The Sovereignty Goddess: Reclaiming Power
Pushing Back Against Unjust Structures
The Sovereignty Goddess archetype, central in three recent articles I wrote, called The Sovereignty Goddess and the Balance of Divine Forces, How Society Casts Out Its Own Soul and Reflection on Governance and Duty, serves as a symbol of reclamation and empowerment, challenging the scapegoat narrative by emphasizing the important role of marginalized and disenfranchised individuals as being integral to the well-being of the land and society. In traditional scapegoating, individuals or groups are blamed for societal issues, thereby disempowering them.
Integrating Primal Instincts and the Shadow Self
Where the Koryos and Arkteia rites I wrote about also illustrates the importance of integrating primal instincts and the shadow self into one’s being. Traditionally, those who exhibit behaviors that align with these primal or instinctual aspects are often scapegoated, seen as threats to social order. Hence my own scapegoating tied to both my gender queer identity, and embodying traits tied to Artemis, Dionysus, Wotan and Freyja. However, these rites are not about suppression but rather the integration and harmonization of these elements within the individual and society. This thus challenges the scapegoat role by redefining what society often views as dangerous or undesirable, instead recognizing these traits as vital components of personal and communal balance. As they are vital for the health of all humans.
Questioning Egoic Scapegoating
With this I also wanted to on a really deep level question the egoic tendency to scapegoat the feminine, chaotic, or natural forces by highlighting the importance of the Sovereignty Goddess and her balance with Wotan/Odin. Instead of viewing these forces as disruptive, they play an essential role in maintaining equilibrium. Which also further challenges the conventional scapegoat mechanism, which often targets what is seen as “other” or outside the norm, particularly feminine or natural elements that are feared or misunderstood in egoic structures.
The Sovereignty Goddess symbolically also posses a challenge to modern governance, challenging the scapegoating of marginalized populations by asserting the moral obligation of leaders to serve all citizens justly. Going against the general tendency of governments to shift blame onto individuals for systemic issues, which is a modern form of scapegoating. Sovereignty in that sense is a moral duty tied to the well-being of the land and its people, which thus also contests the legitimacy of leadership that fails to protect the vulnerable.
Maintaining Sovereignty
Where the Sovereignty Goddess is also connected to rites of initiation and healing, challenging the notion of scapegoats as permanently outcast. The emphasis on rebirth, integration, and the healing of both individuals and society in these important ancient rites also implies that those who are cast out or blamed can be reintegrated, healed, and become sources of renewal. Which opposes the traditional view where scapegoats are permanently alienated and punished, instead proposing a process of transformation and return to balance. These important rites of passage that she would oversee were key to break this pattern. She guides outcasts and scapegoats back into society, next to liberating and empowering them. Bringing back their authentic self.
However even if we can do these rites and such similar individual journeys, or group journeys, this is not where this ends. We might be able to empower ourselves and free ourselves from the shadow projections, scapegoat role and thus reclaim our personal sovereignty, yet this does not end at the personal level. The rites of passage, like the Koryos and Arkteia, emphasize integrating primal instincts and shadow aspects. Once this integration occurs, the individual moves beyond the need to project or internalize the scapegoat role. The challenge, lies in maintaining this internal integration despite external pressures.
Withholding Energy
Despite undergoing such an inner transformation, society may still try to impose the scapegoat role on one. This tension arises because the Sovereignty Goddess is not just about personal power but about confronting and transforming unjust structures. Cultivating resilience and relying on ones inner authority, whilst channelling the power of the Sovereignty Goddess, is then key to navigate this tension.
We have to then also really remember that this stage involves not only nurturing but also withholding our energy from systems or people that perpetuate harm. Just as the Sovereignty Goddess withholds fertility from corrupt rulers, we can withhold our own participation from systems or people that alienate and scapegoat. This means that part of this path involves confronting these societal structures and people, even if it leads to further alienation short term. By standing in our truth and aligning with our values, we can embody the transformative power of the Goddess, pushing back against the forces that seek to scapegoat us.
It is thus time that we push back against unjust rule and structures that perpetuate harm and marginalisation. In the name of the Goddess, let us bring back harmony!