Enough with the Labels! Why Both Feminine & Masculine Energies Are Important

I’ve been hearing a lot of people still saying things like “Men ain’t shit” and “Fuck women, they crazy” and it’s really starting to get on my nerves. I’m also fed up with any current LGBTQAI+ drama that my community has on a constant cycle. And don’t even get me started on “corrupted feminists” and “machismo men”. ENOUGH! Let me be one of many to stand up and say that it doesn’t matter at the end of the day what label you’ve decided to slap on your forehead and adhere to. Every being on this planet has both feminine and masculine energies swirling inside of them. I’ve noticed that many people are out of touch with that fact and try to suppress their least favorite side. But what is masculine and feminine energy mean anyway and how can we have both? Believe me, it surprised me too. So, let’s dive in together as we explore the truth behind the importance of the masculine and the feminine energies swirling inside of us.

What is Masculine & Feminine Energy?

There may be some stereotypical images that cross your mind when you hear the words “feminine” and “masculine”. I used to think feminine was all about being dainty and polite while masculine was this huge muscular figure who would eat iron nails for breakfast. It is hard to decipher the true meaning behind these words, so I went to my close friend, Merriam, to see what she had to say on the matter. Here were her thoughts:

Feminine: marked by or having qualities, features, etc. traditionally associated with women.

Masculine: marked by or having qualities, features, etc. traditionally associated with men.

For the first time, I was shocked that she didn’t have the definition I was looking for. The words feminine and masculine both come up as being associated solely with gender in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a standard for a lot of people in the US . But she’s an old-fashioned kind of gal, so I didn’t fault her too much. So, I went to my new-age friend, Chat GPT, to see what they had to say on the matter. Considering they have information up to 2021, I figured that they’d have a more enlightening point of view. Here’s what they had to say about it:

Masculine Energy:

Masculine energy is a concept often used to describe a set of qualities, traits, and characteristics that have traditionally been associated with the stereotypical attributes attributed to men or masculinity in various cultures and belief systems. It's important to note that these associations are social constructs and can vary widely based on cultural, historical, and individual contexts. Some common traits that are often associated with masculine energy include:

Assertiveness: Masculine energy is often associated with assertiveness, confidence, and a direct approach to achieving goals.

Logical Thinking: Logical and analytical thinking is another trait often linked to masculine energy, emphasizing rational decision-making and problem-solving.

Strength and Courage: Physical and emotional strength, as well as courage in the face of challenges, are qualities associated with masculine energy.

Independence: Masculine energy can be characterized by a sense of independence and self-reliance.

Competitiveness: A competitive spirit and a drive to excel are often attributed to masculine energy.

Focus on Action: Masculine energy is sometimes associated with a focus on taking action, making things happen, and achieving results.

Dominance: In some interpretations, masculine energy is linked to dominance, leadership, and the desire to be in control.

Outer Expression: Societal expectations have often led to the expression of emotions being limited, with masculine energy traditionally emphasizing stoicism and restraint.

It's important to remember that these traits are not exclusive to any particular gender, and individuals of any gender can possess and exhibit them. The concept of masculine energy has been subject to criticism for perpetuating gender stereotypes and limiting the expression of a wide range of human qualities within a binary framework. As societies evolve and challenge traditional gender norms, the understanding of masculine energy is also evolving to be more inclusive and representative of diverse expressions of gender and individuality.

Feminine Energy:

Feminine energy is a concept often used to describe a set of qualities, traits, and characteristics that have traditionally been associated with the stereotypical attributes attributed to women or femininity in various cultures and belief systems. Just like masculine energy, it's important to recognize that these associations are social constructs and can vary widely based on cultural, historical, and individual contexts. Some common traits that are often associated with feminine energy include:

Nurturing and Compassion: Feminine energy is often associated with qualities of empathy, compassion, and nurturing care for others.

Intuition and Sensitivity: Intuitive thinking, emotional sensitivity, and an awareness of feelings and emotions are often linked to feminine energy.

Collaboration and Connection: Feminine energy may emphasize a focus on collaboration, building relationships, and fostering connections with others.

Creativity and Expression: Creativity, artistic expression, and a free-flowing approach to ideas are often associated with feminine energy.

Receptivity and Adaptability: Feminine energy can be characterized by a receptive and adaptable attitude, open to receiving and responding to the world around it.

Empowerment: Feminine energy can be about empowering oneself and others, often emphasizing inner strength and resilience.

Caring for the Whole: Feminine energy may prioritize holistic well-being and a broader perspective on nurturing not just oneself, but also the community and the environment.

Emotional Expression: In contrast to traditional masculine energy, feminine energy may encourage a more open and expressive approach to emotions.

It's important to emphasize that these traits are not exclusive to any particular gender, and individuals of any gender can possess and exhibit them. The concept of feminine energy has also been criticized for perpetuating gender stereotypes and limiting the potential for a diverse range of human qualities to be expressed freely. As societies continue to challenge traditional gender norms, the understanding of feminine energy is evolving to be more inclusive and representative of a broader spectrum of gender expressions and individual identities.

I sighed in relief once I read these descriptions. Finally, someone with their head on straight. In my humble opinion, I think they are right. I love how they put at the bottom of both definitions of masculine and feminine that "it is not assigned to a particular gender and anyone can possess them". I was feeling curious, so I asked Chat GPT about their thoughts on each person having both energies inside of them. This is what they said:

Yes, many belief systems and spiritual traditions propose that both masculine and feminine energies exist within each individual, regardless of their gender. These energies are often considered symbolic or metaphorical rather than strictly tied to biological sex. The idea is that everyone possesses a balance of qualities and characteristics that are traditionally associated with both masculine and feminine energies.

For example, someone may have moments of assertiveness and logical thinking (masculine energy) as well as moments of empathy and intuition (feminine energy). The balance and expression of these energies can vary from person to person and can also change over time.

The concept of having both masculine and feminine energies within us is often used to promote a holistic understanding of the self, encouraging individuals to embrace and integrate a wide range of qualities and traits. It's a way of recognizing and celebrating the diversity of human experiences and expressions beyond rigid gender stereotypes.

It's important to note that these concepts can be interpreted differently based on cultural, spiritual, and personal beliefs. The understanding of masculine and feminine energies within individuals is a subjective and evolving concept.

Now some may see the opinion of a 3.5 Turbo AI model as made-up baloney, but I think they’re right on the money. How many times have you felt like a person who wants to take charge and make things happen? That’s your masculine energy. How many times have you felt creative and empowered to take on the world by hyping yourself up? That’s your feminine energy. I'm sure you've heard about Yin & Yang before. That is another name for these same types of energy. Yin is the dark, feminine energy while Yang is the light, masculine energy. It's not just new-age robots telling us that exists. This concept is as old as time itself.

I decided to take Chat GPT’s list and bust it wide open into a visual masterpiece. It's important that we have a way to digest these concepts and apply them to our daily life. Feel free to use this as a guide to throw in people’s faces when you're being told you're “too emotional” because you’re a male or “too strong” because you’re a woman or “not enough” because you don’t associate with societies unrealistic and toxic standards.

While the rest of the sleepy-eyed earthlings decide to fight over labels, let the rest of us rise above the din of the crowd and embrace both the unique masculine and the feminine energies that coinhabit our being. Practice balancing out your less favorable side by tapping into some of the qualities reflected on my list or Chat GPT’s list. Take gender out of the equation and start allowing yourself to be free. We only have this moment in time. Let’s make it a good one.

I look forward to seeing you in whatever form I appear. Until next time!

About the Author

Crystal Cabrae is a storyteller who specializes in writing dystopian, romantic, and adventurous worlds for animation and fantastical fiction. She is a proud graduate of Full Sail University, AMDA, and New World School of the Arts. Her six years of acting training in both New York and Miami gives her a unique perspective when approaching her characters. She has a passion for sharing how to create stories with the world and inspiring the storyteller that lives within all of us. Follow her on IG or Pinterest to know the latest.