Moon Mondays: If it ain’t woke, fix it

In my very first university class, I read “The Feminine Mystique,” and it cracked something wide open in me. Suddenly, I woke up and could see sexism everywhere. It was like a spiritual awakening that expanded my fledgling female world.  

Unintentionally, I’d landed in the feminist college at University of California, Santa Cruz. I didn’t choose it for the chick solidarity; I simply coveted the individual apartments and kitchens it offered. But that one practical decision ended up shaping my entire life.  

Betty Friedan’s groundbreaking book began as a 1957 survey of her fellow Smith College classmates for their 15-year reunion. Most were white, middle-class suburban women who truthfully admitted feeling unhappy and unfulfilled as housewives and mothers. Their responses led Friedan to broaden her research into the book that is credited with igniting the second wave of feminism — following the first surge that won white women the vote in 1920. 

Friedan coined the term “feminine mystique” to describe the widespread belief that a woman’s purpose and happiness should come solely from being a wife, mother, and homemaker. At that time, society discouraged women from higher education, careers, or political engagement. She exposed the secret dissatisfaction many women felt but rarely expressed. 

Fast forward from my virgin feminist exposure to discovering the Venus cycle and gratifyingly learning that humanity’s first-ever written story is about Venus: the sacred feminine. Let that sink in. Not surprising once I comprehended pre-patriarchy the goddess reigned supreme. She was the creatrix of all life — the heavens and earth herself. 

Yet here we are again, when many are trying to shove women back into the kitchen — barefoot and pregnant — declaring that’s where we’ll really be happy. How does anyone reason, in 2025, we don’t know our own minds? That we’re incapable of knowing what we truly want, what lights us up, and what gives our lives meaning? Betty already exposed this false storyline, back in 1963 — over 60 years ago. 

We’re witnessing a groundswell to hammer women into the shattered boxes we’ve already blown way out of. Look at the insanity supporting Charlie Kirk, from all sides of the aisle. He, along with many others, are pushing this agenda that women are designed only to be housewives and mothers — that’s our ideal role, highest expression. And feminism is dangerous.  

Sadly, “The Feminine Mystique” still rings too loudly today. Not because being a homemaker or mother is wrong but because no one should be entitled to claim what makes women happy or what our roles should be. I can hear the howling “woke” cries already. 

How do I even need to explain that being “woke” is a good thing? It means waking up to experiences beyond our own — choosing empathy and respect for others’ realities. Awakening is essential if we’re to move forward together. As any parent shares, you’re only as happy as your unhappiest child; the same holds true for society. We don’t progress unless everyone does. The fact that we now mock this truth isn’t only revolting — it’s a sign of how dangerously asleep we truly are. 

Venus in Libra: The feminine peacemaker lesson 

Like an alarm sounding our wakeup call, Venus enters Libra today — the archetype of the peacemaker and harmonizer. It’s such a classically taught feminine role: keeping the peace at all costs, often at our own expense. From an early age, we incorrectly learned that our worth lies in making others happy, maintaining harmony and smoothing things over, even when something feels drastically off inside. 

Each time we choose others over ourselves for acceptance, belonging, or love, we reinforce limiting beliefs like, “I’m only valuable if I don’t make conflict,” “I’ll be abandoned if I say no,” or “No one will love me if I speak my truth.” These aren’t facts, even if they feel like it. They’re old stories we unknowingly absorbed long ago, that hide our real selves and authentic connection. 

Venus in Libra asks: where are you abandoning yourself to keep the peace — in your relationships, work, or home? 

On Sunday morning, as Venus meets the thin crescent moon in the emerging dawn, we have the opportunity to cultivate true peace — not the performative one of people-pleasing (Libra’s shadow), but the deep, inner harmony that comes from knowing and honoring ourselves. The kind of peace that celebrates every shade of our unique feminine power, full and honest.  

Moving into my new apartment at UC Santa Cruz (kitchen included), my brand-new roommate stated, “Either you’re gay or you’re from Colorado.” Bewildered, I puzzled, “Well, I am from Colorado.” 

Sheridan Semple helps women reclaim their whole selves through boundary work. She is a feminist astrologer, astrology life coach, and founder of Moon Sisters Circle. Find her work at sheridansemple.com or email her at sheridan@sheridansemple.com.