align with the divine: femininity & masculinity

Explore divine femininity and masculinity and discover how these two energies balance one another. When out of sync, you may find that both can produce toxic outcomes.

yin and yang

The Yin and Yang symbol, also known as the Taijitu, is a well-known symbol that represents the concept of balanced duality in Eastern philosophy. The symbol consists of two parts: a white half (Yang) and a black half (Yin), each containing a smaller circle of the opposite color.

The Yang side is typically associated with masculine attributes, such as strength and activity, while the Yin side represents feminine qualities like rest and passivity. However, both sides of the symbol are necessary and complementary, together creating a balanced whole – just as in life, there can be no light without darkness, no joy without sorrow, and no activity without rest.

In traditional Taoism, the symbol is often used to represent the Tao, or the ultimate reality. It is believed that by understanding and balancing the complementary opposites represented by the Yin and Yang halves, one can achieve personal harmony and achieve a deeper understanding of the natural world.

A yin and yang symbol drawn in the sand on a beach

feminine and masculine

In our modern world, concepts of masculinity and femininity are often skewed. Female “empowerment” often entails encouraging toxically masculine traits in women, and masculinity is often touted as “toxic” and aggressive, encouraging men to become more aligned with the wounded feminine. The true nature of these two balancing powers are warped, and many choose to align fully with the binary or ditch it altogether, suppressing their nature and aligning with the wounded parts of themselves instead.

Now, some of you might have read that last part and made some assumptions so let me be clear: I respect and acknowledge all forms of gender expression, and feel that humans should be free to live as their most authentic and truest selves, always. It is in this pursuit that I feel it is important to understand femininity and masculinity in their healed states, so that each unique individual can recognize the equilibrium of the two energies that exists within themselves.

We all have masculine and feminine energies at work inside of us, and no one fully aligns with either: they both must be nourished, healed, and expressed in ways that feel authentic to the individual, so that we might feel comfortable in our own skin and in society at large.

Thus, before delving deeper, it is important to separate the concepts of masculinity and femininity from the biological sex binary of male and female. Masculinity and femininity are commonly thought of as qualities or traits traditionally associated with the male and female sexes, respectively. However, it is important to note that these qualities are not exclusive to either sex, and that individuals may exhibit varying levels of both masculine and feminine traits regardless of their gender.

Masculinity is often associated with qualities such as strength, assertiveness, independence, and the ability to take charge. It can also be associated with aggression, violence, and the suppression of emotions. However, it is important to note that not all men exhibit these traits and that they are not exclusive to men.

Femininity, on the other hand, is often associated with qualities such as sensitivity, nurturing, empathy, and the ability to communicate effectively. However, as with masculinity, it is important to recognize that these traits are not exclusive to women and that individuals may express varying levels of femininity and masculinity regardless of their gender identity and expression.

wounded vs. healed feminine

A chart comparing qualities of wounded feminine versus healed feminine

Femininity is often associated with qualities such as emotional sensitivity, nurturing, creativity, flexibility, and empathy. However, these traits are regarded in patriarchal societies as weaknesses that need to be overcome rather than gifts to be celebrated. Individuals who exhibit these traits may be seen as overly emotional, overly feminine, or even “weak”.

This flawed perception of femininity results in the suppression of naturally feminine qualities, leading to what is known as wounded femininity. Wounded femininity is characterized by feelings of insecurity, dependence, and a lack of agency. Those who embody wounded femininity often struggle with low self-esteem, negative body image, and codependency.

The wounded feminine can often be traced back through generations of damaged relationships with the mother. Mothers who are abusive, narcissistic, cold, and distant will pass their wounds down to their children. Healing the wounded feminine is a long process of unraveling these hurts and reconnecting with the creative, nurturing, feminine energy in mother earth and the universe.

We should be confident in knowing that femininity in its truest form is not a weakness, but rather a strength that can bring balance and harmony into one’s life. It is crucial for all to recognize the importance of cultivating a healed sense of femininity, one which celebrates their unique qualities and innate wisdom.

Healed femininity is characterized by a strong sense of self-worth, a deep understanding of one’s own needs and boundaries, free-flowing creative energy, and the ability to set healthy boundaries in all areas of life. Those who embody healed femininity are connected to their intuition and are not afraid to express themselves and speak their truth.

To cultivate a sense of healed femininity, it is important for one to first acknowledge and honor their natural feminine qualities, rather than suppress or downplay them. Self-acceptance is key to embracing one’s femininity and cultivating a sense of wholeness. Additionally, actively seeking out positive feminine role models, practicing self-care, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can also aid in the healing process.

Ultimately, recognizing and seeking a healed sense of femininity can lead to a more creative, limitless life, and empower one to be their authentic selves in all areas of life.

toxic vs. divine masculine

A chart comparing qualities of toxic masculine versus divine masculine

The concept of masculinity is often associated with traits such as strength, independence, directness, logic, and assertiveness. However, these traits can also be taken to extreme levels, resulting in what is commonly referred to as toxic masculinity.

Toxic masculinity can manifest in various ways, such as the belief in the superiority of males over females, aggression, violence, and the suppression of emotions. This flawed perception of masculinity leads to pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, regardless of innate personality traits or interests. It can also lead to negative consequences such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Likewise, the toxic masculine is forged from negative male role models and destructive or absent fathers. Fathers who display their emotions with physical aggression, domination, and control will instill a sense of helplessness and confusion in their children. Healing the wounded masculine involves reconnecting with genuine and healthy emotional expression, practicing honesty and direct communication, gaining confidence asserting one’s will, seeking positive masculine role models, and reconnecting with humility and a higher power.

Divine masculinity embraces healthy and positive aspects of masculinity, without resorting to toxic behaviors. Divine masculinity is characterized by qualities such as compassion, leadership, logical thinking, and the ability to communicate and connect with others. It entails a strong sense of self-awareness and an ability to maintain healthy relationships while also showing vulnerability and emotional intelligence.

Those who embody divine masculinity recognize and appreciate the natural balance between femininity and masculinity. They understand that they do not need to suppress certain traits in order to fit a certain mold and can instead embrace the diverse array of qualities that make them unique.

Cultivating a sense of divine masculinity involves working on oneself, acknowledging and addressing any toxic beliefs or behaviors that may have been internalised over time. It also involves engaging in activities that promote personal growth, self-care, and the development of emotional intelligence.

Ultimately, a healthy balance of both masculine and feminine energies is necessary for personal growth, fulfillment, and healthy relationships. Masculinity and femininity are not mutually exclusive, and individuals can embrace both aspects of their nature in a healthy and positive way. By acknowledging and addressing toxic patterns of behavior and cultivating divine qualities in both men and women, we can create a more balanced and compassionate society.

healing, and balance

Healing wounded femininity and masculinity can be a challenging process, but it is essential for personal growth and the development of healthy relationships. The first step is to acknowledge and explore the ways in which our gender identities may have been influenced by societal expectations, trauma, or negative experiences.

For wounded femininity, it may involve identifying and challenging beliefs such as the need to always put others first or the belief that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. It also involves rediscovering and embracing the unique strengths and qualities that come with femininity, such as intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

For wounded masculinity, it may involve challenging beliefs around being stoic and unemotional, or the need to always be in control. It also involves rediscovering and embracing healthy expressions of masculinity, such as strength, courage, and leadership.

The healing process may involve therapy, self-reflection, and surrounding ourselves with positive role models who embody healthy expressions of femininity and masculinity. It also involves practicing self-compassion and letting go of shame or guilt associated with past experiences.

As stated before, the balance of feminine and masculine is unique to the individual, so the process of healing involves finding the comfortable, safe, and authentic balance between the two energies for yourself.

Balancing masculine and feminine energy within ourselves can help us develop a stronger sense of wholeness, creativity, and personal power. Finding this balance involves recognizing and integrating the unique strengths and qualities associated with both femininity and masculinity.

The first step in balancing these energies is to acknowledge any biases or judgments we may hold about feminine and masculine qualities. We can challenge these beliefs by embracing our emotions and intuition while also developing discipline, focus, and assertiveness.

To balance our feminine energy, we can engage in self-care activities such as nurturing ourselves, practicing mindfulness, and developing healthy relationships with others. We can also explore creative outlets such as art, dance, or music that allow us to tap into our intuition and emotions.

To balance our masculine energy, we can set goals and work towards accomplishing them, develop a strong sense of self-discipline, and take on leadership roles. We can also engage in physical activities that challenge us and help us tap into our strength and resiliency.

Finding a balance between these energies requires us to be present, honest, and introspective. We need to tune into our inner selves and listen to what our bodies and minds are telling us. This may involve setting boundaries, saying “no” when necessary, and focusing on our priorities.

Healing wounded femininity and masculinity involves cultivating a healthy and authentic sense of self, and working towards developing fulfilling and balanced relationships with others. This is a complex and nuanced journey for each and every individual, but it is essential for creating a higher emotional and spiritual sense of self.

I’ll be diving more deeply into these topics in the future, so I hope you’ll subscribe or follow along on social media to take the journey with me.

Much love and peace always,

-w.w.

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One response to “align with the divine: femininity & masculinity”

  1. […] While this article focuses on the feminine experience, I want to acknowledge that the issue of poorly handled anger is not exclusive to women. Men, too, face societal pressures when it comes to expressing emotions. They are often taught that anger is the only acceptable negative emotion, leading to the suppression of feelings like sadness and fear, which then manifest as misdirected anger. This cycle of emotion suppression and miscommunication can lead to harmful behaviors and perpetuate gender stereotypes. I dive deep into the healthy vs. toxic manifestations of these energies in a previous post. […]

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wis·te·ri·an wom·an

noun

a strong, capable female or feminine-identifying person who embodies virtues of fearlessness, relentlessness, and heart. often found caught in a daydream, breaking generational curses, or pursuing her soul's passion.

see also: warrior, bada**, independent, radiant

FYI - as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. affiliate purchases help fund this blog and buy my dog extra treats.

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