The Divine Feminine

The following article is the introduction on a web site by the same name, which began in 2009 and continues (intermittently it seems) with dialog and courses.  The organizer is Joy Reichard, of San Mateo, CA.  http://www.meetup.com/Divine-Feminine-Wisdom/
 

The voice of the Divine Feminine is re-emerging in human consciousness bringing with Her a new vision of the sacredness and unity of life. Her voice is needed during these chaotic times. Our stressful, fast paced culture that emphasizes masculine ideals such as competitiveness, control and domination often confuses and dis-empowers women. Confused as to what is appropriate feminine behavior, many women become over-involved in care taking others, are afraid to say no, or to set healthy boundaries. Unsatisfied needs and/or unexpressed rage can lead to fatigue, indecisiveness, a lack of enthusiasm and depression. Or it can manifest as the martyr, the victim, the saboteur or the “bitch.”These negative character traits are destructive whether we act them out, or are victimized by them when they erupt in others.

By reclaiming the images and mythologies of the Divine Feminine from around the globe we rediscover Her wisdom, Her rich symbolism and Her life-affirming traits that offer positive role models and guidance to modern women and men. By honoring the Divine Feminine we remember to honor ourselves, our bodies, our ability to feel deeply and express our feelings, and our feminine ways of knowing. We remember to value motherhood and children, as well as all living beings with who we share this beautiful but increasingly fragile planet. By honoring the Divine Feminine we take time to remember the Great Mother of us all who has provided for all living beings for eons; She who is both abundant and unpredictable in her terrible but awesome beauty. As we reclaim the Divine Feminine, we reclaim the divine that is within each woman, and each man who opens to Her, enabling us to reconnect to ourselves, the sensuality of our bodies and to our feminine wisdom as we can claim, or reclaim, our personal power and our passion for life. The message of the Divine Feminine is one of peace, compassion, and respect for all life. She is ancient and wise, and she is very present within each one of us right now.

Join me in exploring the wisdom of the Divine Feminine that has been passed down through the ages and is flavored with contemporary philosophy, theology, psychology and creative expression. This Meetup sponsors a monthly In Her Name Circle celebrating a manifestation of the Divine Feminine . These Circles evolved from a growing need for women to gather together to honor the Divine Feminine and the divine within. We meet on the second Friday of the month.

The IN HER NAME CIRCLE will resume 
January 23, 2015  

Relationships are important for women, and circles provide a natural way for women to gather and create a safe place to greet old friends and make new ones.  In circle women find the confidence to speak freely from the heart and know that they will be heard, if not always agreed with.  

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

300 East Santa Inez Ave., San Mateo, CA (map)

--------------------------------------

As I just tumped my laptop upside down to get the piece of rice cake out of the crack in the keyboard, I also checked in on Facebook.  So there was a post about Starhawk.

She was my introduction to goddesses, divine feminine and eco-feminism...as well as lots of other things.  Check out this article, I won't copy it here...it's probably copyrighted anyway.
9 Lessons in Spiritual Leadership From Starhawk