After mother before crone

Maiden symbolises Spring, Mother symbolises Summer and Crone equates to Winter… so it is only fitting to recognise an Autumn stage represented by the Maga archetype. This is a time in a woman’s journey to reap the benefits of the maiden and mother years, reflecting on the wisdom, experiences and security gained.

“Aligns us with the power within us to heal our past, transform our relationship patterns and come home to ourselves”

Female Archetypes

We women are cyclic beings, just like in nature, each phase of the feminine life cycle corresponds to a different season, a different phase of the moon, a different phase of our menstrual cycle and represents a fusion of beauty, challenges and transformations. In the tapestry of womanhood, like the seasons, we are all connected, each phase allows us to recognise the subtle shifts in femininity when we tune in, and to celebrate the unique gifts on offer.

**Maiden:** (Spring) Waxing Moon & Follicular Phase
**Mother:** Full Moon & Ovulatory Phase (Summer)
**Wild Woman:** Waning Moon & Luteal Phase (Autumn)
**Wise Woman:** New Moon & Menstruation Phase (Winter)

Modern extension of the triple goddness

In ancient times, women’s life stages or archetypes were broadly categorised as Maiden, Mother and Crone or the ‘Triple Goddess’ in some forms of feminine spirituality and used as an example of society’s treatment of women. While the Maiden is revered, and the Mother is honoured, the Crone is pushed aside and hides in the shadows. Now, thanks to medical advancements we have an increased life expectancy along with evolving societal roles, which has made way for a fourth phase – Maga or Wild Woman.

Maga archetype

Maga is an intriguing aspect of the feminine journey, the woman who has lived through life’s experiences and learned from them, gaining a deep sense of inner knowing and intuition and sharing this with the community. While not yet a Crone, she embraces her freedom and new sexual power, taking back the notion that with age comes wisdom. After years of prioritising others, this phase is the time her energy turns inward, cultivating inner peace and acceptance and taking stock (as you would in autumn to prepare for winter), and letting go of what no longer serves. She becomes more assertive and brimming with creativity, although navigating some physical limitations, she continues to contribute to the world. This phase coincides with perimenopause and menopause, and is marked by profound emotional, physical and spiritual shifts.

The Maga woman represents the importance of self-care, as well as the ability to provide guidance and support to others. She embodies a deep sense of self-awareness, self-confidence and independence and inspires women to embrace their own inner power, to celebrate their journey through life and embrace the beauty and wisdom that comes with age.

Empowering the Maga years

Empowering oneself as a Maga and embracing your wise woman years involves reframing menopause as a transformative journey, rather than a time of unpleasant symptoms, and invisibility. Here are some ways to foster this mindset:

1. Self-discovery and Embrace Change – its inevitable, change is the only thing we know for certain. Recognise menopause as a natural progression through a life cycle. Delve into self-reflection. Ask yourself what truly matters? What are your desires and passions. Shed societal expectations and be unapologetically YOU! Your authentic self is magnetic and inspires others to accept their uniqueness.

2. Nurture Health – foster wellbeing in all domains of your life, a balanced diet, good sleep, healthy mindset and ensure regular health check ups.

3. Intuition – trust your inner compass, listen closely.. it rarely steers you wrong.

4. Connection – the richness of life lies in meaningful bonds with others. Connect with friends, family, and community. Engage in conversations with older women. Share stories, laughter and tears. Communicate with your partner about how you feel and what you need during this phase of your life.

5. Mind-Body Practices – incorporate movement, meditation, yoga and spiritual practices to enhance emotional and mental stability. Incorporate rituals to mark this transition, whether alone or in a community can really empower you.

6. Creativity – explore creative interests as a means of self-expression. Many women rediscover interests in art, writing, or dance from their maiden years which were set aside for study, careers and/or motherhood.

7. Legacy – what seeds will you plant for future generations? Your wisdom, kindness and love will ripple through time.