Awakening the Holy Feminine

This is the holiday season. Some celebrate Christmas, some celebrate Hanukkah, some celebrate Kwanzaa, and some simply celebrate the harmony of good will. For me, this phase of year is the time to celebrate the winter solstice. A time to recognize the longest night of the year and commemorate the return of the light. The solstice marks the point of the year when the Sun will grow stronger and stronger each day, until we reach the time of the longest day at the Summer Solstice. It is darkest – a time of cold and scarcity when the sun gives brief light and little warmth. The abundance of life has retreated. The trees stand stripped and naked of their summer leaves, and the water is imprisoned in ice. The ground is hard and frozen. But underneath it all, life is still present. Life waiting to be reborn when the world thaws. The long nights are a perfect time to reflect on what needs germination in my life. Is there a wish I desire? Is there something I nee...

That first sip of coffee in the morning A daily walk around the neighborhood at lunchtime Reading in bed before you turn out the lights There is comfort in the predictability of day-to-day activities. Even though most people may not consciously focus on them, ritual is present in everyone’s lives. Thanksgiving dinner each year at your parent’s house Apple-picking in the autumn The annual BBQ’s with friends and family Looking forward to seeing people who you may not see every day is exciting. It feels great to chill in the company of good friends. These regular rituals not only bring joy to our hearts, but they are an important part of us, too. Predictability is reassuring. A daily routine is not only comforting, but it also helps me to get to work on time. Spiritual ritual is just as important as the daily or yearly common rituals. For many people, spiritual ritual can be as simple as going to church regularly or daily prayer or morn...

How can myths of gods and goddesses have any influence in our day to day lives? How can images from ancient times even be relevant in today’s world? Every deity possesses an energy or strength or powers – ones that are also useful as inspiration or examples from which we humans can draw. These god and goddess archetypes can be used as tools for self-knowledge and empowerment. But, how? Every day we make choices. Think about it. From what to eat, how to react, what to say, and when to remain quiet, life is all about how we respond to situations. And the answers are not always clear. Our state of mind is not always clear. The correct response can vary vastly based on circumstance. It is in these challenging situations when we feel weak or unsure or conflicted that these archetypes are useful. Perhaps Artemis, goddess of the hunt with her independent spirit, can provide an example of the courage you need to approach your boss for a raise. May...

Legends of goddesses and gods are simply stories. They are myths that some believe to be true and some see as metaphor. So why is this folklore important to me? Why have I taken so much time researching? Why have I expended so much energy on this? Why does it matter? It matters because words and representation matter. If you never see examples of doctors or scientists or plumbers or athletes that look like you, then it’s nearly impossible to imagine yourself as one. The same can be said for religious symbols. Gods are often considered omniscient rulers – as ultimate authority figures – who command the laws of all existence. How can females feel as valued as males within society or even their own home when they have almost no positive representation in religions? So … it matters. It matters because of respect . All people are worthy of respect, regardless of their gender. It matters because of inclusion . All people should be included, regardless...

Think of a pendulum. via GIPHY Its movement is to extremes. It swings as far as it can to one direction so that is can gather the energy to swing back to the opposite direction. This extreme opposition of movement creates complete balance in the pendulum’s swing. However, in order to have that perfection of balance, the pendulum must go to the furthest on each side in order to have the momentum to return to the opposite side. I see this as a metaphor for my reclamation of the feminine divine. In order to have a balance of both the masculine and feminine, first I needed to immerse myself in and reclaim the goddess. Only then could I also embrace the god and their balance with each other. I am drawn to a spirituality that is balanced. Rather than a faith that only worships an omniscient father-god who sits in judgement – as easily ready to punish as to praise – I choose an equilibrium of both mother and father energies from which to draw inspiration, knowled...