The qualities of both the divine feminine and the divine masculine live within each of us. The attributes associated with them are present in varying degrees within us all, male and female. One isn’t more valuable, more powerful, greater or lesser, than the other. To be in harmony, both sacred aspects need to be honored, and to work together in partnership. Balanced, in their highest expression, they’re stronger together than they could ever be separately. Think of strength and power (m.) that is tempered by love and compassion (f.), or inner guidance (f.) followed by inspired action (m.).
The highest expressions of the divine feminine and divine masculine are the subjects of my two newest flower mandalas.
Sacred Aspects – Divine Feminine
The Sacred Aspects – Divine Feminine flower mandala embodies the qualities of unconditional love, connection, creativity, balance, compassion, nurturing, and understanding. Through the passive nature of this quiet but powerful energy we’re given access to the power of intuition, which in its highest form connects us to divine knowledge and guidance. The path is not through the mind, but through your heart.
“Shakti¹ has patience. Instead of forcing an answer, she waits for spirit to produce one.” ~Deepak Chopra
Sacred Aspects – Divine Masculine
The Sacred Aspects – Divine Masculine flower mandala embodies the qualities of confidence, strength, inner power, protection, inner control, right action, and courage. Through the active, action oriented nature of this powerful and balanced energy we shine our light naturally, with quiet confidence. Again, the path is not through the mind, but through your heart.
“Our minds are limited to seeing masculine and feminine as polar opposites, but Shiva² and Shakti have been married since before the dawn of creation. They are a divine whole that chooses to express itself by taking on the appearance of being masculine and feminine.” ~Deepak Chopra
The divine feminine and the divine masculine only appear to be separate because we live in a world of duality. In truth, they’re both aspects of divine light, two sides of the same coin. These energies aren’t opposites but complements, and must be integrated and balanced in each of us for inner harmony, and a return to wholeness. This holds true for women as well as men.
Move your consciousness from your mind to your heart. Though action is important, for the most beautiful and satisfying unfolding, take time to quiet yourself to receive guidance and inspiration first. Then when you take action it will be inspired action, not simply busyness. When you notice yourself pushing, feeling stuck, trying too hard to make things work, take it as a signal to stop, quiet your mind, and receive. This is a good beginning. Attend to your own work of coming into balance, and trust that in divine timing others can and will do theirs. As you integrate and balance these energies in yourself, this refined energy is added to the whole. In doing your own work you change the world, and in this way you help everyone.
“When we change, the world changes. The key to all change is in our inner transformation-a change of our hearts and minds. This is human revolution. We all have the power to change. When we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime, and in any situation.” ~Daisaku Ikeda
The scales truly are moving into balance.
Blessings to you all.
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For anyone interested, these mandalas were created from my photograph of Exotic Jade Vine. It’s a stunning tropical flower. I had the privilege of photographing it at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
¹Shakti symbolizes the feminine principle in Hinduism, while ²Shiva symbolizes the masculine principle.
