The Practitioners’ Corner

Chris Johnson, RScP

In the first chapter of Genesis it is written that Elohim said, “Let us make humankind in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves… Elohim created humankind in the image of themselves; in their own image, male and female Elohim created them.” (Gen. 1:26-27) Notice the plurality of the language: us, our, and ourselves. The Hebrew Elohim is the plural form of El, which means God. The implication is clear: The Creator has both feminine and masculine qualities, as do all the plant, animal, and human expressions of that One Life.

Nature is always in motion, ever seeking a better balance of energies. The ancient Chinese developed the concept of yin and yang to explain or illustrate this dynamic interplay of forces. Yin symbolizes the earth, femininity, darkness, acceptance, and receptivity. Yang represents heaven (or Grandfather Sky), masculinity, light, activity, and penetration. We think of yin and yang, masculine and feminine, as opposites, but it may be more helpful to see them as complementary, interconnected, and interdependent.

Although most of us identify as one gender, we all have both male and female attributes. In the yin yang symbol, this is indicated by the light spot within the dark shape, and vice versa. Psychologist Carl Jung used the term anima for the feminine qualities within men, and animus for the masculine energies in women. He believed that repression of the animus or anima led to imbalances in the psyche.

Psyche comes from the Greek word meaning spirit, breath, or soul. Once we are aware that both energies are active within us, we become vigilant not to repress either of them. For me it showed up (in my sixties!) as allowing myself to admit my vulnerability, learn to listen more deeply, and not stifle my tears. As I have become more receptive, my prayer and meditation practices have deepened, cultivating greater intuition.

As we explore the Divine Masculine this month, I invite you to maintain awareness of the masculine and feminine qualities within you, and be sure to express them both. Be the image and likeness – the avatar of Elohim – that you are created to be.

Shalom,