balance so each of us can become a the river to our people and land becomes fertile and regenerative. When the sacred feminine and masculine are aligned and in deep relationship with one another no one dominants the other. They both shine in their own beauty.

I find it very difficult to do this subject any kind of true justice. It is stark and subtle all at the same time. This theme has streaked through history, culture and day-to-day life for thousands of years. The relationship between masculine and feminine is unlikely to shift over-night, or will it? Who knows? What is known is the subjugation of the goddess, the sacred feminine, has been happening for thousands of years and yet there is evidence that it was not always like this. The impact of this denial, power over of the feminine, has detrimental and harmful effects on everyone and everything. Maybe at the heart of the dis-ease many people, more than human beings and the planet experiences' lies this imbalance between these two primal qualities.