Shame and the Divine Feminine
All beings, and indeed all of creation, resonate at their most fundamental level with two archetypal patterns known in the West as the Divine Masculine and the Divine Feminine. Essentially, the Divine Masculine represents the aspect of creation that imparts structure; for instance, it encompasses boundaries, geometric shapes, frameworks, logic, order, discipline, stability, and systems. Conversely, the Divine Feminine embodies the aspect that animates; for example, it includes movement, emotion, vitality, intuition, creativity, desire, passion, and flow.
With these two archetypes working together, all of creation springs up. I particularly love the representation of the masculine and feminine as personified by the deities Shiva and Shakti. Shiva is typically depicted in the lotus pose, sitting on a lily on top of a perfectly still lake. The lake represents the stillness of consciousness, and in this perfect stillness, nothing happens until, of course, Shakti, the representation of the feminine (and Shiva’s divine consort), comes in as the energy of creation. Shakti is typically depicted dancing, showcasing the powerful and dynamic aspects of the Divine Feminine through expressive movements and gestures. Through the cosmic dance of Shiva and Shakti, the universe manifests.
When translated into human attributes, the primary characteristic of the Masculine is integrity, while the primary characteristic of the Feminine is authentic expression. Integrity without expression leads to complete stillness, whereas expression without integrity results in total chaos.
Every being embodies these two archetypes, with males typically exemplifying more of the masculine archetype and females more of the feminine archetype.
The feminine within us deeply needs to express itself to achieve fulfillment. However, various challenges can hinder this fundamental need for authentic expression. The single most damaging emotion that obstructs and tarnishes the feminine, preventing it from expressing itself, is shame. Shame stifles the flow of the feminine and hinders us, males and females, from fully shining as the jewels of creation we are.
Shame, unlike guilt which focuses on actions, targets the self. It tells us that we are inherently flawed and unworthy. This insidious emotion strikes at the very heart of the Divine Feminine’s essence. When we internalize shame, we stifle our ability to express our true selves, cutting off the flow of energy that fuels creation and connection. It makes us retreat, hide, and conform to societal expectations that seek to suppress the vibrancy and power of the feminine.
Historically, many cultures have used shame as a tool to control and suppress women, thereby muting the Divine Feminine. Practices that enforce modesty, purity, and obedience are often rooted in shaming natural feminine expressions of sexuality, creativity, and emotion. By making these expressions taboo, societies have tried to contain the uncontainable, leading to a collective wound that many women and men continue to bear today.
On an individual level, shame manifests in self-doubt, lack of self-worth, and an inability to embrace and express one’s true nature. This suppression affects not only individual well-being but also the larger fabric of society. When the Divine Feminine is repressed, we lose the qualities of compassion, nurturing, creativity, emotional depth, and desire that are arise from the full, authentic expression of the Divine Feminine.
To heal and allow the Divine Feminine to flourish, it is crucial to confront and dissolve shame. This process involves first recognizing the sources of shame, whether they are cultural, familial, or internal. It requires us to challenge the narratives imposed upon us and reclaim our right to express ourselves fully and authentically. Practices such as self-compassion, inner child work, and connecting with supportive communities can be powerful tools in this healing journey.
Expanded states of consciousness, especially through the safe and intentional use of classic psychedelics, can be particularly useful. These experiences often reveal hidden shame that has been operating within us without our awareness, negatively impacting many areas of our lives. During a psychedelic session, shame can often dissipate simply by being brought to light, illuminating the fact that shame has absolutely no value to us. The profound insights gained in these states can help us understand and release deeply rooted emotional burdens, allowing the Divine Feminine to express itself freely and vibrantly.
In embracing the Divine Feminine within us, free from the shackles of shame, we unlock the potential for profound transformation. We allow the dance of Shakti to enliven our lives, bringing forth creativity, joy, and a deep sense of connection to ourselves and the world around us. Everything gets better when we unshackle ourselves from the shadow of shame. The balance of the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine within each of us is essential for a harmonious existence, and by overcoming shame, we pave the way for a more vibrant and authentic expression of our true selves.