Beyond Binary: The Sacred Role of Two-Spirit People In Ancient Traditions

In many ancient cultures, people who embodied both masculine and feminine qualities were not seen as anomalies, but as conduits of sacred power. Their dual nature allowed them to transcend ordinary human experience, walking between worlds in a way that others could not. These sacred figures—called Two-Spirit, mahu, Galli, or Hijra—were revered as healers, seers, and guides. Their identity wasn't merely tolerated; it was believed to be the source of their power. 

Mato's Journey: A Lakota Two-Spirit Bear-Guardian

Central to the Lakota Sioux traditions, the legend of Mato, the Two-Spirit bear-guardian, embodies the essence of spiritual harmony and wisdom. Mato was raised in a community where the boundaries between masculine and feminine were fluid. From an early age, Mato felt a pull toward spiritual practices, participating in sacred rituals that others could not fully comprehend. The Lakota elders noticed that Mato possessed a unique sensitivity to the natural world, including the ability to communicate with it.

One night, as Mato lay under the stars, a vision unfolded. A massive bear spirit, glowing with a mystical light, appeared before them.

“You are not one or the other,” the bear spirit said. “You carry both worlds within you—this is your power.”

This vision wasn’t just a personal revelation—it was the moment Mato fully embraced their spiritual role. The bear spirit, a powerful symbol in Lakota culture, represented strength, healing, and the ability to walk between worlds. Mato’s identity as a Two-Spirit person allowed them to access both masculine and feminine energy, making them an ideal conduit for spiritual power.

Mato’s role in the tribe grew into that of a healer and seer, helping to guide their people through illness and uncertainty. Their identity allowed them to tap into the balance of the universe, accessing insights and powers that others couldn’t reach.

Scholars like Marjorie Balzer, in Two-Spirit Traditions, describe how Two-Spirit people were viewed as having a third perspective that transcended binary gender roles. This perspective conferred spiritual insight and made them indispensable as spiritual leaders.

The Mahu: Guardians of Hawaiian Wisdom

In the lush islands of ancient Hawaii, the mahu played a similar role. These people embodied both masculine and feminine qualities, which connected them to the divine forces of the natural world. The Polynesian belief in mana, or spiritual energy, held that balance and harmony between all forces were essential to maintaining the flow of life. The mahu, with their ability to embody this balance, were seen as powerful healers and guides.

Kainoa, a highly respected mahu, was known for their ability to commune with the gods. From a young age, Kainoa spent hours in the forests, listening to the voices of the ancestors in the rustling leaves. One day, a strange illness swept through the island, and no healer could stop its spread.

“I will go to the mountains,” Kainoa declared. “The gods will tell me how to heal our people.”

For days, Kainoa fasted and prayed by a sacred spring, waiting for the spirits to answer. Finally, the gods revealed a cure, and Kainoa returned with the knowledge needed to save the island. From that point on, Kainoa’s role as a spiritual leader was cemented.

Anthropologists such as Anne Salmond have studied the role of mahu in Polynesian culture, noting that their ability to embody both masculine and feminine traits made them ideal intermediaries between the human and divine worlds (The Trial of the Cannibal Dog). The balance of these energies allowed them to access deeper spiritual insights than others.

Aelius, the Gallus Priest of Cybele

In ancient Rome, the Galli served the goddess Cybele. These priests, who often renounced traditional male roles and embraced feminine attire, were believed to channel the goddess’s energy through their androgynous identity. Aelius, one of the most renowned Galli priests, was not born into this role—it was a calling that came through a divine vision.

“You will no longer be a man or a woman,” Cybele told Aelius. “You will be both, and through this, my power will flow through you.”

The Galli were known for their ecstatic rituals, where they would dance, chant, and enter trances to communicate with the goddess. These acts were believed to bring them closer to Cybele and allowed them to access healing and prophetic powers. Aelius’s transformation was not simply symbolic; it was seen as a physical manifestation of the goddess’s power.

The Roman Galli are a striking example of how gender fluidity was intertwined with spirituality. Scholars such as Maarten J. Vermaseren have studied how the Galli’s rituals connected them to Cybele, arguing that their rejection of traditional gender roles was seen as a form of spiritual transcendence (Cybele and Attis: The Myth and the Cult).

Priya and the Sacred Blessing: A Tale from Ancient India

The Hijra of ancient India have long held sacred roles, often connected to the goddess Bahuchara Mata. The Hijra’s ability to embody both masculine and feminine traits was seen as a reflection of the goddess’s transformative powers. Priya, a revered Hijra in the Vijayanagara kingdom, was particularly known for their blessings of fertility and protection.

When the royal family struggled to conceive an heir, they called upon Priya to bless the queen. After performing a sacred dance and reciting prayers, Priya placed their hands on the queen.

“The goddess blesses you,” Priya whispered. “You will bear a child.”

Within months, the queen gave birth to a healthy son, and Priya’s powers were praised throughout the kingdom. The Hijra’s connection to Bahuchara Mata and their dual identity made them powerful spiritual leaders, particularly in rituals related to birth, fertility, and marriage.

Serena Nanda’s work on Hijra culture, Neither Man Nor Woman: The Hijras of India, explains how the spiritual powers of Hijra are deeply tied to their ability to transcend gender boundaries. In their unique position, they can channel divine energy and offer blessings that others cannot.

Conclusion: A Sacred Legacy

"Gender roles were fluid in pre-colonial societies. Words to describe up to six different gender variants, beyond the binary of male and female, have been found in 155 Indigenous nations of North America."— Kelsey Klassen, “Two spirits, one struggle: The front lines of being First Nations and gay,” Vancouver Courier

In these ancient stories, we see how Two-Spirit people, mahu, Galli, and Hijra, were not only accepted, but revered for their spiritual gifts. Their ability to embody both masculine and feminine energies was not seen as a limitation, but as a connection to the divine. In their unique roles, they served as intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, offering healing, guidance, and blessings to their communities.

These traditions affirm the importance of honoring all forms of gender expression. They invite us to reflect on how cultures throughout history have understood the relationship between gender and spirituality, and to consider how these insights could enrich our modern lives.