This ideal female persona is an integral part of our mass consciousness which is the core of numerous marketing campaigns that sell clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, cosmetic treatments and surgery, diets and diet food, exercise programs, and the list goes on. Women subject their bodies to starvations, drugs, heat, steam, chemicals, machines, the knife, etc., all in an effort to force their bodies to conform to the ideal of the perfect female. The majority of Western women are unaware of the sacredness of the vessels which contain the divine spark of the feminine.
In ancient times, when God was a woman, women were honored and respected. Women were seen as the earthly representation of the Goddess because women birthed and nurtured life with their bodies — just like the Great Mother, Gaia, produced and nurtured life with Her body, the Earth.
Thousands of female artifacts (9 times more frequent than male figurines) from the Neolithic Era (7 to 12 thousand years ago) have been uncovered — depicting women in all shapes, sizes and forms. Some of these artifacts portray figures that are what we would call “obese” today. During the Neolithic and Paleolithic era conditions were harsh. The copious amount of body fat on these artifacts was perceived as symbols of abundance and fertility during those precarious times.
The ancient goddess was perceived as the source of all life and sustenance. Her body, as well as all of her other feminine capabilities, were revered. Women were respected, influential, and oft times leaders in their communities. Many indigenous communities prior to patriarchy had the Council of the Grandmothers who had the power to veto male decisions if they felt those decisions could be harmful to the community. The “elderly” were perceived of as wise and knowledgeable. Everyone, young/old, male/female, shared in the responsibility for maintaining the well-being and health of the community – their survival depended on it.
Even in more recent times the generous female figure was favored. During the Renaissance Period women were portrayed as voluptuous, rounded and curvy. The female body was depicted in beautiful, colorful, and careful detail.
So right now begin to accept, love, and appreciate yourself and your body. Even more than you realize you are in control when it comes to how you are perceived. I’ve known many women (and I’m sure you have too) who, though plump and even “overweight,” are in total possession of themselves and their bodies. They radiate an intensity and sensuality that have men buzzing around them like bees.
It’s not the shape of your divine vessel, but rather how you perceive, love, and own your body and the true essence of you that makes you magnetic.
So, begin right now to think of yourself as the living representative of the Goddess on earth! Start walking and living as if your vessel is precious and divine, for it is!
In January 2014, I was disturbed that women were still perceiving themselves as the lesser sex and demeaning their bodies. I knew in my heart that it was time to change the old paradigm, and I had to be part of that movement. Therefore I created Persephone’s Journey, a Wisdom School for Awakening Women to help create a new paradigm of honor and respect for the feminine and for greater appreciation and affection for our female bodies.
It is my hope that you, as a woman, will embrace your sacred sensual self and begin to acknowledge the Divine Feminine spark within.
Women, know that you can show up every day in full possession of your natural beauty and power as a sacred woman. You are beautiful! Your body is sacred!
In just 3 days, on October 10, 2015, I’m offering a 3-month workshop on Sacred Sexuality, the Shadow, and Loving Relationships that helps women reclaim pride and joy in all aspects of their femininity, sensuality, and aliveness. I would love to have you join us. If you are curious please go click HERE for more information, or contact Joy today at 415-819-8769, or email me.
Tomorrow, October 8th, is the last day you can register for Sacred Sexuality, the Shadow, and Loving Relationships. Don’t miss out. I won’t be teaching this class again until late 2017.