A Quick Overview
In Tantra, when we look at the Masculine and Feminine, it is observed as energy rather than what appears as the physical body of a man or woman. It’s all about balance within the whole.
A couple of beautiful symbols or metaphors to represent these energies, would be the well known ancient Chinese Yin and Yang symbol, The Moon and the Sun, Mother Earth and Father Sky, just to name a few. Each of these represent the balance of the divine feminine and the divine masculine, honouring and complimenting the specific qualities that each energy holds.
Understanding Yourself Through These Energies
Both men and women have masculine and feminine qualities, however each of these energies may be more dominant than the other, regardless of physical ‘sex’. You may already intuitively feel this in yourself or some people you know.
It’s important to understand that there is no judgement in being more or less feminine or masculine, but more how you sit within your masculinity or femininity.
An example would be that one of your friends may be more action oriented and has a great sense of ‘doing’ as an overall quality, this would be considered as a ‘masculine’ energy. The same goes for someone who may have a deeper connection to ‘flow’ and creativity, this would be considered a more feminine quality.
These individual qualities do not define who we are, it needs to be viewed in a broader sense of the whole of a person.
Masculine and Feminine Energy Traits
As explained, we all have masculine and feminine energy within us. These energies provide balance, especially when we are able to observe ourselves and know the different qualities of both energies.
You may recognise the masculine energy as representing some these traits:
Hot
Self Regulated
Self Sufficient
Provides (without expecting anything in return)
Goal Orientated
Brings Power to the World
Protects and Supports
Logical
Assertive
Action or ‘Doing’ energy
Static
And you may recognise the feminine energy as representing some these traits:
Cool
Receptive
Flowing
Creative
Brings beauty, Light and Balance to the World
Feelings and Emotions
Gentle
Nurturing
Highly Agreeable
Kinetic
Working with these Energies from a Tantric Perspective
If either the masculine or the feminine is more excessive than the other, there will naturally be an imbalance. This doesn’t only apply to people, but also to relationships, nature and worldly events at large.
For example, if someone is highly agreeable to the extent of compromising their own values, beliefs and even boundaries, this would be viewed as an excess in feminine energy, regardless of sex or gender role.
So if we took a look at a scenario where someone is in a relationship or work situation, for example, constantly being highly agreeable, going along with anything and everything without tuning in to him or herself to check in first, this could result in an imbalance which could end up being very toxic, creating all sorts of problematic situations, if not worked with.
The individual may feel suppressed, scared or nervous about using their voice to speak up or they may even find decision making very challenging.
One solution may be to practice the masculine trait of assertiveness, to bring in more confidence and honesty, therefore creating more balance between the two energies. There is no one-size-fits all in Tantra, every situation is unique and may require different solutions.
The intention is to find and maintain balance within, not to overcompensate.
Conclusion
Many people have been used to pleasing other people and putting others' needs first, not honouring their boundaries or simply just not listening to our ‘gut instinct’. We don’t recognise how this may create very unhealthy habits, attracting challenging scenarios or people, having a deep impact on our lives, repeating certain events and situations over and over again.
Tantra allows for us to go deeper within ourselves, looking at our actions and outcomes, and where we may have ‘blinded’ ourselves again and again.
The aim is to find these blind spots, acknowledge them and use them as experiences to help us grow, live in balance and to find our own Truth and Higher Knowing. There is no need for judgement or beating oneself down, the purpose is to ascend to a higher, purer state of being, so that we may act from that space.
So here is something to ponder, where do you sit in your Masculinity or Femininity? Are there any areas of imbalance and what can you do to work towards balance?
I hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to hear your insights, thoughts or comments below.
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