Women Love Power®

Feminine Power, Self Discovery & Sacred Sensuality by Ayesha K. Faines

Feminine Archetypes

Aretha Franklin: Case Study in Respect & Feminine Bravado

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When I think of Aretha Franklin I think of feminine swag, soul, and over-the-top extravagance. I think of a woman who excelled because she shared her gift with the world, and she lived totally and completely unapologetically. Her life is a grand case study for how we command respect, take charge of our destiny, and live with soul!

Aretha Franklin is the DIVA archetype, like fellow super-star Beyonce. Learn more about the feminine seduction archetypes here!

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And if YOU are ready to get in touch with your own feminine swag, and your ability to control your own destiny, be sure to get the Five Laws of Feminine Power.

Three Lessons in Life, Love & Sacred Femininity From Oshun

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Oshun is the Yoruban goddess of the rivers and fresh waters, sensuality, fertility, beauty, art, wealth and love. Brought to the America’s via the Transatlantic slave trade, today, she is revered in Santeria, Candomble, and Afro-Haitian religious tradition as well.

She is such a strong force in the collective unconscious that she turns up, sometimes  unintentionally, in contemporary popular culture. From the universal image of a beautiful woman emerging from water (as in 007) to Pam Grier’s ‘Foxxy Brown’ and Beyonce’s’Lemonade’, the powerful orisha still makes her scintillating presence known. 

Even today, the ancient mythic stories that surround Oshun offer inspiring insight into soft power, transformation and the sacred feminine.  For women, myths offer a significant pathway to understanding feminine power as these ancient deities predate patriarchy and our contemporary concept of feminity. 

In this video, I explore the deeper meaning of several Oshun patakis and offer insight into soft power, radical transformation, and the purpose of pleasure.

 

xo,

Ayesha

Beyonce’s Powerful Hidden Message to Womankind

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In the wee hours of a Sunday night, I found myself engaged in a heady Twitter exchange about whether superstar songstress Beyonce had either  evoked the orisha Oshun or the syncretized Virgin Guadalupe of Mexico.

I thought it was clear.

She had evoked both dieties– and more. I saw references to the Roman Venus, the Hindu  Kali Ma, and possibly the Egyptian  Isis.

Beyonce’s performance of motherhood, beginning with her decadent photo series (worthy of a wall at the MoMA) and culminating in her ten minute medly at the Grammy awards, had not been about honoring one particular diety– but rather using her global platform (and twin fetuses) to challenge modern notions of femininity and motherhood by conjuring the image of powerful creation deities that predate judeo-Christian culture.

Every goddess she called forth represented a unique message to womankind–it’s one of those many  instances in which her visual artistry is more significant than her actual song.

 

For some 25,000 years mankind honored women as the creators of life, primary providers of food, builders, artist ands, healers, priestesses and leaders. Across cultures, motherhood, above all, was perceived as nothing short of supernatural.

Feminine creativity, the power to manifest physical and psychic reality, is one of the Goddess’ primary aspects. People identified ‘the feminine’ as the source of all being–and as such, men and women in the early gynocentric societies tended to live in partnership, rather than domination.

Today, when we evoke cross-cultural images of the the Great Mother, as Beyonce has, it is not a cue to retreat to old ways, some romanticized, pastoral version of herstory.

The evocation of the divine feminine is a call for women to acknowledge their own sacred energy as a legitimate source of independent power. Reawakening the Cosmic Creatress on a global stage asks that we, as women, use our innate powers to take control of our destinies.

 I  invite you to explore her use of spiritual imagery as we unravel the her hidden messages to woman kind.

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Beyonce as The Virgin of Guadalupe

With the elaborate use of lighting optics and holograms, Beyonce, dressed as La Virgen in her signature gold spiked crown and mantle, appears and reappears on stage– a nod to the three apparitions of The Virgin Mary before Juan Diego, an essential aspect of La Virgen de Guadalupe’s legend.

La Virgen de Guadalupe is simultaneously a figure of religious reverence and cultural rebellion.

In 16th century Mexico, a  poor Aztec Indian named Juan Diego was said to be walking through the Tepayac hill country in central Mexico when he encountered a beautiful woman surrounded by a ball of light. Speaking in his native tongue, she identified herself as the Virgin Mary and asked that a church be built on the site. She appeared before him three times, asking that a chapel be built in her honor at that site.

Juan protested that no one would believe he’d seen her, so she pointed and suddenly among the cactus grew roses– the flower of the heart and of her love for humanity. Juan gathered the roses in his cloak and headed straight to the bishop. As he unrolled his garment, an image of the Virgin as a pregnant, dark skinned Indian woman appeared with stars on her cloak, a crown on her head, and rays of sun surrounding her.

Today Catholic scholars have openly doubted the historical existence of Juan Diego, but this we do know– following the Hernan Cortes’ conquest in 1521, a Mexican temple honoring the Aztec creation goddess Tonantzin was dismantled and replaced with a chapel honoring the Virgin Mary. In Mexico, this apparition was named La Virgen Maria de Guadalupe–and from the beginning she was a connection between their polytheistic, goddess past and their Christian future.

The Aztecs … had an elaborate, coherent symbolic system for making sense of their lives. When this was destroyed by the Spaniards, something new was needed to fill the void and make sense of New Spain … the image of Guadalupe served that purpose. -Patricia Harrington

 Many Aztecs continued their worship of creation goddess Tonantzin through La Virgen. Her belt is said to represent her pregnant state. Even her artistic rendering, always cast in the shape of a yoni, surrounded by roses and baby angels, suggests her fertility goddess origins.

Infused with a note of kisch (maybe even a nod to Kehinde Wiley) Beyonce references the La Virgen by draping herself in a blue-green mantle, and surrounding herself with roses, Guadalupe’s sacred flower– said to represent maternal love and fertility.

Surrounded by women who represent the cherub angels on one of the iconic renderings of La Virgen, they wear blue-green dresses, the color of her mantle, and dance atop a bed of roses, her sacred flower. They also, for a moment during Beyonce’s Grammy performance, evoke a powerful reference to The Last Supper.

La Virgen embodies unconditional motherly love, but more than anything she embodied refuge from colonial conquest– a means of honoring their original creation goddess under the guise of Christianity. Newly converted natives continued to come from afar to worship there, often addressing the Virgin Mary as Tonantzin.

Her blue-green mantle was the color reserved for the divine couple Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl that represented the dual cosmic energies, and her belt is interpreted as a sign of pregnancy. La Virgen was called “mother of maguey (the aloe plant) and the source of the sacred beverage polque, also known as “the milk of the Virgin”. Even the rays of light that surround her image are said to represent the spines on the maguey plant.

This is why Beyonce’s choice to represent her is fascinating. The singer is deliberately blurs the line between the Christianity and gynocentric spirituality. As such, she reminds that our goddess past is ever present, still influencing the way we worship and connect today.  She directs our attention to a time prior to the ascent of patriarchal  judeo-christian religion, when the divine feminine served as a projection of our power as women to create, transform and manifest physical and psychic reality.

The Message: Patriarchal society elevates the concept of feminine chastity as a means of punishing women for their sensuality and encouraging them to suppress this creative, magnetic,  life-affirming power. This wide-spread suppression of our erotic instincts is not only confusing to women, but detrimental to our relationships, our spiritual and mental well-being.  Our ability to manifest anything we want is nothing short of miraculous. Honor it. 

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Beyonce as Oshun

 

Beyonce evokes the Yoruban goddess Oshun by wearing her signature color yellow and gold jewelry. The deity reins over the sweet (fresh) waters, hence the billowing effect of her cape.Beyonce’s  african jewelry serves to further emphasize her reference to African spirituality.

An archetypal symbol for the feminine principle, Oshun reins over the  sweet waters (fresh water)  and the realms of sensuality, creativity and abundance. In Beyonce’s recent body of work, Oshun is a well-known artistic reference to West African matriarchal iconography.
Ochun represents the creative and procreative force that exists in all women, the passionate, erotic energy that can be channeled into the creation of  new art, new life, or even a new reality. This life force has  many names in eastern philosophy, from shakti to kundalini, but most notably, it is the one powerful aspect of femininity that patriarchy attempts to suppress, opting instead to subject women to the contrived virgin/whore binary, both of which deprive women of their instinctive powers.

 Sensuality, creativity and abundance are the gifts of Oshun.

Standing on the stage adorned as Oshun, in gold jewelry that adorns her enchanting, pregnant body– Beyonce represents two realms of womanhood that are traditionally kept apart– woman as mother, and woman as lover. All too often our society attempts to reduce womankind, in all of our manifestation power, to vessels of life  and pleasure. In a sense, we are laborers– our bodies designated to deliver life and to deliver pleasure– in both  instances, our bodies are at work for others.
The fascinating aspect of Oshun, and all of the creation/love deities like her, is that she embraces pleasure for the sake of pleasure. When we engage in ‘self-care’  we activate our own inner Oshun. She walks around with a honey pot tied around her waist, this nectar symbolic of both sexual release, and her own inner contentment.

In this image, Beyonce evokes the orisha along with her mother and daughter. She is simultaneously referencing the powerful mother/maiden/crohn trinity that predates modern religion.

In myth, Oshun seduces out of fullness. She transforms the lives of those around her by ‘sharing’ the sensual, abundant energy she carries within. Hence her gifts to civilization, are music, dance, art, poetry, and the passion that ultimately spawns new life.
When we talk about empowering women, so often we do so in within the context of denying our sensuality– not wanting to be seen as vessels of  erotic energy. Sensuality carries a distincitly negative connotation in patriarchal society–there are women who can not imagine connecting to their body if it isn’t in the context of making babies or pleasing a man. What else can we expect in a culture that exalts above all else, a virgin birth?
A critical aspect of our empowerment is acknowledging and owning this  creative life force; the Oshun, within us. We all have access to this mysterious and magnetic energy; some of us are overwhelmed by it, and others suppress it, but we all have access to this creative energy that mankind has exalted for years—and we can use it to heal, transform, and take charge of our personal and sexual destinies.
The Message: In order to give pleasure, one must know pleasure. Keep your ‘honey-pots’ full. Your pleasure is a privilege for yourself and a gift to others. 

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Beyonce As Venus

Having emerged from the sea a fully developed woman, Venus, like her Greek counterpart Aphrodite, is the goddess of passion, eroticism, and creative force. She is  goddess of the waters, the source of life and the element linked with emotions. Like women, water has the capacity slake, transform and destroy. She represents the transformative power of love and sexuality, and our capacity to grow through joy and pleasure.

Often portrayed in the nude, bathing or wringing her hair after emerging from the sea, her exposure lacks of self-consciousnessness– much like Beyonce, who stood before the world, ripe in her womanhood, and exuded total and utter confidence in her body. When we as women connect to the Venus in us, we experience a lightness of being. When we are passionately involved with a project or a partner, Venus moves through us.

In this image of a reclining Beyonce, she still incorporates Mexican influences, and the gold of Oshun, but also poses like the Renaissance depictions of the Roman goddess Venus.

A depiction of Aphrodite (the Greek equivalent of Venus) with her son Eros. Aphrodite/ Venus is often portrayed reclining.

Venus is said to have risen from the sea, fully formed. Water is a powerful metaphor for feminine power– representing our capacity to slake and destroy.

Roman theology casts  Venus as the yielding, fluid female principle, not unlike the chinese concept of tao, which is essential to the balance of dual cosmic energies. She tempers the masculine and can bestow abundant gifts of military victory, sexual success, good fortune and prosperity.

Sandro Botticelli’s famous ‘Birth of Venus’.
Beyonce, recreating the classic Birth of Venus while incorporating Egyptian imagery and Oshun’s golden yellow.

The message: Our society leads women to live in their heads, but sensuality happens when we connect to our bodies whether it be through dance, massage, or even sex– and we own every inch of our splendor. Contemporary images of beauty are designed to induce ‘longing’– beauty as we know it is a product of commercial culture. Real beauty happens when we ‘altar’ ourselves–even if not on the world stage–at least in front of the bathroom mirror. In an eros-phobic culture, self-admiration is considered vanity, but in actuality it is one of the gateways to feminine power.

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Goddess Tripping Into the Future

When we reclaim the divine feminine, we acknowledge our goddess past. This is not an act of worshipping or even longing for an entity without, rather, it is about acknowledging something sacred within.  As we goddess-trip deeper into the 21st century,with all the unique challenges and opportunities it will present woman kind,  we must recognize that the  sheroic qualities humans worshipped for the better part of history are not fantasy– they are in us. We are vessels of deep love, pleasure, creativity, knowing, and miraculous healing energy. We have the capacity to heal ourselves, to heal our world, to transform any condition, and to create any reality. We. Are. Magic.

Powerfully yours,

Ayesha

PS: The shadows of these great goddesses continue to exert their pull on womankind today through the force of psychological archetypes. Discover the 7 feminine archetypes that underscore your life story, or take a free quiz to uncover the captivation ‘goddesses’ within you.

Your Dark Side: ‘Shadow’ Aspects of the 7 Feminine Archetypes

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Where there is light, there is shadow… and where there is shadow, there must be light.

If there is one central psychological paradox that flummoxes most humans, it is this: our greatest virtues and our worst flaws are inextricably connected. They are two sides of the same coin.

Archetypes are universal images that according to psychologist Carl Jung, form the basis of all our instinctive, unlearned behavior.  As you’ll discover below, every archetype has positive and negative traits . These negative aspects, the “shadows” of our persona represent emotional blindspots– they are our excess baggage, the passions and tendencies by which we self-sabotage.

Following my written work on the 7 feminine archetypes and the personality assessment, I began receiving letters from women all over the world who felt that their “shadows” kept showing up uninvited, like reckless party crashers,  and were preventing them from achieving their personal and romantic goals. With that in mind, I penned this explanation of the 7 feminine archetypes and their shadows  in order to help women recognize the source of their darker side.

The goal is not to escape your darkness. You can’t.

True to form the shadow is always with us. It is an inescapable extension of our light. You can not choose what archetypes show up in your life and instinctively “demand their due”, but armed with information, you do get to choose how you act on them.

Most of us will spend  a lifetime trying to minimize, or hide, our darker qualities from the world. We show up for dates and job interviews  desperately trying to be someone else. We wear masks. We develop defense mechanisms and enter perennial states of denial. We fear that these flaws make us unlovable, failures even, when in reality, your flaws make you you.  

You are your darkness and your light. You are both sides of Janus. Your shadows emerge in instances of extreme polarity– when your virtues run amok, unchecked by balancing qualities. This is how creative passion can torpedo into destructive rage, or how  healthy ambition can devolve into crippling perfectionism.

Personal power is being able to choose between dwelling in darkness and dancing in light.

The Sage

The Sage's shadow in film: Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada. Loosely based on the real-life editor of Vogue magazine, Priestly’s strategic alliances in the fashion industry and no-nonsense attitude allow her to thrive in a ruthlessly competitive industry. Her over identification with the sage make her a cruel boss and insensitive companion.
The Sage’s shadow in film: Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada. Loosely based on the real-life editor of Vogue magazine, Priestly’s strategic alliances in the fashion industry and no-nonsense attitude allow her to thrive in a ruthlessly competitive industry. Her over identification with the sage make her a cruel boss and insensitive companion.

Like the ancient Sumerian goddess Inanna, a woman that identifies with the sage archetype is  driven by the pursuit of knowledge and proximity to power. She is equally at home in her feminine anima and masculine animus— hence, more than other feminine archetypes,  she is likely to enjoy being in the midst of male action and power. The sage archetype is proof that pragmatic, powerful women are not acting like men— rather, they are embodying feminine power, as the strategic, wise sage archetype is a reoccurring figure throughout human history. Among her virtues are strategy, discipline and emotional objectivity.

In the shadow, the sage woman so identifies with her masculine animus that she comes to protect patriarchy and misogyny. She resents women who express their own sexual agency, and she even  suppresses the creative and feminine aspects of herself. Many sage women struggle with vulnerability, emotional and sexual expression.  In the shadow, the sage uses her emotional distance as armor  and struggles to empathize and form genuine relationships. This may manifest as stalled or strained with relationships with lovers, friends, and even children.  She may be destructively competitive, obsessed with perfection, judgmental and potentially cruel to other women.

 

The Huntress

The Huntress' shadow in film: Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The survivor of a traumatic childhood, Salander is an androgynous, introverted and asocial computer hacker with a sadistic appetite for vengeance. She has difficulty emotionally connecting to people and making friends and is content to live in isolation.
The Huntress’ shadow in film: Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The survivor of a traumatic childhood, Salander is an androgynous, introverted and asocial computer hacker with a sadistic appetite for vengeance. She has difficulty emotionally connecting to people and making friends and is content to live in isolation.

Independence is the huntress’ hallmark, and it may take multiple forms— she may strive for financial and emotional independence, or even personal freedom from popular ideas, modes of behavior and trends. She is her own person, and this self-possession is a virtue. Like the sage, the huntress thrives at execution and emotional objectivity. Unlike the sage, she is fundamentally opposed to patriarchy. She is a vessel of ‘feminine passion’ that may present as a competitive spirit, athleticism, robust sexuality or even a willingness to ardently champion causes that are close to her heart. She is self-sufficient, bold, courageous, adventurous— she embodies action. The huntress makes her life happen.

Over identification with the Huntress brings about her shadow. In this state a woman desperately avoids expressing any form of vulnerability. This emotional independence can be absolutely enthralling to men at first (see the coquette) but in the absence of any emotional capitulation, the Huntress-driven women will struggle with intimacy, and encounter men who regard her sole as a  ‘sister’. Coquettes (dominant Huntress) are some of the most seductive women on the planet, but they  are not maestra’s of withholding emotional gratification— they are simply experts at delaying it!

In the shadow, the Huntress’ passion transforms into rage, and a woman who experiences this aspect of the archetype may be subject to bouts of cruelty, uncontrollable anger, and vengefulness. Working in the light, a huntress may turn apoplectic over a perceived injustice, but she quickly channeled her anger into positive action. In the shadow , this anger doesn’t serve a higher purpose— it manifests as desultory rage.  Her healthy competitive spirit, in the shadow, exists as a need to win at all costs, which can also drive her towards destructive aggression.

 

The Mystic

The Shadow in Film: Abby and Martha Brewster, Arsenic & Old Lace. In this 1944 dark comedy, two elderly sisters are homebodies who have developed the “very bad habit” of ending the presumed suffering of lonely old bachelors by serving them elderberry wine laced with arsenic. In this case, the two sisters value home life and solitude, but they are so anti-social and out of touch with human feelings that they display psychopathic behavior.
The mystic’s shadow in film: Abby and Martha Brewster, Arsenic & Old Lace. In this 1944 dark comedy, two elderly sisters are homebodies develop the “very bad habit” of ending the presumed suffering of lonely old bachelors by serving them elderberry wine laced with arsenic. The sisters value home life and solitude, but they are so anti-social and out of touch with human feelings that  turn to psychopathic behavior.

In a world brimming with distraction, the mystic strives for inner-peace. Where as the sage and huntress are motivated by external goals, the mystic is motivated by personal fulfillment. Her  quiet beatitude and extreme self-possession are her shining qualities. Her identity is not based on external qualifiers, like recognition or reputation, rather  her personal sense of completeness.   Operating in the positive realm, Mystic women are wise, and capable of seeing the sacred in the mundane. They have a talent for transforming a house into a home, and find fulfillment in acts of service.  She is patient, a wonderful listener, and devoted to any task she endeavors. Uneasily shaken by life’s travails her soulful presence feels like home.

When a woman is operating in the Mystic’s shadow, she becomes so introverted and internally focused that she is incapable of intimacy and emotional expression. Even when she genuinely cares for a person, she will struggle to demonstrate her regard, thus putting strain on the relationships she holds dear. A mystic woman may appear remarkably cold, frigid and unmoved. She can be so adept at feeling at home within her self that becomes a prisoner in her own body, unable to escape the internal focus and embrace the people and experiences about her. She may  lack assertiveness and be all thought–no action.

 

The Queen

The Shadow in Film: Joan Crawford, Mommie Dearest. Faye Dunaway portrays the legendary actress in this biographical drama that portray’s Crawford’s abusive relationship with her daughter. In the movie she is is a driven actress and compulsively clean housekeeper who tries to control the lives of those around her as tightly as she controls herself.
The queen’s  shadow in film: Joan Crawford, Mommie Dearest. Faye Dunaway portrays the legendary actress in this biographical drama based on Crawford’s abusive relationship with her daughter. Crawford is depicted as a driven actress and compulsive housekeeper who tries to control the lives of those around her as tightly as she controls herself.

At the most basic level, the queen archetype represents  a woman’s yearning to be a wife. Queens uphold the sanctity and integrity of marriage as an institution in contemporary society, but to limit her virtues to the uxorial would mean reducing her identity to a mere creation of patriarchy. The queen is so much more than that. Among her most apparent strengths are loyalty, commitment, emotional resillience and the almost magical potential to divine a man’s potential. Queens, perhaps better than any other archetype, can help a man shape his hopes and dreams into reality.

On a deeper level, the queen represents feminine power and our unique capacity for conscious leadership. When women marry  the feminine principal and power, the outcome is remarkable. Women are capable of leading in a way that sustains  life, creativity and conservation. Queen women are natural born leaders, though not solely  in the  boardroom. Her leadership skills may be put to good use within the home, her community or within her social circle. Queen women who embody the ‘light’ of their archetype excercise their power in yin ways.  She resorts to charm, persuasion and diplomacy— soft power tactics– rather than coercision. Similar to the way a queen moves in any direction on a chessboard, queen leadership is soft, diffuse—- difficult to block and difficult to see coming. Many of the world’s great feminine leaders identify strongly with the positive aspects of this archetype.

When a woman is operating in the queen’s shadow, she aspires to a position of power, but at the expense and to the detriment of others. Shadow queens can be judgmental, shallow, image-conscious, jealous and horribly vindictive. When queens experience pain or a personal slight, their anger turns to uncontrollable rage. Operating in the shadow, queens are driven towards revenge, even if it means the destruction of every thing around them. As wives, queen women who overly identify with the archetype will struggle with personal boundaries and sexual agency. She is likely to view sex as  a wifely duty rather than as a pleasurable experience for herself. She may value her queen position so much that she is terribly jealous of any woman she perceives as a threat.  In the shadow, queens lose their identity in relationships and feel compelled to stay in troubled, even abusive situations for the sake of commitment.

 

The Mother

stella-dallas-1937-poster-1
The mother’s shadow in film: Stella Martin, Stella Dallas. Stella, the daughter of a mill worker in a post-World War I Massachusetts factory town, is determined to better herself. She marries a wealthy mill executive and the two have a daughter, Laurel. Stella discovers that she strongly identifies with maternal instinct and becomes singularly obsessed with the rearing of her daughter, to the detriment of her marriage and her new upscale life.

The mother archetype represents a woman’s maternal instinct and predisposes a woman to assume the role of nurturer and caretaker in her relationships. In the light, these women are rooted, down-to-earth, and natural providers of emotional and physical sustenance. They are extraverted, principled and they give of themselves generously. Think of the “office mom” who always remembers her co-worker’s birthdays, or the friend who makes sure that everyone is okay during a night out. Mother women feel a strong call to actual motherhood, but they ‘mother’ in all aspects of their lives. This process of protecting, supporting and honoroing the individuality in others is a shining virtue, though our society often overlooks its value. Mother women are often described as warm, inviting and authentic. They are responsible, stable, and naturally make people feel comfortable around them.

In the shadow, this same archetype compels a woman to feel possessive, forming her identity so concretely around her role of caretaker that she becomes terrified of losing her literal or symbolic ‘children’. This may present as the over-controlling mother who resents her child’s burgeoning independence, or even the over-bearing friend. When faced with abandonment, a dark mother may do anything to maintain the umbilical chord, including manipulation.

In the shadow, this archetype struggles with exercising her sexual agency and personal boundaries. When overwhelmed by the archetype, she struggles to say ‘no’, often giving of herself to the point of resentment. The shadow mother feels devastated when relationships end and is preoccupied with fears of abandonment. She needs to be needed. She tells herself that others can’t live without her, but really she can’t live without them.

The Maiden

The Shadow In Film: Cher Horowitz, Clueless. Cher is the selfish, vain, and superficial daughter of a wealthy Beverly Hills attorney whose only direction in life is "toward the mall”. A series of mishaps compels her to reflects on her priorities and her repeated failures to understand or appreciate the people in her life.
The maiden’s shadow in film: Cher Horowitz, Clueless. Cher is the selfish, vain, and superficial daughter of a wealthy Beverly Hills attorney whose only direction in life is “towards the mall”. A series of mishaps compels her to reflects on her priorities and her repeated failures to understand or appreciate the people in her life.

Of all the archetypes, the maiden woman is most inclined not to act, but to be acted on. The archetypal young woman, maidens have extreme depth but they often have to mature before they can experience the full potential of their archetype.  Her personal journey mirrors that of the greek goddess Persephone. Persephone,  the sheltered daughter of Demeter is abducted by Hades, God of the underworld. She ultimately marries Hades and becomes Queen of the underworld, dividing her time above and below ground.  This existance above and below ground represents the literal split between ego and subconscious, naif and crohn.  The maiden is a pure child and wise-woman all in one, and she will usually spend the better part of her young adulthood learning to integrate her two natures.

Among her virtues are a life-long effervescence—even when the maiden ages, there is something youthful and ebullient about her spirt.  She is receptive, compassionate and a natural empath.  She is highly creative, intuitive and able to divine the deeper, spiritual meanings of life’s events. Working in her light, her openess gives her tremendous power. She has the ability to lower defenses, with her unselfconcious charm, thus making her naturally, and quite powerfully seductive.

In the shadow, maidens have yet to fully reach their queen state. They are stuck in their Kore (child-like) state, and thus are drawn to codependent relationships, much like the one between Demeter (the mother) and Persephone. She is excessively compliant, lacks personal boundaries, and may lead a Peter-Pan like existence— that is an extended adolescence where she is waiting for something to happen to her life. The maiden’s shadow prevents her from taking deliberate actions and making empowered decisions that move her life forward. Undeveloped maidens lack direction and often feel paralyzed by fear of commitment.

Maidens may feel drawn to abusive relationships that further reinforce her co-dependent natures. Maidens are highly supsceptible to periods of darkness and depression. They may also behave erratically and rebelliously, like a troubled teen. This is  another aspect of  being locked in a child-like state. In this case she may break rules and social norms, take destructive risks, and manipulte those around her.

The Lover

The lover’s shadow in film: Brandi, A Thin Line Between Love and Hate. Brandi plays a beautiful, enticing lover who, once jilted by a soon-to-be-married man,  will do anything to exact revenge. Brandi demonstrates the lover’s potential to be consumed by passion, and the humiliating lengths such a woman might venture for a hint of emotional reciprocity. In the shadow, lover women are vulnerable to accepting “crumbs” from a man they desire, and may stay in terrible relationships for long periods of time just to protect their fragile vanity. 

 

The lover is the most instinctive feminine archetype because it represents the erotic impulse that inspires procreation. The lover archetype endows a woman with a highly charged magnetic energy that empowers her to create, transform, and attract. It is a divine spark. As I’ve written about before, this primordial energy is accessible to all women, even those who are not governed by the archetype. It is the energy that emerges whenever we feel creatively inspired or intimately aroused. The entire process of falling in love, or even in lust, is ruled by this archetype.

Women influenced by the lover, like the Greek goddess Aphrodite, are firmly rooted in their sensuality. More than any other archetype, they  possess sexual agency— that is the ability to take pleasure in sensual experiences. Lover women can be delightfully spontaneous, charming,  and  excel at different forms of  creative expression. Lover women thrive on connection, her presence adds vitality and emotionality to relationships— however, unlike the mother, queen and maiden, she doesn’t define herself based on her relationships. She is her own person, and has no problem putting her needs first. Self-care is her domain.

In the shadow, the lover loses her self-sufficiency, and comes to rely solely on her connection with others for validation. In this vein, she may feel irreparably wounded following a heart break, or she may even behave like a ‘drama’ queen, courting attention in anyway  possible just to feel a connection with others. Working in the negative, lover women can be vain, irresponsible, noncommittal, narcissistic, and drawn to emotionally lopsided relationships with complex men.   The lover’s  creative passion can overwhelm her,  causing her to fall in love hard and fast, without the emotional objectivity required to make mature decisions. Their fragile egos also cloud their better judgment.

Such a woman may leave a string of bad romances and unfinished projects (projects she fell in and out of love with) in her wake.  She may act tempestuously, a slave to her emotions, rather than as bold siren who can confidently move between the depths and air.

For a better understanding of the archetypes shaping your life, take my one-of-a-kind 13 Feminine Seduction Archetypes™ questionnaire. Your results will provide a snapshot of the dominant archetypes that are currently shaping your life, and lead you to your ‘seduction archetype‘ which represents the unique way that you captivate.

With love and light,

Ayesha

13 Feminine Seduction Archetypes: The “Siren”

By

The Siren

You are unbridled, erotic energy in its purest, most tantalizing form.

"Ten men waiting for me at the door? Send one of them home. I’m tired."
Mae west

The lover....

Is your DOMINANT feminine archetype and it over-rules all other archetypes!

A snapshot of the Siren

Patron Saint:

Elizabeth Taylor

In Pop Culture:

Kim Kardashian

On television:

Samantha Jones in Sex and the City

In film:

Gilda (Rita Hayworth) in Gilda

Your Potential To Captivate

You walk into a room and all eyes land on you. You radiate confidence, unselfconscious sensuality and palpable erotic energy. You are a male fantasy come to life, the personification of the great goddesses that man worshipped for some 25,000 years. When he encounters you, he experiences a strong, primal de ja vous. When you are fully tapped into your archetype (check out the lover course for a play-by-play on how to do this), you naturally appeal to a man’s ego, his libido, and his taste for adventure– a potent combination in a world where many men, having surrendered to rigorous social codes and first world comforts, often long for something wild and unfamiliar.

The lover archetype, is the oldest and most instinctive psychological archetype in a woman’s psyche. It represents a woman’s most primal urge to procreate. Just as the Greek goddess Aphrodite caused mortals and deities to fall in love, when the lover archetype is active in a woman’s psyche, she exudes a sublimating energy that both attracts and arouses.

Whenever we fall in love (or lust) the lover archetype is present. Consider what happens; our senses are heightened, we feel more beautiful, and sexually charged. The siren is so potent because you express all of the erotic energy of the lover archetype, without the restraints of a prominent secondary archetype.

 

Your challenges...

Your passion and spontaneity are both a blessing and a curse.  

The blessing; you live in the moment, you are playfully spontaneous, and emotionally available. Consider Elizabeth Taylor’s 7 marriages— for the better part of her adult life, the euphoric process of “falling in love” was far more fulfilling than staying in it. She was, however, so intoxicating to her suitors, that they lavished her with the world’s most expensive  jewels, all tributes to their seismic infatuation.

The curse; the absence of other, more objective archetypes makes it difficult to commit to long-term projects and relationships. If you haven’t learned to leverage and balance your lover energy, can be  difficult for you to exercise restraint, meaning you may find yourself in romantic liaisons that ignite and sputter faster than you’d hope. It’s harder for you, than most, to wield your erotic charm tactfully– and you may even be taken advantage of.

 

In the Lover Master Class you'll learn to cultivate this powerful archetype powerfully...

Explore the Lover Master Class

The lover archetype represents the sacred erotic– the life force energy in every woman that sparks reproduction and creativity. Connection with THIS archetype is what makes a woman naturally captivating and seductive. Learn to cultivate the lover archetype to amplify pleasure, passion, and ‘presence’. Channel that life force energy into creating your reality, increasing wealth and vitality, raising your vibe and your natural ability to attract people, love, and opportunity. Laugh often. Play more. Feel good. Heal the divine feminine within, own your sexuality and get anchored in the present moment. Command attention. Feel good in your skin– and open up to people and positive experience.​ Balance this archetype to temper with passion with reason– and to avoid emotional co-dependence. The lover archetype is the basis of all the seduction archetypes– so take this along with your dominant archetype to learn how to captivate.The Lover Master Class also contains the keys to captivate for all women who are dominant in their lover energy. Learn what makes you irresistible and who you attract!

In the Lover Master Class Bundle You'll ...
  • Connect to your creative, erotic 'lover' energy with practical exercises, lifestyle changes and mindset shifts
  • Identify the masculine archetypes you naturally attract, and know how to navigate those relationships POWERFULLY 
  • Understand your unique strengths, and overcome the unique challenges of your archetype
  • Feel good in your BODY
  • Use archetypes to get unstuck-- and understand your purpose
  • Move powerfully with the ability to balance your erotic energy with objective emotional distance
  • Recognize the ancient mythical stories that are playing out in your life RIGHT NOW
  • Know the  books, movies,  exercises and prompts that will fast-track your personal growth
  • Start daily practices and make lifestyle choices that align you with your archetype
  • Leverage your archetype for wealth, opportunity and abundance
Explore the Lover Master Class

Testimonials

Ayesha has been an integral resource for building myself up after my spiritual awakening. Her wisdom is a grounding force. She puts so much into what she teaches and you can tell. I've never felt so comfortable with my feminine energy like I do now, and her Feminine Odyssey course is IT.
Thandiwe Mlauli
Thandiwe Mlauli
A year after breaking an engagement, I started to recover pieces of myself. But I still felt lost, cautious, and scared. So I dedicated 2020 to being the year I would be the confident woman I was prior to that relationship. I came across Ayesha’s YouTube channel. I saw some of her videos and I took the Archetype Quiz. The results rang true and it was so thorough that it couldn’t hurt to take the Feminine Odyssey course. In this course, I learned about the different facets of femininity and the divine goddess that is waiting to reemerge. Just like the Archetype Quiz, the Feminine Odyssey course was very thorough. It discusses the history behind the different archetypes. At times, It felt like I was participating in the “Odyssey” but the female version. Ayesha does an excellent job of connecting the ancient goddesses to our present by providing present-day examples of the archetypes. The past informs the present in this course! And the best part is that she also provides actions or habits that we can do to ignite the different archetypes within us. This course provided the blue print on how to inhabit these different parts of myself. I learned to embrace my beautiful complexities. And Ayesha’s poise is an example of how to do it all with grace. The course is not only a way to discover the different faces of femininity within us. But it also helped me step away from the superficial definition of femininity as prescribed by today’s media. It's not just sex, roses, and pink diamonds. Divine femininity is the 3D version of ourselves. It is sensual, strategic, spiritual, emotional, receptive, creative, and so much more.
Cynthia Paulino
I bought your Maiden and Lover bundle and it was so informative and scarily spot on. Thank you for all your wisdom.
Thank you so much for creating this sacred space. I just started your "Goddess Archetype" course. These are things I needed when I was younger... again, thank you.
Lauren
The Feminine Odyssey is a spiritual, mental and emotional journey that every woman must undergo. Most people spend years of their lives being diluted versions of themselves, and they die. But I dare myself and challenge myself to do the internal work to stand unafraid in my truth.
Brandy J
I can tell how much work you put into these courses. The amount of effort you put into studying, the volum e of information you've curated for our understanding and the immaculate production is truly noteworthy. You've poured your heart and soul into this. "
This course is truly amazing and eye opening. The first time I took the quiz, a little over a year ago, my seduction archetype was the siren (no surprise there). What I love about this course is that it is providing insight into how I move in the world and the "whys" behind it all. Also, it's a great confidence builder and allowing me to see where I need to work on cultivating balance in my personality. Ayesha, I appreciate the work you've put into creating such dynamic content.
Dawn Easter
These courses are what I've been looking for.After searching and taking different courses on self love, sexual liberation and feminine energy, that I later found out were surface level and not well thought out, I am glad that I invested in your work. In just the last two weeks there have been so many things to make me excited about making some changes in my life. Thank you so much!
M.O.
Ayesha! Gratitude to you! Thank you for this course.I have always felt wrong and in conflict with myself but today, as part of this course, I can finally say that the pieces of my brokenness have come back home to me. I have peace in my femininity. I have gone to church, to business seminars, etc. Nobody has ever explained this the way you just did. I am now excited about being in my own little Paradise and letting my energy attract what I wish to create! Thank you so much!
O. Benson
I purchased the Maiden courses last night, and OH MY GOD it has been a revelation of what happened to me in these last 9 years, this descent in the underworld... I'm literally crying, because in a day binge watching your videos you achieved what nobody (parents, psychologists, friends, quotes, books, consulting etc.) achieved in these long years : clarity in what I'm going through and why. And what awaits me and how I can act upon it. Thank you so much, I think you saved my soul with your videos.
Sophie
So I took the architype quiz again after incorporating some of your recommendations. Mt Lover archetype has increased above 70%. It is now at 76.2%! Wow! This is amazing! It was inactive before below 70%. I can also tell a difference in my attitude, emotions and my thoughts. I have also received many compliments, gifts and new opportunities! Thank you! This information is like a roadmap.
Shunika M.
I just wanted to write to say thank you for your amazing work. I bought your Sophisticate bundle and have completed the Lover section, and I feel it has pushed me so much further on my personal journey and evolution. So much of it rang true, and I’m so grateful to have found it at my age. The lesson that my energy is a gift and I inspire people as a Lover woman is so true and something I have been told often — but your course allowed me to fully believe and embrace it! The visual of the siren’s island also makes perfect sense to me; by creating a life that gives me deep pleasure and fulfillment, not only am I making myself happy, but I am creating a world that the right kind of person would be interested in joining. Your guidance goes so much deeper than attracting men, it’s a life philosophy.
Ella
Once I started this programme, I couldn’t stop. I became annoyed by the work I had to do in between and rescheduled everything else. In truth, a few lines, nor even a paragraph can really truly give justice to this body of work. Coming from me that’s pretty something too because I am extremely really read from spirituality to neuroscience, confident and live my life authentically. Despite being a Lover I’ve never fallen prey to the ridiculous stereotypes pumped out by the patriarchy either. As your programme states, I guess I saved my sanity over the years by developing the Sage aspect. I’ve always, always defined my own worth. But yet there was a part of me that I didn’t understand. This part was like a bolt that was preventing the wheels from running smoothly. Where I had great success in life, I was unable to truly understand the reason why to enable me to replicate it for the times when I'd fallen. When I’d encounter really quite terrible jealousy and meanness (which there was a lot), once again, I couldn’t understand why. I knew that I was full of love and kindness and could never comprehend why I was always encountering this abuse, and that’s in adulthood! And so with my Lover self, I'd unconsciously go back for more. A lot came from women too who I dedicate my time to empowering. I knew also that despite being in my fifties I had a magnetic vibe from men. I knew this was because I’m a free-spirit, but it’s clear from this programme the reason why was even more profound than I thought. As you can see I’m struggling to keep this short:). After going through the programme I immediately changed by branding to that of the Lover and my Instagram followers and engagement suddenly started picking up. Everything suddenly started to make sense. In the past, I’ve had counselling and all sorts to try and understand. To try and remove the bolt. Although it helped loads, the bolt still remained. Perhaps all counsellors should do your programme as a part of their studies! The only thing I’m cross about is that I’ve only just discovered you. It seems crazy because I never stop growing and evolving, and not shy to investigate everything! I suspect it came now because I had finally cut myself away from all the abusers. The cut was bloody. I took no prisoners. Deep down I knew these people although very close to me they were trying to destroy me. Each section is golden nugget after golden nugget. After going through the Lover programme, I thought there is no way that the Maiden programme could touch it or come even close. I was so fully satisfied after listening to Lover I didn’t want to spoil my taste buds by listening to Maiden. Oh gheeze, how wrong I was, I entered a goldmine once more. You are truly a phenomenal woman. Your work is beyond magnificent!
Ingrid M.
Previous
Next

What sets your soul on fire?

What is the spark about you that illuminates a room?

Prepare to embark on a breakthrough journey of self-discovery, designed to reveal the captivating, confident and powerful woman you were created to be.

Tens of thousands of women have taken the Feminine Archetypes Assessment on Women Love Power since its 2016 release. The assessment, based on Jungian archetypal psychology, was a two-year endeavor in the making, and it  provides an astoundingly accurate glimpse of your personality blueprint. 

What are the strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, values, aspirations and idiosyncrasies that make you YOU?

How does the world see you, at your  best?  How do you captivate? What is your calling? And what kind of tantalizing life would make you deliriously happy?

The Feminine Archetypes Assessment offers a brief snapshot of your personality, and your unique potential to captivate.  But be advised…

The key word is potential.

Everyday I receive letters from women who are pleasantly surprised by their  by their feminine archetypes results. They identify with the archetype descriptions, but they know they are not realizing their full potential–that’s a pretty a tall order.

Many women still grapple with the self-defeating behaviors and limiting beliefs that are native to each archetype. Your weaknesses are often the price you pay for natural strengths.

The truth is,  the feminine archetype assessment results only scratch the surface, and  for years I’ve been developing a resource that will lead women to themselves. The Feminine Odyssey will teach you to own your greatness  and ignite your inner spark  by tapping into archetypal wisdom. 

You may be suffering under the yoke of expectations, and yearning to get free. You may want to know how to overcome the habits that hold you back. You may want to know how to captivate, naturally, by being MORE of who you are. 

You may may want to know how to curate a life that ignites your passion.You may feel unprepared and stuck as  you figure out your life path.  You may want to know how to kick your life into high gear, and reach YOUR next level.

 

Get Inspired!

Curious about your archetype? Take the psychology-driven Seduction Archetype Quiz.

Click to learn more about the other archetypes: Siren | Sophisticate | Boss | Bohemian | Coquette | Goddess | Enigma | Diva | Empress | Sensualist | Lady | Ingenue | Gamine

The founder of Women Love Power®, Ayesha K. Faines is a writer, media personality, and brave new voice for feminine power and social change. Sought after for her provocative insights on culture, mythology and gender politics, she has been featured on MTV, Essence, Entertainment Tonight, The Michael Baisden Radio Show, AfroPunk, and Time among other media outlets. She's traveled the world lecturing before a number of universities, and she pens a column for Zora Magazine that explores the intersection of love and power. She is best known as a featured panelist on "The Grapevine". Ayesha is a graduate of Yale University and a former television journalist.

13 Feminine Seduction Archetypes: The “Sophisticate”

By

The Sophisticate

You exude elegance, worldliness and a touch of mystery.

The lover....

Is your DOMINANT feminine archetype.
(watch 'lover' video)

The Sage...

Is your second highest archetype.
(watch sage video)

"A woman has to be intelligent, have charm, a sense of humor, and be kind. It's the same qualities I require from a man."
catherine deneuve

A snapshot of the Sophisticate

Patron Saint:

Jacqueline Kennedy

In Pop Culture:

Carla Bruni Sarkozy

On television:

Dhomonique Devereaux, Dynasty

In film:

Matty Walker Body Heat

Your Potential To Captivate

You are elegance personified. Graceful and dignified with discriminating tastes, your complex blend of the siren’s warm, erotic energy and the sage’s cool objectivity fascinates men. Your poise attracts,  but the real magic happens once people get close. That’s when you disarm with wit and charm.

If you’ve developed your sage energy, then  you are capable of distancing yourself from your feelings enough to see events as they are, not as your emotions color them.  With the siren’s sensuality, and sage’s level-headed approach, you have the potential to wield your seductive charms strategically.

At your best, you are capable of choosing men, and making them feel they have chosen you.

All sophisticates have the potential to be brilliant conversationalists; you possess the curiosity, the intuition and charm it takes to engage people and establish instant rapport.

Men appreciate your duality; your disarming exterior, and cerebral core, and the part of you that remains a mystery.

When it comes to suitors, only heroes need apply. You are attracted to powerful, smart,  ambitious men.  If his heart is set on glory, you are his not-so-secret weapon. You are capable of using your strategic thinking and sharp social instincts to help him reach his goals. Consider the manner in which Jackie Kennedy helped Jack write his early political speeches, and won over constituents with her chic style and personal charm.

 

At times,  tendency towards analysis and over-thinking will  keep you in your head, and your sage and lover instincts will essentially be at war– dimming your natural charm, intuition, creativity, and your ability to embrace your sensuality by connecting to your body. Your cerebral core can act like armor, keeping your protected, but actually repelling people, especially  lovers.  In the Sophisticate Master Class, we explore   how  to balance emotional distance and creative energy in order to cultivate the fullness of your dynamic personality. 

Discover the Sophisticate
In the Sophisticate Master Class Bundle, You'll Discover...
  • How to develop your personal 'sophisticate' brand of charisma
  • The masculine archetypes you naturally attract, and how to navigate those relationships POWERFULLY 
  • How to identify the behaviors and mindsets that hold you back
  • How to activate and express your magnetic, feel-good, 'lover' energy
  • How to use archetypes to get unstuck-- and figure out your purpose
  • How sophisticates can balance erotic energy with emotional distance-- the key to being a siren!
  • The ancient stories that are playing out in your life RIGHT NOW
  • The books, movies,  exercises and prompts that will fast-track your personal growth
  • The daily practices, environments and lifestyle choices that will put you in touch with your archetype
  • How you leverage your archetype for wealth, opportunity and abundance
Get Started Now

Testimonials

Ayesha has been an integral resource for building myself up after my spiritual awakening. Her wisdom is a grounding force. She puts so much into what she teaches and you can tell. I've never felt so comfortable with my feminine energy like I do now, and her Feminine Odyssey course is IT.
Thandiwe Mlauli
Thandiwe Mlauli
A year after breaking an engagement, I started to recover pieces of myself. But I still felt lost, cautious, and scared. So I dedicated 2020 to being the year I would be the confident woman I was prior to that relationship. I came across Ayesha’s YouTube channel. I saw some of her videos and I took the Archetype Quiz. The results rang true and it was so thorough that it couldn’t hurt to take the Feminine Odyssey course. In this course, I learned about the different facets of femininity and the divine goddess that is waiting to reemerge. Just like the Archetype Quiz, the Feminine Odyssey course was very thorough. It discusses the history behind the different archetypes. At times, It felt like I was participating in the “Odyssey” but the female version. Ayesha does an excellent job of connecting the ancient goddesses to our present by providing present-day examples of the archetypes. The past informs the present in this course! And the best part is that she also provides actions or habits that we can do to ignite the different archetypes within us. This course provided the blue print on how to inhabit these different parts of myself. I learned to embrace my beautiful complexities. And Ayesha’s poise is an example of how to do it all with grace. The course is not only a way to discover the different faces of femininity within us. But it also helped me step away from the superficial definition of femininity as prescribed by today’s media. It's not just sex, roses, and pink diamonds. Divine femininity is the 3D version of ourselves. It is sensual, strategic, spiritual, emotional, receptive, creative, and so much more.
Cynthia Paulino
I took the Maiden and Lover bundle and it was so informative and scarily spot on. Thank you for all your wisdom.
Once I started this program, I couldn’t stop. I became annoyed by the work I had to do in between and rescheduled everything else. In truth, a few lines, nor even a paragraph can really truly give justice to this body of work. Coming from me that’s pretty something too because I am extremely really read from spirituality to neuroscience, confident and live my life authentically. Despite being a Lover I’ve never fallen prey to the ridiculous stereotypes pumped out by the patriarchy either. As your program states, I guess I saved my sanity over the years by developing the Sage aspect. I’ve always, always defined my own worth. But yet there was a part of me that I didn’t understand. This part was like a bolt that was preventing the wheels from running smoothly. Where I had great success in life, I was unable to truly understand the reason why to enable me to replicate it for the times when I'd fallen. When I’d encounter really quite terrible jealousy and meanness (which there was a lot), once again, I couldn’t understand why. I knew that I was full of love and kindness and could never comprehend why I was always encountering this abuse, and that’s in adulthood! And so with my Lover self, I'd unconsciously go back for more. A lot came from women too who I dedicate my time to empowering. I knew also that despite being in my fifties I had a magnetic vibe from men. I knew this was because I’m a free-spirit, but it’s clear from this programme the reason why was even more profound than I thought. As you can see I’m struggling to keep this short:). After going through the program I immediately changed by branding to that of the Lover and my Instagram followers and engagement suddenly started picking up. Everything suddenly started to make sense. In the past, I’ve had counselling and all sorts to try and understand. To try and remove the bolt. Although it helped loads, the bolt still remained. Perhaps all counsellors should do your program as a part of their studies! The only thing I’m cross about is that I’ve only just discovered you. It seems crazy because I never stop growing and evolving, and not shy to investigate everything! I suspect it came now because I had finally cut myself away from all the abusers. The cut was bloody. I took no prisoners. Deep down I knew these people although very close to me they were trying to destroy me. Each section is golden nugget after golden nugget. After going through the Lover programme, I thought there is no way that the Maiden programme could touch it or come even close. I was so fully satisfied after listening to Lover I didn’t want to spoil my taste buds by listening to Maiden. Oh gheeze, how wrong I was, I entered a goldmine once more. You are truly a phenomenal woman. Your work is beyond magnificent!
Ingrid M
The Feminine Odyssey is a spiritual, mental and emotional journey that every woman must undergo. Most people spend years of their lives being diluted versions of themselves, but I dare myself and challenge myself to do the internal work to stand unafraid in my truth.
Brandy J
I can tell how much work you put into these courses. The amount of effort you put into studying, the volume of information you've curated for our understanding and the immaculate production is truly noteworthy. You've poured your heart and soul into this. "
This course is truly amazing and eye opening. The first time I took the quiz, a little over a year ago, my seduction archetype was the siren (no surprise there). What I love about this course is that it is providing insight into how I move in the world and the "whys" behind it all. Also, it's a great confidence builder and allowing me to see where I need to work on cultivating balance in my personality. Ayesha, I appreciate the work you've put into creating such dynamic content.
Dawn Easter
These courses are what I've been looking for. After searching and taking different courses on self love, sexual liberation and feminine energy, that I later found out were surface level and not well thought out, I am glad that I invested in your work. In just the last two weeks there have been so many things to make me excited about making some changes in my life. Thank you so much!
M.O.
Ayesha! Gratitude to you! Thank you for this course.I have always felt wrong and in conflict with myself but today, as part of this course, I can finally say that the pieces of my brokenness have come back home to me. I have peace in my femininity. I have gone to church, to business seminars, etc. Nobody has ever explained this the way you just did. I am now excited about being in my own little Paradise and letting my energy attract what I wish to create! Thank you so much!
O. Benson
I purchased the Maiden courses last night, and OH MY GOD it has been a revelation of what happened to me in these last 9 years, this descent in the underworld... I'm literally crying, because in a day binge watching your videos you achieved what nobody (parents, psychologists, friends, quotes, books, consulting etc.) achieved in these long years : clarity in what I'm going through and why. And what awaits me and how I can act upon it. Thank you so much, I think you saved my soul with your videos.
Sophie
I took the archetype quiz again after incorporating some of your recommendations. My Lover archetype has increased above 70%. It is now at 76.2%! Wow! This is amazing! It was inactive before below 70%. I can also tell a difference in my attitude, emotions and my thoughts. I have also received many compliments, gifts and new opportunities! Thank you! This information is like a roadmap.
Shunika M.
I just wanted to write to say thank you for your amazing work. I bought your Sophisticate bundle and have completed the Lover section, and I feel it has pushed me so much further on my personal journey and evolution. So much of it rang true, and I’m so grateful to have found it at my age. The lesson that my energy is a gift and I inspire people as a Lover woman is so true and something I have been told often — but your course allowed me to fully believe and embrace it! The visual of the siren’s island also makes perfect sense to me; by creating a life that gives me deep pleasure and fulfillment, not only am I making myself happy, but I am creating a world that the right kind of person would be interested in joining. Your guidance goes so much deeper than attracting men, it’s a life philosophy. Thank you so much for your research and efforts in providing this for us.
Ella
Previous
Next

Get Inspired!

Curious about your archetype? Take the psychology-driven Seduction Archetype Quiz.

Click to learn more about the other archetypes: Siren | Sophisticate | Boss | Bohemian | Coquette | Goddess | Enigma | Diva | Empress | Sensualist | Lady | Ingenue | Gamine

The founder of Women Love Power®, Ayesha K. Faines is a writer, media personality, and brave new voice for feminine power and social change. Sought after for her provocative insights on culture, mythology and gender politics, she has been featured on MTV, Essence, Entertainment Tonight, The Michael Baisden Radio Show, AfroPunk, and Time among other media outlets. She's traveled the world lecturing before a number of universities, and she pens a column for Zora Magazine that explores the intersection of love and power. She is best known as a featured panelist on "The Grapevine". Ayesha is a graduate of Yale University and a former television journalist.

13 Feminine Seduction Archetypes: The “Boss”

By

The BOSS

You command power in the boardroom and the bedroom.

The sage....

Is your DOMINANT feminine archetype.

The lover...

even if not your second highest archetype, is ACTIVE and over 70% on the quiz, ideally.

“Life is a dance between making it happen and letting it happen.”
Arianna huffington

A snapshot of the Boss

Patron Saint:

Cleopatra

In Pop Culture:

Amal Clooney

On television:

Olivia Pope, Scandal

In film:

Jacqueline Broyer, Boomerang

Your Potential To Captivate

Even the most skilled player will fumble when he encounters a woman who is confident, competent, and totally self-possessed. Some people call you an alpha-female, a “boss babe”, or better yet, the perfect mix of beauty and brains. Regardless of the label, when a successful man meets you—he’s met his match.

Your cool demeanor, mental acuity and emotional independence are the essence of your appeal. With the “sage” as your dominant archetype, you are a goal-oriented woman, motivated by proximity to power and the pursuit of knowledge. Unlike the siren, you do not need to connect in order to feel fulfilled. When a man senses that you do not fundamentally need him, you ignite a man’s instinct to chase and conquer. 

Consider how fictional DC fixer Olivia Pope triggers neurotic behavior in the otherwise self-possessed President Fitzgerald Grant on ABC’s Scandal, or how international human rights attorney Amal Clooney turned the tables on a life-long bachelor George Clooney.

You thrive in traditionally male-dominated environments and you may enjoy conversations about business, politics, and current events. Sometimes you date for sport– your tremendous self-sufficiency allows you to play the field without fear of heartbreak.

 

The Boss is ruled by the cool “sage” archetype, but when you are not connected to your creative, life-force “lover” energy, your tendency to live in your head causes you to overthink and judge. It makes it difficult for you to experience the pleasure of feeling rooted and totally present in the moment.  When sage energy goes unbalanced, it’s a challenge to  really tap into your full creative potential. Furthermore,  your cool demeanor, while potentially fascinating,  can also work as armor, repelling more than it attracts, thus keeping people at a respectful distance. This may make it harder to accomplish some of your personal and professional goals. When “Boss” women are totally aligned with their sage energy, and also connected to their sensual lover energy, they are force with which to be reckoned. These women are not only sharp strategists and witty conversationalist, but they fully inhabit their bodies, they are infinitely creativity ( Martha Stewart is actually a boss) and they feel at home in the realm of sensuality and emotional expression. 

Get Inspired!

In the BOSS Master Class Bundle Discover...
  • How to attract like a "BOSS"
  • The masculine archetypes you naturally attract, and how to  POWERFULLY navigate those relationships 
  • How to eliminate the behaviors and mindsets that hold you back
  • How you leverage your archetype for wealth, opportunity and abundance
  • How to use archetypes to get unstuck-- and figure out your purpose
  • How Boss'  can balance erotic energy with emotional distance-- the key to being a siren!
  • The ancient stories that are playing out in your life RIGHT NOW
  • The books, movies,  exercises and prompts that will fast-track your personal growth
  • The daily practices, environments and lifestyle choices that will put you in touch with your archetype
MORE ON THE BOSS

Testimonials

Ayesha has been an integral resource for building myself up after my spiritual awakening. Her wisdom is a grounding force. She puts so much into what she teaches and you can tell. I've never felt so comfortable with my feminine energy like I do now, and her Feminine Odyssey course is IT.
Thandiwe Mlauli
Thandiwe Mlauli
A year after breaking an engagement, I started to recover pieces of myself. But I still felt lost, cautious, and scared. So I dedicated 2020 to being the year I would be the confident woman I was prior to that relationship. I came across Ayesha’s YouTube channel. I saw some of her videos and I took the Archetype Quiz. The results rang true and it was so thorough that it couldn’t hurt to take the Feminine Odyssey course. In this course, I learned about the different facets of femininity and the divine goddess that is waiting to reemerge. Just like the Archetype Quiz, the Feminine Odyssey course was very thorough. It discusses the history behind the different archetypes. At times, It felt like I was participating in the “Odyssey” but the female version. Ayesha does an excellent job of connecting the ancient goddesses to our present by providing present-day examples of the archetypes. The past informs the present in this course! And the best part is that she also provides actions or habits that we can do to ignite the different archetypes within us. This course provided the blue print on how to inhabit these different parts of myself. I learned to embrace my beautiful complexities. And Ayesha’s poise is an example of how to do it all with grace. The course is not only a way to discover the different faces of femininity within us. But it also helped me step away from the superficial definition of femininity as prescribed by today’s media. It's not just sex, roses, and pink diamonds. Divine femininity is the 3D version of ourselves. It is sensual, strategic, spiritual, emotional, receptive, creative, and so much more.
Cynthia Paulino
I took the Maiden and Lover bundle and it was so informative and scarily spot on. Thank you for all your wisdom.
Once I started this program, I couldn’t stop. I became annoyed by the work I had to do in between and rescheduled everything else. In truth, a few lines, nor even a paragraph can really truly give justice to this body of work. Coming from me that’s pretty something too because I am extremely really read from spirituality to neuroscience, confident and live my life authentically. Despite being a Lover I’ve never fallen prey to the ridiculous stereotypes pumped out by the patriarchy either. As your program states, I guess I saved my sanity over the years by developing the Sage aspect. I’ve always, always defined my own worth. But yet there was a part of me that I didn’t understand. This part was like a bolt that was preventing the wheels from running smoothly. Where I had great success in life, I was unable to truly understand the reason why to enable me to replicate it for the times when I'd fallen. When I’d encounter really quite terrible jealousy and meanness (which there was a lot), once again, I couldn’t understand why. I knew that I was full of love and kindness and could never comprehend why I was always encountering this abuse, and that’s in adulthood! And so with my Lover self, I'd unconsciously go back for more. A lot came from women too who I dedicate my time to empowering. I knew also that despite being in my fifties I had a magnetic vibe from men. I knew this was because I’m a free-spirit, but it’s clear from this programme the reason why was even more profound than I thought. As you can see I’m struggling to keep this short:). After going through the program I immediately changed by branding to that of the Lover and my Instagram followers and engagement suddenly started picking up. Everything suddenly started to make sense. In the past, I’ve had counselling and all sorts to try and understand. To try and remove the bolt. Although it helped loads, the bolt still remained. Perhaps all counsellors should do your program as a part of their studies! The only thing I’m cross about is that I’ve only just discovered you. It seems crazy because I never stop growing and evolving, and not shy to investigate everything! I suspect it came now because I had finally cut myself away from all the abusers. The cut was bloody. I took no prisoners. Deep down I knew these people although very close to me they were trying to destroy me. Each section is golden nugget after golden nugget. After going through the Lover programme, I thought there is no way that the Maiden programme could touch it or come even close. I was so fully satisfied after listening to Lover I didn’t want to spoil my taste buds by listening to Maiden. Oh gheeze, how wrong I was, I entered a goldmine once more. You are truly a phenomenal woman. Your work is beyond magnificent!
Ingrid M
The Feminine Odyssey is a spiritual, mental and emotional journey that every woman must undergo. Most people spend years of their lives being diluted versions of themselves, but I dare myself and challenge myself to do the internal work to stand unafraid in my truth.
Brandy J
I can tell how much work you put into these courses. The amount of effort you put into studying, the volume of information you've curated for our understanding and the immaculate production is truly noteworthy. You've poured your heart and soul into this. "
This course is truly amazing and eye opening. The first time I took the quiz, a little over a year ago, my seduction archetype was the siren (no surprise there). What I love about this course is that it is providing insight into how I move in the world and the "whys" behind it all. Also, it's a great confidence builder and allowing me to see where I need to work on cultivating balance in my personality. Ayesha, I appreciate the work you've put into creating such dynamic content.
Dawn Easter
These courses are what I've been looking for. After searching and taking different courses on self love, sexual liberation and feminine energy, that I later found out were surface level and not well thought out, I am glad that I invested in your work. In just the last two weeks there have been so many things to make me excited about making some changes in my life. Thank you so much!
M.O.
Ayesha! Gratitude to you! Thank you for this course.I have always felt wrong and in conflict with myself but today, as part of this course, I can finally say that the pieces of my brokenness have come back home to me. I have peace in my femininity. I have gone to church, to business seminars, etc. Nobody has ever explained this the way you just did. I am now excited about being in my own little Paradise and letting my energy attract what I wish to create! Thank you so much!
O. Benson
I purchased the Maiden courses last night, and OH MY GOD it has been a revelation of what happened to me in these last 9 years, this descent in the underworld... I'm literally crying, because in a day binge watching your videos you achieved what nobody (parents, psychologists, friends, quotes, books, consulting etc.) achieved in these long years : clarity in what I'm going through and why. And what awaits me and how I can act upon it. Thank you so much, I think you saved my soul with your videos.
Sophie
I took the archetype quiz again after incorporating some of your recommendations. Mt Lover archetype has increased above 70%. It is now at 76.2%! Wow! This is amazing! It was inactive before below 70%. I can also tell a difference in my attitude, emotions and my thoughts. I have also received many compliments, gifts and new opportunities! Thank you! This information is like a roadmap.
Shunika M.
I just wanted to write to say thank you for your amazing work. I bought your Sophisticate bundle and have completed the Lover section, and I feel it has pushed me so much further on my personal journey and evolution. So much of it rang true, and I’m so grateful to have found it at my age. The lesson that my energy is a gift and I inspire people as a Lover woman is so true and something I have been told often — but your course allowed me to fully believe and embrace it! The visual of the siren’s island also makes perfect sense to me; by creating a life that gives me deep pleasure and fulfillment, not only am I making myself happy, but I am creating a world that the right kind of person would be interested in joining. Your guidance goes so much deeper than attracting men, it’s a life philosophy. Thank you so much for your research and efforts in providing this for us.
Ella
Previous
Next

Curious about your archetype? Take the psychology-driven Seduction Archetype Quiz.

Click to learn more about the other archetypes: Siren | Sophisticate | Boss | Bohemian | Coquette | Goddess | Enigma | Diva | Empress | Sensualist | Lady | Ingenue | Gamine

The founder of Women Love Power®, Ayesha K. Faines is a writer, media personality, and brave new voice for feminine power and social change. Sought after for her provocative insights on culture, mythology and gender politics, she has been featured on MTV, Essence, Entertainment Tonight, The Michael Baisden Radio Show, AfroPunk, and Time among other media outlets. She's traveled the world lecturing before a number of universities, and she pens a column for Zora Magazine that explores the intersection of love and power. She is best known as a featured panelist on "The Grapevine". Ayesha is a graduate of Yale University and a former television journalist.

13 Feminine Seduction Archetypes: The “Bohemian”

By

The bohemian

Your independent spirit and sexy, devil-may-care attitude is irresistible.

The lover....

Is your DOMINANT feminine archetype.

The Huntress...

Is your second highest archetype.

"If I make a fool of myself, who cares? I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me."
Angelina Jolie

A snapshot of the Bohemian

Patron Saint:

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

In Pop Culture:

Erykah Badu

On television:

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

In film:

Elvira Hancock, Scarface

Your Potential To Captivate

Your sexy, devil-may-care attitude makes you naturally seductive. You are an independent, goal-oriented, free-spirit and you are fundamentally unconcerned with how anyone perceives you. This irreverence is immensely alluring.

At your best you don’t try to please, so men fall all over themselves, trying to please you.

You possess the sensual, creative, pleasure-seeking, spontaneity of the siren, with the physical, independent nature of the huntress. The huntress archetype represents a woman’s autonomy and her ability to select a life of her own choosing. 

There’s a certain down-to-earth, physicality about you that is tantalizing. You may be athletic, fond of the great outdoors, or just extremely confident in your own skin. Either way, your physicality shows.

Men respond to your confidence, self-possession, and maverick spirit.  You have the potential to  trigger a man’s impulse to conquer.

Brad Pitt dropped everything (including his current girlfriend) to create a family with Angelina Jolie. Erykah Badu’s power over hip-hop’s finest has been described as nothing short of magic.

Your anti-seductive qualities...

You have a tendency to be cut off from your emotional nature and vulnerability, thus making it difficult to relate to others, and forge real connections.  If both your  “huntress” and the “lover” energies are under-developed,  the goal-oriented nature of the ‘huntress’  will be at odds with your sensual, spontaneous ‘lover’ energy, thus diminishing your natural  appeal. Your pursuit of passion and freedom may interfere with your ability to make smart romantic decisions when you are seeking a lasting commitment.

More on the Bohemian

Get Inspired!

With the Bohemian Master Class Bundle You'll ...
  • Play up your natural, seductive appeal
  • Leverage the BEST aspects of your feminine archetypes, and manage the WORST
  • Know how real Bohemians (like Chanel) leveraged their personality to make their dreams come true
  • Ignite and express your raw, magnetic, 'lover' energy
  • Use archetypes to get unstuck-- and understand your life path
  • Curate a better, richer and more-rewarding life that's aligned with who YOU really are
  • Attract people and opportunity by being MORE of yourself
  • Know who you naturally attract-- and what to expect in those relationships
  • Start daily practices and make the lifestyle choices that align you with your archetype
  • Leverage your archetypes for wealth, opportunity and abundance

Testimonials

Ayesha has been an integral resource for building myself up after my spiritual awakening. Her wisdom is a grounding force. She puts so much into what she teaches and you can tell. I've never felt so comfortable with my feminine energy like I do now, and her Feminine Odyssey course is IT.
Thandiwe Mlauli
Thandiwe Mlauli
A year after breaking an engagement, I started to recover pieces of myself. But I still felt lost, cautious, and scared. So I dedicated 2020 to being the year I would be the confident woman I was prior to that relationship. I came across Ayesha’s YouTube channel. I saw some of her videos and I took the Archetype Quiz. The results rang true and it was so thorough that it couldn’t hurt to take the Feminine Odyssey course. In this course, I learned about the different facets of femininity and the divine goddess that is waiting to reemerge. Just like the Archetype Quiz, the Feminine Odyssey course was very thorough. It discusses the history behind the different archetypes. At times, It felt like I was participating in the “Odyssey” but the female version. Ayesha does an excellent job of connecting the ancient goddesses to our present by providing present-day examples of the archetypes. The past informs the present in this course! And the best part is that she also provides actions or habits that we can do to ignite the different archetypes within us. This course provided the blue print on how to inhabit these different parts of myself. I learned to embrace my beautiful complexities. And Ayesha’s poise is an example of how to do it all with grace. The course is not only a way to discover the different faces of femininity within us. But it also helped me step away from the superficial definition of femininity as prescribed by today’s media. It's not just sex, roses, and pink diamonds. Divine femininity is the 3D version of ourselves. It is sensual, strategic, spiritual, emotional, receptive, creative, and so much more.
Cynthia Paulino
I took the Maiden and Lover bundle and it was so informative and scarily spot on. Thank you for all your wisdom.
Once I started this program, I couldn’t stop. I became annoyed by the work I had to do in between and rescheduled everything else. In truth, a few lines, nor even a paragraph can really truly give justice to this body of work. Coming from me that’s pretty something too because I am extremely really read from spirituality to neuroscience, confident and live my life authentically. Despite being a Lover I’ve never fallen prey to the ridiculous stereotypes pumped out by the patriarchy either. As your program states, I guess I saved my sanity over the years by developing the Sage aspect. I’ve always, always defined my own worth. But yet there was a part of me that I didn’t understand. This part was like a bolt that was preventing the wheels from running smoothly. Where I had great success in life, I was unable to truly understand the reason why to enable me to replicate it for the times when I'd fallen. When I’d encounter really quite terrible jealousy and meanness (which there was a lot), once again, I couldn’t understand why. I knew that I was full of love and kindness and could never comprehend why I was always encountering this abuse, and that’s in adulthood! And so with my Lover self, I'd unconsciously go back for more. A lot came from women too who I dedicate my time to empowering. I knew also that despite being in my fifties I had a magnetic vibe from men. I knew this was because I’m a free-spirit, but it’s clear from this programme the reason why was even more profound than I thought. As you can see I’m struggling to keep this short:). After going through the program I immediately changed by branding to that of the Lover and my Instagram followers and engagement suddenly started picking up. Everything suddenly started to make sense. In the past, I’ve had counselling and all sorts to try and understand. To try and remove the bolt. Although it helped loads, the bolt still remained. Perhaps all counsellors should do your program as a part of their studies! The only thing I’m cross about is that I’ve only just discovered you. It seems crazy because I never stop growing and evolving, and not shy to investigate everything! I suspect it came now because I had finally cut myself away from all the abusers. The cut was bloody. I took no prisoners. Deep down I knew these people although very close to me they were trying to destroy me. Each section is golden nugget after golden nugget. After going through the Lover programme, I thought there is no way that the Maiden programme could touch it or come even close. I was so fully satisfied after listening to Lover I didn’t want to spoil my taste buds by listening to Maiden. Oh gheeze, how wrong I was, I entered a goldmine once more. You are truly a phenomenal woman. Your work is beyond magnificent!
Ingrid M
The Feminine Odyssey is a spiritual, mental and emotional journey that every woman must undergo. Most people spend years of their lives being diluted versions of themselves, but I dare myself and challenge myself to do the internal work to stand unafraid in my truth.
Brandy J
I can tell how much work you put into these courses. The amount of effort you put into studying, the volume of information you've curated for our understanding and the immaculate production is truly noteworthy. You've poured your heart and soul into this. "
This course is truly amazing and eye opening. The first time I took the quiz, a little over a year ago, my seduction archetype was the siren (no surprise there). What I love about this course is that it is providing insight into how I move in the world and the "whys" behind it all. Also, it's a great confidence builder and allowing me to see where I need to work on cultivating balance in my personality. Ayesha, I appreciate the work you've put into creating such dynamic content.
Dawn Easter
These courses are what I've been looking for. After searching and taking different courses on self love, sexual liberation and feminine energy, that I later found out were surface level and not well thought out, I am glad that I invested in your work. In just the last two weeks there have been so many things to make me excited about making some changes in my life. Thank you so much!
M.O.
Ayesha! Gratitude to you! Thank you for this course.I have always felt wrong and in conflict with myself but today, as part of this course, I can finally say that the pieces of my brokenness have come back home to me. I have peace in my femininity. I have gone to church, to business seminars, etc. Nobody has ever explained this the way you just did. I am now excited about being in my own little Paradise and letting my energy attract what I wish to create! Thank you so much!
O. Benson
I purchased the Maiden courses last night, and OH MY GOD it has been a revelation of what happened to me in these last 9 years, this descent in the underworld... I'm literally crying, because in a day binge watching your videos you achieved what nobody (parents, psychologists, friends, quotes, books, consulting etc.) achieved in these long years : clarity in what I'm going through and why. And what awaits me and how I can act upon it. Thank you so much, I think you saved my soul with your videos.
Sophie
I took the archetype quiz again after incorporating some of your recommendations. Mt Lover archetype has increased above 70%. It is now at 76.2%! Wow! This is amazing! It was inactive before below 70%. I can also tell a difference in my attitude, emotions and my thoughts. I have also received many compliments, gifts and new opportunities! Thank you! This information is like a roadmap.
Shunika M.
I just wanted to write to say thank you for your amazing work. I bought your Sophisticate bundle and have completed the Lover section, and I feel it has pushed me so much further on my personal journey and evolution. So much of it rang true, and I’m so grateful to have found it at my age. The lesson that my energy is a gift and I inspire people as a Lover woman is so true and something I have been told often — but your course allowed me to fully believe and embrace it! The visual of the siren’s island also makes perfect sense to me; by creating a life that gives me deep pleasure and fulfillment, not only am I making myself happy, but I am creating a world that the right kind of person would be interested in joining. Your guidance goes so much deeper than attracting men, it’s a life philosophy. Thank you so much for your research and efforts in providing this for us.
Ella
Previous
Next

Testimonials

Get Started Now

Curious about your archetype? Take the psychology-driven Seduction Archetype Quiz.

Click to learn more about the other archetypes: Siren | Sophisticate | Boss | Bohemian | Coquette | Goddess | Enigma | Diva | Empress | Sensualist | Lady | Ingenue | Gamine

The founder of Women Love Power®, Ayesha K. Faines is a writer, media personality, and brave new voice for feminine power and social change. Sought after for her provocative insights on culture, mythology and gender politics, she has been featured on MTV, Essence, Entertainment Tonight, The Michael Baisden Radio Show, AfroPunk, and Time among other media outlets. She's traveled the world lecturing before a number of universities, and she pens a column for Zora Magazine that explores the intersection of love and power. She is best known as a featured panelist on "The Grapevine". Ayesha is a graduate of Yale University and a former television journalist.