Published May, 2024
The concepts of 'feminine' and 'feminist' are often subject to a wide range of interpretations, each carrying its own set of connotations and implications. One person might view “feminine” as a compliment and take offense at “feminist.” One is a description of attributes, while the other is a political statement.
The term 'feminine' is generally used to denote qualities that are traditionally associated with women, such as gentleness, empathy, inclusion, and nurturing. These qualities, while not exclusive to women, have been historically linked to them, forming a part of societal expectations and norms.
On the other hand, 'feminist' is a term that relates to the advocacy for women's rights based on the principle of political, social, and economic equality to men. It is a movement that seeks to challenge and change the patriarchal structures that have long been in place.
The intersection of feminine spirituality and feminist movements is a critical area of study. The question of whether you can embrace the feminine and not be a feminist becomes hugely interesting and offers a unique lens through which to view women's empowerment and societal development.
Feminine spirituality is a concept that goes beyond traditional religious beliefs. It emphasizes the divine feminine, the nurturing, life-giving aspects of nature, and the interconnectedness of all beings. It is a spiritual perspective that values intuition, emotion, and the body as much as the mind, offering a holistic approach to spirituality. The most known example is paganism, the belief that the natural world is sacred, an ancient understanding that has morphed into today’s modern-day Wiccan practices.
Nature plays a significant role in feminine spirituality. It is seen as a source of wisdom and a reflection of the divine feminine, with its seasonal cycles of birth, growth, death, and rebirth mirroring the cycles of life and providing valuable lessons.
Feminine spirituality differs from masculine spirituality in its approach. While masculine spirituality often focuses on transcendence, hierarchy, and the domination of nature, feminine spirituality emphasizes immanence, equality, and the celebration of nature. It encourages a harmonious relationship with nature rather than a dominating one.
Feminine spirituality has a profound impact on women's self-perception and societal roles. In nature, she sees a mirror of her own body rising and falling to the changing forces around her; each month, she feels the pull of the moon and the waves crashing over, through, and out of her. That’s feminine energy, and it is tied to nature. She is inherently in tune with life because it’s in her, pulsing. For a woman, embracing the natural world is an act of self-love, for she is closer to the source than the male. She is female, the mother, and with that comes inestimable power.
Feminist movements have evolved over centuries, advocating for women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. They have challenged and continue to challenge patriarchal systems that oppress women, fighting for equal rights and opportunities.
To understand the gravity of this ongoing struggle, look to recent events in Iran when a young woman was beaten to death for not wearing her hijab. The country fell to violent protests that were put down by the government, and scores of beautiful young people were put to death for their resistance.
Feminist movements play a crucial role in challenging traditional gender roles, advocating for women's rights, and reshaping societal norms to promote gender equality. Just as American women burned their bras in the 1960s, Iranian women took to burning their hijabs. And, just as in America, once one woman set something alight, more followed, and a new revolutionary gesture was born. That’s how women’s protests coalesce into “movements” for change and dismantle patriarchal systems.
Fighting for the rights of women requires awareness. Legislative gains are often overturned as the lives of women are steered by men in Washington. The ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) has not been renewed, nor has its timeline for a vote. The Violence Against Women Act has not been reauthorized either. Roe v. Wade was overturned, and a woman no longer has the freedom of choice in many states. Neither is she protected against carrying the child of a rapist or family member; the Supreme Court stripped her along with half the population of their civil rights in 2023.
Feminist movements have always shaped public opinion and thus changed societies. The power women hold at home radiates outward. The best example is this aspect of feminine power is the temperance movement. In the early 20th century, women began a campaign against alcohol in order to promote more peaceful households and more attentive husbands. Under the axe swing of Carrie Nation, temperance was actually a feminist movement that transformed the entire country and changed the law. Alcohol was banned nationwide. Whether or not this was good or bad depends on the point of view, but obviously, opinion ran to the “bad” view, and temperance was overturned.
From the early 20th century suffragettes who fought for women's right to vote to the #MeToo movement that brought sexual harassment and assault into the public eye, feminist movements have significantly impacted society and culture. Institutions worldwide have changed personnel policies and spent substantial resources on safety and training against bias and harassment. Safe workspaces mean more women join the workforce, and that will have a significant impact on global wealth, some say to the tune of 7 trillion dollars a year.
Feminine spirituality influences feminist movements by providing a spiritual framework that values and celebrates the feminine.
Feminist movements play a role in promoting feminine spirituality by challenging patriarchal religious systems and advocating for the inclusion of the divine feminine. Christians reacted strongly to Mary Magdalene Revealed, a Harvard professor’s recent book about Mary’s true identity. Far from being a whore, Mary was an apostle whose contribution to Christianity was all feminine. She was just written out of the story centuries later by a few men. Her true contribution may be unknowable.
In search of a spiritual home, women have fashioned the Goddess movement, ecofeminism, and feminist theology. These movements integrate feminine spirituality and feminist principles, challenging patriarchal norms and promoting a more inclusive and empowering spiritual perspective.
Feminine spirituality has engendered a framework inside of women, a map that guides her progress. Her search for fairness is for a sense of holistic well-being; she has value in and of herself. She is connected to all other women each and every time she resists inequity and advocates for herself. Feminist movements, then, are an exercise in feminine spirituality, practicing interconnectedness, advocacy, and empathy for others. The fight for equality has a spiritual dimension.
The women’s movement that began in the 1960s and 1970s sent millions of women into the workforce. Slowly but surely, that included churches and temples. Women then lobbied to lead congregations and were soon upfront during services, leading souls. In that way, more feminine spirituality entered culture in overt and covert ways.
The future integration of feminine spirituality and feminist movements holds great potential. If humankind can move forward meeting the overwhelming challenges of the environment, feminine spirituality operating in conjunction with the women’s movement may create the world many dream of. This integration could have a profound impact on societal norms, gender roles, and women’s rights.
The intersection of feminine spirituality and feminist movements is a dynamic and influential aspect of societal development. As we continue to strive for gender equality, harnessing the power of this intersection is crucial because the fight for equality is not just about legal and societal rights, it is also about spiritual growth and empowerment.
It is a call to action for a more holistic approach to women's empowerment, one where feminine traits are as celebrated as masculine, one that recognizes and values the spiritual dimension of women's lives.
