The symbol of the Triple Goddess has been used throughout history and in myths to represent the three distinct phases of womanhood – Maiden, Mother, and Crone. When we think of these phases, we primarily think about the physical changes that occur, particularly relating to hormones – puberty, fertility and pregnancy, and menopause. However, these stages of womanhood also represent emotional, psychological, social and spiritual transformations.
The Maiden is on a journey from puberty to young woman. She is defining herself and how she relates to the world, who she is in relationships, and what her passions are. She is seeking her purpose and her identity. The Maiden focuses on her external world and where she fits into it. During this period, the Maiden may have erratic menstrual cycles, as her hormones sync and begin to regulate. She may even experience early signs of imbalances such as painful periods, PMS, and difficulty managing weight. At this point, the immediate treatment may be the oral contraceptive pill (OCP), which suppresses hormones and ovulation.
The Mother embodies nurturing, care-giving, and creativity. She may be caring for a family, developing a career, or creating a business or art project. The Mother's focus is outward - caring for the welfare of family, being in service to the community, finding mediums for expression and creativity, or building careers and businesses. These are fertile times for having children and birthing projects. During this phase, the Mother’s menstrual cycles should be regular each month. Cycle irregularities or struggles with fertility can be associated with hormone imbalances relating to increased stress levels, poor detoxification, nutrient deficiencies, Endometriosis, PCOS or withdrawal from the OCP. As the Mother evolves towards the Crone stage, her hormones may go through a transitional phase called perimenopause. Perimenopausal symptoms can be similar to those associated with menopause as the ovaries’ estrogen production begins to slow.
The Crone exemplifies wisdom, mastery and leadership. This can be a period of introspection when women step out of a roll as caregiver and reconnect with personal passions. The Crone can be the matriarch in a family, community, or organization. Her skills and experience are valuable as a leader or mentor. With this shift may come an urge to take action, assertiveness, or a stronger sense of confidence. The Crone experiences menopause, or the cessation of her menstrual cycle. Menopause is not a disease or a shameful event; it is natural and, historically, it was celebrated as a transition into the role of matriarch.
Each of these phases of womanhood are essential for transformation and development. A beautiful perspective is that even though each physical stage is distinct, women can experience the emotional and spiritual transformations simultaneously. For example, a menopausal woman may find herself experiencing the self-exploration of the Maiden, seeking to reconnect with her true self and redefining her place in the world as her responsibilities and vision for her life change. The Maiden may tap into the creativity of the Mother as she attempts to make a living through artistic endeavors.
This is the magic of the Triple Goddess. The physical transitions between the Goddess phases can be clearly defined by hormonal and changes in the body. However, one woman can simultaneously embody the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, emotionally, psychologically, socially and spiritually. As we traverse phases of our life, we also move through cycles each month and each year. Each seasonal transition can symbolize the relationship between the Triple Goddesses and result in powerful growth and transformation.
Back to you - What Goddess do you embody right now? What transitions or transformations are you experiencing? Leave your comments below.
Embrace the goddess!
The Maiden is on a journey from puberty to young woman. She is defining herself and how she relates to the world, who she is in relationships, and what her passions are. She is seeking her purpose and her identity. The Maiden focuses on her external world and where she fits into it. During this period, the Maiden may have erratic menstrual cycles, as her hormones sync and begin to regulate. She may even experience early signs of imbalances such as painful periods, PMS, and difficulty managing weight. At this point, the immediate treatment may be the oral contraceptive pill (OCP), which suppresses hormones and ovulation.
The Mother embodies nurturing, care-giving, and creativity. She may be caring for a family, developing a career, or creating a business or art project. The Mother's focus is outward - caring for the welfare of family, being in service to the community, finding mediums for expression and creativity, or building careers and businesses. These are fertile times for having children and birthing projects. During this phase, the Mother’s menstrual cycles should be regular each month. Cycle irregularities or struggles with fertility can be associated with hormone imbalances relating to increased stress levels, poor detoxification, nutrient deficiencies, Endometriosis, PCOS or withdrawal from the OCP. As the Mother evolves towards the Crone stage, her hormones may go through a transitional phase called perimenopause. Perimenopausal symptoms can be similar to those associated with menopause as the ovaries’ estrogen production begins to slow.
The Crone exemplifies wisdom, mastery and leadership. This can be a period of introspection when women step out of a roll as caregiver and reconnect with personal passions. The Crone can be the matriarch in a family, community, or organization. Her skills and experience are valuable as a leader or mentor. With this shift may come an urge to take action, assertiveness, or a stronger sense of confidence. The Crone experiences menopause, or the cessation of her menstrual cycle. Menopause is not a disease or a shameful event; it is natural and, historically, it was celebrated as a transition into the role of matriarch.
Each of these phases of womanhood are essential for transformation and development. A beautiful perspective is that even though each physical stage is distinct, women can experience the emotional and spiritual transformations simultaneously. For example, a menopausal woman may find herself experiencing the self-exploration of the Maiden, seeking to reconnect with her true self and redefining her place in the world as her responsibilities and vision for her life change. The Maiden may tap into the creativity of the Mother as she attempts to make a living through artistic endeavors.
This is the magic of the Triple Goddess. The physical transitions between the Goddess phases can be clearly defined by hormonal and changes in the body. However, one woman can simultaneously embody the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, emotionally, psychologically, socially and spiritually. As we traverse phases of our life, we also move through cycles each month and each year. Each seasonal transition can symbolize the relationship between the Triple Goddesses and result in powerful growth and transformation.
Back to you - What Goddess do you embody right now? What transitions or transformations are you experiencing? Leave your comments below.
Embrace the goddess!
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