Masculine and feminine principles

Masculine activity is more visible but not more powerful

June 28th 2026
The masculine principle is defined as active, and the feminine principle as passive, but passivity plays just as important a role as activity. For while the masculine principle provides the content, the feminine principle provides the container, the form, and form is endowed with a tremendous power of attraction. We define the feminine principle as passive in order to distinguish it from the active masculine principle. In reality, the feminine principle is not inactive: it exerts an action and this action, which takes on the appearance of passivity, is extremely effective. Instead of projecting itself forward as the masculine principle does, the feminine principle draws towards itself. This is its mode of activity, and anyone who is unable to resist this attraction is absorbed. Masculine activity is more visible, but it is not more powerful.
In a sense, being active is to move from the centre towards the periphery, whereas being passive is to attract elements from the periphery toward the centre. And even if this attraction is not very apparent, it is real and effective.
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