SURRENDERING TO OLD MAN WINTER: HONOURING THE DARK FEMININE
"Slowing down isn’t slacking—it’s a power move. Rest is where queens reclaim their thrones." ~ Angela xo
Over the holidays, my body has been asking for what I so often encourage others to embrace: rest and stillness. A chest infection, passed along as if nature herself were handing me a lesson, has left me no choice but to slow all the way down.
As a therapist, Women’s Empowerment Mentor, and owner of two businesses, the pull to push through—even when unwell—can feel relentless. But with the wisdom of my body as my guide, I am reminded of the sacredness of surrender. In this space, I am called to embrace the dark feminine—a powerful and often misunderstood archetype that every woman should honour.
What is the Dark Feminine?
The dark feminine is the shadow side of feminine energy, representing mystery, intuition, surrender, and transformation. She resides in the realms of introspection, creativity, and the sacred pause. Unlike the light feminine—which is nurturing, outwardly expressive, and radiant—the dark feminine is about inward journeys and embracing the full spectrum of our emotions, including grief, anger, and fear.
Often linked to archetypes like Kali (destruction and rebirth), Persephone (descent into the underworld), and Lilith (freedom and sovereignty), the dark feminine teaches us to trust our inner wisdom, honour boundaries, and see transformation as a necessary part of life.
Why It’s Important to Honour the Dark Feminine
1. Reclaiming Power Through Vulnerability
The dark feminine shows us that power isn’t just in doing but in being. When we honour her, we reclaim parts of ourselves we’ve been taught to suppress—our intuition, raw emotions, and the need for rest. For women like me, running two businesses and mentoring others, this is a critical reminder that strength also lies in acknowledging vulnerability.
2. Balancing External Demands with Internal Needs
As women, we’re often conditioned to prioritise others’ needs above our own. Embracing the dark feminine helps us set boundaries and say no without guilt, ensuring our energy is directed towards what truly matters.
3. Healing Through Acceptance
The dark feminine invites us to honour the messy, imperfect parts of life. She teaches us that healing doesn’t always look like fixing—it often looks like sitting with discomfort and accepting what is.
4. Surrendering to the Cycles of Life
Women are cyclical beings, much like nature. The dark feminine reminds us that we don’t need to be in “summer mode” all the time—producing, creating, and giving. There is beauty in the winters of our lives, where we rest, reflect, and prepare for renewal.
5. Empowering Others Through Self-Connection
When we embrace the dark feminine, we give others permission to do the same. By modelling what it looks like to slow down, trust intuition, and embrace imperfection, we empower others to live more authentically.
My Own Winter Surrender
This winter, I have been called to pause and heal. Instead of pushing through, I have chosen to embrace the dark feminine energy of reflection, nourishment, and trust. I’ve let go of the guilt and anxiety that so often accompany rest. In their place, I’ve found stillness and strength.
Can you relate to the polarity of being active in life and taking time to rest and restore? I believe it is something many women dance with. The dark and the light. The expansion and the contraction. Similar to our breath or heartbeat. There’s a rhythm we are called to honour—a rhythm that invites us to trust the cycles of life and the wisdom of our own bodies.
Honouring the Dark Feminine in Your Life
Honour Stillness: Carve out time for reflection and solitude, even if it feels counterproductive.
Explore Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel fully—whether it’s sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, or fear. Journaling or creative or expressive art can help release these emotions.
Set Boundaries: Say no without guilt to protect your energy and honour your needs.
Join the Journey: The Empowered Soul Collective
If this resonates with you, I invite you to join The Empowered Soul Collective, a space where women can reconnect with their inner wisdom, heal, and thrive. In this sacred community, we’ll explore the rhythms of life, the dance between light and dark, and the power of honouring your true self.
Through guided practices, shared experiences, and the collective wisdom of like-minded women, you’ll learn to embrace the dark feminine and reclaim your power in every season of life.
Let’s navigate the cycles of life together. You don’t have to do it alone. Click below to learn more and join us today.
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I’m Angela. As an educator, a therapist, and women’s soul-led empowerment mentor. I guide you to reconnect with your true self and rise into your fullest potential.