11/06/2025
𝑩𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒔: 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚
These days we seem to be bombarded with videos and articles about masculine and feminine energy (toxic or not). There appears to be a lot of emphasis on people having one or the other, that we need to embrace the energy of our physical gender, and only that energy. That that particular energy somehow defines us, and our role in this life, as if there is some clear divide. What people do not seem to realize is that we are all both. To deny one side or the other is to deny a part of ourselves; to not be whole. Before we get into that, though, what (energetically speaking) does it mean to be masculine or feminine*? Well…
Masculine energy is considered active. It corresponds to solar energy, and is focused outward. It is expansive, protective, direct, and represents logic, focus, and structure. This is the energy you call upon when you need to get stuff done, in situations where you need to be assertive our stand up for yourself, and when you are chasing your dreams and desires. Every time you take a leadership role, whether that is in your own life, or in a group, that is also masculine energy.
Feminine energy is considered passive. It corresponds to lunar energy, and its focus is inward. It is receptive, creative, nurturing, sensual/sexual, and represents intuition, spirituality, and self-awareness. You call on your feminine energy when you travel inward for personal growth and/or shadow work, when you are looking to create something (not just life, but also projects, relationships, or anything else you can think of), when you want to nurture what you have created to help it (or you) grow, or when you use/develop your intuition. Any time you access or rely on your feeling (gut or other wise) for a new perspective or to make a decision, that is also feminine energy.
Each of these also has a shadow side, which can come about when we deny one side and/or take it to the extreme. The shadow side of masculinity would be displaying qualities like aggression, trying to dominate others, bullying, feelings of physical or mental superiority. You may recognize these kinds of traits in those who claim to be “Alpha Males”, but not necessarily just them. The shadow side of femininity can present itself as jealousy, mental/emotional manipulation, over sexualisation, and possibly “Mother Hen-ing” (as this can be seen as feeling superior or thinking you “just know better”, but not always so). It is important to recognize these traits within oneself and to discover where they stem from. Were they taught to you? It is common for boys to be taught not to show or talk about their feelings, and not just by the adults in their lives. There are plenty of influencers and so called life/dating coaches that spout this kind of rhetoric while taking your money. We usually refer to them as red pill-ers or incels, but it is not necessarily just them. Many girls are taught that the only way to get ahead is through manipulation, using their sexuality, and even just shutting off their emotional side, thereby blocking their intuitive or nurturing sides. Maybe these ideas or qualities stem from jealousy, guilty, shame, or feelings of insecurity. Once you know where they come from, these issues can be addressed through therapy, shadow work, and the like. We should realize that both men and women are subject to long held beliefs and stereotypes that hold all of us back. We can work individually and as a collective to work through these, and hopefully, eradicate them one day.
Moving on…
The Yin Yang symbol is a great model for these personal energies. It has the white masculine Yang side and the black feminine Yin side, but each side carries a portion of the other, creating balance. As you have read, we all call on these energies for just about everything on a daily basis. Even when we try to deny we have them. However, there is no need to deny any of these qualities. They do not define who we are, and they have nothing to do with our biological gender either. A woman who displays the masculine energies to get that promotion or demand equality in her personal or professional life is not “acting like a man”. A man who tunes into his intuition or openly communicates his feelings to his partner is not “acting like a woman”. They are simply tuning into the natural frequencies within to properly navigate the current situation. Personally, I find the need to label people** as “Boss Babe” or “Simp/Omega” useless and frustrating. It only serves to separate not only ourselves from those around us, but also creates a divide within ourselves. It is a small wonder that so many people are confused and afraid of being themselves, when society feels the need to slap a label on someone like these qualities make them good or bad. (Shout out to all other therapists and spiritual guides out there trying to combat this and bring people peace).
So how do you feel about these energies? Do you tap into both energies easily? Do you find it more difficult to tap into one or the other? Why do you think that is? I would love to hear from you.
*These lists are not exhaustive are meant to be a general guide
** Yes, I am aware that language is created to clarify concepts and ideas so that we can affectively communicate them to others, however, I also believe we need to stop using those clarifying words to define ourselves as individuals. This is where the disconnect and divide comes in.
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧
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