Twinn Swan

Mahavidya Matangi is one of the ten Tantric goddesses. She is green in colour and her vahana is a parrot. We usually think of the parrot as an intelligent creature for it can speak as well as imitate others. How many of us, especially when we communicate, are merely parroting others but have absolutely no voice of our own?

This is, I believe, one of the shadow aspects of our education system. The more we study, the more indoctrinated we become. The moment we step outside that system, we quickly realise that all our knowledge is redundant. This happens all the time. We learnt something in university–maybe even at a prestigious university–only to realise that ‘the real world’ doesn’t work like that.

If you’ve experienced this, the Goddess Matangi can show you how to move beyond the confines of polite society. It reminds us that knowledge is a river that is ever-flowing. It simply cannot be contained or caged.

Parroting

The Goddess Matangi may appear when we are not valued for Our True Self. We have to learn to recognise worth where others see none. Goddess Matangi sees worth in the places where others are just not noticing it. She appears for those who have experienced what it means to be disrespected, discarded and who know what it means to be invisible. If you have been denied love and respect, Goddess Matangi reminds you to empower yourself. You don’t need anyone’s permission to be yourself.

When I decided to become a writer, many people parroted the opinions of others, because they had no knowledge of their own. Even till today, two publications later, the criticism is endless and it continues. It is as though it is the world’s greatest sin to become a writer. All the while, the people who criticise you are the biggest supporters of crooks, frauds and those who indulge in underhanded business dealings. The hypocrisy is outstanding and yet we see mercenaries all around us.

Goddess Matangi has the capacity to overcome the toxic criticisms of others. There are many in our midst who seem ‘perfect’ on a superficial level, but that are rotting away at the very core and at their very essence. While some may be aware of the dysfunctional lifestyles that operate as part of mainstream society, others are completely oblivious to how toxic their lifestyles have become over time.

When Matangi appears, she guides us not to move with the crowd. Perhaps it is time to feel grateful that you do not fit in with mainstream society. Perhaps it is time to stop seeking their love and their acceptance. Perhaps the time has come to love yourself and embrace yourself for who you truly are.

The Divine Feminine

Ma Matangi, as the ninth of the Mahavidyas, will not manifest her blessings where the feminine is criticised or desecrated. If we use her blessings to honour the sacred, her power begins to grow within us. To use our very limited power to put another person down is an act against the Goddess.

When the Goddess appears, she reminds us that we are loveable, worthy and acceptable as we are. If others around you have treated you like you are worthless, Ma Matangi reminds us that we have a duty to speak to others in a way that inspires and uplifts. We shouldn’t criticise others and we ourselves have no idea what in the world we are talking about.

If you have suffered rejection, abandonment or been made to feel unworthy in any way, the Goddess brings dignity, self-respect and healing. She is the ignition that can bring forth a creative, joyful and vibrant life path. She reminds us that even those who claim to be pure are polluted.

The Spoken Word

Ma Matangi, as the Tantric counterpart of Goddess Saraswati, represents how we express the thoughts that dwell in our mind. She is the Goddess of Learning and the bestower of knowledge and talent. Many choose Mother Saraswati as their Guru.

We’ve all known people who have said the wrong thing at the wrong time and this ends up costing them in the long run. They may lose friendships, they may lose relationships, they may even lose work relationships and so on. If someone has spoken unkindly to you, especially if it is with regards to something you care about, are you under any obligation to continue the relationship?

Mainstream society will probably say yes. Matangi, however, is described as one who helps a person to use words in the right way and to go beyond it to seek the soul and inner knowledge, which lie outside the demarcated boundaries of tradition.

To speak is also to know the power of silence.