Re-Engaging the Western Psyche: Shakti and the Divine Feminine Consciousness

Abstract

The dynamics between power and gender is on the strongest note as with the imbalance in harmony between the sexes has given rise to a society, culture wherein the male assumes an upper hand in disseminating knowledge while female voices are relegated to the margins of the society. For centuries, women have been ostracized, demonized, and silenced so that they would always serve as purposeful means for men. However, with the advent of the third wave of feminism, feminists all over the world took to challenging and replacing retrogressive ideologies with ones that could instill faith in women for a brighter future. As a result, what was once regarded as the focal point of male power have started to open to women which includes religion. Power is no longer perceived on a one-to-one scale rather it is seen as a spindle around which revolves various social, cultural, economic, aspects. The western psyche which is predominantly masculine centered on western modes of thinking ought to be re- engaged by an eastern principle of spirituality, the coming together of the masculine and the feminine principles or the essence of Shakti, the ultimate Divine Being as mother of creation. In this paper, its historical origin, the evolution of the concept and lastly its significance in the current times shall be gleamed upon. How relevant it is to channel one’s feminine principle in present times against the currents of a looming pandemic as it helps to attain individuation to become a psychic whole being?