Gender

"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine principles; Gender manifests on all planes."

Historical interpretation

In older Hermetic and alchemical language, "masculine" and "feminine" are not about social gender roles but about two fundamental modes of activity: projective and receptive, active and containing, seed and soil. Myths, gods, and elements are paired in these ways. Creation arises from the interplay and union of these complementary forces, not from one side alone.

Current-day interpretation

We can talk about these forces as modes of consciousness: initiating versus allowing, speaking versus listening, planning versus gestating, sending versus receiving. Every person, regardless of identity, carries both modes and moves between them. A healthy life, relationship, or project usually needs a mix: a clear, directed push and a spacious, nurturing container.

Relatable example

Think about making a meal for friends. There is the planning, list-making, shopping, chopping, and cooking. That is the directing, active mode. Then there is setting the table, welcoming people in, letting conversation unfold, and simply enjoying what happens around the food. That is the receptive, holding mode. If you only ever plan and cook but never sit down to eat with anyone, something is missing. If you only ever show up to be fed but never help create the meal, something is missing. The gathering is most alive when both modes are present and working together.