1. How would you define the polarities of feminine and masculine?
your paper sounds correct when you think of of women feeling from the heart, where men may be more analytical . However, I feel that both sexes were meant to be different to work together, not separate the differences, or one having power/authority over the other. We've seen the polarities all our lives, be it the Gods and Goddesses of Mythology, or Emperor and princess of a Tarot deck, or even just walking into a toy store...the first hints of children having separate areas of toys for girls and toys for boys. The polarities are often needed when sharing and working together. However, everyone has a feminine and masculine side. Your life can be very confusing if you hide a feminine aspect, and suddenly find yourself married and wondering why your wife behaves this way or that. As A human we have the choice to mix both male and female together....and as people we have the opportunity to work together.
2. Do you agree with Riane Eisler's theory of "Cultural Transformation" that posits an ancient partnership society that is usurped by a dominator mentality? In your opinion is matriarchy part of the dominator mentality?
Sure. It is a shame, since the culture that worked together as man and woman seemed to operate so beautifully. Then, Once the blade began to be used for defense, killing, they became a violent society, suppressing one side of the whole picture. Matriarchy can be part of a dominator mentality, if the feminine side takes over just as much as the masculine would. There is a reason why there are two sexes, or we would just be able to procreate by ourselves. We must work together and have neither a dominant side, but equal.
3. How does the history of the Goddess and its symbology impact the story of the Garden of Eden? Do you see the tree and the serpent any differently?
I found this very interesting as most Catholic faith would show how the serpent (and also, the woman) were responsible for the beginning of sin in the world.) Yet, they also depict Virgin Mary stepping on the serpent, a woman repairing what Eve caused. Some ages show the tree as a Goddess faith..something to be worshipped. Also, from this reading we see how the snake can be a feminine symbol. Some faiths also discuss the Garden of Eden story differently, saying that the snake was actually telling Eve to obtain the wisdom, one must eat from this tree. Yet God didnt want Adam or Eve to eat from this tree. We then took this story to have the snake being evil, the devil. He tempted Eve to go against God and eat an apple from this forbidden tree, and not only did she eat it, she persuaded Adam to eat it as well.
Hm. If a Tree of wisdom is seen as a Goddess image, as well as a snake, can this story be interpreted as Man (today) should snuff the divine feminine down, because it can obtain the wisdom and usurp our role in dominance? Eve looked to the Goddess (Tree, snake) and ignored the pleas of God, ate from the tree, obtained wisdom, and then offered it to a man? Therefore the Feminine was wise before the Masculine. Yes, there are many ways to observe this story for thought.
No comments:
Post a Comment