Four Feminine Archetypes on the Priestess Path

Priestess

Jul 21

The feminine path is not linear—it spirals through seasons, phases, blood mysteries, and soul thresholds.

One of the most ancient and enduring maps for understanding feminine embodiment is the archetypal journey of Maiden, Mother, Queen, and Crone.

Many are familiar with the triple goddess spiral or Maiden, Mother and Crone, however, a new phase of Queen introduces the time in a woman’s life when she has gone through menopause, and still has ample time to be of service in the world before retiring into her crone years.

This period of the Queen is a time when a woman has earned wisdom through her life, is usually more financially stable, if she raised children they are usually close to or ready to leave home, freeing up new time and energy. It’s a powerful time in a woman’s life for her to consider the impact she wants to make and the legacy she wants to leave behind in the years she has left to give.

These four archetypes are intimately connected to the menstrual cycle, the moon, and the natural rhythms of the Earth.

These archetypes also live in us—not just over a lifetime, but month to month, and even day to day in relation to the moon phases and menstrual cycle. They guide us through inner seasons of clarity, devotion, alignment, and vision. By understanding their essence, we can live in deeper connection with our bodies and our truth.

Blessings to Joana Ayala for first introducing me to these phases:

Maiden

Follicular phase – Mental clarity – Waxing Moon – Spring

Maiden energy corresponds to the follicular phase, the first phase of the menstrual cycle. It begins the same time menstruation starts (Day 1 of your cycle), and lasts until ovulation, usually around Day 14. This is when the ovaries are preparing to release an egg.

Over a lifetime, Maiden energy usually begins around the time of menarche and lasts until a woman becomes a mother. This phase is full of potential, curiosity, and momentum.

The Maiden also relates to the season of Spring, when buds burst through the soil and baby animals are born. In moon language, this is the waxing moon—growing, blossoming, eager.

This is a great time in our cycle for mental clarity, planning the month ahead, and putting dreams on the calendar. The Maiden is fresh, unburdened, and full of vision.

Mother

Ovulation – Devotion – Full Moon – Summer

Mother energy corresponds to the ovulation phase, when an egg releases and travels down the fallopian tube, ready to be fertilized. In a 28-day cycle, this happens around Day 14.

Over a lifetime, Mother energy begins when a woman becomes a mother—or when she embodies utmost generosity, abundance, and the capacity to give and serve. The essence of this archetype is devotion.

We can think of the vibrant full moon here, when the nectar of life overflows. This also relates to Summer, a time of outward movement, celebration, and visibility.

In your cycle, this is a great time to plan social engagements, creative collaborations, or public offerings. The Mother is radiant, receptive, and rooted in love.

Queen

Luteal – Premenstrual – Alignment – Waning Moon – Autumn

Queen energy corresponds to the luteal phase, which comes after ovulation but before menstruation. During this time, the body either prepares for pregnancy or prepares to release. It’s the last 10–14 days of the cycle.

Many refer to this as the “PMS” phase—but in truth, this energy is helping us come into alignment. It asks us to shed what no longer serves, to speak up, and to let go.

Some call this the Wild Woman phase—untamed, uninhibited, primal. But it’s also the time of the Queen, who says yes to her power and isn’t afraid to speak her truth.

Over a lifetime, Queen energy usually begins during menopause and lasts until a woman becomes more internal. This relates to Autumn, the time of release. In moon terms, it corresponds to the waning moon.

The Queen is the woman, often in her 50s to 60s, whose children may be leaving home, who is entering a new phase of dharma and life purpose. She stands in service to her people and chooses to give not to please others, but from a deep place of alignment.

Qualities of the Queen archetype introduced to me by Ashley Burnett:

She knows herself: Sovereign, boundless, free
Not afraid of her power
Uses her power in service
Does not make herself small to soothe others
Takes up space to inspire and activate
Lives in alignment and integrity
Owns her unique brilliance
Learns from her lessons and forgives herself
Comes from abundance, not lack
Practices fierce self-care and holds strong boundaries

This is a powerful time for inner clarity, emotional truth, and preparation.

Crone

Menstruation – Vision – Spirit realms – New Moon – Winter

Crone energy corresponds to the menstrual phase, when the uterine lining is released and a new cycle begins. This is an internal, visionary time when we are most connected to the spirit realms.

Over a lifetime, the Crone represents the final 15–20 years of life. She is full of wisdom and power, but this time also holds a more internal nature. This is a time to rest, reflect, write, and pass down story and soul-essence.

The Crone relates to Winter, when the Earth sleeps. In moon language, she is the new moon—quiet, deep, unseen.

This is a potent time for meditation, dreamwork, and visioning. The Crone reminds us that rest is sacred. That silence holds revelation. That what is unseen is not unimportant—it is gestating.

These archetypes live within us, always. By honoring their phases and messages, we return to our bodies, our moon rhythm, and our deepest feminine knowing.