My Grandmother, aged eighty-eight, is intriguingly one year senior to my Grandfather, who is currently eighty-seven. Born on a rainy night in Chicago, she and my late Great-Uncle were primarily raised by their Great Aunt, as their mother tragically passed away during childbirth. It was this great aunt who imparted invaluable skills to my Grandmother—her culinary and child-rearing expertise, akin to her masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus De Milo, and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Breaking barriers, she became one of the first black women in the country and our family to graduate from college, later achieving success as one of the first black bank tellers in her hometown around 1948. Her home evolved into a welcoming haven, embracing diversity, where people left with smiles after savoring the wisdom and Southern American delicacies, including cornbread, collard greens, fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, and homemade caramel and chocolate cakes. While Grandma's caramel cake held a special place in my childhood memories, watching her and Granddad collaborate on the chocolate cake was a delight. Their teamwork and love, sustained over 88 and 87 years, are cherished in the pinnacle of my recollections.
When Granddad was just fourteen, he spotted Grandma across the schoolyard, instantly falling in love. That evening, he informed his mother of his intention to marry her, a commitment fulfilled four years later. Their union produced my mother three years thereafter, and together, they raised two boys and three girls, earned respect in the local community, managed various businesses, and acquired multiple properties. Their love, extending from the kitchen to caramel and chocolate cakes, transcended borders, becoming a cherished companion on my journeys.
Now, why do I share all this? How does it relate to the divine masculine?
I wish to offer a prayer for the much-needed well-being of the divine masculine. This plea arises not only due to the contemporary challenges faced by the divine masculine spirit but also because an extreme imbalance in divine masculine energy jeopardizes the equilibrium of masculine and feminine spirits at large.
The expressions of enduring love like my Granddad's proclamation of a lifelong commitment, acts of courtesy such as men relinquishing their seats for women on trains, committed relationships, and genuine phone calls over text messages are fading into extinction. Chivalry seems to be a relic of the past, and the concept of true love standing the test of time appears almost antiquated, reminiscent of scenes from a bygone era.
In the contemporary landscape dominated by Tinder, casual encounters, and the disturbing trend of using substances like 'roofies' to manipulate women into intimate situations, chivalrous gestures have been overshadowed. These quick fixes have replaced the traditional ideals of 'being a man.' Throughout history, a man was regarded as someone upholding strong values and standing firm in his beliefs. He was the one who courted a woman, making a lifelong commitment once he found 'the one.' A true man not only provided for his family but also engaged in the small, meaningful tasks around the home, becoming a central figure in the household. Despite the often criticized portrayal of my Grandfather's generation in the 1950s and 60s, which carried a misogynistic label, the divine masculine had its own set of values. While imbalances existed, they were nowhere near the extent of the current disharmony between the divine masculine and feminine.
As a modern woman, I acknowledge the progress this era has brought, but it saddens me to admit that the sense of honor seen in men from my Grandfather's time is dwindling, with the patriarchy playing a role in its demise. From my historical perspective, the synergy between matriarchy and patriarchy was disrupted semi-permanently after transitioning from tribal society. However, moments of harmony between these dual roles resurfaced in various historical periods, such as the Proto-Renaissance, the Renaissance from 1300-1600, the era of the English dowry from female succession, and the times of World War I and II when gender barriers were dismantled for the joint effort of masculine and feminine forces. The often criticized 1950s and 60s, labeled as misogynistic, also saw a unique collaboration between the divine masculine and divine feminine. These periods, in my view, marked some of the most successful times in human and art history due to the confidence and collaboration between men and women.
Regrettably, in the 21st century, despite tremendous technological and human advancements, there exists a significant imbalance between the divine masculine and the divine feminine.
Let's delve into this matter.
From a biological perspective, this discussion revolves around human genetics and historical gender roles, rather than endorsing a conservative Reaganesque diatribe. Historically, men have been associated with labor, hunting, and the responsibility of providing and protecting their families, while women have been linked with motherhood, nurturing, managing the home, and fostering creativity.
This is not an argument advocating a return to the hunter/gatherer days but rather an observation of anthropological development in contrast to the present era. Ironically, the myriad inventions and intellectual contributions of notable historical men—be they inventors, philosophers, politicians, monarchs, or regents—have led to the erosion of the divine masculine. I have identified several ways in which the divine masculine has lost its influence and seen its role diminished in our modern times.
In what should be the most privileged of times, the divine masculine energy is utterly fractured.
Courtship is obsolete:
Traditional courtship, involving a man seeking permission from a woman's father before proposing marriage, has vanished. In the age of Tinder, courtship has devolved into a less sacred and more trivial ritual, far removed from its traditional significance.
Committed relationships are antiquated:
The notion of committed relationships, exemplified by my Grandparents, appears fantastical in our generation. The prevalence of single individuals living alone without marriage has fostered a society of isolated, depressed, and lonely individuals.
Chivalry is extinct:
Acts of chivalry, such as holding doors open or offering seats to pregnant women, are dwindling. Thoughtless actions, public displays of emotion, and distant behaviors among couples exemplify the demise of chivalrous conduct.
Decline in physical sports:
Men are no longer engaged in physical sports like hunting, fencing, or soldiering. Instead, activities such as playing video games or discussing fantasy league scores have replaced genuine physical exertion, leading to declined health and a loss of communal bonds.
Men no longer feel essential:
Economic shifts have resulted in women outearning men on a larger scale. Alternative routes to parenthood, dismissal of men in favor of lesbianism or gender queerness, and the loss of a sense of manhood due to job-related challenges contribute to a perceived lack of necessity among men.
Lack of fight for balance:
Globally, men seem to have accepted the imbalance between masculine and feminine energies, leading to a cessation of efforts to rectify it. This passivity allows extreme manifestations of masculine imbalance, with individuals displaying extremes of personalities lacking pride, honor, duty, and honesty.
Rampant cowardice:
Modern behaviors such as ghosting, catfishing, and the evasion of responsibilities, whether as fathers or CEOs facing scandals, exemplify a prevalent culture of cowardice. This pattern is perpetuated through generations, contributing to a disturbing cycle.
The collective energy of the divine masculine is severely imbalanced, and while the divine feminine also faces imbalances, the patriarchal structure of our society amplifies the global risks associated with an uneven divine masculine energy. Unfortunately, we continue to exist in a world primarily governed by men, albeit with women silently steering the engine, often without expecting recognition. Recognizing and respecting this dynamic, as well as understanding the crucial role women play, is essential for a return to a harmonious collective union.
The peril of imbalanced divine masculine energy lies in the fact that much of the world's power rests in the hands of men. When insecure and morally weak men wield authority, progress can be hindered, needless conflicts may arise, public health can deteriorate, and relationships of all kinds can suffer.
The divine masculine silently cries out for help, constrained by societal expectations that discourage emotional expression. Despite this, the world seems to accept this imbalance as the status quo. However, it doesn't have to be this way. By taking small steps at an individual level, significant changes can be made to foster healthier relationships, improve personal well-being, and contribute to the overall balance of the divine masculine collective. These suggestions are a starting point for men and women embodying the divine masculine to initiate positive change. While individual-focused, their impact, when embraced collectively, can propel the world toward a more harmonious union of divine masculine and divine feminine energy.
How to Regain Balance Within the Divine Masculine Collective:
Embrace Positive Values:
Identify and adhere to positive values that contribute to personal and collective elevation. Simple yet impactful values, such as honesty, assisting the needy, frugality, or serving one's family, can shape a meaningful and positive life.
Commit to Something:
Dedicate yourself to activities or causes that resonate with you. Whether volunteering, engaging in a hobby, or committing to a passion project, the act of commitment brings fulfillment and purpose.
Practice Chivalry and Kindness:
Engage in acts of kindness without expecting praise or compensation. Holding doors open, offering seats to those in need, and performing selfless acts can trigger a positive domino effect in the world.
Practice Self-Love:
Delve into your inner self, acknowledging and addressing any traumas or insecurities hindering personal growth. Cultivate self-love through activities like meditation, nature walks, or dedicated time for personal well-being.
Be Physically Active:
Acknowledge the anatomical differences between men and women and the impact on physical and mental well-being. Engage in sports or physical activities to promote health, community, and a sense of accomplishment.
Cultivate Relationships:
Avoid isolation by fostering connections with friends and like-minded individuals. Activities like poker games, sports leagues, or chess teams provide spaces for camaraderie, emotional expression, and the development of social skills.
Commit to Lasting Relationships:
While recognizing that relationships may not be for everyone, value and cultivate committed relationships when they align with your values and goals. Avoid serial dating and embrace a lasting relationship when you find a compatible partner.
It is disheartening to witness the divine masculine collective in such disarray, but there is hope as men explore alternative paths to happiness and meaning. As we strive for a more balanced collective energy, I offer my prayers for the divine masculine to find healing and restoration.
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