The Jungian concept of the archetype serves as a cornerstone of depth psychology, offering a framework for understanding the universal patterns that shape human experience. Archetypes are not static images or stereotypes but dynamic forces within the collective unconscious. They are the shared symbols and narratives that transcend culture and time, guiding our personal and collective journeys.

In the context of a woman’s life, the Maiden, Mother, and Crone archetypes offer a rich tapestry through which we can explore the phases of growth, creativity, and wisdom. Each archetype holds both light and shadow, inviting us to embrace the fullness of our humanity and find meaning in the unfolding of our stories.

One of the most profound shifts in a woman’s life occurs during (peri)menopause(post)—a transitional period that signals the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. The Mother archetype, traditionally associated with fertility, nurturing, and generativity, undergoes a profound transformation during this phase. To understand this shift from a Jungian perspective, it’s essential to explore how the Mother archetype manifests, both in its light and shadow, during (peri)menopause(post).

The Mother Archetype in Its Fullness.

In the earlier stages of life, the Mother archetype is often linked to physical motherhood. It represents a woman’s ability to nurture, protect, and create life. However, the Mother archetype is not limited to biological reproduction. It is a symbolic force that speaks to any form of creative, generative power. This can manifest in a woman’s relationship with her children, her career, her artistic endeavors, or her community. The Mother archetype embodies the ability to care for others, to be a source of emotional and spiritual nourishment, and to foster growth.

During menopause, this archetype can shift its focus. As a woman moves beyond her reproductive years, the creative energy that once may have been directed toward childbirth or child-rearing can be channeled into other forms of creativity and expression. It can represent a shift from giving birth to children to giving birth to ideas, projects, or spiritual endeavors.

In this light, the Mother archetype in menopause is about the continuity of generativity and nurturing, but in a new form. Women may find themselves taking on mentoring roles, contributing to their communities, or deepening their connection to their own inner creativity. This stage of life invites women to explore how they can nourish and care for others in a broader sense, offering wisdom, love, and support to those around them, even as their own needs evolve.

The Shadow Side of the Mother Archetype in (Peri)Menopause(post).

Just as every archetype has a shadow, so, too, does the Mother archetype in (peri)menopause(post). In its shadow, the Mother can become overly self-sacrificing, controlling, or smothering. In menopause, the Shadow may manifest in a woman's struggle with loss or with her changing role in her family and society. The physical changes of menopause, along with the psychological shift away from fertility and traditional motherhood, can leave women feeling unmoored, disconnected, or even irrelevant.

In some instances, the shadow side of the Mother archetype can appear as a fear of losing one's identity or purpose. Women may feel that without the ability to bear children or fulfill traditional maternal roles, they no longer have value. This can lead to a sense of isolation or depression. Similarly, the archetype can reflect the fear of being abandoned, as children grow more independent and societal expectations of women shift.

To integrate the shadow of the Mother archetype, it is necessary for a woman to confront these fears and insecurities. (Peri)menopause(post) offers an opportunity to redefine the self and one’s role in the world, outside of the narrow confines of fertility and motherhood. It is a time to unearth the depth and richness of life beyond these biological markers and to learn how to give care and love without clinging to outdated roles or expectations.

The Transition to the Crone Archetype.

(Peri)menopause(post) marks a significant crossroads in a woman's journey through the archetypal phases of life. It can be seen as a gateway to the Crone archetype, which represents wisdom, inner knowing, and spiritual power. While the Mother archetype is rooted in nurturing and creating, the Crone is about reflection, wisdom, and the culmination of a life well-lived.

For many women, menopause is not just the end of their fertility, but the beginning of a deep spiritual awakening. The Crone archetype, like the Mother, holds both light and shadow. In its light, the Crone offers wisdom, clarity, and a sense of power that comes from lived experience. She is a woman who has weathered life’s challenges and has come to a place of acceptance and peace.

The Crone is also associated with endings and transformation. In this sense, (peri)menopause(post) can be viewed as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life. Just as the seasons change, a woman’s life evolves in stages, and menopause signals the shift from the Mother to the Crone. In this way, the two archetypes are not mutually exclusive but coexist, allowing a woman to transition into a new phase of life while still embracing the nurturing, generative energy of the Mother.

Embracing the Full Journey of the Archetypes.

The Mother archetype in (peri)menopause(post) is not a singular or static force. It is part of a dynamic process of transformation that includes the light and shadow of both the Mother and the Crone. Menopause offers an opportunity to let go of old identities and expectations and to rediscover a sense of creativity, wisdom, and purpose that transcends the traditional roles of motherhood.

By embracing both the light and shadow of the Mother archetype, women can move through menopause with a greater sense of self-awareness, acceptance, and empowerment. The journey through menopause is a reminder that each phase of life, while marked by loss and change, is also filled with the potential for new beginnings and growth. By integrating the wisdom of the Crone, women can come to see menopause not as an end, but as a rich and meaningful chapter in their lifelong journey of self-discovery and transformation.