The mother archetype is so much more than an idea, or even an embodiment of “motherhood”. She is everything. The mother archetype is sensual, abundant, and bursting with fertility. She’s creative, generous, and compassionate. And in many mythologies, this potent female archetype is one with the Earth Goddess herself.
But let’s rewind…
The mother archetype is a concept that’s been widely studied in psychology, anthropology, and mythology. She is one of the MOST common archetypes (not only the female ones) that can be found in cultures all across the world. She is embedded deep in the human psyche, a lynchpin of the collective unconscious. She is a symbol of an idealized version of motherhood, a selfless and nurturing presence who strives to protect her offspring under any circumstances.
Yet the mother archetype is really more than a concept. Archetypes are ancient. Yet it was the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung – founder of analytical psychology – who devised a system of 12 archetypes.
These aren’t specific to women, however, so within the field of myth and storytelling, other researchers using Jung’s theories, worked to identify 7 feminine archetypes. Between them (and in combination) these 7 archetypes exist in the collective unconscious, and describe the role of all possible female characters. The mother archetype – is one of these 7.
What are the 7 female archetypes?
The 7 female archetypes are...
What is mother energy?
Mother energy isn’t limited to a woman who is a biological mother, or even those who seem to possess “motherly qualities”. In truth, she contains so much more than our human stereotypes about her will allow.
The mother archetype embodies a pure maternal instinct that’s nurturing, warm, protective, and selfless. The energy of this sacred archetype is sustaining and generous, whether she directs it toward children and family, or any other aspects of her life. She’s an eternal wellspring, directly connected to Source, and she will create life from her own.
She also offers the sense of belonging and appreciation, that all people long for.
Often down-to-earth, the mother tends to be the most rooted and settled of the divine feminine archetypes. She is abundant and fertile. And like Mother Earth herself, she’s endlessly creative, generous, and compassionate.
Mother archetypes find great pleasure in looking after others. As natural caretakers, they have a deep desire to be of service and provide for other people. Yet those with a dominant mother archetype may often feel a huge weight of responsibility, unable to put down the burden of duty care, even when they, themselves are worn thin. That said, it’s a weight that is usually carried with grace.
READ THIS RELATED ARTICLE: What is the Caregiver Archetype?
Of all the female archetypes, this one offers the most strength to others. Existing in relation to those around her, she provides the structure other people need to thrive. From womb to tomb, she cradles, feeds, and protects with endless love. She encompasses inner strength and wisdom, ingenuity and artfulness, and sacred care-taking.
The mother is also highly attentive. The intimate knowledge and insight that this female archetype has of her brood, gives her an overarching, often protective impulse. She will defend herself (and her family/creation) to the ends of the Earth. Fiercely if she must.
Yet this protective spirit may become cloying and suffocating at times. Centering her life around other people and their needs, the mother archetype may struggle to maintain personal boundaries, and let go of her offspring when the time comes. This sacred feminine archetype often needs to learn to let go.
Every one of us was born from a mother’s womb, yet often our relationship with this female archetype can be something of a struggle.
Perhaps this struggle is manifesting, somewhere very deeply, in the mistreatment of the Earth, our great mother? For this reason, the responsibility lies with us all to awaken our inner mother archetypes, so that we can get back into right relationship with her?
ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT: What is Feminine Energy?
Traits, qualities, and characteristics of the mother archetype
Embodying a very particular stream of life force energy, the mother archetype has a fertile, creative and sustaining spirit that’s unique, and SO necessary right now.
Here are some of the most common characteristics, qualities, and traits of the maiden archetype:
Nurturing: The mother archetype is most associated with nurturing and caring for others.
Unconditional love: The mother loves without conditions. She won’t judge, criticize or give ultimatums. She offers only full acceptance of her children.
Protective: Mother archetypes serve as the number one associated with protecting their children from harm.
Self-sacrificing: Mothers are often willing to make sacrifices for the well-being and success of their children, or projects they are working on. They willingly put their own needs and desires aside for the sake of their children.
Compassionate: The mother archetype is THE most compassionate and empathic.
Intuitive: As the primary nurturer for their children, mothers must often have incredibly strong intuition, being able to sense the needs of their children often before they do!
Wise: The mother archetype is often associated with wisdom and guidance.
Selfless: Mothers are often willing to put their own needs and desires aside for the sake of their children.
Strong: The mother archetype embodies strength and resilience, often able to handle whatever challenges and adversity they and their families face.
A unifying force: The mother archetype is often seen as a unifying force, bringing people together and creating a sense of community and connection.
Weaknesses and shadow side of the mother archetype
The weaknesses, limitations or negative qualities when it comes to the mother archetype may be expressed consciously, as behaviors that manifest daily in a woman’s life. OR they may exist in the unconscious, emerging through the shadow side.
Overprotectiveness: The mother archetype can sometimes lead to overprotectiveness, which can inhibit a child’s growth and development.
Smothering: Similarly, the archetypal mother can sometimes express smothering behavior, which can stifle a child’s independence.
Enmeshment: The overbearing maternal figure can become too involved in her child’s life, leading to her losing her own sense of identity.
Codependency: A mother figure can become overly reliant on her child for emotional support.
Guilt: Mothers can often feel guilty for not being able to live up to the idealized image of the perfect mother.
Self-neglect: Mothers can sometimes neglect their own needs and desires, in order to prioritize the needs of their children.
Control: The mother archetype can sometimes lead to controlling behavior, in an attempt to dictate every aspect of her child’s life.
Perfectionism: Mothers can sometimes feel pressure to be the perfect good mother, leading to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy.
Emotional manipulation: The mother archetype can sometimes express forms of emotional manipulation, where a mother uses guilt or other tactics to get her way.
Martyrdom: Mothers can sometimes adopt a martyr-like mentality, sacrificing their own happiness for the sake of their children.
Do any of these characteristics feel familiar? Or have you felt them manifesting through any of the dominant people in your life? Then read this – What is the Devouring Mother Archetype?
What are the different characters related to the mother archetype?
The main characteristics of this potent archetype have woven their way through our culture since time immemorial.
This is because the mother plays a significant role in everybody’s life – whether or not she’s currently present in your life, it’s likely her essence still influences you tremendously. This is one archetype projected onto almost every facet of life, since the day each of us was born.
Yet in television, movies, story, and literature, mother archetypes show up as many different characters. A good example of this is the difference between the wicked stepmother and the fairy godmother. Neither one is a biological mother, yet both are mother archetypes.
Here are 6 different examples that show up pretty frequently –
The Nurturer: These characters are caring, kind, and nurturing, always putting the needs of others before their own. Despite not always being a personal mother, she’s often seen as a maternal figure, providing comfort and support to those around her.
The Protector: These characters are fiercely protective of their loved ones, willing to do whatever it takes to keep them safe. She is often seen as a symbol of strength and resilience.
The Martyr: These characters sacrifice their personal needs and desires for the sake of their family, often to the point of self-neglect. May be seen as a symbol of selflessness and devotion.
The Shadow Mother: These can be complex characters, representing the negative aspects of the mother archetype. Aspects such as overprotectiveness, control, and emotional manipulation. She is often seen as a symbol of the dark side of motherhood, appearing as the wicked stepmother, the devouring mother, the neglectful mother, and the terrible mother.
The Wise Woman: A source of guidance and wisdom, often offering advice and support to those around her. She is often seen as a symbol of experience and knowledge and may be depicted as a mature or older character.
ALSO READ: 12 Ways to Meet Your Wise Woman/ Crone Archetype
Caregiver: A deeply empathic and compassionate character, this one usually shows up nurturing and caring for others.
Examples of the mother archetype in mythology and literature
The mother archetype exists as a common figure in mythology, folklore, film, literature – and in the women, you meet in everyday life!
Here are 10 mother archetype examples from mythology, film, and literature:
Demeter: In ancient Greek mythology, Demeter is the goddess of grain, agriculture and fertility, also associated with nurturing and motherhood.
The Virgin Mary from the Bible: The virgin mother of Jesus, often depicted as a symbol of motherly love and compassion.
Molly Weasley from Harry Potter: The loving, understanding, and protective mother figure to her children and their friends.
Marmee March from Little Women: A kind and nurturing mother to her four daughters, Marmee March embodies many motherly ideals.
Mrs. Gump from Forrest Gump: devoted and selfless mother to her son, Forrest.
Morticia Addams from The Addams Family: Despite being a dark and unconventional mother figure, Morticia is still fiercely protective of her family.
The Fairy Godmother: Featuring in fairy tales such as Cinderella, the fairy godmother appears as a protective guardian and fosters growth in young characters, often without supportive parents.
Mary Poppins: A magical nanny and mother figure to the Banks children, with many supernatural, but ultimately very maternal characteristics.
Miss Honey from Mathilda: The kind and attentive teacher from the Roald Dahl classic is a great example of the loving mother archetype. She ultimately saves Matilda from her unlikely parents.
Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice: A somewhat overbearing mother figure, but Mrs Bennet ultimately wants the best for her daughters.
How the mother archetype relates to the Moon cycle
Every Full Moon, the archetype of the Mother emerges.
There are four female archetypes that shape our Moon cycle.
You may have heard of three essential aspects – the triptych of maiden, mother, crone – the Goddess in her triple form. But take a more intimate journey around the lunar cycle, you’ll find another female archetype – this one, that we’re talking about here.
Together they are:
The mother archetype encompasses the energy that you most likely feel at the Full Moon – it’s climactic, buoyant, creative, and fertile.
This is also the energy stream that many women are tapping into during ovulation. The mother awakens after the follicular phase of your personal Moon cycle – it’s when you’re capable of becoming pregnant.
You can read more about the connection between the Moon and your Menstrual cycle HERE
You may not feel this particular feminine energy emerging every cycle.
You may have a whole stack of blocks and limitations that are actually preventing her from emerging in her balanced state.
OR maybe her shadow side is what emerges for you, either consciously, or unconsciously?
… In which case, exploring how this archetype wants to move through your life is a MUST.
THIS GUIDE is a really great place to start.
So how can you begin to coax the mother archetype out? The key to this, and starting to embody all divine feminine archetypal energies is to adapt the way you go about things.
A list of 10 ways to embody the mother archetype
Remember – you don’t need to be a biological mother to embody this ancient and important feminine archetype. The energy of the great mother is vital for creating and nurturing ALL life, human or otherwise, and it’s THIS you’re tapping into.
1. Slow down and be present
Slow down the pace of life and enjoy the pleasure your senses receive from being fully present.
YES, the mother archetype is all about being present and attentive to the needs of others, but when you do this as a practice, it’s easy to realize how wonderful it all is – you have succeeded! There’s no need to keep chasing what you don’t have (and don’t need?)
2. Simplify your life – declutter and minimalize
- What are your priorities?
- How much other stuff is going on in your life, drawing your attention away from these?
By clearing out the excess, you’ll create the space for abundance to rush into the areas you really want it. The Mother archetype is often depicted as somebody naturally beautiful, buxom and rosy-cheeked – the provider of plenty. She does this by having her priorities right!
3. Foster connection
The mother archetype is all about togetherness. So find ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
Invite some friends over and take the time to prepare and savor delicious food in company. Don’t worry about perfection – instead, focus on the simple delight and pleasure of what is happening around you.
4. Create community
Give time, attention, and resources to a group cause (even if the cause is nothing more than friendship and local company). AND in turn, ensure that group also takes care of you.
This interplay of give and take lies at the root of the mother archetype’s gifts which are to sustain and nurture.
5. Create ceremony, rituals and traditions
Implement a tradition or some simple ceremony into your life. It could be a daily ‘thanksgiving’ at mealtimes (great for children, to develop their own sense of gratitude. I do this with my own kids, and they love it. They have even made up their own little “grateful” dance, it’s brilliant!)
Or try something aligned with the lunar phase – a New Moon ritual, or a Full Moon celebration, a monthly party to celebrate everyone’s successes.! Share it with others, and be consistent – these rites create a real sense of belonging and connectedness, to friends, family, and to the Earth.
6. Learn to be resourceful
This means using whatever you already have around you, rather than rushing out to buy new supplies or a gadget to help you do a job you’re actually pretty capable of doing already (and yes, it may require some creative thinking, but this is part of flexing this archetype’s muscle!)
Likewise, it may mean rallying around a few of your friends to lend you a hand, OR it may mean the opposite – not relying on external support to accomplish an easy task, if you tend to be quite needy.
This is about realizing and allowing your own innate creativity and strength.
7. Get practical!
Think about whether there are any practical life skills that you’ve so far missed out on picking up. For example:
- Can you change a flat tyre on your car or bike?
- Do you know how to sharpen your kitchen knives?
- Can you fix a leaky tap?
Join a course or find a friend to teach you! Sometimes we can get pushed into stereotypical thinking quite early on in life, and assume that we’re incapable in certain areas. The mother archetype dares you to challenge this!
8. Help those unable to help themselves
Providing support may mean buying a hot cup of tea for somebody homeless, or campaigning for the rights of human beings in war-torn countries… energy flows where attention goes. Summon the energy of the great mother and channel it for good.
9. Be a role model
Whether for your children or others in your life, strive to be a positive role model and lead by example.
10. Replenish yourself by connecting with Mother Earth
Get out into nature every day. Soak up the nourishing goodness of the great mother.
This kind of self care will be especially beneficial around the Full Moon when the mother archetype is activated.
11. Try gardening
If you don’t have one, most cities and towns have community gardens where you can volunteer. Gardening is SO healing! And it’s one of the simplest ways to bring out the balanced aspects of the Mother archetype.
12. Strengthen your heart
The heart is where we cultivate love. YES – you read that right, love is something we cultivate from within.
Working to activate and increase the capacity of your heart will create deeper, more profound connections with both yourself AND other people.
This means you’re more able to approach others with love and openness, not judgment or story.
13. Chart your menstrual cycle (or the Moon cycle)
This isn’t only noting down your bleeding days on the calendar, but also your emotional state, how energized you feel, how capable and creative you have been…
Over a longer timeframe, this simple practice will help you realize how tuned in you are to the greater cycles of nature, and will reinforce the innate connection you have to the Great Mother, Gaia.
READ: What’s your Moon & Menstrual Cycle Connection?
14. Wear comfortable, cozy, unrestrictive clothes
Try headscarves and gorgeous drapes of fabric, to feel enveloped, soothed and comforted (as opposed to the restrictive smartness of tailoring).
15. Have a go at making, or using handmade products
The loving care and attention channeled into a hand-knitted scarf, homemade jam, a hand-carved bowl, or whatever it is, rather than an industrially manufactured one, passes onto you when you use it (or to the next person, if you are the maker).
16. Let go and allow things to grow in their own way
The Mother Archetype is also about learning to let go
… Because what use is it, to create amazing things in the world, if they need your constant work, effort, and attention, to continue to survive?
To really be in touch with your inner mother archetype, you must learn when to let go.
How connected to your inner mother are you?
… or how much resistance do you feel to this energy?
I’d love to know – so will you scroll down and leave me a comment?
how may I get the ebook? great site, really insightful wisdom. thank you for sharing.
Thanks Leela – follow this link and the ebook is available https://www.themoonschool.org/product/how-to-get-started-with-sacred-cycles/
I love this article. I come back around to it everytime I start a new cycle just to better connect with the archetype and I always find it so beautiful how naturally and intuitively I already feel and do the things that you discuss with each archetype. Thank you for this!
Wow, thank you for this beautiful affirmation! So happy this resonates so deeply and intuitively with you.