What's the worst we could be?
My mind keeps returning to Divine Feminism, and I ask myself: “What’s the worst we could be?”
Recently I’ve been journeying more and more deeply with the stories of the women who came before us. And time after time I find myself returning to the same vital question: What’s the worst we could be?!
First, let’s rewind a bit…
Historically, women have been demonised.
For example, Lilith, the first-ever woman, is cast as the mother of demons in every fantasy fiction known to man. If you pardon the pun.
Why?
Because she asked for what she wanted and refused to simply take what she was given.
She had the courage to do things her way.
But asking for what she wanted cast her as a demon.
It’s much the same for women today: when we ask for what we want, we're called a bitch or much, much worse.
Freyja, the Norse goddess of sexuality and fertility is another example.
Much of her story has been made ‘palatable’ by focusing on her prettiness and the shiny necklace she wore.
But we don't hear about how she got that necklace or the bigger stories around who she was and her power.
If we focused on those aspects instead, the world would likely tell us she’s terrifying and a slut – the worst word we’re told a woman can be called.
As we remember those stories and reawaken parts of ourselves that have been demonised, buried, mocked, and vilified, we need to ask:
What's the worst we could be?
As women, we’re often told that being a bitch is the worst thing we can be.
But what does that really mean?
If it means standing up for what you want and setting boundaries like Lilith did, that's not a bad thing.
You may cause a few ructions, but anyone who respects you (and themselves) will take a step back and think about how they can support you.
What’s the worst that can happen when you own your sexual power?
You may be called any number of names, but really, what's the worst that can happen?
Let's be honest: as sexual beings in the world today, we already live in a state of fear about so many things. And so, by owning your sexuality, you’re in no more danger than if you don’t.
But what does that mean?
Who will you become?
Interrogate yourself by asking:
How will I feel if I’m called names or painted in a ‘terrible’ way?
Do external opinions matter or affect my day-to-day life?
What does all of this even mean to me?
With that in mind, I’ve been working on reclaiming my own Divine Feminism - perhaps more deeply than I even considered back when I wrote the book.
Recently, I carried out a ‘Phoenix from the Flames’ ritual; I wrote down everything that’s held me back from stepping into my full power – all the names I’ve been called and the experiences I've had.
I burned the piece of paper, mixed the ashes with water and oils, rubbed it all over my skin, and then showered it off.
As I did that, I was struck by the potency of shedding the shame, guilt and labels that have been put on me.
And I realised that, by stepping into the fire of the words, criticisms and mockery that we’ve experienced over such a long period of time and allowing ourselves to rise rather than burn, we take on a whole new level of power.
Goddesses like Freyja and Lilith were very aware of that power.
It's time for you to claim that level of power.
Re-Kindling Her Story: Freyja and our multi-faceted power
Reclaiming your Divine Feminism very ties in with my ‘Rekindling Her Stories’ sessions – the next one focuses on Freyja and I’d love you to join me in celebration of the Goddess, Her Story and our multi-faceted power.