Goddess, priestess, witch and queen
Four common masks of spiritual identity
If you have ever called yourself a goddess, or priestess, or witch, or queen, have you considered what that label really means? (Note: there are equivalent male-associated terms for each of these, but for the sake of simplicity here, I will stick to the female-associated terms.)
These monikers have been co-opted by the self-appointed superiority now trending in new age circles. Once upon a time, we may have used them to point to a particular essence quality that resides within the source code of humanity. But now the terms often refer to the members of a group as a distinct category — a club for cool kids in the spiritual scene.
We have a built-in tendency to look for belonging. It is instinctual. It is not surprising that as these labels became commonplace, we started seeking identity and family within their borders. These titles draw a line between in-group and out-group. We use them to separate the acknowledged from the unseen; to cleave observable beauty and magic from the latent potential within all human beings.
I am as guilty of this as anybody. The bitchy “mean girl” in me loves to cackle with her friends, delighting at how much more advanced we are, compared to those other plebes. That part of me loves to affirm her specialness through the imaginary accreditation of earned belonging.
But if we are using these names from a spiritual perspective, it’s important to check ourselves: how we are using them? Spiritually speaking, these terms are not meant to be a recognition of specialness as much as they are a remembrance of wholeness. If one is a goddess, there is a goddess in everyone. If one is a witch, there is a witch in everyone.
Let’s review each of these terms (goddess, priestess, witch, and queen) one by one and look at the essence of what they are pointing to:
Being Goddess
The term “Goddess” can be misused to evoke the image of a woman who is classically beautiful, or who exhibits stereotypically feminine qualities. Picture a long, flowing, diaphanous dress, paired with feather adornments, and a breathy soft-spoken voice. But we should be careful not to confuse Goddess-hood with form or fashion.
To me, the essence of Goddess energy is being connected to our divinity, while inhabiting a body. It is feminine, but most importantly, it is spirit-led. An embodiment of Goddess nature is inclusive of all forms and all expressions of Life, recognizing the divine in everything.
Being Priestess
The term “Priestess” can be twisted to mean a woman who acts as medium for transmissions of sacred wisdom. It might also hold an air of secrecy, especially around sexual initiation. Priestesses are often depicted as temple keepers and key holders. But we have to be careful not to conflate this role with controlled access or gatekeeping.
To me, the essence of Priestess energy is guardianship or stewardship. It carries a sense of responsibility to caretake what we hold sacred. Before anything else, a Priestess is a public servant. Priestess-ing is about selfless service to others, in devotion to the divine.
Being Witch
The term “Witch” can be distorted to mean a woman who manipulates energy to effect changes in physical reality. It is tied to the occult, associated with mystical or supernatural forces. In pop culture, we see Witches doing rituals and casting spells — often for the sake of bending circumstances to personal will. We think of Witches as having special powers.
To me, the essence of Witch energy is living in harmony with nature, attuned to the ebb and flow of life’s rhythms. A Witch is in synchrony with her body’s cycles and through this, she aligns with universal will. Basically, Witch-iness is a bridge between the seen and unseen.
Being Queen
The term “Queen” can be taken to mean someone respected or esteemed by many. A Queen may be a leader who commands deference from those around her. We often think of her as having elevated status, and thus power. But we don’t want to replicate old paradigm notions of Queen-ship as rulership. It is not about exerting force to move others.
To me, the essence of Queen energy is sovereignty. It is the capacity to exercise freedom of choice within one’s own domain — the queendom of one. Queenliness comes with a quality of benevolence, as demonstrated by an orientation towards collective benefit. As well, a Queen is grounded in a deep humility that stems from honoring interdependence.
Whether we prefer Goddess or Priestess or Witch or Queen, let us use these labels to affirm qualities that we see and appreciate in others — instead of using them to pride and identify ourselves as superior. And as we call out these acknowledgements, let us remember that what we point to, is a part of the fundamental design of every human being.
Dear Goddess, remember that every one of us is a divine spark in a finite body. Dear Priestess, remember that every one of us has responsibility for stewarding the sacred. Dear Witch, remember that every one of us is a force of nature, eternal and ever-changing. Dear Queen, remember that every one of us has the sovereign power to create our experience.
I believe these labels can be a powerful invocation to call us back to our innate divinity, responsibility, multi-dimensionality, or creative sovereignty. I am not suggesting that we remove these words from our vocabulary. I am simply logging this piece as a reminder to self, to help me remember where these terms come from and to use them accordingly.
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