Loyalty to the Divine Feminine: Integration of the Divine Feminine through a depth psychological perspective

Abstract

This dissertation illustrates the integration of Divine Feminine principles with the current patriarchal paradigm as a path towards feminine individuation. The study attempts to constellate awareness of internal shifts of consciousness from lived experiences of ancient Divine Feminine principles. The rigorous six-stage approach of Clark Moustakas' heuristic method was employed. These include initial engagement, immersion, incubation, illumination, explication, and creative synthesis. In addition, the depth psychological processes of engaging dreams, active imaginations, inner reflections, and meditations were put into dialogue with the autonomous forces of the unconscious. Pilgrimages to sacred sites from different parts of the world and inner explorations of the archetypal realms were conducted to commune with the symbolic presentations of the ancient Divine Feminine. These outer journeys and inner experiences provided the foundation for new findings, which are chronicled and explicated.

In particular, the transformative symbols of the Black Madonna and Mary Magdalene, marginalized and rejected by patriarchy for centuries, were examined. Their remarkable reemergence in our cultural and individual consciousness today summons us to heal our psyches by bringing into awareness those parts of us that have been forgotten, denied, and repressed.

This dissertation study was built upon the various works of Jungian authors, clinical and depth psychologists, and theologians who believe in the significance of Divine Feminine principles. This study is of importance to clinical psychology because the data collected from pilgrimage and from the unconscious and archetypal realms can help us further understand the richness and complexities found in the Divine Feminine mysteries in service of finding wholeness and experience Self.

The results obtained through this study demonstrate the application and integration of Divine Feminine symbols in achieving a balance between logos and interrelatedness—the sacred marriage, hieros gamos, of the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine within our psyches. Feminine redemption through claiming the disowned parts of ourselves by reconnecting with the Divine Feminine symbols of the Black Madonna and Mary Magdalene assists us on our journey towards feminine individuation.