Sparked by an entry at

[zianuray]

theperfumer's LJ, and posted also in her blog here, I hereby question the convention of the "three faces of the god/dess" as used in Wicca/Paganism/Heathenry/whatever practices use these designators.


Four primary directions are recognized (NESW), and four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water), guardians, towers, etc...there are more phases of the moon than three (though I'll leave the exact number up to someone else to fuss about; I use 4:  Dark/New, Waxing, Full, and Waning), four seasons, four "solar observances" (Solstices and Equinoxes), four cross-quarter observances....

And there are women, as she points out, who do not fill any role described in the standard Maiden/Mother/Crone conventions.

I've heard reference to "Maiden/Mother/Warrior/Crone" (ala Mercedes Lackey) and "Maiden/Mother/Queen/Crone" (not sure who, but I believe I read it in SageWoman magazine by BBI Media).

What "new" archtype would you suggest for a woman who has not had children (whether by choice or by fate), but who is not yet a Crone?  Surely this does not diminish her nor her contributions to society, though there are certain experiences she will not have and certain lessons she will not learn this time -- but maybe she learned them well her last time on the wheel, and this time is for other lessons.

Warrior, in either the military or the business sense?  Queen, if she remains sovereign in her household (whether a one-person bed-sitter or a mansion teeming with family and/or servants)? 

How about for a woman who has had children, but they are no longer in her household; they have grown up and started their own?  Is she "stuck" with the Mother designation until her Croning, or does she take a new role and title?

And how about men?  Youth, Father, Sage...apply the same arguments, please, and go from there.  If a man chooses to not become a father, surely this does not diminish him, though again, some lessons may be reserved for another incarnation (or already learned).

(cross-posted to nonfluffypagans )

Here is the specific link to that post -- wow, really good discussion points!

 

Comments

[ivorywitch.livejournal.com]

I think the key to transcending labels is assimilation. We are always ALL of these, in One. I like the Queen and Warrior additions, but I also like the Whore..who is in possession of her own sexual power, not just from childbirth or relationships, but ending them as well. She has facets of Maiden and Crone, Mother and Queen, and you will see all of them in her exhibiting a life well lived. Assimilation gives us access to all the tools each of these facets bring to our lives. A Person cannot be defined by labels, rather by experiences, both given and received. There is no pat answer...and for myself...I claim them all and visit each one every day. We are no pegs to be put into holes, we are multifunctional, multifaceted, and should be encouraged to enjoy and embrace the wholeness that is womanhood..in all the facets we can name.