Wild Lessons From the Queen of the Nile

It feels like the perfect time to welcome another woman into the Wild Hearts, Free Spirits series—especially after wandering through Kom Ombo temple, where my gaze landed on a cartouche that was gracefully adroned with hieroglyphics of the name Cleopatra, delicately bearing her legacy with timeless wonder. 

From an early age, I have felt a deep connection to Cleopatra and now standing in the land she once ruled for 21 (or 22) years, depending on the source—feels like the perfect moment to speak into that connection.

As the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, her story resonates with strength, strategy and an unrelenting courage that transcends time. Cleopatra was much more than a queen; she was a visionary, a diplomat and a scholar who ruled with her heart, intelligence, grace and a deep understanding of her people in a world dominated by men.

Her legacy endures as a testament to the power of a wild heart and a free spirit, inspiring us to embrace our own power and potential. Cleopatra's life was filled with triumphs and trials, love and loss, and moments of extraordinary bravery. She dared to defy expectations, shaping the course of history. In her story, we find lessons still deeply relevant today.

The brilliance of Cleopatra is that she did not shine alone. By her side were Charmian and Iras, her trusted female advisors and confidantes. Often overshadowed in historical accounts, these women were not mere attendants—they were essential allies, offering wisdom, strength, and unwavering loyalty during the most pivotal moments of her reign.

Charmian and Iras remind us that behind every great leader is often an unseen network of support. Their story highlights the quiet power of women working together to shape the future. Cleopatra's reliance on them reveals her understanding of collaboration, trust, and shared purpose—a lesson that remains powerful in our world today.

Cleopatra's life was steeped in courage. She took bold risks, from aligning with Julius Caesar to forging a politically strategic relationship with Mark Antony. She used her intellect, charisma, and command of multiple languages to secure alliances and protect Egypt's sovereignty. Even in death, Cleopatra displayed agency, choosing her own fate over humiliation by Octavian.

Her story reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in the face of it. Her adaptability and determination offer timeless lessons in leadership and resilience.

Cleopatra's identity was deeply intertwined with Egyptian spirituality. She aligned herself with the goddess Isis, embodying divine femininity, motherhood, magic, and renewal. By presenting herself as the living incarnation of Isis, Cleopatra established a sacred connection with her people and reinforced her right to rule.

The mythology of Isis and Osiris—a story of love, loss, death, and resurrection—mirrored Cleopatra's own narrative of resilience and transformation. This alignment wasn't just political; it was spiritual. It reminds us to embrace our sacred feminine energy and trust the cycles of life, death, and rebirth.
Cleopatra's life overflows with lessons that transcend time and wisdom that will continue far into generations yet to come into this world.

Own Your Intelligence: Cleopatra was highly educated, speaking multiple languages and mastering subjects like philosophy, astronomy, and politics. Her story invites us to value knowledge as a tool for empowerment.

Harness the Power of Communication: Her charm was rooted in deep emotional intelligence. She knew how to speak to different audiences, using her words with authenticity and strategy.

Embrace Your Feminine Power: Cleopatra wielded her femininity as a strength. Her alliances were as much about emotional connection as strategic vision.

Be Fearless in the Face of Adversity: Whether reclaiming her throne or choosing her own death, Cleopatra teaches us that leadership means owning your narrative, even in moments of defeat.

Embrace Multidimensional Leadership: She wasn’t just a queen—she was a strategist, cultural icon, and visionary. Her life encourages us to honour our complexity and multidimensionality.

Use Your Environment as a Tool: From dramatic entrances to symbolic gestures, Cleopatra knew the power of presence. She teaches us to own the energy we bring into every room.

Balance Ambition with Emotional Intelligence: She led with her heart and mind, showing us that true leadership requires empathy and deep human connection.

Advocate for What You Believe In: Cleopatra defended Egypt’s independence fiercely. Her unwavering stance reminds us to root into our values and fight for what matters.

Turn Adversity Into Opportunity: Exiled and betrayed, she rose again and again. Her resilience is a blueprint for transformation.

Recognise the Power of Legacy: Cleopatra lived with an awareness of how she would be remembered. Her story urges us to consider the legacy we are creating each day.

Align With Your Inner Divinity: Her embodiment of Isis was a call to remember the sacred within. In today’s world, Cleopatra reminds us to honour our inner power and divine worth.

Celebrate the Beauty of Complexity: Cleopatra was fierce and tender, logical and emotional, bold and graceful. She invites us to embrace the full spectrum of who we are.

The story of Cleopatra continues to inspire because it reflects the wild, untamed potential within each of us. She refused to be confined by the limits of her time, choosing instead to lead, love, and live with fierce authenticity.

Her life reminds us to trust our intuition, honour our strength, and lead with heart. Let her story be a call to live boldly, unapologetically, and with the wild spirit of a queen.

We are the continuation of her legacy.

Let us rise in her name.