Gender in Astrology: The asymmetry of feminine and masculine

Holistic thinking allows us to understand that there is no hierarchy in seasons, just as there is no hierarchy in a circle. Winter is not better than Spring, and Summer isn't better than Fall. We may have our personal preferences, but each season has their purpose, energy, and placement in sequence that allows the cycle of creation to occur.

Though we can manipulate our weather, the seasons are the manifestation of the transition between weather. They are unchangeable, inseparable, and their existence has laid the foundation for our existence.

When we further divide the commonly known 4 season cycle into 12 pieces, we can see an even more detailed change of elemental energy, gender, and mode.

Gender is energy, don't personify gender!

Gender is the primary exchange of asymmetry. Throughout all of our physical world, the culmination of the masculine and feminine physical energies make a byproduct, we call this process “creation”. Masculine and feminine energies are found in and out of physical bodies. We find this fundamental difference in gender to be obvious when we look at how electricity works.

Masculine energy is projecting and positive, and every other zodiac sign is masculine (Fire & Air Signs). Feminine energy is receptive, and negatively charged (Earth & Water signs.) When this energy takes human form, we have male and female bodies. 

The Effects of Living in a Male Body

The male body has a hormonal cycle of 24 hours, which allows men to wake up every day replenished and anew. Testosterone levels in men are higher than women, and testosterone is what allows men to have more muscle mass, leading to more physical strength than women on average, as well as less body fat than females. Peak levels of testosterone are highest in the morning, and decrease at night, but replenish during sleep. 

Testosterone is what gives men their physical endurance as well. When men have low testosterone, they can suffer greatly with mental health issues, depression, mood problems, anger, cognitive disfunction, anxiety, etc. Adequate levels of testosterone is also associated with improved cognitive function, memory, and concentration, and a lack thereof is associated with cognitive decline. Testosterone is what allows men to remain calm, knowing they have a reserve of strength and energy to handle what life asks of them. 

When testosterone levels are too high, men are at risk of a wide range of problems including acne and skin issues, hair loss, cardiovascular issues, liver damage, prostate enlargement, sleep apnea, and fluid retention. Excess testosterone can also be converted into estrogen resulting in infertility, gynecomastia, and a cascade of health issues. Psychologically, high testosterone results in aggression and irritability, risky behavior, decreased empathy, and addictive behavior. 

Testosterone levels decrease with age, along with muscle mass, sexual interest, and cognitive function. But their hormone levels still reset every day in a way that is unique to men, and different than women. Men wake up feeling the same way every morning, what a gift it is to have every day of the year available to your body in the same way it was the day before! This is why we say that men are the sun, ruled by the sun. 

The Effects of Living in a Female Body

Although testosterone is often considered a male hormone, it is also essential for women and serves several important functions. It plays a role in regulating libido and gives women their sex drive. Just like in men, testosterone contributes to muscle mass and strength as well as bone health, mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. And just like in males, women do experience a circadian rhythm in testosterone levels, the peak and trough differences are just less dramatic.

The female body on the other hand, as a hormonal cycle that is about 28 days when the woman is healthy. Each day is one part of a 28 day menstrual cycle, which can be broken up into phases, just like the moon. These monthly seasons are similar to the seasons of earth, which all of us can understand.

Illustration by Marta Pucci

Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5) 

• Hormonal Changes: Both estrogen and progesterone levels are low at the start of menstruation.

• Feelings: Women may experience cramping, fatigue, and general discomfort during menstruation. Mood can also be affected, with some women feeling more tired, less energetic, and more prone to mood swings. 
• Similar to: Winter, to rest & surrender

Follicular Phase (Days 1-13)

• Hormonal Changes: During the follicular phase, estrogen levels gradually rise. This phase begins on the first day of menstruation and continues until ovulation.

• Feelings: Many women report feeling more energetic, optimistic, and generally in a better mood. Higher estrogen levels are associated with improved mood, increased energy, and enhanced cognitive functions.
• Similar to: Spring, to cherish yourself
  

Ovulation (Day 14)

• Hormonal Changes: Estrogen peaks just before ovulation, and there is a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) which triggers the release of an egg. Testosterone levels also spike around this time.

• Feelings: Women often feel their best around ovulation. The peak in estrogen and testosterone can lead to increased libido, confidence, and socialization. Many women also feel more attractive and have a higher pain tolerance during this period. Studies have shown that men find women more attractive when they are ovulating as well.
• Similar to: Summer- Expressing Fullness
  

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)

• Hormonal Changes: After ovulation, progesterone levels rise and then fall sharply if pregnancy does not occur. Estrogen levels also drop.

• Feelings: This is often the time when women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, and food cravings. The drop in estrogen and progesterone can significantly impact mood and physical well-being.
• Similar to: Autumn- Aligning with Truth

Historically, many cultures have linked the menstrual cycle with the lunar cycle. The moon's phases have often been associated with fertility and femininity. For example:

• The word "menstruation" comes from the Latin "mensis," which means month, and is related to the Greek "mene," meaning moon.
• Some indigenous cultures have traditions and beliefs connecting the menstrual cycle with the moon phases.

The other hormones that are present in both men and women, are found in higher concentrations in women, including progesterone, estrogen. When a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, the list gets even longer. When she is ovulating, or releasing an egg, she is happy and joyful, has lots of energy, patience, and verbal skills, due to higher levels of testosterone. 

Psychological Gender

Though our natal chart consists of both male and female energy exchange, there may be a higher level of one gendered energy than the other based on planetary influence. On top of that, the way your society decides what masculine and feminine looks like, will typically vary, and may not align with natural order. For instance, if you have more planets in masculine signs, or houses, you may not feel or act in a naturally feminine way, even if you have female form. If you have a male body, but your natal chart consists of more feminine placements, you may seem or behave in a more feminine way. This is because our psychological energy is a reflection of our natal planetary placements. This may look like:

• A "feminine" man being more sensitive to his emotions and the emotions of others, more empathetic and caring of others, nurturing towards children, patient, and practical, perhaps taking more interest in spiritual development. 
• A "masculine" woman being less emotionally available, taking more interest in competitive or social behaviors, solving problems, projecting their will and ideas, initiating change, and making an impact on others. They may take interest in activities that require physical or mental exertion, and enjoy challenges that result in immediate changes.  

The Western Patriarchal Influence on Gender

A patriarchal society is one where men hold primary power and predominance in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property. It is characterized by male dominance and the prioritization of male perspectives and values. 

The majority of societies worldwide are patriarchal. This includes not only Western countries but also many nations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where patriarchal gender roles and male dominance in social, economic, and political spheres are deeply entrenched. Patriarchal norms are often institutionalized through laws, cultural practices, and religious beliefs, reinforcing male dominance and female subordination.

Patriarchal gender roles

Patriarchal gender norms influence many aspects of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships between men and women. Here are some examples of these norms:

1. Male Head of Household:

   • The father or eldest male is often seen as the primary authority figure and decision-maker in the family, regardless of their natural or innate leadership ability, intelligence, or capability. 
   • Men are expected to be the primary breadwinners, while women are often expected to manage the household and childcare.

2. Division of Labor:

   • There is a clear unequal division of labor, with women typically responsible for all domestic chores, cooking, and caregiving, while men handle tasks outside the home and have financial control over resources.
   • This division often undervalues domestic work and places a heavier burden on women, working longer hours, with less time to themselves, and less access to financial freedom that men 

3. Inheritance and Property Rights:

   • In many patriarchal societies, property and inheritance are passed down through the male line, often excluding women from owning or inheriting significant assets.

4. Marriage Roles:

   • Women are often expected to take their husband’s last name and may be pressured to prioritize their husband’s career and needs over their own.
   • In some cultures, dowries or bride prices reinforce the view of women as property or economic burdens.

5. Parental Roles:

   • Fathers may be less involved in day-to-day parenting, with child-rearing seen primarily as the mother’s responsibility.
   • Sons are often given more freedom and privileges compared to daughters, who may face stricter rules and expectations.

Interpersonal Relationships

1. Gender Expectations:

   • Men are expected to be assertive, dominant, and emotionally stoic, while women are expected to be nurturing, submissive, and emotionally passive.
   • These norms discourage men from showing vulnerability and women from displaying assertiveness.

2. Social Behavior:

   • Men are often encouraged to pursue multiple romantic or sexual relationships, while women may be judged harshly for similar behavior.
   • Women are frequently expected to be modest and chaste, with their value often tied to their sexual behavior and appearance.

3. Communication Styles:

   • Men may be expected to dominate conversations and decision-making processes, while women may be encouraged to be accommodating and supportive.
   • Women’s opinions and contributions are often undervalued or dismissed in both professional and personal settings.

4. Power Dynamics:

   • Men are often expected to take the lead in relationships, including initiating dates, making major decisions, and controlling finances.
   • Women may be socialized to defer to men’s opinions and authority, reinforcing unequal power dynamics.

5. Career and Ambition:

   • Women who pursue careers or display ambition may face social stigma or be perceived as neglecting their familial duties.
   • Men are often expected to prioritize their careers and are praised for professional achievements, while women’s successes may be downplayed or overshadowed by their family roles.

The way your sex is treated in society can play a role in how likely you are to identify with your physical sex, especially if your psychological gender doesn't match your physical gender. This can manifest as:

• A man who perceives the role of manhood as being too dangerous or difficult, and unmotivated by the perceived lack of reward that society offers him for enduring these challenges.
• A man who perceives the task of keeping a woman happy and satisfied to be too complex or difficult, recognizing that he is unable to provide what she needs without proper community.
• A woman who has had mostly negative experiences with men, unwilling or refusing to engage with them sexually or socially.
• A woman who is not supported to endure the physical, emotional, and spiritual requirements of being a woman, due to lack of resources, community, education etc, taking less interest in the hardship surrounding womb maintenance. 

The confusion of gender roles in Western Society

Another interesting part of western culture is the way natural gender roles and behavior have been switched. Throughout all of nature, the female species lacks the beauty, colors, and drama that is found in the male species. Feminine nature is quiet, receptive, and calculative. Male energy is projecting, bold, and expressive. However, in western society, colorful and expressive behavior in men is seen as feminine, while women are socialized into putting on makeup, and encouraged to wear colorful flashy outfits. More recently, Men in the west are only interested in receiving from women, and essentially taking a passive role in their dating, mating, and family lives. Women have slowly been socialized to provide for everyone in the family without monetary compensation, often exhausting themselves in the process, leading to imbalanced social and family dynamics. Men are also credited with doing more than women, simply because their labor is paid more often than women's domestic labor. 

Our social constructs in the west hare derived from patriarchal systems, and have led us to believe that men are inherently masculine and anything perceived as feminine in a man (or woman) is a negative thing. In patriarchal systems, there is also an oppressive and negative view of the feminine in general, so all aspects of womanhood and femininity are negatively seen as weak, unintelligent, worth less, etc.

Here's a list of common illusions which have done a disservice to our true nature:

• Men are Dominant and Women are Submissive
• False, dominance is about power dynamics, and has nothing to do with gender. 
• Men are natural providers and protectors
• False, men are simply given this role because anything less is destructive and dangerous. Men can not be natural providers and protectors while also being responsible for the most violence and destruction in the world. While women can also be violent and destructive, most violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violent crime is committed by men. Men may die in wars and battles more often than women, but not at the hands of women. 
• Women typically protect and provide in deep and meaningful ways for everyone around them, for the betterment of the entire community. The idea that the way mothers nurture, protect, and provide for their children is not considered protecting and providing sounds misogynist and biased. Men are more inclined to abandon their children and families, and take passive roles in the family dynamic, due to a variety of social, industrial, and societal changes that have taken place over the centuries. 
• The idea that men are naturally protectors and providers, comes from a history when women were considered property, not allowed to work or earn money, access bank accounts, own property, or inherit money. Their domestic work was unpaid, compulsory, and to this day is not recognized as actual work by many in our modern society, because it doesn't generate income. 
• Men are more logical than women
• False, men are considered to be naturally logical, good at math, good with their hands, crafty, etc, whereas these are naturally feminine traits, that have been mislabeled as masculine traits. Plenty of men are not good at math, or good with their hands.
• False, women's emotional complexities being met with men's lack of emotional intelligence, has been misconstrued as men being more "logical". But men's angry and violent emotional outbursts are simply not viewed as unnecessary emotional reactions due to social norms. 
• Women have more negative emotions than men
• False, both men and women experience emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, loss, grief, etc. However men are typically socialized to be less verbal than women, and not socialized to express their emotions, or to have deeply rich spiritual and social lives. 
• Women perceive threats from men more often than men perceive threats from anyone. Energetically, women operate similar to prey animals on the planet in comparison to men, due to their size and vulnerability to unwanted sexual advances from men.
• Because the female hormone cycle is 28 times longer than men's, the complexity of women's psychology is deeper, and more intuitive than men, women have more brain activity than men on average, even while sleeping.
• Women's complexity is an inconvenience to a world that makes no room for it, and rewards shallow and short sighted behavior, or neglects the emotional needs and spiritual nature of all human beings

Masculine & Feminine are so inseparable that we must not think of one without the other EVER. The masculine and feminine are a fundamental unity, but our language and thinking about them, and later our experience can make them seem like two things.

Transgenderism

Indigenous cultures across North America and other regions have long-held, diverse, and complex views about gender and transgenderism, often contrasting with Western binary gender norms. One prominent aspect of this diversity is the concept of Two-Spirit people, which reflects a nuanced understanding of gender and sexuality. Here’s a detailed look at indigenous perspectives on these topics:

Reclaiming Identity:

• In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest and pride in Two-Spirit identities among Indigenous people. Efforts to reclaim and revitalize traditional gender roles and understandings are part of broader movements for cultural and spiritual renewal.
• Two-Spirit societies, organizations, and gatherings have been established to support and celebrate Two-Spirit people, fostering community and cultural continuity.

Challenges and Advocacy:

• Despite historical acceptance, Two-Spirit and transgender Indigenous people today face challenges, including discrimination, marginalization, and the lasting impacts of colonialism.
• Advocacy and education efforts aim to combat these issues, promote understanding, and ensure the rights and well-being of Two-Spirit and transgender individuals within Indigenous and broader communities.

Navajo (Diné):

• The Navajo recognize nádleehi (male-bodied people with feminine roles) and dilbaa (female-bodied people with masculine roles) as part of their traditional understanding of gender diversity.

Lakota:

• The Lakota and other Plains tribes have terms like winkte (Lakota) to describe male-bodied individuals who take on traditionally female roles. These individuals were often seen as having special spiritual powers.

Ojibwe:

• Among the Ojibwe, the term niizh manidoowag (two spirits) is used to describe gender-variant individuals, reflecting their spiritual and cultural significance.

Transgenderism and Body Dysmorphia

It can be incredibly relieving and validating to learn astrology if you are a transgender person, or if you simply feel that the roles and expectations put on your sex do not align with how you feel psychologically. As society evolves to recognize these truths, it's important to maintain a healthy love for yourself, and that includes your physical body. There is no wrong body to have, and hopefully our society will evolve to encourage us to be true to ourselves regardless of the bodies we inhabit. I have known many people who have been on the verge of destroying their physical form in an attempt to access themselves psychologically, only to discover astrology and become perfectly accepting of their physical form, realizing it doesn't reflect anything about their psychological makeup.

For more detailed understanding I suggest booking a reading with me of your natal chart. 

The Gender of Planets in Astrology 

​In astrology, planets are often assigned genders based on their traditional characteristics and mythological associations, however these vary and will continue to become more androgynous the deeper we get into the Age of Aquarius. In my opinion, gender doesn't mathematically apply to the planets, but communally, our societies have assigned gender roles to planets based on how they behave, as well as how society expects the sexes to behave, whether they actually do or not. These ideals centered around gender roles should be challenged, along with the current rulership system, because they don't reflect modern ideals or understandings.

Here's an overview of how each planet is gendered and the reasons behind these classifications:

Masculine Planets

1. Sun: The Sun is traditionally considered masculine. It represents vitality, authority, the self, and outward expression. The Sun's energy is active, assertive, and life-giving, which aligns with traditional masculine traits. I have no challenges to this, because I do believe that fire is a masculine energy.

2. Mars: Mars is also considered masculine, representing energy, aggression, desire, and action. Named after the Roman god of war, Mars is associated with the drive to assert oneself and conquer, which are seen as masculine qualities, despite being present in all living beings. I would challenge that mars behaves in a way that isn't productive when it is in a feminine sign, and would ask that we reconsider the way we view women's work, women's power, women's inertia, as being no different than a man's.  

Feminine Planets

1. Moon: The Moon is feminine, symbolizing intuition, emotions, nurturing, and the subconscious. Its cyclical nature and association with the maternal archetype make it a representation of feminine energy. I have a hard time challenging this because the female body has a timed system that aligns with the moon, in a way that does not effect the male body. 

2. Venus: Venus is considered feminine, representing love, beauty, harmony, and relationships. Named after the Roman goddess of love, Venus's qualities of attraction, receptivity, and aesthetic appreciation align with traditional feminine attributes. I believe that Venus effects men as well in terms of the type of women, and female archetypes, they tend to be attracted to. Venus is especially obvious when looking at mundane astrology, the study of the natal chart of particular countries, and see how a country's venus impacts the way women behave as a whole, what they are valued for, and what men find attracted in their women. For instance, Great Britain has a Venus in Taurus, their beauty standard is very different from France, who has a Venus in Libra. 

Androgynous or Neutral Planets

1. Mercury: Mercury is often considered androgynous or neutral because it represents communication, intellect, and adaptability. Mercury can take on the characteristics of the planets it interacts with, embodying both masculine and feminine qualities as needed.

2. Uranus: Uranus is sometimes viewed as neutral or androgynous due to its association with innovation, rebellion, and unconventionality. Its energy transcends traditional gender roles, focusing instead on individuality and change.

3. Jupiter: Jupiter is sometimes considered masculine due to its expansive, optimistic, and benevolent nature. It represents growth, abundance, and the principle of increase, all of which are traditionally associated with the masculine role of providing and protecting. However myself and many others believe it is more feminine than that, it not androgynous. The benevolence, philanthropic, and giving nature can very much be said to be feminine, or at least softer than typical masculine stereotypes. 

4. Saturn: Saturn is generally seen as masculine because it embodies structure, discipline, authority, and restriction. These traits align with traditional views of paternal roles and the enforcement of rules and order. I and many others see Saturn as androgynous, completely taking on the gender of the sign it's placed in, even more so if in a house of matching gender.

5. Neptune: Neptune is often seen as androgynous or feminine, symbolizing dreams, spirituality, intuition, and the dissolution of boundaries. Its mystical and elusive nature defies strict gender categorization. I 

6. Pluto: Pluto is generally considered neutral or androgynous due to its association with transformation, power, and the underworld. Its intense and regenerative energy can encompass both destructive and creative forces, transcending traditional gender roles.

These gender associations are rooted in traditional astrology and mythological symbolism, reflecting how ancient cultures perceived and personified celestial bodies. Modern astrology sometimes moves away from strict gender classifications, focusing more on the unique energies and influences of each planet.

The Asymmetric Complexity of Gender

It can be argued that the effects of hormonal changes add a layer of complexity to living with a female body, that men are not burdened with experiencing, integrating or understanding. Without even mentioning the larger complexities and dramatic changes that women experience during and after pregnancy, just the maintenance of a womb alone, without fertilization, includes tracking, planning, and pregnancy prevention methods that men rarely even think about. 

These physical needs, changes, and realities, force women to contend with (in physical form at least), the laws of nature, regardless of whether her society has integrated them into their culture or not. Men are privileged to escape these ties to the earth by having the personal freedom and autonomy that comes naturally with being in a male body. 

The counterargument that those living in a male body experience  anything as naturally and unnaturally burdensome as those in a female body, falls short logically. Here's a breakdown of the arguments I've heard, and would love to find a better one:

• "Men die in wars more than women"
• This argument relies on the idea that war is an inevitable part of life, and not a man-made problem. Women suffer greatly in the horrors of war, no creature on earth is left unaffected other than perhaps those at the top of the "food chain" who profit from war, and even that is arguable. This also brings up the counter-counterargument that no man has ever died in child birth.
• "Men experience more violence, depression, and suicide than women"
• This is true, but these hardships that men are experiencing are not being caused by women, unless you credit women for the very existence of men. Men are experiencing violence from other men for the most part. And because men resort to a more violent method of committing suicide, they are usually more successful. Women attempt suicide at higher rates than men, but they are not as successful due to the less violent methods they typically choose. 

I have yet to hear an articulated convincing argument to prove or even attempt to prove that men are equally has complex as women, or that their roles are equally as valuable or important. Perhaps this very inequality is the reason men struggle with violence; their lack of verbal skills, and therefore more violent means to problems that have intellectual and social solutions. 

Wow, dare I say that men are the cause of their own problems? Perhaps their existence at all, being the choice of their mothers, is why they struggle with resentment towards women? The reconciliation and compulsory effort, labor, and subsequent discomfort that comes with growth and change, is a human experience, not a gendered one. Too often I see men unable to understand that their hardships are not more difficult than that of women.

All that I have mentioned in this post is the very basis of my understanding that gender is in fact asymmetrical. 

What's interesting about asymmetry, is that there's two ways of thinking about it. We often thing of asymmetry as being different sides of the whole, they do not mirror each other, but they comprise equal amounts of volume and space- like we see in the yin yang symbol. 

Without balance however, asymmetry is more like a tear drop, where one side is drastically different than the other in nearly every regard, causing a pull of negative energy on one side. 

In our modern world, we idealistically believe in this yin yang view of gender, and tell ourselves that men offer "protection" and "provision", and somehow things are balancing themselves out on their own through natural order. With the advent of more technological advancements, the contribution of each sex, as we now know it, will be slowly replaced. If men offer only physical strength, in a world where we don't need protection from them anymore, and robotics have replaced even that, they will only more and more undesired by women who don't need them, and who have evolved even further in their understanding, and integration of intellectual and spiritual discoveries. 

Misogynist's argument is that women can or will eventually be replaced with incubation chambers, sex robots, maids, etc, leaves us with a lack of humanity altogether, or at least redefinition of what a human actually needs from their mother to develop and retain their humanity. Misogynists must decide what they actually want. Do they really desire complete dominion over women at the expense of their own evolution and growth? 

My opinion is that, slow as it may be, men are being forced to evolve so that balance may be achieved. It is both the responsibility and duty of men to themselves, to evolve intellectually and spiritually, in order to have what they ultimately desire in a woman: That is the authentic genuine love, care, validation, intuition, and physical sacrifice that women innately give in marriage and intimate relationships. Misogynists may argue that they do not need or want that from women, that they don't value women for anything other than their subservience, sexual submission, and labor. But this is untrue, because they could find these things in a man just as easily. The unique machination of qualities that women posses leaves men missing a lot from their quality of life when women aren't involved in it. They are missing out on their own positive experiences by running away from what women are asking of them. 

I believe men's evolution is dependent on their own ability to solve a math problem, which can only be solved if they humble themselves to the understanding of what masculinity is. Men desire, request, and demand particular traits in their female counterparts, usually centering around beauty, femininity, and a general openness to who the man is. While some men are conflating their need for dominance and power as their masculinity, still therein lies the delusion that causes such an asymmetrical imbalance in our world. 

"As above, so below" is a popular modern paraphrase of the second verse of the Emerald Tablet, a short Hermetic text which first appeared in an Arabic source from the late eighth or early ninth century. This occult hermetic principle is what I would use to refer to describe, in short, the phenomenon of men experiencing the self fulfilled prophesy of their own obsolescence, lack of validation, worthiness, and appreciation from women. 

By seeking out women who are young, vulnerable, subservient, child-like, naive, and easy to manipulate or control, men are showing their own weakness, laziness, and fear of personal development. By reducing women down to their demand of their resources, men are showing their lack of empathy and understanding of women altogether. Men lacking the appreciation for women's contributions to their lives, are often not in proximity to being educated about the lives and experiences of women. Why should men go out of their way to learn about women? Why should men risk confrontation, argument, discomfort, and humiliation from other men by attempting to organize together and affect real change? What do men gain by creating a world where women have choice, and that includes the choice not to be with men? There is a radical feminist argument that men will never be motivated enough to collectively organize and create a better world for their daughters, being that men lack the empathy, foresight, depth, logic, and morality to find reward in a balanced world. 

I challenge misogynists to prove the feminists wrong. I challenge men to solve the math problem and do their part in creating balance and harmony in our world, so that the asymmetry 

I ask men this: how does a flower bloom into a beautiful flower, in a garden without the gardeners provision of conditions that are just right? If a flower doesn't bloom, no amount of violence towards it will make it so. There may be short term solutions for manipulation to achieve a short bloom, but the longevity and quality of the garden depends on certain conditions to be met, following the laws of nature. There is an unchangeable exchange happening in this example, that can be used as a metaphor for the femininity that masculinity thinks it wants, being unable to bloom in an environment of toxic, short sighted, disingenuous, excuses for masculinity. A flower may bloom on it's own in the wild, but would the gardener be able to genuinely claim it as his own work? 

What's love got to do with it?

If you have ever loved someone of the opposite sex, I don't have to tell you what a magical and beautiful thing it is to experience. The feeling of uniting with your compliment, is something I hope everyone can experience in their lifetime. The way that love is experienced by both sexes can be said to be the driving force that led humanity to continue on as far as it has, providing the greatest reward one can have the privilege experiencing.

Our post modern philosophies and societal efforts center around the prevention of traumas that damage our ability to feel, experience and appreciate this kind of love, which is so authentic when we experience it for the first time. We may spend our entire lives chasing the feeling of our first kiss, first love, first time encountering our soul's reflection in another. 

Our modern world has shown us that when we don't need each other for pleasure, validation, or daily survival, we are able to intellectualize and easily develop a deeper sense of spiritual understanding. By being unburdened with manual labor, our time and mental energy can be spent intellectualizing and developing a deeper understanding of our spirituality and holistic wellness, mind body and spirit. 

I believe that the male problem presented in my argument showcases the burden of all humans to create the life they desire, and contend with the laws of nature that stand in the way of those desires. The synchronization and symbiosis with natural order, chemistry, and timing is beneficial to all humans, but women especially so. A society that places men in position of power and dominion over women at their expense, results in a dangerous and imbalanced world for both men and women. 

In conclusion, the true beauty of love lies in its ability to unite and elevate us beyond our individual selves. However, for love to flourish in its purest form, we must address the imbalances and challenges that hinder its potential, and our correlating spiritual potential. Recognizing the need for mutual respect and equality, especially in a world where power dynamics often skew towards male dominance, is essential for fostering an environment where authentic love can thrive. 

The key to this is for men to accept and integrate their responsibility to organize their fellow men, and together face the fear of responsibility for a society that values both genders equally. By meeting women in their ancient effort, we can create a more harmonious world where the magic of love is accessible to all, and the spiritual and emotional connections we cherish can be experienced without the shadows of oppression and inequality. It is only through such a balanced and respectful approach that we can truly honor the profound impact of love and ensure its place as a driving force for humanity's continued evolution and well-being.

Look again, what patterns/conclusions do you see?

Opposites ≠ asymmetrical: 

• Masculinity and femininity are not opposite, they are asymmetrical
• Masculine elements (Fire and Air) oppose each other
• Feminine elements (Earth and Water) oppose each other.  
• Air and Fire are opposite sides of masculinity
• Masculinity is the projection of Spirit, into the Universe which is feminine
• Masculinity is also the processing of feminine logic into feminine understanding
• Water and Earth are opposite sides of femininity. 
• Femininity is the reception of masculinity, in physical form and metaphysical form
• Femininity is the intangible feelings and understanding resulting from the processing of logic by the masculine.
• The rhythm of exchange between gendered energy is necessary for life to exist. 
• Masculinity is odd number, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 are masculine numbers
• Femininity is even number, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 are even numbers
• Masculine houses in astrology include all even numbered houses 
• Self (1)
• Communication (3) 
• Creativity (5)
• Relationships (7)
• Higher Learning (9) 
• Humanities (11)
• Feminine houses in astrology include all even numbered houses:
• Physical body/Possessions (2)
• Heart/Home (4)
• Health/Service (6)
• Morality (8)
• Career (10)
• Subconsciousness (12)

Masculinity is Singular: 

• The function of masculinity is to project, put effort forth, resolve, and process
• Fire is a quality of self, the spark of life itself 
• Air is a quality of exchange between self and others, a state of active processing 
• Masculinity  ≠ Male/Man 
• Masculinity  ≠ Dominance or Power

Femininity is Multiple, but also Zero: 

• Feminine energy exists, receives, creates and multiplies 
• The Universe that masculine spirit projects into, is feminine
• The physical plane, the Earth is feminine 
• Water is the quality of understanding, feeling, and memory
• Femininity ≠ Female/Woman
• Femininity ≠ Submissive/Subordinate

Conclusion

Holistic astrology regards gender as a pervasive psychological quality and that all individuals possess both masculine and feminine energy. These energies, represented as yin and yang, and further broken down into the dance between the elements, are seen in every person, allowing for a diverse and holistic expression of traits such as assertiveness, receptivity, and nurturing. This inclusive perspective encourages a deeper understanding of human nature, emphasizing that the balance of these energies should be the inherent in everyone, regardless of sex. With the topic of gender taking the stage in our modern world, I believe it's important we take a deep and honest look at ourselves, and most importantly, begin regarding our inner world, instead of paying so much attention to our appearances, and physical form. 

SOURCES:

The Gender Paradox of Suicide: How Suicide Differs Between Men, Women, and Transgender/Gender Diverse Individuals

 https://cams-care.com/resources/educational-content/the-gender-paradox-of-suicide/

Violence against women- World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

New Trends in Gender and Mathematics Performance: A Meta-Analysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057475/

Do mathematicians interpret equations asymmetrically? In studies of children’s reasoning about equations, a major finding is that many children understand equality to be asymmetric.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073231232200027X

Gender differences in mathematical problem solving patterns

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ834219.pdf