Before I got into all of ‘this’: women’s circles and the concept of the Divine Feminine, the word ‘feminist’ made me bristle. In my mind, I would see a business women wearing a suit with a RBF (resting bitch face) while her kids were at home being raised by the nanny. And that simply was not me. Even though I have always liked men, I have never wanted to be one. I have always wanted to be a ‘mom’, raise children and take care of a home. So I could safely say ‘nope, feminism is not for me.’
But I’m not so sure nowadays. You see I’m starting to think of something else when I hear the term ‘feminism’; and it has nothing to do with how you fill your days … at an office or chasing toddlers, but everything to do with how you see yourself: capable, confident, worthy, powerful and loving, secure in your skin whether that be a Size 2 or a Size 20 and empowering.
You see ‘feminist’ takes its cue from ‘feminine’ and that is perhaps where I originally went astray. ‘Feminine’ is not pink Barbies, perfect nails and a pristine house. ‘Feminine’ is raw beauty, curves, dancing moonbeams, comforting breasts, loving arms, sensual poetry, dance and song.
All of that and more, whatever it is you find when you dig deep inside yourself and pull those parts out. And the ‘masculine’ is there inside you as well – the protective strength, the animus to get things done, the focus.
When you really allow yourself to get authentic, you will make peace with all of these different sides of yourself.
‘Feminist’ to me now means the ability to, irrespective of gender, reach down deep and find yourself: whether that be a stay at home dad or mom, a CEO or a logger and to challenge the constructs of a culture that pigeon-holes anyone into a stereotype or limits anyone, male or female, due to their gender.
Why, I do believe I am becoming a ‘masculinist’ as well. 😉
- *Picture from here: another great article on this topic.
- ** For more thoughts and posts on finding the support to step fully into yourself, join us in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/moonlodgerevolution/
the divine feminine app: Find a Women's Circle 
This is so interesting to me, great piece!
To ME the word Feminism used to mean something very different, could be for a lot of reasons. Growing up it had a negative feeling, probably coming from my father. I’m a a daughter of a very non-feminine mother for her day, and a very old-fashioned father, and a matriarchal family overall. (My mother made more money than my father and he was never happy about that.)
I still hear people thinking that feminism is the same hating men, which we both know it is NOT. I wrote a quick post about that not long ago. I don’t write much these days, but it felt so important to me to get that out there.
To ME Feminism just means equality for men and women, where Femininity is the one I struggle more with, having grown up with my mother and 2 brothers 🙂 I love to read your posts, they REALLY help me with my struggle. I hope one day to be able to join you in your circles and lodges. I feel like that will be a HUGE help. My kids are little and everything is still hectic, trying to figure out how to pay the bills with 2 pre-schoolers, but this too shall pass. Thank you for keeping me on track during the fleeting, hectic times!
Oh, thank you so much Joy for the kind words. I miss your funny irreverent posts, and I hope that you get back to writing soon but oh yes, I get what it is like with young ‘uns! The door to the Moon Lodge is open whenever you able to get out here! ❤
Wow this is simply stated and so helpful, Karen. I feel sad when I hear femininsm bashed, as it so often is, because it is simply about giving women and OUR lives, OUR abilities and perspectives, the same respect as men’s are automatically given in this culture. I don’t even like using those words, “the same,” because it is not about being “the same” at all, but about being fully ourselves. I love your definitions of “feminine” and “feminist” – about challenging the cultural stereotypes. Those stereotypes are so limiting and ridiculous!
Yes, I agree, Barbara 🙂 Thank you for the kind words and the read … ❤ Karen