Image: Laura Sheridan
“What’s the worst possible thing you can call a woman? Don’t hold back, now. You’re probably thinking of words like slut, whore, bitch, cunt (I told you not to hold back!), skank. Okay, now, what are the worst things you can call a guy? Fag, girl, bitch, pussy. I’ve even heard the term “mangina.” Notice anything? The worst thing you can call a girl is a girl. The worst thing you can call a guy is a girl. Being a woman is the ultimate insult. Now tell me that’s not royally fucked up.”
Jessica Valenti
I don’t know if I have been thinking a lot about the Dark Goddess because that is what our third book focuses on and so my creative mind is kind of already there; I don’t know if it’s because I honor the Dark Goddess in all Her forms and walk Her path; I don’t know if it’s because there really is a trend happening.
Maybe it’s all three, and more.
But, the Dark Goddess is EVERYWHERE.
Kali. Lilith. Hekate. Baba Yaga.
Just to name a few.
What is it about these Archetypes that is calling out to Women (and Men) of all walks of life?
Why are these deities resonating with us on a Soul level?
Because we are in great need of their lessons.
Let’s face it, the world is full of angry Women.
I know, I know, lots of people are angry but I am focusing on the Women because this part is important.
For centuries upon centuries Women have been oppressed, our place in recent history always dictated by Men.
Our worth, our body image, our sensuality, our sexuality, our intelligence, our independence and then some have all been stolen, watered down, demonized, stigmatized, and dictated by a Patriarchal structure that was put in place to serve Men; giving them power to decide what we can and cannot do with our own bodies, for example.
Funny how Erectile Dysfunction drugs are (usually) always covered under insurance plans but birth control, annual exams, abortion, and all issues related to the Vagina and Women’s overall health becomes a political debate.
Our issues often having to go through every branch of Government multiple times to deem what is constitutional and what is not. Our Sisters in countries with no Constitution have it much worse.
That speaks volumes.
The fact that this even happens is proof that Women are NOT treated as equals; we are in some cases not even treated as human beings.
This is NOT some woes me post.
This is NOT a man hating post, either.
If you are not one of the Men I refer to; the kind who oppress, abuse and inflict some ridiculous double standard on Women then none of my words should affect or offend you. If they do, maybe you should evaluate those parts of yourself.
Men face their own set of challenges. Just one example: ridiculous standards of what Masculinity is, and if they do not meet those standards and/or criteria they are called “gay”.
Which our society has somehow twisted it into being an insult.
Being a Woman, and/or a homosexual is an insult.
What have we become?
Now that my disclaimer is out of the way and we make sure there are no misunderstandings, let me carry on with the article.
What do these Goddesses teach us?
What do they all have in common?
Let’s go over that a bit.
Kali teaches us the power of justified rage, and wrath that knows no bounds. She teaches us to be unapologetic with our less than savory emotions and feelings. She teaches us the power of destruction, and the necessity of “killing off all that is old” in order to rise anew.
Lilith teaches us that sexuality, sensuality, lust, individuality and power are not to be feared in a Woman; they are to be honored. She teaches us not to be shamed, or ashamed of what we are and the Serpent and Fruit we carry with us.
Hekate teaches us that life is neither black nor white but it’s full of gray areas; just like Magick. She teaches us how to hunt; in this modern-day context that means she teaches us when to fight, and when to save our energy. She illuminates truth and calls for justice; she is a voice for the forgotten Woman, child and every underdog of society. She teaches us that death is not to be feared but respected. Our journeys into the Underworld of our Soul are essential to the ascension process.
Baba Yaga teaches us the power of our anger and nastiness; she teaches us that we do not need to conform to what society wants us to be, or thinks we should be. Baba teaches us the wisdom of the Crone, the liberation of being self-reliant and the strength that comes from being forced to survive a night in the woods alone.
These Goddesses would be considered Rebellious Women.
Women who are too opinionated, too wild and completely unable to be tamed. They would be shunned—labeled as outcasts, misfits.
As we face an uncertain future we need angry, loud, unafraid, non-conforming, NASTY WOMEN more than ever.
I know the future is never clear but with the current political firestorms erupting, times are even more uncertain.
These Goddesses are not coming to us, calling out to those who will listen for no reason, they know they are needed. More and more Women are starting to find their voice, and are willing to speak up and speak out about what they are willing, and not willing to put up with.
In laymen’s terms:
I will not be silenced; we will not be silenced.
This is my body and I will do with it what I see fit—it should not be a Government issue.
My body should not be regulated because I was born with a Vagina.
My body was not created for the pleasure of a Man, or any other human being.
I was not created to be ruled over.
There is only so long you can beat down a group of people before they awaken to the truth, and begin to RISE in protest.
We have seen it coming for years with many marginalized groups—Feminists/Women, LGBTQ and People of Color leading the way.
We are reclaiming our power.
Caged birds don’t remain caged forever; they will always find freedom and their voice to sing.
The Dark Goddesses teach us just that.
