Female or male, we all carry goddess energy.
A male friend recently asked me, “What does the Goddess have to do with me?” This question showed that perhaps my intentions with the Goddess articles have not been entirely clear. Maybe not everyone has had the opportunity to address our dualistic nature, or has discovered within the human universe the composition of opposing qualities —an opposition that, when acknowledged, may help us reach a higher spiritual plane.
The Goddess is the archetype with which we may access the spiritual workings of our being. (In this time of intense Goddess focus, it is important to remember that God is also present in all of us. For simplicity’s sake, I refer to just the ‘Goddess’ in this article.) By focusing with intention on the Goddess, we may recognize aspects of her that are also within ourselves.
Balancing yin and yang
This is a perfect moment to consider yin and yang: two ethers from primeval chaos. Yin is female, dark, negative, earthy. Yang is male, bright, positive, heavenly. Visualize the image that represents yin and yang: a circle with equal, curved black and white shapes, each color containing a dot of the other. These forms seem to melt into each other while maintaining strong boundaries within the circle. All things are made from the combination of these ethers; they are the balance of the universe. We are yin and yang; spiritual and physical, animal and angel, light and dark, female and male.
This balance is not exclusive to only spiritual musings. It is everywhere and everything; it is within and without. We cannot touch without being touched. In every way, we are met by our efforts (or lack thereof). Essentially, if we don’t go there, it won’t come to us. Which brings me to why we should go there and why acceptance of our dualistic nature is a necessary aspect of our spiritual growth.
What can I learn from the Goddess? How may she
help me in my life?
I locate Goddesses from many mythologies as a way to show that at their core, they represent a “oneness” — not a “sameness,” but a shared intention that guides us to one place. In each monthly article, I include the names of corresponding Goddesses in different religions and mythologies to show that we may learn just as much from the Hindu Kali as her Aztec counterpart Coatlicue, the only difference being that a particular Goddess may resonate more with one’s own personal insight.
I locate the Goddess whose intention addresses whatever issue I am confronting at a given moment. Kali was there when I needed to accept certain difficult realities in my life (October). Uzume gave me laughter and lightened things up after Kali’s lessons; comic relief if you will (November). Yhi was a much needed reflection on the positive aspects of creation and simple warmth of the sun after a very cold period (December).
Reflecting on the Goddess, you will always find something in her from which you may grow. Focusing on Goddess Kali can help one recognize that the darker aspect of self does not represent the entirety, or that containing darkness makes one bad. Kali is also a nurturing and positive guide. Her negative intentions are absolutely crucial for accepting the realities of life. Understanding this leads us to enlightenment.
Embracing all aspects of ourselves, we become more compassionate and more joyful. When I have confronted and truly embraced the darker aspects of myself, I become more aware of the light within me, not because the darkness has diminished, but because I have given it an equal place. I am no longer bogged down by efforts to rid myself of this very necessary quality. I am opened to receive the light (and therefore dark), instead of closed in order to reject the dark (and therefore light).
How can I access the Goddess?
Begin by visualizing the Goddess standing before you. Imagine in your mind’s eye every detail of her dress, facial features, physical characteristics, expression, where she is in space. Imagine the sounds and smells surrounding her, the temperature, the quality of light. Recall her story and watch her move through it from beginning to end. Connect with her message by paying attention to the symbolism that makes up her world.
After meditating, record the images and thoughts that resonate with you. There are no accidents; you noticed them for a reason. Consider how they apply to your life and how the Goddess’s intention may positively influence you.
Once you have fully absorbed the image of the Goddess, she is easily accessible whenever you need her. In a traffic jam, for example, conjuring up Uzume dancing naked on the drum, keeping beat to the honks of the car horns, may lead you to a more patient and humorous state of mind, providing a lesson of finding peace anywhere.
The Goddess archetype exists for us to access aspects of ourselves that we may not have yet fully developed. By meditating on her, we give an identifiable form to what we need to learn. As you progress, you will ultimately discover that the Goddess is you. We all have the Goddess in us.
Questions for the Goddess? Write to koleman
@earthlink.net. References: Pantheon.org; astronomy.pomona.edu; medicalrace.com;
fusionanomaly.net