Since humans roamed the earth, we have found joy in the primordial spark of feminine and masculine energies. We saw the blend of both as a ‘divine dance’ of nature’s creative force.

We have instinctively stayed drawn to this dance throughout our existence; and for good reason. It’s role in our well-being is vital. When we lose sight of this, our health and the health of the planet suffer greatly.

Energy vs Gender

It’s important to state that masculine and feminine polarities are not the same as gender or sexual identity. Both polarities exist in all humans. We all have our personal balance of male and female qualities that suit us as individuals.

We all have ‘feminine’ aspects such as receptivity, creativity and intuition within us. In the same way, we all have ‘masculine’ aspects, such as acting on an idea or fiercely protecting our friends and family when necessary.

These aspects or qualities are not strict boundaries. There is plenty of nuance between masculine and feminine polarities. The important part is bringing them all together, so they work in harmony. It often takes a conscious effort to create and maintain this harmony within!

The Alchemy of Integration

When we work to heal and integrate our inner aspects of masculine and feminine, it creates a holistic balance within us. Each aspect of us deserves acknowledgment or recognition in some way. If we banish aspects over to our shadow side, the separation leaves us with access to only part of our full ‘divine’ power.

The Divine Marriage

‘The Divine Marriage’ describes the inner union of all our feminine and masculine aspects as an alchemical process. This union can also be done symbolically, as in the Hieros Gamos (an ancient Greek union rite of the deities) or the Great Rite (a Wiccan fertility ritual).

Our Ancestors and The Divine Marriage

Humans from the palaeolithic age onwards understood and honoured the synergy of masculine and feminine union in nature.

The earliest creation myths from around the world often begin with the sacred feminine energy birthing the world from darkness and the masculine energy energising that world with light and fiery action. Our ancient ancestors understood the alchemical process of creation and evolution. They saw the need for keeping a balance between male and female energies in the world.

They saw both energies in the natural world and within themselves as part of that nature. It’s very likely that they instinctively embodied the aspects of each polarity, mirroring the natural processes around them.

They saw people who embodied both feminine and masculine aspects to become wise leaders or gifted healers. Those held in high esteem would display a balanced blend of both energies.

They would have embodied this wisdom from living in the natural world. Food grew from the earth, was blessed by the elements and provided nourishment for them and their fellow creatures. They recognised the sacredness of the creatures they hunted, which was reflected in their rituals.

The Elemental Wild Masculine and Feminine

They would have witnessed all aspects of the wild feminine and wild masculine both in themselves and in the world around them. Going within to the stillness of dark depths in caves and lakes. Emerging from the depths of the cave to the warming inspiration of bright fires they made. They would also have seen what happened if one polarity became too powerful with terrifying floods, gales or forest fires.

Embodiment is Abandoned

Over the next millennia, the idea of an embodied, sensual, living, breathing connection between two human beings was pushed further into the shadow aspect. Bodies and sensuality became taboo and animalistic

The ideas of masculine and feminine became conceptualised and intellectualised. The ‘masculine-energy’ of the mind was seen as king and the ‘feminine-energy’ of the human body was seen a poor second. The feminine energy that brings luscious embodiment to all of us had been left to dry out and desiccate.

The Divine Feminine Phrase Is Born

In the 1800’s, the male polarity was in full swing, forging ahead with industry and commerce. The female energy found an unexpected place to escape into the collective unconscious. In 1828, Goethe wrote “Faust” – a play about a man selling his soul to the devil. (Perhaps the men knew they had become too far removed from their feminine aspect?!)

It contained the first mention of “The Eternal Feminine” which later became known as “The Divine Feminine” in the 20th Century. Later that century, “The Divine Masculine” term became popular among male-tantra groups who wanted to mirror the energy of the female version.

The Modern World Needs Our Ancient Ancestors

Ancestral connections don’t have to stop and start with blood family lines. We can ask for wisdom and guidance from any ancestral time and space. If we treat each ancestor with due respect and care for their culture and traditions, we can develop a connection with them.

In today’s world, the need for union between the masculine and feminine energies is painfully apparent. Our ancestors knew that if they didn’t keep the balance intact, they would be without food or shelter. As descendants, we have come full circle, reflected in Mother Earth’s climate and weather. Our food and shelter may well be in danger if we don’t seek to rebalance the energies again.

Tapping into the sacred wisdom of our ancient ancestors is a timely way to honour them. What would they say about how we live today? What would they instinctively know needs to be done to redress the sacred balance of feminine and masculine energy in the world? How would they help guide us?

In return, how can we honour them? Perhaps by seeking and embodying their sacred wisdom in this world.

Sasha MacDonald

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