December 14, 2012

Mayan Calender: The Re-Emergence of Matrifocal Cultures



With December 21, 2012 one week from today, you are likely to hear different ideas of what this significant date in the Mayan calender might mean. Some believe the world may end, but I don't think so.

Here is my take on what kind of shift this date may usher in.

The Mayan calender consisted of three parts, the longest of which measures 5,000 year cycles. It is this appropriately named "long count" calender that resets in seven days.

So what was happening in the world 5,000 years ago? By looking at any shifts that occurred at that time in history, perhaps we can understand what might be happening now.

One significant event 5 eons ago was the beginning of the end of cultures where womyn were in charge. That's right, cultures where womyn wielded power beyond the hearth, know as matrifocal cultures. At this time small, thriving cities led by females had no fortifications because peace ruled the day.

Then the boys took over, and haven't looked back since.

Actor Jada Pinkett-Smith wrote recently on the present unbalanced state of power. "I am sure the men, who restructured our societies from cultures that honored woman, had no idea of the outcome. They had no idea that eventually, even men would render themselves empty and longing for meaning, depth and connection."

All the male-perpetrated destruction has not spared anyone or anything. Look at the results of 5,000 years of male domination. Womyn are unhappy, men are unhappy, and the environment lays in waste.

When you live under a violence and exploitation-based patriarchy, what needs to happen to return to balance? The pendulum needs to swing back toward matriarchy. But it means more than grrl power. It means grrl power, matron power, and crone power. It means helping men heal so they can participate without hitting everything with a club and dragging it away.

One week from today is not only Winter Solstice, but is also the end of the Mayan long calender. This day will bring with it not only a return to increased light and warmth, but also a return to the increased participation of womyn around the world.

Some men may prefer that the world ends, but when it doesn't, they will see that an equitable and meaningful sharing of decision making will restore men, womyn, and the planet, back to health.

Or maybe not.

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous12/14/2012

    I LOVE this blog, but this post was a little nonsense. Just because certain stupid men have driven the planet into a completely different direction, it doesn't mean men should not "be in charge" or that all men are incompetent leaders. If womEn ("womyn" is ridiculous) were doing such a great job, why did they lose power? Of course SOME women can do a great job as leaders, just like SOME men can. This post is irrelevant to what the blog is about, hence my less-than-nice comment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I expected this post to be controversial, and appreciate you sharing your response.

      Since this blog is about instigating change for a better, less consumerist, more equitable world, I consider this post to be on message.

      If you look at womyn's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Womyn) participation in all levels of government, as well as on corporate boards, you can see that the feminine is sadly lacking in most cultures.

      I do not say who 'should' be in charge, rather that balance needs to be restored.

      http://www.sacredfemalerising.com/en/about-us/her-story/

      Who better than mothers to save Mother Earth?

      Thanks again for sharing.

      Delete
  2. namakemono12/14/2012

    Intresting thoughts! I like it ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  3. the pendulum needs to swing back toward matriarchy. preach.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hear, hear.

    Down with patriarchy! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous12/17/2012

    Excellent post. Surely anyone can see that balance must be restored. Not saying that masculine or feminine are better or worse than the other. It takes energy from both to make a better society.

    P.S. Good to be back after a break from the computer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A digital holiday is a great idea.

      Welcome back.

      Delete

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