Although we all associate our being with either feminine or masculine, did you know that each and every one of us embodies both to some extent and by bringing them into healthy alignment we can all live a more balanced, healthy life.
This isn't about one being better than the other, but rather how to heal either or both aspects of the self. Because if our feminine or masculine, or more realistically both, energies are coming from a wounded place to some extent, it can have a negative impact on our lives and interactions with others.
By journeying within to heal these parts of ourselves, we can show up in a more authentic and honest way, which will allow us to get out of our own way to step into the life we deserve and desire.
The Soul's Twins: Emancipate Your Feminine and Masculine Archetypes by Jean Benedict Raffa takes us on a journey, first through a deeper understanding of where we currently are in our own being using an in-depth questionnaire and then providing a deeper understanding of each archetype and how they present in our lives, both when out of alignment and in alignment. Referring back to the questionnaire results at each archetype, to offer insight into how this particular aspect is presenting itself within us. Working in tandem to bring clarity and understand to each aspect.
The Lunar or Divine Feminine Shadow aspects manifest as follows
Lack of focus or direction
Overly receptive and passive to the point of tolerating evil
Unable to establish or defend your viewpoints or boundaries
Apathetic and passive
Difficulty asking for what you need and acting on your ideas
Smothering, clingy, overprotective
Unduly sensitive and emotional
Concerned about appearances
Anxious to attract, please and charm others
Victimisation and self-destruction
While the Shadow aspect of the Solar or Divine Masculine manifest as follows
Arrogant, self-righteous, entitled and superior
Egotistical, dominating, possessive, prideful, self-centered
Obsessed with perfectionism
Opinionated, stubborn, critical, judgmental
Fearful, mistrusting, and abusive towards otherness, including femininity
Out of touch with your inner life of emotions and feelings
Competitive, intrusive, divisive, confrontational and aggressive
Rash, impulsive and risk-taking
Easily overwhelmed by powerful emotions that result in violent behavior
Destructive to otherness
The following exert gives an overview of the archetypes and how they relate to life in general.
"Imagine your soul's twins standing at the two poles of a continuum. The space between them contains every potential of their combine energies. Just as the harsh light of the sun shapes human behavior in one way, and the shadowy light of the moon in another, so do the lunar and solar stories and patterns differ more as you get closer to either pole. Moreover, you respond to their energies in ways that are different from everyone else because your soul has your own unique place on the continuum. In sum,
Mother and Father represent your instinct for nurturance. Their goal is lawful
order and moral virtue.
Queen and Warrior represent your instinct for activity. Their goal is power and
success.
Mediatrix and Sage represent your instinct for reflection. Their goal is release
from delusion.
Beloved and Lover represent your instinct for sex. Their goal is love and pleasure.
The final archetype, the Couple, is a newly emerging image of the self. Like Sushumna, the Caduceus of Hermes, and the Tree of Life, it symbolises the third force which creates a sacred marriage in your psyche as your ego activates the archetype pairs and helps them merge into conscious partnerships. Psychologically and spiritually androgynous, the Couple combines the qualities of the four pairs to bring out the fullest potential of your fifth instinct - creativity. The goal of the Couple is to unite your lunar and solar energies in a conscious, creative partnership that leads to wholeness and enlightenment."
This is the first book I've come across to cover this topic, which is long overdue. And so as you can imagine I was excited to get to grips with it, and the research and time that has gone into it doesn't disappoint.
It's full of historical information relating to how the archetypes have been acknowledged through the centuries, to honor these aspects of self and how they are deeply rooted in the psyche and inner knowing that we are all connected to. Providing further tips as to the tools that can be used to deeper our connection with these parts of ourselves, to truly get to know yourself and grow with this knowledge.
The book is beautifully presented in hardback edition, sharing insight into how to bring about a new level of inner peace, working with all of our many facets that make each of us the unique soul's we are, to enable the reader to flourish and shine.
If you are ready to take the next step in your soul growth and self development, then this book has the potential to accelerate and support you on your journey.
The one thing I'd really like to see is a companion workbook, as although there are suggestions of how to work with the archetypes and awareness is key for any change to take place. I think clear action steps in a workbook style would be really helpful, especially when first starting out working with the archetypes.
I would also like to thank Schiffer Publishing for the opportunity to review this book, if you would like to purchase a copy you can do so by clicking the link above, which will take you directly to their website or it can be purchased from most reputable bookshops and online retailers.
If you enjoyed this, you can sign up to have these sent directly to your inbox or you may also like my blog post on working with the full moon energy...
You can read more of my reviews on titles such as The Healthy Witch, A Christmas Tarot and other informative pieces in my back catalogue.
Until next time..
Love & Light
Georgie
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