OMG, you verbalized my own sentiments and feelings regarding this PERFECTLY. Just today I was triggered by posts about "Divine Masculinity" and "Divine Femininity" and how the "feminine" should be "soft" and the "masculine" should lead while she follows. And this idea bothers me because it is no different from patriarchal Christian views, in my opinion. I posted this article, however, because I love how the author said we don’t have to use gender specific terms to discuss what this really is.

I get really frustrated at talk of the Divine Feminine & Masculine because it all feels like new age sexism to me. I hate seeing femininity coupled with passivity, surrender, receiving, etc. I hate people saying that a woman doing a lot has "imbalanced masculine energy", as though doing things, being a productive member of society and taking control of life instead of just letting life happen to you is for men. It feels really 1950s to me.

You offer some great ways to talk about this energy balance that don’t reinforce and perpetuate oppressive (imo) stereotypes. But then you immediately follow that up with "feminine = receiving & surrender" lol.

So…knowing that we don’t /have/ to talk this way, what’s the appeal of continuing to do so? What merit do you personally see in reinforcing these ideas? Because it seems like a lot of women DO definitely see some kind of merit in associating femininity with…well, euphemisms for weakness imo, and I am just not understanding why.

Thank you for reminding me of Jean Shinoda Bolen. I heard her speak in the early 80’s and was intrigued. I just ordered Crones Don’t Whine.

One wonderful group that really embraces The Divine Feminine is The Shift Network. They have a Webinar, a Festival of Music, Healers, Speakers, from December 18 to 20. I have participated in past events, many with Jean on them, and they have been life changing.

Good point about Hindu Goddesses, but please note that Nigerian Godessess/Diety are absolutely still worshipped both in Nigeria and in the diaspora.