I have always been fascinated by the archetype of the Dark Feminine, and the relationship between her and her counterpart, the “lighter” (and in the modern world distorted to the “more acceptable”) version of the goddess. With an affinity and preference for the darker one, I am intrigued by the mythical rivalry between the goddesses Aphrodite and Persephone, over the affections of Adonis.
There are different variations of the encounters between Aphrodite, Greek Goddess of beauty, sensuality and pleasure, and Persephone, raised as a seemingly innocent young maiden by an over-protective mother, who, after her abduction by Hades, the God of the Underworld, becomes the personification of the dark, the hidden, of mystery and of death.
Aphrodite reminds us of the gift and joy of being fully present in this world, reveling and basking in her physicality. Persephone lures us into a world of mysticism, into the unseen, and to deeper inquiry, perhaps even danger.
But in most variations, Adonis plays a central role, stepping in as the key figure to accentuate – and diffuse – the duality of light vs dark, the outer world and the inner, the seen and unseen, so perfectly depicted in the archetypes of the two goddesses.
Both fall in love with Adonis. The version I like the best, is the one where he ends up dividing his time between the two, showing that it is not the struggle between light and dark, but the integration of both, that ultimately creates balance.
But for me, the real intrigue in the story, whichever version you prefer, is Adonis himself. It is perhaps easier to see the attraction he holds for Aphrodite – the golden boy and golden girl, similar values, picture perfect. Yet, Persephone, Goddess of the Underworld, who pierced the veil between this world and the next, is equally unable to withstand his handsome physique. At some level this disappoints me, and I am mildly annoyed with her obvious inability to sever her attachment to the physical.
But I can also see why she falls for him…
Archetypically Adonis represents fertility, sexuality, and youth, and Persephone balances this with the possible thrill of adventure that she perceives in the underworld with Hades. And of course, I can relate to the deliciousness of appreciating beauty in a man, and in a woman. Persephone’s desire for Adonis reinforces the power and attraction of enjoying the physical, and the need to fuel our desire and the spark of life. The real story is not about the rivalry (or jealousy) between the two women, but about the catalyst awakening our desire, masterfully personified by Adonis. Persephone’s niche is beyond or below the physical world she left behind, yet her strong urge and longing keeps it alive for her.
In that, we witness a core human truth: That which we deny, becomes our strongest driving force. And that which we are lured away from (in her case, the outer world), returns to magnetise us tenfold.
For centuries we have been narrow-mindedly conditioned to value only the physical, at the expense of that which we cannot see, touch, or explain. However, we have always been captivated by mystery, and the magic of the non-physical. Whether Persephone had been abducted or whether she wilfully entered the underworld, secretly (or publicly) she has been the envy of many, symbolising a liberation from a safe, seen, but boring and predictable existence.
Yet ultimately, she is drawn back to it. Alas, as a different, restored woman. Coming full circle, she walks the Heroine’s Journey. And it is Desire that takes her back to her roots and restores balance.
And so, I reflect on the many pilgrimages we undertake throughout our life. Lured away – through force or through will, to leave that which we know, that which became too small, that which we are ashamed of, that which we have outgrown.
Only to be lured – through a deep, physical, undeniable desire to return.
May we always return in a different way.
With deep gratitude to Adonis for showing us the power of Desire. For when Desire is repressed or absent, God help us, for its strength WILL restore balance, at whatever cost.
#workingwitharchetypes #archetypes #heroesjourney #desire
About the Author:
Celeste Du Toit is a Holistic Soul Alignment Coach, dedicated to guiding you back to your truest essence. Her work focuses on archetypal imbalances and misalignments in the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. Her intuitive, body-centered pathways lead to self-discovery, balance, and clarity.
Whether online or in-person at her home studio in Westville, KZN, she creates a space for you to move beyond limitations to Live Your Truth.
If you’re ready to embrace a life of deep alignment, soulful growth, and true transformation, you’re in the right place!
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