How To Embody The Archetypes of Womanhood
Women embody various archetypes throughout their lives that are echoed throughout the phases of her menstrual cycle. Each cycle, the menstrual phases emulate the four phases of a woman’s life. This same cycle is also mirrored by the phases of the moon. Women are able to tune in to the energy of these archetypes to remember the past, and rehearse the future. Each archetype, and therefore, phase of the cycle holds its own energy, strengths, and weaknesses. By creating an intimate relationship with these archetypes, one can heal past wounds, and prepare for what is to come.
Maiden
The Maiden archetype is represented by ages 0-25 of a woman’s life. It is also mirrored in the menstrual cycle during the pre-ovulatory phase. During this phase the hormones are starting to increase from their lowest points during bleeding. The Maiden is a young, spirited adolescent. She takes in the world around her with fresh eyes. Her mind is bursting with creativity, hopefulness, and imagination. She feels that she has the world at her feet and is able to create and become anything she dreams of. She thinks highly of herself, and gives others the benefit of the doubt. She is curious and inquisitive. Women may feel the Maiden each time they enter the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, which begins right after menstruation. For those not experiencing a menstrual cycle, the Maiden can also be felt during the waning moon as the moon starts to grow in size each night. Women can tune into the Maiden by leaving room for creativity and fresh ideas. Some may enjoy having a way to record notes and ideas on hand as new outlooks on old issues may surface during this time.
Mother
The Mother archetype is represented by ages 25-45 of a woman’s life. It is also mirrored in the menstrual cycle during ovulation when hormones are at their peak. The Mother is the ultimate life carrier. She does not only give birth to children, but also to ideas, projects and relationships. She takes care of herself and other with grace and self-sovereignty. She can handle multiple aspects of life at one time. She may feel like Superwoman if she uses her wisdom to replenish herself while taking on the world. Women may feel the Mother each time they are Ovulating. She may feel like socializing and being around people or taking on many tasks at once. It may feel easier to exert oneself during this time as energy may feel high. For those not experiencing a menstrual cycle, the Mother can also be felt during the Full Moon when energy in nature and in others may be surging. Women can tune into the Mother by taking on the bulk of hard tasks during this time and also being cautious to take care of oneself to allow for the energy to Mother others.
Creatrix
The Creatrix archetype is represented by ages 45-65 of a woman’s life. It is also mirrored in the menstrual cycle during the pre-menstrual phase. This phase occurs about two weeks before menstruation starts. The Creatrix holds the energy of discernment. She is able to see with great clarity what is working well and what is not. She can sense this in areas of business, relationships, scheduling, and anything that feels unbalanced. She often will act out in areas of life that are unbalanced to shine a light on the areas that aren’t receiving enough attention during the rest of the cycle. This awareness may also come up to highlight the areas of life that are receiving too much attention, that may need to be readjusted or let go of. The Creatrix energy is one of receiving and moving inwards. This is a transition from the previous phase of the Mother energy which is giving and moving outwards. Women may feel a surge of productivity during this time, especially around matters that are important and true to their heart. These prospects may not always seem productive to others on the outside. She cares less about showing up in the way she was taught, and is more concerned about showing up as her truest self. Women may feel the Creatrix during the pre-menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle as a turning in of energy, and a desire to be alone to create and produce things from the heart. For those not experiencing a menstrual cycle, the Creatrix can also be felt during the waxing moon when the world is starting to get darker and quieter. Women can tune into the Creatrix by taking this time to journal, reflect, and evaluate that which is working and not working in life. This can prepare the mind and body for the next phase, where there is space for letting go and making the shifts needed to come out on the other side with more balance and clarity.
Crone
The Crone archetype is represented by ages 65 and older of a woman’s life. It is also mirrored in the menstrual cycle during menstruation. The Crone is the ultimate keeper of wisdom. In many cultures a woman is not able to become a wise elder or medicine woman until she passes this threshold of life. The Crone generously shares wisdom to those who ask and it comes through easily and simply because wisdom is who she is. She is unconcerned with the outer world and expectations, and would much rather share her wisdom with those who honor her. Her depth of life experiences bring about more wisdom than books and studies ever could. She speaks from a deep place of inner knowing. Women may feel the Crone during the time they are bleeding. For those not experiencing a menstrual cycle, the Crone can be felt during the New Moon when the Earth is dark and quiet. Women can tune into the Crone by taking time to rest in stillness and listen to the inner wisdom of the heart. The Crone may share information that can inform the rest of the menstrual cycle to bring life into greater fulfillment and effortless balance.
These archetypes may be honored each month by following the moon cycle or the natural menstrual cycle. To dive deeper into your own relationship with these energies follow the inquiries below:
Which archetype do I most resonate with?
Which archetype to I feel most resistant to?
What stage of life am I in and which archetype is that related to?
What phase of my menstrual cycle am I on, or what phase is the moon in and which archetype is represented through this phase?
What life stage am I most excited about?
Have I already passed this stage, am I in it presently, or am I looking into the future?
What is an action I can take during this next cycle to relate to each archetype?
Next Steps
I work with women 1:1 for 3 months to teach knowledge and wisdom of women’s hormonal health, alignment with the seasons of the moon, hormonal cycles, and the seasons to live a cyclical and balanced life that you and your family can count on. Learn more about working 1:1 with me.
