The Maiden Archetype

Image from The Mythic Goddess deck by Katherine Skaggs

Tomorrow is the first quarter waxing moon. The moon is emerging from the dark phase and is now half lit, half still in shadow. It’s a time of growing energies and the time of The Maiden archetype.


This is the last waxing quarter moon of the solar year. As the sun is moving towards it’s darkest point in the Northern Hemisphere the moon reminds us that the seeds of the new are always present, even in the darkest places. 

The Maiden is in that transition phase, no longer a child due to the onset of menses but not yet an adult. She is torn between her urges for independence and the impending pressures of adulthood. 

Her sexuality is budding and the first blood rites of menses is bringing to her awareness the sense of herself as separate from the family, sovereign in her own right as a young woman. 

When this blood rite is honored well we can help seed in our Maidens clarity around healthy boundaries and discernment, her place in the community of women and her respect for her sexuality and body. 

Unfortunately, these rites have been taken from us and many of our your women today do not experience a ritual honoring of this turn in the women’s wheel. As such we tend to see much expression of the shadow of the Maiden archetype which can appear as either hyper- or hypo-sexuality, dishonoring of physical boundaries, lack of a sense of sovereignty and lack of self-esteem especially around body image.

We can call on the archetype of the Maiden each time we set out on a new adventure whether in our personal or professional lives. She brings vitality, innocence, beginner’s mind and clarity to our lives. 


As the moon reaches the quarter waxing state we invite you to tune into your inner Maiden and ask yourself the following questions:

  1. In what ways was your first menses honored? In what ways was it not?

  2. What impact did this have on your life?

  3. In what ways does the Maiden live in you now?

  4. In what ways is she underexpressed in your life currently?

  5. Are there shadow aspects of the Maiden that play out in your current life?

Ritual Invitation

As the days shorten and we head to the Winter Solstice there is a strong pull to move down and in. But overlaid over the solar cycle the lunar cycle changes more rapidly and on this day reminds us that the cycle of life-death-life always continues. 

  1. The moon will be visible for most of the afternoon and into the early evening. Go find a spot where you can see her.

  2. Call in the spirit of The Maiden and any other supportive guides or spirits you work with. Ask for assistance in finding the Maiden within.

  3. Do something you used to love to do around the age of 10 to 16. Did you love to sing, draw, skate, run, dance, skip, listen to music, do gymnastics, climb trees, forage for wild food, ride horses? What physical action will bring you back to that time? 

  4. Go do it! Whether it takes you 2 minutes or the entire afternoon is up to you. The intention is to go find that Maiden who is still alive inside you, give her some attention, find out what she needs, and honor her journey.

  5. When you return from your activity take some time to reflect on your Maiden and how she shows up in your life, pay special attention to any requests she has.

  6. Thank the spirit of The Maiden and any others you called in for assistance.