Unless you’ve just put down a sneaky copy of Fifty Shades of Grey, or have just finished up a season of American Gods, the concept of ‘goddesses’—in the literal, not mythological sense—is probably somewhat foreign to you. Goddesses we learn about in either the abstract or in mythical terms—Aphrodite rising from the sea in her clam shell; a fully-formed Athena bludgeoning her way out of her father’s skull, sword in hand—but it’s rare that we consider the notion of being ruled by some form of inner divinity in relation to our own health and well-being.
But that’s exactly what speaker and author Tanishka, also known as The Moon Woman, is all about.
The Australia-based inner goddess expert has been advocating the way of the personal divine since 1996, a topic on which she has penned five books—the latest of which, Goddess Wisdom, was released in June—and speaks regularly about at conferences and international events.
The premise is this: tying in parallel with the idea of chakras, there are seven energy centres located along our spinal columns, and each is associated with one of the “universal feminine aspects that together make up female psyche,” Tanishka explained to ELLE.
When all seven energy centres are engaged and opened, the result is of an empowered life force, which can—in turn—have positive effects on one’s “vitality, longevity, libido, creativity and fertility”.
But don’t worry, the ‘inner goddess’ way of life isn’t calling for an immediate abandonment of your Gucci sneakers and RE/Done denim in favour of linen togas and olive-leaf wreaths. Awakening your inner goddess is less about standing naked under a full moon chanting (although, if that’s your thing, who are we to judge?) and more about learning and strengthening our own resolve and fortitude.
“The adage, ‘knowledge is power’ is true. Once we really know ourselves, we make far more empowered choices and life becomes easier and less stressful.”
“This awareness [of connecting with your inner goddess] helps you create a life where all the different parts of yourself feel fulfilled,” said Tanishka. “You’ll also enjoy relationships that are multi-faceted, as you connect on many different levels. From soul-fulfilling friendships to soulful relationships. In the ancient world, one wasn’t considered ready for union with another until they had first unveiled all the facets of their own soul—that’s where our modern day tradition of the wedding veil comes from.”
Like the concept of chakras—the seven psychic-energy pools which sit along the spinal cord, from the top of the head to the base of the spine—each feminine aspect is associated with a different energy, purpose, practice and system of thought.
“By connecting with the inner Goddess who governs our base chakra, we learn how to express anger in ways that are healthy so we aren’t passive in the face of danger or alternatively someone who fears change so puts up with a situation they’ve outgrown instead of feeling empowered to take right action,” Tanishka says of the long-term effects of ‘awakening’ these aspects. “Just by empowering this one inner Goddess, we awaken our passion, find greater acceptance with our bodies, our sexuality, our menstrual cycle and learn how to create equal power dynamics in relationships.”
“The next aspect—the inner muse—helps us balance our emotions, reduce comfort eating, appreciate our own unique beauty, minimise infatuations with those who aren’t emotionally available and express our creativity.”
But taking the first steps down this path is easier said than done. The process of accessing all seven aspects is not an instant change and requires focus and meditation in the long term. Tanishka suggests doing ‘check-ins’ to realign yourself with your aspects.
“Whenever you have a choice to make, ask yourself, ‘What would be self-honouring in this situation?’ This simple check-in ensures we attune to our inner guidance rather than just play the role of good girl, dutiful daughter, employee or partner which results in us denying our authentic needs,” she said.
As for the everyday of things, Tanishka advises picking up a moon chart, and paying attention to what each phase means.
“Get to know how the phases of the moon evoke the different aspects of your inner Goddess,” she told us. “For example, at first quarter moon, we feel social and active so this is a great time to increase your workout expectations and plan a girl’s night whereas the darkest phase of the moon is when we feel more reflective and reclusive like the inner wise woman, making it a great time for journaling.”
But remember it’s not a race—the key is to go slowly and focus intently on each aspect and energy pool. Goddesses can’t be rushed.
“Awaken this energy step-by-step… one chakra Goddess at a time. In my workbook and online course I suggest women journey one lunar month with each aspect so they can integrate the energy shifts.”
Get awakening.
From: ELLE AU
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