The Power & Pervasiveness Of The Feminine

In the hazy, aggressive Masculine at the core of the chaos in the world today, we find whispers of the sometimes forgotten, yet profound, attributes of The Feminine. She is within all of us, eager, proactive, nourishing, beautiful, and intense—and far more pervasive than we might realize.

In the verdant fields of existence, where the dance of creation unfolds in infinite hues, there blooms a flower – a symbol so profound, so vibrant, it captures the very essence of the Feminine spirit. This flower is our purer nature and we might allow for her to speak to us more often.

With its expansive petals reaching towards the heavens and its roots firmly grounded in the nurturing Earth, this flower of The Feminine serves as a cosmic beacon within us, illuminating the intricate dance between the Feminine and Masculine energies that weave the tapestry of our desires, projections, relationships, and reality.

At first glance, the flower’s lush, radiant form invites us to delve into the nature of Feminine—intuitive, nurturing, and boundlessly creative. It is a testament to the inherent strength in softness, the power in receptivity, and the wisdom in understanding. Its petals, arrayed in myriad colors, whisper of the multifaceted nature of existence, where each hue resonates with a unique frequency, yet harmonizes within the spectrum of life.

The Fiery Heart Of The Feminine

One is drawn to the fiery red at the flower’s heart, a symbol of passion, desire, and the untamed force that drives creation. This fiery core, surrounded by the gentle embrace of the petals, embodies the dynamic interplay of Feminine and masculine principles. With its depth of emotion and connection to the mysterious forces of life, The Feminine merges with the Masculine’s fiery drive and focused intention, birthing new realities in their sacred union.

This divine merger is not a conquest but a dance, a co-creation where each energy honors the other, blending in a spiraling embrace that gives rise to the world as we know it. In its majestic beauty, this merging serves as a mirror, reflecting the balance and harmony that arises when the Feminine and Masculine come together in mutual respect and love.

Within this cosmic dance, the  Feminine does not merely complement the Masculine but stands as its equal partner (though often more dominant and profound, in fact). Yet, each enhances the other’s strengths and mitigates their weaknesses. Together, they create a dynamic equilibrium, a pulsating rhythm that sustains the universe. Like the flower that draws both sun and rain to flourish, reality is continually woven from the interplay of light and shadow, action and reflection, giving and receiving.

This dance, in its profound elegance, invites us to contemplate the essence of our being and the nature of our reality. It beckons us to embrace our own inner femininity and masculinity, to find the balance within that reflects the harmony without. In its silent wisdom, the flower teaches us that the dance of creation is ongoing, that each moment is an opportunity to co-create with the cosmos, and that within our hearts lies the power to shape our world with love, intention, and joy.

In this playful, cosmic exchange, we find the path to true creation, where every petal and every hue tells a story of love, harmony, and infinite possibility.

The Ancient Teachings On The Interplay

As we delve deeper into the vibrant tapestry of existence, the interplay between the Masculine and Feminine forces reveals itself as the foundational dynamic of the universe. This dance, both ancient and eternal, is a theme that resounds through the corridors of time, echoing in the ethos of ancient civilizations and the wisdom of sages long past. It is within the sacred texts of the Greeks, the rituals of ancient pagans, and the whispered secrets of sages that we find Feminine revered as the primary divine force, a wellspring of creation and consciousness.

The Feminine in Ancient Greek Philosophy

In ancient Greece, the concept of the Feminine divine was personified in goddesses such as Gaia, the primordial Earth Mother, who was seen as the very embodiment of the Earth and its fertility. This reverence reflects a deep understanding of the Feminine as the source of all life, a nurturing force that sustains and regenerates the cosmos. Philosophers like Plato recognized the importance of the Feminine principle, especially in his theory of Forms, where the material world, associated with the Feminine, interacts with the ideal, Masculine forms, to give birth to all of existence.

The Pagan Celebration of the Feminine

Ancient pagan traditions, with their deep-rooted connection to the natural world, celebrated the Feminine as the embodiment of nature, fertility, and the cycle of life and death. The Wheel of the Year, marking the changing seasons, symbolizes the endless cycle of growth, decay, and rebirth, overseen by the Goddess in her many aspects. These traditions understood the Feminine as the matrix of creation, where all life begins and to which it returns, underscoring the cyclical nature of existence and the role of Feminine in the continuity of life.

The Wisdom of Ancient Sages

The ancient sages, across various cultures, recognized the primacy of Feminine force in the universe. The Tao Te Ching, for example, speaks of the Tao as a great mother, an empty vessel that nurtures and gives form to all things without claiming ownership or dominion. This mirrors the concept of Shakti in Hindu philosophy, the all-pervading, creative power that is both the cause and effect of the universe, manifesting through the dynamic interplay with Shiva, the consciousness or masculine principle.

The Interplay of Masculine and Feminine

This interaction between the Masculine and Feminine is not a hierarchy but a harmonious balance where each aspect complements and enhances the other. The Masculine principle, with its qualities of logic, order, and action, finds its expression through the fertile ground of the Feminine’s intuition, creativity, and receptivity. Ancient teachings suggest that the universe itself was born from this sacred union, a cosmic dance that continues to animate the world.

In these ancient traditions, the Feminine is revered not only as a source of life but as the very fabric of consciousness itself. The feminine abounds throughout the cosmos, a primary divine force that shapes the material and spiritual worlds. It is the wellspring of wisdom, the keeper of mysteries, and the guardian of the cycles of life.

Through this lens, the Iris flower, in its profound beauty and complexity, emerges as a symbol of the divine feminine. Its layers of petals, intricate and vibrant, invite us to explore the depths of our own being, to recognize the Feminine within us all, and to honor its role in the creation of reality. As we look to the ancient wisdom of the Greeks, pagans, and sages, we are reminded that the balance of masculine and feminine energies is essential for harmony, growth, and the continual unfolding of the universe. 

In acknowledging the primacy of the Feminine, we align ourselves with the ancient currents of knowledge and the eternal dance of creation, stepping into a world where every moment is an act of co-creation, guided by the timeless interplay of light and love, action, and receptivity, spirit, and matter.

Feminism & The New Age Gone Astray

Today’s conversations around feminism and the broader cultural phenomenon often described as “new-ageism” have, in some circles, veered away from their roots in empowerment, healing, and deep, transformative change. 

Instead, there’s a noticeable shift towards a dialogue that, while aiming to address genuine grievances, sometimes ends up mired in pettiness and accusatory tones. This shift has sparked debate about the essence of feminism and spiritual growth, drawing attention to the importance of returning to principles that genuinely uplift and heal.

Feminism and the Power of the Feminine

Historically, feminism arose as a courageous movement aimed at challenging systemic inequalities and advocating for the rights and dignity of women and, by extension, all of humanity. It was, and fundamentally remains, a call to acknowledge and embrace the power of the feminine—understood not just as gender but as a principle embodying qualities like empathy, nurturing, and interconnectedness.

This movement has been instrumental in driving profound societal changes, empowering individuals, and initiating healing dialogues.

However, critiques have emerged that some aspects of contemporary feminism have strayed from these empowering and healing origins. The focus, as some argue, has shifted towards an engagement that is more reactive than proactive, more about pointing fingers than extending hands. This critique suggests a need for a return to a feminism that harnesses the true power of the feminine: one that embodies courage, fosters deep healing, and promotes a sense of unity and understanding beyond the surface level of grievances.

The Critique of Modern New-Ageism

Similarly, new-age spirituality, which once promised a departure from dogmatic religiosity towards a more inclusive, heart-centered spiritual exploration, faces its critiques. Observers note a tendency towards superficiality and escapism, with some practices emphasizing personal gain over collective enlightenment.

The critique posits that modern new-ageism, for all its talk of love and light, often skirts the harder truths of shadow work, the necessity of facing and integrating one’s fears, and the deep, sometimes painful work of genuine spiritual growth.

This version of new-ageism, described as “toxic” by its critics, is seen as all projection and fear, lacking the authentic heart and transformative power it seeks to embody. It underscores a departure from the profound potential of spiritual practices to facilitate personal and collective healing, growth, and enlightenment.

A Call for Authentic Empowerment

The critique of both modern feminism and new-ageism underscores a yearning for movements that are truly rooted in empowerment, healing, and depth. It’s a call to remember the foundational principles that these movements and ideologies were built upon: principles of courage, compassion, deep healing, and the transformative power of genuinely embracing the feminine—and by extension, the human—spirit in its fullness.

This dialogue invites a reflective return to authenticity, urging individuals and communities to engage in practices, conversations, and movements that truly honor the depth, complexity, and healing potential of the feminine. It’s a reminder that at the heart of feminism and spiritual growth lies the potential for profound healing, unity, and transformation, far beyond the limitations of pettiness and accusation.

The Pervasiveness Of The Feminine

Enlightened masters, such as Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, affectionately known as Amma, often speak of reality and the divine essence as fundamentally feminine in nature. Through their teachings, they illuminate the nurturing, creative, and omnipresent qualities of the divine, attributing to it characteristics that are traditionally associated with the Feminine principle. 

Amma herself, with her endless acts of compassion and embodiment of unconditional love, serves as a living testament to the maternal, all-embracing nature of God. In her embrace, devotees find solace, healing, and a palpable sense of divine love, reinforcing the concept of the universe as a nurturing, maternal presence.

Amma’s teachings delve into the idea that the essence of God, or the supreme consciousness, transcends gender yet encompasses the qualities of both masculinity and femininity, with a pronounced emphasis on the latter. This perspective resonates with the ancient belief systems that view creation, sustenance, and transformation as aspects of the divine feminine. 

According to these teachings, the universe is not just a passive arena for divine play but an active, nurturing force that supports all life. It’s a view that highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the underlying unity of existence, with the Feminine principle acting as the cohesive force that binds the fabric of reality.

The reverence for the Feminine divine, as elucidated by Amma and echoed in various spiritual traditions, speaks to a universal understanding of the Feminine as not just a part of the divine but as a primary force of creation and consciousness. With its attributes of compassion, empathy, wisdom, and nurturing, this principle is seen as the guiding light of existence, the underlying current that sustains life and fosters spiritual growth.

Summary On Femininity, Power, And Beauty

The discussions around the Feminine divine, enriched by the insights of enlightened masters like Amma, reveal a profound reverence for the Feminine as a symbol of creation, beauty, and spiritual wisdom. From the lush petals of an Iris symbolizing the depth and complexity of the Feminine spirit, to the ancient teachings that honor the Earth as a Mother and to the enlightened beings who embody divine love, the message is clear: Feminine principle is a powerful, nurturing, and creative force that underpins reality.

This understanding encourages us to recognize femininity as an aspect of the divine and a fundamental expression of the cosmos. It invites us to see the world and the divine with new eyes, appreciating the beauty, strength, and wisdom inherent in the Feminine. As we embrace this perspective, we open ourselves to the possibilities of growth, transformation, and unity, guided by the eternal dance of Masculine and feminine within us and around us. 

Through this lens, we can see the universe as a place of infinite love and potential, continually created and sustained by the harmonious interplay of all forces. The Feminine leads the way toward enlightenment and understanding.

As you ponder the immensity of The Feminine within you, enjoy The Shankara Oracle.