Alternate View of “Feminine”

While researching for a graduate paper, I discovered an alternate view of masculine and feminine traits within the representation of the kabbalist tree of life. In the tradition of the Jewish mysticism, the tree of life is made up of ten different sefirot, each corresponding to a particular aspect of God:

 

I will not go into a detailed description of each sefirot here. However, I would like to point out the interdependent nature of this symbol. It depicts an integrated God figure comprised of dualistic elements like Lovingkindness and Judgement, Wisdom and Understanding, Victory and Splendor; each element connected to an opposing force to maintain balance.

The left side of the tree = feminine side of God

• Attributes of Power and justice

• The principles of separation and distinction

The right side of the tree = masculine side of God

• Attributes of unity, harmony, and benevolence

• The principles of love, compassion, and grace In this model women are depicted as manifesting “rational ways of being” and men are depicted as manifesting “intuitive ways of being”.