The 4 Feminine Archetypes, what are they?

Have you ever heard of the 4 feminine archetypes? This concept is based on the 4 phases of the woman's menstrual cycle using characters and symbols for each. The goal is to allow a reconnection to oneself, a better understanding of one's body and its rules in order to accept one's femininity. These archetypes are also used to fully embrace the spiritual notion of the sacred feminine. In this article, we explain in detail what these archetypes of women are. You will also discover their detailed presentation so that you can know them inside out!

What are the 4 feminine archetypes?

Origin of the concept of archetypes: from Carl Jung to Miranda Gray

It was the psychiatrist Carl Jung who introduced the notion of archetype for the first time. Throughout his research, he manages to develop hypotheses about archetypes, their symbols and their meanings. However, Miranda Gray took Jung's principle to fit it with the woman's menstrual cycle. Author, reiki master, organizer of circles and workshops, she is also the initiator of the Womb Blessing movement (“Blessing of the Womb” in French). The latter organizes meditation groups for women to help them reconnect with their body and their femininity. It is therefore largely from Miranda Gray that we know the 4 feminine archetypes today. She has written works on the subject such as The Optimal Woman.

Concept of the 4 feminine archetypes

Yes, but concretely, what is an archetype? Well, the Le Robert dictionary defines it as follows: “Primitive, universal symbol, belonging to the collective unconscious”. To simplify, we can see an archetype as a symbol, a pattern that everyone unconsciously shares. Within the framework of the 4 feminine archetypes, we can see these as symbols, feminine figures which represent the 4 important stages of the menstrual cycle. These are: periods, the pre-ovulatory phase, the ovulatory phase and the pre-menstrual phase.

What is the concept of the 4 archetypes of women for?

The symbols (or archetypes therefore) to schematize the feminine cycle allow several things. They are useful for reconnecting with yourself and your body, but also for better understanding the phases of your cycle.

It is also a way to reduce the taboo surrounding women's periods, and on the contrary to revalorize them. We know that many women endure their periods rather than experiencing them. Some women also simply don't realize the changes that take place in their body during the different phases of their cycle!

It also allows us to better appreciate and enjoy all the cyclical aspects of life: the seasons, the emotions... We become more attentive, we slow down more easily to become aware of all the changes in us and around us.

Presentation of the 4 archetypes of the feminine cycle

We describe the archetypes to you in chronological order of the menstrual cycle, that is to say we start with the one associated with the period of menstruation.

We have created a collection of 4 candles for each feminine archetype in collaboration with Maëva Morin Yoga. We provide you with all the details under each presentation!

Feminine Archetype #1: The Witch

The first archetype of the woman that we present to you is that of the Witch, also called the Wise Woman. It corresponds to the first week of the female cycle, that is to say the period. It can also be associated with the winter season which represents calm, rest, withdrawal. The element best symbolizing the Witch is Earth, representing stability, slowness, calm and pragmatism. In the lunar cycle, this archetype corresponds to the New Moon, symbolizing renewal, intuition, wisdom and of course a new cycle.

This figure of the Witch invites us to rest, take care of ourselves and take stock of our emotions and feelings. It is a time conducive to introspection, meditation and finding answers about oneself.

The Witch Candle - The Herbivore Candle x Maëva Morin Yoga

Our archetypal Witch Candle was carefully imagined and designed with Maëva Morin. It reveals woody and purifying scents of Sage. To add beneficial virtues, we have inlaid two lithotherapy stones. The first is the Roche Crystal. It symbolizes the New Moon and its mysteries as well as intuition and dreams, conducive to a woman's menstrual period. The second stone isMoss Agate. This combines the purity and softness of Quartz with the protection, anchoring and mental virtues of Tourmaline.

Feminine Archetype #2: The Young Girl

The second archetype corresponds to that of the Young Girl, also called The Virgin. It is located between the 7th and 14th day of the cycle and therefore corresponds to the pre-ovulatory phase of the female cycle. This is the period when the uterus re-develops its lining and replenishes its energy. We can associate the Young Girl with Spring and its renewal, its flowering and its newfound colors. It represents the element Air, symbol of reflection and open-mindedness. In the lunar cycle, it corresponds to the First Quarter Moon, that is to say the waxing phase of the moon.

The Young Girl is part of a phase of rebirth energy, discoveries and ideas. She wants to know everything, learn everything and is motivated to make her dreams come true. It is therefore the right time to undertake, create and dare!

La Jeune Fille Candle - La Bougie Herbivore x Maëva Morin Yoga

Our archetypal Young Girl candle diffuses an intoxicating and warm scent of orange blossom. It is inlaid with two lithotherapy crystals for their many benefits. The first is Chrysoprase, a symbol of joy and renewal. It represents very well the spring energy specific to the Young Girl. Finally, the second crystal is Rutile Quartz, a symbol of abundance, self-confidence and motivation.

Feminine Archetype #3: The Mother

The Mother archetype appears between the 15th and 21st day of the cycle, namely during the ovulatory phase, where there is a peak of hormones. It corresponds to summer for its luminous, solar and joyful energy. It is therefore also associated with the fire element which symbolizes action, energy, impulse and force. The Mother can also be linked to the Full Moon, that is to say at the peak of the lunar cycle.

The Mother therefore embodies a particularly joyful period where love, sociability, the realization of projects, action and fulfillment are the order of the day. Good mood, motivation, energy and inspiration are at their maximum!

The Mother Candle - The Herbivore Candle x Maëva Morin Yoga

Our archetypal La Mère candle offers a sensual and comforting ylang-ylang fragrance. Like our 3 other archetypal candles, La Mère is adorned with two lithotherapy minerals to bring beneficial energies to its composition. The first is Carnelian which diffuses a solar, sensual and warm aura conducive to creativity and self-confidence. The second is the White Moonstone which relates to the Full Moon, fertility and creativity.

Feminine Archetype #4: The Enchantress

The 4th and final feminine archetype of the Enchantress is also called Wild Woman. It is located between the 22nd and 28th day of the cycle, that is to say in the pre-menstrual phase (just before your period) where hormones drop suddenly! This archetype is linked to the fall season because it prepares for the arrival of menstruation, in the same way that fall prepares for winter. The element that governs the Enchantress is water, symbol of sensitivity, emotions, intuition and introspection. The phase of the lunar cycle which approaches this feminine character is the Last Quarter Moon.

The Enchantress is part of an energy of doubt, waiting, questions and sometimes nervousness. This is very easily explained since the woman's body is waiting to see if fertilization occurs or not. It is therefore a delicate period where you need to slow down, listen to yourself and take care of yourself.

L’Enchanteresse Candle - La Bougie Herbivore x Maëva Morin Yoga

Our 4th and final archetypal L’Enchanteresse candle has been designed with a captivating and earthy scent of sandalwood. It is inlaid with lithotherapy stones like all our feminine archetype candles. The first stone is Amethyst, renowned for its spiritual power, its gentleness and its ability to free mental abilities. Finally, the second stone is Garnet, a red stone symbol of sensuality, sexuality and femininity which connects the woman with her body and her desires.

The 4 feminine archetypes are therefore symbols, personifications of the female menstrual cycle allowing us to better understand our body, our emotions and our energy on a daily basis. Our collection of Archétypes candles, created with Maëva Morin, was designed and created to help you rebalance with the 4 phases of your cycle! This is to allow you to gently re-tame your body and your emotions. You can therefore burn our archetypal candles whenever you feel the need, throughout the months!

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