Feminie Archetypes and how embracing the Wild Woman could change your life
For some time now, the goddesses have been calling to me, particularly the archetype associated with the “wild” woman.
I have a difficult past, full of trauma and pain, like many of us, and for a long time it was hard for me to see or feel anything else, as I identified so strongly with that suffering. Various therapies, techniques, and methods have helped me on my path to healing, growth, and embodiment, but for some time now, working with archetypes has been close to my heart.
Many studies show how helpful acting, role-playing, or embodying different characters or archetypes can be, because they help us see and FEEL in our own bodies that we can be and live differently. There is something called superhero therapy, and trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has long talked about how important acting and theater can be in the healing process.
Imagine for a moment what it would be like to embody the role of your favorite superheroine or goddess. How would she move, speak, or exist in her life? How does it feel to be her?
There are many archetypes, and I will slowly introduce them to you, but today I want to focus on the wild woman, who can help you reconnect with yourself and feel the inner power that is and has always been within you.
Feminine archetypes are universal patterns of behavior, thought, personality and emotion that are associated with femininity.
These archetypes have been recognized across cultures and throughout history, and they are often represented as goddesses, mythical figures, or role models for women.The idea of feminine archetypes has its roots in ancient mythology, where goddesses and female deities were revered and celebrated for their unique qualities and powers. Over time, these archetypes have evolved and adapted to changing cultural norms and values.
The concept of working with archetypes was first introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who explored the idea of these archetypes being present in the collective unconscious of all humans. Jung identified several archetypes, including the anima and animus (representing the feminine and masculine aspects of the psyche, respectively), the shadow (representing the darker, repressed aspects of the psyche), and the self (representing wholeness and integration). Jung’s work on archetypes laid the foundation for further exploration of feminine archetypes by subsequent thinkers such as Jean Shinoda Bolen.
Jean Shinoda Bolen expanded on Jung’s work on feminine archetypes by identifying specific archetypes, pairing them with goddesses and exploring their psychological and cultural significance. She wrote extensively about archetypes such as the mother, the maiden, and the crone, and argued that recognizing and embracing these archetypes could lead to personal growth and social change. Bolen also emphasized the importance of women’s relationships with one another and the role of the feminine in healing and transformation. Overall, Bolen’s work built on Jung’s framework by providing a more nuanced and detailed exploration of feminine archetypes and their relevance for contemporary women. Bolen’s work on goddesses and archetypes has been influential in feminist spirituality and personal growth movements.
These archetypes are not fixed or rigid, and they can be interpreted and embodied in many different ways, depending on an individual’s personal experience and cultural context. Today, many women use these archetypes as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, drawing inspiration from the stories, myths, movies, and qualities of these powerful female figures. By tapping into these archetypes, women can connect with their own inner strength, creativity, and intuition, and learn to embody these qualities in their own lives.
Who is the WILD woman archetype?
The wild woman is an archetype that represents the primal, untamed energy within us, and working with her can help us embrace our own wildness and connect with our inner power. Working with the her can also help challenge and break down the patriarchal conditioning and social norms that have suppressed women’s power and expression for the last couple thousand years.
The wild woman is often associated with nature, animals, and the wilderness, and she embodies the fierce and unapologetic spirit of the natural world. She is not afraid to speak her truth, express her desires, and follow her own path, even if it means going against the norms of society.
Working with the wild woman archetype can help us remember that as humans we come from nature, and to connect with our own inner wildness embracing our true selves. By embodying this archetype, we can tap into our intuition, creativity, and inner power, and live our lives on our own terms, without conforming to societal expectations or looking for external validation. By embracing our inner wild woman, we can start to reclaim our autonomy and challenge these oppressive structures, creating a more equitable society for all.
The wild woman archetype invites us to break free from the limiting beliefs and expectations that have held us back and to embrace our MOST authentic Self, which in turn can inspire and empower others to do the same. By embodying the wild woman energy, we can contribute to a larger shift towards authenticity, empowerment, and equality, dismantling these uneven structures from within.
Some tips for working with the wild woman:
1. Embrace your intuition, your inner knowing, your instincts, trust your gut, and listen to your inner voice.
2. Connect with your body. Try to move mindfully and sensually, tuning into the wisdom of your body and listen to what it’s telling you.
3. Honor your emotions. Sheinvites us to feel deeply and express our emotions. All your emotions are valid.
4. Embody your inner wildness. She celebrates the untamed spirit within us, express your creativity, and pursue your passions.
5. Connect with nature. We are animals, and like all living beings we come from nature. This can awaken respect and care for nature, inspires sustainability, supports healing and restoration creating a more harmonious future for all living beings.
Wild Woman Goddesses from different cultures: Artemis, Pele, Kali, Sekhmet, Morrigan.
Remember, working with the wild woman archetype is a personal journey, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Maybe try picking a goddess that resonates with you and call her in. Trust your instincts, embrace your inner wildness, and let her energy guide you on your path ❤️
Xoxo 💋
Olga