Goddesses and Gods.wps - Welcome to Our Temple
Goddesses and Gods.wps - Welcome to Our Temple
Goddesses and Gods.wps - Welcome to Our Temple
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<strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Gods</strong>
General
Balance of the God <strong>and</strong> Goddess<br />
I see the God as That is Created <strong>and</strong> Destroyed; the Goddess is the Crea<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Destroyer. His knowledge is experiential <strong>and</strong> he sees the cycle of rebirth from the<br />
unique perspective of the being that experiences it. He underst<strong>and</strong>s, more so than the<br />
Goddess, how the cycle shapes the world of the living. His life cycle of birth <strong>to</strong> full<br />
power <strong>to</strong> age <strong>to</strong> death <strong>to</strong> rebirth parallels our own lives on this earth. The Goddess<br />
loves Her children, the God underst<strong>and</strong>s His. Through the love they bear for each<br />
other, they share in both the knowledge of the mystery of rebirth <strong>and</strong> in the power,<br />
but the knowledge remains His province <strong>and</strong> the power rests in Her.
Being Called <strong>to</strong> a Particular Deity<br />
I recall someone talking about a feeling of being called <strong>to</strong> a given deity, <strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong><br />
know this was for real, <strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong> go about making it Signed <strong>and</strong> Official <strong>and</strong> all that<br />
I thought I'd give out with few words as <strong>to</strong> my own experiences this way.<br />
I'm pretty much a believer in the notion that a person is best served by following<br />
their natural inclinations on some ways. I found my own Craft name this way -- I just<br />
sort of waited until I found the "right" name. I waited until I got a h<strong>and</strong>le on what I<br />
was like at that time (it may change in the future) <strong>and</strong> at that point, saw the name as<br />
the proper noun that described what I was, the word for my inner nature.<br />
It's not a name in any but the most basic sense -- a description of what I am am. am<br />
It's no more a "chosen" name that an apple "chooses" <strong>to</strong> be called an apple.<br />
It's simply the name we have for the thing.<br />
Finding a deity figure is similar, <strong>and</strong> the one that fits you is often different from time<br />
<strong>to</strong> time. Don't look for one that you like <strong>and</strong> say, "I want <strong>to</strong> dedicate myself <strong>to</strong> that<br />
one." Look inside yourself <strong>and</strong> see what's there -- <strong>and</strong> don't lie or hide anything.<br />
Honesty is needed here. Know yourself, <strong>and</strong> then see if you can find a deity match up<br />
for what you see. This is what I mean by seeing what your own natural inclinations<br />
are <strong>and</strong> then going with them. Oftentimes, the deity will just sort of fall in<strong>to</strong> place<br />
with no effort, like a dewdrop rolling off a leaf. It just finds the proper time <strong>and</strong><br />
bango -- it happens. Very zen, actually. This is similar -- if you relax <strong>and</strong> just know<br />
yourself, the deity will fall in<strong>to</strong> place with no effort. Well, enough effort <strong>to</strong> read<br />
books <strong>and</strong> research so that you'll be able <strong>to</strong> know him or her when you see them. But<br />
research isn't effort -- it's fun!<br />
My own deities are a bit odd -- the moirae from the Mycenean/Greek pantheon are<br />
good, as is the Minoan god Kouros. (Never let it be said that your deity has <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
same gender!)<br />
Anyway, the only advice I can give you is <strong>to</strong> know yourself <strong>and</strong> then when you see<br />
your deity you'll recognize him or her as the right one. Choosing one that isn't a good<br />
fit is a bad idea.
Beliefs of Goddess Worship<br />
Christianity teaches that God is transcendent, is separate from nature, <strong>and</strong> is<br />
represented <strong>to</strong> humankind through masculine imagery. Witchcraft holds a<br />
pantheistic view of God. God is nature, therefore God is in all things <strong>and</strong> all things<br />
are a part of God. However, this God is in actuality a goddess.<br />
A fundamental belief in Goddess Worship is the idea that the goddess predates the<br />
male God. The goddess is the giver of all life <strong>and</strong> is found in all of creation. The<br />
importance of the Goddess symbol for women cannot be overstressed. The image of<br />
the Goddess inspires women <strong>to</strong> see ourselves as divine, our bodies as sacred, the<br />
changing phases of our lives as holy, our aggression as healthy, <strong>and</strong> our anger as<br />
purifying. Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength, enlighten our minds,<br />
own our bodies, <strong>and</strong> celebrate our emotions.<br />
The modern Goddess movement is an attempt <strong>to</strong> integrate the feminine back in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
world as we know it. This means bringing the Goddess out of the shadows <strong>and</strong> back<br />
in<strong>to</strong> the limelight where she belongs. Part of most modern Goddess traditions is the<br />
idea that Goddess exists within <strong>and</strong> around everything in creation. Therefore, if<br />
Goddess is sacred, then so is the Earth, so our bodies, etc. Moreover, the relationship<br />
between all of these things is equally sacred. Therefore, not only do we need <strong>to</strong> revere<br />
the creations of the Goddess, we must revere the relationship <strong>and</strong> the systems that<br />
Goddess has created, for they each have their purpose. The problem is that we don't<br />
always know what the true system is anymore because our society is so corrupted by<br />
the patriarchy. For example, if we only examine the system as it exists <strong>to</strong>day, we<br />
might come <strong>to</strong> the conclusion that women's place within the system is necessarily<br />
subservient <strong>to</strong> the men in the system. Naturally, eco-feminists would laugh at this<br />
idea. First of all, eco-feminism maintains that the natural order of things is not linked<br />
by hierarchical value, so the very notion of men governing women is absurd. The<br />
nature of things would require reciprocal communication <strong>and</strong> integral networking.<br />
In light of this, then, Goddess religion asserts that Goddess <strong>and</strong> God cannot be viewed<br />
separately, but rather as a network of energies that work <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> better the entire<br />
network.<br />
Goddess Archetypes:<br />
The The The Maiden Maiden<br />
Maiden<br />
The Maiden is the first aspect of the Goddess, presented <strong>to</strong> us as a young woman,<br />
blossoming in<strong>to</strong> womanhood, exploring her sexuality <strong>and</strong> learning of her beauty. She
is most often depicted as a teenaged girl or a woman in her very early twenties.<br />
Unlike the images of young women in many patrifocal religions, the Maiden is not<br />
necessarily depicted as a virgin in most Goddess traditions. In Catholicism, Mary is<br />
depicted not only as a virgin maiden, but continues <strong>to</strong> be a virgin throughout the<br />
duration of her lifetime, regardless of the fact that she was married <strong>and</strong> gave birth <strong>to</strong> a<br />
child. This has more <strong>to</strong> do with the taint patrifocal religions assign female sexuality<br />
than anything else. But because women’s sexuality is not denigrated in Goddess<br />
traditions, there is no need <strong>to</strong> associate virginity with the Maiden Goddess.<br />
In fact, the Maiden Goddess is seen as a particularly sexual being. Because she has just<br />
bloomed in<strong>to</strong> her womanly form, she is particularly interested in her body <strong>and</strong> what<br />
it can do. She is interested in her beauty, <strong>and</strong> she learns <strong>to</strong> manipulate the affections<br />
of other's based upon her feminine wiles.<br />
Some might take offense at my use of the word manipulate in the preceding sentence,<br />
but in fact, that is what sexuality is about, both on the part of the male <strong>and</strong> the<br />
female. Flirtation, courting <strong>and</strong> other manners of getting the attentions of the<br />
opposite sex is certainly a form of manipulation. It is not manipulation with malicious<br />
intent, <strong>to</strong> be sure, but when you attempt <strong>to</strong> curb the attitudes or thoughts of others<br />
through your own appearance or behavior, this is a form of manipulation, <strong>and</strong> by no<br />
means negative.<br />
Because the Maiden is associated with the first blossoming of womanhood, adulthood<br />
<strong>and</strong> sexuality, she is associated with the Springtime. Just as her body develops breasts<br />
<strong>and</strong> she becomes sexually capable, so <strong>to</strong>o does the Earth mimic her development.<br />
Flowers bloom, the Earth awakens from the deep sleep of winter <strong>and</strong> begins <strong>to</strong><br />
procreate again. Animals lie with one another, flowers are pollinated. Spring is a time<br />
for new beginnings. It is the counterpart <strong>to</strong> the winter of Death.<br />
Just as Spring is the counter <strong>to</strong> Winter, so <strong>to</strong>o is the Maiden the counter <strong>to</strong> the Crone.<br />
The Crone is the embodiment of death, <strong>and</strong> subsequently rebirth, <strong>and</strong> it is through<br />
the aspect of the Maiden that the Crone is able <strong>to</strong> pass from this world <strong>and</strong> be reborn.<br />
As the young Goddess delves in<strong>to</strong> her sexuality, <strong>and</strong> eventually becomes pregnant,<br />
the Elder Goddess may pass away <strong>and</strong> give her life that the Maiden may become<br />
Mother, <strong>and</strong> one day, Crone. The cycle is never ending.<br />
The Maiden takes the Green Man (Horned Lord, many other names in many other<br />
cultures) as her consort. In some cultures, the Green Man may be her brother or even<br />
her son. At first glance, the courtship between the Maiden <strong>and</strong> the Sun God seems<br />
ripe with incest, because he is always somehow related <strong>to</strong> her. But if you read the
myths associated with the Mother Goddess <strong>and</strong> how it came <strong>to</strong> pass that she became<br />
pregnant, you will usually find that she became pregnant by her husb<strong>and</strong>, who has <strong>to</strong><br />
give his life for one reason or another, <strong>and</strong> she agrees <strong>to</strong> bring him back in<strong>to</strong> he world<br />
as the child in her womb. In essence, she gives birth <strong>to</strong> her husb<strong>and</strong>, rather than<br />
taking her son as her lover. This is even true in the Catholic goddess vision: Jesus was<br />
the son of God, but he was also God. Because this idea is confusing <strong>and</strong> can lead <strong>to</strong><br />
ideas of incest much like I discussed above, the Christian church left Mary a virgin,<br />
thus bypassing the whole sexual encounter, <strong>and</strong> thus the issue of incest al<strong>to</strong>gether.<br />
Maiden Goddess of Note include:<br />
Diana, Persephone, Kore, Bleudowedd, Artemis, Ariadne, Hestia, Athena, Aphrodite,<br />
Minerva, <strong>and</strong> Venus.<br />
The The The Mother Mother<br />
Mother<br />
The aspect of the Mother Goddess is probably the most widely known <strong>and</strong> most<br />
widely envisioned in most cultures. Because the Earth nourishes <strong>and</strong> replenishes us,<br />
most goddess cultures did pay reverence <strong>to</strong> the Earth as the Mother, <strong>and</strong> therefore the<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> that are most prominent <strong>and</strong> about whom s<strong>to</strong>ries are most prolific are the<br />
goddesses that are the representation of the Mother.<br />
She is, in virtually every aspect, a divine or celestial representation of our earthly<br />
mothers. Everyone has an earthly mother, or at least did at one point, so we readily<br />
underst<strong>and</strong> the relationship between mother <strong>and</strong> child. The mother is the protec<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
the care-giver, the kisser of wounds, <strong>and</strong> the disciplinarian. The Divine Mother is no<br />
different.<br />
Many of the most ancient goddess figures that archeology has uncovered are<br />
goddesses depicted as round, pregnant women. They feature large breasts <strong>and</strong> full,<br />
meaty hips. Some archeologists (patriarchal, close minded fellows, <strong>to</strong> be sure) have<br />
written these goddess figures off as nothing more than prehis<strong>to</strong>ric "porn" figures.<br />
However, the generally accepted opinion is that these figures, found in such places as<br />
France, modern day Turkey, <strong>and</strong> Egypt, are actually representations of a mother<br />
goddess. There is some speculation that perhaps these figures are not goddesses at all,<br />
but rather figures used in fertility rites <strong>to</strong> enable women <strong>to</strong> conceive children. This<br />
<strong>to</strong>o is a possibility, but when combined with other information that we have (such as<br />
other evidence of prehis<strong>to</strong>ric goddess worship, <strong>and</strong> the fact that the connection<br />
between sex <strong>and</strong> pregnancy was not made until much later than the dates associated<br />
with these figures) leads most scholars <strong>to</strong> believe that these statues are indeed goddess<br />
representations.<br />
Although the depiction of the Mother Goddess as a pregnant woman is prominent,
she is certainly not always seen that way. The Mother aspect may be seen with small<br />
child in <strong>to</strong>w (most often a boy, who later becomes her consort, as is discussed in the<br />
section on the Maiden). This aspect of the Mother Goddess plays on the care-giving,<br />
sweet, loving aspect of the Goddess. However, do not be fooled in<strong>to</strong> thinking that the<br />
Goddess as Mother is a pussy cat. She can also be a warrior.<br />
Like earthly mothers, the Goddess is fiercely protective of her children, <strong>and</strong> in order<br />
<strong>to</strong> provide that protection she will often don the face of the warrior. The Warrior<br />
Goddess most probably gained popularity among people who had begun <strong>to</strong> adopt a<br />
more patriarchal (or at least patrifocal) structure. It might be presumptuous <strong>to</strong> say that<br />
matrifocal cultures were not particularly warlike, but it is safe <strong>to</strong> say that patriarchal<br />
cultures were more so. In either case, the warrior Goddess did become popular. In<br />
this aspect she is Amazon, fierce <strong>and</strong> strong, <strong>and</strong> able <strong>to</strong> take on any man <strong>to</strong> protect<br />
what needs protection.<br />
Just as the maiden is represented by the season of Spring, the Mother aspect is present<br />
in Summer. By summer, berries <strong>and</strong> fruits are ripe, ready for the plucking. Vegetable<br />
gardens are mature <strong>and</strong> harvest is close at h<strong>and</strong>. The sun is high in the sky, <strong>and</strong> even<br />
though the sun is typically seen as a Male Deity, some cultures did associate the sun<br />
with the Goddess, (most notably the early Egyptian culture) <strong>and</strong> thus the high sun of<br />
summer was associated with the Mother, who was also seen as the pinnacle of the<br />
cycle of life.<br />
In western traditions, the Goddess remains pregnant until the Winter Solstice, at<br />
which time she gives birth <strong>to</strong> a sun god of some kind. (Note the adaptation of the<br />
Christian church, Christmas, anyone?) The Catholic Goddess Mary also falls in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
category of the Mother Goddess, because she does give birth <strong>to</strong> King at Solstice. (At<br />
least this is how the Christians celebrate the holiday, even though biblical scholars<br />
suggest Jesus was very likely born during a warm month)<br />
Mary is a curiosity though, because she is a Dual Goddess, <strong>and</strong> not a Triple Goddess as<br />
most multifaceted <strong>Goddesses</strong> are. She is a maiden because she remains a virgin (<strong>and</strong><br />
though not all maidens are virgins, all virgin goddesses are maidens), <strong>and</strong> yet because<br />
she gives birth, she is also a Mother. However, there is no reference in the Catholic<br />
tradition of Mary as an older woman. Therefore, Mary's development ended with her<br />
at the Mother phase.<br />
Mother <strong>Goddesses</strong> of Note include:<br />
Demeter, Isis, Cerridwyn, Kali, Gaia, Oceana, Brigit, Nuit, Hera, Selene, Anu, Dana,<br />
Arianrhod, <strong>and</strong> Epona
The The Crone<br />
Crone<br />
The Crone is the final aspect of the Goddess. The Crone is most often depicted as a<br />
Gr<strong>and</strong>mother, a SageWoman, or a Midwife. She is the keeper of Occult Knowledge,<br />
the Mysteries <strong>and</strong> the Queen of the Underworld. It is through the Crone that<br />
knowledge of magick, the Dark, <strong>and</strong> other secrets of the ages are passed down.<br />
The Crone is, in some ways, a Triple Goddess herself. She has lived through the<br />
tender, sensual age of Maidenhood, suffered the birth pains of Motherhood, <strong>and</strong> now<br />
carries with her the memories of these passages in<strong>to</strong> her old age. But though she has<br />
experienced these events, these are not the things she represents, <strong>and</strong> therefore she is<br />
not revered for these traits. Nevertheless, having endured these experiences makes<br />
her the wise woman that she is, <strong>and</strong> enables her <strong>to</strong> guide us through the dark.<br />
Her role as Midwife is both symbolic as well as actual. Traditionally, it is always the<br />
older women of the tribe who facilitate the birth of children, most likely because<br />
they themselves had gone through, but also because the role of midwife was a sacred<br />
position, <strong>and</strong> thus suitable for an older tribeswoman. Certainly the Crone fulfills this<br />
aspect in that she is the midwife <strong>to</strong> the Queen of Heaven when she gives birth <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Oak King at Yule.<br />
But symbolically she is the midwife in our lives as well, guiding us from one phase of<br />
life <strong>to</strong> the next. If you see progression from one phase of life <strong>to</strong> the next <strong>and</strong> can see it<br />
as a rebirth process, then envision the Crone as the aspect of the goddess that guides<br />
you through that time. Transition is very difficult, <strong>and</strong> for most people it is a time of<br />
darkness. It is a time where we have <strong>to</strong> rely on our intuition, because we are<br />
unfamiliar with the terri<strong>to</strong>ry. But according <strong>to</strong> the myths <strong>and</strong> ancient lore, we receive<br />
our intuition from the Crone. It is she who guides us, <strong>and</strong> it is she who facilitates our<br />
birth.<br />
The Crone Goddess is often times the least seen, because she does represent death,<br />
<strong>and</strong> with death comes fear: fear of the unknown, fear of losing our loved ones, <strong>and</strong><br />
fear of being alone. But we must remember that with death always comes rebirth.<br />
The Crone always brings with her promises of the Maiden, <strong>and</strong> the cycle never ends.<br />
The Mother aspect of the Goddess is discussed as being a Warrior Goddess, but the<br />
Crone can be a Warrior Goddess as well. Where the Mother Goddess is the blood of<br />
battle, the War Cry incarnate, the fighting Amazon, the Crone is the Strategy, the<br />
ability <strong>to</strong> see what cannot be seen. She is the seer, the General. The Crone Goddess<br />
does not don the face of the warrior <strong>to</strong> shed blood, but she will provide the courage <strong>to</strong><br />
walk through the dark, the ability <strong>to</strong> seek <strong>and</strong> destroy the enemy, whether the enemy<br />
is actual, or internal.
In many respects, the Crone Goddess is the aspect of the Goddess that is most called<br />
upon <strong>to</strong> conquer inner demons. This is due <strong>to</strong> the fact that as the keeper of mysteries,<br />
the Crone is also the Keeper of the Underworld. With her help, we are able <strong>to</strong> travel<br />
in<strong>to</strong> the Underworld <strong>and</strong> fight whatever demons haunt us. Likewise, once we are<br />
ready <strong>to</strong> be reborn, she again acts as the midwife <strong>and</strong> guides us once again in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
light.<br />
Crone <strong>Goddesses</strong> of Note include:<br />
Hecate, Kali, Cerridwyn, Badb, Cailleach, Macha, <strong>and</strong> the Morrigan
Celtic Pantheon<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aine<br />
Aine<br />
Earth <strong>and</strong> Sun Goddess, she is worshipped at the Summer Solstice. She is<br />
queen of the Fey (fairy folk), a sorceress. She is associated with wild geese <strong>and</strong> the red<br />
mare.<br />
Andraste<br />
Andraste<br />
Goddess of war, death <strong>and</strong> fertility. She is associated with sacred groves.<br />
Arianrhod<br />
Arianrhod<br />
She is the lunar goddess of time <strong>and</strong> space. Love, wisdom <strong>and</strong> higher learning.<br />
She is keeper of the silver wheel <strong>and</strong> her associations are the crescent moon <strong>and</strong><br />
reincarnation.<br />
Ari<strong>to</strong><br />
Ari<strong>to</strong><br />
She is the bear goddess <strong>and</strong> represents, fertility, protection <strong>and</strong> strength.<br />
Badb<br />
Badb<br />
She is the goddess of war, fury <strong>and</strong> inspiration. She is also known by the name<br />
‘the Battle Raven’.<br />
Banba<br />
Banba<br />
She is the Irish goddess of Earth she is associated with the sacred l<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Belisana<br />
Belisana<br />
The goddess of healing, laughter <strong>and</strong> sacred forests. She is associated with<br />
woodl<strong>and</strong> animals, the forests <strong>and</strong> the warmth of the Sun.<br />
Br Branwen Br anwen<br />
She is welsh, <strong>and</strong> her name means ‘white raven’, Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> is<br />
associated with the white crow.<br />
Brigit/Brede<br />
Brigit/Brede<br />
She is the bride goddess of inspiration, poetry, healing <strong>and</strong> health <strong>and</strong><br />
medicine. Goddess of the sun, hearth <strong>and</strong> home <strong>and</strong> sacred fires. She is also associated<br />
with the spindle, the fire pot <strong>and</strong> distaff.<br />
Coventina<br />
Coventina
Goddess associated with the earth’s womb, wells, the healing spring, sacred<br />
wells, renewal <strong>and</strong> childbirth.<br />
Elayne Elayne<br />
Elayne<br />
Goddess of Irel<strong>and</strong>, war <strong>and</strong> leadership. Mother of the warrior.<br />
Etain Etain<br />
Etain<br />
The white lady of the Fey. Associated with grace, beauty, the white mare <strong>and</strong><br />
apple blossom.<br />
Epona Epona<br />
Epona<br />
The shape-shifting earth goddess who is associated with fertilization <strong>and</strong><br />
mares.<br />
Erin Erin<br />
Erin<br />
Queen of the Tuatha De Dannan. Goddess of Irel<strong>and</strong> who is associated with<br />
the power of the l<strong>and</strong>, creation <strong>and</strong> shape-shifting.<br />
Danu<br />
Danu<br />
Danu, or Anu, is the mother goddess of the Tuatha De Dannan, a descendant<br />
of Nemed. She is a shape-shifter who is also associated with self control, wisdom <strong>and</strong><br />
control of all life. The staff of life, prosperity <strong>and</strong> abundance are all associated with<br />
Danu. Cassiopeia the constellation honors her with its name, Llys Don which means<br />
Danu’s home.<br />
Findabair<br />
Findabair<br />
Goddess of the underworld, her attributes are love, beauty <strong>and</strong> grace.<br />
Fliodhas<br />
Fliodhas<br />
Very ancient Goddess of woodl<strong>and</strong> areas, associated with green grass <strong>and</strong><br />
springs. Protectress of forests <strong>and</strong> animals.<br />
Gabba Gabba<br />
Gabba<br />
Known as the ‘dark queen’ or as the crone aspect of the goddess/dark mother.<br />
She is associated with the Celtic endless weave <strong>and</strong> the oak moon.<br />
Kerridwen<br />
Kerridwen<br />
The all mother, the nine-fold goddess. Goddess of wisdom, inspiration <strong>and</strong><br />
knowledge. Also is associated with the cauldron of creation.<br />
Letha<br />
Letha
<strong>Gods</strong> of the midsummer harvest. Associated with apples <strong>and</strong> swans.<br />
Macha Macha<br />
Macha<br />
The three-fold sun <strong>Gods</strong>. Irish queen of war, fertility <strong>and</strong> ritual games.<br />
Medb<br />
Medb<br />
Goddess of Tara. Warrior Queen. Associated with a magic spear <strong>and</strong> shield,<br />
she carries birds <strong>and</strong> animals on her shoulder as she roams across the l<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Morgana Morgana or or Morgan<br />
Morgan<br />
She is the Goddess of death, fertility, sexuality, magic <strong>and</strong> shape-shifting. She<br />
is also called ‘the death mother’ <strong>and</strong> is associated with cypress trees, ravens <strong>and</strong><br />
crows, sea shells <strong>and</strong> the shoreline.<br />
Morrigan Morrigan<br />
Morrigan<br />
She is a powerful sea goddess of beauty. She is associated with whales, sea<br />
dollars, manta rays, ocean vegetation <strong>and</strong> the rod of comm<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Neme<strong>to</strong>na Neme<strong>to</strong>na<br />
Neme<strong>to</strong>na<br />
She is protectress of the Dryneme<strong>to</strong>n <strong>and</strong> is patroness of sacred springs.<br />
Warrior Goddess of the oaks <strong>and</strong> is associated with sacred forests, the ram <strong>and</strong> is<br />
depicted as carrying a spear made of ash with a silver tip.<br />
Nemon<br />
Nemon<br />
She is the sister of Macha <strong>and</strong> is the goddess of war. Her name means<br />
venomous, she is associated with the serpent or the crow.<br />
Nimue<br />
Nimue<br />
She is the teacher <strong>and</strong> student <strong>and</strong> consort of Merlin. She is the ‘lady of the<br />
lake’, maker <strong>and</strong> keeper of the great sword of King Arthur, Excalibur. She is an earth<br />
<strong>and</strong> water goddess associated with swallows, swans, quartz crystals <strong>and</strong> caves. She<br />
carries a bright silver sword.<br />
Rhiannon<br />
Rhiannon<br />
Queen Mare or queen mother. She was originally named Riga<strong>to</strong>na. She is the<br />
goddess of strength <strong>and</strong> knowledge <strong>and</strong> is associated with mares, birds <strong>and</strong> apples.<br />
Sadv<br />
Sadv<br />
She is the deer goddess; she is one of the most ancient of the Celt goddesses.<br />
She is associated with the doe <strong>and</strong> fawn <strong>and</strong> with forests.
Sirona<br />
Sirona<br />
Goddess of the Astral <strong>and</strong> solar plane. She is associated with the stars <strong>and</strong><br />
celestial skies, space <strong>and</strong> skywalking.<br />
Tria Triana Tria na<br />
The triple Goddess of Healing, mental arts, knowledge, life <strong>and</strong> death <strong>and</strong><br />
nature as well as wisdom, the arts <strong>and</strong> higher love. She is associated with plant life<br />
<strong>and</strong> the silver moon.<br />
Viviana/Viviene<br />
Viviana/Viviene<br />
She is the Goddess of birth, life, mothers, childbirth <strong>and</strong> children she is<br />
consort of Merlin <strong>and</strong> associated with the rose.<br />
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
Arawn<br />
Arawn<br />
Ancestral god of death <strong>and</strong> war. He is king of Annwn, the underworlds. He is<br />
associated with magical animals, shape-shifting, the cauldron <strong>and</strong> water springs.<br />
Bel<br />
Bel<br />
The God of healing, music, truth <strong>and</strong> fire. He is associated with a golden spear,<br />
the golden harp <strong>and</strong> the sun.<br />
Bran<br />
Bran<br />
The God of prophecy, protec<strong>to</strong>r of poets <strong>and</strong> bards, god of music. He is<br />
associated with the harp, the head <strong>and</strong> singing.<br />
Camulus<br />
Camulus<br />
The God of War, he is depicted as carrying the head of his enemies <strong>and</strong> a long<br />
sword. He is associated with s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> clouds.<br />
Creidne<br />
Creidne<br />
He is the maker of swords, associated with smiths, metal work, swords <strong>and</strong><br />
crafting. He is depicted as carrying a bronze sword.<br />
Dagda Dagda<br />
Dagda<br />
He is God of earth a ‘good god’, the god of life, death, prosperity, abundance,<br />
wisdom <strong>and</strong> feasting. He is a simple god who dresses down in leather boots <strong>and</strong> a<br />
plain cloak/cape.<br />
Diancecht<br />
Diancecht<br />
The God of Medicine, famed for once saving Irel<strong>and</strong>. He is married <strong>to</strong>
Morrigan <strong>and</strong> among their children are Cian who marries Ethniu the daughter of<br />
Balor <strong>and</strong> Etan, who marries Ogma.<br />
Dwyn Dwyn<br />
Dwyn<br />
The God of pranks <strong>and</strong> tricks. He is known for his love of mischief.<br />
Esus<br />
Esus<br />
God of the woodl<strong>and</strong>s, he is associated with the bow <strong>and</strong> arrow, the sword <strong>and</strong><br />
hunting.<br />
F<strong>and</strong> F<strong>and</strong><br />
F<strong>and</strong><br />
God of the beech tree.<br />
Gobannon Gobannon<br />
Gobannon<br />
He is god of magic known as the ‘divine blacksmith’. He is associated with<br />
metal <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>ols, forges, smiths <strong>and</strong> the fire that transforms.<br />
Gwalchmei<br />
Gwalchmei<br />
The son of the goddess Mei, god of music <strong>and</strong> love. Also known as the ‘falcon<br />
of May’ he is associated with hunting, fields <strong>and</strong> the rap<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Gwydion<br />
Gwydion<br />
The great Wizard, prince of the powers of Air, he is the God of kindness,<br />
eloquence, magic <strong>and</strong> art. He is associated with healing, magic <strong>and</strong> harps.<br />
Gwynn Gwynn-ap Gwynn ap ap-nudd ap nudd<br />
God of the otherworld, the wild hunt <strong>and</strong> the death chase. He travels with<br />
Domarth, a white hound.<br />
Helith<br />
Helith<br />
The protec<strong>to</strong>r of the souls of the dead, the fire God of the setting sun. He is<br />
associated with a magic flute that gives peace <strong>to</strong> all who hear it.<br />
Kerunnos Kerunnos<br />
Kerunnos<br />
The god of life, death, wealth <strong>and</strong> knowledge. Lord of the animals he is also<br />
the all father. His associations are the bull, the stag, horned animals, 3 cranes, a<br />
magical serpent belt <strong>and</strong> a bag of coins.<br />
Llyr<br />
Llyr<br />
The Celtic version of Poseidon, he is a shy sea god; he is a shape-shifter who is<br />
part man <strong>and</strong> part fish. He is also a god of music. He is associated with shells, sea
gulls, serpents, sea animals, pearls, coral <strong>and</strong> silver.<br />
Lugh<br />
Lugh<br />
Lugh is the sun god, master of all the arts <strong>and</strong> champion of the Tuatha De<br />
Dannan. He is a powerful sorcerer who is known for his skill with weapons as well as<br />
in bardic knowledge, poetry <strong>and</strong> war. He is associated with the turtle, coins, setting<br />
suns <strong>and</strong> a magic sword.<br />
Mabon<br />
Mabon<br />
He is the divine son, god of love, sex, music, tricks <strong>and</strong> youthfulness. He also<br />
presides over prophecy, magick <strong>and</strong> power. He is associated with the boar, the lyre<br />
<strong>and</strong> mineral springs.<br />
Manannan Manannan<br />
Manannan<br />
The master of shape-shifting, god of magic, the seas, travel, teacher he is the<br />
consort of Rhiannon. He is associated with a mantle of invisibility, a magic spear,<br />
feasting <strong>and</strong> the faery mounds of Irel<strong>and</strong>. He gave a cup of Gold <strong>to</strong> King Cormac,<br />
which broke when he <strong>to</strong>ld lies <strong>and</strong> magically res<strong>to</strong>red itself when the truth was <strong>to</strong>ld.<br />
Math Math<br />
Math<br />
The Welsh god of wisdom, enchantment, sorcery <strong>and</strong> magic. He was teacher<br />
<strong>and</strong> uncle <strong>to</strong> Gwydion <strong>and</strong> a master druid <strong>and</strong> teacher.<br />
Myrddin/Merlin<br />
Myrddin/Merlin<br />
God of the woodl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> nature, god of sun, earth, merriment <strong>and</strong> laughter.<br />
He is also a sky god of magic. He is associated with caves, crystals, herbs, minerals,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> pure water, as well as the Castle of glass <strong>and</strong> a magic flute.<br />
Nwyvre Nwyvre<br />
Nwyvre<br />
God of space, ethereal things <strong>and</strong> astronomy <strong>and</strong> astrology, the study of the<br />
stars. He is consort <strong>to</strong> Arianrhod.<br />
Nuada<br />
Nuada<br />
He is god of thunder, rebirth, kingship, war <strong>and</strong> wealth. A war God <strong>and</strong><br />
consort <strong>to</strong> Fea. He carried one of the four treasures of the Tuatha De Dannan <strong>and</strong> is<br />
associated with lightning <strong>and</strong> thunders<strong>to</strong>rms.<br />
Ogma/Ogmios<br />
Ogma/Ogmios<br />
He is a h<strong>and</strong>some god of knowledge, sexuality <strong>and</strong> civilization. He is the<br />
inven<strong>to</strong>r of Ogham writing <strong>and</strong> is depicted as carrying a stick with runes written on<br />
it.
Pwyll<br />
Pwyll<br />
He is King of the Otherworld <strong>and</strong> is associated with a pack of hounds.<br />
Taliesin<br />
Taliesin<br />
A prophet, poet <strong>and</strong> bard. His associations are music <strong>and</strong> magic,<br />
transmigration, metamorphosis, the harp <strong>and</strong> the gull.<br />
Taranis<br />
Taranis<br />
God of thunder who is associated with the seasons, the 8 spoked wheel <strong>and</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>rms.<br />
Tethra<br />
Tethra<br />
A sea god of great magic he is associated with moonbeams, flocking gulls <strong>and</strong><br />
the albatross bird.
Deity Engineering Worksheet<br />
1. What qualities or aspects of reality does your Goddess, God or Spirit embody?<br />
2. What special abilities of powers does s/he have?<br />
3. Describe Her or His appearance:<br />
Body build & special attributes (tail, wings etc.):<br />
Facial features & hair:<br />
Apparent age:<br />
Clothing, if any:<br />
Jewelry & objects carried any:<br />
4. How does s/he move?<br />
5. What is Her/His voice like?<br />
6. What correspondences are appropriate for each of the following?<br />
Animals:<br />
Herbs, flowers:<br />
Trees:<br />
Colors:<br />
Elements:<br />
Direction:<br />
Mudra:<br />
Sacred objects:<br />
Season:<br />
Day of the week:<br />
Time of night or day:<br />
Gem or s<strong>to</strong>ne:<br />
Features of the natural environment:<br />
Smell <strong>and</strong> taste:<br />
7. Describe Her/His temple or sacred space:<br />
8. Does s/he have any special relationships <strong>to</strong> other Deities or Spirits, or <strong>to</strong> humans?<br />
9. Name this Entity:
Descent of the Goddess 1993<br />
In ancient times, our Lord, the Horned One, was (as he still is) the Controller, the<br />
Comforter. But men know him as the dread Lord of Shadows, lonely, stern, <strong>and</strong> just.<br />
But our Lady the Goddess oft grieved deeply for the fate of her creations as they aged<br />
<strong>and</strong> died. She would solve all mysteries, even the mystery of death, <strong>and</strong> so journeyed<br />
<strong>to</strong> the underworld.<br />
The Guardian of the Portals challenged her: 'Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy<br />
jewels; for naught may you bring with you in<strong>to</strong> this our l<strong>and</strong>, for it is written that<br />
your True Self is the only fitting adornment for those in the realms of Death.'<br />
So she laid down her garments <strong>and</strong> her jewels, <strong>and</strong> was bound, as all living must be<br />
who seek <strong>to</strong> enter the realms of Death, the Mighty One.<br />
Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt, <strong>and</strong> laid his sword <strong>and</strong> crown at her<br />
feet, <strong>and</strong> kissed her feet, saying: 'Blessed be thy feet that have brought thee in these<br />
ways. Abide with me; but let me place my cold h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart.'<br />
And she replied: 'Why do you cause all things that I love, <strong>and</strong> take delight in, <strong>to</strong> fade<br />
<strong>and</strong> die?'<br />
'Lady,' replied Death, 'it is age <strong>and</strong> fate, against which I am helpless. Age causes all<br />
things <strong>to</strong> wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest <strong>and</strong> peace <strong>and</strong><br />
strength, so that they may return. But you, you are lovely. Return not, abide with<br />
me.'<br />
And she replied, 'Nay, I love thee not <strong>and</strong> I am needed in the world of the living.'<br />
Again Death knelt, <strong>and</strong> kissed her knees, saying: 'Blessed be thy knees that kneel<br />
before the Altar. Abide with me; let me place my cold h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart.'<br />
And she replied, 'Nay, I love thee not <strong>and</strong> I am needed in the world of the living.'<br />
Death (still kneeling), kissed her on the womb, saying: 'Blessed be thy organs of<br />
generation, without which none of us would be. Abide with me; let me place my cold<br />
h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart.'<br />
And she replied, 'Nay though I feel the beginnings of love for thee, I must return <strong>to</strong>
those I fully love in the world of creation.'<br />
Death then s<strong>to</strong>od, <strong>and</strong> kissed her on the breast, saying: Blessed be thy breast, formed<br />
in strength <strong>and</strong> beauty. Abide with me; let me place my cold h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart.'<br />
And she replied, 'Nay though I feel love for thee, I must not ab<strong>and</strong>on those I am<br />
responsible for, in the world of creation. I cannot do this thing, better you would<br />
return with me.'<br />
'Lady,' replied Death, It cannot be so. If I were <strong>to</strong> leave my realm, <strong>and</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>on those<br />
who seek their comfort <strong>and</strong> rest with me, then the Wheel would no longer turn. Age<br />
<strong>and</strong> weakness would overtake those whom you love, <strong>and</strong> they would have nowhere<br />
<strong>to</strong> find rest, <strong>and</strong> peace, <strong>and</strong> reunion with those who have gone before. As age <strong>and</strong><br />
debility over<strong>to</strong>ok your creations, there would quickly be no room for the new, only<br />
the withered, the tired, <strong>and</strong> the stagnant.' He then kissed her lips, saying: 'Blessed be<br />
thy lips, which shall utter the Holy Names. Abide with me; let me place my cold<br />
h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart.’ And she replied, Let us both lay our h<strong>and</strong>s, each un<strong>to</strong> the heart of<br />
the other, thereby claiming <strong>and</strong> uniting each un<strong>to</strong> the other. In this way may I rule<br />
my kingdom of birth, creation, <strong>and</strong> life; yet share with you your kingdom of death,<br />
rejuvenation, <strong>and</strong> rest. United in Perfect Love <strong>and</strong> Perfect Trust, that the Universe<br />
may be whole <strong>and</strong> the Wheel turn smoothly.<br />
Death replied, 'This is indeed wisdom wisdom, wisdom<br />
So Mote it Be!' They embraced, thus pledging<br />
their eternal love.<br />
And he taught her all his mysteries, <strong>and</strong> gave her the necklace which is the circle of<br />
rebirth. And she taught him her mystery of the sacred cup which is the cauldron of<br />
rebirth.<br />
They loved, <strong>and</strong> were one; for there be three great mysteries in the life of mankind,<br />
<strong>and</strong> magic controls them all. To fulfill love, you must return again at the same time<br />
<strong>and</strong> at the same place as the loved ones; <strong>and</strong> you must meet, <strong>and</strong> know, <strong>and</strong><br />
remember, <strong>and</strong> love them again.<br />
But <strong>to</strong> be reborn, you must die, <strong>and</strong> be made ready for a new body. And <strong>to</strong> die, you<br />
must be born; <strong>and</strong> without love, you may not be born. And our Goddess is ever<br />
inclined <strong>to</strong> love, <strong>and</strong> mirth, <strong>and</strong> happiness; <strong>and</strong> guards <strong>and</strong> cherishes her hidden<br />
children in life, <strong>and</strong> in death she teaches the way <strong>to</strong> her communion; <strong>and</strong> even in this<br />
world she teaches them the mystery of the Magic Circle, which is placed between the<br />
worlds of men <strong>and</strong> of the <strong>Gods</strong>.
And thus we are taught of the beginnings of the wheel of the year wherein the Lord<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Lady share their rulership of the year, each offering <strong>and</strong> sharing a balance <strong>to</strong><br />
the other, <strong>and</strong> the basis of that sharing.
Dictionary of the <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Egyptian:<br />
Egyptian:<br />
Aah<br />
Aah<br />
The Moon God. I notice that the moon is male here just as it is in Sumer <strong>and</strong><br />
Babylon. Aah is Egyptian for Moon.<br />
Amon Amon-Re Amon Re<br />
This is Re as the "Invisible God". He seems <strong>to</strong> be all of the Egyptian <strong>Gods</strong><br />
combined in<strong>to</strong> one unified god-head, <strong>and</strong> was not outwardly worshiped. It simply<br />
shows that the Egyptians knew that All was part of one underlying Unity.<br />
Ammut<br />
Ammut<br />
The Eater of the Dead. This is the monster that sits within the judgment<br />
chamber <strong>and</strong> devours those who do not pass the trial. He has the head of a crocodile,<br />
the fore body of a leopard, <strong>and</strong> the hindquarters of a hippopotamus.<br />
Anubis<br />
Anubis<br />
This jackal-headed god is the one who comes <strong>to</strong> you at death <strong>and</strong> guides you<br />
through the darkness <strong>to</strong> the judgment chamber. Messenger of the gods. Son of Osiris<br />
<strong>and</strong> Nephthys. Guardian of the <strong>to</strong>mbs.<br />
Anukis<br />
Anukis<br />
Wife of Khnum.<br />
Apis Apis Bull, Bull, Bull, The<br />
The<br />
God of lust <strong>and</strong> desire for life.<br />
Apophis Apophis (Zet)<br />
(Zet)<br />
This myth is not really a creation myth, but the energies it involves are the<br />
same. It resembles the s<strong>to</strong>ries of Lotan, Zu, Asag, <strong>and</strong> Leviathan. Actually, it is the<br />
idea of the day (Re) defeating the night (Typhon). It is also the new year defeating the<br />
old. In either case, it is an "Order from Chaos" type s<strong>to</strong>ry. Typhon is a serpent god<br />
who is an enemy of Re. Re sends the gods <strong>to</strong> slay him. They are, of course, successful.<br />
In one version of the myth, Seth himself is the one <strong>to</strong> kill Apophis each day (which is<br />
strange as Seth <strong>and</strong> Apophis seem <strong>to</strong> be the same basic god-form : see Seth).<br />
Aroueirs Aroueirs Aroueirs (Horus (Horus (Horus the the the Elder) Elder)<br />
Elder)<br />
See Horus the Elder.
Aten Aten (Amon (Amon-Re (Amon Re Re-Harakhti)<br />
Re Harakhti)<br />
This God was worshiped by Akhenaten as the "One True God". He had only a<br />
brief worship; Akhenaten was not liked for his break from the Atum-Re (see below)<br />
cult. However, it would seem that Moses was affected by Akhenaten's ideas as he<br />
(Moses) studied the Egyptian mysteries. It seems Aten is the forerunner of Yahweh.<br />
Aten is Egyptian for Sun.<br />
Atum Atum-Re Atum Re<br />
This is Re as he emerged out of the Nun (Primordial Sea), appointed the<br />
Ogdoad (see below) <strong>to</strong> their proper places in the Heavens, <strong>and</strong> single-h<strong>and</strong>edly<br />
created all in existence. Also, Re is <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>to</strong> have separated the lovers Geb <strong>and</strong> Nuit<br />
from their lovemaking, setting Nuit as the Sky <strong>and</strong> Geb as the Earth.<br />
Auramoouth<br />
Auramoouth<br />
Auramoouth<br />
Daughter of Nuit. Sky-goddess of Water.<br />
Bast<br />
Bast<br />
A cat Goddess, <strong>and</strong> a cat-headed deity. Goddess of occultism <strong>and</strong> magick.<br />
Geb<br />
Geb<br />
This is the Earth God, with Nuit as the Sky Goddess. Their union brought<br />
forth Isis <strong>and</strong> Osiris, Seth <strong>and</strong> Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> Horus the Elder.<br />
Hapi<br />
Hapi<br />
God of the Nile, <strong>and</strong> a protection deity of the North, <strong>and</strong> the small viscera of<br />
the deceased. Son of Horus (see Mestha, Tuamautef, <strong>and</strong> Qubhsennuf).<br />
Hathor<br />
Hathor<br />
This Goddess is a Love/War (Passion) Goddess. She is the Eye of Re (i.e the<br />
Sun itself) whom, when angry, even the <strong>Gods</strong> fear. She can take the form of a Cow or<br />
Cat. She also comes <strong>to</strong> new-born children, in the form of Seven Women, <strong>to</strong> tell them<br />
their destinies.<br />
Horus Horus the the Elder Elder (Aroueris (Aroueris) (Aroueris<br />
Son of Geb <strong>and</strong> Nuit, He is a Cosmic Being who's right eye is the Sun <strong>and</strong><br />
who's left eye is the Moon. If Seth was originally the New Moon (see Seth), then the<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ry of Seth removing Horus' eye may well be a s<strong>to</strong>ry of a solar eclipse.<br />
Horus Horus Horus the the Younger Younger Younger (H (Heru) (H (Heru)<br />
eru)<br />
The hawk-headed god is the son of Isis <strong>and</strong> the newly resurrected Osiris. He<br />
removed Seth from the Throne of Egypt <strong>and</strong> ruled as successor <strong>to</strong> his father. He is also
the one who leads the soul before Osiris upon passing the Weighing of the Heart. In<br />
the battle against Seth, Horus lost an eye <strong>and</strong> later regained it. This gives us the<br />
symbol of the Eye of Horus (see Horus the Elder).<br />
Hu<br />
He <strong>and</strong> his partner Sia are two aspects of the Creative Power of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Isis Isis (Au (Au-Seth) (Au Seth)<br />
Wife/sister of Osiris. Goddess of Magick <strong>and</strong> Healing. She is also much like<br />
Ishtar/Innana. (See Osiris). The Egyptian Goddess-force.<br />
Khnum<br />
Khnum<br />
Lord of barley <strong>and</strong> wheat, fruit <strong>and</strong> flowers, birds, fish, <strong>and</strong> all animals.<br />
Created Man on a potters wheel. He lives on the first mound of Earth that rose from<br />
the Nun, where the Source of the Nile lies, in a <strong>Temple</strong> called "Joy of Life". It is He<br />
who opens the flood-gates each year.<br />
Khonsu<br />
Khonsu<br />
Son of Amon <strong>and</strong> Mut.<br />
Maat Maat<br />
Maat<br />
Goddess of Truth <strong>and</strong> Justice. Wife of Thoth. She existed before the birth of<br />
the gods. (See Hokhmah of the Hebrews). Her symbol is the feather that can be seen<br />
on the Judgment Scale.<br />
Mestha<br />
Mestha<br />
A god of Protection of the South, <strong>and</strong> the s<strong>to</strong>mach <strong>and</strong> large intestines of the<br />
deceased. Son of Horus (see Hapi, Tuamautef, <strong>and</strong> Qebhsennuf).<br />
Min Min<br />
Min<br />
A fertility God.<br />
Mut<br />
Mut<br />
Amon's wife. Keep in mind that Amon was fused with Re, <strong>and</strong> was not the<br />
same Deity <strong>to</strong> begin with.<br />
Neith<br />
Neith<br />
Sky goddess of War <strong>and</strong> Fire.<br />
Nekhbet<br />
Nekhbet<br />
Symbolized as a Vulture. Guardian of Upper Egypt (See Ua-Zit).
Nephthys Nephthys<br />
Nephthys<br />
Goddess of women. Wife of Seth, <strong>and</strong> the Dark Twin of Isis. Sister of Osiris.<br />
She is also the mother of Anubis.<br />
Nuit<br />
Nuit<br />
Goddes of Sky <strong>and</strong> sister/wife of Geb. (See Geb).<br />
Nun<br />
Nun<br />
Nun is listed with the Ogdoad. However, I wish <strong>to</strong> single him out here as it is<br />
from him the name of the Primordial Waters was taken. He is the oldest of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Ogdoad, Ogdoad, The<br />
The<br />
This myth is from the mythos where Atum-Re is the Crea<strong>to</strong>r God.There were<br />
eight Ogdoad, four frogs <strong>and</strong> four snakes, who were the Primordial Waters- the Nun.<br />
Atum-Re arose from the Nun, <strong>and</strong> appointed the Ogdoad <strong>to</strong> their proper places in the<br />
Heavens (thus, brought order from chaos). Their names are : Nun <strong>and</strong> his consort<br />
Naunet, Kuk <strong>and</strong> Kuaket, Huh <strong>and</strong> Huahet, <strong>and</strong> Amon <strong>and</strong> Amaunet.<br />
Osiris Osiris Osiris (Au (Au-Saur) (Au Saur)<br />
Osiris was eventually merged with Re <strong>and</strong> seems <strong>to</strong> be nearly the same deity<br />
in many aspects (forming a kind of Divine Loop). He is a God Force with Isis as his<br />
Goddess Force. Osiris was probably originally a fertility god (like Tammuz), but was<br />
elevated when associated with Re. Mythologically, he was originally a Pharaoh who<br />
brought civilization <strong>to</strong> the people. He is the Egyptian God-force. As the lord of the<br />
Underworld, he is Khent-Amenti. (His real name is Au Sar: "exceeding king").<br />
Ptah<br />
Ptah<br />
This god is a parallel myth <strong>to</strong> the Atum-Re mythos (see above). Ptah is equated<br />
with the Nun (the Egyptian Primordial Waters). In this mythos, Ptah creates Atum-<br />
Re <strong>and</strong> all the other gods, as well as all in existence. Also, patron god of Architects.<br />
Qebhsennuf<br />
Qebhsennuf<br />
A god of Protection of the West, <strong>and</strong> the liver <strong>and</strong> gall-bladder of the<br />
deceased. Son of Horus (see Mestha, Hapi, <strong>and</strong> Tuamautef).<br />
Re Re<br />
Re<br />
This is the falcon-headed sun god who is born each morning, grows old by the<br />
end of the day, <strong>and</strong> enters the l<strong>and</strong> of the dead each night. He is Khephira in the<br />
morning, Re at midday, <strong>and</strong> Atum at night.
Satis<br />
Satis<br />
Daughter of Khnum.<br />
Shu Shu<br />
Shu<br />
The god of Air <strong>and</strong> the husb<strong>and</strong>/brother of Tephnuit. Atum-Re fertilized<br />
himself <strong>and</strong> brought this god, <strong>and</strong> his wife in<strong>to</strong> existence. Shu <strong>and</strong> Tephnuit's union<br />
brought forth Geb <strong>and</strong> Nuit, the Earth <strong>and</strong> Sky. Shu was placed, by Re, between Geb<br />
<strong>and</strong> Nuit <strong>and</strong> he acts as a support <strong>to</strong> Nuit herself.<br />
Sia<br />
Sia<br />
His name means "mind" or "thought". He is most often paired with Hu, <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>to</strong>gether they are two aspects of the Creative Power of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Selkis Selkis<br />
Selkis<br />
Scorpion Goddess.<br />
Seth Seth<br />
Seth<br />
This is the brother of Osiris who destroyed him <strong>and</strong> dismembered his body in<br />
order <strong>to</strong> take his throne. He is the Dark Serpent aspect of the God. God of drought<br />
<strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm, Lord of the Red L<strong>and</strong> (the desert). In Sanscrit the word "sat" means <strong>to</strong><br />
destroy by hewing in<strong>to</strong> pieces. In the myth of Osiris it was Seth who killed Osiris <strong>and</strong><br />
cut his body in<strong>to</strong> fourteen pieces. But it may be significant that the word "set" is also<br />
defined as "queen" or "princess" in Egyptian. Au Set, known as Isis by the Greeks, is<br />
defined as "exceeding queen". In the myth of the combat Seth tries <strong>to</strong> mate sexually<br />
with Horus; this is usually interpreted as being an insult. But the most primitive<br />
identity of the figure Seth, who is also closely related <strong>to</strong> the serpent of darkness<br />
known as Zet, <strong>and</strong> often referred <strong>to</strong> by classical Greek writers as Typhon, the serpent<br />
of the goddess Gaia, may once have been female, or in some way symbolic of the<br />
Goddess religion, perhaps related <strong>to</strong> the Goddess Ua Zit, "Great Serpent", the cobra<br />
Goddess of Neolithic times. Lastly, there is a theory that is pure speculation on Seth's<br />
battle with Horus. First, we look at Horus as a Solar Deity. Then, we look at Isis as<br />
being the Full Moon (as she is the Goddess of Magick). Next, if we consider that Seth<br />
was originally female, then it is easy (or just convenient) <strong>to</strong> assign him/her <strong>to</strong> the new<br />
moon. Put these <strong>to</strong>gether, <strong>and</strong> the s<strong>to</strong>ry of Seth attempting <strong>to</strong> mate with Horus, <strong>and</strong><br />
then taking his eye, may very well be a s<strong>to</strong>ry of a solar eclipse (see Horus the Elder).<br />
Sothis<br />
Sothis<br />
Goddess of the dog-star, <strong>and</strong> of initiation. Isis.<br />
Tephnuit Tephnuit<br />
Tephnuit<br />
The Goddess of Moisture, wife/sister of Shu. (See Shu).
Thoth<br />
Thoth<br />
This ibis-headed god is the Scribe of the <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> the God of Wisdom. He is<br />
the Logos, the Word of Re. He was Self-Created before the Creation. Husb<strong>and</strong> of<br />
Maat.<br />
Tuamautef<br />
Tuamautef<br />
A god of Protection of the East, <strong>and</strong> the heart <strong>and</strong> lungs of the deceased. Son<br />
of Horus (see Mestha, Hapi, <strong>and</strong> Qebhsennuf).<br />
Tum Tum<br />
Tum<br />
It is also a name of Re, usually seen as Atum.<br />
Ua Ua Ua Zit Zit<br />
Zit<br />
"Great Serpent" Cobra Goddess, guardian of Lower Egypt (see Nekhbet). (Also<br />
see Seth for an interesting note).<br />
Zet Zet<br />
Zet<br />
See Apophis.<br />
Canaanite: Canaanite:<br />
Canaanite:<br />
Ana Anath Ana th<br />
This was a Love <strong>and</strong> War Goddess, the Venus star. She is also known for<br />
slaying the enemies of her brother Baal much in the same way Hathor slaughtered<br />
much of mankind (Anath is heavily related <strong>to</strong> Hathor). After the Defeat of Mavet <strong>and</strong><br />
Yam, a feast was thrown for Baal. Anath locked everyone inside, <strong>and</strong> proceeded <strong>to</strong><br />
slay everyone (as they had all been fickle <strong>to</strong>ward Baal with both Mavet <strong>and</strong> Yam, as<br />
well as Ashtar). Baal s<strong>to</strong>pped her <strong>and</strong> convinced her that a reign of peace is what was<br />
needed. She also has confronted Mavet <strong>and</strong> was responsible for Baal's liberation from<br />
the underworld. She is the twin sister of Marah. Daughter of Asherah. She is also<br />
known as Astarte. Astarte is the Canaanite Name of Ishtar; just as Ishtar is the<br />
Babylonian Name of Inanna. In all cases the Name means, simply, "Goddess". Astarte<br />
itself translates literally as "She of the Womb".<br />
Arsay<br />
Arsay<br />
Daughter of Baal. An underworld Goddess.<br />
Asherah Asherah<br />
Asherah<br />
The Mother of the <strong>Gods</strong>, Qodesh (just like El), Queen of Heaven. She is a<br />
goddess of Love <strong>and</strong>, as Astarte, a War Goddess. She is also an Earth Goddess. Wife of<br />
El. (see El). When the gods decided <strong>to</strong> entreat Yam <strong>to</strong> ease his reign of tyranny, it was
Asherah who went <strong>to</strong> him <strong>and</strong> even offered herself. The gods agreed <strong>to</strong> let her do<br />
this, except for Baal who was enraged at the idea. (See Baal). Asherah is said <strong>to</strong> have<br />
given birth <strong>to</strong> seventy gods.<br />
Ashtar<br />
Ashtar<br />
Possibly a male version of Ishtar (Astarte in Canaan), the Venus Star. When<br />
Baal was killed by Mavet, Asherah had Ashtar, her son, placed on the throne.<br />
However, Ashtar was not big enough <strong>to</strong> fill the position, <strong>and</strong> resigned. I believe one<br />
of his titles is Malik (the King) <strong>and</strong> other names for him are Abimilki <strong>and</strong> Milkilu.<br />
Astarte Astarte<br />
Astarte<br />
A Name of Anath which means "Goddess", or literally "She of the Womb".<br />
Astarte is simply the Canaanite version of the Name Ishtar.<br />
Baal<br />
Baal<br />
He is the Canaanite Ruler God (like Marduk). Baal <strong>and</strong> Yam-Nahar originally<br />
competed for kingship of the gods. The matter was brought before El, who decided in<br />
favor of Yam. Yam then proceeded with a reign of tyranny over the gods, <strong>and</strong> none of<br />
them felt they had the power <strong>to</strong> defeat Yam. So, they sent Asherah <strong>to</strong> entreat him <strong>to</strong><br />
loosen his grip. Asherah even offered herself <strong>to</strong> Yam. Upon hearing this, Baal was<br />
enraged, <strong>and</strong> decided <strong>to</strong> defeat Yam. Yam got wind of Baal's plan <strong>and</strong> sent messengers<br />
<strong>to</strong> El with the dem<strong>and</strong> that Baal be delivered <strong>to</strong> him. El, afraid, agreed. Baal then<br />
taunted the gods for their cowardice <strong>and</strong> went <strong>to</strong> face Yam. He had two weapons<br />
made, Yagrush (chaser) <strong>and</strong> Aymur (driver). He struck Yam on the chest with<br />
Yagrush <strong>to</strong> no avail. Then he struck him on the forehead with Aymur <strong>and</strong> fell Yam <strong>to</strong><br />
the earth. After Yam's defeat, Baal had a palace built for himself; closely resembling<br />
the s<strong>to</strong>ry of Marduk. It also resembles Marduk's s<strong>to</strong>ry in that the Primeval Waters<br />
threatened the gods, <strong>and</strong> the High God <strong>and</strong> others were afraid <strong>to</strong> face them, with the<br />
exception of the soon-<strong>to</strong>-be Ruler God. The Baal epic then continues <strong>to</strong> describe his<br />
fight against Mavet. Baal is also a S<strong>to</strong>rm God like Marduk, <strong>and</strong> a fertility god like<br />
Tammuz. Dagon is his father. Baal is the Canaanite God-force (the goddess force<br />
seems <strong>to</strong> be split between Anath <strong>and</strong> Asherah). Baal's proper name is Hadad, relating<br />
<strong>to</strong> his s<strong>to</strong>rm-god aspect. Baal is really a title, meaning "Lord".<br />
Dagon<br />
Dagon<br />
A vegetation God (especially corn). Father of Baal.<br />
El<br />
The Father of the <strong>Gods</strong>, the Crea<strong>to</strong>r of Created Things, The Kindly, Kodesh.<br />
Asherah is his wife. He wears bull horns on his helmet.
Gapen<br />
Gapen<br />
A messenger of Baal. His name either means Vine or Field. Probably the<br />
former.<br />
Hadad<br />
Hadad<br />
See Baal.<br />
Hiribi<br />
Hiribi<br />
God of Summer.<br />
Hauron Hauron<br />
Hauron<br />
A God that is related <strong>to</strong> Ninurta of Mesopotamia <strong>and</strong> Horus of Egypt.<br />
Kosharoth, Kosharoth, Kosharoth, The The<br />
The<br />
The Wise <strong>Goddesses</strong>. These may be somewhat along the lines of the Greek<br />
Graces, or the Seven Hathors of Egypt. As we see them, they are called <strong>to</strong> set up a<br />
Wedding. They are also sometimes symbolized as sparrows, which indicated fertility.<br />
They were <strong>Goddesses</strong> of childbirth.<br />
Koshar Koshar U U Khasis<br />
Khasis<br />
Craftsman of the <strong>Gods</strong>. Built the palaces of both Yam-Nahir <strong>and</strong> Baal. He also<br />
fashioned the two clubs that Baal used <strong>to</strong> defeat Yam.<br />
Koshartu<br />
Koshartu<br />
Wife of Koshar.<br />
Leviathan<br />
Leviathan<br />
Another Name for Lotan or Tannin. See Lotan.<br />
Lotan Lotan<br />
Lotan<br />
This may be another s<strong>to</strong>ry like Apophis, Zu, Asag, <strong>and</strong> Leviathan where it is<br />
not an actual creation s<strong>to</strong>ry, but still involves the same energies. On the other h<strong>and</strong>, it<br />
may be some kind of alternate Creation s<strong>to</strong>ry where Lotan replaces Yam-Nahar.<br />
Lotan is a seven headed serpent defeated by Baal with the help of Mavet. Anath also<br />
claims a role in the defeat of the Serpent. Also known as Tannin or Leviathan.<br />
Marah<br />
Marah<br />
Merciful Goddess of the Waters. Twin sister of Anath. Daughter of Asherah.<br />
Mavet Mavet<br />
Mavet<br />
God of Death <strong>and</strong> Sterility. His name means Death. A son of El. After Baal
defeated Yam, he then sent a message <strong>to</strong> Mavet dem<strong>and</strong>ing that he keep his domain<br />
in the underworld where he belonged. Mavet was enraged by this <strong>and</strong> sent a<br />
threatening message <strong>to</strong> Baal, who was afraid <strong>and</strong> attempted <strong>to</strong> flatter his way out of it.<br />
This, however, was <strong>to</strong> no avail <strong>and</strong> Baal was forced <strong>to</strong> face Mavet. Mavet defeated him<br />
<strong>and</strong> held him in the underworld until Anath tracked him (Mavet) down <strong>and</strong> defeated<br />
him herself. Mavet did not actually die, as he <strong>and</strong> Baal had <strong>to</strong> face off once more<br />
seven years later. Neither defeated the other, but Mavet did give in (at the comm<strong>and</strong><br />
of Shapash) <strong>and</strong> proclaimed Baal the King of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Nikkal Nikkal<br />
Nikkal<br />
Consort of Yarikh. (S = Ningal). Goddess of the fruits of the Earth. Daughter of<br />
Hiribi.<br />
Pidray<br />
Pidray<br />
Girl of Light. A daughter or consort of Baal.<br />
Qadish Qadish-U-Amrar<br />
Qadish Amrar<br />
The two messengers of Asherah fused in<strong>to</strong> one God.<br />
Rahmaya Rahmaya<br />
Rahmaya<br />
A goddess impregnated, along with Asherah, by El. The <strong>Goddesses</strong> then gave<br />
birth <strong>to</strong> the twin gods Shahar <strong>and</strong> Shalem, though I don't know who gave birth <strong>to</strong><br />
whom.<br />
Resh Resheph Resh eph<br />
Probably a War God. Lord of the Arrow. Has gazelle horns on his helmet. He<br />
destroys men in mass by war <strong>and</strong> plague. He is the porter of the sun Goddess Shepesh<br />
(this seems <strong>to</strong> resemble Khamael of the Hebrews). He is also called Mekal<br />
(Anniala<strong>to</strong>r). Related <strong>to</strong> Nergal of Mesopotamia.<br />
Shahar<br />
Shahar<br />
God of dawn. Either a son of Asherah, or of Rohmaya.<br />
Shalem<br />
Shalem<br />
God of Dusk. The Contemplation of Day. Either a son of Asherah, or of<br />
Rohmaya.<br />
Shapash<br />
Shapash<br />
Sun Goddess. The Torch of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Sin
Moon God.<br />
Tallay<br />
Tallay<br />
Girl of Rain. A daughter or consort of Baal.<br />
Tannin<br />
Tannin<br />
Another Name for Leviathan or Lotan. See Lotan.<br />
Ugar<br />
Ugar<br />
A messenger of Baal. His name either means Vine or Field, probably the latter.<br />
Yahweh<br />
Yahweh<br />
Yahweh is added here because there was a short time in which He was simply<br />
part of the Canaanite pantheon. When the Khabiru moved in<strong>to</strong> Isra-El, their young<br />
Volcano God, known as Yahweh (or "Everflowing"), was accepted as a Son of El.<br />
Later, Yahweh was equated with El, <strong>and</strong> Asherah became His wife. H.<br />
Yam Yam-Nahar Yam Yam Nahar<br />
Yam-Nahar is the Primordial Waters that were defeated by Baal (see Baal <strong>and</strong><br />
Asherah). His name means Sea-River. He was originally given kingship by El, <strong>and</strong><br />
ruled as a tyrant over the <strong>Gods</strong>. Baal finally rose up against him.<br />
Yarikh<br />
Yarikh<br />
Moon God.<br />
Babylonian: Babylonian: Babylonian: "S" "S" indicates indicates a a parallel parallel in in Sumer.<br />
Sumer.<br />
Adad Adad<br />
Adad<br />
A s<strong>to</strong>rm, or weather, god. (See Hadad of Canaan).<br />
Adar<br />
Adar<br />
See Ninib<br />
Ans Anshar Ans har<br />
"Whole Heaven" He <strong>and</strong> his wife, Kishar, are the children of Lamu <strong>and</strong><br />
Lahamu. They are said <strong>to</strong> be the circular Horizons of the sky <strong>and</strong> earth. Their union<br />
brought forth Ea <strong>and</strong> Anu. (See Kishar)<br />
Anu<br />
Anu<br />
This was the Sky God. S=An<br />
Anunnaki, Anunnaki, The<br />
The
Anzu Anzu<br />
Anzu<br />
The 50 great gods who decide the destiny of man. S.<br />
Deamon who s<strong>to</strong>le the Tablets of Destiny. See Ninurta.<br />
Apsu<br />
Apsu<br />
Tiamat's first husb<strong>and</strong>, symbolizing the Sweet Waters (rivers). Originally, he<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tiamat (The Salt Waters of the Sea) were intermingled as one, until he was killed<br />
by Ea for plotting against the younger gods.<br />
Asushunamir<br />
Asushunamir<br />
Asushunamir<br />
Sexless creature created by Ea <strong>to</strong> descend in<strong>to</strong> the Underworld <strong>and</strong> charm<br />
Ereshkigal in<strong>to</strong> reviving Ishtar with the Waters of Life. He is Successful. S= Kurgarru,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Kalaturru.<br />
Ea Ea (Ia) (Ia)<br />
(Ia)<br />
The Babylonian god of Wisdom <strong>and</strong> Magick, as well as Earth <strong>and</strong> Water. Also<br />
called Nudimmud. Also called Enki. Father of Marduk. Atfter he killed Apsu, he built<br />
his palace in the Sweet Waters, <strong>and</strong> called it Apsu. S=Enki (only he was a ruler god<br />
<strong>and</strong> Water God. Ki was the Earth Goddess). In Babylon, Ea replaces the works of<br />
Enlil. H= Yah.<br />
Enlil Enlil<br />
Enlil<br />
Enki<br />
Enki<br />
Lord Wind or Lord Air, a s<strong>to</strong>rm God. God of Air. S.<br />
See Ea.<br />
Ereshkigal<br />
Ereshkigal<br />
Queen of the Underworld. S.<br />
Erra<br />
Erra<br />
Also called Nergal. A god of pestilence <strong>and</strong> war. Husb<strong>and</strong> of Ereshkigal <strong>and</strong><br />
King of the Underworld. See Nergal.<br />
Gad<br />
Gad<br />
A god of luck <strong>and</strong> fortune related <strong>to</strong> the sign of Aries. (There most definitely<br />
must be link between this god <strong>and</strong> the Hebrew tribe of Gad, also related <strong>to</strong> Aries).<br />
Gibil Gibil<br />
Gibil<br />
A fire god invoked, with two others, against black magick. (See Gira <strong>and</strong>
Nusku)<br />
Gira<br />
Gira<br />
A fire god invoked, with two others, against black magick. (See Gibil <strong>and</strong><br />
Nusku)<br />
Ishtar<br />
Ishtar<br />
Wife of Tammuz, Queen of Heaven. (see Tammuz). She is a Goddess of Love<br />
<strong>and</strong> War. The Venus Star. The Babylonian Goddess-force. S= Inanna.<br />
Ki Ki<br />
Earth Goddess, sister/wife of An. Later, mother/wife of Enlil. S.<br />
Kishar Kishar<br />
Kishar<br />
"Whole Earth" Wife/sister of Anshar. (See Anshar).<br />
Lamu<br />
Lamu<br />
He <strong>and</strong> his wife Lahamu are said <strong>to</strong> be the silt created by the junction of the<br />
primeval Waters, the rivers <strong>and</strong> sea. They are the Children of Apsu <strong>and</strong> Tiamat. (see<br />
Lahamu).<br />
Lahamu<br />
Lahamu<br />
Wife/sister of Lamu. (See Lamu).<br />
Lamashtu Lamashtu<br />
Lamashtu<br />
Demoness who steals babies from their mothers. A probable source for much<br />
of the Hebrew Lilith.<br />
Marduk<br />
Marduk<br />
Also known as Bel (The Lord). The son of Ea who defeated Tiamat (because<br />
the other gods were afraid <strong>to</strong> face her), thus destroying Chaos <strong>and</strong> reigning in Order.<br />
He was appointed High God because of this, <strong>and</strong> he <strong>to</strong>ok the Tablets of Destiny from<br />
Qingu. He is the Hero of the <strong>Gods</strong>, <strong>and</strong> also a s<strong>to</strong>rm deity. The s<strong>to</strong>ry of Marduk is<br />
very similar <strong>to</strong> Baal. Marduk had no real place among the gods until he agreed <strong>to</strong><br />
defeat Tiamat. Baal, likewise, had no place among the gods until he defeated Yam,<br />
<strong>and</strong> then he had a palace built for himself. S=Nunurta (not a direct relation, but this is<br />
probably where Marduk came from). Marduk <strong>and</strong> his son, Nabu, are, in part, solar<br />
deities much like Osiris <strong>and</strong> Seth. For an explanation, see Nabu. Marduk is related <strong>to</strong><br />
Jupiter, therefore making him a W<strong>and</strong>ering God.<br />
Mummu<br />
Mummu
This is Apsu's vizier, who was captured by Ea. He symbolized mist <strong>and</strong> fog.<br />
This also happens <strong>to</strong> be a Name of Marduk.<br />
Nabu Nabu<br />
Nabu<br />
Son of Marduk. God of Scribal Art <strong>and</strong> Wisdom. Marduk is the Lord of the<br />
Waxing Year, <strong>and</strong> his son is the Lord of the Waning Year. I don't know of any<br />
mythology dealing with a defeat of Marduk, especially by Nabu. However, there is a<br />
ritual involving both of them that embodies the Solar Cycle. At Midsummer (Litha),<br />
two minor <strong>Goddesses</strong> (otherwise known as th hairdressers of Marduk's wife,<br />
Sarpanitum[?] ) would go in solemn procession from the <strong>Temple</strong> of Marduk (The<br />
Dayhouse) <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Temple</strong> of Nabu (The Nighthouse). At Midwinter (Yule), the two<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> would return <strong>to</strong> the Dayhouse. He is associated with Mercury <strong>and</strong> is said <strong>to</strong><br />
be the god of Science, <strong>and</strong> the guardian of the gods. He supposedly appears as an old<br />
man, long of beard, with a crown of one hundred horns, <strong>and</strong> a long robe. He is one of<br />
the W<strong>and</strong>ering <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Sumerian:<br />
Sumerian:<br />
Abu<br />
Abu<br />
King of plants (see the Eight children of Ki).<br />
An<br />
An<br />
An was the Sky or Heaven God. He <strong>and</strong> his wife Ki are the children of<br />
Nammu. An is the crea<strong>to</strong>r of the Anunnaki.<br />
Anunnaki, Anunnaki, The<br />
The<br />
These are the gods created by An, <strong>and</strong> appointed their positions by Enki.<br />
Possibly they are children of An <strong>and</strong> Ki. There are also the Seven Anunnaki who are<br />
the dreaded judges of the underworld. I believe there are supposed <strong>to</strong> be 50 of them<br />
in all. The Anunnaki, <strong>and</strong> some others who may or may not be Anunnaki, are marked<br />
with an "A". A question mark, or course, indicates questionable choices.<br />
Asag Asag (Kur)<br />
(Kur)<br />
Dragon of the Abyss (or Abzu). Daemon of Disease. Asag was not separated<br />
like Tiamat. Instead, he lived within the Abyss after creation <strong>and</strong> held back the<br />
Primordial Waters from consuming the Earth. At one point, he kidnapped Ereshkigal,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Enlil went <strong>to</strong> rescue her. The outcome of the battle is not known. However, we<br />
do know that Enlil is the Lord of the Waters, <strong>and</strong> that he built his home on the Sea.<br />
On the other h<strong>and</strong>, Ereshkigal herself, <strong>to</strong> this day, is the Queen of the Underworld, as<br />
if she remained there. In any case, Asag was not killed for, later, another god decided<br />
<strong>to</strong> destroy him for reasons unknown. This was Ninurta (possibly a model for Marduk).<br />
(See Ninurta). The s<strong>to</strong>ry of Ninurta <strong>and</strong> Asag seem <strong>to</strong> parallel the myths of Typhon,
Lotan, Zu, <strong>and</strong> Leviathan. Note : Asag can be thought of as the Abyss itself. Kur is the<br />
name of the Underworld, as well as a name for this Serpent. Perhaps he is also an<br />
Anunnaki, but I doubt it.<br />
Ashnan<br />
Ashnan<br />
The grain goddess. She was created (along with Lahar) by Enlil <strong>and</strong> Enki so<br />
that the Anunnunki would have food <strong>to</strong> eat <strong>and</strong> cloths <strong>to</strong> wear. However, the two<br />
gods became drunk <strong>and</strong> could not perform their duties, it was <strong>to</strong> remedy this that<br />
Man was created. (See Lahar).<br />
Bau Bau<br />
Bau<br />
Wife of NInurta (or Ningirsu).<br />
Dazi Dazimua Dazi Dazimua<br />
mua<br />
Married Ningishzida (see the Eight children of Ki).<br />
Dumuzi<br />
Dumuzi<br />
The Sumerian God-force. A sheperd god <strong>and</strong> fertility god. Husb<strong>and</strong> of Inanna.<br />
(see Inanna). It seems he is an Anunnaki.<br />
Eight Eight Children Children of of Ki, Ki, Ki, The<br />
The<br />
(See Abu, Nintul, Ninsutu, Ninkasi, Nazi, Dazimua, Ninti, Enshagag.) The<br />
Goddess Uttu, in the paradise of Dilmun, had born 8 plants from her union with Enki.<br />
He then proceeded <strong>to</strong> eat them all. Ki cursed him for this <strong>and</strong> he became ill. He<br />
convinced her <strong>to</strong> remove her curse, <strong>and</strong> she created these eight gods of healing, one<br />
for each pain he was having, <strong>to</strong> cure him. There is a punning relation between the<br />
names of the gods <strong>and</strong> the names of the body parts they healed.<br />
Emesh<br />
Emesh<br />
Summer. He <strong>and</strong> his brother Enten were created by Enlil. (See Enten).<br />
Enbilulu<br />
Enbilulu<br />
God in charge of the Tigris <strong>and</strong> Euphrates.<br />
Enki<br />
Enki<br />
This was the Water God, <strong>and</strong> also a lesser ruler under Enlil. It seems Enlil<br />
created the world, <strong>and</strong> Enki was left <strong>to</strong> run it. Enlil simply resided in his palace <strong>and</strong><br />
issued blessings. Enki, with Ki, created Man. He is also a God of Wisdom. Also, Enki<br />
is just a title. His name is Ea. It is not sure whose son he is. Also, there was one point<br />
when he became jealous of Enlil's superiority over him ,so he <strong>to</strong>ok it out on man<br />
through the "confusion of <strong>to</strong>ngues".
Enkimdu<br />
Enkimdu<br />
God in charge of farm <strong>to</strong>ols. He was originally favored by Inanna for a<br />
husb<strong>and</strong>. However, Dumuzi threatened him, <strong>and</strong> he gave Inanna up.<br />
Enlil<br />
Enlil<br />
This was the Air God, <strong>and</strong> the supreme ruler <strong>and</strong> crea<strong>to</strong>r, son of An <strong>and</strong> Ki.<br />
See Enki. Enlil also <strong>to</strong>ok Ki as his wife. God of wisdom <strong>and</strong> magick. His name means<br />
Lord of the Winds, so he is also a S<strong>to</strong>rm God.<br />
Enshagag Enshagag<br />
Enshagag<br />
Lord of the Paradise City of Dilmun (see the eight children of Ki).<br />
Enten Enten<br />
Enten<br />
Winter. He <strong>and</strong> his brother Emesh were created by Enlil so that the Earth<br />
could produce food, animals, etc. (See Emesh).<br />
Ereshkigal<br />
Ereshkigal<br />
Queen of the underworld (Kur), of death, <strong>and</strong> enemy of Inanna. All<br />
underwold deities are called Chthonic Deities. She is said <strong>to</strong> be the sister of Inanna,<br />
making her the daughter of Nanna. She is definitely not one of the Seven Chthonic<br />
Anunnaki, yet she is still an Anunnaki. Most likely she is the Destructive Forces of<br />
Saturn as Inanna is Venus.<br />
Galas, Galas, The<br />
The<br />
The demons of the underworld.<br />
Geshtinanna<br />
Geshtinanna<br />
Dumuzi's sister. Divine poetress, singer, <strong>and</strong> interpreter of dreams.<br />
Gilgamesh Gilgamesh<br />
Gilgamesh<br />
A human hero who was later deified. As a psudo-god, he resides in the<br />
underworld <strong>and</strong> organizes it, sending souls <strong>to</strong> their proper places. He was originally a<br />
Priest-King.<br />
Gugalanna<br />
Gugalanna<br />
This god is mentioned in the myth of the Descent of Inanna. When Neti asks<br />
why she has come, Inanna says something about Lord Gugalnna, the husb<strong>and</strong> of<br />
Ereshkigal. The text reads: "My older sister, Ereshkigal, Because her husb<strong>and</strong>, the<br />
Lord Gugalanna, had been killed <strong>to</strong> witness the funeral rites, so be it!"
Haia<br />
Haia<br />
Nidaba's or Nanshe's husb<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Igigi, Igigi, Igigi, The The<br />
The<br />
It seems that these were very early deities who guide <strong>and</strong> control every aspect<br />
of nature. Either they were not given much prominence later, or they simply were<br />
never given much attention. Chances are that these are Angels were the gods are<br />
Archangels.<br />
Inanna Inanna<br />
Inanna<br />
The Summerian Goddess-force. Inanna is the daughter of the moon, sister of<br />
the sun, <strong>and</strong> the planet Venus. She was a War Goddess <strong>and</strong> a Love Goddess. (see<br />
Dumuzi). Note on the myth of her descent: the myth of Enlil <strong>and</strong> Ninlil's descent in<strong>to</strong><br />
the underwold may combined <strong>to</strong> Inanna's descent. If it is, then we have a full s<strong>to</strong>ry of<br />
the cycle of the god <strong>and</strong> goddess' descent.<br />
Ishkur<br />
Ishkur<br />
God in charge of rain <strong>and</strong> winds<br />
Isimud<br />
Isimud<br />
Messenger of Enki. Has two faces.<br />
Kala Kalaturru Kala Kala turru<br />
Sexless created by Enki <strong>and</strong> given the Food <strong>and</strong> Water of Life <strong>to</strong> revive Inanna<br />
in the underworld. He was created with another like it, Kurgarru. (see Kurgarru).<br />
Ki<br />
She is the Earth Goddess. Also known as Ninhursag, Nintu, or Ninma. First,<br />
she was the wife/sister of An. After she was separated from him by their son Enlil. An<br />
carried off Heaven, <strong>and</strong> Enlil carried off Earth. In this she became the mother/wife of<br />
Enlil.<br />
Kulla<br />
Kulla<br />
Kur<br />
Kur<br />
God in charge of building <strong>to</strong>ols <strong>and</strong> bricks.<br />
The Underworld. (See Asag).<br />
Kurgarru<br />
Kurgarru<br />
Sexless creature created by Enki <strong>and</strong> given the Food <strong>and</strong> Water of Life <strong>to</strong><br />
revive Innana in the underworld. He was created with another like it, Kalaturru. (see
Kalaturru).<br />
Lahar Lahar<br />
Lahar<br />
The Cattle God. He <strong>and</strong> Ashnan were created (by Enlil <strong>and</strong> Enki) so the<br />
Anunnaki would have food <strong>to</strong> eat <strong>and</strong> clothes <strong>to</strong> wear. (See Ashnan).<br />
Lilith<br />
Lilith<br />
A succubis. She is known from a s<strong>to</strong>ry where she made her home in the trunk<br />
of Inanna's Sacred Tree. Anzu made his home in the branches, <strong>and</strong> a serpent had<br />
made it's home in the roots. This infestation had caused the Tree <strong>to</strong> cease growing.<br />
Inanna called upon Gilgamesh <strong>to</strong> rid the Tree of it's occupants. For this, Inanna gave<br />
him his famous Bow.<br />
Martu artu<br />
God of the Semites, or Amurru (Amorites), who were still nomadic, "barbaric"<br />
people at the time of Sumer. They later moved in<strong>to</strong> the l<strong>and</strong> of Sumer <strong>and</strong> conquered<br />
it, thus arose Babylonia.<br />
Meslamtaea<br />
Meslamtaea<br />
One of the three underwold gods. These are not part of the Seven Dreaded<br />
Anunnaki, as they are children of Enlil <strong>and</strong> Ninlil. (See Ninazu <strong>and</strong> ????2).<br />
Mushdamma<br />
Mushdamma<br />
In charge of active building. The Builder of Enlil.<br />
Nammu<br />
Nammu<br />
The goddess who was the Primordial Waters.<br />
Nanna Nanna<br />
Nanna<br />
The Moon god. Father of Utu <strong>and</strong> Inanna, as well as all the other planets <strong>and</strong><br />
stars. Son of Enlil <strong>and</strong> Ninlil. Enlil had raped Enlil <strong>and</strong> was sentenced <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Underworld for His crime. Ninlil, however, loved Him <strong>and</strong> followed Him downward.<br />
She gave birth <strong>to</strong> a number of Underworld <strong>Gods</strong>, but Enlil was able <strong>to</strong> remove Her<br />
from the underworld before she gave birth <strong>to</strong> Nanna. Nanna enters the l<strong>and</strong> of the<br />
dead once a month (the New Moon) <strong>and</strong> judges the dead with his son Utu. Nanna<br />
travels the sky in a boat. He is long of beard <strong>and</strong> carries a w<strong>and</strong> of lapis lazuli in his<br />
palm.<br />
Nanshe<br />
Nanshe<br />
Goddess in charge of Sea. Goddess of Justice. Judges Mankind on New Years,<br />
with Nidaba at her side. Also interprets dreams for the gods.
Nazi<br />
Nazi<br />
Nedu<br />
Nedu<br />
Married Nindar (see the eight children of Ki).<br />
See Neti.<br />
Nergal<br />
Nergal<br />
King of the Underwold, the Ambusher. A god of pestilence. See Babylonia. He<br />
is a god of War <strong>and</strong> Mars, <strong>and</strong> therefore a W<strong>and</strong>ering God.<br />
Neti<br />
Neti<br />
The gatekeeper of the first of seven gates <strong>to</strong> the underworld. I wonder if this is<br />
not one of the seven Chthonic Anunnaki. Also called Nedu.<br />
Nidaba Nidaba<br />
Nidaba<br />
This goddess was a serpent who was in charge of <strong>Temple</strong> record keeping. She<br />
is also the Goddess of Writing.<br />
Ninazu<br />
Ninazu<br />
One of the three underworld deities. Child of Enlil <strong>and</strong> Ninlil (from the<br />
begetting of Nanna). (See Meslamtaea, <strong>and</strong> ????2)<br />
Ningal<br />
Ningal<br />
Wife of Nanna.<br />
Ninhursa Ninhursag Ninhursa<br />
See Ki.<br />
Ninisinna<br />
Ninisinna<br />
Goddess in charge of Healing <strong>and</strong> the art of Medicine.<br />
Ninkasi<br />
Ninkasi<br />
The Goddess who sates the heart; meaning the goddess of in<strong>to</strong>xicating drink.<br />
(see the Eight Children of Ki).<br />
Ninkur Ninkur<br />
Ninkur<br />
Daughter of Enki <strong>and</strong> Ninsar. (from the myth of the 8 plants).<br />
Ninlil Ninlil<br />
Ninlil<br />
Enlil's wife. This Goddess followed Enlil <strong>to</strong> the underworld after he had been
anished there by the Anunnaki for raping her. At this point she was pregnant with<br />
Nanna (from the rape). In the underworld she gave birth <strong>to</strong> the Three Underworld<br />
Deities <strong>and</strong> gave birth <strong>to</strong> Nanna after she made it back out.<br />
Ninsar Ninsar<br />
Ninsar<br />
Daughter of Enki <strong>and</strong> Ki. (from the myth of the 8 plants).<br />
Ninshubur<br />
Ninshubur<br />
Inanna's messenger. Possibly an Anunnaki?<br />
Ninsiki Ninsiki<br />
Ninsiki<br />
Enki's wife.<br />
Ninsutu Ninsutu<br />
Ninsutu<br />
Wife of Ninazu (see the Eight children of Ki).<br />
Ninti<br />
Ninti<br />
Queen of the Month (see the Eight children of Ki). Note: The part of Enki's<br />
body that was healed by this goddess was his rib. The Sumerian word for rib is "Ti".<br />
Therefore Nin-ti means "lady of the rib". On the other h<strong>and</strong>, the word "Ti" can also be<br />
translated as "<strong>to</strong> make live". Therefore, Ninti can also mean "lady who brings life".<br />
Later, as we all know, Eve was made from Adam's rib. The word Eve (heb.- Havah)<br />
also means "<strong>to</strong> make live". Perhaps, <strong>and</strong> most likely, the Hebrew myth of Adam's rib<br />
comes directly from this myth. However, something was lost in the translation, as<br />
Havah has no relation <strong>to</strong> the Hebrew word for rib.<br />
Nintu<br />
Nintu<br />
See Ki.<br />
Nintul Nintul<br />
Nintul<br />
Lord of the city Magon (see the Eight children of Ki).<br />
Ninurta Ninurta<br />
Ninurta<br />
Hero of the <strong>Gods</strong>. God of the S<strong>to</strong>rmy South Winds. Possible pre-cursor <strong>to</strong><br />
Marduk. This god owned a weapon that was alive. This weapon, Sharur, for some<br />
reason, convinced Nunurta <strong>to</strong> destroy Asag. This he did. However, once Asag was<br />
gone, the Waters rose up <strong>and</strong> engulfed the Earth. Nothing could grow. So, Nunurta<br />
built a s<strong>to</strong>ne wall over Asag's body that s<strong>to</strong>pped <strong>and</strong> held back the Waters. Then he<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok the Waters that had already engulfed the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> dumped them in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
Euphrates. This caused the overflow of the Euphrates, <strong>and</strong> the l<strong>and</strong> became abundant.<br />
Obviously, this is a myth relating <strong>to</strong> the yearly flooding of the river. Ninurta is the
son of Enlil <strong>and</strong> Ki. Also, as Ningirsu, brother of Nanshe. See Ninurta in Babylon.<br />
Nimug<br />
Nimug<br />
Goddess given task by Enki at the time he organized the world, but we don't<br />
know what.<br />
Nungal<br />
Nungal<br />
Ereshkigal's daughter. Judge <strong>and</strong> protec<strong>to</strong>r of the Black Heads.<br />
Nusku Nusku<br />
Nusku<br />
Messenger of Enlil.<br />
Sumugan<br />
Sumugan<br />
Enki set him as lord of the steppe l<strong>and</strong>s. He may be one of the Anunnaki, but<br />
there is at least one indication that he was created later.<br />
Utu Utu<br />
Utu<br />
The Sun God. As he travels through the underworld at night (making it<br />
daytime there), he judges the dead. Nanna, as he visits the underworld once each<br />
month (at the New Moon), also judges with his son. He travels the sky in a chariot<br />
drawn by four mythological beasts. He was set by Enki in charge of cities <strong>and</strong><br />
boundaries, or (possibly) the entire universe. This would fit as he is the ruling deity<br />
just under Enki. Son of Nanna.<br />
Uttu<br />
Uttu<br />
Daughter of Enki <strong>and</strong> Ninkur. Goddess of plants <strong>and</strong> weaving. (from the myth<br />
of the 8 plants).<br />
????<br />
????<br />
"Who loves fish" in charge of marshl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
????2<br />
????2<br />
One of the three underworld deities. Child of Enlil <strong>and</strong> Ninlil (from the<br />
begetting of Nanna). (See Ninazu <strong>and</strong> Meslamtaea).<br />
Hebraic: Hebraic: list list does does not not include include most most Archangels Archangels <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Angels. Angels. H H = = a a Human.<br />
Human.<br />
H Aaron<br />
Aaron<br />
Aaron is another of the Seven Shepherds. He balances Moses (Netzach) as the<br />
other Sphere of Prophesy (Hod). Aaron is the brother of Moses.<br />
H Abraham<br />
Abraham
Abraham is one of the Seven Shepherds, <strong>and</strong> one of the Four Legs of the<br />
Throne in the Chariot. He is the Mild, Watery (Chased) aspect of the Four Legs.<br />
Abundant Love. His<strong>to</strong>rically, it is said that Abraham may have been an Amorite who<br />
had settled in Sumer before Babylon (also Amorites) conquered it. He was the first <strong>to</strong><br />
make a covenant with Yahweh (or possibly El of Canaan).<br />
H Adam<br />
Adam<br />
This is Adam after Eve was separated from him. He is the Father of Mankind.<br />
(See Eve).<br />
H Adam Adam Adam Kadmon Kadmon<br />
Kadmon<br />
Adam Kadmon is not Primordial as it relates <strong>to</strong> "before creation". However, his<br />
creation marked the Primordial Man. He was both Male <strong>and</strong> Female in one being, not<br />
yet separated in<strong>to</strong> Adam <strong>and</strong> Eve.<br />
Adonai Adonai<br />
Adonai<br />
This means "Lord". However, the word itself is feminine in nature, thus<br />
making it similar in nature <strong>to</strong> Elohim: both male <strong>and</strong> female. Once again, this name<br />
could be thought of as the combined force of Yahweh <strong>and</strong> Asherah. This, <strong>to</strong>o, is a<br />
very primordial name.<br />
Asherah<br />
Asherah<br />
Asherah is listed here <strong>and</strong> with the Canaanites. She is the same Goddess, but<br />
seems <strong>to</strong> have been adopted by the Hebrews as the wife of Yahweh <strong>and</strong> the Manifest<br />
Shekinah. The Hebraic Goddess-force.<br />
Asmodeus<br />
Asmodeus<br />
This is the King of the Deamons. There are two types of deamon, the<br />
malevolent kind, <strong>and</strong> those who have accepted the Torah <strong>and</strong> live in indifference (at<br />
best) <strong>to</strong> man. Asmodeus is the king of these latter deamons, as the malevolent kind<br />
have no leader. Samael will often rally the malevolent deamons himself. Asmodeus is<br />
also the husb<strong>and</strong> of the Younger Lilith.<br />
Aur Auriel Aur iel<br />
The Divine Avenger. In some instances, Auriel is seen as an Angel of Severity<br />
<strong>and</strong> Vengeance. Otherwise, she is the Archangel of Earth. Supposedly one of the<br />
Seven, yet with her included there are eight.<br />
Azazel<br />
Azazel<br />
An Archangel who descended <strong>to</strong> earth with Shemhazai. (See Shemhazai). He<br />
taught mortal women the art of seduction <strong>and</strong> make-up. When he was <strong>to</strong>ld of the
coming flood, he refused <strong>to</strong> repent. For this, he was cast in<strong>to</strong> a pit <strong>and</strong> covered with<br />
darkness, <strong>to</strong> remain there until the final days.<br />
Behemoth Behemoth<br />
Behemoth<br />
This beast was set as the King of Beasts. At the "end" of Creation, he will be<br />
sent against Leviathan, <strong>and</strong> both Creatures will die in the battle. Behemoth will be<br />
fed <strong>to</strong> the pious along with Leviathan.<br />
H David<br />
David<br />
David is one of the Seven Shepherds, <strong>and</strong> one of the Four Legs of the Throne<br />
in the Chariot. He represents Divinity Manifested in that he is the Founder of the<br />
Kingship of Israel. (Malkuth).<br />
Eheieh<br />
Eheieh<br />
This means "I am". It was the Name given <strong>to</strong> Moses at the scene of the burning<br />
bush. Basically, this name relates more <strong>to</strong> YHVH, a concept, than it does <strong>to</strong> Yahweh,<br />
a god.<br />
El<br />
This is another name for Yahweh, usually translated <strong>to</strong> mean "God".<br />
Undoubtedly this comes from the Canaanite High God El. This name is used in<br />
conjunction with the title Shaddai (heb.- Almighty), as well as Chai (heb.-Living).<br />
Example: Shaddai El Chai = Almighty Living God.<br />
Elohim<br />
Elohim<br />
This means "<strong>Gods</strong>" <strong>and</strong> basically relates <strong>to</strong> a female force enfolded in a male<br />
force. Or, a Male God with the ability <strong>to</strong> Create like a female. This is because the root<br />
word here is "Goddess" (Eloah), <strong>and</strong> the pluaral "im" is masculine. Mythologically,<br />
this could be thought of as the combined force of the Seven Archangels as They<br />
Created the World in seven days. Elohim is the pronunciation of YHVH for Binah. It<br />
should be thought of as leaning more <strong>to</strong>ward the feminine, <strong>and</strong> is actually a very<br />
primordial name. (See Yah).<br />
H Esau Esau<br />
Esau<br />
Twin brother of Jacob who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup.<br />
Mythologically, he is the founder of Canaan before the Israelites arrived. He later<br />
became an Angel: the Guardian Angel of Edom.<br />
H Eve<br />
Eve<br />
This is the second wife of Adam. She is the female half of Adam Kadmon after<br />
he was separated <strong>and</strong> became Adam. Her name means "Life" <strong>and</strong> she is the Mother of
Mankind. As a point of interest, see Ninti of Sumeria.<br />
Gabriel<br />
Gabriel<br />
The Strength of Divinity. Gabriel is a Divine messenger <strong>and</strong> teacher. He<br />
(sometimes a she) is the benign Angel of Death, as well as the Archangel of Water. He<br />
is lord of the Ashim. One of the Seven.<br />
Hanael<br />
Hanael<br />
Divine Grace. The Archangel of Love <strong>and</strong> Passion. He is Lord of the Elohim.<br />
One of the Seven.<br />
Hokhmah Hokhmah (Torah)<br />
(Torah)<br />
This Goddess' name means "Wisdom". It is said that she was created before all<br />
else. In fact, she <strong>to</strong>ok part in the dividing of the Primordial Waters (Prov. 8:23, 28).<br />
She is equated with the Torah, which is said <strong>to</strong> have been created first, <strong>and</strong> is the<br />
embodiment of Wisdom <strong>to</strong> the Jewish people. (See Maat of the Egyptians).<br />
H Isaac<br />
Isaac<br />
Isaac is one of the Seven Shepherds, <strong>and</strong> also one of the Four Legs of the<br />
Throne in the Chariot. He is the Fire <strong>to</strong> his father's Water. Strict Justice (Geburah).<br />
The myth of his near-sacrifice at the h<strong>and</strong> of Abraham was the injection of Divine<br />
Severity in<strong>to</strong> Abraham's Mercy (see above). He is Abraham's son.<br />
H Jacob<br />
Jacob<br />
Jacob was the third Patriarch, <strong>and</strong> thus is the balancer of his predecessor<br />
Abraham (Chased) <strong>and</strong> Isaac (Geburah). Mercy (Tiphareth). He is also one of the<br />
Seven Shepherds, <strong>and</strong> one of the Four Legs of the Throne in the Chariot. He is the son<br />
of Isaac, <strong>and</strong> twin brother of Esau.<br />
H Joseph<br />
Joseph<br />
Joseph is one of the Seven Shepherds. He displays the ability <strong>to</strong> resist the<br />
sexual temptation of Yesode. This is displayed in the myth of the Egyptian woman's<br />
attempted seduction of him. He is the Keeper of the Covenant <strong>to</strong> the pure Yahwists.<br />
He is the son of Jacob who first went <strong>to</strong> Egypt <strong>and</strong> was responsible for the Hebrew<br />
presence there.<br />
Kha Khamael Kha mael<br />
This Archangel is the Archangel of Divine Severity, just as Samael. In fact, the<br />
two angels are one <strong>and</strong> the same. Classical Qabalah lists Samael as the leader of the<br />
Seraphim, but modern Qabalah has replaced the name with Khamael. Further, the<br />
Archangel Shemhazai, who hung himself between heaven <strong>and</strong> earth, is also Samael.
This puts him in the perfect position <strong>to</strong> fulfill his duties as the Porter of Heaven :<br />
Khamael, who resides at the very fringes of Heaven with hundreds of thous<strong>and</strong>s of<br />
angels of destruction at his comm<strong>and</strong>. His purpose there is <strong>to</strong> keep intruders from<br />
entering the Heavens. He once attempted <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p Moses from entering, but was<br />
defeated by the Prophet. One of the Seven.<br />
Lailah Lailah<br />
Lailah<br />
This Goddess' name is Hebrew for "Night". It was the Darkness mentioned in<br />
Gen 1:2, <strong>and</strong> she was named by Yahweh in Gen 1:5.<br />
Levanah Levanah<br />
Levanah<br />
The Moon (goddess).<br />
Leviathan Leviathan<br />
Leviathan<br />
This could very possibly be related <strong>to</strong> the ideas of Typhon, Lotan, Zu, <strong>and</strong><br />
Asag; where it resembles the creation myth, yet is separate there-from. In this myth,<br />
there are two Leviathan, a male <strong>and</strong> a female. Once these two beasts are created, <strong>to</strong><br />
rule the seas, Yahweh decides against letting the female live. Yahweh fears that the<br />
offspring of these two great beasts would destroy the world. The female is thusly<br />
killed. At the "end" of Creation, the male Leviathan is going <strong>to</strong> be killed in a battle<br />
with Behemoth (the Angels having failed at the task), <strong>and</strong> his skin will be set as a<br />
canopy over the heads of the pious, while his meat is fed <strong>to</strong> them. Certainly, the<br />
relation <strong>to</strong> this myth <strong>and</strong> Tiamat's destruction, <strong>and</strong> the setting of half of her body as<br />
the Sky, can be easily seen. Interestingly, Leviathan is thought <strong>to</strong> be another name for<br />
the Canaanite Lotan (See Lotan).<br />
H Lilith<br />
Lilith<br />
The Hebrew form of Lilith is the first wife of Adam. She refused <strong>to</strong> bow down<br />
<strong>to</strong> him <strong>and</strong> left the Garden. She mated with daemons <strong>and</strong> became the patron Goddess<br />
of the Night <strong>and</strong> all it's creatures. She represents the subconscious mind, that part of<br />
us that is most primal <strong>and</strong> sexual <strong>and</strong> defiant. She is the other half of the submissive<br />
Eve. There are two forms of Lilith, the Younger <strong>and</strong> the Elder. As the younger, she is<br />
the wife of Asmodeus (this being when she was in her cave mating with deamons). As<br />
the older, she is the wife of Samael (this being when she joined with him in bringing<br />
down Adam <strong>and</strong> Eve from the Garden.)<br />
Metetron<br />
Metetron<br />
The Prince of the Face. This was once the human Enoch, who was permitted<br />
<strong>to</strong> ascend <strong>to</strong> Heaven without dieing. He was transformed in<strong>to</strong> the Archangel with 360<br />
eyes <strong>and</strong> 36 pairs of wings. His palace was set on high <strong>and</strong> his word was <strong>to</strong> be<br />
followed as if it were the voice of Yahweh Himself. Personally, I feel that Metetron
<strong>and</strong> Yahweh are synonymous. Metetron is even known as the "Lesser YHVH", <strong>and</strong><br />
one of his many names is Yahoel, which is Y, H, <strong>and</strong> V (transliterated as O) with "el"<br />
added <strong>to</strong> the end. Metetron is the lord of the Chaioth haQodesh.<br />
Michael<br />
Michael<br />
The Protec<strong>to</strong>r of the Divine. He is the High Priest of Heaven <strong>and</strong> it's main<br />
guardian. Seen <strong>to</strong> be the Guardian Angel of Israel <strong>and</strong> all of humanity. He is the<br />
Archangel of Fire, <strong>and</strong> sometimes a benign Angel of Death. He is lord of the<br />
Malachim. One of the Seven.<br />
H Moses Moses<br />
Moses<br />
Moses is one of the Seven Shepherds, relating <strong>to</strong> Netzach. In the case of the<br />
Seven Shepherds, Netzach <strong>and</strong> Hod are Spheres of Prophesy. He is the prophet that<br />
lead the Exodus.<br />
Rahab<br />
Rahab<br />
This serpent is also much like Tiamat, more so than Tehom. He is described as<br />
an Archangel in Hebrew mythos.<br />
Raphael<br />
Raphael<br />
The Divine Physician. Self explana<strong>to</strong>ry. Raphael is also the Archangel of Air.<br />
He is lord of the Beney Elohim. One of the Seven.<br />
Raziel Raziel<br />
Raziel<br />
The Divine Scribe. There is a veil in Heaven that separates the Divine Throne<br />
from the angelic hosts. Raziel st<strong>and</strong>s behind this veil <strong>and</strong> records all the goings on at<br />
the Merkabah in<strong>to</strong> a book. This book, the Book of the Angel Raziel, a book containing<br />
all the knowledge of heaven <strong>and</strong> earth, was given <strong>to</strong> Adam by Raziel. The other<br />
angels, jealous, <strong>to</strong>ok the book <strong>and</strong> cast it in<strong>to</strong> the sea. Yahweh, upon hearing of this<br />
transgression, resurrected Rahab <strong>to</strong> retrieve it for Adam. After this the book fades<br />
away. It resurfaces when it is given <strong>to</strong> Noah because it contains the instructions for<br />
the Ark. From there it passed down the family line until it reached Solomon. It is said<br />
that Solomon obtained all of his great Wisdom from this book. Another job of Raziel<br />
is <strong>to</strong> st<strong>and</strong> before the Merkabah with outstretched wings, lest the breath of the<br />
Chaioth haQodesh consume all of the Heavens. He is Lord of the Auphanim. He is<br />
also listed as one of the seven, but with his inclusion, <strong>and</strong> Auriel's, there are nine.<br />
Ruach Ruach Elohim Elohim (Shekinah) (Shekinah)<br />
(Shekinah)<br />
Ruach Elohim is the Spirit of the <strong>Gods</strong>, <strong>and</strong> the Shekinah is the Presence of<br />
Divinity. Shekinah is also seen as a Goddess. (Gen 1:2)
Samael<br />
Samael<br />
The Poison of Divinity. Samael is the greatest of Angels (excepting Metetron<br />
Himself), with twelve wings as opposed <strong>to</strong> the normal six of the other Archangels. He<br />
is the most beautiful angel. He is the main Angel of Death, <strong>and</strong> is the Archangel of<br />
Divine Severity. His angelic order is the Seraphim; the Firey Serpents sent <strong>to</strong> punish<br />
Israel for it's transgressions. He is also the husb<strong>and</strong> of the elder Lilith. See also<br />
Khamael <strong>and</strong> Shemhazai; two other names for Samael. As Khamael, he is one of the<br />
seven.<br />
S<strong>and</strong>alphon<br />
S<strong>and</strong>alphon<br />
She is the twin of Metetron <strong>and</strong> the Archangel of Earth (as in the physical<br />
Universe, as opposed <strong>to</strong> the Element of Earth like Auriel). It is written that she<br />
descended <strong>to</strong> Earth as the male prophet Elijah as a guardian <strong>and</strong> protec<strong>to</strong>r. She is<br />
Ruler of the Kerubim. It is said that She st<strong>and</strong>s at the foot of the Merkabah, <strong>and</strong><br />
weaves prayers in<strong>to</strong> garl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>to</strong> rest on Yahweh's head.<br />
Shaddai Shaddai<br />
Shaddai<br />
See El.<br />
Shekinah<br />
Shekinah<br />
See Ruach Elohim.<br />
Shemesh<br />
Shemesh<br />
The Sun (god).<br />
Shemhazai<br />
Shemhazai<br />
This Archangel, along with Azazel, descended with his angelic host before the<br />
flood <strong>to</strong> steer Man back on<strong>to</strong> the right path. This order of Angels became known as<br />
the Watchers. However, the angels soon fell prey <strong>to</strong> the same vices as man <strong>and</strong> began<br />
<strong>to</strong> take wives from the Cainnite women. For sex, they would sell the secrets of<br />
Heaven <strong>to</strong> the women. They gave knowledge on everything from making weapons of<br />
war, <strong>to</strong> the Qabalah itself. The offspring of these unions are known as the Nephilim<br />
(giants), <strong>and</strong> were destructive giants that plagued mankind. Others even became the<br />
heroes of ancient times (such as Gilgamesh from Sumer). The Flood was then sent <strong>to</strong><br />
destroy these giants. When <strong>to</strong>ld of the news, Shemhazai repented his deeds <strong>and</strong> hung<br />
himself, upside-down, between heaven <strong>and</strong> earth. To this day, he can be seen there as<br />
the constellation Orion. Shemhazai is actually a form of the Archangel Samael. Also<br />
see Khamael.<br />
Tehom<br />
Tehom<br />
This Goddess' name is Hebrew for "Deep". (Gen. 1:2). She is similar <strong>to</strong> the
Babylonian Tiamat, yet is more along the lines of the Sumerian Nammu.<br />
Tzadkiel<br />
Tzadkiel<br />
Divine Justice. He is the Archangel of Divine Benevolence, <strong>and</strong> Lord of the<br />
Chashmalim. One of the Seven.<br />
Tzaphkiel<br />
Tzaphkiel<br />
Divine Contemplation. Lord of the Aralim. One of the Seven.<br />
Uzza<br />
Uzza<br />
Archangel of Egypt.<br />
Yah<br />
Yah<br />
This, in Hebrew, is spelled "YH". This, esoterically, is the combination of the Y<br />
<strong>and</strong> H of YHVH. It is where the God <strong>and</strong> Goddess principals emerge from the<br />
Primordial Waters <strong>and</strong> mate. Literally, it is the Hebrew version of Babylon's Ea<br />
(spelled IA- A <strong>and</strong> H, just like I <strong>and</strong> Y, are interchangeable in this context). It is the<br />
Name of Chockmah. In this, it should be thought of as leaning <strong>to</strong>ward the masculine<br />
(as opposed <strong>to</strong> Elohim), <strong>and</strong> is a primordial name.<br />
Yahweh Yahweh<br />
Yahweh<br />
Yahweh is the God Force. Yahweh is also a War God, S<strong>to</strong>rm God, <strong>and</strong> a<br />
Volcano Deity. The name Yahweh itself may be from the Sanscrit "YHVH", meaning<br />
"Ever-Flowing" <strong>and</strong> thus relates him <strong>to</strong> volcanic activity. After a short time, Yahweh<br />
became the National Deity of Isra-El, <strong>and</strong> was equated with El of Canaan. Along with<br />
this, He adopted Asherah (the wife of El) as His own wife. Also, the Hebrews seemed<br />
<strong>to</strong> have associated Yahweh with Baal, making the two gods (just as with El <strong>and</strong><br />
Yahweh) nearly identical.<br />
Yam<br />
Yam<br />
Sea God.<br />
YH YHVH YH<br />
VH<br />
As differentiated from Yahweh, who was not the only god <strong>to</strong> the early<br />
Hebrews. it is a formula <strong>to</strong> "sum up" the Ain (Nothingness)- or The One. The Face of<br />
Divinity.<br />
Ziz Ziz Shadai<br />
Shadai<br />
This mighty beast is the King of Birds.<br />
Hittite: Hittite: B B = = Babylonian<br />
Babylonian
Alalus<br />
Alalus<br />
Father of Anus. Anus removed him from the throne.<br />
Anus Anus<br />
Anus<br />
Sky God. Removed his father Alalus from the throne, <strong>and</strong> was, himself,<br />
removed by his son Kumarbis. B = Anu.<br />
Arinna<br />
Arinna<br />
Sun Goddess. She sent an Eagle out in search of Telepinus. The effort failed.<br />
Ea Ea<br />
Ea<br />
He resides in the Apsu, just as he does in Babylonia. What he does in the<br />
Hittite pantheon I don't know. He is the one who decided on how <strong>to</strong> defeat<br />
Ulikummis, by using the copper knife that was "used <strong>to</strong> separate heaven <strong>and</strong> earth". B.<br />
Enlil<br />
Enlil<br />
Enlil also makes a guest appearance in the Ulikummis myth. He saw<br />
Ulikummis as a child <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>ld the gods later, after the child had grown <strong>to</strong> it's great<br />
size, that they could not hope <strong>to</strong> defeat it.<br />
Hebat<br />
Hebat<br />
Wife of Teshub.<br />
Hannahannas<br />
Hannahannas<br />
Queen of Heaven. She urges Teshub <strong>to</strong> do something about Telepinus'<br />
disappearance. Teshub went as far as Telepinus' own door, where he banged on the<br />
door until he broke his hammer, <strong>and</strong> thus ab<strong>and</strong>oned the quest.<br />
Illuyankas<br />
Illuyankas<br />
A dragon slain by Teshub. There are two versions of this myth. In the old<br />
version, they two gods fight <strong>and</strong> Illuyankas wins. Teshub" then goes <strong>to</strong> Inaras for<br />
advice, <strong>and</strong> she devises a trap for the dragon. She goes <strong>to</strong> him with large quantities of<br />
liquor, <strong>and</strong> entices him <strong>to</strong> drink his fill. Once drunk, the dragon is bound, <strong>and</strong> Teshub<br />
appears with the other gods <strong>and</strong> kills him. In the later version, the two gods fight <strong>and</strong><br />
Teshub, again, loses. Illuyankas then takes Teshub's eyes <strong>and</strong> heart. Teshub then has a<br />
son, who grows <strong>and</strong> marries Illuyankas' daughter. Teshub tells his son <strong>to</strong> ask for his<br />
eyes <strong>and</strong> heart as a wedding gift, <strong>and</strong> it is given. Res<strong>to</strong>red, Teshub goes <strong>to</strong> face<br />
Illuyankas once more. At the point of vanquishing the dragon, Teshub's son finds out<br />
about the battle; realizing that he had been used for this purpose. He dem<strong>and</strong>ed that<br />
his father take him along with Illuyankas, <strong>and</strong> so Teshub killed them both.
Illuyankas's Illuyankas's Daughter Daughter<br />
Daughter<br />
See Illuyankas.<br />
Imbaluris Imbaluris<br />
Imbaluris<br />
A messenger of Kumarbis.<br />
Inaras<br />
Inaras<br />
Goddess who set a trap for Illuyankas in the old version of the myth.<br />
Irsirra Irsirra Deities, Deities, The<br />
The<br />
Either the "Maidens of Heaven" or else they are underworld deities.<br />
Ishtar<br />
Ishtar<br />
Only appears in Hittite myth in an attempt <strong>to</strong> lull Ulikummis by undressing<br />
<strong>and</strong> singing <strong>to</strong> him. Her attempt failed as the creature didn't see or hear her. B.<br />
Kamrusepas<br />
Kamrusepas<br />
Goddess of healing <strong>and</strong> magick. She calms <strong>and</strong> purified Telepinus upon his<br />
return.<br />
Kumar Kumarbis Kumar bis<br />
The Hittlte High God (like El of the Canaanites), Father of the <strong>Gods</strong>. Removed<br />
his father, Anus, from the throne. In order <strong>to</strong> keep his son Teshub from removing<br />
him from the throne, he made Ulikummis <strong>to</strong> oppose him.<br />
Mukisanus<br />
Mukisanus<br />
Vizier of Kumarbis.<br />
Sea Sea GGoddess<br />
G oddess<br />
Kumarbis went <strong>to</strong> this goddess for advice on how <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p Teshub from taking<br />
the throne. Her advice seems <strong>to</strong> have lead <strong>to</strong> the creation of Ulikummis.<br />
Shaushka<br />
Shaushka<br />
A Love Goddess.<br />
Teshub's Teshub's Son<br />
Son<br />
See Illuyankas.<br />
Telepinus Telepinus<br />
Telepinus<br />
He is like Tammuz, a fertility god. He becomes enraged for reasons unknown<br />
<strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rms off in<strong>to</strong> the steppe l<strong>and</strong>s where he falls asleep. Drought <strong>and</strong> famine ensue.
He was brought back by a Bee, after extensive searching by the gods had failed. Son of<br />
Teshub.<br />
Teshub Teshub<br />
Teshub<br />
Ruler God (like Baal of the Canaanites), son of Kumarbis. He is also a sun God,<br />
<strong>and</strong> a fertility God. He carries a hammer as a weapon. He defeated Ulikummis with<br />
the help of Ea. When Kumarbis first attempted <strong>to</strong> remove his father, Anus, from the<br />
throne, he bit off the Anus' loins in the struggle. Thus, Anus' seed was implanted<br />
within Kumarbis <strong>and</strong> Teshub was born.<br />
Ubelluris Ubelluris<br />
Ubelluris<br />
This deity is much like the Greek Atlas, who supports the world on his<br />
shoulders. Ulikummis was placed on his right shoulder by the Irsirra deities <strong>to</strong> grow<br />
tall <strong>and</strong> strong. Ubelluris didn't even notice the presence until Ea pointed it out <strong>to</strong><br />
him.<br />
Ulikummis<br />
Ulikummis<br />
Son of Kumarbis. He was made <strong>to</strong> oppose Teshub. There is also mention that<br />
he destroys some of mankind. However, he is actually described as being blind, deaf,<br />
<strong>and</strong> dumb; as well as immobile. He was made of s<strong>to</strong>ne <strong>and</strong> placed on Ubelluris'<br />
shoulder <strong>to</strong> grow. He grew until he reached heaven itself. When the gods found him,<br />
Ishtar removed her clothing <strong>and</strong> attempted <strong>to</strong> lull him with music, but he didn't see<br />
or hear her (as he was a blind <strong>and</strong> deaf creature). The gods attempted <strong>to</strong> destroy him,<br />
but had no affect (he didn't even notice). Finally, Ea called for the Copper Knife that<br />
had been used in the separation of heaven <strong>and</strong> earth. He then used the blade <strong>to</strong> sever<br />
Ulikummis from Ubelluris' shoulder; lopping the creature off at the feet. Teshub was<br />
then able <strong>to</strong> destroy the creature <strong>to</strong>tally. It is interesting <strong>to</strong> note that this god's name<br />
is the same as a pair of twin volcanic mountains in Asia Minor. This may explain why<br />
he is said <strong>to</strong> be destroying mankind, even in his seemingly cata<strong>to</strong>nic state.
Discover Your Inner Goddess<br />
If you seek an insight in<strong>to</strong> the future of your love life, why not do as they did in<br />
ancient Greece - <strong>and</strong> consult the <strong>Gods</strong> of Love. I'm delighted, <strong>to</strong>day, <strong>to</strong> introduce a<br />
special system of celestial self knowledge which is based on a classical tradition,<br />
thous<strong>and</strong>s of years old. It involves a potent mixture of ancient astrology, modern<br />
psychology <strong>and</strong> Greek mythology. Simply look for your zodiac sign in the list below.<br />
You will see two names; one representing the goddess you most usually have an<br />
affinity with <strong>and</strong> the other representing the one who is currently having the biggest<br />
influence on your life.<br />
Aries Aries<br />
Taurus Taurus<br />
Gemini Gemini Gemini<br />
Cancer<br />
Cancer<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually<br />
Usually<br />
Artemis Aphrodite Athena Demeter<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently<br />
Currently<br />
Hestia Artemis Aphrodite Artemis<br />
Leo Leo<br />
Virgo Virgo<br />
Libra Libra<br />
Scorpio<br />
Scorpio<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually<br />
Usually<br />
Hera Artemis Hera Athena<br />
Currently Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently<br />
Aphrodite Demeter Athena Persephone<br />
Sagittarius Sagittarius Capricorn Capricorn<br />
Aquarius Aquarius<br />
Pisces<br />
Pisces<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually Usually<br />
Usually<br />
Usually<br />
Artemis Hestia Athena Persephone<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently Currently<br />
Currently<br />
Currently<br />
Athena Athena Persephone Hera<br />
Begin by looking up your 'current goddess' but then go on <strong>to</strong> read about your usual<br />
goddess. When you do this, you may need <strong>to</strong> translate my words a little - but if you<br />
convert them from a 'prediction' <strong>to</strong> a description of a 'personal habit pattern' the<br />
effort will reward you with a very revealing insight in<strong>to</strong> your past. If you happen <strong>to</strong><br />
know your Moon sign or your Venus sign, take a look at the goddesses these lead you<br />
<strong>to</strong> as well. Indeed, ideally you should read about all seven because they all exist as<br />
influences somewhere within your personality. The ones you can easily relate <strong>to</strong> are<br />
the ones you can learn something about your past from. The goddesses that you look
at <strong>and</strong> say 'that's not really me' are the ones that you may just find, if you decide <strong>to</strong><br />
summon <strong>and</strong> explore them, help make your future more fulfilling. Next, take a look at<br />
your man's usual <strong>and</strong> current goddesses. How do these compare <strong>and</strong> contrast with<br />
your own? Can you become more like his 'dream'? Can his 'dream' be deepened <strong>to</strong> the<br />
point where it encompasses your reality? Can you meet each other half way? The<br />
answer <strong>to</strong> all these three questions is yes... if you're both prepared <strong>to</strong> learn <strong>and</strong> grow.<br />
If If If You You aare<br />
a re a Man: You are reading, <strong>to</strong>day, about the 'woman of your dreams'. Try<br />
neither <strong>to</strong> get <strong>to</strong>o excited - or <strong>to</strong>o depressed if you feel she's a million miles from<br />
anyone you know. The idea is simply <strong>to</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> more about her - so that you can<br />
begin <strong>to</strong> resist the usual 'big mistake' which so many males inadvertently make; of<br />
projecting this dream vision on<strong>to</strong> a real human partner. All <strong>to</strong>o often, we fall in love<br />
with 'who we want our partner <strong>to</strong> be' <strong>and</strong> not' who she actually is'. Then, as time goes<br />
by <strong>and</strong> the real person fails <strong>to</strong> measure up <strong>to</strong> our own, imaginary 'inner goddess' the<br />
relationship turns sour. Look up your wife or girlfriend's date of birth. See which<br />
goddess she most closely identifies with. Learn <strong>to</strong> respect or even (dare I say this?)<br />
'worship' that goddess <strong>and</strong> you'll find you au<strong>to</strong>matically, in the process, imbue your<br />
real life partner with the confidence <strong>to</strong> be more like her own true self. How will this<br />
help you fulfill your fantasy? Well, every woman, when she's really feeling free <strong>to</strong> be<br />
her own true self - <strong>and</strong> not 'obliged' <strong>to</strong> act out a role that matches her partner's<br />
expectations, will au<strong>to</strong>matically manifest the best qualities of all seven goddesses<br />
including the one you secretly yearn <strong>to</strong> be embraced by. Thus, in accepting that your<br />
loved one cannot be, all the time, what you want her <strong>to</strong> be you will be helping <strong>and</strong><br />
encouraging her <strong>to</strong> be what you want her <strong>to</strong> be some of the time!<br />
Artemis<br />
Artemis<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Artemis, known <strong>to</strong> the Romans as Diana, was the goddess of the hunt <strong>and</strong> of the<br />
Moon. Tall <strong>and</strong> lovely, she lived a glorious outdoor life, accompanied by her own<br />
pack of dogs <strong>and</strong> b<strong>and</strong> of nymphs. Though she wore a short tunic, this was not <strong>to</strong><br />
attract male attention but a symbol of freedom (a long dress would have restricted her<br />
movement). Artemis was an accomplished archer but though she hunted fierce boars,<br />
she was known as a healer <strong>and</strong> protec<strong>to</strong>r of animals - <strong>and</strong> also of young girls whom<br />
she frequently rescued from 'a fate worse than death'.<br />
Like Athena, Artemis was a daughter of Zeus. Though she was born by more<br />
conventional means, the legend tells that the moment she was born, she began <strong>to</strong><br />
help her mother deliver her twin brother Apollo. This <strong>to</strong>ok nine painful days, during<br />
which the new born Artemis earned her reputation as a healer. At the age of three,<br />
her father gave her a bow <strong>and</strong> arrow, a b<strong>and</strong> of nymphs <strong>to</strong> keep her company, the<br />
freedom of the woods <strong>and</strong> fields <strong>and</strong> 'eternal chastity' - which we might, in modern
symbolism, translate as the ability always <strong>to</strong> choose her lovers <strong>and</strong> never <strong>to</strong> fall victim<br />
<strong>to</strong> force, persuasion or misplaced guilt.<br />
Though Artemis was ever a symbol of strength, she also came <strong>to</strong> represent victims of<br />
tragedy <strong>and</strong> betrayal. She fell deeply in love with the h<strong>and</strong>some Orion, <strong>to</strong> whom her<br />
twin brother Apollo <strong>to</strong>ok a strong dislike. Apollo tricked her one day by pointing out<br />
a distant object <strong>and</strong> betting her that she could not hit it with an arrow. Never one <strong>to</strong><br />
resist a challenge, Artemis let fly - only <strong>to</strong> discover <strong>to</strong>o late, that she had killed her<br />
lover. Inconsolable ever since, she at least arranged for Orion <strong>to</strong> live on forever in the<br />
sky - <strong>and</strong> gave him one of her own dogs (Sirius - the dog star) for company.<br />
Main Main Text:<br />
Text:<br />
You've just about had it up <strong>to</strong> here! Slowly, over the past few months, the spirit of<br />
adventure-loving Artemis has been welling up within you. As you begin <strong>to</strong> look at<br />
your current situation through her eyes, you're feeling less <strong>and</strong> less impressed with<br />
what you can see. You've already started <strong>to</strong> do something about this but you're very<br />
aware that there's a lot further <strong>to</strong> go <strong>and</strong> you definitely don't intend <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p until<br />
you've gone all the way.<br />
The question is though, all the way <strong>to</strong> where? Ideally, you want <strong>to</strong> go all the way <strong>to</strong><br />
somewhere a very long way from where you are. You want <strong>to</strong> jump on a plane, a boat<br />
- or a very fast mo<strong>to</strong>rcycle <strong>and</strong> just head for the hills. Or the desert. You feel an<br />
almost overwhelming craving for space <strong>and</strong> freedom. You want, in the immortal<br />
words of Marlene Dietrich, '<strong>to</strong> be alone'.<br />
And yet, sadly, other circumstances probably make this all seem like an impossible<br />
dream. You've got commitments you can't just turn your back on. The spirit of<br />
Artemis within you is getting mighty fed up with these. She's champing at the bit,<br />
she's climbing the walls <strong>and</strong> she's absolutely determined <strong>to</strong> bring about a sense of<br />
liberation. How well does this bode then, for joyous news on Valentine's day? If<br />
you're single, it's hopeful. There may be no suitable man on your immediate horizon<br />
but in your current mood, you're rather glad of this. You really don't want anything<br />
more than a 'light' relationship at the moment... or at least, you don't want anything<br />
more substantial with anyone who doesn't truly represent a worthy catch. Catch, by<br />
the way, is very much the keyword here. Artemis, as goddess of the hunt, enjoys<br />
pursuing her dreams as much, if not more, than she enjoys fulfilling them. Already,<br />
you're casting your eye around for someone special <strong>to</strong> pursue. Over the next few<br />
weeks, if no suitable c<strong>and</strong>idate emerges naturally, you'll simply start seeking out new<br />
hunting grounds; deliberately placing yourself in social positions where you can meet<br />
a different type of guy.
There's no doubt you'll be successful in your quest. There's no doubt, either, that<br />
you've got a very exciting, active time ahead - <strong>and</strong> not just on the romantic front.<br />
There is though, some doubt about quite how well all this visit from Artemis is going<br />
<strong>to</strong> work out if you now happen <strong>to</strong> be in a committed relationship. Please don't<br />
misunderst<strong>and</strong>. You're not going <strong>to</strong> experience some tremendous urge <strong>to</strong> have an<br />
affair. Artemis is a very loyal lover. It's just that she hates <strong>to</strong> feel trapped, enclosed or<br />
'obligated'. Your spouse, no matter how underst<strong>and</strong>ing he may already be, is going <strong>to</strong><br />
need <strong>to</strong> be even more underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> accommodating over the next few months.<br />
He's going <strong>to</strong> have <strong>to</strong> appreciate that you badly need <strong>to</strong> be left <strong>to</strong> your own devices.<br />
He's going <strong>to</strong> realize that though you're both very close, you have grown more like a<br />
brother <strong>and</strong> a sister than a pair of lovers. It won't do - <strong>and</strong> in order <strong>to</strong> get back<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether properly, you're probably first going <strong>to</strong> have <strong>to</strong> get a little further apart.<br />
You've got <strong>to</strong> shake off the stale atmosphere that has grown up (through no particular<br />
fault of anyone) in the situation as it currently st<strong>and</strong>s. A change of scenery really<br />
could make a difference. Contemplate a move <strong>to</strong> the country if you live in the city -<br />
or a move <strong>to</strong> the beach if you live in the country! There's not much point in just<br />
hoping you will grow out of this yearning for space. Artemis is not used <strong>to</strong> losing. She<br />
simply won't depart until at least some of her dem<strong>and</strong>s have been met. If, therefore, a<br />
<strong>to</strong>tal change is out of the question, you'd better spend as much time as you can<br />
outdoors, riding, walking <strong>and</strong> generally burning off the excess physical energy you<br />
seem <strong>to</strong> have so much of. Your partner, if he's lucky, will also feel the benefit of this,<br />
but only if he keeps out of your way or has the good sense <strong>to</strong> make himself a little<br />
unavailable - so that instead of feeling hunted you end up feeling like the one with<br />
the whip h<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Athena<br />
Athena<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Athena was the beautiful warrior queen who s<strong>to</strong>od guard over the ancient city of<br />
Athens. Though she was a brave swordswoman <strong>and</strong> an inspiration <strong>to</strong> the military<br />
forces, this graceful goddess of strategy <strong>and</strong> intelligence was also closely associated<br />
with arts <strong>and</strong> crafts. Her pronounced, piercing eyes were said <strong>to</strong> gaze fondly on the<br />
city's weavers, goldsmiths, potters, shipbuilders <strong>and</strong> dressmakers. She came <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
symbol of all 'great inventions' <strong>and</strong> practical discoveries.<br />
Legend has it that the great Zeus was once plagued with a terrible headache. In the<br />
throes of agony, he persuaded Hephaestus, god of the forge, <strong>to</strong> strike him on the head<br />
with an axe. The blow was duly delivered <strong>and</strong> moments later, Athena emerged from<br />
the wound. As she proved <strong>to</strong> be a full grown woman in golden armor, clutching a<br />
spear <strong>and</strong> yelling a dreadful war cry, it is no wonder his head hurt. Zeus, instantly<br />
healed, turned <strong>to</strong> embrace his new found daughter <strong>and</strong>, from that point on the two<br />
were inseparable.
When Perseus killed the snake haired gorgon, Medusa, Athena watched the battle<br />
from on high <strong>and</strong> helpfully whispered in<strong>to</strong> his ear, the idea of using a mirror so he<br />
would not be turned <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ne by her gaze. Athena assisted Jason <strong>and</strong> the Argonauts <strong>to</strong><br />
build the ship with which they sought the Golden Fleece. All the great warriors,<br />
including legendary Achilles <strong>and</strong> mighty Ulysses turned <strong>to</strong> wise but <strong>to</strong>ugh Athena for<br />
inspiration.<br />
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Are you the woman who knows no fear? You'd like the rest of the world <strong>to</strong> think so<br />
at the moment.<br />
Athena, the warrior goddess has been influencing your outlook on life <strong>and</strong> love a<br />
great deal lately - <strong>and</strong> she's due <strong>to</strong> become even more of a dominant influence<br />
between now <strong>and</strong> the middle of the year. For as long as you're under her spell, you'll<br />
be manifesting her persona; trying, as hard as you can, <strong>to</strong> be a <strong>to</strong>ugh, independent,<br />
clever <strong>and</strong> resourceful woman with little time for frippery, frivolity or foolish things<br />
like 'feelings'.It's not that you'll be immune <strong>to</strong> emotion. Athena herself is by no<br />
means incapable of loving - or of longing. It's just that, while you are responding <strong>to</strong><br />
the cosmic call from the queen of courage, you'll be more inclined <strong>to</strong> summon your<br />
strength than explore your weaknesses.<br />
You're likely <strong>to</strong> decide that the best way <strong>to</strong> do this is <strong>to</strong> declare that for now at least,<br />
the things you feel, deep down inside, are nobody's business but your own. You don't<br />
want <strong>to</strong> share them with your partner or would-be partner, no matter how much you<br />
love him. You feel that he's got his own business <strong>to</strong> take care of <strong>and</strong> you've got yours.<br />
Your love may involve a two way flow of respect <strong>and</strong> support but if it is <strong>to</strong> survive the<br />
next few months, it has <strong>to</strong> be based on mutual encouragement not consolation. You<br />
simply need <strong>to</strong> know that he loves <strong>and</strong> admires you for your strength - <strong>and</strong> that he<br />
trusts you <strong>to</strong> make the right choices. If you need anything from him, it is his insight<br />
<strong>and</strong> judgment not his constant concern. The crisis now brewing (<strong>and</strong> when Athena's<br />
in action, there's always one on the boil) is one you both must face <strong>to</strong>gether. Neither<br />
of you can afford, even for a passing moment, <strong>to</strong> feel sorry for yourselves or concede<br />
the possibility of defeat.<br />
This year at least then, you therefore have little interest in the traditional trimmings<br />
of Valentine's day. Lovely though it is <strong>to</strong> be showered with gifts or flattering remarks,<br />
all you really want is <strong>to</strong> know you've got a battle companion you can rely on! If your<br />
lover complains you're not being especially romantic, explain <strong>to</strong> him that the time for<br />
whispering sweet nothings or indulging in a thous<strong>and</strong> slow sensual pleasures will, if<br />
he's patient, come round again. Right now though if he wants <strong>to</strong> excite your passion,
he's got <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p treating you like some voluptuous Aphrodite <strong>and</strong> recognize that<br />
you're a woman with a mission. All he has <strong>to</strong> do is support (or even join) you in<br />
waging the war you're so determined <strong>to</strong> win <strong>and</strong> he'll soon discover there's plenty of<br />
heat behind your cool facade!<br />
The fact is that you're feeling pretty excited by the pressures you currently face. They<br />
are stretching your mind, helping you learn new skills, allowing you <strong>to</strong> plan great<br />
enterprises <strong>and</strong> creating chances <strong>to</strong> give plenty of people their orders!<br />
There are moments when everything seems <strong>to</strong> be on <strong>to</strong>p of you - but each time you<br />
conquer another difficulty, you feel on <strong>to</strong>p of the world.<br />
Romantic problems are only likely <strong>to</strong> emerge in the next few months if your partner<br />
fails, somehow, <strong>to</strong> show sufficient faith in you - or worse, undermines your own<br />
faith. If, in this way, he triggers your secret fear of failure - or if you allow the fact<br />
that you currently have no partner <strong>to</strong> do the same, you may end up playing out the<br />
Persephone syndrome.<br />
This typically involves meeting a man who is deeply, desperately unsuitable yet<br />
finding yourself falling head over heels in fascination with him - because he 'seems <strong>to</strong><br />
know something that you don't'. For a while, he becomes able <strong>to</strong> manipulate you as<br />
nimbly as a suave playboy might hypnotize a teenage girl. You eventually outgrow<br />
the obsession, but not before it has done some serious damage <strong>to</strong> your pride <strong>and</strong><br />
wasted time you could have spent far more profitably.<br />
If however, you watch for that - <strong>and</strong> make sure you keep your eye on the battle you'll<br />
not only emerge from your current worldly struggle with a sense of triumph, you'll<br />
also emerge from it with the kind of love life you really want!<br />
Demeter<br />
Demeter<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Demeter, known <strong>to</strong> the Romans as Ceres, the goddess of the grain, will always be<br />
known as the goddess of motherhood. This is partly because both are symbols of<br />
fecundity - but also because of the myth of Persephone, Demeter's daughter, which<br />
must also be read in order <strong>to</strong> truly underst<strong>and</strong> the 'protective spirit' that this goddess<br />
represents.<br />
Demeter, like Hestia <strong>and</strong> Hera, was a daughter of Cronos. She <strong>to</strong>o married Zeus. This<br />
though, was several thous<strong>and</strong> years before her sister did the same. The Greek gods<br />
may sound like a strange, incestuous lot but, when you live for all eternity,<br />
presumably, you play the game of existence by somewhat different rules. Certainly
Demeter, as a symbol of dedicated motherhood, remains every bit as 'alive' as she did<br />
all those thous<strong>and</strong>s of years ago.<br />
The tale of poor little kidnapped Persephone tells us a lot about Demeter's<br />
determination. We underst<strong>and</strong> even more about the sacrifices that a good mother has<br />
<strong>to</strong> make once we underst<strong>and</strong> that, in her long quest <strong>to</strong> find <strong>and</strong> free her daughter,<br />
Demeter neither ate nor slept. She roamed l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> sea <strong>and</strong> refused <strong>to</strong> give her up for<br />
lost - even when advised <strong>to</strong> do so by Zeus himself. For the sake of finding her<br />
daughter, she later suffered poverty, abuse <strong>and</strong> eventually, went berserk. She refused<br />
<strong>to</strong> be a goddess of their grain any longer <strong>and</strong> thus caused all the crops <strong>to</strong> fail. But it all<br />
paid off in the end - as truly devoted motherhood always does.<br />
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If you don't have children, you may be wondering whether this article about the<br />
goddess of motherhood can really apply <strong>to</strong> you. Perhaps, you're not so much<br />
wondering as worrying. This can't mean what you think it means can it? It may or, it<br />
may be that your maternal instincts are going <strong>to</strong> be triggered in a less obvious way.<br />
All I'm prepared <strong>to</strong> predict is that, while you're under the influence of Demeter, you<br />
can expect your nurturing, caring spirit <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> the fore in a very big way.<br />
If you do have offspring (of any age) it is most likely <strong>to</strong> be through your child(ren)<br />
that this surfaces. It could though, be a project, plan, promise, passion or even a<br />
person that you come <strong>to</strong> see as 'your precious baby'.<br />
You'll know what it is soon enough, if you don't already - for over the next few<br />
months, you are going <strong>to</strong> be all but taken over by a very powerful need <strong>to</strong> protect<br />
someone or something. So intense is this emotion likely <strong>to</strong> be that you will feel<br />
willing <strong>to</strong> sacrifice almost anything for the sake of your protégé's well-being. You'll<br />
take on almost any task, consider almost any offer, be willing <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> almost any<br />
lengths. This will not necessarily be because the object of your adoration is in any<br />
actual danger; physical or spiritual. It will be because you tend <strong>to</strong> 'perceive a danger'.<br />
It is very important that you check, at regular intervals, whether this is real or<br />
imaginary.<br />
Even if it is real, you have no need <strong>to</strong> worry. Whenever Demeter, the ultimate<br />
protective spirit is at work, the outcome of every saga can only, eventually be a happy<br />
one. What we cannot say with any such certainty though, is whether you will be<br />
protected from the vulnerability that your own intense desire <strong>to</strong> protect someone else<br />
gives rise <strong>to</strong>.<br />
Valentine's day is coming up fast. The big question is, who do you want <strong>to</strong> receive a
gesture from - <strong>and</strong> why? It's almost impossible for you, at the moment, <strong>to</strong> separate<br />
your own true feelings from your instinctive sense of duty <strong>to</strong>wards the person, cause<br />
or situation you so much yearn <strong>to</strong> secure a better future for. This is noble but it's not<br />
necessarily sensible. You must be on the lookout for manipulative people, especially<br />
men, who are anxious <strong>to</strong> offer you the wrong kind of help for the wrong reasons. You<br />
need <strong>to</strong> check whether you're misdirecting maternal energy <strong>to</strong>wards a partner who<br />
really needs <strong>to</strong> face up <strong>to</strong> his own responsibilities instead of getting you <strong>to</strong> pick up the<br />
pieces for him. Even if that's not the case <strong>and</strong> the situation you're trying <strong>to</strong> sort out is<br />
a cause truly worthy of assistance, you must ask yourself if you're not smothering, as<br />
opposed <strong>to</strong> mothering, the 'child' you feel so responsible for.<br />
You're going <strong>to</strong> find the goddess Demeter a very fulfilling force <strong>to</strong> have on your side<br />
provided you don't let her lead you <strong>to</strong> extremes of panic or anxiety about a matter<br />
that's best seen in a more philosophical light.<br />
If your urge <strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong>tally responsible really does run away with you, it is likely also, <strong>to</strong><br />
run away with your ability <strong>to</strong> feel like a whole person - <strong>and</strong> thus your ability <strong>to</strong> enjoy<br />
a whole love life.<br />
Please therefore, take the time <strong>to</strong> read about some of the other goddesses in this<br />
feature. Take a look at Artemis <strong>and</strong> consider how she might suggest attack as the best<br />
form of defense in the situation you face. You can probably do a lot more <strong>to</strong> help<br />
whatever or whoever you so much want <strong>to</strong> assist by taking an assertive, dynamic<br />
stance rather than an all but helpless one. Athena, <strong>to</strong>o, can teach you a lot about how<br />
<strong>to</strong> place more of an emphasis on strategy <strong>and</strong> thus less on stubborn determination.<br />
Remember <strong>to</strong>o, that Aphrodite can be a great source of balance in a <strong>to</strong>psy turvy<br />
scenario. No matter how much you care about what - or whom, or why, things will<br />
not get any worse if you s<strong>to</strong>p every so often <strong>and</strong> have a little fun. Indeed, through<br />
relaxing more, you could find you discover a way <strong>to</strong> make matters a whole lot better.<br />
Persephone<br />
Persephone<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Persephone, known <strong>to</strong> the Romans as Core, was the maiden goddess. She symbolized<br />
innocence, beauty, vulnerability <strong>and</strong> served as a warning of the danger of temptation.<br />
Because of her association with the Underworld however, she also came <strong>to</strong> be known<br />
as a figure of depth, mystery <strong>and</strong> dark desire. Persephone was the sweet only<br />
daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Demeter. One day, while out gathering flowers, the sinister<br />
figure of Hades appeared from nowhere, hauled poor Persephone aboard his chariot<br />
<strong>and</strong> hurtled off back <strong>to</strong> the underworld. There, he made her his bride. While her<br />
distraught mother searched the earth for her in vain, Persephone made the best of her<br />
lot <strong>and</strong> came <strong>to</strong> secretly enjoy her life in the world of darkness. Eventually, her mum
tracked her down <strong>and</strong>, through Hermes the negotia<strong>to</strong>r, secured her release. The deal<br />
between Hades <strong>and</strong> Hermes allowed Persephone <strong>to</strong> go free provided she had eaten no<br />
food whilst in the underworld. Later, Persephone confessed that she had indeed,<br />
eaten some pomegranate seeds. She claimed she had been forced <strong>to</strong> do this - but<br />
nonetheless, this transgression obliged her <strong>to</strong> divide her time, from then on, between<br />
her protective mother <strong>and</strong> her hypnotic lover. Interestingly though, when she grew<br />
older, she returned <strong>to</strong> the underworld of her own free choice.<br />
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Oscar Wilde once said 'I can resist anything, except temptation.'. That's pretty much<br />
your own cri de cour at the moment. You're just a sweet, pure well intentioned<br />
harmless thing, <strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> around whom the most outrageous, wicked or shocking things<br />
keep 'happening'.<br />
If the wrong kind of men, or the wrong kinds of opportunity keep hurling themselves<br />
at your feet, it's definitely not because you are in any way inviting them <strong>to</strong>. All your<br />
problems are either someone else's fault - or the result of wicked circumstances<br />
beyond your control. You're not enjoying the trouble you're in one little bit. That's<br />
absolutely not a smirk on your face. It's a grimace. How on earth dare anyone suggest<br />
otherwise? Maybe, just maybe, you're prepared <strong>to</strong> concede that you've played some<br />
small part in letting your current situation develop as it has done but then, what<br />
choice have you had?<br />
Persephone, the dark Queen of the underworld, is currently at work in your life,<br />
naughtily corrupting your normally impeccable judgment <strong>and</strong> leading you, on what's<br />
beginning <strong>to</strong> seem like a daily basis in<strong>to</strong> ever deeper hot water. There. Don't you feel<br />
better already, just for reading that 'excuse'?<br />
The truth is though, that you do have the right <strong>to</strong> resist her - <strong>and</strong> the power <strong>to</strong> do so<br />
<strong>to</strong>. The thing is, secretly, you're not so sure you want <strong>to</strong>. If you didn't think so many<br />
people would 'disapprove' you'd be quite willing <strong>to</strong> confess that you're actually rather<br />
enjoying much of the drama <strong>and</strong> intrigue that's currently taking place in your life.<br />
There is, for example, the slight matter of who you're expecting <strong>to</strong> get a Valentine's<br />
card from <strong>to</strong>morrow. Actually, he's probably not going <strong>to</strong> send you a card. He's not<br />
that kind of a conventional character. Nor do you want him <strong>to</strong> send you one anyway<br />
- because a) it might create damning evidence of something you'd prefer <strong>to</strong> keep a<br />
very private secret <strong>and</strong> b) you already know just how far you've got him wrapped<br />
around your little finger <strong>and</strong> you don't need that kind of proof.<br />
Best then, for the sake of your virtuous reputation, that you come the raw prawn.
After all, it seems <strong>to</strong> be working a treat so far. You've got all sorts of people, tying<br />
themselves up in all sorts of knots in an urgent attempt <strong>to</strong> help you out of the mess<br />
they feel you've got yourself in. The trouble is though, they don't know the half of it<br />
<strong>and</strong> you don't intend <strong>to</strong> tell them the rest. They'd be shocked!<br />
Needless <strong>to</strong> say, none of this bodes well for the future health of a key 'official'<br />
relationship. Even if your little secret has nothing <strong>to</strong> do with another man, it<br />
certainly isn't the kind of thing that you can really tell your sweet, kind <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>tally<br />
trusting current companion about.<br />
Assuming, of course, that your companion is sweet <strong>and</strong> kind. Another variation of the<br />
Persephone syndrome involves the tendency <strong>to</strong> find yourself embroiled with a<br />
partner who makes Atilla the Hun look like Postman Pat. This of course, is not your<br />
fault either. He wasn't like that when you first got <strong>to</strong>gether. We wonder why!<br />
If you're still reading, there's hope. The very fact that you are still reading suggests<br />
you're ready <strong>to</strong> do something constructive. I have been a little harsh on you. It's<br />
really not not all your fault. But half of it is. A proper recovery from the confusion <strong>and</strong><br />
turmoil you're now caught up in is possible. But only if you are honest enough <strong>to</strong> take<br />
your half of the responsibility for having caused it in the first place. Only half mind<br />
you. Yet another variation on the Persephone syndrome involves not so much<br />
wallowing as fully luxuriating in guilt. You allow yourself <strong>to</strong> feel so bad, you grow<br />
quite convinced that nothing you do can possibly come <strong>to</strong> any good. That won't wash<br />
either. And nor will simply waiting till Persephone becomes less of a dominant<br />
influence. Like a stubborn stain that ordinary soap just won't shift, you'll wear her<br />
mark until you come completely clean, with yourself <strong>and</strong> everyone else who matters<br />
<strong>to</strong> you, about everything. yes yes. yes<br />
Everything.<br />
Hera<br />
Hera<br />
Hera, known <strong>to</strong> the Romans as Juno, was the goddess of Marriage. She had big<br />
beautiful eyes - purportedly with which <strong>to</strong> watch errant husb<strong>and</strong>s like a hawk. She is<br />
traditionally linked <strong>to</strong> cows, lilies <strong>and</strong> peacock feathers (because of the 'eyes' on their<br />
tail feathers). Cosmically, she is associated with the Milky Way. Because, back in<br />
ancient times, just as now, marriage was always a difficult business, Hera is associated<br />
with both the joyous hope of happy union - <strong>and</strong> the agony of marital dispute.<br />
Hera, like her sister Hestia, was a child of Rhea <strong>and</strong> the mighty Cronos. Legend has it<br />
that her father swallowed her as soon as she was born - <strong>and</strong> regurgitated her later as<br />
young girl. We can perhaps translate this as having had an extremely close bond with<br />
her father - which may explain why she grew up <strong>to</strong> be so determined <strong>to</strong> st<strong>and</strong> by her<br />
man.
Hera grew up <strong>to</strong> be courted by the mighty Zeus - but she refused <strong>to</strong> be seduced by<br />
him <strong>and</strong> insisted on marriage. In the end, he gave in <strong>and</strong> the honeymoon lasted 300<br />
years though the next few hundred were not always so sweet. Eventually, as with so<br />
many women who live for the ideal of marriage <strong>and</strong> can't quite adapt <strong>to</strong> the reality of<br />
it, she began <strong>to</strong> feel her husb<strong>and</strong> had ruined her life!<br />
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There's got <strong>to</strong> be some way <strong>to</strong> fulfill your dream of a perfect relationship. Because<br />
you're under the influence of Hera, the marriage goddess, you're half dreading <strong>and</strong><br />
half hopefully dreaming of Valentine's Day. In your nightmare, he (<strong>and</strong> you already<br />
know exactly who he is) gets a card from her her. her<br />
(you're pretty sure you know who she<br />
is <strong>to</strong>o). He thinks you don't know - but you're not so easily fooled. The lack of hard<br />
evidence hardly counts. She's probably left her card in a secret, pre-arranged place.<br />
He's probably done the same with his gift for her. You refuse <strong>to</strong> be taken for a fool -<br />
though in another way, you cant s<strong>to</strong>p hoping that you are a fool <strong>and</strong> that it actually is<br />
all in your mind. Just in case, you won't give up completely on him or, at least, not<br />
yet.<br />
This brings us on <strong>to</strong> your hopeful dream. Tomorrow, he's going <strong>to</strong> make the gesture<br />
that proves he really cares. He's going <strong>to</strong> say the one thing, make the one move - or<br />
suggest the one idea that lets you know he really does listen - <strong>and</strong> that he wants you<br />
more than he wants any other woman in the world. After all, you <strong>and</strong> he were born<br />
<strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong>gether. That's why you fell for him in the first place. It can surely only be a<br />
matter of time before the two of you s<strong>to</strong>p falling out or failing <strong>to</strong> communicate clearly<br />
<strong>and</strong> start living in the blissful, idyllic world of perfect underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> trust that so<br />
you yearn <strong>to</strong> experience. And, considering how much time (<strong>and</strong> effort, <strong>and</strong> sacrifice<br />
<strong>and</strong> compromise) you have already given this relationship, it's all simply got got <strong>to</strong> start<br />
happening any day now. Hasn't it?<br />
Well maybe. And maybe not. It depends, not on him, but on you. You've got <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p<br />
seeing yourself as a victim of circumstance or a helpless puppet in the h<strong>and</strong>s of your<br />
man. You've got <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p wondering <strong>and</strong> worrying about 'her' (whoever she is, if she<br />
exists at all) <strong>and</strong> start deciding that you're the most beautiful gorgeous desirable<br />
woman in the universe. You are, indeed, so lovely that, if he actually is is daft enough<br />
<strong>to</strong> spurn you, your life will be filled in seconds flat, by hundreds of other admirers.<br />
Actually you do do know this already. It's just that you've gone <strong>and</strong> got it in<strong>to</strong> your head<br />
that, as none of those are him him, him<br />
they're all no good <strong>to</strong> you. This may be a slightly better<br />
excuse for martyrdom if 'he he he' he actually is someone you've already given years of<br />
dedication <strong>to</strong> but it's still an excuse. So <strong>to</strong>o, is your concern for the future of the kids,<br />
the pets, the house, the bills or the business. All these will, actually, ultimately be just
fine whether you stay <strong>to</strong>gether or move apart. But you'll be left without a reason <strong>to</strong><br />
suffer, without all those annoying habits of his <strong>to</strong> contend with - <strong>and</strong> without all<br />
those <strong>to</strong>tally unsatisfac<strong>to</strong>ry conversations <strong>to</strong> hold. And then, where will you be?<br />
I say this so confidently because psychologists know that whenever the spirit of Hera<br />
gets a grip on a woman, she can think of nothing else but her relationship - regardless<br />
of how long it's been going on. You'll notice, if you read the other goddess<br />
interpretations in this feature, that they all have a little section dedicated <strong>to</strong> single<br />
readers. You won't find one here because nobody under Hera's influence ever is is<br />
single. Even the ones who 'look like they are' are yearning <strong>to</strong> be with one person so<br />
badly that they're practically having the relationship already or hanging on so tight <strong>to</strong><br />
their last partner that it might as well not be over.<br />
It's not healthy but the good news is it's not going <strong>to</strong> last. You're not going <strong>to</strong> let it,<br />
no matter how long it's been going on. Nor, once you do grow out of this phase, are<br />
you ever going <strong>to</strong> be daft enough <strong>to</strong> get yourself in<strong>to</strong> a quite such an emotional, needy<br />
pickle again. You don't even have <strong>to</strong> wait till Hera's influence diminishes. Instead,<br />
you simply need <strong>to</strong> summon another goddess <strong>to</strong> your aid. Read, please, the pieces<br />
here <strong>to</strong>day about Athena <strong>and</strong> Artemis. Decide which one you can most relate <strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
determine <strong>to</strong> take a leaf out of her book. If you really can't find the courage, emulate<br />
Hestia. But don't assume there's any mileage <strong>to</strong> be had in becoming more like<br />
Demeter or, worse, Persephone. They're not your key <strong>to</strong> success. Even Aphrodite isn't<br />
your key. You do need <strong>to</strong> become sexier, but you'll au<strong>to</strong>matically do that, the<br />
moment you make up your mind <strong>to</strong> be much more self possessed.<br />
Hestia<br />
Hestia<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Hestia, known <strong>to</strong> the Romans as Vesta, was the goddess of the hearth <strong>and</strong> temple.<br />
Unlike all the other goddesses, she was traditionally never depicted in female form.<br />
She was a 'presence', a feeling; a spirit of warmth <strong>and</strong> protection.<br />
Though Hestia was a prominent goddess, daughter of the powerful Cronos, there are<br />
few legends about her. She is not so much a figure of mystery as an expression of such<br />
a simple, beautiful, essential energy that no great complex tale needs <strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>to</strong><br />
explain it. Hestia represents purity <strong>and</strong> sincerity, sanctity <strong>and</strong> safety. Those who come<br />
under her influence get the greatest blessing of all; a straightforward, contented life.<br />
Though Hestia was a symbol of celibacy (her roman equivalent, Vesta, was the<br />
goddess who governed 'vestal virgins') legend tells that both Apollo the Sun God <strong>and</strong><br />
Poseidon (the sea god) fell in love with her. To be influenced by Hestia certainly<br />
doesn't guarantee a 'U Certificate' Life - but it certainly points <strong>to</strong> a desire <strong>to</strong> place
spirituality above sensuality.<br />
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Text:<br />
All you want, right now, is a quiet life. You've got a host of personal projects that you<br />
want <strong>to</strong> pursue in peace. You want a chance <strong>to</strong> sit quietly, be still <strong>and</strong> 'find yourself'.<br />
You also want a break from the dramas <strong>and</strong> traumas which, sadly tend <strong>to</strong> be so much<br />
part <strong>and</strong> parcel of daily life in this modern world. And no, you really don't want<br />
romance - or at least not romance in the superficial, exciting sense of the word.<br />
C<strong>and</strong>lelight, you're quite happy <strong>to</strong> enjoy. You are, after all being influenced by the<br />
goddess of fire. Flowers <strong>to</strong>o, you'll willingly welcome. Hestia's home-making<br />
influence extends <strong>to</strong> a deep appreciation of all things natural <strong>and</strong> earthy. Anyone<br />
intending however, <strong>to</strong> sweep you away in a private jet <strong>to</strong> a sun kissed tropical isl<strong>and</strong><br />
can hop right back in their plane <strong>and</strong> find some far more lightheaded lady <strong>to</strong> take<br />
instead. You wish her luck. What you want, far more than that, is just <strong>to</strong> stay in a<br />
familiar place <strong>and</strong> feel comfortable. It's not that you're in an unadventurous mood.<br />
It's more that the journey you're currently keen <strong>to</strong> undertake is one of inner<br />
exploration. You want <strong>to</strong> meditate or practice yoga - or slowly tend your garden.<br />
And do you want <strong>to</strong> do this with with anyone? Only if that person is as committed as you<br />
are, <strong>to</strong> a simple, steady way of being. If there's a man in your world who is currently<br />
in the midst of some major adventure or stressful saga, he can certainly count on your<br />
for support <strong>and</strong> gentle re-assurance - but he'd better not be expecting you <strong>to</strong> get as<br />
worked up about it all as he is. You're quite prepared <strong>to</strong> talk things though - indeed<br />
you relish the intellectual challenge of solving people's problems, crossword puzzle<br />
style, from a detached distance. You're also prepared, indeed more than willing <strong>to</strong><br />
empathize deeply with those you care for <strong>and</strong> even strangers. As soon though, as you<br />
actively step in<strong>to</strong> their world, you lose the ability <strong>to</strong> lead a placid, self contained<br />
existence in your own.<br />
The same 'refusal <strong>to</strong> be drawn' is the reason why you're not likely <strong>to</strong> end any existing<br />
relationship, no matter how unsatisfac<strong>to</strong>ry, while Hestia is your guardian. Nor though<br />
are you going <strong>to</strong> suffer or set about trying <strong>to</strong> solve a hopeless problem. You're simply<br />
going <strong>to</strong> retreat in<strong>to</strong> your shell, occupy yourself as productively possible <strong>and</strong> see what<br />
happens when a little more time has passed. In so far as this can hardly be anything<br />
other than a wise course, it's sure <strong>to</strong> bring the best result. But then, Hestia never leads<br />
anyone <strong>to</strong> follow anything other than a sensible plan.<br />
And if you're currently single? What you really need right now is a bright, witty man<br />
with a deep underst<strong>and</strong>ing of life's more complex spiritual <strong>and</strong> psychological aspects.<br />
He needs <strong>to</strong> be successful (not necessarily in the financial sense though you do find<br />
'wheeler dealer types strangely attractive') <strong>and</strong> most importantly, he needs a great
sense of humor. There's no guarantee that you'll change your status over the next few<br />
months at least but if you do, you can be sure that the person you're getting involved<br />
with is a genuinely compatible partner. Hestia won't let you fall for anyone else. And<br />
if there's no such c<strong>and</strong>idate in the offing? Hestia will keep you so still, comforted <strong>and</strong><br />
self possessed that frankly, you really neither mind nor care.<br />
Aphrodite<br />
Aphrodite<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Introduction:<br />
Aphrodite, known <strong>to</strong> the Romans as Venus, is the goddess who needs no<br />
Introduction. We only have <strong>to</strong> hear her name <strong>to</strong> see, in our mind's eye, a vision of<br />
<strong>to</strong>tal loveliness in a seductive state of undress. Aphrodite is though, far more than just<br />
a siren. She is a goddess of doves, swans, roses, apples, arts, crafts <strong>and</strong> all things<br />
graceful, inspired <strong>and</strong> creative.<br />
Boticelli's Birth of Venus, commonly called 'Venus on the half shell' accurately<br />
reflects the myth of Aphrodite. She emerged as a nymph from the waves <strong>and</strong><br />
immediately drove almost every male god wild with desire. A half sister of Hestia <strong>and</strong><br />
Hera, her father was Cronos <strong>and</strong> her mother (depending on whether you believe the<br />
poet Homer or Hesiod) was either a sea nymph or a daughter of a rather complicated<br />
act of union with the ocean itself!<br />
Aphrodite was very much a free goddess. She suffered no great traumas nor did she<br />
ever feel obliged, for long, <strong>to</strong> restrain her appetites - which by all accounts, were as<br />
impressive as her looks. It is wrong <strong>to</strong> take all this <strong>to</strong>o literally <strong>and</strong> judge her as<br />
amoral. Her free <strong>and</strong> easy lifestyle is far more appropriately interpreted as a symbol of<br />
the way in which the passion <strong>and</strong> fulfillment of artistic creativity is eternally<br />
available <strong>to</strong> everyone!<br />
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If you're not currently having the time of your life you can expect it <strong>to</strong> commence<br />
any day now. The goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty is at work in your life - <strong>and</strong> soon, your<br />
world is never going <strong>to</strong> be quite the same again. You don't consider yourself<br />
beautiful? You're all <strong>to</strong>o painfully conscious of certain 'imperfections' in your<br />
appearance? Think again. We are not talking here about the kind of artificial, skin<br />
deep beauty that make up artists excel at. Regardless of your shape or size, you're<br />
beginning <strong>to</strong> exude a magnetic charisma which, if you allow it <strong>to</strong> express itself fully,<br />
will make you more attractive than any Supermodel <strong>and</strong> a more desirable conquest, in<br />
the eyes of most men, than all five Spice Girls in one fell swoop.<br />
A conquest however, is the one thing you're most definitely not going <strong>to</strong> be. Nobody,<br />
but nobody, ever talks Aphrodite in<strong>to</strong> anything she doesn't want <strong>to</strong> do. Nor do they
attain her love by playing on her weaker emotions - like guilt or sympathy. Indeed, if<br />
you're a man reading this about your partner <strong>and</strong> you want a red hot tip, resist like<br />
crazy that urge <strong>to</strong> fall at her feet, smarten up your act <strong>and</strong> start playing 'just slightly<br />
harder <strong>to</strong> get' double quick. Don't be <strong>to</strong>o elusive <strong>and</strong> don't insult her intelligence by<br />
making a promise you can't fulfill but do be yourself <strong>and</strong> show some respect for her<br />
strength <strong>and</strong> judgment. Single women under the influence of Aphrodite are willing <strong>to</strong><br />
be 'invited' but determined not <strong>to</strong> be manipulated. They'll go, not necessarily for the<br />
most h<strong>and</strong>some man in <strong>to</strong>wn, but for the one with the most talent, wit, charm <strong>and</strong><br />
joie de vivre. And they'll get him. Every time.<br />
Women in a committed partnership however, can have a problem when Aphrodite<br />
reaches in<strong>to</strong> their lives. They fall deeply in love with the notion of freedom <strong>and</strong> may,<br />
or may not become unable <strong>to</strong> resist the urge <strong>to</strong> claim that freedom. This depends, not<br />
on the his<strong>to</strong>ry of the relationship or even on its potential for long term compatibility<br />
- but on the willingness of the male <strong>to</strong> respond <strong>to</strong> the challenge, s<strong>to</strong>p taking his wife<br />
for granted <strong>and</strong> treat her like a new found mate, all over again.<br />
While Aphrodite is the dominant influence on your life, you can expect <strong>to</strong> feel 'red<br />
hot' <strong>and</strong> highly wanted, almost all the time. You're bound <strong>to</strong> want <strong>to</strong> flirt <strong>and</strong>, as<br />
you're guaranteed <strong>to</strong> remain in control of the consequences, there's really no reason<br />
why you shouldn't. Other perhaps, than the paranoia of your partner. If there's the<br />
slightest chance that he'll have that reaction, show him this article <strong>and</strong> remind him of<br />
one crucial point. He's only in danger of losing you if he starts <strong>to</strong> panic about losing<br />
you <strong>and</strong> thus tries <strong>to</strong> hem you in during the one phase of your life during which you<br />
most need <strong>to</strong> feel free. He can do better than that. And, if you encourage him, he will!
Discovering the Maiden Goddess<br />
A group of sisters in Oregon put on a Goddess gathering one summer, featuring the<br />
<strong>to</strong>pic "Is there a fourth aspect <strong>to</strong> the Goddess?". Hearing about this got me thinking<br />
that the answer might be yes, the Dark Maiden.<br />
I first learned about this Goddess from a lover, who used <strong>to</strong> call me her "dark<br />
maiden," <strong>and</strong> point out the waning crescent in the late night sky. She would explain<br />
that there are two crescents <strong>and</strong> two maidens. The Bright Maiden corresponds <strong>to</strong> the<br />
waxing crescent, curving <strong>to</strong>wards the right. The Dark Maiden corresponds <strong>to</strong> the<br />
waning crescent, curving <strong>to</strong>wards the left. Over the years, I have discovered the<br />
beauty of this symbol system <strong>and</strong> its potential <strong>to</strong> give healing <strong>and</strong> empowerment <strong>to</strong><br />
women.<br />
We all know about the great triad: Maiden, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone. This three fold<br />
archetype resonates deeply in our psyches as Beginning, Middle <strong>and</strong> End of all things,<br />
<strong>and</strong> is likely <strong>to</strong> be with us always. Yet a fourth aspect might appear within the triad --<br />
as well as a fifth or sixth. "When the myths come alive for us they change," says<br />
Starhawk. Truly, there are no limits <strong>to</strong> the Goddess, <strong>and</strong> all things are possible.<br />
But why the special attention <strong>to</strong> the Bright <strong>and</strong> Dark Maidens? For one thing, they<br />
make a marvelous all-female alternative <strong>to</strong> the male-opposite- female symbolism of<br />
patriarchy. The Bright Maiden who waxes, moves <strong>to</strong>wards the Light <strong>and</strong> the Sun. She<br />
is the young Goddess who is growing, the Amazon, the woman who takes her powers<br />
of freedom, action, strength <strong>and</strong> independence. She is the risk-taker, the woman who<br />
dares. in other words, she is all things our society tells us should be considered "male."<br />
Because of our loss of Her image in our psyches, women find themselves accused of<br />
becoming "like a man," when they express Her qualities. Known <strong>to</strong> us as Diana,<br />
Artemis, Boudicea, the Amazon Warrior Woman, the Bright Maiden is more familiar<br />
<strong>to</strong> us than the Dark.<br />
The Dark Maiden who wanes, moves <strong>to</strong>wards the Underworld, The Crone. She is<br />
associated with aging, descent, introspection <strong>and</strong> magic. The Dark Maiden is the<br />
enchantress, She Who Pulls. In her positive attributes, She represents some of the lost<br />
powers of woman. She surrenders <strong>to</strong> the flow <strong>and</strong> pulls, like the pull of the moon, the<br />
suction of the under<strong>to</strong>w. This is the magnetism of magic, our power <strong>to</strong> draw <strong>to</strong> us all<br />
that we require. Images of the Dark Maiden appear <strong>to</strong> us as Persephone, Queen of the<br />
Underworld, the Mermaid, Sirens, Sorceress.<br />
In patriarchy the Bright <strong>and</strong> Dark Maidens tend <strong>to</strong> appear in negative expression, <strong>and</strong>
ecause of this, our impression of them can become dis<strong>to</strong>rted. Patriarchs love <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
our Dark Maidens weak <strong>and</strong> dependent upon them, <strong>and</strong> if we decide <strong>to</strong> act out of our<br />
Bright Maiden selves, they insist we do so "like a man." These are some of the reasons<br />
why it is so important for us <strong>to</strong> find woman-identified symbols for these parts of<br />
ourselves; <strong>Goddesses</strong> that are soft <strong>and</strong> strong, magickal <strong>and</strong> free -- female expressions<br />
of these qualities.<br />
Dark Dark Dark Maiden<br />
Maiden<br />
Afflicted Afflicted Liberated<br />
Liberated<br />
Hard Boiled Strong<br />
Superficial In Control<br />
Hyper-rational Organized<br />
Militant Disciplined<br />
Aloof Independent<br />
Unemotional Objective<br />
Mechanical Scientific<br />
Power-over Power-from-within<br />
Careless Playful<br />
Bright Bright Maiden<br />
Maiden<br />
Afflicted Afflicted Liberated<br />
Liberated<br />
Weak Surrendering<br />
Flaky Spontaneous<br />
Passive Pulling<br />
Victim Supporting<br />
Self-sacrificing Compassionate<br />
“Looser” Gentle<br />
Myopic Subjective<br />
Over-reacting Intuitive<br />
Deluded Imaginative<br />
The main thing <strong>to</strong> remember about the Dark Maiden is that She has the power <strong>to</strong><br />
Respond. She is the receptive <strong>and</strong> sensitive part of us, which we need for successful<br />
magic as well as personal wholeness. She is tender <strong>and</strong> vulnerable, <strong>and</strong> it is important
<strong>to</strong> keep our Bright Maiden qualities so we can protect Her. Too many women with<br />
Dark Maiden qualities become victims in our society, subject <strong>to</strong> the will of others.<br />
And <strong>to</strong>o many Bright Maidens become cold <strong>and</strong> hard. Feminist spirituality teaches us<br />
that we have been programmed <strong>to</strong> act out these qualities in ways that men have<br />
devised. Liberation lies not in discarding them, but in learning <strong>to</strong> reclaim them in<br />
their older, female expressions.<br />
Inevitably, this process will lead us back <strong>to</strong> the Three-fold <strong>and</strong> Five-fold expressions<br />
of the Goddess, because they offer flow <strong>and</strong> continuum. They teach us that any one<br />
quality when isolated at the expense of the others becomes destructive <strong>and</strong> limiting.<br />
While the Bright <strong>and</strong> Dark Maidens do pair off <strong>and</strong> become partners, companions <strong>and</strong><br />
lovers they can be seen within the larger contexts of Maiden, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone, or<br />
Fire, Water, Air, Earth <strong>and</strong> Spirit. Sometimes I picture the two Maidens as Warrior<br />
<strong>and</strong> Priestess within a cycle that includes Mother, Gr<strong>and</strong>mother, <strong>and</strong> Lover.<br />
Sometimes I see them as the Fall <strong>and</strong> Spring Equinoxes, known <strong>to</strong> the ancient Greeks<br />
as the Anados (Goddess arising) <strong>and</strong> Kathados (Goddess Descending). Thus we can<br />
integrate the duality of our Bright <strong>and</strong> Dark Maidens in<strong>to</strong> the three-fold, five-fold<br />
<strong>and</strong> eight-fold (the eight holy days of the year) cycles of Life <strong>and</strong> Being.<br />
This article is but a glimpse in<strong>to</strong> the possibilities. I invite you <strong>to</strong> search within<br />
yourself, in myths <strong>and</strong> among symbols that you know, for signs of the Bright <strong>and</strong><br />
Dark Maidens.
Amen<br />
Egyptian <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
(Amon, Amun, Ammon, Amoun)<br />
Amen's name means "The Hidden One." Amen was the patron deity of the city of<br />
Thebes from earliest times, <strong>and</strong> was viewed (along with his consort Amenet) as a<br />
primordial creation-deity by the priests of Hermopolis. His sacred animals were the<br />
goose <strong>and</strong> the ram.<br />
Up <strong>to</strong> the Middle Kingdom Amen was merely a local god in Thebes; but when the<br />
Thebans had established their sovereignty in Egypt, Amen became a prominent deity,<br />
<strong>and</strong> by Dynasty XVIII was termed the King of the <strong>Gods</strong>. His famous temple, Karnak,<br />
is the largest religious structure ever built by man. According <strong>to</strong> Budge, Amen by<br />
Dynasty XIX-XX was thought of as "an invisible creative power which was the source<br />
of all life in heaven, <strong>and</strong> on the earth, <strong>and</strong> in the great deep, <strong>and</strong> in the Underworld,<br />
<strong>and</strong> which made itself manifest under the form of Ra." Additionally, Amen appears <strong>to</strong><br />
have been the protec<strong>to</strong>r of any pious devotee in need.<br />
Amen was self-created, according <strong>to</strong> later traditions; according <strong>to</strong> the older Theban<br />
traditions, Amen was created by Thoth as one of the eight primordial deities of<br />
creation (Amen, Amenet, Heq, Heqet, Nun, Naunet, Kau, Kauket).<br />
During the New Kingdom, Amen's consort was Mut, "Mother," who seems <strong>to</strong> have<br />
been the Egyptian equivalent of the "Great Mother" archetype. The two thus formed a<br />
pair reminiscent of the God <strong>and</strong> Goddess of other traditions such as Wicca. Their<br />
child was the moon god Khons.<br />
See also Amen-Ra, Khons, Mut, Thoth.<br />
Amen-Ra<br />
(Amon-Re)<br />
A composite deity, devised by the priests of Amen as an attempt <strong>to</strong> link New<br />
Kingdom (Dyn. XVIII-XXI) worship of Amen with the older solar cult of the god Ra.<br />
In a union of this sort, the deities are said <strong>to</strong> indwell one another - so we have the<br />
power represented by Amen manifesting through the person of Ra (or vice versa).<br />
This sort of relationship is common among Egyptian gods, particularly among cosmic
or national deities. It is an example of how the Egyptian gods are viewed, as Morenz<br />
puts it, of having "personality but not individuality."<br />
See also Amen, Ra.<br />
Amset<br />
(Imsety, Mestha; Golden Dawn, Ameshet)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Amset was represented as a mummified man. He was<br />
the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the liver of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> was protected by the goddess Isis.<br />
See also Four Sons of Horus, Isis.<br />
Anubis<br />
(Anpu; Golden Dawn, Ano-Oobist)<br />
Anubis (Greek, from Egyptian Anpu) was the son of Nephthys: by some traditions,<br />
the father was Set; by others, Osiris. (And by still other traditions his mother was<br />
Isis.) Anubis was depicted as a jackal, or as a jackal-headed man; in primitive times he<br />
was probably simply the jackal god.<br />
Owing perhaps <strong>to</strong> the jackal's tendency <strong>to</strong> prowl around <strong>to</strong>mbs, he became associated<br />
with the dead, <strong>and</strong> by the Old Kingdom, Anubis was worshipped as the inven<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
embalming, who had embalmed the dead Osiris, thus helping preserve him in order<br />
<strong>to</strong> live again. His task became <strong>to</strong> glorify <strong>and</strong> preserve all the dead.<br />
Anubis was also worshipped under the form Upuaut ("Opener of the Ways"),<br />
sometimes with a rabbit's head, who conducted the souls of the dead <strong>to</strong> their<br />
judgment, <strong>and</strong> who moni<strong>to</strong>red the Scales of Truth <strong>to</strong> protect the dead from the<br />
second death in the underworld.<br />
See also Nephthys, Osiris, Set.<br />
Anuket<br />
In Upper Egypt, around Elephantine, Anuket was worshipped as the companion<br />
(generally the daughter) of Khnum <strong>and</strong> Sati. Her sacred animal was the gazelle. She<br />
was believed <strong>to</strong> be the dispenser of cool water, <strong>and</strong> wore a feathered crown on her
human head.<br />
See also Khnum, Sati.<br />
Apis<br />
An early deity, probably the best known Egyptian deity represented only as an<br />
animal, <strong>and</strong> never as a human with an animal's head. Apis was most closely linked<br />
with Ptah, <strong>and</strong> his cult center was Memphis. He was primarily a deity of fertility. He<br />
was represented as a bull crowned with the solar disk <strong>and</strong> uraeus-serpent. A sacred<br />
Apis bull was kept in Memphis, <strong>and</strong> there is a great mass burial of Apis bulls, the<br />
Serapeum, located there.<br />
See also Ptah.<br />
Aten<br />
(A<strong>to</strong>n)<br />
The sun itself, recognized first in the Middle Kingdom, <strong>and</strong> later becoming an aspect<br />
of the sun god. In the reign of Amenhotep IV during Dynasty XVIII, Aten was<br />
depicted as a disk with rays, each ray terminating in a human h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>wing<br />
symbols of "life" upon those below. Aten was declared the only true deity during this<br />
period, but the worship of Amen <strong>and</strong> the other deities was res<strong>to</strong>red by Amenhotep<br />
IV's successor Tutankhamen. Morenz believes the name "Aten" was pronounced<br />
something like "Yati" during the height of its cult.<br />
Atum<br />
A primordial crea<strong>to</strong>r god, worshipped as the head of the Heliopolitan family of gods.<br />
Father of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, <strong>and</strong> in later times believed <strong>to</strong> be one with the sun god Ra.<br />
See also Ra.<br />
Bast<br />
(Bastet)<br />
A cat-goddess, worshiped in the Delta city of Bubastis. A protectress of cats <strong>and</strong> those<br />
who cared for cats. As a result, an important deity in the home (since cats were prized
pets) <strong>and</strong> also important in the iconography (since the serpents which attack the sun<br />
god were usually represented in papyri as being killed by cats).<br />
She was viewed as the beneficent side of the lioness-goddess Sekhmet. See also<br />
Sekhmet.<br />
Bes<br />
A deity of either African or Semitic origin; came <strong>to</strong> Egypt by Dynasty XII. Depicted as<br />
a bearded, savage-looking yet comical dwarf, shown full-face in images (highly<br />
unusual by Egyptian artistic conventions). Revered as a deity of household pleasures<br />
such as music, good food, <strong>and</strong> relaxation. Also a protec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> entertainer of children.<br />
Duamutef<br />
(Tuamutef; Golden Dawn, Thmoomathph)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Duamutef was represented as a mummified man with<br />
the head of a jackal. He was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the s<strong>to</strong>mach of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> was<br />
protected by the goddess Neith.<br />
See also Four Sons of Horus, Neith.<br />
Edjo<br />
A serpent goddess of the Delta, a symbol <strong>and</strong> protrectress of Lower Egypt, the<br />
counterpart of Nekhbet in Upper Egypt, worn as part of the king's crown.<br />
See also Nekhbet.<br />
Four Sons of Horus<br />
The four sons of Horus were the protec<strong>to</strong>rs of the parts of the body of Osiris, <strong>and</strong><br />
from this, became the protec<strong>to</strong>rs of the body of the deceased. They were: Amset,<br />
Hapi, Duamutef, <strong>and</strong> Qebhsenuef. They were protected in turn by the goddesses Isis,<br />
Nephthys, Neith, <strong>and</strong> Selket. See also Amset, Duamutef, Hapi, Qebehsenuf.<br />
Geb<br />
(Seb)
The god of the earth, son of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, brother <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> of Nut, <strong>and</strong> father<br />
of Osiris, Set, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys. Sacred animal <strong>and</strong> symbol was the goose. He is<br />
generally represented as a man with green or black skin - the color of living things,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the color of the fertile Nile mud, respectively. It was said that Geb would hold<br />
imprisoned the souls of the wicked, that they might not ascend <strong>to</strong> heaven. Note Geb<br />
is masculine, contrasting with many other traditions of Earth being female.<br />
See also Nut.<br />
Hadit<br />
See Horus of Behedet.<br />
Hapi<br />
(Golden Dawn, Ahephi)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Hapi was represented as a mummified man with the<br />
head of a baboon. He was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the lungs of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> was<br />
protected by the goddess Nephthys.<br />
The name Hapi, spelled with different hieroglyphs, in most but not all cases, is also<br />
the name of the god who was the personification of the River Nile, depicted as a<br />
corpulent man (fat signifying abundance) with a crown of lilies (Upper Nile) or<br />
papyrus plants (Lower Nile).<br />
See also Four Sons of Horus, Nephthys.<br />
Hathor<br />
(Het-heru, Het-Hert)<br />
A very old goddess of Egypt, worshiped as a cow-deity from earliest times. The name<br />
"Hathor" is the Greek corruption of the variants Het-Hert ("the House Above") <strong>and</strong><br />
Het-Heru ("the House of Horus"). Both terms refer <strong>to</strong> her as a sky goddess. She was<br />
frequently equated with Isis. She was worshipped at Edfu as the consort of Horus. At<br />
Thebes, she was considered the goddess of the dead. She was also the patron of love,<br />
dance, alcohol, <strong>and</strong> foreign l<strong>and</strong>s.
See also Isis.<br />
Harpocrates<br />
(Hor-pa-kraat; Golden Dawn, Hoor-par-kraat)<br />
"Horus the Child", the son of Isis <strong>and</strong> Osiris as a little suckling child, distinguished<br />
from Horus the Elder, who was the patron deity of Upper Egypt. Represented as a<br />
young boy with a child's sidelock of hair, sucking his finger. The Golden Dawn<br />
attributed Silence <strong>to</strong> him, presumably because the sucking of the finger is suggestive<br />
of the common "shhh" gesture. See also Horus.<br />
Heqet<br />
A primordial goddess with the head of a frog, worshipped as one of the Eight <strong>Gods</strong> at<br />
Hermopolis, <strong>and</strong> seen as the consort of Khnum at Antinoe.<br />
See also Khnum.<br />
Heru-ra-ha<br />
A composite deity in Crowley's quasi-Egyptian mythology; composed of Ra-Hoor-<br />
Khuit <strong>and</strong> Hoor-par-kraat. The name, translated in<strong>to</strong> Egyptian, means something<br />
approximating "Horus <strong>and</strong> Ra be Praised!" Of course, this could simply be another<br />
corruption due <strong>to</strong> the inferior Vic<strong>to</strong>rian underst<strong>and</strong>ing of the Egyptian language, <strong>and</strong><br />
it is possible Crowley had something entirely different in mind for the translation of<br />
the name.<br />
See also Ra-Horakhty, Harpocrates.<br />
Horus<br />
(Hor)<br />
One of the most important deities of Egypt. As the Child, Horus is the son of Osiris<br />
<strong>and</strong> Isis, who, upon reaching adulthood, avenges his father's death, by defeating <strong>and</strong><br />
castrating his evil uncle Set. He then became the divine pro<strong>to</strong>type of the Pharaoh.<br />
As Heru-Ur, "Horus the Elder", he was the patron deity of Upper (Southern) Egypt<br />
from the earliest times; initially, viewed as the twin brother of Set (the patron of
Lower Egypt), but he became the conqueror of Set c. 3100 B.C.E. when Upper Egypt<br />
conquered Lower Egypt <strong>and</strong> formed the unified kingdom of Egypt.<br />
See also Isis, Osiris, Set.<br />
Horus of Behedet<br />
(Hadit)<br />
A form of Horus worshipped in the city of Behdet, shown in the well-known form of<br />
a solar disk with a great pair of wings, usually seen hovering above important scenes<br />
in Egyptian religious art. Made popular by Aleister Crowley under the poorly<br />
transliterated name "Hadit", the god appears <strong>to</strong> have been a way of depicting the<br />
omnipresence of Horus. As Crowley says in Magick in Theory <strong>and</strong> Practice, "the<br />
infinitely small <strong>and</strong> a<strong>to</strong>mic yet omnipresent point is called Hadit Hadit." Hadit<br />
See also Horus.<br />
Imhotep<br />
(Imouthis)<br />
Imhotep was the architect, physician, scribe, <strong>and</strong> gr<strong>and</strong> vizier of the IIIrd Dynasty<br />
pharaoh Zoser. It was Imhotep who conceived <strong>and</strong> built the Step Pyramid at Sakkara.<br />
In the Late Period, Imhotep was worshipped as the son of Ptah <strong>and</strong> a god of medicine,<br />
as well as the patron (with Thoth) of scribes. The Greeks considered him <strong>to</strong> be<br />
Asklepios.<br />
See also Ptah, Thoth.<br />
Isis<br />
(Auset)<br />
Perhaps the most important goddess of all Egyptian mythology, Isis assumed, during<br />
the course of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry, the attributes <strong>and</strong> functions of virtually every other<br />
important goddess in the l<strong>and</strong>. Her most important functions, however, were those of<br />
motherhood, marital devotion, healing the sick, <strong>and</strong> the working of magical spells<br />
<strong>and</strong> charms. She was believed <strong>to</strong> be the most powerful magician in the universe,<br />
owing <strong>to</strong> the fact that she had learned the Secret Name of Ra from the god himself.
She was the sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Osiris, sister of Set, <strong>and</strong> twin sister of Nephthys. She<br />
was the mother of Horus the Child (Harpocrates), <strong>and</strong> was the protective goddess of<br />
Horus's son Amset, protec<strong>to</strong>r of the liver of the deceased.<br />
Isis was responsible for protecting Horus from Set during his infancy; for helping<br />
Osiris <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> life; <strong>and</strong> for assisting her husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> rule in the l<strong>and</strong> of the Dead.<br />
Her cult seems <strong>to</strong> have originally centered, like her husb<strong>and</strong>'s, at Abydos near the<br />
Delta in the North (Lower Egypt); she was adopted in<strong>to</strong> the family of Ra early in<br />
Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry by the priests of Heliopolis, but from the New Kingdom onwards (c.<br />
1500 BC) her worship no longer had any particular identifiable center, <strong>and</strong> she<br />
became more or less universally worshiped, as her husb<strong>and</strong> was.<br />
See also Horus, Osiris.<br />
Khepri<br />
(Keper)<br />
The crea<strong>to</strong>r-god, according <strong>to</strong> early Heliopolitan cosmology; assimilated with Atum<br />
<strong>and</strong> Ra. The Egyptian root "kheper" signifies several things, according <strong>to</strong> context,<br />
most notably the verb "<strong>to</strong> create" or "<strong>to</strong> transform", <strong>and</strong> also the word for "scarab<br />
beetle". The scarab, or dung beetle, was considered symbolic of the sun since it rolled<br />
a ball of dung in which it laid its eggs around with it - this was considered symbolic<br />
of the sun god propelling the sphere of the sun through the sky.<br />
See also Ra.<br />
Khnum<br />
Appearing as a ram-headed human, Khnum was worshipped most at Antinoe <strong>and</strong><br />
Elephantine. He was another crea<strong>to</strong>r-god, represented as fashioning human beings on<br />
his pottery wheel. His consort was variously Heqet, Neith, or Sati.<br />
See also Sati.<br />
Khons<br />
(Chons)
The third member (with his parents Amen <strong>and</strong> Mut) of the great triad of Thebes.<br />
Khons was the god of the moon. The best-known s<strong>to</strong>ry about him tells of him playing<br />
the ancient game senet ("passage") against Thoth, <strong>and</strong> wagering a portion of his light.<br />
Thoth won, <strong>and</strong> because of losing some of his light, Khons cannot show his whole<br />
glory for the entire month, but must wax <strong>and</strong> wane. The main temple in the<br />
enclosure at Karnak is dedicated <strong>to</strong> him.<br />
See also Amen, Mut, Thoth.<br />
Maat<br />
Considered the wife of Thoth <strong>and</strong> the daughter of Ra by various traditions, Maat's<br />
name implies "truth" <strong>and</strong> "justice" <strong>and</strong> even "cosmic order", but there is no clear<br />
English equivalent. She is an anthropomorphic personification of the concept Maat<br />
<strong>and</strong> as such has little mythology. Maat was represented as a tall woman with an<br />
ostrich feather (the glyph for her name) in her hair. She was present at the judgment<br />
of the dead; her feather was balanced against the heart of the deceased <strong>to</strong> determine<br />
whether he had led a pure <strong>and</strong> honest life.<br />
See also Thoth.<br />
Min<br />
(Menu, Amsu)<br />
A form of Amen depicted holding a flail (thought <strong>to</strong> represent a thunderbolt in<br />
Egyptian art) <strong>and</strong> with an erect penis; his full name was often given as Menu-ka-mutf<br />
("Min, Bull of his Mother"). Min was worshiped as the god of virility; lettuces were<br />
offered as sacrifice <strong>to</strong> him <strong>and</strong> then eaten in hopes of procuring manhood; <strong>and</strong> he was<br />
worshiped as the husb<strong>and</strong> of the goddess Qetesh, goddess of love <strong>and</strong> femininity.<br />
See also Amen, Qetesh.<br />
Month<br />
(Mentu, Men Thu)<br />
The principal god of Thebes before the rise of the Amen cult; appeared as a falconheaded<br />
man <strong>and</strong> often united with Horus. Primarily a war god.
Mut<br />
(Golden Dawn, Auramooth)<br />
The wife of Amen in Theban tradition; the word mut in Egyptian means "mother",<br />
<strong>and</strong> she was the mother of Khonsu, the moon god.<br />
See also Amen, Khons.<br />
Nefertum<br />
The youthful son of Ptah <strong>and</strong> Sekhmet, connected with the rising sun; depicted as a<br />
youth crowned with or seated upon a lotus blossom.<br />
See also Ptah.<br />
Neith<br />
(Net, Neit; Golden Dawn, Thoum-aesh-neith)<br />
A very ancient goddess of war, worshiped in the Delta; revered as a goddess of<br />
wisdom, identified with Athena by the Greeks; in later traditions, the sister of Isis,<br />
Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> Selket, <strong>and</strong> protectress of Duamutef, the god of the s<strong>to</strong>mach of the<br />
deceased. Mother of the crocodile god Sobek.<br />
See also Sobek.<br />
Nekhbet<br />
Upper Egyptian patron goddess, represented as a vulture in iconography, <strong>and</strong> often<br />
part of the crown of the pharaoh, along with her Lower Egyptian counterpart Edjo.<br />
See also Edjo.<br />
Nephthys<br />
(Nebt-het)<br />
The youngest child of Geb <strong>and</strong> Nut. The sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Set, <strong>and</strong> sister of Isis <strong>and</strong>
Osiris; also the mother (variantly by Set or by Osiris) of Anubis. She ab<strong>and</strong>oned Set<br />
when he killed Osiris, <strong>and</strong> assisted Isis in the care of Horus <strong>and</strong> the resurrection of<br />
Osiris. She was, along with her sister, considered the special protectress of the dead,<br />
<strong>and</strong> she was the guardian of Hapi, the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the lungs of the deceased. See also<br />
Isis, Osiris, Set.<br />
Nut<br />
(Nuit)<br />
The goddess of the sky, daughter of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Geb, mother of<br />
Osiris, Set, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys. Described by Crowley in his Magick in Theory <strong>and</strong><br />
Practice thus: "Infinite space is called the goddess Nuit Nuit." Nuit<br />
Nut was generally depicted as a woman with blue skin, <strong>and</strong> her body covered with<br />
stars, st<strong>and</strong>ing on all fours, leaning over her husb<strong>and</strong>, representing the sky arched<br />
over the earth.<br />
Her relationship <strong>to</strong> Hadit is an invention of Crowley's with no basis in Egyp<strong>to</strong>logy,<br />
save only that Hadit was often depicted underneath Nut - one finds Nut forming the<br />
upper frame of a scene, <strong>and</strong> the winged disk Hadit floating beneath, silently as<br />
always. This is an artistic convention, <strong>and</strong> there was no marriage between the two in<br />
Egyptian myth.<br />
See also Geb, Shu.<br />
Osiris<br />
(Ausar)<br />
The god of the dead, <strong>and</strong> the god of the resurrection in<strong>to</strong> eternal life; ruler, protec<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
<strong>and</strong> judge of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> his pro<strong>to</strong>type (the deceased was in his<strong>to</strong>rical times<br />
usually referred <strong>to</strong> as "the Osiris"). His cult originated in Abydos, where his actual<br />
<strong>to</strong>mb was said <strong>to</strong> be located.<br />
Osiris was the first child of Nut <strong>and</strong> Geb, thus the brother of Set, Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> Isis,<br />
who was also his wife. By Isis he fathered Horus, <strong>and</strong> according <strong>to</strong> some s<strong>to</strong>ries,<br />
Nephthys assumed the form of Isis, seduced him thus, <strong>and</strong> from their union was born<br />
Anubis.<br />
Osiris ruled the world of men in the beginning, after Ra had ab<strong>and</strong>oned the world <strong>to</strong>
ule the skies, but he was murdered by his brother Set. Through the magic of Isis, he<br />
was made <strong>to</strong> live again. Being the first living thing <strong>to</strong> die, he subsequently became<br />
lord of the dead. His death was avenged by his son Horus, who defeated Set <strong>and</strong> cast<br />
him out in<strong>to</strong> the desert <strong>to</strong> the West of Egypt (the Sahara).<br />
Prayers <strong>and</strong> spells were addressed <strong>to</strong> Osiris throughout Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry, in hopes of<br />
securing his blessing <strong>and</strong> entering the afterlife which he ruled; but his popularity<br />
steadily increased through the Middle Kingdom. By Dynasty XVIII he was probably<br />
the most widely worshipped god in Egypt. His popularity endured until the latest<br />
phases of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry; relief's still exist of Roman emperors, conquerors of Egypt,<br />
dressed in the traditional garb of the Pharaohs, making offerings <strong>to</strong> him in the<br />
temples.<br />
See also Anubis, Horus, Isis, Nephthys, Set.<br />
Pharaoh<br />
(deified kings)<br />
From earliest times in Egypt the pharaohs were worshipped as gods: the son of Ra, the<br />
son of Horus, the son of Amen, etc. depending upon what period of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
<strong>and</strong> what part of the country is being considered. It should be noted that prayers,<br />
sacrifices, etc. <strong>to</strong> the pharaohs were extremely rare, if they occurred at all - there<br />
seems <strong>to</strong> be little or no evidence <strong>to</strong> support an actual cult of the pharaoh. The<br />
pharaoh was looked upon as being chosen by <strong>and</strong> favored by the gods, his fathers.<br />
Ptah<br />
Worshipped in Memphis from the earliest dynastic times (c.3100 BC), Ptah was seen<br />
as the crea<strong>to</strong>r of the universe in the Memphite cosmology. He fashioned the bodies in<br />
which dwelt the souls of men in the afterlife. Other versions of the myths state that<br />
he worked under Thoth's orders, creating the heavens <strong>and</strong> the earth according <strong>to</strong><br />
Thoth's specifications.<br />
Ptah is depicted as a bearded man wearing a skullcap, shrouded much like a mummy,<br />
with his h<strong>and</strong>s emerging from the wrappings in front <strong>and</strong> holding the Uas (phoenixheaded)<br />
scepter, an Ankh, <strong>and</strong> a Djed (sign of stability). He was often worshipped in<br />
conjunction with the gods Seker <strong>and</strong> Osiris, <strong>and</strong> worshipped under the name Ptahseker-ausar.<br />
He was said <strong>to</strong> be the husb<strong>and</strong> of Sekhmet <strong>and</strong> the father of Nefertum (<strong>and</strong> later
Imhotep).<br />
Qebehsenuf<br />
(Kabexnuf, Qebsneuef)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Qebhsenuef was represented as a mummified man<br />
with the head of a falcon. He was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the intestines of the deceased, <strong>and</strong><br />
was protected by the goddess Selket.<br />
See also Four Sons of Horus, Selket.<br />
Qetesh<br />
Originally believed <strong>to</strong> be a Syrian deity, Qetesh was a goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty.<br />
Qetesh was depicted as a beautiful nude woman, st<strong>and</strong>ing or riding upon a lion,<br />
holding flowers, a mirror, or serpents. She is generally shown full-face (unusual in<br />
Egyptian artistic convention). She was also considered the consort of the god Min, the<br />
god of virility.<br />
See also Min.<br />
Ra<br />
Ra was the god of the sun during dynastic Egypt; the name is thought <strong>to</strong> have meant<br />
"creative power", <strong>and</strong> as a proper name "Crea<strong>to</strong>r", similar <strong>to</strong> English Christian usage of<br />
the term "Crea<strong>to</strong>r" <strong>to</strong> signify the "almighty God." Very early in Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry Ra<br />
was identified with Horus, who as a hawk or falcon-god represented the loftiness of<br />
the skies. Ra is represented either as a hawk-headed man or as a hawk. In order <strong>to</strong><br />
travel through the waters of Heaven <strong>and</strong> the Underworld, Ra was depicted as<br />
traveling in a boat.<br />
During dynastic Egypt Ra's cult center was Annu (Hebrew "On", Greek "Heliopolis",<br />
modern-day "Cairo"). In Dynasty V, the first king, Userkaf, was also Ra's high priest,<br />
<strong>and</strong> he added the term Sa-Ra ("Son of Ra") <strong>to</strong> the tutelary of the pharaohs.<br />
Ra was father of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, gr<strong>and</strong>father of Nut <strong>and</strong> Geb, great-gr<strong>and</strong>father of<br />
Osiris, Set, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> great-great-gr<strong>and</strong>father <strong>to</strong> Horus. In later periods<br />
(about Dynasty 18 on) Osiris <strong>and</strong> Isis superseded him in popularity, but he remained<br />
Ra netjer-aa neb-pet ("Ra, the great God, Lord of Heaven") whether worshiped in his
own right or, in later times, as one aspect of the Lord of the Universe, Amen-Ra.<br />
See also Amen-Ra, Horus.<br />
Ra-Horakhty<br />
(Ra-Hoor-Khuit)<br />
"Ra, who is Horus of the Horizons." An appellation of Ra, identifying him with<br />
Horus, showing the two as manifestations of the singular Solar Force. The spelling<br />
"Ra-Hoor-Khuit" was popularized by Aleister Crowley, first in the Book of the Law<br />
(Liber AL vel Legis).<br />
See also Horus, Ra.<br />
Sati<br />
The goddess of Elephantine, <strong>and</strong> the consort of Khnum. Together with their<br />
companion Anuket, dispenser of cool water. Represented with human head, the<br />
crown of Upper Egypt, <strong>and</strong> the horns of gazelles.<br />
See also Anuket, Khnum.<br />
Seker<br />
A god of light, protec<strong>to</strong>r of the spirits of the dead passing through the Underworld en<br />
route <strong>to</strong> the afterlife. Seker was worshiped in Memphis as a form of Ptah or as part of<br />
the compound deities Ptah-seker or Ptah-seker-ausar. Seker was usually depicted as<br />
having the head of a hawk, <strong>and</strong> shrouded as a mummy, similar <strong>to</strong> Ptah.<br />
See also Ptah.<br />
Sekhmet<br />
A lioness-goddess, worshiped in Memphis as the wife of Ptah; created by Ra from the<br />
fire of his eyes as a creature of vengeance <strong>to</strong> punish mankind for his sins; later,<br />
became a peaceful protectress of the righteous, closely linked with the benevolent<br />
Bast.<br />
See also Bast, Ptah.
Selket<br />
(Serqet, Serket)<br />
A scorpion-goddess, shown as a beautiful woman with a scorpion poised on her head;<br />
her creature struck death <strong>to</strong> the wicked, but she was also petitioned <strong>to</strong> save the lives<br />
of innocent people stung by scorpions; she was also viewed as a helper of women in<br />
childbirth. She is depicted as binding up demons that would otherwise threaten Ra,<br />
<strong>and</strong> she sent seven of her scorpions <strong>to</strong> protect Isis from Set.<br />
She was the protectress of Qebehsenuf, the son of Horus who guarded the intestines<br />
of the deceased. She was made famous by her statue from Tutankhamen's <strong>to</strong>mb,<br />
which was part of the collection which <strong>to</strong>ured America in the 1970's.<br />
See also Isis.<br />
Serapis<br />
A P<strong>to</strong>lemaic period god, devised by the Greeks from Osiris <strong>and</strong> Apis. Supposedly the<br />
consort of Isis, god of the afterlife <strong>and</strong> fertility. Also physician <strong>and</strong> helper of<br />
distressed worshippers. Never obtained much following from the native Egyptian<br />
population. His cult center was Alex<strong>and</strong>ria.<br />
See also Apis, Osiris.<br />
Set<br />
(Seth)<br />
In earliest times, Set was the patron deity of Lower (Northern) Egypt, <strong>and</strong> represented<br />
the fierce s<strong>to</strong>rms of the desert whom the Lower Egyptians sought <strong>to</strong> appease.<br />
However, when Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt <strong>and</strong> ushered in the First<br />
Dynasty, Set became known as the evil enemy of Horus (Upper Egypt's dynastic god).<br />
Set was the brother of Osiris, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> of the latter; according<br />
<strong>to</strong> some versions of the myths he is also father of Anubis.<br />
Set is best known for murdering his brother <strong>and</strong> attempting <strong>to</strong> kill his nephew Horus;<br />
Horus, however, managed <strong>to</strong> survive <strong>and</strong> grew up <strong>to</strong> avenge his father's death by
establishing his rule over all Egypt, castrating Set, <strong>and</strong> casting him out in<strong>to</strong> the lonely<br />
desert for all time.<br />
In the 19th Dynasty there began a resurgence of respect for Set, <strong>and</strong> he was seen as a<br />
great god once more, the god who benevolently restrained the forces of the desert<br />
<strong>and</strong> protected Egypt from foreigners.<br />
See also Anubis, Horus, Isis, Nephthys, Osiris.<br />
Shu<br />
The god of the atmosphere <strong>and</strong> of dry winds, son of Ra, brother <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong><br />
ofTefnut, father of Geb <strong>and</strong> Nut. Represented in hieroglyphs by an ostrich feather<br />
(similar <strong>to</strong> Maat's), which he is usually shown wearing on his head. He is generally<br />
shown st<strong>and</strong>ing on the recumbent Geb, holding aloft his daughter Nut, separating the<br />
two.<br />
The name "Shu" is probably related <strong>to</strong> the root shu meaning "dry, empty." Shu also<br />
seems <strong>to</strong> be a personification of the sun's light. Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut were also said <strong>to</strong> be<br />
but two halves of one soul, perhaps the earliest recorded example of "soulmates."<br />
See also Tefnut.<br />
Sobek<br />
The crocodile-god, worshipped at the city of Arsinoe, called Crocodilopolis by the<br />
Greeks. Sobek was worshipped <strong>to</strong> appease him <strong>and</strong> his animals. According <strong>to</strong> some<br />
evidence, Sobek was considered a fourfold deity who represented the four elemental<br />
gods (Ra of fire, Shu of air, Geb of earth, <strong>and</strong> Osiris of water). In the Book of the<br />
Dead, Sobek assists in the birth of Horus; he fetches Isis <strong>and</strong> Nephthys <strong>to</strong> protect the<br />
deceased; <strong>and</strong> he aids in the destruction of Set.<br />
Sothis<br />
Feminine Egyptian name for the star Sirius, which very early meshed with Isis (being<br />
the consort of Sahu-Osiris, which was Orion). Also associated with Hathor.<br />
See also Hathor, Isis.<br />
Tefnut
The goddess of moisture <strong>and</strong> clouds, daughter of Ra, sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Shu, mother of<br />
Geb <strong>and</strong> Nut. Depicted as a woman with the head of a lioness, which was her sacred<br />
animal. The name "Tefnut" probably derives from the root teftef, signifying "<strong>to</strong> spit,<br />
<strong>to</strong> moisten" <strong>and</strong> the root nu meaning "waters, sky."<br />
See also Shu.<br />
Thoth<br />
(Tahuti)<br />
The god of wisdom, Thoth was said <strong>to</strong> be self-created at the beginning of time, along<br />
with his consort Maat (truth), or perhaps created by Ra. At Hermopolis it was said<br />
that from Thoth were produced eight children, of which the most important was<br />
Amen, "the hidden one", who was worshiped in Thebes as the Lord of the Universe.<br />
The name "Thoth" is the Greek corruption of the original Egyptian Tahuti. Thoth was<br />
depicted as a man with the head of an ibis bird, <strong>and</strong> carried a pen <strong>and</strong> scrolls upon<br />
which he recorded all things. He was shown as attendant in almost all major scenes<br />
involving the gods, but especially at the judgment of the deceased. He served as the<br />
messenger of the gods, <strong>and</strong> was thus equated by the Greeks with Hermes.<br />
Thoth served in Osirian myths as the vizier (chief advisor <strong>and</strong> minister) of Osiris. He,<br />
like Khons, is a god of the moon, <strong>and</strong> is also the god of time, magic, <strong>and</strong> writing. He<br />
was considered the inven<strong>to</strong>r of the hieroglyphs.<br />
See also Amen, Maat.<br />
Thoueris<br />
(Ta-urt)<br />
A hippopotamus goddess, responsible for fertility <strong>and</strong> protecting women in<br />
childbirth. Partner of Bes.<br />
See also Bes.
Egyptian Pantheon<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Amemt<br />
Amemt<br />
The devourer, eater of the dead, eater of hearts. Her domains are death (evil),<br />
destruction, magic <strong>and</strong> evil. Her symbols are the scales of justice <strong>and</strong> a bleeding heart.<br />
She appears with the head of a crocodile, body of a leopard <strong>and</strong> the hindquarters of a<br />
hippo. Her weapons are daggers <strong>and</strong> knives <strong>and</strong> she is worshipped by evil humans.<br />
Bast<br />
Bast<br />
The goddess of cats <strong>and</strong> beauty, her domains are animals, good luck, trickery<br />
<strong>and</strong> chaos, her symbol is the cat.She appears as a woman with the head of a cat <strong>and</strong><br />
her weapons are a short-sword or a dagger, she is worshipped by women <strong>and</strong> nobles.<br />
Hemehit<br />
Hemehit<br />
Goddess of the seas, fishes <strong>and</strong> water, her domains are good, luck, animals <strong>and</strong><br />
water. Her symbol is the fish <strong>and</strong> her weapons are a net or the trident. She appears as<br />
a woman of great stature with the head of a fish. She is worshipped by fishermen <strong>and</strong><br />
sailors.<br />
Isis sis sis<br />
The Goddess of magic <strong>and</strong> fertility, her domains are magic, healing <strong>and</strong><br />
goodness, her symbol is the ankh. She appears as a very beautiful woman. She has no<br />
weapons <strong>and</strong> is worshipped by mothers, women, clerics, wizards <strong>and</strong> sorcerers.<br />
Maat Maat<br />
Maat<br />
The Goddess of law <strong>and</strong> truth <strong>and</strong> her domains are goodness, knowledge, law<br />
<strong>and</strong> strength. Her symbol is a s<strong>to</strong>ne platform. She appears as a woman wearing a<br />
crown with an ostrich feather. Her weapons of choice are a mace or Morningstar <strong>and</strong><br />
she is worshipped by city officials, judges, monks <strong>and</strong> paladins.<br />
Nut<br />
Nut<br />
The Goddess of the night <strong>and</strong> the sky, her domains are goodness, knowledge,<br />
protection, trickery <strong>and</strong> air. Her symbol is stars twinkling on a black field. She<br />
appears in the form of a woman, naked <strong>and</strong> painted with stars that are bending over<br />
the world. Her weapon of choice is a dagger <strong>and</strong> she is worshipped by bards,<br />
guardians, paladins <strong>and</strong> rouges.<br />
Sekhmet<br />
Sekhmet<br />
Goddess of the sun, she is known as the ‘lady of pestilence’ the destruc<strong>to</strong>r. Her
domains are chaos, war, destruction <strong>and</strong> healing <strong>and</strong> her symbol is a sun disc with a<br />
serpent entwined around it. She appears as a woman with the head of a lion. Her<br />
weapons of choice are the short-bow or long-bow <strong>and</strong> she is worshipped by doc<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
<strong>and</strong> surgeons, healers <strong>and</strong> warriors.<br />
Aapep Aapep ‘The ‘The Destroyer’ Destroyer’<br />
Destroyer’<br />
Aapep is neither a God nor Goddess, it is the black serpent. Its domains are<br />
death (evil), destruction, chaos <strong>and</strong> the serpent (evil). Its symbol is the black coiled<br />
serpent <strong>and</strong> it appears as a great black snake that can be several miles in length. Its<br />
weapons are the long-sword, a dagger <strong>and</strong> a whip; it is worshipped by evil, power<br />
seeking humans, assassins <strong>and</strong> cults.<br />
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
Horus<br />
Horus<br />
The avenger. His domains are destruction, sun, law <strong>and</strong> war. He appears as a<br />
flacon-headed man, his symbols are the falcon or hawk. His weapons of choice are<br />
the lance or long-sword. He is worshipped by warriors, fighters, soldiers <strong>and</strong> those<br />
who seek retribution or vengeance.<br />
Chons Chons 'The 'The 'The W<strong>and</strong>erer’ W<strong>and</strong>erer’<br />
W<strong>and</strong>erer’<br />
Good of the moon, knowledge <strong>and</strong> time, his domains are chaos, travel, trickery<br />
<strong>and</strong> goodness.He appears as a hawk-headed man in a close fitting robe, wearing a<br />
skull-cap <strong>to</strong>pped by a crescent moon; head <strong>and</strong> face are shaven apart from a small<br />
punt beard. His symbol is a lunar disc <strong>and</strong> his weapons of choice are the short-sword<br />
<strong>and</strong> a spear, he is worshipped by bards, musicians, merchants <strong>and</strong> pranksters.<br />
Geb<br />
Geb<br />
The God of the earth his domains are earth <strong>and</strong> plants, protection <strong>and</strong><br />
strength, his symbol is a white goose. He appears as a tall, well-muscled man wearing<br />
a white crown, his weapon of choice is the quarterstaff <strong>and</strong> he is worshipped by<br />
druids <strong>and</strong> farmers.<br />
Osir Osiris Osir is<br />
The god of fertility <strong>and</strong> the dead. His domains are death (good), law,<br />
protection <strong>and</strong> goodness. He appears as a green-skinned man in the raiment of<br />
pharaoh <strong>and</strong> his symbols are a crown. His weapons of choice are a quarterstaff or<br />
crook. His worshippers are rulers <strong>and</strong> nobles but also farmers <strong>and</strong> commoners.<br />
Ra<br />
Ra<br />
Pharaoh (King) of the <strong>Gods</strong>, God of the sun, his domains are goodness,<br />
protection, knowledge <strong>and</strong> the sun. His symbol is a serpent wrapped around a solar
disc; he appears as a large human with the head of a hawk, dressed in flowing robes<br />
<strong>and</strong> the headdress of a pharaoh. His weapons of choice are the quarterstaff <strong>and</strong> a club;<br />
he is worshipped by rulers, nobles <strong>and</strong> scholars.<br />
Set<br />
The god of evil <strong>and</strong> the night time. He appears as a scaled human body with<br />
the head of a jackal. His domains are death (evil), knowledge, law, destruction <strong>and</strong><br />
the serpent (evil).His symbol is the coiled cobra <strong>and</strong> his weapons are the spear of<br />
darkness, a cobra staff <strong>and</strong> poisoned weapons. He is worshipped by assassins, evil<br />
monks <strong>and</strong> power-seeking humans.<br />
Shu<br />
Shu<br />
Lord of the air, his domains are goodness, law, strength <strong>and</strong> air, his symbol is<br />
the ostrich feather. He appears as a bearded man with plumes <strong>and</strong> his weapons of<br />
choice are the quarterstaff <strong>and</strong> a mace.He is worshipped by nobles, rulers, warriors<br />
<strong>and</strong> mystics.<br />
Thoth<br />
Thoth<br />
The god of magic <strong>and</strong> knowledge. He appears as an ibis-headed human<br />
carrying a palette <strong>and</strong> stylus. His symbol is the ibis. His domains are magic, travel,<br />
luck <strong>and</strong> knowledge <strong>and</strong> his weapon of choice is the quarterstaff. He is worshipped by<br />
sages, travelers <strong>and</strong> scholars.
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Greek Greek Greek <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aphrodite Aphrodite: Aphrodite The Goddess of sexuality, love, <strong>and</strong> beauty. She is a beautiful <strong>and</strong> often<br />
naked young woman. Sometimes she is covered, or partially covered, in a cloth. She<br />
can be seen carrying a dove of stepping out of the sea.<br />
Apollo Apollo: Apollo The God of healing <strong>and</strong> the arts. He is young <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>some. He carried a<br />
lyre, a bow, <strong>and</strong> arrows. He drives a golden chariot.<br />
Ariadne Ariadne: Ariadne Goddess of the labyrinth.<br />
Artemis Artemis: Artemis The Goddess of the Moons, the hunt, <strong>and</strong> women. A beautiful maiden, she<br />
carries a bow <strong>and</strong> quiver of arrows. Often birds, deer, or lions accompany her.
Athena Athena: Athena The Goddess of wisdom. She is a beautiful <strong>and</strong> serious young woman. A<br />
warrior she wears a breastplate <strong>and</strong> helmet <strong>and</strong> carries a lance <strong>and</strong> a shield.<br />
Sometimes she has an owl with her. She is associated with the city of Athens <strong>and</strong><br />
with the olive tree.<br />
Calliope Calliope: Calliope Muse of epic poetry.<br />
Clio Clio: Clio Muse of his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Demeter Demeter: Demeter Demeter The Goddess of the harvest. She is an old woman <strong>and</strong> the mother of<br />
Persephone. She often weeps because she <strong>and</strong> Persephone have been separated.<br />
Dionysus Dionysus: Dionysus Dionysus The God of wine, the life force, <strong>and</strong> the wildness of instinct. A young man<br />
dressed in an animal skin, he carries a staff <strong>and</strong> sometimes is seen as a bull or a goat.<br />
Eileithia Eileithia: Eileithia Eileithia Goddess of Childbirth.<br />
Era<strong>to</strong> Era<strong>to</strong>: Era<strong>to</strong> Muse of love poetry.<br />
Eros Eros: Eros The Greek God of sexual attraction. He is a small <strong>and</strong> beautifully formed young<br />
man with wings. He often carries a lyre or a bow <strong>and</strong> a quiver of arrows.<br />
Euterpe Euterpe: Euterpe Muse of music.<br />
Gaia Gaia: Gaia The Mother Earth. She sits on a throne <strong>and</strong> holds many fruits, grains, vegetables<br />
often in a cornucopia. She is a mature woman <strong>and</strong> usually wears a robe. Gaia is often<br />
used in craft rituals.<br />
Hades Hades: Hades The God of the underworld <strong>and</strong> of wealth. He is also king of the dead. A<br />
mature man, he wears a beard <strong>and</strong> a helmet <strong>and</strong> often is seen on a throne next <strong>to</strong> his<br />
young wife Persephone.<br />
Hecate Hecate: Hecate The Goddess of magick <strong>and</strong> the Moon. She often carries a <strong>to</strong>rch <strong>and</strong> has<br />
snakes in her hair. She can have three heads -- those of the maiden, mother <strong>and</strong><br />
crone. She can be found at the spot where three roads meet.<br />
Helios Helios: Helios God of the Sun.<br />
Hephais<strong>to</strong>s Hephais<strong>to</strong>s: Hephais<strong>to</strong>s God of sun, fire <strong>and</strong> forge.
Hera Hera: Hera Hera The Goddess of women. Married <strong>to</strong> Zeus, she is the queen of the <strong>Gods</strong>. She<br />
wears a crown <strong>and</strong> carries a scepter. She is mature <strong>and</strong> beautiful.<br />
Hermes Hermes: Hermes Hermes The God of communication, thought <strong>and</strong> travel. A beautiful, athletic young<br />
man, he wears s<strong>and</strong>als with wings, a helmet with wings, <strong>and</strong> carries a caduceus.<br />
Hestia Hestia: Hestia Goddess of hearth <strong>and</strong> home.<br />
Melpomene<br />
Melpomene: Melpomene Muse of tragedy.<br />
Moerae Moerae: Moerae Moerae Three goddesses of fate -- Clotho, Lachesis, <strong>and</strong> Atropos.<br />
Mnemosyne<br />
Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne Goddess of memory, mother of the Muses.<br />
Nike Nike: Nike Goddess of vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Pan Pan: Pan The God of wild places <strong>and</strong> things <strong>and</strong> of shepherds. Pan plays a set of connected<br />
pipes called panpipes. He takes a form that is half man <strong>and</strong> half goat. His legs <strong>and</strong> feet<br />
are of the goat, while his chest <strong>and</strong> upper body are that of a hairy man. He usually has<br />
horns. He is frequently invoked in Pagan rituals.<br />
Persephone Persephone: Persephone The Goddess of the harvest, fertility, <strong>and</strong> spring. She is often seen sitting<br />
with Hades on a throne in the underworld, where she spends a number of months<br />
every year. Sometimes she carries a pomegranate. She is also called "Kore", the<br />
maiden.<br />
Phobe Phobe: Phobe Goddess of the moon.<br />
Polyhymnia<br />
Polyhymnia: Polyhymnia Muse of singing.<br />
Pos Poseidon Pos Poseidon<br />
eidon: eidon The God of water <strong>and</strong> the seas. He always carries a trident <strong>and</strong> is associated<br />
with dolphins <strong>and</strong> horses.<br />
Psyche Psyche: Psyche Goddess of the soul.<br />
Terpsichore<br />
Terpsichore: Terpsichore Muse of dance.<br />
Tethys Tethys: Tethys Tethys Goddess of the sea.<br />
Thalia Thalia: Thalia Muse of comedy.
Theia Theia: Theia Goddess of light.<br />
Urania Urania: Urania Muse of astronomy.<br />
Zeus Zeus: Zeus The God of the sky <strong>and</strong> the king of the gods. He is associated with rain <strong>and</strong><br />
clouds <strong>and</strong> often carries a thunderbolt. He is married <strong>to</strong> Hera, but often falls in love<br />
with other women. He is a bearded man of great wisdom <strong>and</strong> authority.<br />
Roman Roman <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Apollo Apollo: Apollo God of the sun, music, poetry, fine arts, prophecy, eloquence, <strong>and</strong> medicine.<br />
Bacchus Bacchus: Bacchus God of liquid spirits, fruits, <strong>and</strong> parties.<br />
Ceres Ceres: Ceres Ceres The Goddess of the harvest. She is described in the same way as the Greek<br />
Goddess Demeter.<br />
Cupid Cupid: Cupid God of love <strong>and</strong> passion.<br />
Diana Diana: Diana The Goddess of fertility. A beautiful maiden huntress, she is associated with<br />
the Moon <strong>and</strong> the woods. She often has dogs or a stag with her. Diana is often used in<br />
craft rituals.<br />
Fanus Fanus: Fanus God of the woodl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Fates Fates: Fates Three goddesses of destiny; daughters of the night.<br />
Flora Flora: Flora Goddess of nature.<br />
Fo Fortuna Fo Fortuna<br />
rtuna: rtuna The Goddess of fortune <strong>and</strong> fate. She is mature <strong>and</strong> carries a cornucopia, a<br />
rudder from a ship, a sphere <strong>and</strong> a wheel.<br />
Fur Furies Fur Furies<br />
ies: ies <strong>Goddesses</strong> of vengeance.<br />
Janus Janus: Janus The God of beginnings <strong>and</strong> doorways. He is a bearded man with two faces, one<br />
looks in<strong>to</strong> the past, the other in<strong>to</strong> the future. He can see the inside <strong>and</strong> outside of all<br />
things at the same time.<br />
Juno Juno: Juno The Goddess of women <strong>and</strong> the Moon. She is married <strong>to</strong> Jupiter <strong>and</strong> is queen of<br />
the <strong>Gods</strong>. In one of her aspects, she is the Goddess of childbirth. A beautiful woman,<br />
she has dark hair <strong>and</strong> wears a robe. The cow, the peacock, <strong>and</strong> the goose are sacred <strong>to</strong><br />
her.
Jupiter Jupiter: Jupiter The God of the sky <strong>and</strong> the king of the <strong>Gods</strong>. He is described in the same<br />
manner as the Greek God Zeus.<br />
Luna Luna: Luna Goddess of the Moon. She appears as the Maiden, the Mother, <strong>and</strong> the Crone.<br />
Mars Mars: Mars The God of war <strong>and</strong> agriculture. Dressed in armor <strong>and</strong> carrying a shield, Mars is<br />
a large man. His companion animals include a wolf, a woodpecker, <strong>and</strong> a vulture.<br />
Mercury Mercury: Mercury The God of communication, thought <strong>and</strong> travel. He is described in the same<br />
way as the Greek God Hermes.<br />
Minerva Minerva: Minerva Goddess of wisdom, practical arts, <strong>and</strong> war.<br />
Neptune Neptune: Neptune Neptune The God of water <strong>and</strong> the seas. He is described in the same way as the<br />
Greek God Poseidon.<br />
Plu<strong>to</strong> Plu<strong>to</strong>: Plu<strong>to</strong> The God of the underworld <strong>and</strong> of wealth. He is also king of the dead. He is<br />
described in the same way as the Greek God Hades.<br />
Satu Saturn Satu Saturn<br />
rn: rn God of harvest <strong>and</strong> golden ages in his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Venus Venus: Venus The Goddess of sexuality, love, <strong>and</strong> beauty. She is described in the same way<br />
as the Greek Goddess Aphrodite.<br />
Vesta Vesta: Vesta Vesta Goddess of hearth, home <strong>and</strong> community.<br />
Vulcan Vulcan: Vulcan God of fire, craftspeople, metalworkers, <strong>and</strong> artisans.<br />
Hindu Hindu <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Agni Agni: Agni Agni The God of Fire. He has razor-like golden teeth, three arms <strong>and</strong> seven legs. He<br />
carries flames, a pot full of water, <strong>and</strong> a trident.<br />
Brahmn Brahmn: Brahmn The God of creation. He usually has four arms <strong>and</strong> four heads. He dresses in<br />
white <strong>and</strong> rides on a swan or a peacock. Sometimes he sits on a lotus blossom.<br />
Durga Durga: Durga The great mother Goddess. She often rides a lion <strong>and</strong> has four arms in which<br />
she carries a drum, a sword, a trident, <strong>and</strong> a bowl filled with blood.<br />
Ganesha Ganesha: Ganesha Ganesha The elephant-headed God. He is the overcomer of obstacles. Besides his<br />
elephant-head, he has a potbelly. In his four arms, he carries roses, a piece of his
oken tusk, a thorn, <strong>and</strong> a bowl. He often rides upon a very small rat.<br />
Hanuman Hanuman: Hanuman The monkey God. His job is <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>ur the world singing the name of God.<br />
He has great strength <strong>and</strong> learning <strong>and</strong> is mischievous. Often he has wings. He can be<br />
a fierce warrior.<br />
Indra Indra: Indra Indra The God of war. Usually riding a horse, Indra takes the form of a golden or red<br />
man <strong>and</strong> carries a thunderbolt. Sometimes he rides a white elephant. His name means<br />
"strong".<br />
Kali Kali: Kali Kali The Goddess of Earth, Nature, <strong>and</strong> destruction. With wild dark hair, a bloodsmeared<br />
body, <strong>and</strong> a protruding <strong>to</strong>ngue, she wears a necklace of human skulls <strong>and</strong><br />
often st<strong>and</strong>s on her husb<strong>and</strong> Shiva.<br />
Krish Krishna Krish Krishna<br />
na: na The God of love. hH takes the form of a man with blue skin. He often plays<br />
the flute.<br />
Lakshmi Lakshmi: Lakshmi Lakshmi The Goddess of fortune <strong>and</strong> beauty. Always beautifully dressed, she is<br />
golden <strong>and</strong> sits on a lotus blossom.<br />
Sarasvati Sarasvati: Sarasvati The Goddess of language <strong>and</strong> wisdom. She has six arms <strong>and</strong> three faces. She<br />
often rides a swan or sits on a lotus.<br />
Siva Siva or or Shiva Shiva: Shiva The God of change, transformation, <strong>and</strong> destruction. He is the crea<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of yoga <strong>and</strong> a dancer. A man with a third eye between his eyebrows, he carries a<br />
trident <strong>and</strong> an axe.<br />
Vishnu Vishnu: Vishnu The God of preservation. He is also seen as the libera<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> the highest God.<br />
In his four arms he holds a club, a shell, a disk, <strong>and</strong> a lotus.<br />
Egyptian Egyptian <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Amun, Amun, Amun, Amon Amon or or Amen Amen: Amen The God of creation. He carries a whip <strong>and</strong> sometimes is<br />
seated in a throne, he can be depicted as a ram with a coiled cobra on his head.<br />
Anath Anath: Anath Mistress of heaven, protec<strong>to</strong>r of the king; known for her ferocity.<br />
Anubis Anubis: Anubis The God of the dead. He has the body of a man <strong>and</strong> the head of a jackal.<br />
Sometimes he is shown as entirely jackal.<br />
Anukis Anukis: Anukis Goddess of water.
Apis Apis: Apis Apis The black bull, symbol of fertility <strong>and</strong> the undying soul.<br />
Aten Aten: Aten Sun God who turned in<strong>to</strong> a monotheistic entity, then lost his footing among<br />
the other gods <strong>and</strong> goddesses.<br />
Bastet Bastet Bastet or or Bast Bast: Bast The Goddess of the Sun <strong>and</strong> pleasure. She has a human body <strong>and</strong> the<br />
head of a cat. She carries a rattle <strong>and</strong> wears a breastplate decorated with the head of a<br />
lion.<br />
Bes Bes: Bes Bes God of good fortune <strong>and</strong> protection of pregnant women.<br />
Geb Geb: Geb The God of the Earth. He often lies beneath Nut, the Goddess of the sky. He has<br />
dark skin <strong>and</strong> sometimes wears a goose on his head.<br />
Hathor Hathor: Hathor The Goddess of beauty, love, <strong>and</strong> pleasure. She is a woman with the horns of<br />
a cow. Sometimes all of her takes the form of a cow. She often carries a rattle.<br />
Horus Horus: Horus A Solar god <strong>and</strong> avenger of evil. Horus is seen in the form of a man with the<br />
head of a falcon with the Moon as one eye <strong>and</strong> the Sun as the other. Sometimes he<br />
appears as a child st<strong>and</strong>ing on the back of a crocodile.<br />
Hauhet Hauhet: Hauhet Goddess of boundless infinity.<br />
Hekat Hekat: Hekat Goddess of midwifery <strong>and</strong> childbirth, associated with water.<br />
Isis Isis: Isis The mother Goddess. She is associated with fertility, the Moon, magick, <strong>and</strong><br />
resurrection. She is usually seated <strong>and</strong> sometimes holds the infant Horus.<br />
Ius Ius-a'as Ius a'as a'as: a'as Goddess of creation.<br />
Ma'at Ma'at: Ma'at Goddess of truth.<br />
Mehet Mehet-Weret<br />
Mehet Mehet Weret Weret: Weret Goddess of sky <strong>and</strong> floods.<br />
Merit Merit: Merit Goddess of music.<br />
Min Min: Min God of roads, fertility, <strong>and</strong> agriculture; protec<strong>to</strong>r of travelers.<br />
Neith Neith: Neith Goddess of destiny, war, <strong>and</strong> the mother of Ra; protec<strong>to</strong>r of the dead; bisexual.<br />
Nekhbet Nekhbet: Nekhbet Nekhbet Primal mother Goddess; divine nurse.
Nephthys Nephthys: Nephthys Nephthys The Goddess of Earth <strong>and</strong> fertility. She takes the form of a woman with a<br />
hieroglyph on her head.<br />
Nut Nut or or Nuit Nuit: Nuit Nuit The Goddess of the sky. She is young <strong>and</strong> slim. Stars shine from within<br />
her body. She usually appears naked, arched over Geb, the Earth God.<br />
Osiris Osiris: Osiris The God of fertility <strong>and</strong> resurrection. He takes the form of a mummy with the<br />
head of a live man. His face has a slight green cast.<br />
Ptah Ptah: Ptah Ptah The God of creation <strong>and</strong> chief of the underworld. He takes the form of a<br />
mummified man with a shaved head or appears as a dwarf.<br />
Ra Ra: Ra The Sun God. He takes the form of a man with the head of a falcon. As the Sun<br />
appears <strong>to</strong> move across the sky, so he travels through the sky. At night, he journeys<br />
through the underworld <strong>and</strong> his head takes the form of that of a ram.<br />
Renenet Renenet: Renenet Goddess of prosperity <strong>and</strong> the home.<br />
Sekhmet Sekhmet: Sekhmet Goddess of protection.<br />
Selket Selket: Selket Goddess of scorpions; protec<strong>to</strong>r of the dead, travelers, <strong>and</strong> weather.<br />
Seshat Seshat: Seshat Seshat Goddess of writing <strong>and</strong> patron of libraries.<br />
Seth Seth: Seth God of s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> chaos.<br />
Shu Shu: Shu Goddess of moisture.<br />
Sobek Sobek: Sobek Crocodile God of lakes <strong>and</strong> protection.<br />
Taweret Taweret: Taweret Hippo Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Tefnut Tefnut: Tefnut God of air.<br />
Thoth hoth hoth: hoth God of knowledge, wisdom, <strong>and</strong> the moon.<br />
Wadjet Wadjet: Wadjet Serpent Goddess of protection, children, <strong>and</strong> the l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Wosret Wosret: Wosret The powerful woman.
Buddhist/Asian Buddhist/Asian <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Buddha Buddha: Buddha The Awakened One. The Buddha takes many different forms. He often sits<br />
cross-legged <strong>and</strong> appears <strong>to</strong> be fat <strong>and</strong> happy. Sometimes he is golden in color.<br />
Maitreya Maitreya: Maitreya The future Buddha. He takes the form of a man wearing a headdress <strong>and</strong><br />
holding a white flower.<br />
Quan Quan Yin Yin: Yin The Goddess of mercy in the Japanese tradition. She also has cults all over<br />
China. She will protect you from danger. Newlyweds often pray <strong>to</strong> her for fertility.<br />
She is sometimes referred <strong>to</strong> as the Queen of Heaven. She is pictured sitting on a<br />
lotus, holding a vase full of the dew of compassion. In addition, she is associated with<br />
the willow tree.<br />
Celtic Celtic Celtic <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Abarta Abarta: Abarta Abarta Warrior energy.<br />
Aine Aine: Aine Aine Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> fertility.<br />
Amaethon Amaethon: Amaethon God of agriculture.<br />
Aonghus Aonghus: Aonghus God of love.<br />
Badb Badb: Badb Badb Goddess of battle -- one of the three faces of the Morrigan.<br />
Belenus Belenus: Belenus Belenus Sun god.<br />
Bran Bran: Bran God of sea voyages.<br />
Bran Bran the the Blessed Blessed: Blessed God of the underworld.<br />
Brigantia Brigantia: Brigantia Brigantia Goddess of the water, war, healing, <strong>and</strong> prosperity.<br />
Bri Brigid Bri<br />
gid gid: gid The Goddess of healing, inspiration, <strong>and</strong> craftspeople. She has great strength<br />
<strong>and</strong> can be called upon <strong>to</strong> help you endure hardship.<br />
Cernunnos Cernunnos or or Kernunnos Kernunnos: Kernunnos Kernunnos The Horned God. He takes the form of a man with the<br />
horns of a stag. He is the universal father. Sometimes he has three heads. He is the<br />
consort of the Lady. He is often called in Pagan rituals.<br />
Cerridwen Cerridwen: Cerridwen The Goddess of the Moon, the harvest, <strong>and</strong> inspiration. She is often seen<br />
as a hag, stirring the cauldron of knowledge. It takes her a year <strong>and</strong> a day <strong>to</strong> prepare
her brew -- the same amount of time a witch studies between dedication <strong>and</strong> First<br />
Degree Initiation <strong>and</strong> between First Degree <strong>and</strong> Second Degree Initiation.<br />
Dagda Dagda: Dagda Dagda Father God.<br />
Danu Danu (Anu)/Don (Anu)/Don: (Anu)/Don Mother Goddess.<br />
Dian Dian Cecht Cecht: Cecht God of healing.<br />
Dylan Dylan: Dylan God of the seas.<br />
Epona Epona: Epona Epona Goddess of sweet water, fertility, <strong>and</strong> horses.<br />
Herne Herne: Herne Herne The God of the Underworld. He is the leader of the phan<strong>to</strong>m hunt. He is<br />
usually depicted with the antlers of a stag.<br />
Lir Lir: Lir God of the sea.<br />
Lugh Lugh: Lugh Lugh God of the sun<br />
Macha Macha: Macha Goddess of war -- one of the faces of the Morrigan.<br />
Morrigan Morrigan: Morrigan The Goddess of war, <strong>and</strong> vegetation. She is Queen of the demons <strong>and</strong> has<br />
three faces. In her warlike aspect, she takes the form of a bat with red eyebrows. She<br />
can also appear as a raven, crow, or horse. She will take care of the wrongdoing that<br />
someone has done.<br />
Nemain Nemain: Nemain Goddess of war.<br />
Nodens Nodens: Nodens God of healing.<br />
Nuada Nuada: Nuada God of valor.<br />
Ogma Ogma: Ogma The God of language <strong>and</strong> inspiration. He takes the form of a wise old man. He<br />
wears animal skins, <strong>and</strong> golden chains pour out of his mouth. He invented the<br />
Druidic alphabet.<br />
Rhiannon Rhiannon: Rhiannon Goddess of suffering <strong>and</strong> patience.<br />
Scathach Scathach: Scathach Goddess of marital arts <strong>and</strong> warrior-princess of the L<strong>and</strong> of Shadows.
Taliesin Taliesin: Taliesin Prophet <strong>and</strong> bard.<br />
Tuatha Tuatha de de Danann Danann: Danann People of the Goddess of Dana<br />
Norse Norse <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aegir Aegir: Aegir God of the sea.<br />
Baba aba aba Yaga Yaga: Yaga Avenger of women.<br />
Buri Buri: Buri Ances<strong>to</strong>r of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Dazhbog Dazhbog: Dazhbog God of the sun.<br />
Forseti Forseti: Forseti God of justice.<br />
Freyja Freyja: Freyja Freyja The Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> fertility in the Norse tradition. She is a beautiful<br />
woman who drives a chariot drawn by cats. Sometimes she rides a golden boar.<br />
Frigg Frigg: Frigg Queen of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Gefion Gefion: Gefion Goddess of fertility.<br />
Hel Hel: Hel Goddess of the underworld <strong>and</strong> the dead.<br />
Huginn Huginn <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Muninn Muninn: Muninn Ravens -- thought <strong>and</strong> memory -- belonging <strong>to</strong> Odin;<br />
messengers.<br />
Idun Idun: Idun Goddess of youth <strong>and</strong> apples.<br />
Jumala Jumala: Jumala Crea<strong>to</strong>r God of Finnish mythology.<br />
Kied Kied Kied Kie Kie Jubmel Jubmel: Jubmel Jubmel Lord of the herds, s<strong>to</strong>ne God.<br />
Leib Leib-Olmai Leib Olmai Olmai: Olmai Lord of the bears.<br />
Loki Loki: Loki God of fire.<br />
Luonnotar uonnotar uonnotar: uonnotar Creatrix Goddess.<br />
Madder Madder-Akka Madder Madder Akka <strong>and</strong> Madder Madder-Atcha<br />
Madder<br />
Atcha Atcha: Atcha Divine couple who created humankind.
Mati Mati Syra Syra Zemlya Zemlya: Zemlya Moist earth Goddess.<br />
Menu Menu: Menu Moon Goddess.<br />
Nerthus Nerthus: Nerthus Mother Goddess.<br />
Njord Njord: Njord Njord God of the sea.<br />
Norns Norns: Norns <strong>Goddesses</strong> of fate -- Urd (past), Verd<strong>and</strong>i (present), Skuld (future).<br />
Odin Odin: Odin Odin Father of the <strong>Gods</strong>; gifted in eloquence.<br />
Perunu Perunu: Perunu God of thunder.<br />
Potrimpo Potrimpo: Potrimpo God of fertility.<br />
Rig Rig: Rig<br />
Watchman of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Saule Saule: Saule Saule Goddess of the sun.<br />
Skadi Skadi: Skadi Goddess of vengeance <strong>and</strong> the hunt.<br />
Svarazic Svarazic: Svarazic God of fire.<br />
Tapio Tapio: Tapio God of the forest.<br />
Thor Thor: Thor The God of thunders<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> life force in the Norse tradition. He is a really<br />
big guy with a red beard. In his h<strong>and</strong>s, which are sheathed in iron gloves, he carries a<br />
hammer. Two goats draw his chariot.<br />
Tuoni Tuoni: Tuoni God of the dead.<br />
Tyr Tyr (Tiwaz) (Tiwaz): (Tiwaz) God of the sky <strong>and</strong> bravery.<br />
Valkyries Valkyries: Valkyries Female battle <strong>and</strong> shield maidens who take brave warriors <strong>to</strong> Valhalla, the<br />
idyllic abode of Odin's ghostly army.<br />
Vidar Vidar: Vidar God of justice.<br />
Other Other Other <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong> freque frequently freque ntly used in in Wiccan Ritual<br />
Ritual<br />
Araida Araida: Araida The Queen of the witches in the Italian tradition. She is very powerful <strong>and</strong>
can be called on <strong>to</strong> protect any witch.<br />
Astarte Astarte: Astarte The Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> war in the Middle Eastern tradition. She is very<br />
powerful <strong>and</strong> can be called on <strong>to</strong> protect any witch.<br />
The The Venus Venus of of Willendorf Willendorf: Willendorf The Goddess of fertility from prehis<strong>to</strong>ric Europe. She has<br />
large breast <strong>and</strong> a big bot<strong>to</strong>m <strong>and</strong> practically no arms or feet.
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong> Associated with Rain<br />
Nagas<br />
Hindu mythology<br />
In Hindu myth, nagas are a primeval race of divine serpent-people that play an<br />
important part in religion. They are half human <strong>and</strong> half snake <strong>and</strong> are still<br />
worshipped as the bringers of fertility, especially in southern India. Nagas are<br />
believed <strong>to</strong> live in palaces (Patala) in the underground city Bhogavati. They are<br />
considered the protec<strong>to</strong>rs of springs, wells <strong>and</strong> rivers. They bring rain <strong>and</strong> thus<br />
fertility, but are also thought <strong>to</strong> bring disasters such as floods <strong>and</strong> drought. Their ruler<br />
is Sesha. Some of the nagas are: Ananta, symbol of eternity, Vasuki, Manasa (fertility<br />
goddess <strong>and</strong> protec<strong>to</strong>r against snake bites), <strong>and</strong> Mucilinda. In the myths of Malay<br />
mariners, nagas are a many-headed dragons of enormous size. On Java <strong>and</strong> Thail<strong>and</strong>, a<br />
naga is a mythical serpent or dragon, a serpent god, a ruler of the netherworld who<br />
possesses immense wealth. In Java it is also called Sesa. In Thail<strong>and</strong>, a naga is often<br />
sculpted in temples as a dragon with five heads. It is the symbol of Narayana.<br />
Mbaba Mwana Waresa<br />
African mythology<br />
Mbaba Mwana Waresa is a beloved goddess of the Zulu people of Southern Africa,<br />
primarily because she gave them the gift of beer. She is the goddess of the rainbow,<br />
rain, harvest <strong>and</strong> agriculture. The s<strong>to</strong>ry of her search for a husb<strong>and</strong> is well known,<br />
<strong>and</strong> recently appeared in a beautifully illustrated children's book.<br />
Tlaloc<br />
Aztec mythology<br />
The Aztec god of rain, agriculture, fire, <strong>and</strong> the south. In his kingdom he receives<br />
those killed by thunderbolts, water, leprosy, <strong>and</strong> contagious diseases. He is the<br />
consort of the water goddess Chalchiuhtlicue <strong>and</strong> sometimes regarded as the father of<br />
the Moon-god Tecciztecatl. Each year a large number of children were sacrificed by<br />
drowning. He is of pre-Aztec origin <strong>and</strong> known from the time of the Toltecs. His<br />
image figures prominently in their art. He presided over the third of the five Aztec<br />
world ages.<br />
also known as: Nuhualpilli
Ua<br />
Polynesian mythology<br />
The Maori god of rain. He is the father of Hau Marangi, the god of mist or fog. Ua has<br />
many name: Ua-Roa ('Long Rain'), Uanui ('Heavy Rain'), Uawhatu ('Hail'), <strong>and</strong> Ua<br />
Nganga ('Rains<strong>to</strong>rm'). Ua-Roa was one of the gods who caused the earth <strong>to</strong> be flooded<br />
during the war between the sons of Rangi. The Earth Goddess Papa was entirely<br />
submerged so that she remained hidden from the s<strong>to</strong>rm caused by Tawhiri-Mahuta.<br />
Gradually the showed some of her beautiful parts above sea level <strong>and</strong> these are the<br />
isl<strong>and</strong>s of Polynesia.<br />
Deng<br />
African mythology<br />
The crea<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> sky god, as well as a god of rain <strong>and</strong> fertility, among the Dinka people<br />
in Africa. He is the son of the goddess Abuk.<br />
also known as: Denka<br />
Curicaberis<br />
A culture hero <strong>and</strong> sky <strong>and</strong> Sun god of the Tarascan people (an Indian tribe west of<br />
Mexico). He is the consort of the rain <strong>and</strong> fertility goddess Cueravaperi. He gave his<br />
people laws <strong>and</strong> the calendar.<br />
Julunggul<br />
Aboriginal mythology<br />
Rainbow serpents are a common motif throughout world mythology, but most<br />
particularly in Oceania, Africa <strong>and</strong> South America; universally, they are associated<br />
with immortality/rebirth, rain <strong>and</strong> water. This rainbow serpent, Julunggul, is a great<br />
Goddess of the Aborigines of Australia. She oversees the initiation of adolescent boys<br />
in<strong>to</strong> manhood.<br />
Bunbulama<br />
Aboriginal mythology<br />
Goddess of the rain. Djanggawul sisters/daughters of the Sun, these Australian<br />
goddesses unceasingly brought forth living creatures from their endlessly pregnant<br />
bodies. Their long vulvas broke off piece by piece with these births, producing the
world's first sacred artifacts.<br />
Chalchiuhtlicue<br />
Aztec mythology<br />
This Aztec Goddess, whose name means 'jade skirt' or 'lady precious green', was<br />
matron of lakes <strong>and</strong> streams. A personification of youthful beauty <strong>and</strong> ardor,<br />
Chalchiuhtlicue was represented as a river from which grew a prickly pear tree laden<br />
with fruit, symbolizing the human heart. She ruled over all the waters of the Earth;<br />
oceans, rivers, rain, etc., but was also associated with marriage. Her husb<strong>and</strong> is Tlaloc,<br />
the god of rain. She unleashed the flood <strong>to</strong> punish the wicked that the destroyed the<br />
fourth world (according <strong>to</strong> the Aztec, we are in the fifth world).<br />
Zeus<br />
Greek mythology<br />
Zeus, the youngest son of Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea, he was the supreme ruler of Mount<br />
Olympus <strong>and</strong> of the Pantheon of gods who resided there. Being the supreme ruler he<br />
upheld law, justice <strong>and</strong> morals <strong>and</strong> this made him the spiritual leader of both gods <strong>and</strong><br />
men. Zeus was a celestial god, <strong>and</strong> originally worshiped as a weather god by the<br />
Greek tribes. These people came southward from the Balkans circa 2100 B.C.E. He has<br />
always been associated as being a weather god, as his main attribute is the<br />
thunderbolt, he controlled thunder, lightning <strong>and</strong> rain. Theocritus wrote circa 265<br />
B.C.E: 'sometimes Zeus is clear, sometimes he rains.' He is also known <strong>to</strong> have caused<br />
thunders<strong>to</strong>rms. In Homer's epic poem the Iliad he sent thunders<strong>to</strong>rms against his<br />
enemies. The name Zeus is related <strong>to</strong> the Greek word dios, meaning 'bright.' His<br />
other attributes as well as lightning were the scepter, the eagle <strong>and</strong> his aegis (this was<br />
the goat skin of Amaltheia).<br />
Before the abolition of monarchies, Zeus was protec<strong>to</strong>r of the king <strong>and</strong> his family.<br />
Once the age of Greek kings faded in<strong>to</strong> democracy he became chief judge <strong>and</strong><br />
peacemaker, but most importantly civic god. He brought peace in place of violence,<br />
Hesiod (circa 700 B.C.E.) describes Zeus as 'the lord of justice', Zeus was also known<br />
as 'Kosmetas' (orderer), 'Soter' (savior), 'Polieos' (overseer of the polis city) <strong>and</strong> also<br />
'Eleutherios' (guaran<strong>to</strong>r of political freedoms). His duties in this role were <strong>to</strong> maintain<br />
the laws, protect suppliants, <strong>to</strong> summon festivals <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> give prophecies (his oldest<br />
<strong>and</strong> most famous oracle was at Dodona, in Epirus -northwestern Greece). As the<br />
supreme deity Zeus oversaw the conduct of civilized life. But the 'father of gods <strong>and</strong><br />
men' as Homer calls him, has many mythological tales.<br />
His most famous was <strong>to</strong>ld by Hesiod in his Theogony, of how Zeus usurped the
kingdom of the immortals from his father. This mythological tale of Zeus' struggle<br />
against the Titans (Titanomachy) had been caused by Cronus, after he had been<br />
warned that one of his children would depose him. Cronus knowing the<br />
consequences, as he had overthrown his father Uranus. To prevent this from<br />
happening Cronus swallowed his newborn children Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades<br />
<strong>and</strong> Poseidon, but his wife Rhea (who was also his sister) <strong>and</strong> Gaia her mother,<br />
wrapped a s<strong>to</strong>ne in swaddling clothes in place of the infant Zeus. Cronus thinking it<br />
was the newborn baby swallowed the s<strong>to</strong>ne. Meanwhile Rhea had her baby taken <strong>to</strong><br />
Crete <strong>and</strong> there, in a cave on Mount Dicte, the divine goat Amaltheia suckled <strong>and</strong><br />
raised the infant Zeus.<br />
When Zeus had grown in<strong>to</strong> a young man he returned <strong>to</strong> his fathers domain, <strong>and</strong> with<br />
the help of Gaia, compelled Cronus <strong>to</strong> regurgitate the five children he had previously<br />
swallowed (in some versions Zeus received help from Metis who gave Cronus an<br />
emetic potion, which made him vomit up Zeus' brothers <strong>and</strong> sisters). However, Zeus<br />
led the revolt against his father <strong>and</strong> the dynasty of the Titans, defeated <strong>and</strong> then<br />
banished them. Once Zeus had control, he <strong>and</strong> his brothers divided the universe<br />
between them: Zeus gaining the heavens, Poseidon the sea <strong>and</strong> Hades the<br />
underworld. Zeus had <strong>to</strong> defend his heavenly kingdom. The three separate assaults<br />
were from the offspring of Gaia: they were the Gigantes, Typhon (Zeus fought them<br />
with his thunder-bolt <strong>and</strong> aegis) <strong>and</strong> the twin brothers who were called the Aloadae.<br />
The latter tried <strong>to</strong> gain access <strong>to</strong> the heavens by stacking Mount Ossa on <strong>to</strong>p of Mount<br />
Olympus, <strong>and</strong> Mount Pelion on <strong>to</strong>p of Mount Ossa, but the twins still failed in their<br />
attempt <strong>to</strong> overthrow Zeus. As he did with the Titans, Zeus banished them all <strong>to</strong><br />
'Tartarus', which is the lowest region on Earth, lower than the underworld.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> legend, Metis, the goddess of prudence, was the first love of Zeus. At<br />
first she tried in vain <strong>to</strong> escape his advances, but in the end succumbed <strong>to</strong> his<br />
endeavor, <strong>and</strong> from their union Athena was conceived. Gaia warned Zeus that Metis<br />
would bear a daughter, whose son would overthrow him. On hearing this Zeus<br />
swallowed Metis, the reason for this was <strong>to</strong> continue <strong>to</strong> carry the child through <strong>to</strong> the<br />
birth himself. Hera (his wife <strong>and</strong> sister) was outraged <strong>and</strong> very jealous of her<br />
husb<strong>and</strong>'s affair, also of his ability <strong>to</strong> give birth without female participation. To spite<br />
Zeus she gave birth <strong>to</strong> Hephaestus parthenogenetically (without being fertilized) <strong>and</strong><br />
it was Hephaestus who, when the time came, split open the head of Zeus, from which<br />
Athena emerged fully armed.<br />
Zeus had many offspring; his wife Hera bore him Ares, Hephaestus, Hebe <strong>and</strong><br />
Eileithyia, but Zeus had numerous liaisons with both goddesses <strong>and</strong> mortals. He<br />
either raped them or used devious means <strong>to</strong> seduce the unsuspecting maidens. His<br />
union with Le<strong>to</strong> (meaning the hidden one) brought forth the twins Apollo <strong>and</strong>
Artemis. Once again Hera showed her jealousy by forcing Le<strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> roam the Earth in<br />
search of a place <strong>to</strong> give birth, as Hera had s<strong>to</strong>pped her from gaining shelter on terrafirma<br />
or at sea. The only place she could go was <strong>to</strong> the isle of Delos in the middle of<br />
the Aegean, the reason being that Delos was, as legend states, a floating isl<strong>and</strong>. One<br />
legend says that Aphrodite was the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Dione.<br />
Besides deities, he also fathered many mortals. In some of his human liaisons Zeus<br />
used devious disguises. When he seduced the Spartan queen Leda, he transformed<br />
himself in<strong>to</strong> a beautiful swan, <strong>and</strong> from the egg which Leda produced, two sets of<br />
twins were born: Cas<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> Polydeuces <strong>and</strong> Clytemnestra <strong>and</strong> Helen of Troy. He<br />
visited princess Danae as a shower of gold, <strong>and</strong> from this union the hero Perseus was<br />
born. He abducted the Phoenician princess Europa, disguised as a bull, then carried<br />
her on his back <strong>to</strong> the isl<strong>and</strong> of Crete where she bore three sons: Minos,<br />
Rhadamanthys <strong>and</strong> Sarpedon. Zeus also <strong>to</strong>ok as a lover the Trojan prince Ganymede.<br />
He was abducted by an eagle sent by Zeus (some legends believe it was Zeus disguised<br />
as an eagle). The prince was taken <strong>to</strong> Mount Olympus, where he became Zeus' cup<br />
bearer. Zeus also used his charm <strong>and</strong> unprecedented power <strong>to</strong> seduce those he<br />
wanted, so when Zeus promised Semele that he would reveal himself in all his<br />
splendor, in order <strong>to</strong> seduce her, the union produced Dionysus, but she was destroyed<br />
when Zeus appeared as thunder <strong>and</strong> lightening. Themis, the goddess of justice bore<br />
the three Horae, goddesses of the seasons <strong>to</strong> Zeus, <strong>and</strong> also the three Moirae, known<br />
as the Fates. When Zeus had an affair with Mnemosyne, he coupled with her for nine<br />
consecutive nights, which produced nine daughters, who became known as the<br />
Muses. They entertained their father <strong>and</strong> the other gods as a celestial choir on Mount<br />
Olympus. They became deities of intellectual pursuits. Also the three Charities or<br />
Graces were born from Zeus <strong>and</strong> Eurynome. From all his children Zeus gave man all<br />
he needed <strong>to</strong> live life in an ordered <strong>and</strong> moral way.<br />
Zeus had many <strong>Temple</strong>s <strong>and</strong> festivals in his honor, the most famous of his sanctuaries<br />
being Olympia, the magnificent '<strong>Temple</strong> of Zeus', which held the gold <strong>and</strong> ivory<br />
statue of the enthroned Zeus, sculpted by Phidias <strong>and</strong> hailed as one of the 'Seven<br />
Wonders of the Ancient World'. Also the Olympic Games were held in his honor.<br />
The Nemean Games, which were held every two years, were <strong>to</strong> honor Zeus. There<br />
were numerous festivals throughout Greece: in Athens they celebrated the marriage<br />
of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Hera with the Theogamia (or Gamelia). The celebrations were many: in<br />
all, Zeus had more than 150 epithets, each one being celebrated in his honor.
<strong>Gods</strong>, <strong>Goddesses</strong>, Spirits <strong>and</strong> Heroes For<br />
Spellcraft<br />
Calling on spirit entities can help magic, but must be done with care. God/desses <strong>and</strong><br />
other spirits are not simply h<strong>and</strong>y energy sources sitting around <strong>to</strong> manifest our will.<br />
They are powerful beings who are due a healthy portion of respect. If you're planning<br />
on invoking the blessing or requesting aid from a particular higher power, learn <strong>to</strong><br />
pronounce the name of the deity or spirit correctly, <strong>to</strong> prepare proper offerings <strong>and</strong><br />
altar regalia, <strong>and</strong> familiarize yourself with the cultural context in which he or she<br />
resides.<br />
This takes a little time, but is very important <strong>to</strong> helping you properly honor that<br />
power in your sacred space. It is also ethically important not just <strong>to</strong> r<strong>and</strong>omly call<br />
upon a power when you don't really know anything about them. The learning<br />
process helps you connect with that specific energy, venerate it in a suitable manner,<br />
<strong>and</strong> thereby improve dialogue with it.<br />
To choose a God/dess, spirit, or heroic figure for folk magic, you might consider one<br />
who has magic as part of His or Her domain of influence. Or you could petition your<br />
own personal God or Goddess. Another alternative is <strong>to</strong> call upon an entity whose<br />
jurisdiction is associated with your goal. Any one of these three approaches is<br />
perfectly fitting. Choose whichever one feels right for your magical path <strong>and</strong><br />
techniques.<br />
Following is a list of names arranged by <strong>to</strong>pic for you <strong>to</strong> consider. Note that next <strong>to</strong><br />
each name is an indication of that being's gender, culture, <strong>and</strong>, sometimes, specific<br />
sub dominions they are known for. To illustrate, the Goddess Ida-Ten, who may be<br />
helpful in general spells for obtaining truth, appears under that heading, but I have<br />
also noted her special power for the realm of legal matters. An asteriskaccompanying<br />
an entry indicates a plural deity or spirit.<br />
Additionally, this is an incomplete listing. For more information on <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> of the world, refer <strong>to</strong> The Witch's God <strong>and</strong> The Witch's Goddess, by Janet<br />
<strong>and</strong> Stewart Farrar, or Ancient Shining Ones, by D. J. Conway (see Bibliography).<br />
Amergin (M, Irish)<br />
Baduh (M, Semitic- Messages)<br />
Bharati (F, Hindu)<br />
Fides (F, Roman- In good faith)
Gadel (M, Irish)<br />
Hashye-Altye (M, Navajo)<br />
Hermes (M, Greek)<br />
Hu (M, Egyptian- Authority in)<br />
Ik<strong>to</strong> (M, Sioux)<br />
Imbaluris (F, Hittite)<br />
Iris (F, Greek)<br />
Mercury (M, Roman)<br />
Nabu (M, Babylonian- Written)<br />
Oghma (M, Irish-Written)<br />
Pairikas (F, Persian)<br />
Tashmit (F, Chaldean- Hearing)<br />
Vach (F, Hindu-Mystical discourse)<br />
Creativity Creativity<br />
Creativity<br />
Apollo (M, Greek/Roman)<br />
Athene (F, Greek)<br />
Bragi (M, Norse)<br />
Brighid (F, Irish)<br />
Luormotar (F, Finnish)<br />
Maya (F, Hindu)<br />
Muses(F, Greek)<br />
Namagiri (F, Hindu)<br />
Odin (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Ptah (M, Egyptian)<br />
Tvashtri (M, Hindu)<br />
Veveteotl (M, Aztec)<br />
Destiny, Destiny, Fate<br />
Fate<br />
Agathadaimon. (M, Egypt)<br />
Anagke (F, Greek)<br />
Arachne (F, Greek)<br />
Fa (M, Beninese)<br />
Fortuna (F, Roman)<br />
Meri (F, Chaldean)<br />
Moerae, The (F, Greek)*<br />
Nabu (M, Babylonian)<br />
Shai (M, Egyptian)<br />
Dedication<br />
Dedication<br />
Aramati (F, Hindu)
Ebisu (M, Japan- To occupation)<br />
Fides (F, Roman-Promises)<br />
Gaia (F, Greek--Oaths)<br />
Ida (F, Hindu)<br />
Divination, Divination, Oracles, Oracles, Prophesy<br />
Prophesy<br />
Adraste (F, British)<br />
Apollo (M, Roman)<br />
Bannik (M, Slavonic)<br />
Carmenta (F, Roman)<br />
Dione (F, Phoenician)<br />
Egeria. (F, Roman)<br />
Ev<strong>and</strong>er (M, Roman)<br />
Filia Vocis (F, Latin for Hebrew figure)<br />
Gaia (F, Greek)<br />
Gwendydd (F, Welsh)<br />
Hecate (F, Greek)<br />
Ida (F, Hindu)<br />
Inanna (F, Sumerian)<br />
Ishtar (F, Babylonian)<br />
Kwan Yin (F, Chinese)<br />
Mari (F, Basque)<br />
Namagiri (F, Hindu)<br />
Odin (M, Norse)<br />
Phoebus Apollo (M, Greek)<br />
Shamash (M, Babylonian)<br />
Shaushka (F, Hittite)<br />
Fertility, Fertility, Fruitfulness, Fruitfulness, Fruitfulness, Productivity<br />
Productivity<br />
Acat (M, Mayan)<br />
Ahurani (F, Persian)<br />
Aima (F, Hebrew)<br />
Althea (F, Greek)<br />
Amahita (F, Persian)<br />
Anat (F, Canaanite)<br />
Apollo (M, Greece/Roman)<br />
Astarte (F, Canaanite)<br />
Atergatis (F, Syrian)<br />
Baal (M, Phoenician)<br />
Bacchus (M, Greek)<br />
Berchta (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic)
Bona Dea (F, Roman)<br />
Brimo (F, Greek)<br />
Cupra (F, Etruscan)<br />
Damara (F, British)<br />
Dionysus (M, Greek)<br />
Freya (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic)<br />
Isis (F, Egypt)<br />
Lono (F, Polynesian)<br />
Ma (F, Lydian)<br />
Neith (F, Egyptian)<br />
Phoebus Apollo (M, Greek)<br />
Sati (F, Egyptian)<br />
Wajwer (M, Egyptian)<br />
Friendship<br />
Friendship<br />
Maitri (F, Hindu)<br />
Mithras (M, Persian)<br />
Happiness, Happiness, Joy<br />
Joy<br />
Amaterasu (F, Japanese)<br />
Ataksak (M, Eskimo)<br />
Baldur (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Fu,Hsing (M, Chinese)<br />
Hathor (F, Egyptian)<br />
Hotei (M, Japanese)<br />
Omacatl (M, Aztec)<br />
Samkhat (F, Babylonian)<br />
Tien Kuan (M, Chinese)<br />
Health, Health, Well Well-Being Well Being<br />
Asclepius (M, Greek)<br />
Apollo (M, Greek/Roman)<br />
Brighid (F, Irish)<br />
Diancecht (M, Irish)<br />
Eir (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic)<br />
Eshmun (M, Phoenician)<br />
Gula (F, Babylonian)<br />
Hygeia (F, Greek)<br />
Karusepas (F, Hittite)<br />
Kedesh (F, Syrian)<br />
Kwan Yin (F, Chinese)
Liban (F, Irish)<br />
Salus (F, Roman)<br />
Tien Kuan (M, Chinese)<br />
Home Home Matters<br />
Matters<br />
Bannik (M, Slavonic)<br />
Cardea (F, Roman- Protection)<br />
Da-Bog (M, Slavonic)<br />
Dugnai (F, Slavonic)<br />
Gucumatz (M, Mayan)<br />
Hastehogan. (M, Navajo)<br />
Hestia (F, Greek)<br />
Kikimora (F, Slavonic)<br />
Kitchen God (M, Chinese)<br />
Neith (F, Egyptian)<br />
Penates (M, Roman)*<br />
Vesta (F, Roman)<br />
Knowledge, Knowledge, Insight<br />
Insight<br />
Binah (F, Hebrew)<br />
Buddhi (F, Tibetan)<br />
Cerridwen (F, Welsh)<br />
Deshtri (F, Hindu- Learning)<br />
Gwion (M, Welsh)<br />
Namagiri (F, Hindu- Teaching)<br />
Hanuman (M, Hindu- Learning)<br />
Hermes (M, Greek)<br />
K'uei Hsing (M, Chinese- Tests)<br />
Ormazd (M, Persia)<br />
Shing Mu (F, Chinese)<br />
Sia (M, Egyptian)<br />
Tenjin (M, Japanese)<br />
Toma (F, Tibetan)<br />
Luck, Luck, Fortune<br />
Fortune<br />
Agathadaimon (M, Egyptian)<br />
Benten (F, Japanese)<br />
Bonus Eventus (M, Roman)<br />
Chala (F, Hindu)<br />
Diakoku (M, Japanese)<br />
Gansea (M, Hindu)
Kichijo-Ten (F-japanese)<br />
Lakshmi (F, Hindu)<br />
Muses, The(F, Greek)<br />
Tamon. (M, Japanese)<br />
Magick Magick (General, (General, Including Including Psychic Psychic Abilit Ability) Abilit y)<br />
Amathaon (M, Welsh)<br />
Aunt Piety (F, Chinese)<br />
Aradia (F, Italian)<br />
Ayizan (F, Haitian)<br />
Cernunnos (M, Celtic)<br />
Cerridwen (F, Welsh)<br />
Dakinis (F, Tibetan- Psychic)*<br />
Diana (F, Roman)<br />
Ea (MI Babylonian)<br />
Eterna (F, Chinese)<br />
Gulleig (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic)<br />
Habondia (F, Medieval)<br />
Love, Love, Romance Romance<br />
Romance<br />
Hecate (F, Greek)<br />
Amun Ra (M, Egyptian)<br />
Herodias (F, Gaulish)<br />
Anat (F, Canaanite)<br />
Holle (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic)<br />
Angus (M, Irish)<br />
Kwan Yin (F, Chinese)<br />
Aphrodite (F, Greek)<br />
Mari (F, Basque)<br />
Belili (F, Sumerian)<br />
Odin (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Rangda (F, Hindu)<br />
Untunktahe (M, Dakota)<br />
Moon Moon Magick<br />
Magick<br />
Al-Lat (F, Persian)<br />
Anumati (F, Hindu)<br />
Artemis (F, Greek)<br />
Ashima (F, Samaritan)<br />
Belili (F, Sumerian)<br />
Callis<strong>to</strong> (F, Greek)
Diana (F, Roman)<br />
Fati (M, Polynesian)<br />
Gou (M, Beninese)<br />
Hecate (F, Greek)<br />
lah (M, Egyptian)<br />
Ilmagah (M, Semitic)<br />
Jerah (F, Hebrew)<br />
Levanah (F, Chaldean)<br />
Luna (F, Roman)<br />
Mah (M, Persian)<br />
Mani (M, Nordic)<br />
Re (F, Phoenician)<br />
Selene (F, Greek)<br />
Peace, Peace, Peace, Harmony, Harmony, Restitution Restitution<br />
Restitution<br />
Athene (F, Greek)<br />
Concordia (F, Roman)<br />
Forseti (MI Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Harmonia (F, Greek)<br />
Kuan-Ti (M, Chinese)<br />
Pax (F, Roman)<br />
Prosperity Prosperity<br />
Prosperity<br />
Anna Koun (F, Hindu)<br />
Anna Perenna (F, Roman)<br />
Anu (F, Irish)<br />
Benten (F, Japanese)<br />
Buddhi (F, Hindu)<br />
Daikouku (M, Japanese)<br />
Inari (M, Japanese)<br />
Jambhala (M, Buddhist)<br />
Lakshmi (F, Hindu)<br />
Lu-Hsing (M, Chinese)<br />
Ops (F, Roman)<br />
Plu<strong>to</strong>s (M, Greek)<br />
Vasudhara (F, Hindu)<br />
Protection<br />
Protection<br />
Aditi (F, Hindu)<br />
Atar (M, Persian)<br />
Auchimalgen (F, Chilean)
Achilles (M, Greek)<br />
Mars (M, Roman)Athena (F, Greek)<br />
Nahmauit (F, Egypt)Atlas (M, Greek)<br />
Padmapani (M, Buddhist)<br />
Prometheus (M, Greek)<br />
Sheila-na-gig (F, Irish)<br />
Shui-Kuan (M, Chinese)<br />
Syen (M, Slavonic-Home)<br />
Thor (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Sexual Sexual Sexual Prowness/Enjoym<br />
Prowness/Enjoyment<br />
Prowness/Enjoym<br />
Prowness/Enjoyment<br />
ent<br />
Aphrodite (F, Greek)<br />
Arami (F, Hindu)Perseus (M, Greek)<br />
Bes (M, Egyptian)Sita (F, Hindu)<br />
Hathor (F, EgyptianSuwa (F, Arab)<br />
Heket (F, Egyptian)Zorya (F, Slavonic)<br />
Indrani (F, Hindu)<br />
Lalita (F, Hindu)SOLAR<br />
Min (M, Egyptian)<br />
Rati (F, Hindu)<br />
Venus (F, Roman)<br />
Strength/Courage<br />
Strength/Courage<br />
Achilles (M, Greek)<br />
Athena (F, Greek)<br />
Atlas (M, Greek)<br />
Bellona (F, Roman)<br />
Hercules (M, Roman)<br />
Mars (M, Roman)<br />
Morgan (F, Bre<strong>to</strong>n)<br />
Muilidheartach (F, Scottish)<br />
Neith (F, Egyptian)<br />
Peresus (M, Greek)<br />
Sita (F, Hindu)<br />
Suwa (F, Arab)<br />
Zorya (F, Slavonic)<br />
Solar Solar Solar Magick<br />
Magick<br />
Amaterasu (F, Japanese)<br />
Amun Ra (M, Egyptian)<br />
Apollo (M, Greek/Roman)
Asva (F, Hindu)<br />
Aya (F, Babylonian)<br />
Baldur (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Bast (F, Egyptian)<br />
Bochica (M, Columbian)<br />
Da-Bog (M, Slavonic)<br />
Dyaus (M, Hindu)<br />
Eos (F, Greek)<br />
Helios (M, Greek)<br />
His-Ho (F, Chinese)<br />
Hyperion (M, Greek)<br />
Igaehindvo (F, Native American)<br />
Li (F, Chinese)<br />
Maui (M, Polynesian)<br />
Sul (F, British)<br />
Surya (M, Hindu)<br />
Travel<br />
Travel<br />
Akaru,Hime (F, Japanese, Water)<br />
Bielbog (M, Slavonic, Forest)<br />
Ekchuah (M, Mayan)<br />
Glaucus (M, Greek, Water)<br />
Hasammelis (M, Hittite)<br />
Kunado (M, Japanese, Roads)<br />
Mercury (M, Roman)<br />
Truth, Truth, Validity, Justice<br />
Aleitheia (F, Gnostic)<br />
Anase (M, African- Intermediary)<br />
Apollo (M, Greek/Roman)<br />
Astraea (F, Greek)<br />
Erinyes (F, Greek)*<br />
Filia Vocis (F, Latin)<br />
Forseti (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Gibil (M' Babylonian, Arbitration)<br />
Ida-Ten (M, Japanese, Legal matters)<br />
Kukuri-Hime (F, Japanese, Mediation)<br />
Ma'at (F, Egyptian)<br />
Misharu (MI Babylonian, Rules)<br />
Mithras (M, Persian)<br />
Nusku (M, Babylonian)
Sin (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic)<br />
Tyr (MI Teu<strong>to</strong>nic, Rules)<br />
Varuna (M, Hindu, Justice)<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ry/Success<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ry/Success<br />
Hercules (M, Roman)<br />
Korraual (F, Hindu)<br />
Nike (F, Greek)<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ria (F, Roman)<br />
Vijaya (F, Hindu)<br />
Weather<br />
Weather<br />
Aeolus (M, Greek, Wind)<br />
Agni (MI Hindu-Rain <strong>and</strong> lightning)<br />
Awhiowhio (MI Australian, Whirlwinds)<br />
Gwalu (M, Nigerian, Rain)<br />
Hadad (M, Babylonian, S<strong>to</strong>rms)<br />
Holle (F, Teu<strong>to</strong>nic, Snow)<br />
Jupiter (M, Roman)<br />
Mama Quilla (F, Incan, Rain)<br />
Mari (F, Basque)<br />
Peroun (M, Slavonic, Thunder)<br />
Rainbow Snake (M/F, Australian)<br />
Rodasi (F, Hindu, S<strong>to</strong>rm)<br />
Sadwes (F, Persian, Rain)<br />
Sarama (F, Japanese, Wind)<br />
Saranyu. (F, Hindu, Clouds)<br />
Thor (M, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian, Thunder)<br />
Tien Mu (F, Chinese, Lightning)<br />
Tallai (F, Canaanite, Rain)<br />
Wisdom Wisdom<br />
Wisdom<br />
Atri (M, Hindu)<br />
Baldur (MI Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian)<br />
Bragi (M, Norse)<br />
Buddha (M, Far Eastern)<br />
Dainichi (M, Japanese)<br />
Ea (M' Babylonian)<br />
Gasmu (F, Chaldean)<br />
Heh (F, Egyptian)<br />
Ekadzati (F, Tibetan, Mystical)
Metis (F, Greek)<br />
Minerva (F, Roman)<br />
Clannes (M' Babylonian)<br />
Prajna (F, Hindu)<br />
Shekinah (F, Hebrew)<br />
Sophia (F, Gnostic)
Greek <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Achelous<br />
Greek river god. Acheloüs, in the form of a bull, fought Heracles for Deianira. He lost<br />
<strong>and</strong> Heracles broke off one of his horns which became the Cornucopia, or horn of<br />
plenty. Achelous is known for having fathered the sirens, also called the Acheloides.<br />
Eldest son of Oceanus <strong>and</strong> Tethys. Also known as Acheloos<br />
Adonis<br />
Greek vegetation god <strong>and</strong> consort of Aphrodite. He was actually a Phoenecian god<br />
who was later adopted by the Greeks as a mortal consort <strong>to</strong> Aphrodite. He was killed<br />
by a wild boar, <strong>and</strong> Aphrodite caused the plant anemone <strong>to</strong> grow from him when she<br />
discovered his body. Symbolizes element of earth, love, fertility, health.<br />
Aeolos<br />
Greek god of wind <strong>and</strong> air. Aeolos lived on an isl<strong>and</strong> near Sicily where he guarded the<br />
caves where he kept the winds. He would let out he wind only as the gods of<br />
Olympus instructed, whether in gusts, gales, or breezes.<br />
One day, Odysseus visited Aeolos on the isl<strong>and</strong>. He was warmly welcomed, <strong>and</strong> when<br />
he left, Aeolos gave him a bag containing all the dangerous <strong>and</strong> threatening winds, so<br />
that Odysseus would have a safe travel back <strong>to</strong> Ithaca without worrying about bad<br />
weather.<br />
Odysseus did as Aeolos bid him, but once his homel<strong>and</strong> was in sight, he laid down <strong>to</strong><br />
sleep knowing he needn't worry about poor weather. But as he slept, one of his men<br />
curiously opened the bag, freeing all the fierce winds <strong>and</strong> blowing the little ship way<br />
of course.<br />
Aether<br />
Greek personification of air.<br />
Aethon<br />
Greek personification of famine.<br />
Alcmene<br />
Greek goddess of midwinter, the new year, stateliness, beauty <strong>and</strong> wisdom. Zeus<br />
fooled her by appearing as her husb<strong>and</strong>, because of which she had a child by him. The<br />
result of her union with Zeus was Hercules.
Alcyone<br />
Greek goddess of the sea, the moon, calm, tranquility. She who brings life <strong>to</strong> death<br />
<strong>and</strong> death <strong>to</strong> life.<br />
Alpheios<br />
Greek river god. He became infatuated with a nymph named Arethusa. He perused<br />
her <strong>to</strong> incessantly that she eventually prayed <strong>to</strong> Artemis for help. Artemis answered<br />
her by making the stream Arethusa inhabited <strong>and</strong> represent run underground,<br />
thereby eluding the persistent Alpheios.<br />
Alphi<strong>to</strong><br />
Greek goddess of barley flour, destiny, <strong>and</strong> the moon.<br />
Amphityonis<br />
Greek goddess of wine, friendships <strong>and</strong> relationships between nations.<br />
Amphitrite<br />
Greek goddess of the sea. She <strong>to</strong>ok care of all the creatures of the ocean. Wife of<br />
Poseidon, daughter of Oceanus <strong>and</strong> Tethys.<br />
Apeliotes<br />
Greek god of the south-eastern winds.<br />
Aphrodite<br />
Greek Goddess of passion <strong>and</strong> sexual love, <strong>and</strong> womanly beauty. She is considered the<br />
epi<strong>to</strong>me of beauty <strong>and</strong> femininity. Said <strong>to</strong> have been born of sea-foam.<br />
She is kind <strong>to</strong> those she liked, but can be cruel <strong>and</strong> merciless <strong>to</strong> those who displease<br />
her. She married Hephaes<strong>to</strong>s, had an affair with Ares, <strong>and</strong> was caught.<br />
Aphrodite is the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Dione, <strong>and</strong> mother of Eros. Her animal <strong>to</strong>tems<br />
are the dove, sparrow, swan, <strong>and</strong> swallow. Plants sacred <strong>to</strong> her are myrtle, poppy,<br />
rose, <strong>and</strong> apple. She symbolizes feminine prowess, sexuality, relationships, flower<br />
magic.<br />
Apollo<br />
Greek god of the sun, light, music, song, medicine, <strong>and</strong> healing. Patron of herdsmen.
Apollo's mother Le<strong>to</strong> was forced <strong>to</strong> run from Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus. She went<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Isl<strong>and</strong> of Delos <strong>and</strong> delivered her two children- the twins, Apollo <strong>and</strong> Artemis.<br />
Though the god of light, Apollo had a dark side. Under the name of Carneios, he is<br />
seen as a god of death. He <strong>and</strong> Artemis slew all of their mother Le<strong>to</strong>'s children when<br />
Niobe, their gr<strong>and</strong>mother, claimed all of Le<strong>to</strong>'s children were more beautiful than the<br />
gods.<br />
Apollo was worshipped at the oracle of Delphi, where a priestess who give forth his<br />
predictions. The Greeks believed that the Egyptian God Heru <strong>and</strong> Apollo were the<br />
same deities. He is the twin brother of Artemis. Apollo's minor associations include<br />
black magic, blessing, justice, divination, oracles, prophecy, creativity, fertility,<br />
productivity, success.<br />
Arachne<br />
Greek spider goddess, weaver of fate <strong>and</strong> destiny.<br />
Ares<br />
Greek war god of s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> hurricanes, also considered a father of the gods.<br />
Undoubtedly the most fierce <strong>and</strong> vicious of the gods within the Greek pantheon. He<br />
had a passion for mass slaughter. Son of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Hera.<br />
Artemis<br />
Greek goddess of the moon <strong>and</strong> the hunt. She is also one of the virgin goddesses, <strong>and</strong><br />
she protects women in labor, small children <strong>and</strong> wild animals. She, Hestia, <strong>and</strong><br />
Athena are not affected by Aphrodite's manipulations. Artemis may be thought of as<br />
the "silver goddess." She wore silver s<strong>and</strong>als, rode a silver chariot in the silver<br />
moonlight, <strong>and</strong> kills with silver arrows shot from a silver bow. In fact, many dying<br />
women, as well as women in childbirth, went <strong>to</strong> Artemis <strong>to</strong> ask for a quick, painless<br />
death from Her silver arrows.<br />
Artemis was very beautiful <strong>and</strong> had many sui<strong>to</strong>rs, but would not marry until she<br />
found someone as wild <strong>and</strong> free <strong>and</strong> herself. Her nymphs, as well, vowed <strong>to</strong> not<br />
marry.<br />
But one day, seven of the nymphs were in the woods when they saw the strong <strong>and</strong><br />
h<strong>and</strong>some hunter Orion. Because of their promise <strong>to</strong> shun men, they fled. But he saw<br />
them <strong>and</strong> perused. Though swift <strong>and</strong> lithe, the nymphs grew weary. They called out<br />
<strong>to</strong> Artemis for help. Hearing their prayer, she turned them in<strong>to</strong> pigeons, which flew<br />
up in<strong>to</strong> the sky <strong>and</strong> because the stars called the Pleiades.
Orion turned away <strong>to</strong> hunt elsewhere, but soon met Artemis herself. Sharing a<br />
passion for hunting <strong>and</strong> the woodl<strong>and</strong>s, they became good friends.<br />
Apollo worried that she would marry Orion <strong>and</strong> break her vow. He knew that Orion<br />
received the ability <strong>to</strong> walk on water from his father Poseidon <strong>and</strong> was often out on<br />
the sea. So, he went <strong>to</strong> his sister <strong>and</strong> led her <strong>to</strong> the sea. Provoking her with his great<br />
accomplishments, he dared her <strong>to</strong> try <strong>to</strong> hit a distant target at sea. Unaware that it was<br />
Orion, she shot an arrow precisely <strong>and</strong> hit the target.<br />
The waves lifted Orion's body <strong>to</strong> the short. Artemis grieved her loss, then she placed<br />
him among the stars, with the Pleiades <strong>and</strong> his dog Sirius.<br />
Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo, <strong>and</strong> the daughter of Le<strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> Zeus. Also<br />
symbolizes health, love, charms, shape shifting. Sacred <strong>to</strong> Artemis are deer/stags,<br />
geese, wild dogs, fish, goats, bees, bears, trees.<br />
Asopos<br />
A minor Greek river god.<br />
Astarte<br />
"The Lady of the Mountain". Greek goddess of fertility, fire, love, productivity,<br />
astrology, war, vengeance, vic<strong>to</strong>ry, sexual prowess.<br />
Ate<br />
Greek goddess of obsession, guilty, infatuation, <strong>and</strong> mischief. She was a trickster who<br />
would lead men in<strong>to</strong> actions that would be their demise.<br />
Athena<br />
Greek Goddess of war <strong>and</strong> wisdom. She is the daughter of Zeus, born by springing<br />
forth fully grown from his forehead. It is believed that she was conceived <strong>to</strong> carry out<br />
deeds that Zeus could not do but would want <strong>to</strong>.<br />
Her name, "Pallas Athene", is representative of her dual nature. She can be seen as<br />
"Pallas", goddess of s<strong>to</strong>rms, courage, strength, battle, war, chivalry, <strong>and</strong> vic<strong>to</strong>ry. She<br />
can also be "Athene", the goddess of peace, beauty, wisdom, creativity, education,<br />
science, <strong>and</strong> the arts.<br />
She was responsible for teaching mortals natal care <strong>and</strong> healing. She also invented the<br />
flute, created the olive tree, <strong>and</strong> showed men how <strong>to</strong> train horses.
Athena is the patron of craftsmen <strong>and</strong> the protec<strong>to</strong>r of cities. Her animal symbols are<br />
the cock, snake, owl, <strong>and</strong> olive tree.<br />
I begin <strong>to</strong> sing of Pallas Athena, the glorious Goddess, bright-eyed, inventive,<br />
unbending of heart, pure virgin, savior of cities, courageous, Tri<strong>to</strong>geneia. Wise Zeus<br />
himself bore her from his awful head, arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, <strong>and</strong><br />
awe seized all the gods as they gazed. But Athena sprang quickly from the immortal<br />
head <strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>od before Zeus who holds the aegis, shaking a sharp spear: great Olympus<br />
began <strong>to</strong> reel horribly at the might of the bright-eyed Goddess, <strong>and</strong> earth round about<br />
cried fearfully, <strong>and</strong> the sea was moved <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>ssed with dark waves, while foam burst<br />
forth suddenly: the bright Son of Hyperion s<strong>to</strong>pped his swift-footed horses a long<br />
while, until the maiden Pallas Athena had stripped the heavenly armor from her<br />
immortal shoulders. And wise Zeus was glad. And so hail <strong>to</strong> you, daughter of Zeus<br />
who holds the aegis!<br />
-Homeric Hmyn #28<br />
Aura<br />
Greek goddess of the morning wind. See also Aurora.<br />
Aurora<br />
Greek goddess of the dawning morning. She gave birth <strong>to</strong> the morning star <strong>and</strong> the<br />
winds (Zephyrus, Boreas, No<strong>to</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> Euros) by Astraeos, the god of starlight.<br />
Bacchus<br />
Roman god of fertility, mirth, merriment, revelry, wine, wisdom, <strong>and</strong> inspiration.<br />
Bacchus was born of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Semele's union against the will of Hera, Zeus' wife.<br />
When the jealous Hera learned of Semele's pregnancy by Zeus she angrily plotted<br />
against them. She disguised herself <strong>and</strong> came <strong>to</strong> Semele, telling her she should ask<br />
that Zeus appear before her in all his glory as the god of thunder. Zeus swore <strong>to</strong> grant<br />
whatever wish Semele might have. Forced <strong>to</strong> abide by his oath, he appeared <strong>to</strong> Semele<br />
as a display of lightening <strong>and</strong> thunder, which killed her. As Semele died, she gave<br />
birth <strong>to</strong> Bacchus, who died as well. Zeus res<strong>to</strong>red life <strong>to</strong> him <strong>and</strong> sent the child <strong>to</strong> be<br />
raised by the nymphs, out of Hera's jealous eye.<br />
As the god of spring, he is Bacchus is said <strong>to</strong> be in terrible pain during winter when<br />
the flowering plants <strong>and</strong> vines wither <strong>and</strong> die.
His followers were called bacchants. After reveling <strong>and</strong> overindulging in wine, they<br />
danced around in a craze often trampling <strong>and</strong> tearing people <strong>and</strong> animals <strong>to</strong> pieces.<br />
Bacchanalia was a festival held which involved excessive drinking <strong>and</strong> drunken<br />
orgies. Also known as Dionysus [Greek].<br />
Blessed are the disciples who become prophets, the Gnostics who hold the holy w<strong>and</strong><br />
of god. Blessed are those who wear the ivy crown of the Conquering One--Blessed,<br />
blessed are they, Bacchus is our god!<br />
-Bacchae Euripides, circa 400 BCE<br />
Balder<br />
Norse (Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian) god of joy, light, beauty, innocence, purity, <strong>and</strong> reconciliation.<br />
His parents are Odin <strong>and</strong> Frigg.<br />
Balder's mother, Frigg, <strong>to</strong>ok oaths from all plants, creatures, minerals, <strong>and</strong> elements<br />
that they would not harm him, all except the mistle<strong>to</strong>e plant for she felt it was <strong>to</strong>o<br />
young <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>o small <strong>to</strong> harm him. He was therefore considered immune from harm<br />
<strong>and</strong> the other gods would throw things at him in sport. Loki deceived Hod (Balder's<br />
blind brother) in<strong>to</strong> throwing a spear made from mistle<strong>to</strong>e at Baldur. It was this which<br />
killed him. This s<strong>to</strong>ry can easily be compared <strong>to</strong> the Greek legend of Achilles' heel.<br />
Boreas<br />
Greek god of the northern arctic winds. He vied with Zephyrus for the love of<br />
Chloris, <strong>and</strong> lost.<br />
Callis<strong>to</strong><br />
Greek moon goddess.<br />
Chloe<br />
Greek. Demeter's name as protec<strong>to</strong>r of spouts.<br />
Cybele<br />
Greek Great Mother of the <strong>Gods</strong>. She is the leading deity of the Greek mystery<br />
religions. Symbolizes the element air <strong>and</strong> fertility.<br />
Cytherea<br />
Another name for the Greek love goddess Aphrodite. See also Aphrodite.
Daemons<br />
A race of invisible beings. Assigned by Zeus <strong>to</strong> every mortal <strong>to</strong> attend <strong>to</strong>, protect, <strong>and</strong><br />
guide. They were nameless unless they attended a god or goddess. To be watchful of<br />
your life, cheerful, <strong>and</strong> honorable, is <strong>to</strong> respect your daemon. To be reckless <strong>and</strong><br />
ignore your conscience is <strong>to</strong> go against the daemon. The daemon would die with its<br />
assigned mortal.<br />
The Greeks believed that great heroes <strong>and</strong> champions were possessed by daemons.<br />
Eventually this belief extended, <strong>and</strong> the Greeks believe that every hero died<br />
honorably was actually ascended <strong>to</strong> live with the gods.<br />
Demeter<br />
Greek Earth goddess. All-nourishing mother of the earth.<br />
Her daughter, Persephone, was gathering flowers one day when Hades came out from<br />
the earth <strong>and</strong> abducted her <strong>to</strong> make her his bride. Demeter grieved <strong>and</strong> searched all<br />
the l<strong>and</strong>s for her. Wherever she was warmly received, she would give people<br />
instruction in agriculture. Along her way she met the kind Keleos of Attica, <strong>and</strong> left<br />
him her snake-drawn carriage <strong>and</strong> the seed of barely so that he could spread the<br />
knowledge of agriculture around the l<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Demeter finally found out where Persephone had been taken. Though Zeus had given<br />
Hades permission <strong>to</strong> carry off the girl, <strong>and</strong> had instructed the other gods not <strong>to</strong> help,<br />
Demeter was able <strong>to</strong> convince them <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> her aid. They agreed, provided that<br />
Persephone had not eaten anything in her time in the underworld. However,<br />
Persephone had eaten 6 seeds of a pomegranate Hades had given her as proof of her<br />
love. They came <strong>to</strong> a compromise; Persephone would spend 6 months of the year<br />
with Demeter, during which time the earth would prosper <strong>and</strong> flourish in Demeter's<br />
joy. The other 6 months would be passed by Persephone in the underworld with<br />
Hades. While Persephone is with Hades, Demeter grieves her <strong>and</strong> the earth suffered<br />
extreme temperatures <strong>and</strong> poor harvests. This is a myth which explains the seasons.<br />
Demeter is the daughter of Chronos <strong>and</strong> Rhea. She is associated with agriculture,<br />
crops, <strong>and</strong> all produce, as well as abundance in childbirth <strong>and</strong> agriculture.<br />
Dione<br />
Greek nature <strong>and</strong> earth goddess, daughter of Uranus <strong>and</strong> Gaia. Mother of Aphrodite.<br />
Associated with divination, predictions, love, prophecy.<br />
Discordia
Roman goddess of discord <strong>and</strong> strife, known as Eris <strong>to</strong> the Greeks. The other gods<br />
employed her <strong>to</strong> stir up feuds <strong>and</strong> rivalry amongst men. Root of Erisian/Discordian<br />
beliefs. Mother of Enyo.<br />
Doris<br />
Greek sea goddess.<br />
Eirene<br />
Greek goddess of peace <strong>and</strong> wealth. Her symbols include the cornucopia, the olive<br />
branch, corn ears on her head, <strong>and</strong> Herme's staff. Also known as Pax.<br />
Elpis<br />
Greek god of hope who s<strong>to</strong>od over Eros holding a lily.<br />
Enyo<br />
Greek goddess of war. She spreads terror <strong>and</strong> alarm before <strong>and</strong> during combat. A<br />
consort of Ares, sometimes considered his sister, sometimes his wife.<br />
Erebos<br />
A Greek god of darkness.<br />
Eros<br />
Greek god of sexual desire. See also Cupid.<br />
Eunomia<br />
Greek goddess of order <strong>and</strong> legislation.<br />
Faunus<br />
Roman <strong>and</strong> Italian god of woodl<strong>and</strong>s. Symbolizes love. Also known as Pan [Greek].<br />
Flora<br />
Roman goddess of blossoming <strong>and</strong> flowering plants. She is the wife of Zephyrus who<br />
gave her eternal youth. Also known as Chloris [Greek]<br />
Ganymede<br />
Greek cup bearer.<br />
Hades
Greek god of death, keeper of the underworld. He was the brother of Zeus but was in<br />
the underworld instead of upon Olympus.<br />
Helios<br />
Greek god of the sun. His roman counterpart was Sol.<br />
Hephaestus<br />
Greek blacksmith god. Fire magic, creativity, wisdom.<br />
Hera<br />
Greek goddess of matrimony <strong>and</strong> cycles of women's growth. Sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Zeus.<br />
She is best known for her intense jealousy of all of Zeus' affairs with mortal women.<br />
She can be invoked for love, the moon, element of Air, motherhood.<br />
Hermes<br />
Greek god of commerce. He was a messenger for the gods, often carrying messages<br />
from mortals <strong>to</strong> gods <strong>and</strong> vice versa. He symbolizes communication, health,<br />
knowledge, fertility, <strong>and</strong> insight.<br />
Hestia<br />
Greek mother goddess. She symbolizes the element of fire, domestic <strong>and</strong> home magic,<br />
conception, <strong>and</strong> the well-being of the self <strong>and</strong> family. See also Vesta.<br />
Hymen<br />
Greek god of marriage. Symbolizes love, virginity, <strong>and</strong> obviously the oath of<br />
marriage.<br />
Hypno<br />
Greek god of sleep. Bother of Thana<strong>to</strong>s (death) <strong>and</strong> Dreams. Son of Nox (night) <strong>and</strong><br />
Erebus.<br />
Jupiter<br />
Roman god of the sky <strong>and</strong> the father of all gods <strong>and</strong> men. He symbolizes the element<br />
air. Also known as Zeus [Greek]. See also Zeus.<br />
Ladon<br />
Greek river god, son of Oceanus <strong>and</strong> Tethys, father of Daphne.<br />
Liber
Roman god of wild nature, fertility, passionate lovemaking <strong>and</strong> wine. Also known as<br />
Libera. His counterparts are the Greek gods Dionysius <strong>and</strong> Bacchus. He symbolizes<br />
fertility <strong>and</strong> wild personalities.<br />
Maia<br />
"Gr<strong>and</strong>mother of Magic". Greek goddess of spring, youth, life, <strong>and</strong> rebirth. One of the<br />
seven daughters of Atlas <strong>and</strong> mother of Hermes. She symbolizes love.<br />
Mars<br />
Roman god of war. Symbolizes protection, strength, health, energy. Also known as<br />
Ares [Greek].<br />
Moros<br />
Greek god of doom; deification of an unfortunate destiny <strong>and</strong> the fate of a violent<br />
death.<br />
Nike<br />
Greek winged goddess of vic<strong>to</strong>ry. Also known as Vic<strong>to</strong>ria [Roman]<br />
Nus<br />
Greek god of underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> intelligence.<br />
Oceanus<br />
Greek deified stream which encircled Gaea <strong>and</strong> was the source of all water. Was the<br />
father of all the water deities by Tethys. Eldest of the Titans.<br />
Onatha<br />
Iroquois goddess of wheat <strong>and</strong> crops, similar <strong>to</strong> the Greek goddess Persephone. See<br />
also Persephone.<br />
Pan<br />
Greek god of fertility <strong>and</strong> the woodl<strong>and</strong>s. He was later demonized by the Christian<br />
church. He emodies love, lust, fertility, <strong>and</strong> the element of earth.<br />
Io Pan! Io Pan Pan! Pan Pan! Pan, I am a man: Do as thou wilt, as a great god<br />
can, O Pan! Io Pan! Io Pan! Io Pan Pan! I am awake in the grip of the snake.<br />
-"Hymn <strong>to</strong> Pan", Aleister Crowley
Plutus<br />
Greek god of wealth. He was thought <strong>to</strong> be blind because wealth is given<br />
indiscriminately <strong>to</strong> both the good <strong>and</strong> the bad. Some s<strong>to</strong>ries say eventually he gains<br />
his sight back so he can give wealth <strong>to</strong> the deserving.<br />
Poseidon<br />
Greek god of earthquakes <strong>and</strong> the sea. Symbolizes the elements air <strong>and</strong> water, can be<br />
invoked for the moon.<br />
Pothos<br />
Greek deification of love, passion, <strong>and</strong> desire. Consort of Aphrodite.<br />
Prometheus<br />
In Greek mythology, Prometheus was the titan who s<strong>to</strong>le fire from the gods <strong>and</strong> gave<br />
it <strong>to</strong> humans, along with the arts <strong>and</strong> civilization. He was also often regarded as the<br />
crea<strong>to</strong>r of man from clay, the first human, <strong>and</strong> humanity's savior when Zeus<br />
threatened <strong>to</strong> kill all human beings. He greatly offended Zeus by his actions <strong>and</strong> was<br />
punished. There are different sources with different accounts of the legend.<br />
In Hesiod's version, Zeus' punishment was the creation of P<strong>and</strong>ora, the first woman,<br />
who was overtaken by temptation <strong>and</strong> opened a forbidden box thereby unleashing all<br />
the lamentations <strong>and</strong> evils of the world.<br />
In the Aeschylean version, Zeus had Prometheus chained <strong>to</strong> a rock on Mount<br />
Caucasus where an eagle ate away at his liver, starting all over each day after the liver<br />
had grown back during the night. He is eventually rescued by Hercules.<br />
Proteus<br />
Greek sea god who served Poseidon. He was a shape shifter <strong>and</strong> changed form at will.<br />
Pythia<br />
Greek serpent <strong>and</strong> snake goddess, daughter of Gaia.<br />
Salacia<br />
Roman goddess of spring water. Called Amphitrite by the Greeks.<br />
Saturn<br />
Roman god of agriculture <strong>and</strong> ruler of the golden age. Also known as Kronos,<br />
Chronos [Greek].
Selene<br />
"The Radiant", "The Well Dressed Queen". Greek moon goddess <strong>and</strong> teacher <strong>to</strong> the<br />
magicians <strong>and</strong> sorcerers or sorceresses. She was a beautiful woman with long wings<br />
<strong>and</strong> a halo of gold. Daughter of Hyperion <strong>and</strong> Theia, sister of Helios <strong>and</strong> Eos. She<br />
symbolizes the moon. Also known as Phoebe.<br />
Serapis<br />
P<strong>to</strong>lemaic god of the afterlife <strong>and</strong> fertility, devised by the Greeks from Osiris <strong>and</strong><br />
Apis. Physician <strong>and</strong> helper of worshippers in distress. Symbolizes health/healing <strong>and</strong><br />
fertility.<br />
Thetis<br />
Greek goddess who had an affair with Zeus. However, Zeus learned that Thetis' son<br />
would be more powerful than his father, so he married her off <strong>to</strong> Peleus. They had a<br />
son named Achilles. Thetis attempted <strong>to</strong> make him immortal by dipping him in the<br />
river Styx, but because she held him by the heel, his heel remained his weakness.<br />
Thus the allusion <strong>to</strong> "Achilles' Heel".<br />
Zephyrus<br />
Greek-Roman god of the west winds, the most pleasant <strong>and</strong> favored of the winds.<br />
Symbolizes the element air. Also known as Zephyrs, Zephyr.<br />
Zeus<br />
Chief god of the Greek pantheon. He is the god of skies, lightening, thunder, <strong>and</strong><br />
s<strong>to</strong>rms. He also takes on other forms:<br />
Zeus Chronos: Fertility, earth<br />
Zeus Sote: Father <strong>and</strong> savior of man<br />
Zeus Xenios: Protec<strong>to</strong>r of politeness <strong>and</strong> hospitality<br />
Zeus Herkios: Protec<strong>to</strong>r of house <strong>and</strong> home<br />
Zeus Kleisos: Protec<strong>to</strong>r of property<br />
Zeus Gamelios: God of marriage contracts. (Greek root "gam" means "marriage", as in<br />
"polygamy".)
Greek <strong>Gods</strong> Chart
Greek Pantheon<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aphrodite<br />
Aphrodite<br />
Goddess of Love. The Goddess of passion <strong>and</strong> Sexual Love. She will assist you<br />
in love spells by pulling love <strong>to</strong>wards you, <strong>and</strong> opening you up for love.<br />
Artemis<br />
Artemis<br />
The goddess of the wild hunt, Goddess of protection <strong>and</strong> the moon.<br />
Astarte<br />
Astarte<br />
The goddess of fertility. Astarte will assist you in all aspect of fertility,<br />
whether you wish <strong>to</strong> have children <strong>and</strong> cannot conceive or wish <strong>to</strong> have a beautiful,<br />
fruitful garden. Astarte will help you.<br />
Athena<br />
Athena<br />
Athena is the Warrior Goddess, the Goddess of war. The protectress. Goddess<br />
of Wisdom. If someone is giving you a hard time, bullying you or making you feel<br />
worthless; call upon Athena <strong>to</strong> help you.<br />
Ariadne<br />
Ariadne<br />
Goddess of the labyrinth.<br />
Demeter<br />
Demeter<br />
Earth Mother/Goddess. An excellent goddess <strong>to</strong> call upon where birthing <strong>and</strong><br />
small children are involved. Goddess of the seasons, making winter cold <strong>and</strong> barrel,<br />
making crops <strong>and</strong> plants grow again in spring, making summer warm, loving <strong>and</strong><br />
welcoming <strong>and</strong> making autumn the season of death as plants <strong>and</strong> trees begin <strong>to</strong> die<br />
<strong>and</strong> lose their leaves.<br />
Dryads<br />
Dryads<br />
Feminine spirits of trees.<br />
Eileithia<br />
Eileithia<br />
Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Gaia<br />
Gaia<br />
Hecate<br />
Hecate<br />
Primal earth goddess.
Goddess of Witchcraft, ghosts <strong>and</strong> the dead. She is the moon goddess as in the<br />
crone or the dark mother.<br />
Hera Hera<br />
Hera<br />
Hera is the wife of Zeus/mother Goddess/Queen of <strong>Gods</strong>. The Goddess of<br />
marriage. If h<strong>and</strong>fasting or some type of commitment is order of the day, Hera is the<br />
Goddess <strong>to</strong> call. Just remember she has a bit of a vindictive side <strong>to</strong> her.<br />
Hestia<br />
Hestia<br />
Goddess of home <strong>and</strong> Hearth. If you are building your home, redecorating or<br />
remodeling or even house hunting, Hestia is the one you must seek. She also<br />
represents safety in the home <strong>and</strong> the family unit.<br />
Mnemosyne<br />
Mnemosyne<br />
Mnemosyne<br />
Goddess of memory: Mother of Muses.<br />
Muses Muses<br />
Muses<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> of inspiration <strong>and</strong> the arts, they vary in number depending on<br />
which pantheon you are using.<br />
Calliope: muse of epic poetry (female)<br />
Clio: muse of his<strong>to</strong>ry (female)<br />
Era<strong>to</strong>: muse of love poetry (female)<br />
Euterpe: muse of music (female)<br />
Melpomene: muse of tragedy (female)<br />
Polyhymnia: muse of singing (female)<br />
Terpsichure: muse of dance (female)<br />
Thalia: muse of comedy (female)<br />
Urania: muse of astronomy (female)<br />
Metis<br />
Metis<br />
Goddess of Wisdom.<br />
Moerae<br />
Moerae<br />
Three <strong>Goddesses</strong> of fate.<br />
Cotho, Lachesis <strong>and</strong> Atropos.<br />
Nike Nike<br />
Nike<br />
Goddess of Vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Per Persephone Per sephone<br />
Goddess of the underworld as well as the harvest. Daughter of Demeter <strong>and</strong>
Wife of Hades.<br />
Phoebe Phoebe Phoebe :<br />
:<br />
Goddess of the moon.<br />
Selene<br />
Selene<br />
Goddess of the moon <strong>and</strong> solutions. Call upon Selene <strong>to</strong> bring a logical answer<br />
<strong>to</strong> a problem.<br />
Tethys<br />
Tethys<br />
Goddess of the sea.<br />
Theia<br />
Theia<br />
Goddess of light.<br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
Adonis<br />
Adonis<br />
Consort of Aphrodite. A vegetarian God.<br />
Apollo<br />
Apollo<br />
Greek <strong>and</strong> roman, he is the twin brother of Artemis. God of the Sun, light <strong>and</strong><br />
the arts. God of prophecy, archery <strong>and</strong> music.<br />
Ares<br />
Ares<br />
The God of war <strong>and</strong> action.<br />
Dionysus<br />
Dionysus<br />
The God of wine <strong>and</strong> ecstasy, the god of partying <strong>and</strong> feasting.<br />
Eros<br />
Eros<br />
God of Romance <strong>and</strong> passionate love. God of love.<br />
Hymen<br />
Hymen<br />
God of commitment <strong>and</strong> marriage. His counterpart is Dionysus.<br />
Hades<br />
Hades<br />
God of the Underworld. He is in charge of the dead; he looks after the<br />
underworld, the realm of the dead. There are two parts <strong>to</strong> the Underworld; Tartarus<br />
this is the place where all the wrong-doers would be sent where they would be<br />
<strong>to</strong>rtured for the rest of eternity, <strong>and</strong> the Elysian Fields all the good people who have<br />
cared about others <strong>and</strong> done good deeds come here, it is paradise <strong>and</strong> they can live
out eternity in comfort <strong>and</strong> happiness.<br />
Helios Helios<br />
Helios<br />
God of the Sun, he draws the sun across the sky in his chariot, giving us dawn<br />
<strong>and</strong> dusk.<br />
Hermes Hermes :<br />
:<br />
Messenger of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Pan<br />
Pan<br />
God of nature, the woods, laughter <strong>and</strong> passion. He is also the god of music<br />
<strong>and</strong> personal ab<strong>and</strong>on.<br />
Poseidon Poseidon<br />
Poseidon<br />
God of the Sea.<br />
Zeus<br />
Zeus<br />
King of the <strong>Gods</strong>, <strong>and</strong> ruler of Mount Olympus, He is the God of sky &<br />
thunder, most commonly depicted throwing a lightning bolt. He fathered Aphrodite<br />
& Hephaestus amongst others as well as his most famous son, half man, half God,<br />
Hercules.
Italian <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Anteros<br />
Italian-Roman god of love <strong>and</strong> passion. He was, specifically, the god of mutual love<br />
<strong>and</strong> would punish those who did not return love.<br />
Aradia<br />
Italian witch goddess. She came <strong>to</strong> earth <strong>to</strong> teach her mother Diana's magic.<br />
Symbolizes the air element, the moon.<br />
Astraea<br />
Italian goddess of truth <strong>and</strong> justice. Also known as Astria.<br />
Carmen<br />
Italian goddess of spellcasting <strong>and</strong> enchantments.<br />
Cel<br />
Italian god of death <strong>and</strong> the underworld.<br />
Comus<br />
Italian god of revelry, drinking, <strong>and</strong> feasting.<br />
Copia<br />
Italian goddess of wealth plenty.<br />
Corvus<br />
Italian messenger god.<br />
Fauna<br />
Italian goddess of the earth, wildlife, forests, <strong>and</strong> fertility. Symbolizes prosperity as<br />
well.<br />
Faunus<br />
Roman <strong>and</strong> Italian god of woodl<strong>and</strong>s. Symbolizes love. Also known as Pan [Greek].<br />
Frebruus<br />
Italian god of purification, initation, <strong>and</strong> of the dead.<br />
Fortuna<br />
Italian goddess of fortune, fate, destiny, blessings, luck, <strong>and</strong> fertility. Often invoked
when one wants <strong>to</strong> receive money by chance, like in a lottery or contest.<br />
Jana<br />
Italian goddess of the moon.<br />
Jove<br />
Italian-Roman sky god.<br />
Lethns<br />
Italian earth <strong>and</strong> nature deity. Invoke during sky, water, or element of earth, or for<br />
divination.<br />
Lucifer<br />
Italian god of sun <strong>and</strong> light. Brother <strong>and</strong> soulmate of Diana, father of Aradia.<br />
Lucina<br />
Italian goddess of childbirth.<br />
Lupercus<br />
Italian god of agriculture, wolf-god.<br />
Marica<br />
Italian goddess of agriculture.<br />
Nox<br />
Italian goddess of the night.<br />
Pertunda<br />
Italian goddess of sexual love.<br />
Umbria<br />
Italian goddess of shadows <strong>and</strong> things which are hidden or secret.<br />
Uni<br />
Italian goddess of witchcraft.<br />
Vertumnus<br />
Roman-Italian god of fruits.<br />
Virbius<br />
Italian god of outlaws <strong>and</strong> outcasts; the guardian of sanctuaries.
List of Greek <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Apollo: God of medicine, prophecy, archery<br />
Ares: God of war<br />
Artemis: Goddess of the hunt<br />
Asclepius: God of medicine<br />
Athena: Goddess of wisdom <strong>and</strong> warfare<br />
Aphrodite: Goddess of love<br />
Celesta: Goddess of death<br />
Cronus: God of the sky, ruler of the titans<br />
Demeter: Goddess of grain<br />
Dionysus: God of wine <strong>and</strong> vegetation<br />
Discord: Goddess of retribution<br />
Eos: Goddess of dawn<br />
Eros: God of love<br />
Hebe: Goddess of youth<br />
Hades: God of the underworld<br />
Helios: God of the sun<br />
Hephaestus: God of fire, <strong>and</strong> metalwork<br />
Hera: Goddess of marriage <strong>and</strong> childbirth, queen of the gods<br />
Hermes: Messenger of the gods<br />
Hestia: Virgin goddess<br />
Hypnos: God of sleep<br />
Iris: Goddess of the rainbow<br />
Kal: Another god of war<br />
Lachrymore: God of despair<br />
Mnemosyne: Goddess of memory<br />
Morpheus: God of dreams<br />
Pan: God of shepherds, <strong>and</strong> flocks<br />
Poseidon: God of the sea<br />
Rhea: Wife of Cronus, mother goddess<br />
Selene: Goddess of the moon<br />
Uranus: God of the sky, father of the titans<br />
Zeus: King of all gods
Key<br />
Key<br />
Scale Scale<br />
Scale<br />
Mayan Deities<br />
Mayan Mayan Deities Deities<br />
Explanation<br />
Explanation<br />
0 Itzam Na This deity encompasses all deities yet this Deity<br />
is beyond all comprehension.<br />
1 Itzam Na "one" or "unique" He is the greatest of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Hunab Ku "All powerful God of no Image" I<br />
listed this deity although information shows this<br />
deity did not exist until after the Spanish<br />
Conquest. It probability came about due <strong>to</strong><br />
christian influence.<br />
2 Ohorox<strong>to</strong>til Father of the Sun. Ben Ich "He of the Starry<br />
Sky" He is a great infinite Jaguar (his spots are<br />
thought <strong>to</strong> be stars <strong>and</strong> planets).<br />
3 Ix Chebel Yax Mother of the Sun. Ix Hun Zipit Lady of the Sea.<br />
4 Kunku Chacs 'Kun' means "kindly" or "tender" 'Ku' means<br />
"God".<br />
5 Ah Hadz'en Caan Chacs "Lash" The Sky God.<br />
6 Ah Kin "He of the Sun".<br />
7 Ix Ahau "Mistress" She is the Mistress of Creative Arts<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Master of Weaving (she like Athene, in<br />
the Greek myths, worked her magick on the<br />
loom).<br />
8 Ah Kin As the Patron of Knowledge <strong>and</strong> Power.<br />
9 XAhau "Lady Ahau" Moon Goddess Wife of Ah Kin<br />
(the Sun God).<br />
10 Cobel Cab Mistress of the Earth. Ix Tan Dz'onot. The Child<br />
of She who Sits in the Mud, the Child of She<br />
who emerges from the S<strong>and</strong>.
11 Acan God of Wine (Actually he rules over<br />
in<strong>to</strong>xicating drinks such as beer, wine, Kola,<br />
etc.) He is known for his loud "bellowing" <strong>and</strong><br />
his foolish behavior He is Cacoch's aid (Cacoch<br />
is a God of Creation).<br />
12 Ah Kin Xoc 'Ah kin' means "Priest". 'Xoc' means "<strong>to</strong> count or<br />
read". He is a great singer, musician, <strong>and</strong> poet.<br />
He won the respect of the Sun God when he<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok the guise of a Hummingbird <strong>and</strong> wooed the<br />
Moon Goddess. Husb<strong>and</strong> of the Plumeria, the<br />
sacred flower of Itzam Na (this flower rules<br />
Divine Sexuality, its colors are red <strong>and</strong> white).<br />
This Flower contained the secret of Truth <strong>and</strong><br />
Immortality.<br />
13 Ix Chel Moon Goddess She rules over Pro-creation,<br />
birth, medicine, <strong>and</strong> wisdom. She is a Virgin but<br />
she had a secret cult which she is regarded as a<br />
Sacred Mistress <strong>to</strong> Itzam Na.<br />
14 Ix Ahau Na "Palace-Lady".<br />
15 Canan Chul Chan Guardian of Holy Sky. "Big Star".<br />
16 Itzam Na Kinch Ahau Old Sun God of balanced judgment. Ruler of the<br />
Bacabs (Elements).<br />
17 Xbalanque & Hunahpu Twin Heroes Brothers who heard the Divine<br />
Call of Itzam Na which lead them <strong>to</strong> destroy the<br />
False Ones who had exalted themselves <strong>and</strong><br />
deceived some Mayas <strong>to</strong> worship them; <strong>and</strong><br />
defeated the Lords of Death.<br />
18 Nucuch Chacob "The Great Chacs" Four horsemen who are the<br />
Rain <strong>Gods</strong>. They bring Water of Life from the<br />
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>to</strong> the Maya.<br />
19 Balanke "Jaguar-Sun" This aspect of the Sun is the<br />
essence of Strength (warrior-type strength). He<br />
is considered a Great Breast. All His Priests <strong>and</strong><br />
Priestesses are His harlots.<br />
20 Xob Mother of Maize. All Maize Deities sprang from<br />
Her seed (literally corn seed).
21 Ek Chuah He is the Merchant Deity, but most importantly<br />
is ruled the cacao which was the Mayan's<br />
biggest trade commodity.<br />
22 Itzam Na As Great God who oversees Justice between the<br />
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Mayan who worships the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
23 Ku Kulcan The Aztecs called Him "Quetzalcoatl".He is the<br />
God of Self-sacrifice which was done so the<br />
Maya could survive <strong>and</strong> gain acknowledgement<br />
of Itzam Na. Some myths place Him as the Judge<br />
of the dead (but I would take this with a gain of<br />
salt).<br />
24 Yum Cimil "Lord of Death".<br />
25 Zip Protec<strong>to</strong>r of the Deer (according <strong>to</strong> myth the<br />
Deer created the Vagina of the Moon Goddess<br />
by stepping on Her abdomen <strong>and</strong> then she was<br />
able <strong>to</strong> bear children of the Sun God. Note the<br />
sole of deer's foot looks like a Vagina). Zip<br />
would deceive hunters <strong>to</strong> believe he was<br />
shooting a deer when in fact it was a iguana (a<br />
sacred animal of Itzam Na; <strong>to</strong> kill one incites the<br />
Death penalty). To those who gained Zip's<br />
Favor meant a successful hunt.<br />
26 Ah Ahaah Cab "Awakener" He is associated with the Morning<br />
Star (Venus).<br />
27 Cit Chac Coh "Father Red Great Puma" The Lord God of War.<br />
Buluc Chabtan - The God of Human Sacrifice<br />
<strong>and</strong> War.<br />
28 Bolon Tzcab The Ruling-Lineage Deity. He kept the Line of<br />
Itzam Na pure <strong>and</strong> made sure the Nobility of the<br />
Maya was strong.<br />
29 XAhau As Moon Goddess.<br />
30 Kinich Ahau "Sun-Eyed Lord" It is said He had a golden Sun<br />
eye (some say it was almond eye) at the place of<br />
His Ajna Chakra.<br />
31 Hun Kak "Unique Fire" The Divine Fire that consumes all<br />
what ever remains is prepared for Divinity.
32 Ben Ich "He of the Starry Sky"
Norse Pantheon<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Frigg Frigg<br />
Frigg<br />
She is the goddess of the air, the earth <strong>and</strong> of fertility. She is the wife of Odin<br />
<strong>and</strong> the mother of Balder, Hodr <strong>and</strong> Tyr. She gives her name <strong>to</strong> Friday.<br />
Freyja Freyja<br />
Freyja<br />
She is the beautiful Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> fertility. She is the twin sister of Freyr<br />
<strong>and</strong> is the daughter of Njord <strong>and</strong> Nerthus.<br />
Idun<br />
Idun<br />
She is the Goddess in charge of the magical apples of youth. She is the wife of<br />
Bragi the poetry God.<br />
Sif<br />
Sif<br />
She is the wife of Thor, she is famous for her beautiful, long hair.<br />
Ner Nerthus Ner thus<br />
She is the Mother Goddess <strong>and</strong> the mother of the fertility twins, Freyr <strong>and</strong><br />
Freyja by the God Njord.<br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
Balder<br />
Balder<br />
He is known as the bleeding god, he is kind <strong>and</strong> gentle. Balder is the son of<br />
Odin <strong>and</strong> Frigg. His son is Forseti.<br />
Bragi<br />
Bragi<br />
He is the God of poetry <strong>and</strong> eloquence, he is the son of Odin <strong>and</strong> the giantess<br />
Gunnlod.<br />
Forseti<br />
Forseti<br />
He is the God of Justice, he is the Son of Bolder <strong>and</strong> Nanna.<br />
Freyr<br />
Freyr<br />
He is the God of fertility <strong>and</strong> is in charge or the sun <strong>and</strong> rain, peace <strong>and</strong><br />
restfulness. He is the twin brother of Freyja <strong>and</strong> the son of Nyord <strong>and</strong> Nerthus.<br />
Heimdall<br />
Heimdall<br />
Hel is known as the ‘watcher god’, he is always waiting <strong>and</strong> watching for the
time when he can blow his horn <strong>and</strong> announce the coming of Ragnarok.<br />
Hodr Hodr<br />
Hodr<br />
He is the blind God, he is the son of Odin <strong>and</strong> Frigg, known for unwittingly<br />
killing Balder.<br />
Honir<br />
Honir<br />
He is the brother of Odin. He is long-legged <strong>and</strong> is seen as quite a useless God<br />
as he is very fickle <strong>and</strong> can never make up his mind.<br />
Loki Loki<br />
Loki<br />
Loki is the God of fire, the son of giants. He is known as the ‘trickster God’ as<br />
he forever playing pranks.<br />
Mimir<br />
Mimir<br />
He is a very wise God who was sent <strong>to</strong> the Vanir by the Aesir.<br />
Njord<br />
Njord<br />
He is the great sea god <strong>and</strong> is the father of Freyr <strong>and</strong> Freyja the fertility twins.<br />
Thor<br />
Thor<br />
He is the God of thunder, he is a honest god but is very hot- tempered. He is<br />
the son of Odin <strong>and</strong> Fjorsyn the earth goddess. Thor gives his name <strong>to</strong> the day of the<br />
week Thursday.<br />
Tyr<br />
Tyr<br />
He is the God of war. He is the Son of Odin <strong>and</strong> Frigg. Tyr lends his name <strong>to</strong><br />
the day Friday.<br />
Vii<br />
Vii<br />
He is the son of Bor <strong>and</strong> Odin’s brother, he has the task of bes<strong>to</strong>wing humans<br />
with intelligence <strong>and</strong> emotions upon their creation(birth).<br />
Ve<br />
Ve<br />
He is also the son of Bor <strong>and</strong> Brother <strong>to</strong> Odin <strong>and</strong> Vii , he has the important<br />
job of giving humans the ability <strong>to</strong> see <strong>and</strong> hear.<br />
Vidar Vidar<br />
Vidar<br />
He is the solitary, silent god. He is the Son of Odin <strong>and</strong> the frost giantess Grid.<br />
He is destined <strong>to</strong> avenge the death of his father Odin at Ragnarok.
Orphic Invocations of the Goddess <strong>and</strong> the<br />
God<br />
Invocation Invocation <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> the the Goddess<br />
Goddess<br />
Divine are Your honors, Oh Mother of the <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> Nurturer of All.<br />
Yoke your swift chariot drawn by bull-slaying lions <strong>and</strong>,<br />
O Mighty Goddess who brings things <strong>to</strong> pass, join our prayers.<br />
Many named <strong>and</strong> reverend, You are the Queen of the Sky.<br />
In the cosmos, Your throne is above all others, for You are<br />
Queen of the Earth, <strong>and</strong> You give gentle nourishment <strong>to</strong> mortals.<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong>, <strong>Gods</strong>, <strong>and</strong> mortals were born of You,<br />
And You hold sway over the rivers <strong>and</strong> all of the sea.<br />
Hestia, Gaia, Demeter, Inanna, Isis, Astarte, Ishtar, Persephone, Diana,<br />
Giver of prosperity who bes<strong>to</strong>ws upon mortals all manner of gifts,<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> this Rite, Queen whom the drum delights.<br />
Honored <strong>and</strong> loving Nurturer of Life,<br />
Joyfully <strong>and</strong> graciously visit our deeds of piety.<br />
Blessed Be.<br />
Invocation Invocation <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> the the God<br />
God<br />
Hear <strong>Our</strong> Prayer, O best <strong>and</strong> Many-Named God.<br />
Fine-haired, solitary, <strong>and</strong> full of lovely song;<br />
Many shaped <strong>and</strong> noble nurturer of all,<br />
Maiden <strong>and</strong> youth in one, unwithering bloom, O Adonis<br />
You vanish <strong>and</strong> grow again in the fair seasons' turn.<br />
Kurnunnos, Pan, Myrddhn, two horned Spirit of growth <strong>and</strong> blooming;<br />
Much loved <strong>and</strong> wept for are you,<br />
O Fair <strong>and</strong> Youthful Hunter of the luxuriant mane.<br />
Desire is in Your mind <strong>and</strong> You come <strong>to</strong> the Goddess<br />
in reverence <strong>and</strong> respect,<br />
in sensuous joy is your desire fulfilled<br />
You are the seed planted in the depths of the Underworld<br />
That springs forth, the Green God, that we may sustain our lives.<br />
You sacrifice Yourself in gentleness when you are grown.<br />
Come Kind-Hearted One, Come Blessed God,<br />
<strong>and</strong> bring much joy <strong>to</strong> all.<br />
Blessed Be.
Roman Pantheon<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Ceres<br />
Ceres<br />
Goddess of the harvest, agriculture, fruitfulness <strong>and</strong> fertility.<br />
Diana<br />
Diana<br />
Goddess of the witchcraft <strong>and</strong> the moon, hunting <strong>and</strong> children.<br />
Fates Fates<br />
Fates<br />
Flora<br />
Flora<br />
The 3 <strong>Goddesses</strong> of destiny, daughters of the night.<br />
The Goddess of nature.<br />
Furies<br />
Furies<br />
The <strong>Goddesses</strong> of vengeance.<br />
Juno<br />
Juno<br />
Queen of the God. The Goddess of Women, marriage, households, childbirth<br />
<strong>and</strong> prosperity.<br />
Minerva<br />
Minerva<br />
Goddess of Wisdom, war <strong>and</strong> the practical arts.<br />
Venus<br />
Venus<br />
Goddess of Love<br />
Vesta<br />
Vesta<br />
Goddess of the home, hearth <strong>and</strong> community.<br />
<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>Gods</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
Apollo<br />
Apollo<br />
God of the sun, music, poetry, prophecy, eloquence, fine arts <strong>and</strong> medicine.<br />
Bacchus<br />
Bacchus<br />
God of liquid spirits, alcohol, fruits <strong>and</strong> parties. The god of indulgence <strong>and</strong><br />
excess.<br />
Cupid<br />
Cupid
God of Love.<br />
Fanus Fanus<br />
Fanus<br />
God of the Woodl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Jupiter Jupiter<br />
Jupiter<br />
The Great God, God of s<strong>to</strong>rms, thunder <strong>and</strong> lightning.<br />
Janus<br />
Janus<br />
Mars<br />
Mars<br />
The two-faced god of beginning.<br />
God of War <strong>and</strong> Action.<br />
Mercury<br />
Mercury<br />
Messenger of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Neptune<br />
Neptune<br />
God of the sea, earth-quakes <strong>and</strong> horses.<br />
Plu<strong>to</strong><br />
Plu<strong>to</strong><br />
God of the Underworld.<br />
Saturn Saturn<br />
Saturn<br />
God of the Harvest <strong>and</strong> golden ages in his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Vulcan<br />
Vulcan<br />
God of fire, crafts people <strong>and</strong> metal workers <strong>and</strong> artists.
The Charge of the God<br />
"I am the strength of the rock at thy back, the roots of the tree that anchor the Earth<br />
<strong>and</strong> deepest of tides in the black depths of the ocean. I am the Hunter <strong>and</strong> the Sacred<br />
Prey, the warmth of the sun in the swelling grapes <strong>and</strong> the call of the road that leads<br />
over the hill.<br />
I give you, my creatures, the fire of love, the power of the wind on your face, shelter<br />
from the darkest s<strong>to</strong>rm. You are dear <strong>to</strong> me, <strong>and</strong> I instill in you my power -- the<br />
power of peace hard earned, the power of vision <strong>and</strong> magical sight, <strong>and</strong> the spark of<br />
elemental fire, which is the primal light in the darkness.<br />
By the powers of running stag <strong>and</strong> glorious sun, I charge thee; by the darkest depth of<br />
night <strong>and</strong> the lingering tendrils of dreams, I charge thee; <strong>and</strong> by the beauty of your<br />
own creation, I charge thee;<br />
Follow your heart <strong>and</strong> your instinct, wherever they lead you.The wealth of the heart<br />
will guide you where the cold edge of logic cannot take you.<br />
Take joy in the powers of your bodies. The form your body takes is unique in the<br />
universe <strong>and</strong> is chief among your <strong>to</strong>ols.<br />
Lastly, always remember the path you have left behind you. Learn <strong>to</strong> take your power<br />
from the foolish things you have wrought as well as the good you have done for<br />
others <strong>and</strong> for your world. You can never usurp another's power, <strong>and</strong> yours is the<br />
well upon which you must rely.<br />
I am with you always, just over your shoulder, running with you through the tall<br />
grasses <strong>and</strong> forests that surround you. I possess you <strong>and</strong> I am your Sacred Prey. I am<br />
the Lord of Death, <strong>and</strong> when you have come <strong>to</strong> the end of your life on this world, I<br />
will be there; <strong>to</strong> take you between the worlds, <strong>to</strong> offer you peace <strong>and</strong> rest. Look upon<br />
my face; know me. I am the spirit of the wild things, but you <strong>to</strong>o, are wild in your<br />
souls <strong>and</strong> we are forever intertwined."
The Charge of the Goddess<br />
"I am the quickening of the seed in Springtime, the glory of ripe fields in Summer,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the peace of the quiet woods as the snow calms the Earth in Winter. I am the lilt<br />
of the maidens' melody in the morning, the patient h<strong>and</strong> of the Mother <strong>and</strong> the deep<br />
river of the mysteries taught by moonlight.<br />
I give the creatures of the earth the gifts of song rising from the heart, the joy of<br />
autumn sunset, the cool <strong>to</strong>uch of the renewing waters, <strong>and</strong> the compelling call of the<br />
drum in the dance. To you I give the joy of creation <strong>and</strong> the companion of beauty <strong>to</strong><br />
light your days.<br />
By the powers of the steadfast Earth <strong>and</strong> the wheeling stars I charge thee; by the<br />
darkness of death <strong>and</strong> the white light of birth I charge thee; <strong>and</strong> by the terrible<br />
strength of your human spirits, I charge thee:<br />
Strive always for the growth of your eternal soul, never intentionally diminish your<br />
strength, your compassion, your ties <strong>to</strong> the earth or your knowledge.<br />
Challenge your mind, never accept complacently that which has been the st<strong>and</strong>ard<br />
merely for the reason that it is the st<strong>and</strong>ard by which the majority judges itself.<br />
Thirdly, I charge thee, act always for the betterment of your brothers <strong>and</strong> sisters. To<br />
strengthen them is <strong>to</strong> forge the true chain of humanity, <strong>and</strong> a chain is only as strong<br />
as its weakest link.<br />
You are my children, my brothers <strong>and</strong> sisters <strong>and</strong> my companions. You are known in<br />
great part by the company you keep, <strong>and</strong> you are strong <strong>and</strong> wise <strong>and</strong> full of the<br />
powers of life. It is yours <strong>to</strong> use them in my service, <strong>and</strong> I also, am known by the<br />
company I keep.<br />
Go forth in joy <strong>and</strong> the light of my love, turning <strong>to</strong> me without fear when the<br />
darkness threatens <strong>to</strong> overcome you, <strong>and</strong> turning also <strong>to</strong> me <strong>to</strong> share your triumphs<br />
<strong>and</strong> your achievements, <strong>and</strong> know in your heart of hearts that we are <strong>to</strong>gether in<br />
blood <strong>and</strong> spirit 'til the last star darkens in the sky <strong>and</strong> winter comes <strong>to</strong> the universe."
The Charge of the Horned God<br />
Hark un<strong>to</strong> me: for I am He who has existed throughout all time. I was there from the<br />
beginning; it was my potency that charged the fertility of the Great Mother <strong>and</strong><br />
created life from her empty womb.<br />
Myself it is in the winds that sweep the worlds; myself it is in the flames that give<br />
warmth <strong>and</strong> light <strong>to</strong> all beings. I am he who provides: the Green Man of field <strong>and</strong><br />
forest fruitfulness; the lust of the bull that engenders life upon the cow; the strength<br />
of the boar that engenders life upon the sacred sow of Ceriddwen; the speed of the<br />
stag running free in the forest that no hunter can bring down save he who speaks the<br />
sacred words <strong>to</strong> call un<strong>to</strong> the spirit of the fleeing stag.<br />
I am Lord of the Dance; he who swirls through the starry universe with the world at<br />
his heels. I am he who dances on mountain <strong>and</strong> plain <strong>and</strong> hearth, <strong>and</strong> he who<br />
captures all things in his dance.<br />
And I am also Kernnun the Dark Hunter; he with visage as dark as void <strong>and</strong> armor<br />
bright with flame. My name is Lord of the Hunt; my prey those souls who needs must<br />
die <strong>and</strong> descend in<strong>to</strong> the dark, chthonic depths of my bowel. For I bring life but death<br />
also; I am he at the gateway of the worlds, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> me shalt thou come in the end, thou<br />
who art my child <strong>and</strong> my prey
The Darker Side of the God/dess<br />
The Yang side represents all the "bad" parts of nature, which aren't actually bad. We<br />
just view them that way. Without the rain there would be no flowers, <strong>and</strong> everything<br />
would turn in<strong>to</strong> a desert. This is the side that balances everything. You must have<br />
death <strong>to</strong> have life, you must have rain <strong>to</strong> have sunshine. You must have sadness <strong>to</strong> be<br />
assured of happiness. I don't think that the Dark God <strong>and</strong> Dark Goddess get enough<br />
credit, so this is another reason I boldly decided <strong>to</strong> include this. There is a time in our<br />
lives when we need protection, <strong>and</strong> thus we call on a warrior, or dark aspect, of the<br />
God or Goddess. I haven't seen much on other people's pages about Them, <strong>and</strong> thusly,<br />
decided it would be nice <strong>to</strong> pay a tribute <strong>and</strong> a little respect <strong>to</strong> Them.<br />
As far as the Dark God, <strong>and</strong> Dark Goddess are concerned, this is how many Wiccan's<br />
view them:<br />
The Dark God is represented by the dying sun on Samhain. This is the time when he<br />
is nearing the end of his yearly life-cycle. This is the time in which he is known as<br />
the Lord of Mysteries. He is Cernnunos, Hephaestus, Odin, by a thous<strong>and</strong> names. The<br />
Dark God could also be pictured as a warrior protecting his forests <strong>and</strong> children. He is<br />
the protec<strong>to</strong>r, the warrior. In his death aspect, he can be viewed as the wraith holding<br />
the scythe. This is all a natural part of life, <strong>and</strong> should not be viewed with fear. Death<br />
IS a natural part of life. Who is He? He is the dying Sun God who lifts the goblet of<br />
wine <strong>to</strong> his lips, he kisses his love one last time before the winds of time take him <strong>to</strong> a<br />
new place. His Lady holds him tenderly as he rises, <strong>and</strong> looks upon the setting sun.<br />
His lady st<strong>and</strong>s with him, <strong>and</strong> as she blinks he is gone. She sees a white stag st<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
on the horizon. The stag looks <strong>to</strong> the sun, <strong>and</strong> then at Her. With a respectful nod of<br />
the head, he heads for the horizon with the setting sun.<br />
The Dark Goddess is represented by the new moon. She is the Crone, she is both the<br />
cradle <strong>and</strong> the grave. She is a warrioress protec<strong>to</strong>r, <strong>and</strong> a wise woman healer. She is<br />
the gr<strong>and</strong>mother. She is Scathatch Kali, Hecate, Lillith, by a thous<strong>and</strong> names. She can<br />
be viewed as a gr<strong>and</strong>motherly wise woman figure.<br />
Who is She? She is the gr<strong>and</strong>motherly crone as she sits by her fireside. Dreaming of a<br />
time when warmth blanketed the Earth. As she sits <strong>and</strong> dreams, a baby begins <strong>to</strong> cry.<br />
She hears the winds of time blowing outside her window as wolves howl in the<br />
distance. She knows that the time is near. Time of rest <strong>and</strong> peace. She sees the moon<br />
rise, <strong>and</strong> welcomes it as she lays down <strong>and</strong> closes her eyes, dreaming of a warmer<br />
time <strong>to</strong> give hope that spring will come again.
What about working with these energies? Great care should be taken when working<br />
with these types of darker energies. Alcohol should be completely avoided. Above all,<br />
treat them with respect. Here are some occasions when you may need <strong>to</strong> call upon<br />
the Dark Goddess <strong>and</strong> Dark God:<br />
for justice<br />
for protection<br />
for wisdom<br />
<strong>to</strong> conquer fear<br />
<strong>to</strong> help banish a bad habit/illness<br />
<strong>to</strong> protect children (especially Kali is good for this)<br />
<strong>to</strong> gain strength<br />
for divinations<br />
for general balancing purposes.
The Greek <strong>and</strong> Roman <strong>Gods</strong>/<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong><br />
Apollo - Also called Phoebus, the bright one. Identified with the sun. Said <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
most powerful of the <strong>Gods</strong>. Son of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>. Born on Delos, taken North <strong>and</strong><br />
raised by the hyperboreans, he went <strong>to</strong> Delphi <strong>and</strong> killed the dragon Python,<br />
guardian of the oracle of Themis, but a ravager of the countryside.<br />
Tall, h<strong>and</strong>some, outst<strong>and</strong>ing in word <strong>and</strong> deed, he was the god of ever-renewed<br />
youth, archetype of virile beauty <strong>and</strong> masculine virtue. He was also known as a<br />
seducer & extremely arrogant. Talented in music, inven<strong>to</strong>r of the lyre, he was the<br />
inspiration of poets <strong>and</strong> soothsayers. His oracles were expressed in verse.<br />
He could cure illness <strong>and</strong> banish evil. He was a doc<strong>to</strong>r who knew the purification<br />
rites <strong>and</strong> was invoked against plague. His image was set at dangerous places for<br />
protection (Lighting the ways) Nothing escaped his vision (light of day).<br />
Ares (Mars) - Son of Hera, born without male assistance. He was a supreme fighter,<br />
loved battle <strong>and</strong> cared little about issues, switching sides without scruple. He<br />
delighted in massacres.<br />
He was god of war, not vic<strong>to</strong>ry, <strong>and</strong> was thoughtless about winning, only fighting.<br />
Was on occasion disarmed by Athena, Goddess of restraint <strong>and</strong> forethought, <strong>to</strong> keep<br />
him from interfering in battles that did not concern him.<br />
He was prolific in love, but also a rapist. He was run by his passions.<br />
Cronos (Saturn) - Son of Uranus (Heaven) <strong>and</strong> Gaea (Earth). Gaea, worn out by<br />
numerous pregnancies, requested <strong>to</strong> be free of this burden, so Cronos (Saturn) <strong>to</strong>ok up<br />
a sickle <strong>and</strong> cut off his father's testicles.<br />
His wife was Rhea, <strong>and</strong> he fathered Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poseidon <strong>and</strong> Zeus.<br />
Was eventually deposed by Zeus.<br />
His festivals, the Saturnalia, were a time of liberation <strong>and</strong> freedom for all <strong>and</strong> got<br />
pretty wild. They were celebrated from Dec. 17th until the new year. Saturn is the<br />
archetype for "father time".<br />
Dionysus - Son of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Semele. His escort was satyrs <strong>and</strong> marginally sane gods.<br />
He did not respect laws or cus<strong>to</strong>ms, loved disguises, wild screaming, licentious dances
<strong>and</strong> wild places. He was a drunken god with no home, living in the wild <strong>and</strong> eating<br />
raw meat. He encouraged excesses of all kinds.<br />
Hera hated Dionysus because of Zeus's infidelity <strong>and</strong> hounded him. She caused him <strong>to</strong><br />
be killed by the Titans, but he was resurrected through the efforts of Athena, Zeus,<br />
Apollo, <strong>and</strong> Rhea. She drove him mad, but through Cybele he gained mastery of it.<br />
He drove many people mad for various reasons.<br />
Eros (Cupid) - A primordial god, contemporary of Chaos, who existed before Cronos<br />
(Saturn) <strong>and</strong> Zeus. He came out of an egg that formed the earth <strong>and</strong> sky when it<br />
broke in two. He precipitated the embraces of Gaea (the Earth) <strong>and</strong> Uranus (the<br />
heavens), which resulted in the birth of Oceanus, Tethys, Coeus, <strong>and</strong> Cronos (Saturn).<br />
The Earth <strong>and</strong> heavens were so tightly embraced that none of the children could rise<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards the light until Cronos (Saturn) castrated his father.<br />
Cupid was associated with Aphrodite, who moderated his power. Where he was<br />
desire, instinct <strong>and</strong> violent sex, she was grace, tenderness <strong>and</strong> sweet pleasure.<br />
Cupid made people lose their reason <strong>and</strong> paralyzed their wills, even inspiring Zeus <strong>to</strong><br />
capricious sexual desires.<br />
As Eros he is said <strong>to</strong> be the child of Porus (Expedience) <strong>and</strong> Penia (Poverty). Like<br />
Penia, he was said <strong>to</strong> always be in search of something, <strong>and</strong> like Porus, he always<br />
found a means of attaining his aims.<br />
Faunus - A Roman God, Son of Circe <strong>and</strong> Jupiter. Protec<strong>to</strong>r of the Roman peoples, he<br />
lived on Palatine Hill in Rome. His oracle was given in nightmares. Lupercalia was<br />
his festival, during which his priests ran through the streets with leather straps <strong>and</strong><br />
struck any women they met with them <strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>w health <strong>and</strong> fertility. The women<br />
were said <strong>to</strong> strip themselves <strong>to</strong> be better targets. He reproduced himself in the satyrs.<br />
Hades (Plu<strong>to</strong>) - Son of Cronos (Saturn), brother of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Poseidon. When the<br />
world was divided between the three brothers, the underworld <strong>and</strong> hell fell <strong>to</strong> Hades,<br />
while Zeus <strong>to</strong>ok the heavens <strong>and</strong> Poseidon the seas. He had a helmet that made him<br />
invisible. He ruled the dead, <strong>and</strong> forbade his subjects <strong>to</strong> leave his domain. He desired<br />
Persephone, but Zeus forbade the marriage. He then kidnapped her.<br />
Hephaestus (Vulcan) - Son of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Hera. He was lame, either because his mother,<br />
startled by his ugliness, dropped him, or because Zeus, angry that he <strong>to</strong>ok his<br />
mother's side in a dispute, threw him from Olympus. He dwelled among mortals <strong>and</strong><br />
became the god of black smithing <strong>and</strong> artistic metal work. He made a golden throne
that imprisoned any who sat in it, <strong>and</strong> gave it <strong>to</strong> Hera <strong>to</strong> avenge himself for his fall<br />
from Olympus.<br />
Hermes (Mercury) - Son of Zeus <strong>and</strong> the nymph Maia. He s<strong>to</strong>le some of Apollo's<br />
cattle shortly after his birth <strong>and</strong> concealed them, sacrificing two <strong>to</strong> the Olympian<br />
<strong>Gods</strong>. This theft won him recognition as a God himself. When Apollo discovered the<br />
theft <strong>and</strong> Hermes was tried, his defense was so skillful <strong>and</strong> spirited that Zeus laughed<br />
<strong>and</strong> ruled that there should be a friendly settlement between the brothers.<br />
Hermes was God of the spoken word <strong>and</strong> ora<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> was the intermediary between<br />
the <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> men. Also the God of commerce <strong>and</strong> contracts, where language must be<br />
precise <strong>to</strong> convey the correct meaning.<br />
Janus- Roman - The Two faced God. He was God of beginnings <strong>and</strong> presided over<br />
new undertakings, gateways <strong>and</strong> initiations. He was revered as the first king of Rome<br />
<strong>and</strong> made order reign. His temple was left open in wartime so the God could act, but<br />
was closed in peace.<br />
The Lares - Roman - Twin children of Mercury by the rape of Lara. They protected<br />
the l<strong>and</strong>. Were symbolized by two boys <strong>and</strong> a dog.<br />
Pan - Half man, half goat, with horns on his brow <strong>and</strong> lust in his eyes. Son of Hermes<br />
<strong>and</strong> a daughter of the Dryops, he was the God of pas<strong>to</strong>ral regions <strong>and</strong> wilderness.<br />
Special friend of shepherds, he guided <strong>and</strong> protected them from afar. Protec<strong>to</strong>r of all<br />
wild things <strong>and</strong> places. His pipes had an aphrodisiac effect on those who heard them<br />
<strong>and</strong> induced mating.<br />
Pan was a lecher <strong>and</strong> a drunk who constantly pursued nymphs who would flee in<br />
terror. Caves rang with their cries when he caught them. He was famous for his rages,<br />
where he attacked anyone who got in his way. His irrational behavior led people <strong>to</strong><br />
flee him in "panic." He was dangerous when he <strong>to</strong>ok possession of a being. The<br />
possessed, or panoleptic, <strong>to</strong>ok on his bearing <strong>and</strong> would w<strong>and</strong>er in the wild, laugh<br />
madly, or throw themselves on others for sex without respect <strong>to</strong> gender, or have<br />
epileptic fits.<br />
Poseidon (Neptune) - Son of Cronos (Saturn) <strong>and</strong> Rhea, he is represented wielding a<br />
trident <strong>and</strong> being pulled by monsters in a chariot. After Zeus's vic<strong>to</strong>ry over Cronos<br />
(Saturn), the young gods, who preferred life on earth, divided the various domains of<br />
earth. Poseidon chose the seas. He represented the hidden forces of germination <strong>and</strong><br />
death. Together with his wife Amphitrite, he had powerful ties with Gaea, the Earth,<br />
mother of the Titans. As subterranean <strong>Gods</strong>, they shook the world from inside.
Poseidon caused earthquakes when he made love <strong>to</strong> his wife. The mystery isle of<br />
Atlanta belonged <strong>to</strong> Poseidon. Poseidon could provoke s<strong>to</strong>rms, set fire <strong>to</strong> rocks on<br />
shore <strong>and</strong> create springs of water. He had many children, most wicked <strong>and</strong> violent,<br />
like the Cyclops of the Odyssey.<br />
Priapus - A small god with a penis of immense size. Son of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Aphrodite, he<br />
was deformed by Hera in revenge. Aphrodite ab<strong>and</strong>oned him in fear that she would<br />
be ridiculed for her ugly child. He began as a symbol of fertility, but of no<br />
significance. Although he was oversized, he was impotent. He seemed <strong>to</strong> fail at<br />
everything he tried. He was compared <strong>to</strong> an ass <strong>and</strong> ridiculed. He lent his name <strong>to</strong> the<br />
disease priapism, an incurable illness where the penis remains painfully erect but<br />
incapable of ejaculation. Ended up as an obscure gnome.<br />
Quirinus - A Roman warrior god originally, he became a god who watched over the<br />
well being of the community, opposite <strong>to</strong> his former nature. Called an apparition of<br />
Romulus the founder of Rome.<br />
Zeuz (Jupiter) - Son of Cronos (Saturn) <strong>and</strong> Rhea. He defeated Cronos (Saturn) in a<br />
ten year battle <strong>and</strong> then divided the realms with his brothers by lot, getting the<br />
heavens for his own. He was ruler <strong>and</strong> judge, the arbiter of disputes among <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
men. His decisions were just <strong>and</strong> well balanced, showing no favoritism. He had<br />
several wives <strong>and</strong> many lovers, earning the title "all father" or "father god". His<br />
infidelity caused much strife on Olympus <strong>and</strong> in the world through he raging of his<br />
wife, Hera.<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aphrodite (Venus) - Daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Dione according <strong>to</strong> Homer. 'The Woman<br />
Born Of The Waves' according <strong>to</strong> Hesiod, born of the foam impregnated by the sexual<br />
organs of Uranus, which Cronos (Saturn) had severed <strong>and</strong> thrown in<strong>to</strong> the sea. Pla<strong>to</strong><br />
identifies these as two separate Aphrodites. One Urania, the daughter of Uranus was<br />
goddess of pure love. The other, called P<strong>and</strong>emos, was the Goddess of 'common' love.<br />
She married Hephaestus, but was unfaithful with Ares.<br />
Ares was caught <strong>and</strong> humiliated. Aphrodite fled in shame <strong>to</strong> Cyprus, <strong>and</strong> there <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
Thrace as lover, resulting in the birth of Eros (Love), Anteros (Love in return),<br />
Deimos <strong>and</strong> Phobos (Terror <strong>and</strong> Fear). She also was a lover of Adonis, a human<br />
shepherd named Anchises who fathered Aneas, of Hermes <strong>and</strong> of Dionysus who<br />
fathered Priapus. She was known for jealousy. She made Eos (Dawn) fall in love with<br />
Orion in spite for her seduction of Ares. She punished all who did not succumb <strong>to</strong><br />
her. A beauty competition between Hera, Athena, <strong>and</strong> Aphrodite was proposed by
Eris (Discord) with the prize being a golden apple. It was judged by the human Paris.<br />
All the <strong>Goddesses</strong> offered him bribes <strong>to</strong> win.<br />
Aphrodite offered Helen, most beautiful of all Humans. She won <strong>and</strong> thus caused the<br />
Trojan War. Eros was the primordial god of instinct. When Aphrodite appeared he<br />
adapted himself <strong>and</strong> joined forces with her. At this time the sexes became distinct.<br />
Aphrodite's kingdom was the place of desire. Young girls were said <strong>to</strong> pass from the<br />
place of Artemis (chastity <strong>and</strong> games) <strong>to</strong> the place of Aphrodite, where they become<br />
women. Considered by some <strong>to</strong> be an affliction or madness that women must bear.<br />
She represents female lust <strong>and</strong> passion, <strong>and</strong> demonstrates its potential for destructive<br />
effect. Young girls gave their virginity <strong>to</strong> the Goddess by living in her temples <strong>and</strong><br />
offering themselves <strong>to</strong> passing strangers.<br />
Artemis (Diana) - Daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>. The huntress, she is seen as the forever<br />
young goddess. She is proud of her shapeliness <strong>and</strong> keeps her virginity <strong>to</strong> protect it.<br />
She was a warrior, joining Apollo <strong>to</strong> kill Python <strong>and</strong> other exploits. Anyone who<br />
offended her or tried <strong>to</strong> win her virginity paid dearly. They were killed, transformed,<br />
or mutilated. She defended modesty <strong>and</strong> punished illicit love <strong>and</strong> excesses. She<br />
avenged rape. She also <strong>to</strong>ok out her anger on those virgins who gave in <strong>to</strong> love. She<br />
did not mind marriage, but when a virgin married she was <strong>to</strong> give up all the things of<br />
childhood, <strong>to</strong>ys <strong>and</strong> dolls, locks of hair, etc., leaving them on her altar.<br />
Athena (Minerva) - Daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Metis. Metis was swallowed by Zeus, <strong>and</strong><br />
when it was time for Athena's birth, he had Hephaestus crack open his skull <strong>and</strong> she<br />
came forth in full armor shouting a war cry. Also a virgin Goddess, she lived among<br />
men without fear due <strong>to</strong> her warrior's skills. She was the protectress of Odysseus <strong>and</strong><br />
other men. She was a warrior who used strategy, ambush, cunning, <strong>and</strong> magic rather<br />
than brute force. Her shield bore the head of a gorgon <strong>and</strong> she paralyzed her<br />
adversaries <strong>and</strong> made her companions invincible. She was against excess, both in war<br />
<strong>and</strong> every day life. She taught men <strong>to</strong> control their savagery <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> tame nature. Was<br />
the initia<strong>to</strong>r of all skills. Taught P<strong>and</strong>ora <strong>to</strong> weave, trained horses <strong>and</strong> invented the<br />
chariot. She was the patroness of blacksmiths <strong>and</strong> carpenters. She built the first ship<br />
<strong>and</strong> the boat of the Argonauts.<br />
Cybele - Was born as Agditis, a hermaphrodite monster, from a s<strong>to</strong>ne fertilized by<br />
Zeus. The <strong>Gods</strong> decided <strong>to</strong> mutilate him <strong>and</strong> made the Goddess Cybele from him. Her<br />
love for Attis, a human shepherd, drove him insane <strong>and</strong> he castrated himself for her.<br />
Her priests were eunuchs dressed as women. It is from the temple of Cybele that the<br />
reference in the Wiccan Charge of the Goddess <strong>to</strong> "At mine Altars, the youths of<br />
Lacedæmon in Sparta made due sacrifice.", comes.
Demeter (Ceres) - Daughter of Cronos (Saturn) <strong>and</strong> Rhea, the Goddess of corn <strong>and</strong><br />
grain. Demeter bore Persephone. She renounced her duties as goddess <strong>and</strong> began a<br />
fast <strong>and</strong> went in<strong>to</strong> exile from Olympus when her daughter was abducted in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
under-world until her daughter should be returned <strong>to</strong> her. She caused the spread of<br />
the know-ledge of the cultivation of corn.<br />
During her exile the earth became barren until Zeus dem<strong>and</strong>ed that Hades return<br />
Persephone. She had eaten from a pomegranate, however, <strong>and</strong> was forever bound <strong>to</strong><br />
the underworld. As a compromise, she was allowed <strong>to</strong> rise up in<strong>to</strong> the world with the<br />
first growth of spring <strong>and</strong> return <strong>to</strong> the underworld at seed sowing in fall. And so the<br />
Earth is barren in the winter, while Demeter mourns, <strong>and</strong> becomes fruitful again<br />
when Persephone is released. Demeter made herself known <strong>to</strong> the children of Eleusis,<br />
who raised her a temple <strong>and</strong> instituted the Eleusinian mysteries. In Sept.-Oct., the<br />
c<strong>and</strong>idates for initiation purified themselves in the sea, then processed down the<br />
sacred path from Athens <strong>to</strong> Eleusis. The rites remain secret, but involve a search for a<br />
mill for grinding corn, <strong>and</strong> a spiritual experience. During the rites, men women <strong>and</strong><br />
slaves were all treated as equal.<br />
Erinyes, The - Alec<strong>to</strong>, Tisiphone, <strong>and</strong> Megaara. They were born from drops of blood<br />
that fell from Uranus's severed Penis, <strong>and</strong> did not recognize the authority of the gods<br />
of Olympus. They hounded <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>rtured their victims, driving them mad. Also called<br />
the Eumenides, The Good Ones, <strong>to</strong> divert their wrath. Assimilated by the Romans as<br />
the uries. They were implacable <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>ed punishment for every murder. To<br />
them murder was a stain. The murderer had <strong>to</strong> be banished <strong>and</strong> driven mad before<br />
purification could occur. They were blind <strong>and</strong> carried out their punishments<br />
indefinitely.<br />
Harpies - Greek genii/spirits- Daughters of Thaumes <strong>and</strong> Electra: Nicotho or swiftfooted,<br />
Ocypete or swift of flight, <strong>and</strong> Celaeno, the dark one. Were either women<br />
with wings or birds with the heads of women. Called the 'hounds of Zeus' <strong>and</strong> seized<br />
children <strong>and</strong> souls. Skillful at <strong>to</strong>rture, they could pester a victim in<strong>to</strong> madness.<br />
Hera (Juno) - Daughter of Cronos (Saturn) <strong>and</strong> Rhea brought up by Oceanus <strong>and</strong><br />
Tethys. Married Zeus. It was claimed that each year Hera regained her virginity by<br />
bathing in the spring of Canathus. According <strong>to</strong> some traditions Hephaestus, Ares,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Hebe (Youth) were conceived by her alone without male assistance. As Zeus'<br />
legitimate wife, her fury at his infidelities was boundless, <strong>and</strong> she <strong>to</strong>ok vengeance on<br />
his lovers <strong>and</strong> any progeny of the affair without distinction. Zeus was often reduced<br />
<strong>to</strong> hiding or disguising his children <strong>to</strong> protect them.<br />
Hestia/Vesta - Daughter of Cronos (Saturn) <strong>and</strong> Rhea. Goddess of the hearth, she had
the privilege of retaining her virginity forever. Her symbol was the fire, which was<br />
never allowed <strong>to</strong> go out. The young bride <strong>and</strong> newborn child were presented <strong>to</strong> her<br />
<strong>and</strong> she was invoked before each meal. Her temple in Rome was served by the young<br />
vestal virgins.<br />
Moerae (Parcae) - The Three Fates. Atropos, Clotho, Lachesis, daughters of Zeus <strong>and</strong><br />
Themis. The first spins a thread symbolizing birth. The second unravels it,<br />
symbolizing life's processes, <strong>and</strong> the third cuts it, symbolizing death. They <strong>to</strong>o were<br />
blind <strong>and</strong> ruled destiny. They were also symbols of a limit which could not be<br />
overstepped. Were connected <strong>to</strong> their sisters, the furies, who punished crime.<br />
Muses - Nine daughters of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Mnemosyne (Memory). Calliope ruled epic<br />
poetry, Clio ruled his<strong>to</strong>ry, Polyhymnia mime, Euterpe the flute, Terpsichore dance,<br />
Erar<strong>to</strong> lyric art, Melpomene tragedy, Thalia comedy <strong>and</strong> Urania astronomy. They<br />
delighted the <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> inspired poets. The Muses created what they sang about. By<br />
praising the gods, they completed their glory, by boasting of valiant warriors, they<br />
wrote their names in his<strong>to</strong>ry. They were celebrated by the Pythagoreans as the<br />
keepers of the knowledge of harmony.<br />
Nemesis - Daughter <strong>and</strong> Night. Ruled over the distribution of wealth, looked after<br />
balance, <strong>to</strong>ok revenge on arrogance <strong>and</strong> punished excess, including excessive<br />
happiness, riches <strong>and</strong> power. Moderation in all things was her creed.<br />
Nymphs - Daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> usually part of a greater god(desses) en<strong>to</strong>urage. Not<br />
immortal, though long lived. Mostly lived in caves. Were dark powers whose beauty<br />
alone could lead <strong>to</strong> madness. Were seducers of many of the gods. Were considered<br />
secondary deities.<br />
Thetis - Daughter of the old man of the sea. Very beautiful. Mother of Achilles. Saved<br />
Zeus from a plot <strong>to</strong> overthrow him <strong>and</strong> was an ally of Hera. Saved the Argonauts as<br />
they passed between the clashing rocks.
The Legend of the Descent of the Goddess<br />
Now our Lady the Goddess had never loved, but She would solve all the Mysteries,<br />
even the Mystery of Death; <strong>and</strong> so She journeyed <strong>to</strong> the Underworld.<br />
The Guardians of the Portals challenged her: "Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy<br />
jewels; for naught mayest thou bring with the in<strong>to</strong> this our l<strong>and</strong>."<br />
So She laid down her garments <strong>and</strong> her jewels, <strong>and</strong> was bound, as are all who enter<br />
the Realms of Death, the Mighty One.<br />
Such was her beauty, that Death himself knelt <strong>and</strong> kissed her feet, saying: "Blessed be<br />
thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways. Abide with me; but let me place my<br />
cold h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart."<br />
She replied: "I love thee not. Why dost thou cause all things that I love <strong>and</strong> take<br />
delight in <strong>to</strong> fade <strong>and</strong> die?"<br />
"Lady," replied Death, "tis age <strong>and</strong> fate, against which I am helpless. Age causes all<br />
things <strong>to</strong> wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest <strong>and</strong> peace,<br />
<strong>and</strong> strength so that they may return. But thou!Thou art lovely. Return not; abide<br />
with me!"<br />
But She answered: "I love thee not."<br />
Then said Death: "An thou receivest not my h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart, thou must receive<br />
Death's scourge."<br />
"It is fate - better so," She said. And She knelt, <strong>and</strong> Death scourged her tenderly.And<br />
She cried, "I feel the pangs of love."<br />
And Death said, "Blessed Be!" <strong>and</strong> gave her the Fivefold Kiss, saying: "Thus only<br />
mayest thou attain <strong>to</strong> joy <strong>and</strong> knowledge." And he taught her all the Magicks.<br />
For there are three great events in the life of man: Love, Death, <strong>and</strong> Resurrection in<br />
the new body; <strong>and</strong> Magick controls them all. For <strong>to</strong> fulfill love you must return again<br />
at the same time <strong>and</strong> place as the loved one, <strong>and</strong> you must remember <strong>and</strong> love them<br />
again. But <strong>to</strong> be reborn you must die <strong>and</strong> be ready for a new body; <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> die you<br />
must be born; <strong>and</strong> without love you may not be born; <strong>and</strong> this is all the Magicks.
The Rhyming Charge of the Goddess<br />
I am the harmonious tune of the songbird<br />
And the laughter of a gleeful child.<br />
I am the bubbling sound of the running brook<br />
And the scent of the flowers wild.<br />
I am the floating leaf upon the breeze<br />
And the dancing fire in the forest glade.<br />
I am the sweet smell of rains upon the soil.<br />
And the rapture of passion when love is made.<br />
I am the germination of seed in the Spring<br />
And the ripening of wheat in the Sun.<br />
I am the peaceful depth of the twilight<br />
That soothes the soul when day is done.<br />
I am found in the twinkling of an aged eye --<br />
And found in the birth of a newborn pup --<br />
Yes -- Birth <strong>and</strong> Growth <strong>and</strong> Death, am I<br />
I am the gracious Earth, on whom you sup.<br />
I am your sister, your mother, the wise one.<br />
I wrap you gently in the warmth of my love.<br />
That which your seek you shall find within:<br />
Not without -- not below -- not above!<br />
Remember always, my children, be reverent.<br />
Be gentle, loving <strong>and</strong> kind <strong>to</strong> each other<br />
And hold sacred the Earth <strong>and</strong> its creatures:<br />
For I am the Lady: Creatrix <strong>and</strong> Mother!
The World's <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
God/dess God/dess Origin Origin Characteristics Characteristics <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Powers Powers<br />
Powers<br />
Adonai Aretz Israel God of magickal manifestation through will<br />
Agizan Voodoo God of psychic magick<br />
Artemis Greece Goddess of all magickal matters<br />
Brigit Irel<strong>and</strong> Goddess of the occult, witches, <strong>and</strong> prophesy<br />
Dactyls Greece Spirits who empower magickal symbols<br />
Dakini Buddhism Beings who govern magickal initiation <strong>and</strong><br />
spiritual insight<br />
Ea Babylon God of incantations<br />
Freya Norse Goddess of magick, good fortune, future-telling,<br />
<strong>and</strong> astuteness<br />
Hecate Greece Patroness of witches <strong>and</strong> spellcraft<br />
Hephaestus Greece God of metal <strong>and</strong> gem magick<br />
Kamrusepas Hittite Goddess of spells <strong>and</strong> magickal arts<br />
Lud Wales God of healing magick<br />
Ningirama Mesopotamia God of magick <strong>and</strong> protection (snakes)<br />
Pancaraksa Buddhist <strong>Goddesses</strong> of spellcraft <strong>and</strong> magick formulas<br />
Re Phoenician Goddess of moon magick<br />
Surya Hindu God of sun magick<br />
Thoth Egypt God of ritual magick
<strong>Goddesses</strong>
Wherever there's a woman in any home<br />
doing her work<br />
screening her smiles with her veil,<br />
she is You, Ma;<br />
she is you, Black Goddess.<br />
Carefully rising with the light of dawn<br />
<strong>to</strong> attend with softened h<strong>and</strong>s<br />
<strong>to</strong> household chores,<br />
she is You, Ma;<br />
she is You, Black Goddess.<br />
A Kali in Every Woman<br />
The woman who gives alms, makes vows, does worship, reads scriptures<br />
all correctly <strong>and</strong> with a smile<br />
who drapes her sari over the child on her lap<br />
soothing its hunger with a lullaby,<br />
she is You, Ma;<br />
she is You, Black Goddess.<br />
She can't be anyone else;<br />
Mother, sister, housewife<br />
all are You.<br />
- Ramprasad (c.a. 1718-1775)<br />
It is well established in the canons of Indian thought that every woman mirrors in<br />
herself the divine feminine. The above piece of poetry goes further <strong>and</strong> specifically<br />
informs us that every female has in herself the Goddess Kali. At first appearances this<br />
comes as a surprising shock, not in the least because of Kali's horrific demeanor.<br />
Envisioned as <strong>to</strong>tally naked, the visual tales of her terrible form do not end with her<br />
dense black color or with the skirt made up of decapitated h<strong>and</strong>s she adorns in her<br />
middle, making a mockery of all conventional images of reassurance a goddess is<br />
associated with. Further frightening is the necklace she vulgarly hangs around her<br />
neck. This is no ordinary necklace. It is made up of heads she has severed from the<br />
<strong>to</strong>rsos of beings who were once as much living as you <strong>and</strong> I are at this moment. And<br />
the horrors of horrors, she st<strong>and</strong>s in an arrogant gesture of triumph, one leg placed<br />
haughtily over the chest of Shiva, one of the most powerful deities of the Hindu<br />
pantheon, <strong>and</strong> who also happens <strong>to</strong> be her husb<strong>and</strong>.
The truth behind the mystery of Kali, it seems, is <strong>to</strong> not be found by a conventional<br />
appraisal of her physical appearance. Rather a faithful analysis of the deep symbolism<br />
underlying this mighty Goddess is required <strong>to</strong> penetrate her innermost essence.<br />
Traditional opinion is unanimous in accepting the figure lying under Kali's feet as<br />
being that of her husb<strong>and</strong>. Here is what the same poet has <strong>to</strong> say about this aspect of<br />
her iconography:<br />
It's not Shiva<br />
At Mother's feet.<br />
Only liars say that.<br />
The ancients wrote clearly that<br />
while killing demons,<br />
saving the gods from their fix,<br />
Ma stepped on a demon child<br />
fallen <strong>to</strong> the ground.<br />
At the <strong>to</strong>uch of Her feet<br />
the demon boy changed;<br />
suddenly he was Shiva<br />
On the battlefield.<br />
As a good wife<br />
would She ever<br />
put Her feet<br />
on Her husb<strong>and</strong>'s chest?<br />
No, she wouldn't.<br />
But a servant is different:<br />
Ramprasad pleads-<br />
place those fear-dispelling feet<br />
on my lotus heart.<br />
In this striking example, Ramprasad the greatest of Kali's devotees ever, saves her<br />
against the accusations that she deviates from the path of a true Hindu wife by<br />
subjugating her spouse. In a glorious moment of poetic imagery he establishes in the<br />
goddess a power that is capable of transforming a villainous demon in<strong>to</strong> Shiva, the<br />
purest of all gods. Why transform this evil being in<strong>to</strong> her husb<strong>and</strong>? She could have<br />
changed him in<strong>to</strong> any 'pure ' soul, why grant him the status of her spouse? Why<br />
indeed? This may lead us <strong>to</strong> theorize that by meditating upon the benevolent goddess<br />
we, who are the wickedest among all, can achieve this positive transformation. This
suggests that in addition <strong>to</strong> approaching the goddess as a child, she can also be courted<br />
as a husb<strong>and</strong>. It must however be stressed here that there is no sexuality involved in<br />
this purely emotional process. Beginning her worship as a child we may ultimately<br />
evolve in<strong>to</strong> her husb<strong>and</strong>. This process mirrors the rhythmic pattern each of our lives<br />
follow, i.e. starting off as a child <strong>to</strong> our mother <strong>and</strong> gradually developing in<strong>to</strong><br />
husb<strong>and</strong>s <strong>to</strong> our wives. Accepting that duality exists in nature, such a hypothesis<br />
indeed projects the male in an extremely positive light. But it is the female of the<br />
species who comes out with honors here, by resolutely establishing that when they<br />
are wives <strong>and</strong> when they progress <strong>to</strong> being mothers, Kali forms an integral part of<br />
their characteristic buildup.<br />
This positive affirmation does not however explain Kali's blackness as complementary<br />
<strong>to</strong> her motherhood. Things fall in<strong>to</strong> place when we recall how creation manifested<br />
itself at the beginning of the world, when nothing material existed. This primordial<br />
state was dark. As is Kali, as is the womb, dark <strong>and</strong> mysterious. Esoterically speaking<br />
black is not a color, but the absence of color. It is what remains when all colors merge<br />
in<strong>to</strong> each other, or in other words the fount which has the potentiality <strong>to</strong> give birth<br />
<strong>to</strong> all the colors of life. Another poet says in this context:<br />
Is my Mother Kali really black?<br />
People say Kali is black,<br />
But my heart doesn't agree.<br />
If She's black,<br />
How can she light up the world?<br />
Sometimes my Mother is white,<br />
Sometimes yellow, blue, <strong>and</strong> red.<br />
I cannot fathom Her.<br />
My whole life has passed<br />
trying.<br />
She is Matter,<br />
Then Spirit,<br />
Then complete Void.<br />
- Kamalakanta Bhattacharya (1769-1821)<br />
It is interesting <strong>to</strong> note here that in Egypt <strong>to</strong>o, blackness is associated with a positive<br />
symbolism, st<strong>and</strong>ing for the mothering darkness of germination. Hence every woman<br />
by virtue of being a potential mother <strong>and</strong> possessing the dark, cavernous womb which<br />
grants her this capability, is a Kali.
Strangely enough, scarcely having crossed one hurdle in the positive interpretation of<br />
the Kali icon as a creative matrix, we are confronted with another contradic<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
feature, here namely the necklace of skulls ornamenting her beautiful neck. Indeed it<br />
is a symbol of death. Believers in reincarnation maintain that before it is invested<br />
with a physical body the soul of a man is free <strong>and</strong> fully alive since it exists in the<br />
spiritual world, which is it's true sphere of existence. When it is conceived in the<br />
mother's interior, its death begins. The womb is thus the symbol of the <strong>to</strong>mb. Or for<br />
those of us, who prefer <strong>to</strong> be cremated, there are the fires which surround Kali, our<br />
archetypal mother. Thus our physical birth is in a way our spiritual death.<br />
Equally enigmatic is the short skirt encircling her tender waist. The amputated h<strong>and</strong>s<br />
which are strung <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> form this garment represent for her devotees the<br />
ultimate act of devotion. This act consists in severing of all attachment <strong>to</strong> karma <strong>and</strong><br />
meditating upon Kali as the ultimate refuge. The path <strong>to</strong> salvation in this belief lies<br />
not in following the karmic way but rather giving up one's complete self in the<br />
worship of the Goddess. As Ramprasad says:<br />
Oh my Mind, worship Kali<br />
any way you want-<br />
just repeat the mantra<br />
given <strong>to</strong> you<br />
day <strong>and</strong> night.<br />
Think that you're prostrating<br />
as you lie on your bed,<br />
<strong>and</strong> meditating on the Mother<br />
while you sleep.<br />
When you go about the <strong>to</strong>wn, imagine<br />
you're circumambulating Kali Ma.<br />
Each sound that enters your ears<br />
is one of Kali's mantras,<br />
Each letter of the fifty<br />
around Her neck<br />
bears Her name.<br />
Ramprasad says, as<strong>to</strong>nished,<br />
The Goddess Full of Brahman is in every creature.<br />
When you eat,<br />
think that you're making an offering <strong>to</strong> Kali Ma.<br />
Kali contains within herself all our actions <strong>and</strong> the results which ensue thereof. <strong>Our</strong>
h<strong>and</strong>s are the instruments through which we carry out our karma, believing ourselves<br />
<strong>to</strong> be the masters of our own destinies. The goddess allows no such misconception, as<br />
she is the giver of life <strong>and</strong> also its termina<strong>to</strong>r. It is in her that all acts originate <strong>and</strong> it<br />
is in<strong>to</strong> her that they finally dissolve. This is the symbolism implied behind the<br />
carelessly flaring skirt, hobbling with the dynamic goddess, <strong>and</strong> arguably the earliest<br />
mini skirt in his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Thus even the humblest acts we perform during the course of our daily lives is <strong>to</strong> be<br />
viewed as an offering <strong>to</strong> the Great Mother who is indeed our sustenance <strong>and</strong><br />
nourisher, both spiritually <strong>and</strong> materially. Rightly then, one of Ramprasad's poems is<br />
entitled 'Satisfy Every Level of <strong>Our</strong> Hunger O Mother!' It runs like this:<br />
O Mother of the Universe!<br />
You who provide basic sustenance<br />
And subtle nourishment of all creatures!<br />
Please feed us, Holy Mother!<br />
Satisfy every level of our hunger!<br />
I know the mother always feeds her hungry child,<br />
Regardless of its foolishness or carelessness.<br />
Goddess Kali, grant the child who sings this song<br />
Your supreme blessing of <strong>to</strong>tal illumination.<br />
Today is the most auspicious day!<br />
Please, Mother, do not delay!<br />
Goddess Kali, my pangs of hunger for reality<br />
Are becoming unbearable.<br />
Mother! Mother! Mother!<br />
You are the longing <strong>and</strong> the longed for!<br />
You cannot refuse your child's earnest prayer!<br />
The question however remains of Kali's nudity. It is Jesus who points us in the correct<br />
direction regarding this issue. In the 'Gospel of Thomas,' he says, in reply <strong>to</strong> a<br />
disciple's question about when he would come again: "When you strip yourselves<br />
without being ashamed. When you take off clothes <strong>and</strong> lay them at your feet like<br />
little children <strong>and</strong> trample on them."<br />
Kahlil Gibran, the Lebanese-American philosopher, elaborates:<br />
Your clothes conceal much of your beauty, yet they hide not the unbeautiful.
And though you seek in garments the freedom of privacy you may find in them a<br />
harness <strong>and</strong> a chain.<br />
Would that you could meet the sun <strong>and</strong> the wind with more of your skin <strong>and</strong> less of<br />
your raiment,<br />
For the breath of life is in the sunlight <strong>and</strong> the h<strong>and</strong> of life is in the wind.<br />
Forget not that modesty is for a shield against the eye of the unclean.<br />
And when the unclean shall be no more, what were modesty but a fetter <strong>and</strong> a<br />
fouling of the mind?<br />
And forget not that the earth delights <strong>to</strong> feel your bare feet <strong>and</strong> the winds long <strong>to</strong><br />
play with your hair.<br />
(From 'The Prophet')<br />
Ramprasad concedes that ordinary mortals like himself (<strong>and</strong> us) could be bedazzled<br />
by these stark truths. He expresses similar sentiments, <strong>and</strong> at the same time grants<br />
them the high ground of abstract philosophy:<br />
O sublime Goddess! O naked oneness!<br />
What is the meaning of your nakedness?<br />
Are you shameless, Divine Lady?<br />
Yet even when discarding<br />
royal silks, <strong>and</strong> golden ornaments<br />
for earrings, bracelets, <strong>and</strong> anklets<br />
fashioned from human bone,<br />
you retain the dignity of bearing<br />
suited <strong>to</strong> the daughter of a king.<br />
What wild cus<strong>to</strong>ms you follow, Ma Kali,<br />
trampling on the chest of your noble husb<strong>and</strong>.<br />
You are the naked intensity of divine creativity,<br />
while your consort is naked transcendence.<br />
O Mother of the Universe,<br />
this child is terrified by your naked truth,<br />
your unthinkable blackness, your sheer infinity.<br />
Please cover your reality with a gentle veil.
Why have you thrown away the necklace of pearls<br />
that enhances your divine beauty<br />
Wearing instead this awesome garl<strong>and</strong> of heads,<br />
Freshly severed by the sword of non duality?<br />
Truth is not complicated. An innocent child is untrained in the manners of the world<br />
but this does not deprive him from living a zestful <strong>and</strong> complete life, albeit his/her<br />
mother forms an integral part of his unified circle of existence. This is what prompted<br />
Wordsworth <strong>to</strong> say that 'the child is the father of man.' A child is imbued with the<br />
quality of intuitive wisdom, which is the undifferentiating intelligence that existed<br />
before the world was created. Kali's nudity exhibits this free state of archetypal bliss,<br />
of which ecstasy is a characterizing attribute.<br />
Conclusion:<br />
Elizabeth U. Harding an intrepid Kali adventurer <strong>and</strong> fan, describes in her memoirs<br />
how laborious <strong>and</strong> stressful it is <strong>to</strong> reach the inner sanctum of Kali at the<br />
Dakshineswar <strong>Temple</strong> at Calcutta, owing <strong>to</strong> the regular galore of devotees who<br />
generally swarm her temple. After having reached the inner hall housing the sanctum<br />
sanc<strong>to</strong>rum this is what she says:<br />
"Out of sheer awe <strong>and</strong> admiration one's voice au<strong>to</strong>matically turns in<strong>to</strong> a whisper - yet,<br />
there is nothing intimidating about this place."<br />
Ushered in<strong>to</strong> the presence of the deity our voices au<strong>to</strong>matically drop <strong>to</strong> a whisper, as<br />
a tribute of respect <strong>to</strong> the divine presence. Finally face <strong>to</strong> face with Kali herself, this is<br />
what transpires in the author's mind:<br />
'But when one finally st<strong>and</strong>s before Kali, time seems <strong>to</strong> st<strong>and</strong> still. Everything s<strong>to</strong>ps.<br />
The people, the noise - all is mysteriously gone. One stares with wide eyes, forgetting<br />
even <strong>to</strong> blink. All one sees is Kali <strong>and</strong> nothing else. Overwhelmed with feeling one<br />
whispers, "I love you." And from within she replies, "You do so much more for I am<br />
the source of your being!"<br />
This is the spirit in which <strong>to</strong> approach Kali. The Great Goddess herself will then<br />
reveal her mysteries for all of us, solving in the process, the eternal questions of life.
About the Goddess<br />
One of the most obvious differences between Wiccan <strong>and</strong> most current world<br />
religions is the presence of a divine female who is not dependent upon a male deity.<br />
This images of the Goddess as a creative, strong force has attracted many women <strong>and</strong><br />
men in modern society <strong>to</strong> Wicca, <strong>and</strong> encourages people fighting oppression in its<br />
many forms. The Goddess is generally believed <strong>to</strong> have three major aspects: Maiden,<br />
Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone, who correspond <strong>to</strong> the main cycles of life, detailed below.<br />
Maiden<br />
Maiden<br />
Aspect Warrior, playful, strong, athletic, individuality<br />
Names Diana, Persephone, Ariadne<br />
Moon Phase New <strong>and</strong> waxing<br />
Color Yellow<br />
Animals Dog, doe, hawk<br />
Rituals Strength, courage, play<br />
Mother<br />
Mother<br />
Aspect Creativity, birthing, compassion, healing<br />
Names Yemaya, Isis, Demeter<br />
Moon Phase Full<br />
Color Red<br />
Animals Elephant, lion, whale<br />
Rituals Birth, creativity, healing<br />
Crone*<br />
Crone*<br />
Aspect Teacher, cleansing, growth, death/rebirth<br />
Names Hecate, Cerridwen, Kali<br />
Moon Phase Waning<br />
Color Black<br />
Animals Mare, sow, owl<br />
Rituals Endings, life cycles, lessons<br />
* A special note about the Crone: In a time when the power of women as healers <strong>and</strong><br />
wise women was feared by the Xian Church, <strong>and</strong> when the natural cycles of birth <strong>and</strong>
death were denied, old women were particularly feared <strong>and</strong> vilified. Many of the<br />
women who were accused of witchcraft, <strong>to</strong>rtured, <strong>and</strong> murdered by church<br />
authorities were older women. The church has propagated the image of all witches as<br />
old hags with crooked noses, who do evil rather than good, <strong>to</strong> dehumanize <strong>and</strong><br />
disempowered the women in our communities who served as teachers <strong>and</strong> healers<br />
before the onset of Xianity. This image continues <strong>to</strong> abound in various media images<br />
<strong>to</strong>day. In Wicca, the image of the Crone is of an old, wise woman who teaches us the<br />
lessons she has learned -- not an ugly, evil eater of children. She can be difficult <strong>to</strong><br />
work with from a magickal sense if you are shrinking your responsibilities or refusing<br />
<strong>to</strong> let go of unhealthy people, relationships <strong>and</strong> habits, but Her role is <strong>to</strong> help us learn<br />
<strong>to</strong> cut away the old so that new can grow.
Affirmations <strong>to</strong> Hadit<br />
I drink <strong>to</strong> the eight <strong>and</strong> ninety rules of art so that I may exceed!<br />
I am thy Hermit at all the joy.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> live long <strong>and</strong> desire death much for I am thy King, my body dissolving in<br />
ecstasy.<br />
Khabs is the name of my house, <strong>and</strong> 418.<br />
I dare beauty <strong>and</strong> strength, leaping laughter, delicious languor, force <strong>and</strong> fire.<br />
A feast every day in my heart in the joy of your rapture.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> not cry why, invoking because.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> not veil my vices in virtuous words.<br />
To worship you, I dare <strong>to</strong> take wine <strong>and</strong> strange drugs, <strong>and</strong> they shall harm me not at<br />
all.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> obtain the order & value of the English Alphabet, I will find new symbols <strong>to</strong><br />
attribute them un<strong>to</strong>.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> work the formula 0=2
Affirmations <strong>to</strong> Nuit<br />
Nuit is the Star Goddess of Space, the <strong>to</strong>tal of possibilities of every kind. She is the<br />
Goddess of Combinations, unrestricted, infinite as the stars. Black as the first<br />
swirlings of Space <strong>and</strong> Time. Bright as the Stars. Her only sin is restriction, anything<br />
which would keep the possible range of combinations lower than possible. The utter<br />
simplicity <strong>and</strong> universal applicability of this as a strategy or st<strong>and</strong>ard for evolution is<br />
instantly obvious if our own genetic material is used as an analogue. The<br />
combinations available <strong>to</strong> DNA in the fusion of sperm <strong>and</strong> egg are inconceivably<br />
large, <strong>and</strong> it is this wide range of possible combinations that enable us <strong>to</strong> evolve as a<br />
race. Another way of thinking of combinations is as options. Individual freedoms are<br />
a matter of how many options you have.<br />
Nuit is everything <strong>and</strong> every experience you have. There is no moment of pain or<br />
pleasure that is not freighted with the vast momentum of her ecstasy <strong>to</strong> the man or<br />
woman that is doing their will. In fact, in the end every moment of ones life can be<br />
purified in the crucible of her body. At no time <strong>and</strong> in no sphere or plane or<br />
dimension will her joy, her power, as infinite as the stars <strong>and</strong> vault of the heavens,<br />
leave you once you have opened yourself <strong>to</strong> her. Nor does she dem<strong>and</strong> aught in<br />
sacrifice-- except all your limitations <strong>and</strong> pains.<br />
She dem<strong>and</strong>s no sacrifice <strong>and</strong> makes no punishments, for once you have felt her joy<br />
her absence is everything but that one thing, <strong>and</strong> there is no price or power or saving<br />
grace that will replace her. She is a magickal link with everything. Ice <strong>and</strong> fire. The<br />
earth that you st<strong>and</strong> on as you admire the milky way.<br />
These affirmations are best used immediately before or after the reading of Nuit's<br />
chapter of Liber Al. The Neo-Thelemoid Clique of the Orgone Committee has used<br />
them <strong>to</strong> excellent effect. Feel free <strong>to</strong> combine these affirmations with any<br />
Magickal/Alchemical acts <strong>to</strong> give them a greater charge. (Try using each one at the<br />
point of orgasm for 11 separate acts of Sex Magick for example.) The first chapter will<br />
never be the same <strong>to</strong> you again after you have taken these Oaths. They will make the<br />
First Chapter alive <strong>to</strong> you in ways that it might never have been otherwise.<br />
I am of the few <strong>and</strong> secret.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> bind nothing.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> follow the three ordeals of your knowledge.
I dare the mantras <strong>and</strong> spells the obeah <strong>and</strong> wanga, the work of the w<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> sword.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> deliver my will from the lust of result.<br />
My sole word of sin is restriction.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> seek ye through the four gemmed gates.<br />
Love is my law, love under my will, <strong>and</strong> I shall take my fill <strong>and</strong> will of love as I will,<br />
when where <strong>and</strong> with whom I will.<br />
I shall do my will as the whole of my law, <strong>and</strong> no other shall say nay.<br />
I dare <strong>to</strong> accept your unimaginable joys on earth; certainty, not faith while in life,<br />
upon death; peace unutterable, rest, ecstasy.<br />
My number is 11.
All About Brigid<br />
In Mexico, there are two "patron saints." The first, <strong>and</strong> foremost, with a holiday on<br />
December 12, is Guadalupe, called variously St. Guadalupe <strong>and</strong> <strong>Our</strong> Lady of<br />
Guadalupe. The Church now says this is the Virgin Mary who made an appearance<br />
before a young man named Juan Diego in December 1531. She looked like an Indian<br />
maiden <strong>and</strong> she appeared on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City.<br />
Although she is assumed <strong>to</strong> be the Virgin Mary, she is nonetheless called the "patron<br />
saint" of Mexico. She is most likely nothing but the ancient Aztec goddess Coatlique,<br />
whose holy day also happened <strong>to</strong> have been December 12.<br />
The other saint you hear about a lot in Mexico is the mysterious "San Juan de los<br />
Lagos," Saint John of the Lakes. There never has been such a person, of course. It was<br />
obviously an ancient lake god, presumably the patron saint of Mexico City, which<br />
was built on <strong>to</strong>p of Lake Texcoco. He could have been Tpoztecatl, ancient god of<br />
agriculture, or even Huitzilopchtli, sun god of the Aztecs.<br />
All over the world, in Roman Catholic countries, you will find "patron saints" who<br />
never existed. They are the early pagan gods <strong>and</strong> goddesses converted <strong>to</strong> Christianity<br />
for public relations purposes.<br />
The earliest recorded "conversion" of a pagan goddess was Saint Sophia in Asia Minor.<br />
Very early, Christians had a hard time converting the populace of Greece <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Hellenic cultures of the region because the people were quite happy with their<br />
goddess, Minerva, also known as Pallas Athena, the patron deity of the city of Athens.<br />
The word "pallas" is the ancient Greek term for a maiden. Athena is thought (by<br />
Robert Graves <strong>and</strong> others) <strong>to</strong> be a version of Anatha, the Sumerian Queen of Heaven.<br />
With the title of Pallas, she would have been the ancient Goddess in her maiden<br />
aspect.<br />
Minerva was universally called Sophia -- wisdom. So a "Saint Sophia" was invented,<br />
<strong>and</strong> churches all over Asia Minor were built in her honor. She was even said <strong>to</strong> have<br />
had three daughters -- St. Faith, St. Hope <strong>and</strong> St. Charity!<br />
The entire region converted <strong>to</strong> Christianity as soon as the church declared the<br />
region's favorite goddess <strong>to</strong> be a Christian saint.<br />
So it really wasn't the inherent stupidity of the Irish, as some scholars allege, that
allowed them <strong>to</strong> be converted in a similar way.<br />
They reacted like people all over the world did. Make my god a Christian saint <strong>and</strong><br />
I'll become a Christian.<br />
Interestingly, the Irish goddess converted <strong>to</strong> Christianity was the same as Pallas<br />
Athena, it was the maiden aspect of the Goddess. Where in continental Europe, the<br />
Mother aspect was chosen -- witness all the cathedrals built <strong>to</strong> the Virgin Mary,<br />
Mother of God -- in Irel<strong>and</strong>, as in Asia Minor, it was the maiden goddess honored.<br />
The Irish goddess was called Brigid (pronounced "breed") or Brigit. She was a triple<br />
goddess (some said all three were named Brigid!) <strong>and</strong> she was the goddess of wisdom<br />
(like her Asia Minor counterpart). Her sisters were the goddesses of healing <strong>and</strong><br />
smithcraft respectively.<br />
At Kildare there was a temple <strong>to</strong> Brigid, with a perpetual fire kept by 19 priestesses.<br />
The number 19 was used because there are 19 years in the Celtic "great year," when<br />
the solar <strong>and</strong> lunar calendars coincide. Brigid was always called "The Three Blessed<br />
Ladies of Britain" or "The Three Mothers" <strong>and</strong> she was identified with the moon <strong>and</strong><br />
the three phases of the moon. (As such, she is also identical <strong>to</strong> the ancient earth<br />
goddess, Hecate.) It was common for the ancients <strong>to</strong> accept their goddess as being<br />
three people. This is where the Christians got their concept of the trinity.<br />
Actually, Brigid can be traced back <strong>to</strong> Illyricum, the ancient l<strong>and</strong> now occupied by<br />
Croatia (<strong>and</strong> extending over Serbia, Bulgaria, <strong>and</strong> Austria). Her shrine was in the city<br />
of Brige<strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> she was called Brigantes, accepted by the Romans as identical <strong>to</strong> Juno<br />
Regina, Queen of Heaven. Her followers were often called Brig<strong>and</strong>s, or outlaws, <strong>and</strong><br />
Robin Hood was most likely the title of a leader of "brig<strong>and</strong>s" fighting against the<br />
Christian conquerors.<br />
The Gaelic Celts brought Brigid with them when they left their original home in<br />
Galatia -- in Asia Minor, no less, <strong>and</strong> moved across Europe <strong>to</strong> settle in what is now<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>.<br />
In Irel<strong>and</strong>, the Church could not talk the people in<strong>to</strong> giving up the worship of Brigid,<br />
so they "converted" her <strong>to</strong> St. Bridget, claiming she was a nun who founded a convent<br />
in Kildare (where the goddess' temple already was located.) The s<strong>to</strong>ries about "St.<br />
Bridget" were the same s<strong>to</strong>ries <strong>to</strong>ld about the goddess: that everywhere she walked,<br />
flowers <strong>and</strong> shamrocks sprang up (the three-leafed shamrock, of course, was the<br />
symbol of the triple Brigid), that in her shrine it was always springtime <strong>and</strong> that in<br />
her convent the cows never went dry -- all fertility s<strong>to</strong>ries.
The Irish priests said, however, that Brigid wasn't really a saint at all: she was the<br />
Queen of Heaven, the mother of Jesus herself. The Church ruled that since Bridget<br />
couldn't be the mother of Jesus (Mary already had that job all sewed up), she could be<br />
the step-mother of Jesus -- which meant, of course, that Jesus had <strong>to</strong> have been raised<br />
in Irel<strong>and</strong>, a s<strong>to</strong>ry frequently <strong>to</strong>ld in the old days.<br />
The goddess Brigid had a consort named Dagda, meaning "father." The Latin word for<br />
father was Patricius, so the Church made him a saint as well, "St. Patrick." The myths<br />
say Patrick was the person who Christianized Irel<strong>and</strong> in the year 461, but we know<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong> actually was converted in the seventh century by Augustine of Canterbury,<br />
who was responsible for getting Patrick canonized.<br />
Patrick, the sun-god, has his day on March 17, the beginning of spring in Irel<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Interestingly, the churches in Irel<strong>and</strong> dedicated <strong>to</strong> "St. Bridget" were also dedicated <strong>to</strong><br />
the O'Kelly clans. All the baptismal fees in those churches belonged <strong>to</strong> the O'Kellies.<br />
If you know any Irishman named Kelly you can tell him or her something about the<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry of their name. The word means they are descended from the kelles, or sacred<br />
harlots (<strong>to</strong> use the Church name) of the goddess Brigid.<br />
The goddess' priestesses were not allowed <strong>to</strong> marry, so they were free <strong>to</strong> choose any<br />
man they wished. Children born <strong>to</strong> such unions were called O'Kelly, because they<br />
were born of a kelle.<br />
Every woman <strong>to</strong>day who gets married is given the goddess name, of course, for the<br />
word "bride" is simply an alternate spelling of Brigid.<br />
The feast day of Brigid is February 1, which was also considered the first day of spring<br />
<strong>to</strong> pagans. It is the day of quickening, when vegetation comes alive (quickens) in the<br />
bowels of the earth. For this reason, it is often called Imbolc, a Celtic word meaning<br />
"in the belly." It's also called Oimelc ("ewe's milk") for this was also the lambing<br />
season in ancient Irel<strong>and</strong>.<br />
In ancient Rome, the first two weeks of February were called the Lupercalia, in honor<br />
of Lupercus (or Faunus), god of agriculture, <strong>and</strong> Venus, goddess of fertility. It was also<br />
a festival of quickening, <strong>and</strong> also honored the goddess as maiden. It involved parades<br />
<strong>and</strong> the lighting of fires.<br />
Lupercalia ended, of course, on February 14, a day we now call St. Valentine's Day,<br />
after yet another spurious "saint." The name was most likely originally "Gallantine's
Day," the day of the lover. On this day, a couple could agree <strong>to</strong> a trial marriage, living<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether until the next Lammas, August 1. "Will you be my Valentine?" was the way a<br />
woman would propose such an engagement <strong>to</strong> a man. (The Valentine "heart," of<br />
course, was not the physical heart we are acquainted with, but another part of the<br />
ana<strong>to</strong>my entirely.)<br />
Fires have always been important on Imbolc. The fires symbolized the new-born sun,<br />
born at Yule <strong>and</strong> the sparks of new life in springtime. One ancient cus<strong>to</strong>m was the<br />
lighting of c<strong>and</strong>les in every window of the house, <strong>to</strong> let the world know of coming<br />
spring. The sight of every home blazing with c<strong>and</strong>les must have been comforting <strong>to</strong><br />
people still feeling the bitter cold of February up north!<br />
The Church made this time the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin ("virgin" was<br />
just another word for "maid," of course) <strong>and</strong> they called in C<strong>and</strong>lemas, the feast of<br />
c<strong>and</strong>les. Since people were already lighting c<strong>and</strong>les at home anyway, the Church<br />
declared this a time <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> church <strong>and</strong> get your c<strong>and</strong>les blessed.<br />
During the Burning Times, the great Inquisition of Europe, it was said that witches<br />
considered C<strong>and</strong>lemas their most sacred festival. This was probably the Church's way<br />
of warning people not <strong>to</strong> take Brigid <strong>to</strong>o seriously.<br />
One of the most important cus<strong>to</strong>ms at C<strong>and</strong>lemas in ancient times was the forecasting<br />
of weather. In the old English poem: "If C<strong>and</strong>lemas Day be bright <strong>and</strong> clear, there'll<br />
be two winters in the year." It was once thought that the quarters (the equinoxes <strong>and</strong><br />
solstices) fore<strong>to</strong>ld the weather directly (i.e. a warm Christmas meant a warm winter)<br />
while the cross-quarters (Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas <strong>and</strong> Samhain) fore<strong>to</strong>ld the<br />
weather negatively.<br />
We keep this cus<strong>to</strong>m by calling February 2 "Groundhog's Day" <strong>and</strong> predicting the rest<br />
of the winter by whether or not the groundhog sees its shadow or not. If it sees its<br />
shadow then C<strong>and</strong>lemas Day will be "bright <strong>and</strong> clear."<br />
There were a number of cus<strong>to</strong>ms associated with this day. One was the baking of<br />
"Bridget's bread" on this day. This goes back thous<strong>and</strong>s of years <strong>to</strong> the baking of cakes<br />
for the Queen of Heaven spoken of in the Bible. The last of the precious grain s<strong>to</strong>red<br />
over the winter would be prepared in<strong>to</strong> cakes on this day, in the prospect of much<br />
more grain in the year ahead.<br />
Another cus<strong>to</strong>m called for the making of "Bridget's crosses" out of straw. The cross<br />
was the ancient symbol for the sun (the rays of the sun seem <strong>to</strong> come out in cruciform<br />
shape) <strong>and</strong> the straw crosses were in honor of the reborn sun. The crosses would be
placed around the home for protection during the following year.<br />
One young woman each year would also be chosen <strong>to</strong> represent the goddess, the<br />
"Bride." She would wear a crown of c<strong>and</strong>les on her head that day, again in honor of<br />
the sun.<br />
The meaning of this holiday for us is simply this: this is the time of quickening, the<br />
time of new life. It's a time <strong>to</strong> be thankful for all the new life that arises in spring, a<br />
time <strong>to</strong> plan ahead for the new year <strong>and</strong> a time <strong>to</strong> begin the long processes of making<br />
a living, bringing in a new crop or getting on with our lives.<br />
New projects are well begun on Brigid's Day. This is a time of hope, a time for looking<br />
positively at one's world.<br />
This week, go out <strong>and</strong> buy a c<strong>and</strong>le for the Maiden Goddess -- <strong>and</strong> for yourself. This<br />
week, light it <strong>and</strong> place it in a window of your home. Focus all your hopes <strong>and</strong><br />
dreams for the coming year on<strong>to</strong> that c<strong>and</strong>le. And dedicate it <strong>to</strong> hope.<br />
Blessed be!
Aphrodite: Goddess of Love<br />
Aphrodite Aphrodite was the goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty, in Greek mythology. She is said <strong>to</strong> be<br />
the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Dione, one of his consorts, but in later legends she is<br />
described as having sprung from the foam of the sea <strong>and</strong> her name may be translated<br />
"foam-risen."<br />
In Homeric legend Aphrodite is the wife of the lame <strong>and</strong> ugly god of fire, Hephaestus.<br />
Among her lovers was Ares, god of war, who in later mythology became her husb<strong>and</strong>.<br />
She was the rival of Persephone, queen of the underworld, for the love of the<br />
beautiful Greek youth Adonis.<br />
Perhaps the most famous legend about Aphrodite concerns the cause of the Trojan<br />
War. Eris, the goddess of discord, the only goddess not invited <strong>to</strong> the wedding of King<br />
Peleus <strong>and</strong> the sea nymph Thetis, resentfully <strong>to</strong>ssed in<strong>to</strong> the banquet hall a golden<br />
apple, marked "for the fairest." When Zeus refused <strong>to</strong> judge between the three<br />
goddesses who claimed the apple, Hera, Athena, <strong>and</strong> Aphrodite, they asked Paris,<br />
prince of Troy, <strong>to</strong> make the award. Each offered him a bribe: Hera, that he would be a<br />
powerful ruler; Athena, that he would achieve great military fame; <strong>and</strong> Aphrodite,<br />
that he should have the fairest woman in the world. Paris selected Aphrodite as the<br />
fairest <strong>and</strong> chose as his prize Helen of Troy, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus.<br />
Paris's abduction of Helen led <strong>to</strong> the Trojan War.<br />
Aphrodite was identified in early Greek religious beliefs with the Phoenician Astarte<br />
<strong>and</strong> was known as Aphrodite Urania, queen of the heavens, <strong>and</strong> as Aphrodite<br />
P<strong>and</strong>emos, goddess of the people.
Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches<br />
Chapter I: How Diana Gave Birth To Aradia (Herodias)<br />
"It is Diana! Lo!<br />
She rises crescented."<br />
-Keats' Endymion<br />
"Make more bright<br />
The Star Queen's crescent on her marriage night."<br />
-Ibid.<br />
This is the Gospel (Vangelo) of the Witches:<br />
Diana Diana greatly loved her brother Lucifer Lucifer, Lucifer<br />
the god of the Sun <strong>and</strong> of the Moon, the god<br />
of Light (Splendor), who was so proud of his beauty, <strong>and</strong> who for his pride was driven<br />
from Paradise. Diana had by her brother a daughter, <strong>to</strong> whom they gave the name of<br />
Aradia (i.e. Herodias). In those days there were on earth many rich <strong>and</strong> many poor.<br />
The rich made slaves of all the poor.<br />
-Page 4 (Excerpt from Diana speaking <strong>to</strong> Aradia)-<br />
Translation<br />
'Tis true indeed that thou a spirit art,<br />
But thou wert born but <strong>to</strong> become again<br />
A mortal; thou must go <strong>to</strong> earth below<br />
To be a teacher un<strong>to</strong> women <strong>and</strong> men<br />
Who fain would study witchcraft in thy school.<br />
Yet like Cain's daughter thou shalt never be,<br />
Nor like the race who have become at last<br />
Wicked <strong>and</strong> infamous from suffering,<br />
As are the Jews <strong>and</strong> w<strong>and</strong>ering Zingari,<br />
Who are all thieves <strong>and</strong> knaves;<br />
Like un<strong>to</strong> them ye shall not be--<br />
-Page 16 (Excerpt: Entire invocation <strong>to</strong> Aradia)-<br />
The Invocation <strong>to</strong> Aradia<br />
Aradia! my Aradia!<br />
Thou who art daughter un<strong>to</strong> him who was<br />
Most evil of all spirits, who of old
Once reigned in hell when driven away from heaven,<br />
Who by his sister did thy sire become,<br />
But as thy mother did repent her fault,<br />
And wished <strong>to</strong> mate thee <strong>to</strong> a spirit who<br />
Should be benevolent,<br />
And not malevolent!<br />
Aradia, Aradia! I implore<br />
Thee by the love which she did bear for thee!<br />
And by the love which I <strong>to</strong>o feel for thee!<br />
I pray thee grant the grace which I require!<br />
And if this grace be granted, may there be<br />
One of three signs distinctly clear <strong>to</strong> me:<br />
The hiss of a serpent,<br />
The light of a firefly,<br />
The sound of a frog!<br />
But if you do refuse this favor, then<br />
May you in future know no peace nor joy,<br />
And be obliged <strong>to</strong> seek me from afar,<br />
Until you come <strong>to</strong> grant me my desire,<br />
In haste, <strong>and</strong> then thou may'est return again<br />
Un<strong>to</strong> thy destiny. Therewith Amen!
Sometimes "No" means No <strong>and</strong> not Maybe.<br />
Artemis<br />
Artemis was adamant that She could never be seen by a man, even by male<br />
worshipers. The penalty for glimpsing Her was death.<br />
The hunter Actaeon discovered the Goddess bathing naked in a stream. Accounts<br />
differ as <strong>to</strong> whether he meant <strong>to</strong> ogle Her or simply came upon Her by accident.<br />
With a single word <strong>and</strong> gesture, the enraged Goddess turned him in<strong>to</strong> a stag. His own<br />
hounds <strong>to</strong>re him <strong>to</strong> pieces while She watched.<br />
Artemis loved <strong>to</strong> kill the very forest animals She also protected; like many another<br />
Goddess, She not only protected life but <strong>to</strong>ok it away. With Her nymphs <strong>and</strong> hounds<br />
She hunted in the deepest wilderness, slaughtering stags <strong>and</strong> lions.<br />
"The summits of the high mountains tremble, <strong>and</strong> the shady forest holds the<br />
frightened cries of the beasts of the woods; the earth trembles, as well as the seas,<br />
filled with fish. The goddess of the valiant heart springs forth on all sides, <strong>and</strong> sows<br />
death among the race of wild animals."<br />
-- "To Artemis (II)," The Homeric Hymns, translation by Apos<strong>to</strong>los N. Athannassakis<br />
She was even associated with human sacrifice. Euripides wrote two versions of the<br />
sacrifice of the maiden Iphigenia, placing it in comfortably distant times. In one<br />
version, Iphigenia went gladly <strong>to</strong> her death; in the other, she did not. As the<br />
sacrificial knife plunged <strong>to</strong>ward her, she vanished, <strong>and</strong> a mountain deer appeared on<br />
the altar <strong>and</strong> was stabbed in her place. Then she was transported <strong>to</strong> a mystic isl<strong>and</strong> of<br />
women, who sacrificed all men who came upon its shores, <strong>and</strong> lived out her life<br />
there.<br />
Women in labor might pray <strong>to</strong> Her for death, <strong>and</strong> She often answered such prayers.<br />
The deaths of adolescent girls in childbirth were attributed <strong>to</strong> Her.
Artemis<br />
The Greek Goddess Artemis is a multifaceted virgin Goddess. She was born of Zeus<br />
<strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>, <strong>and</strong> is the twin sister <strong>to</strong> Apollo. She is most commonly known as a Moon<br />
Goddess <strong>and</strong> Goddess of the Hunt. She is the Patron Goddess of the Amazons <strong>and</strong> Her<br />
day of worship is the 6th day of the New Moon. As a Moon Goddess, they say She<br />
rides Her silver chariot pulled by silver stags across the sky <strong>and</strong> shoots Her arrows of<br />
silver moonlight <strong>to</strong> the Earth below. As the Goddess of the Hunt, She is the<br />
protectress of wild places <strong>and</strong> wild animals. She loves <strong>to</strong> roam the forests <strong>and</strong> knows<br />
the deep places in Nature where one can relax <strong>and</strong> regain strength. She is often seen<br />
followed by wild beasts <strong>and</strong> loves singing <strong>and</strong> dancing with her nymphs. Physically,<br />
She is often depicted carrying a silver bow <strong>and</strong> arrow made by Hephaestus <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Cyclopes <strong>and</strong> sometimes depicted with a crescent moon above Her forehead. Artemis<br />
is one of three <strong>Goddesses</strong> immune <strong>to</strong> Aphrodite's enchantments (the other two being<br />
Hestia <strong>and</strong> Athena). She prides herself on Her chastity <strong>and</strong> punishes those who<br />
attempt <strong>to</strong> dishonor Her. One myth tells of Actaeon who snuck up on the Goddess<br />
<strong>and</strong> Her nymphs while they were bathing. He did not turn away, instead creeping<br />
closer <strong>and</strong> when he was caught, Artemis turned him in<strong>to</strong> a stag <strong>and</strong> Her hounds <strong>to</strong>re<br />
him <strong>to</strong> pieces. Another tells of Orion who attempted <strong>to</strong> rape Her. In one version,<br />
Artemis kills him with Her bow <strong>and</strong> arrow <strong>and</strong> in another, She conjures up a scorpion<br />
that kills him <strong>and</strong> his dog, Sirius. They are both turned in<strong>to</strong> constellations. Though a<br />
virgin, Artemis is also considered a Goddess of Fertility <strong>and</strong> Childbirth. She was said<br />
<strong>to</strong> be the protectress of women in labor but it was said that it was Her arrows that<br />
brought them sudden death during or immediately after. Artemis <strong>and</strong> Her brother<br />
Apollo are healing deities but She has also brought about diseases such as rabies <strong>and</strong><br />
leprosy. Callis<strong>to</strong> is one of Artemis' titles used <strong>to</strong> denote Her connections with the<br />
bear, one of Her sacred animals. She is also known as the "Hunter of Souls" <strong>and</strong> a<br />
shape-shifter. Artemis is often identified with Diana, the Roman Goddess of the<br />
Moon.<br />
Trees sacred <strong>to</strong> Artemis: Almond, Bay Laurel, Cedar, Cypress, Fir, Myrtle, Rowan, <strong>and</strong><br />
Willow.<br />
Herbs sacred <strong>to</strong> Artemis: Aster, Daisy, Hyacinth, Moonwort, Mugwort, <strong>and</strong><br />
Wormwood.<br />
Animals sacred <strong>to</strong> Artemis: Deer/Stags, geese, wild dogs, fish, goats, bees, quail, <strong>and</strong><br />
bears.
Artemis: Moon Goddess<br />
Artemis Artemis is one of the principal goddesses of Greek mythology. She was the daughter<br />
of the god Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> the twin sister of the god Apollo. She was chief hunter<br />
<strong>to</strong> the gods <strong>and</strong> goddess of hunting <strong>and</strong> of wild animals, especially bears. Artemis was<br />
also the goddess of childbirth, of nature, <strong>and</strong> of the harvest. As the moon goddess, she<br />
was sometimes identified with the goddess Selene <strong>and</strong> Hecate.<br />
Although traditionally the friend <strong>and</strong> protec<strong>to</strong>r of youth, especially young women,<br />
Artemis prevented the Greeks from sailing <strong>to</strong> Troy during the Trojan war until they<br />
sacrificed a maiden <strong>to</strong> her. According <strong>to</strong> some accounts, just before the sacrifice, she<br />
rescued the victim, Iphigenia.<br />
Like Apollo, Artemis was armed with a bow <strong>and</strong> arrows, which she often used <strong>to</strong><br />
punish mortals who angered her. In other legends, she is praised for giving young<br />
women who died in childbirth a swift <strong>and</strong> painless death.
Artemis: Roman Diana<br />
Twin sister of Apollo, an eternally virgin huntress who haunts wild places. She is<br />
sometimes referred <strong>to</strong> as Potnia Theron (Mistress of the Beasts) indicating her<br />
concern for <strong>and</strong> power over wild animals. She is also concerned with women's<br />
transition from girlhood <strong>to</strong> adulthood (via marriage) <strong>and</strong> with childbirth, a concern<br />
she shares with Hera <strong>and</strong> Eileithyia. Women who die are said <strong>to</strong> be struck down by<br />
her arrows.<br />
Euripides' Hippolytus shows her in opposition <strong>to</strong> Aphrodite. Actaeon <strong>and</strong> Hippoly<strong>to</strong>s<br />
are two young men who, in different ways, are destroyed by their association with<br />
Artemis.<br />
Artemis dem<strong>and</strong>s the sacrifice of the virgin Iphigeneia at Aulis before she will allow<br />
the Greek fleet <strong>to</strong> sail against Troy. The reasons given for her anger vary:<br />
Agamemnon kills a deer in her sacred grove (mentioned in Sophocles, Electra); or he<br />
boasts that he is a better shot than Artemis herself (Apollodorus). For the motif of<br />
Artemis' concern <strong>to</strong> protect her animals against marauding heroes see the s<strong>to</strong>ry of<br />
Heracles <strong>and</strong> the Kerynitian hind; for the motif of mortals boasting of their<br />
superiority <strong>to</strong> the gods see the s<strong>to</strong>ries of Arachne, Actaeon, Marsyas, Niobe, the Lesser<br />
Ajax.<br />
Kallis<strong>to</strong> was one of Artemis' nymphs who offended the goddess by becoming<br />
pregnant by Zeus <strong>and</strong> was banished. The jealous Hera then further punished her by<br />
turning her in<strong>to</strong> a bear. The s<strong>to</strong>ries of Actaeon <strong>and</strong> Kallis<strong>to</strong> were known in the<br />
Renaissance through Ovid's Metamorphoses <strong>and</strong> were popular subjects for artists.
Athena: Goddess of Agriculture<br />
Athena Athena, Athena also known as Pallas Athena, one of the most important goddesses in Greek<br />
mythology. Athena sprang full grown <strong>and</strong> armored from the forehead of the god Zeus<br />
<strong>and</strong> was his favorite child. He entrusted her with his shield, adorned with the hideous<br />
head of Medusa the Gorgon, his buckler, <strong>and</strong> his principal weapon, the thunderbolt.<br />
A virgin goddess, she was called Parthenos ("the maiden").<br />
Her major temple, the Parthenon, was in Athens, which, according <strong>to</strong> legend, became<br />
hers as a result of her gift of the olive tree <strong>to</strong> the Athenian people. Athena was<br />
primarily the goddess of the Greek cities, of industry <strong>and</strong> the arts, <strong>and</strong>, in later<br />
mythology, of wisdom; she was also goddess of war.<br />
Athena was also a patron of the agricultural arts <strong>and</strong> of the crafts of women,<br />
especially spinning <strong>and</strong> weaving. Among her gifts <strong>to</strong> man were the inventions of the<br />
plow <strong>and</strong> the flute <strong>and</strong> the arts of taming animals, building ships, <strong>and</strong> making shoes.<br />
She was often associated with birds, especially the owl.
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Wales, Spain, France.<br />
Brigid, the Celtic Goddess<br />
"Power"; "Reown"; "Feiry Arrow of Power" (Breo-saighead). Daughter of the Dagda;<br />
called the poeess.<br />
Often called the Triple Brighids. Three Blessed Ladies of Britain, the Three Mothers.<br />
High Lady Goddess of the inner flame of life, nature <strong>and</strong> creation, Keeper of the<br />
Cauldron, chalice or bowl.<br />
Appears young (maiden), middle-aged (mother) or old (crone) <strong>to</strong> represent all of the<br />
cycles if life continuing. Represents spiraling wheels of Nature, Life <strong>and</strong> Renewal.<br />
Another aspect of Danu: Associated with Imbolc. She had an exclusive female<br />
priesthood at Kildare <strong>and</strong> an ever-burning sacred fire. The number of her priestesses<br />
was 19 representing the 19-year cycle of the Celtic "Great Year". Her kelles were<br />
sacred prostitutes <strong>and</strong> her soldiers brig<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Goddess of fire, fertility, the hearth <strong>and</strong> all feminine arts <strong>and</strong> crafts, <strong>and</strong> martial arts.<br />
Healing, physicians, agriculture, inspiration, learning, poetry, divination, prophecy,<br />
smithcraft, animal husb<strong>and</strong>ry, love, witchcraft, occult knowledge.<br />
Plants: Blackberry<br />
Animals: Oxen <strong>and</strong> Ram.<br />
Bridget, also called Brigantia, Brigit, Bhride, Bride, <strong>and</strong> Brid, was the beloved Goddess<br />
of the Celtic people. She was called the "Triple Bridget" as one of her aspects ruled<br />
poetry, writing, <strong>and</strong> inspiration, another one ruled healing, herbolgy, <strong>and</strong> midwifery,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the third aspect ruled the fires of the hearth, <strong>and</strong> of the smith, <strong>and</strong> the arts of<br />
smithcraft.<br />
There are many wells, <strong>and</strong> springs dedicated <strong>to</strong> Bridget, where the devout would go<br />
<strong>to</strong> bathe <strong>and</strong> be healed. Legends tell of lepers who washed in these sacred waters <strong>and</strong><br />
were cured of their leprosy.<br />
This Goddess was so well loved by the people of Irel<strong>and</strong>, that they refused <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p<br />
worshiping her even after the coming of Saint Patrick, <strong>and</strong> the Christianization of the<br />
isl<strong>and</strong>. Therefore, the Catholic Church, <strong>to</strong> keep the people happy, declared her <strong>to</strong> be<br />
Saint Bridget, saying that she had been the daughter of a Druid who predicted
Christianity <strong>and</strong> was baptized by Saint Patrick himself.<br />
At her shrine at Kildare, there was kept a perpetual flame by 19 of her Priestesses.<br />
Later, after the Christianization of Irel<strong>and</strong>, this same flame was tended by the nuns of<br />
the Abbey at Kildare, when Bridget became Saint Bridget. These nuns kept<br />
themselves <strong>to</strong>tally aloof from men, <strong>and</strong> even had food <strong>and</strong> supplies brought <strong>to</strong> them<br />
from women in the nearby village.<br />
In 1220 AD, the Bishop in charge of the area ordered that the Abbey would have <strong>to</strong><br />
allow a Priest <strong>to</strong> come <strong>and</strong> inspect. The Abbess begged that he send a woman instead,<br />
but the Bishop declared that the nuns, as women, must be subservient <strong>to</strong> the male<br />
Priests. He then prohibited the keeping of the sacred flame stating that it was a Pagan<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>m <strong>and</strong> must be s<strong>to</strong>pped. In 1960, the Catholic church <strong>to</strong>ok away Bridget's<br />
sainthood, saying that there was not enough proof that she had even lived, let alone<br />
performed any miracles!
Brigit of the Celts<br />
Brigit was one of the great Triple <strong>Goddesses</strong> of the Celtic people. She appeared as<br />
Brigit <strong>to</strong> the Irish, Brigantia in Northern Engl<strong>and</strong>, Bride in Scotl<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> Brig<strong>and</strong>u in<br />
Brittany. Many legends are <strong>to</strong>ld about Brigit. Some say that there are three Brigits:<br />
one sister in charge of poetry <strong>and</strong> inspiration who invented the Ogham alphabet, one<br />
in charge of healing <strong>and</strong> midwifery, <strong>and</strong> the third in charge of the hearth fire,<br />
smithies <strong>and</strong> other crafts. This actually indicates the separate aspects of her Threefold<br />
nature <strong>and</strong> is a neat division of labor for a hard-working goddess.<br />
Brigit was probably originally a Sun Goddess, <strong>and</strong> a charming s<strong>to</strong>ry of her birth is that<br />
she was born at sunrise <strong>and</strong> a <strong>to</strong>wer of flame burst from the forehead of the new born<br />
Goddess that reached from Earth <strong>to</strong> Heaven. It was likely She who inspired the line<br />
in the famous Song of Amergin: "I am a fire in the head." Her penchant for smithcraft<br />
led <strong>to</strong> her association by the Romans with Minerva/Athena. As a warrior Goddess,<br />
She favored the use of the spear or the arrow. Indeed, various interpretations of her<br />
name exist including, "Bright Arrow," "The Bright One," "the Powerful One" <strong>and</strong><br />
"The High One," depending upon the region <strong>and</strong> the dialect.<br />
As a Goddess of herbalism, midwifery <strong>and</strong> healing She was in charge of Water as well<br />
as Fire. I don't believe that anyone has ever counted all the vast number of sacred<br />
wells <strong>and</strong> springs named after or dedicated <strong>to</strong> this Goddess. A s<strong>to</strong>ry is <strong>to</strong>ld of how two<br />
lepers came <strong>to</strong> one of her sacred springs for healing <strong>and</strong> She instructed one Leper <strong>to</strong><br />
wash the other. The skin of the freshly bathed man was cleansed of the disease <strong>and</strong><br />
Brigit <strong>to</strong>ld the man who was healed <strong>to</strong> wash the man who had bathed him so that<br />
both men would be whole. The man who was healed was now <strong>to</strong>o disgusted <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>uch<br />
the other Leper <strong>and</strong> would have left him, but Brigit herself washed the leper <strong>and</strong><br />
struck down the other arrogant fellow with leprosy once more before he could leave.<br />
Offerings <strong>to</strong> the watery Brigit were cast in<strong>to</strong> the well in the form of coins or, even<br />
more ancient, brass or gold rings. Other sacrifices were offered where three streams<br />
came <strong>to</strong>gether. Her cauldron of Inspiration connected her watery healing aspect with<br />
her fiery poetic aspect. Brigit is clearly the best example of the survival of a Goddess<br />
in<strong>to</strong> Christian times. She was canonized by the Catholic church as St. Brigit <strong>and</strong><br />
various origins are given <strong>to</strong> this saint. The most popular folktale is that She was<br />
midwife <strong>to</strong> the Virgin Mary, <strong>and</strong> thus was always invoked by women in labor. The<br />
more official s<strong>to</strong>ry was that She was a Druid's daughter who predicted the coming of<br />
Christianity <strong>and</strong> then was baptized by St. Patrick. She became a nun <strong>and</strong> later an<br />
abbess who founded the Abbey at Kildare. The Christian Brigit was said <strong>to</strong> have had<br />
the power <strong>to</strong> appoint the bishops of her area, a strange role for an abbess, made<br />
stranger by her requirement that her bishops also be practicing goldsmiths.
Actually, the Goddess Brigit had always kept a shrine at Kildare, Irel<strong>and</strong>, with a<br />
perpetual flame tended by nineteen virgin priestesses called Daughters of the Flame.<br />
No male was ever allowed <strong>to</strong> come near it; nor did those women ever consort with<br />
men. Even their food <strong>and</strong> other supplies were brought <strong>to</strong> them by women of the<br />
nearby village. When Catholicism <strong>to</strong>ok over in Irel<strong>and</strong>, the shrine became a convent<br />
<strong>and</strong> the priestesses became nuns but the same traditions were held <strong>and</strong> the eternal<br />
flame was kept burning. Their tradition was that each day a different priestess/nun<br />
was in charge of the sacred fire <strong>and</strong> on the 20th day of each cycle, the fire was<br />
miraculously tended by Brigit Herself. There in<strong>to</strong> the 18th century, the ancient song<br />
was sung <strong>to</strong> her: "Brigit, excellent woman, sudden flame, may the bright fiery sun<br />
take us <strong>to</strong> the lasting kingdom."<br />
For over a thous<strong>and</strong> years, the sacred flame was tended by nuns, <strong>and</strong> no one knows<br />
how long before that it had been tended by the priestesses. In 1220 CE, a Bishop<br />
became angered by the no-males policy of the Abbey of St. Brigit of Kildare. He<br />
insisted that nuns were subordinate <strong>to</strong> priests <strong>and</strong> therefore must open their abbey<br />
<strong>and</strong> submit themselves <strong>to</strong> inspection by a priest. When they refused <strong>and</strong> asked for<br />
another Abbess or other female official <strong>to</strong> perform any inspections, the Bishop was<br />
incensed. He admonished them <strong>to</strong> obedience <strong>and</strong> then decreed that the keeping of<br />
the eternal flame was a Pagan cus<strong>to</strong>m <strong>and</strong> 6rdered the sacred flame <strong>to</strong> be<br />
extinguished. Even then, She remained the most popular Irish saint along with<br />
Patrick. In the 1960's, under Vatican II modernization, it was declared that there was<br />
insufficient proof of Brigit's sanctity or even of her his<strong>to</strong>rical existence, <strong>and</strong> so the<br />
Church's gradual pogrom against Brigit was successful at last <strong>and</strong> She was thus<br />
uncanonized. It is very difficult <strong>to</strong> obtain images or even holy cards of St. Brigit<br />
outside of Irel<strong>and</strong> anymore.<br />
Her festival is held on February 1st or 2nd. It corresponds <strong>to</strong> the ancient Celtic fire<br />
festival of Imbolc or Oimelc which celebrated the birthing <strong>and</strong> freshening of sheep<br />
<strong>and</strong> goats (it really is a Feast of Milk). This festival was Christianized as C<strong>and</strong>lemas or<br />
Lady Day <strong>and</strong> Her Feast day, La Feill Bhride, was attended by tremendous local<br />
celebration <strong>and</strong> elaborate rituals. Her festival is also called Brigit. Brigit (the Goddess<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Festival) represents the stirring of life again after the dead months of the<br />
winter, <strong>and</strong> her special blessings are called forth at this time. Since She was booted<br />
out of the Church for being Pagan, it is incumbent upon us Pagans <strong>to</strong> res<strong>to</strong>re Her<br />
worship <strong>to</strong> its former glory especially those of us of Celtic ancestry. Here is an ancient<br />
rite <strong>to</strong> invite Brigit in<strong>to</strong> your home at the time of her Holiday:<br />
Clean your hearth thoroughly in the morning <strong>and</strong> lay a fire without kindling it, then<br />
make yourself a "Bed for Brigid" <strong>and</strong> place it near the hearth. The bed can be a small
asket with covers <strong>and</strong> tiny pillow added as plain or fancy as you like. If you have no<br />
hearth, you can use the s<strong>to</strong>ve <strong>and</strong> put the bed behind it. Then at sundown light a<br />
c<strong>and</strong>le rubbed with rosemary oil <strong>and</strong> invite Brigit in<strong>to</strong> your home <strong>and</strong> in<strong>to</strong> her bed;<br />
use the c<strong>and</strong>le <strong>to</strong> kindle your hearth fire if possible. Make your own poem <strong>to</strong> invite<br />
Her or use the ancient song mentioned earlier. Let the c<strong>and</strong>le burn at least all night in<br />
a safe place. You might even want <strong>to</strong> begin the cus<strong>to</strong>m of keeping the eternal flame; it<br />
is a popular cus<strong>to</strong>m in some magickal <strong>and</strong> Wiccan traditions. After all, it's up <strong>to</strong> us<br />
now <strong>to</strong> keep the spirit of Brigit alive <strong>and</strong> well for the next thous<strong>and</strong> years at least!<br />
Brigid is not really a Celtic Mother Goddess. She is generally considered a Goddess of<br />
fire/smithcraft, of poetry <strong>and</strong> of healing. One of her roles is as midwife, but although<br />
she has a son, she is not usually seen as a mother.<br />
I don't know any books that deal specifically with Brighidh, but please look for a<br />
book called "Celtic Mythology" by Proinsias MacCana <strong>and</strong> for "<strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> Heroes of<br />
the Celts" by Marie Lousie Sjoestadt for more information about Celtic deities. They<br />
are both very good sources.<br />
Brighidh is a Goddess of healing, smithcraft <strong>and</strong> poetry, brewer of mead <strong>and</strong> ale, a<br />
lawgiver, a midwife, supposedly daughter of the Daghda, mother of the poet Cairbre,<br />
<strong>and</strong> of the <strong>Gods</strong> Brian, Iuchar <strong>and</strong> Iucharba. She was transformed in<strong>to</strong> a Christian<br />
Saint <strong>and</strong> became the foster mother of Christ. Some sources say that the<br />
healer/smith/poet were embodied in one Goddess, other sources claim that she was<br />
three sisters, all named Brighidh.<br />
Her holy day falls on February 2nd called Imbolc, Oimelc or Lady Day. C<strong>and</strong>les are<br />
blessed that day in the Catholic churches.<br />
By: Ido<br />
To: Teakan<br />
Re: Somethnig about Brighid:<br />
Brigit/Brigid/Bride was the daughter of Dagda. She was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the poets, the<br />
forge <strong>and</strong> the healing persons. Her son Ruadan, which she had with Bres, was killed<br />
by Goibnui. For her died son she sounds the first kenning of Eirel<strong>and</strong>. She also was<br />
put in<strong>to</strong> the cult <strong>and</strong> the person of Brigit from Kildare, which made the first female<br />
parish after Christianity falls in<strong>to</strong> Eirel<strong>and</strong>. The convent of Kildare has had a never<br />
ending fire, which was protected by the sisters of the parish. The saint Brigit is the<br />
second patron saint of Eirel<strong>and</strong>. within the Scottish tradition Brigit belongs <strong>to</strong>gether<br />
with the time of the year "Season of the lambs" <strong>and</strong> the coming of spring. Brigit<br />
overcomes the control of the Cailleach Bheur.
Celtic <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aine of Knocaine:<br />
(Pronounced aw-ne); Irel<strong>and</strong>. Moon Goddess; patroness of crops <strong>and</strong> cattle.<br />
Connected with the Summer Solstice.<br />
Anu<br />
Anann<br />
Dana<br />
Dana-Ana:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of plenty, another aspect of the Morrigu: Mother Earth; Great<br />
Goddess; greatest of all <strong>Goddesses</strong>. This flowering fertility Goddess, sometimes she<br />
formed a trinity with Badb <strong>and</strong> Macha. Her priestesses comforted <strong>and</strong> taught the<br />
dying. Fires were lit for her at Midsummer. Two hills in Kerry are called the Paps of<br />
Anu. Maiden aspect of the triple Goddess in Irel<strong>and</strong>. Guardian of cattle <strong>and</strong> health.<br />
Goddess of fertility, prosperity, comfort.<br />
Arianrhod:<br />
Wales: "Silver Wheel"; "High fruitful mother"; star Goddess; sky Goddess; Goddess of<br />
reincarnation; Full Moon Goddess. Her palace was called Caer Arianrhod (Aurora<br />
Borealis). Keeper of the circling Silver Wheel of Stars, a symbol of time <strong>and</strong> karma.<br />
This wheel was also known as the Oar Wheel, a ship which carried dead warriors <strong>to</strong><br />
the Moon-l<strong>and</strong> (Emania). Mother of Llue Llaw Gyffes <strong>and</strong> Dylan by her brother<br />
Gwydion. Her original consort was Nwtvre (Sky of Firmament). Mother aspect of the<br />
Triple Goddess in Wales. Honored at the Full Moon. Beauty, fertility, reincarnation.<br />
Call on Arianrhod <strong>to</strong> help you with past life memories <strong>and</strong> difficulties as well as for<br />
contacting the Star People.<br />
Badb<br />
Badhbh<br />
Badb Catha:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. "Boiling", "Battle Raven", "Scald-crow". the cauldron of ever-producing life;<br />
Known in Gaul as Cauth Bodva. War Goddess <strong>and</strong> wife of net, a war God. Sister of<br />
Macha, the Morrigu <strong>and</strong> Anu. Mother Aspect in Irel<strong>and</strong>. Associated with the<br />
cauldron, crows <strong>and</strong> ravens. Life, wisdom, inspiration, enlightenment.<br />
Banba:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess; part of a tried with Fotia <strong>and</strong> Eriu. They used magick <strong>to</strong> repel<br />
invaders.
Blodeuwedd<br />
Wlodwin<br />
Blancheflor:<br />
Wales. "Flower Face", "White Flower". Lily maid of Celtic initiation ceremonies.<br />
AKA the Ninefold Goddess of the Western Isles of Paradise. Created by Math &<br />
Gwydion as a wife for Lleu. She was changed in<strong>to</strong> an owl for her adultery <strong>and</strong><br />
plotting Lleu's death. The Maiden aspect; her symbol was the owl; Goddess of the<br />
Earth in bloom. Flowers, wisdom, lunar mysteries, initiations.<br />
Boann<br />
Boannam<br />
Boyne:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of the river Boyne, mother of Angus Mac Og by the Dagda. Once<br />
there was a well chapped by nine magick hazel trees. These trees bore crimson nuts<br />
which gave knowledge of everything in the world. Divine salmon lived in the well<br />
<strong>and</strong> ate the nuts. No one, not even the high gods, were allowed <strong>to</strong> go near the well.<br />
But Boann went anyway. The well water rose <strong>to</strong> drive her away, but they never<br />
returned <strong>to</strong> the well. Instead they became the River Boyne <strong>and</strong> the salmon became<br />
the inhabitants of the river. Other Celtic river Giddess: Siannan (Shannon), Sabrina<br />
(Severn, Sequana Seine), Deva (Dee), Clota (Clyde), Verbeia (Wharfe), Brigantia<br />
(Braint, Brent). Healing.<br />
Branwen:<br />
Manx. Wales. Sister of Bran the Blessed <strong>and</strong> wife of the Irish King Matholwchh.<br />
Venus of the Northern Seas; daughter of Llyr (Lir); one of the three matriarca of<br />
Britain; Lady of the Lake (cauldron) Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty.<br />
Brigit<br />
Brid<br />
Brigid<br />
Brighid:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Wales, Spain, France. "Power"; "Reown"; "Feiry Arrow of Power" (Breosaighead).<br />
Daughter of the Dagda; called the poeess. Often called the Triple Brighids.<br />
Three Blessed Ladies of Britain, the Three Mothers. Another aspect of Danu:<br />
Associated with Imbolc. She had an exclusive female priesthood at Kildare <strong>and</strong> an<br />
ever-burning sacred fire. The number of her priestesses was 19 representing the 19year<br />
cycle of the Celtic "Great Year". Her kelles were sacred prostitutes <strong>and</strong> her<br />
soldiers brig<strong>and</strong>s. Goddess of fire, fertility, the hearth <strong>and</strong> all feminine arts <strong>and</strong> crafts,<br />
<strong>and</strong> martial arts. Healing, physicians, agriculture, inspiration, learning, poetry,
divination, prophecy, smithcraft, animal husb<strong>and</strong>ry, love, witchcraft, occult<br />
knowledge. Plants: Blackberry Animals: Oxen <strong>and</strong> Ram.<br />
Caillech:<br />
Great Goddess in her Destroyer aspect; called the Veiled One. Disease, plague,<br />
cursing. Wheat.<br />
Cerridwen<br />
Caridwen<br />
Ceridwen:<br />
Wales. Moon Goddess; Great Mother; grain Goddess; Goddess of Nature. the white<br />
corpse-eating sow representing the Moon. Welsh bards called themselves Cerddorion<br />
(sons of Cerridwen). The bard Taliesin, founder of their craft, was said <strong>to</strong> be born of<br />
Cerridwen <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> have tasted a potent from her magick cauldron of inspiration. Wife<br />
of the giant Tegid <strong>and</strong> mother of a beautiful girl Creirwy <strong>and</strong> an ugly boy Avagdu. In<br />
her magickal cauldron, she made a potion called greal (from which the word Grail<br />
probably came). The potion was made from six plants for inspiration <strong>and</strong> knowledge.<br />
Her symbol was a white sow. Death, fertility, regeneration, inspiration, magick,<br />
astrology, herbs, science, poetry, spells, knowledge. Plants: Vervain, Acorns.<br />
Creiddylad<br />
Creudylad<br />
Cordelia:<br />
Wales. Daughter of the sea God Llyr. Connected with Beltane <strong>and</strong> often called the<br />
May Queen. Goddess of summer flower, love <strong>and</strong> flowers.<br />
The Crone:<br />
One aspect of the Triple Goddess. She represents old age or death, winter, the end of<br />
all things, the waning Moon, post-menstrual phases of women's lives, all destruction<br />
that precedes regeneration through her cauldron of rebirth. Crows <strong>and</strong> other black<br />
creatures are sacred <strong>to</strong> her. Dogs often accompanied her <strong>and</strong> guarded the gates of her<br />
after-world, helping her <strong>to</strong> receive the dead. In Celtic myth, the gatekeeper-dog was<br />
named Dormarth (Death's Door). The Irish Celts maintained that true curses could be<br />
cast with the dog's help. Therefore, they use the word cainte (dog) for a satiric Bard<br />
with the magick power <strong>to</strong> speak curses that came true.<br />
Danu<br />
Danann<br />
Dana:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Probably the same as Anu. Major Mother Goddess; ancestress of the Tuatha
De Danann; Mother of the gods; Great Mother; Moon Goddess. She gave her name <strong>to</strong><br />
the Tuatha De Danann (People of the Goddess Danu). Another aspect of the Morrigu.<br />
Patroness of wizards, rivers, water, wells, prosperity & plenty, magick, wisdom.<br />
Don<br />
Domnu<br />
Donn:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Wales. "Deep sea"; "Abyss". Queen of the Heavens; Goddess of sea <strong>and</strong> air.<br />
Sometimes called a Goddess, sometimes a God. The equivalent of the Irish Danu. In<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Don ruled over the L<strong>and</strong> of the Dead. Entrances <strong>to</strong> this Otherworld were<br />
always in a sidhe (shee) or burial mound. Control of the elements, eloquence.<br />
Druantia:<br />
"Queen of the Druids"; Mother of the tree calendar; Fir Goddess. Fertility, passion,<br />
sexual activities, trees, protection, knowledge, creativity.<br />
Elaine:<br />
Wales, Britain. Maiden aspect of the Goddess.<br />
Epona:<br />
Celtic, "Divine Horse", "The Great Mare". Goddess of horses, fertility, maternity,<br />
protective of horses, horse breeding, prosperity, dogs, healing, springs, crops.<br />
Animals: Horses, goose.<br />
Eriu<br />
Erin:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. One of the three queens of the Tuatha Da Danann <strong>and</strong> a daughter of the<br />
Dagda.<br />
Flidais:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of forests, woodl<strong>and</strong>s & wild things; ruler of wild beasts. She rode in<br />
a chariot drawn by a deer. Shape-shifter.<br />
Great Mother:<br />
The Lady; female principle of creation. Goddess of fertility, the Moon, summer,<br />
flowers, love, healing, the seas, water. The "mother" finger was considered the index<br />
finger, the most magickal which guided, beckoned, blessed & cursed.<br />
Macha:
Irel<strong>and</strong>. "Crow"; "Battle"; "Great Queen of Phan<strong>to</strong>ms"; Mother of Life <strong>and</strong> death; a<br />
war Goddess; Mother Death; originally a Mother Goddess; one of the aspects of the<br />
triple Morrigu. Also called Mania, Mana, Mene, Minne. Associated with ravens <strong>and</strong><br />
crows. She was honored Lugnassadh. After a battle, the Irish would cut off the heads<br />
of the losers <strong>and</strong> called them Macha's acorn crop. Protectress in war as in peace;<br />
Cunning, sheer physical force, sexuality, fertility, dominance over males.<br />
Margawse:<br />
Wales, Britain. Mother aspect of the Goddess.<br />
The Morrigu<br />
Morrigan<br />
Morgian<br />
Morgan:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Britain, Wales. Great Queen, Supreme War Goddess, Queen of Phan<strong>to</strong>ms or<br />
Demons, Specter Queen. Shape-shifter. Reigned over the battlefields, helping with<br />
her magick but did not join in the battles. Associated with crows & ravens. The Crone<br />
aspect of the Goddess; Great White Goddess; Great Mother; Moon Goddess; Queen of<br />
the fairies. In her dark aspect (the symbol is then the raven or crow) she is the<br />
Goddess of war, fate death; she went fully armed & carried two spears. The carrion<br />
crow is her favorite disguise. Goddess of rivers, lakes & fresh water. Patroness of<br />
priestesses & witches. Revenge, night, magick, prophecy.<br />
Muses:<br />
Greek, <strong>Goddesses</strong> of inspiration who vary in number depending upon the pantheon<br />
used.<br />
Niamh:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. "Beauty"; "Brightness". A form of Badb who helps heroes at death.<br />
Norns:<br />
Celtic; the three sisters of the Wyrd. Responsible for weaving fate - past, present <strong>and</strong><br />
future.<br />
Rhiannon:<br />
Wales; "The Great Queen" Goddess of birds <strong>and</strong> horses. Enchantments, fertility, <strong>and</strong><br />
the Underworld. She rides a swift white horse.<br />
Scathach
Scota<br />
Scatha<br />
Scath:<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Scotl<strong>and</strong>. "Shadow, shade"; "The Shadowy One" "She who strikes fear"<br />
Underworld Goddess of the L<strong>and</strong> of Scath. Dark Goddess; Goddess in the destroyer<br />
aspect. Also a warrior woman <strong>and</strong> prophetess who lived in Albion (Scotl<strong>and</strong>)<br />
probably on the Isle of Skye <strong>and</strong> taught the martial arts. Patroness of blacksmiths,<br />
healing , magick, prophecy, martial arts.<br />
White Lady:<br />
Known in all Celtic countries. Dryad of death; identified with Macha; Queen of the<br />
Dead; the Crone form of the Goddess. Death, Destruction, annihilation.
Dark Goddess<br />
"The essential qualities of the dark moon are change <strong>and</strong> transformation. Today we<br />
are afraid of many of the dark moon <strong>and</strong> Dark Goddess teachings, such as alchemy,<br />
astrology, <strong>and</strong> other spiritual or psychological disciplines, which reveal information<br />
about the unconscious or subtle dimensions of being. The Bible has <strong>to</strong>ld us that they<br />
are evil <strong>and</strong> contrary <strong>to</strong> the will of God. Educa<strong>to</strong>rs tell us they cannot be validated by<br />
scientific inquiry <strong>and</strong> its practitioners are labeled quacks. Yet it is these teachings,<br />
based on the timing of cyclical patterns that give us the guidance that enables us <strong>to</strong><br />
pass through the dark nonphysical dimensions of being - of death <strong>and</strong> rebirth,<br />
endings <strong>and</strong> new beginnings, or spontaneous healings - with clarity <strong>and</strong> confidence<br />
instead of panic <strong>and</strong> terror. Philosophical traditions have repeatedly <strong>to</strong>ld us that the<br />
answers <strong>to</strong>t he ultimate questions of life <strong>and</strong> death are found, not in the external<br />
world, but deep within the dark recesses of our own minds." (Demetra George,<br />
"Mysteries of the Dark Moon," page 51-52.)<br />
In the psychology of humanity there occurred a polarization between the male gods<br />
who came from above, bearers of the light, the lightning <strong>and</strong> solar <strong>Gods</strong> of the<br />
nomadic invader- Aryans, Kurgans, Semites <strong>and</strong> Dorians, who came from the steppes<br />
of northern Europe, where "big sky" rules over the cold, forbidding earth <strong>and</strong> the<br />
female divinities, who dwelt in the fertile darkness of Earth <strong>and</strong> caves. Light was<br />
equated with good <strong>and</strong> dark with evil.<br />
As the Goddess became dis<strong>to</strong>rted from an image of the compassionate mother, the<br />
source <strong>and</strong> sustainer of all life, in<strong>to</strong> a symbol associated with the forces of darkness<br />
<strong>and</strong> evil, women, her earthly manifestations, were likewise considered impure, evil,<br />
<strong>and</strong> guilty of original sin - people who must be punished. Women who had sexual<br />
relations outside of the patriarchal monogamous marriage contract threatened the<br />
certainty of patriarchal bloodline transmission, <strong>and</strong> were ostracized <strong>and</strong> killed; their<br />
illegitimate children deprived of all legal rights <strong>and</strong> social acceptance." (George, 38)<br />
The demise of the goddess <strong>and</strong> the rise of the gods can also be unders<strong>to</strong>od in terms of<br />
the changes that were occurring in the human brain during the period of transition.<br />
Prince<strong>to</strong>n University professor Julian Jaynes, in his controversial study of human<br />
consciousness, suggests that ancient people did not "think" as we do <strong>to</strong>day.<br />
People were 'bicameral,' directed by voices emanating from the right side of the brain<br />
<strong>and</strong> apprehended by the left side - voices that they treated as divine <strong>and</strong> obeyed<br />
unquestioningly until a series of natural disasters <strong>and</strong> the growing complexity of their<br />
society forced them <strong>to</strong> become, what we might call, conscious (around 1500 BCE).
The cosmology that developed during the reign of the Goddess arose from the kinds<br />
of thought processes that originate primarily out of the right brain. The right brain is<br />
feminine in polarity, circular in motion, intuitive in nature, <strong>and</strong> audile in emphasis.<br />
The right brain is relational <strong>and</strong> unifying; it focuses on a holistic view of how things<br />
are similar <strong>and</strong> interconnected. It sees time as cyclical. Humanity then worshiped a<br />
feminine lunar deity who circled <strong>and</strong> ever-renewed Herself. She illumined the<br />
mystery where the end <strong>and</strong> beginning are the same point, <strong>to</strong>uching back-<strong>to</strong>-back.<br />
Peoples thus unders<strong>to</strong>od death <strong>and</strong> sex as precursors <strong>to</strong> rebirth. And they did not fear<br />
the darkness of death, the ecstasy of sexuality, or the <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> Her priestesses,<br />
who facilitated their transition between lifetimes.<br />
While Jaynes does not discuss the changeover from the <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Gods</strong>, he<br />
does document the catastrophes <strong>and</strong> cataclysms that started <strong>to</strong> occur in the middle of<br />
the second millennium BCE. In Addition <strong>to</strong> the volcanic eruptions, tidal waves, <strong>and</strong><br />
massive flooding, he sees widespread warfare <strong>and</strong> dislocation that has been previously<br />
identified as the patriarchal invasions. Jaynes suggests that the rational, logical,<br />
analytical mind, all functions of the left brain, was developed in order <strong>to</strong> assist<br />
humanity thru the increasing complexity of their changing world. He presents<br />
evidence that the left-brain functions became more active at this time <strong>and</strong> grew <strong>to</strong><br />
influence the ways in which individuals perceived reality.<br />
The left brain is masculine in polarity, linear in movement, logical in nature, <strong>and</strong><br />
visual in perception. It has been most prevalent in the analytical, technological <strong>and</strong><br />
scientific intellectualism of modern times. While the right brain focuses on how<br />
things are alike, the left left brain emphasizes how they are are different different. different It develops our<br />
capacity for analysis <strong>and</strong> discrimination, <strong>and</strong> in the process it perceives a distinction<br />
between subject <strong>and</strong> object. This kind of dualistic view sees a separation between self<br />
<strong>and</strong> others, between us <strong>and</strong> them, <strong>and</strong> this perception inevitably leads <strong>to</strong> a war of<br />
opposites that yields an oppressor <strong>and</strong> victim. After 1500 BCE, when human beings<br />
began <strong>to</strong> operate primarily from the left brain, associated with the masculine<br />
principle, they began <strong>to</strong> see a distinction between themselves <strong>and</strong> the rest of creation.<br />
Because they now feared the threat of being overwhelmed by external forces as<br />
something separate from themselves, there arose a desire <strong>to</strong> conquer the feminine<br />
principle, embodied in the Goddess, women, <strong>and</strong> nature, rather than <strong>to</strong> live in<br />
harmony with it. (George, pp 40-44)<br />
"While the religion of the Goddess always included a concept of the Underworld, it<br />
was not a place of punishment. It was simply the gap between lifetimes, the dark<br />
womb of the Goddess, where one went <strong>to</strong> be purified, healed, <strong>and</strong> prepared for<br />
rebirth. It is the patriarchal monotheistic religions, operating out of left-brain
mentality, that conceived of a heaven <strong>and</strong> hell, with the he corresponding<br />
associations of good <strong>and</strong> evil, reward <strong>and</strong> punishment. And the hell of this wrathful<br />
Father God was filled with unending sadistic <strong>to</strong>rture <strong>and</strong> pervasive suffering.<br />
Humanity then began <strong>to</strong> fear the darkness of death. Those who, during their lives,<br />
were not saved by a religious conversion <strong>to</strong> the Father faced a death of eternal <strong>to</strong>rture<br />
<strong>and</strong> absolute finality. Their terror extended <strong>to</strong> the Dark Goddess of the Dark Moon,<br />
who was now only the death-bringer <strong>and</strong> no longer the renewer. When the Goddess<br />
became separated from her role in cyclical renewal, her third dark aspect became the<br />
horrifying image of feminine evil who seduced, devoured, <strong>and</strong> brought finality <strong>to</strong> the<br />
lives of human beings. The dark aspect of the goddess was then hated, persecuted,<br />
suppressed, <strong>and</strong> cast out in<strong>to</strong> the predawn of his<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> in<strong>to</strong> the depths of the<br />
unconscious.<br />
Today the Dark Goddess, as the third aspect of the ancient Triple Goddess, represents<br />
many of the rejected aspects of the trinity of feminine wholeness. the teachings of the<br />
Dark Goddess of the Dark Moon are concerned with divination, magic, healing,<br />
sacred sexuality, the nonphysical dimensions of being, <strong>and</strong> the mysteries of birth,<br />
death, <strong>and</strong> regeneration. These dark moon teachings, now called pseudo-sciences,<br />
have been rejected as legitimate areas of inquiry by modern religious <strong>and</strong> educational<br />
institutions.<br />
The shadow, according <strong>to</strong> Junian psychology, is the dark, rejected part of the psyche.<br />
It consists of all those qualities that we, as influenced by the values of our culture, do<br />
not feel are desirable or acceptable <strong>to</strong> express as part of our personalities. The shadow<br />
contains what we do not like about ourselves, what we find threatening, shameful,<br />
<strong>and</strong> inadequate, as well as certain valued <strong>and</strong> positive qualities that we are pressured<br />
<strong>to</strong> repress <strong>and</strong> disown.<br />
The inherent nature of the original Dark Goddess, who brought both death <strong>and</strong><br />
rebirth, has been repressed <strong>and</strong> denied for thous<strong>and</strong>s of years. Her <strong>to</strong>xic releases,<br />
festering in exile, have dis<strong>to</strong>rted <strong>and</strong> poisoned our perceptions of an intrinsic aspect<br />
of the feminine nature. the Dark Goddess was then conceptualized as malefic, <strong>and</strong> her<br />
teachings concerning the dark, sex, <strong>and</strong> death were dis<strong>to</strong>rted. <strong>Our</strong> mythical literature<br />
abounds with images of the Dark Goddess as feminine evil. She was feared as the<br />
Fates who, at the moment of our birth, determine the time of our death, as Nemesis,<br />
the Goddess of Judgment <strong>and</strong> swift retribution; as the Furies, who will hound a man<br />
<strong>to</strong> madness <strong>and</strong> death, medea, who killed her children; Circe, who transformed men<br />
in<strong>to</strong> pigs; Medusa, who turned them <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ne; the Lamia, who sucked their blood;<br />
Lilith, who seduced them in order <strong>to</strong> breed demons; <strong>and</strong> Hekate, Queen of the<br />
Witches, who snatched them in<strong>to</strong> the Underworld." (Ibid, 43-44). In popular culture,<br />
there is no better representation of the Dark Goddess than the Alien mother who
fought Sigourney Weaver. <strong>Our</strong> fear, rage <strong>and</strong> disgust over the Dark Goddess can be<br />
seen in our severe reactions <strong>to</strong> women who do no not no<br />
behave as the loving, nurturing<br />
mothers we expect/want them <strong>to</strong> be.<br />
Ask someone <strong>to</strong> give a description of the personality type s/he finds most offensive,<br />
irritating, <strong>and</strong> impossible <strong>to</strong> get along with, <strong>and</strong> s/he will produce a description of<br />
his/her own repressed shadow!<br />
"Jungian psychology tells us that in order <strong>to</strong> heal the wounds <strong>and</strong> suffering caused by<br />
denying <strong>and</strong> rejecting specs of our wholeness, we must first enter in<strong>to</strong> our<br />
unconscious <strong>and</strong> develop a relationship with our shadow. It is necessary <strong>to</strong> recognize<br />
that all of these hated <strong>and</strong> ostracized parts of ourselves have a legitimate need <strong>to</strong> exist<br />
<strong>and</strong> be expressed. If we can affirm the full range of our essential human nature,<br />
acknowledging both the desirable <strong>and</strong> undesirable qualities, then we have the option<br />
<strong>to</strong> transform the more problematical energies that cause our pain <strong>and</strong> suffering in<strong>to</strong><br />
constructive activity that will benefit our lives <strong>and</strong> relationships.<br />
We need <strong>to</strong> go in<strong>to</strong> our darkness <strong>and</strong> make our peace with all the lost parts of<br />
ourselves in order <strong>to</strong> redeem the healing <strong>and</strong> renewal that reside in the dark.<br />
The hero or heroine's journey in<strong>to</strong> the underworld <strong>to</strong> reclaim the s<strong>to</strong>len treasure from<br />
the monster is not an easy quest, <strong>and</strong> is fraught with many dangers. As we move<br />
<strong>to</strong>ward accepting the wholeness of our beings, we will inevitably have <strong>to</strong> revise our<br />
fears of the dark.<br />
And so we must invoke <strong>and</strong> praise the Dark Goddess, who has been banished <strong>to</strong> the<br />
neglected corners of our psyches. Her ultimate function is <strong>to</strong> facilitate the<br />
transformation that occurs in t he dark. She provokes the death of our ego selves, of<br />
our old forms, <strong>and</strong> of our false assumptions, so that we can give birth <strong>to</strong> the new. <strong>Our</strong><br />
personal healing experiences then become the training ground for the compassion<br />
that permeates our potentialities as a wounded healer. The mystery of the Dark Moon<br />
Goddess is that death <strong>and</strong> birth are the twin faces of her cosmic orgasm with the Sun<br />
God each month at the new moon conjunction. Fulfilled in love, she then circles,<br />
ever turning around the earth, <strong>and</strong> sends forth a shower of blessings with the<br />
knowledge that there is no annihilation." (Ibid 55-58)
Demeter<br />
Demeter the Greek Earth goddess par excellence, who brings forth the fruits of the<br />
Earth, particularly the various grains. She taught mankind the art of sowing <strong>and</strong><br />
plowing so they could end their nomadic existence. As such, Demeter was also the<br />
goddess of planned society. She was very popular with the rural population. As a<br />
fertility goddess she is sometimes identified with Rhea <strong>and</strong> Gaia.<br />
In systematized theology, Demeter is a daughter of Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea <strong>and</strong> sister of<br />
Zeus by whom she became the mother of Persephone. When Persephone was<br />
abducted by Hades, lord of the underworld, Demeter w<strong>and</strong>ered the Earth in search of<br />
her lost child. During this time the Earth brought forth no grain. Finally Zeus sent<br />
Hermes <strong>to</strong> the underworld, ordering Hades <strong>to</strong> res<strong>to</strong>re Persephone <strong>to</strong> her mother.<br />
However, before she left, Hades gave her a pomegranate. When she ate from it, she<br />
was bound <strong>to</strong> spend a third of the year with her husb<strong>and</strong> in the infernal regions. Only<br />
when her daughter is with her, Demeter lets things grow. The dying <strong>and</strong> blossoming<br />
of nature was thus connected with Demeter.<br />
In the Eleusinian mysteries, Demeter <strong>and</strong> Persephone were especially venerated.<br />
When she was looking for her daughter, in the shape of an old woman called Doso,<br />
she was welcomed by Celeus, the king of Eleusis. He requested her <strong>to</strong> nurse his sons<br />
Demophon <strong>and</strong> Trip<strong>to</strong>lemus. To reward his hospitality she intended <strong>to</strong> make the boy<br />
Demophon immortal by placing him each night in the hearth, <strong>to</strong> burn his mortal<br />
nature away. The spell was broken one night because Metanira, the wife of Celeus,<br />
walked in on her while she was performing this ritual. Demeter taught the other son,<br />
Trip<strong>to</strong>lemus, the principles of agriculture, who in turn, taught others this art. In<br />
Demeter's honor as a goddess of marriage, women in Athens, <strong>and</strong> other centers in<br />
Greece, celebrated the feast of Thesmophoria. Throughout Classical times members of<br />
all social strata came from all parts of the Mediterranean world <strong>to</strong> be initiated in <strong>and</strong><br />
celebrate her Mysteries at Eleusis.<br />
In ancient art, Demeter was often portrayed sitting as a solemn woman, often wearing<br />
a wreath of braided ears of corn. Well-known is the statue made by Knidos mid-4th<br />
century B.C.E. Her usual symbolic attributes are the fruits of the earth <strong>and</strong> the <strong>to</strong>rch,<br />
the latter presumably referring <strong>to</strong> her search for Persephone. Her sacred animals were<br />
the snake <strong>and</strong> the pig. Some of her epithets include Auxesia, Deo, Chloe, <strong>and</strong> Si<strong>to</strong>.<br />
The Romans equated her with the goddess Ceres.
Ankt<br />
Egyptian <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
A spear-carrying war goddess, Ankt is depicted wearing a curved <strong>and</strong> feathered<br />
crown.<br />
Anuket<br />
Anuket, a water goddess, was especially adored at Aswan <strong>and</strong> on the sacred isl<strong>and</strong> of<br />
Seheil. Her name means the "embracer" <strong>and</strong> may refer <strong>to</strong> the embrace of the Nile<br />
waters by the river's banks. In Hieroglyphs she is seen wearing a feather headdress.<br />
Bastet<br />
Bastet, the cat goddess, is the patroness of the domestic cat <strong>and</strong> the home. She is often<br />
seen in human form with the head of a cat holding the sacred rattle known as the<br />
sistrim. Her center of worship was located at Bubastis in the Delta Region. Bastet is<br />
also associated with the eye of Ra, the sun god, <strong>and</strong> acts as an instrument of his<br />
vengeance.<br />
Hathor<br />
Worshipped as a sky goddess <strong>and</strong> a cow-deity, Hathor is depicted either in cow or<br />
human form wearing a sun disk between the horns of a cow as a crown. She is often<br />
symbolized by the papyrus reed, the snake <strong>and</strong> the sacred sistrim. Sirius was her<br />
sacred star. Hathor was the patroness of all women, artists, music, dance, <strong>and</strong><br />
happiness. She is often traditionally present in all ancient Egyptian <strong>to</strong>mbs <strong>to</strong> ensure<br />
safe passage in<strong>to</strong> the after world.<br />
Het<br />
Her, "maker of invisible existences apart", is the Egyptian serpent goddess who rules<br />
fire.<br />
Isis<br />
Isis, a goddess that became universally worshiped, is associated with love,<br />
motherhood, marital devotion, healing, eternal life, <strong>and</strong> the casting of magical spells
<strong>and</strong> charms. Isis is the goddess of day, while her twin sister, Nephthys is the goddess<br />
of night. Her sacred symbol is an amulet called the tyet. She is the wife of Osiris <strong>and</strong><br />
the mother of Horus.<br />
Ma'at<br />
Ma'at is the Egyptian goddess of Truth <strong>and</strong> Justice <strong>and</strong> the underworld. She passed<br />
judgment over the souls of the dead in the Judgment Hall of Osiris. The "Law of Ma'at<br />
was the basis of civil laws in ancient Egypt.<br />
Mafdet<br />
Mafdet, "The Lady of the Castle of Life", was an early (1st Dynasty) Egyptian goddess.<br />
Her sacred animals were the cat <strong>and</strong> the mongoose. She was invoked <strong>to</strong> help cure<br />
snakebites.<br />
Meskhoni<br />
Meskhoni is an Egyptian birth goddess symbolized by a human-headed brick.<br />
Egyptian women crouched on this goddess' image during labor. Meskhoni appeared at<br />
the precise moment when contractions began <strong>and</strong> remained through the delivery <strong>to</strong><br />
predict the future of the newborn. She often appeared as a woman wearing palm<br />
shoots on her head.<br />
Mut<br />
Mut is seen as the mother, the nurturing force behind all things while her husb<strong>and</strong><br />
Amen is the great energy or creative force. In ancient Egyptian, "mut" means mother.<br />
Neb-Ti<br />
The ruling goddess of the north, Uadgit, <strong>and</strong> south, Nekhebet <strong>and</strong> a political symbol<br />
of the unification of Egypt.<br />
Nekhebet<br />
Nekhebet is the vulture headed goddess of the Nile's source. She <strong>and</strong> the goddess<br />
Uadgit formed the Neb-Ti, a symbol of the political unification of Egypt. She is also<br />
the patroness of laboring women <strong>and</strong> combined her political <strong>and</strong> motherly roles in<br />
her mystic task of suckling the pharaohs-<strong>to</strong>-be.
Nephthys<br />
The twin sister of Isis, Nephthys is the goddess of night, the protectress of the dead<br />
<strong>and</strong> the guardian of the lungs of the deceased.<br />
Qadesh<br />
Qadesh, the "Holy One," rides a lion <strong>and</strong> holds out snakes <strong>and</strong> lotus buds. She<br />
embodies the sacramental reverence <strong>to</strong>ward sexuality as an expression of divine force.<br />
Renenet<br />
When an Egyptian child is born, Renenet pronounces its name, defines its personality<br />
<strong>and</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>ws its fortune. Renenet is the personification of the force of nurturing <strong>and</strong><br />
its effect on a child's destiny. In a larger sense, she is the earth itself, which offers<br />
milk <strong>and</strong> grain <strong>to</strong> her people, who worship her as the goddess of the double granary.<br />
Sati<br />
Sati, "she who runs like an arrow", also known as Satis <strong>and</strong> Satet, is an Egyptian<br />
archer goddess who personified the waterfalls of the river Nile. Her sanctuary was at<br />
Sekhmet<br />
Sekhmet is the lion goddess <strong>and</strong> her worship was centered in Memphis. Her name<br />
means "powerful" <strong>and</strong> she was created from the fire in Ra's eyes as a goddess of<br />
vengeance against sinful humans.<br />
Selkhet<br />
The beautiful scorpion goddess <strong>and</strong> guardian of the dead, Selkhet has her scorpion<br />
strike death <strong>to</strong> the wicked. She also saves the lives of the innocent stung by a<br />
scorpion. She is one of the deities who led the deceased in<strong>to</strong> the afterlife <strong>and</strong> offered<br />
instructions in the cus<strong>to</strong>ms of the otherworld. She symbolized rebirth after death.<br />
Shait<br />
Shait is the goddess of human destiny. Invisible, Shait observes a human's virtues <strong>and</strong><br />
vices, crimes <strong>and</strong> secret crimes. Based on her intimate knowledge of each person, she
spoke the final judgment of the soul at a human's death.<br />
Sheshat<br />
"The mistress of the house of books", Sheshat is the inven<strong>to</strong>r of writing <strong>and</strong> the<br />
secretary of heaven. She is also the "mistress of the house of architects", the goddess<br />
that studies the stars <strong>to</strong> determine the axes of new buildings. She invented<br />
mathematics <strong>and</strong> is the appointed goddess of fate who measures the length of our<br />
lives with palm branches.<br />
Tefnut<br />
Tefnut is the goddess of daybreak <strong>and</strong> associated with themountains from which the<br />
sun rises.<br />
Uadgit<br />
The sovereign cobra goddess of lower Egypt <strong>and</strong> the Nile delta. Uadgit joined with<br />
Nekhebet <strong>to</strong> form the "two mistrersses" of the l<strong>and</strong> called the Neb-Ti, a political<br />
symbol of the unification of Egypt.
Freya at Yule<br />
I am Freya, great queen of the northern people<br />
I am mother <strong>and</strong> lover <strong>and</strong> ruler<br />
I am the mistress of magic<br />
I am the goddess of the full <strong>and</strong> shining moon<br />
At this season of Yule I am full of light<br />
Filled with the child of promise<br />
As you see me shining full <strong>and</strong> radiant, see yourself<br />
For you are also filled with light<br />
As I cradle deep the child of promise<br />
I must nurture myself completely<br />
Feed my soul <strong>and</strong> my body <strong>and</strong> my mind<br />
The most precious things<br />
For I have a deep binding obligation <strong>to</strong> myself<br />
And <strong>to</strong> the light which grows within me<br />
I feel my body swell <strong>to</strong> fullness <strong>and</strong><br />
I know the time is now<br />
Birth holds both joy <strong>and</strong> pain<br />
There is ripping <strong>and</strong> giving way<br />
For the new life <strong>to</strong> spring forth<br />
Have you felt my pain<br />
Open yourself <strong>and</strong> let the miracle occur<br />
The babe is born<br />
When I look upon the child of light<br />
I see I have given birth <strong>to</strong> myself<br />
And that I have given birth <strong>to</strong> you<br />
We are the light <strong>and</strong><br />
We have returned <strong>to</strong> the world<br />
I welcome you my children<br />
For the child of light<br />
The child of promise<br />
Is indeed ourselves<br />
Let us bless <strong>and</strong> honor the child<br />
Nurture it <strong>and</strong> it shall grow strong<br />
For now it has a life of its own<br />
I have held you in my belly <strong>and</strong><br />
Given you the gift of life<br />
I gift you with your body <strong>and</strong> mind <strong>and</strong> spirit<br />
I gift you with that special quality
That is yours alone<br />
I gift you with the blessings of the world<br />
I gift you with the powers of magick<br />
And the magick of rebirth<br />
What will you make of my gifts?<br />
What will you give me in return?<br />
Do you honor me with your accomplishments?<br />
Your loving nature?<br />
Do you honor me by honoring the earth?<br />
By adoring the moon <strong>and</strong> sun<br />
And all of creation?<br />
I charge you <strong>to</strong> go out in<strong>to</strong> the world <strong>and</strong><br />
Make me proud of you<br />
For <strong>to</strong> do otherwise is a disservice<br />
To me <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> yourself
Gaea<br />
Gaea Gaea or Ge Ge, Ge<br />
in Greek mythology, the personification of Mother Earth, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
daughter of Chaos. She was the mother <strong>and</strong> wife of Father Heaven, who was<br />
personified as Uranus. They were the parents of the earliest living creatures, the<br />
Titans, the Cyclopes, <strong>and</strong> the Giants the Heca<strong>to</strong>ncheires (Hundred-Headed Ones).<br />
Fearing <strong>and</strong> hating the monsters, although they were his sons, Uranus imprisoned<br />
them in a secret place in the earth, leaving the Cyclopes <strong>and</strong> Titans at large. Gaea,<br />
enraged at this favoritism, persuaded her son, the Titan Cronus, <strong>to</strong> overthrow his<br />
father. He emasculated Uranus, <strong>and</strong> from his blood Gaea brought forth another race<br />
of monsters, the Giants, <strong>and</strong> the three avenging goddesses the Erinyes. Her last <strong>and</strong><br />
most terrifying off-spring was Typhon, a 100-headed monster, who, although<br />
conquered by the god Zeus, was believed <strong>to</strong> spew forth the molten lava flows of<br />
Mount Etna.
Who is Gaia?<br />
Goddess of Life<br />
Holy Symbol: Encircled Tree<br />
Gaia<br />
Gaia is the daughter of Arawyn the all crea<strong>to</strong>r.<br />
Her brother is Galmachis god of death.<br />
When followers look at trees <strong>and</strong> the earth below they believe that <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
embodiment of Gaia.<br />
Followers of Gaia believe that the earth <strong>and</strong> all living things must be preserved.<br />
Above all things life is precious <strong>and</strong> must be treated as such. Gaia's worshipers will<br />
constantly be seen planting seeds <strong>and</strong> growing life.<br />
Gaia's worshipers give offerings at shrines built at the base of an old tree in the<br />
woods.<br />
These shrines are r<strong>and</strong>omly found throughout the forest.<br />
Strictures<br />
Gaia allows her clerics <strong>to</strong> fight with a mace or staff during times of combat.<br />
Followers of Gaia will never willingly take the life of another <strong>and</strong> will make every<br />
attempt <strong>to</strong> save a life.<br />
Followers should spend at least one hour of their day communing with their<br />
living surroundings.<br />
Worshipers should leave offerings of food <strong>and</strong> flowers at Gaia's shrines.
Goddess Grace<br />
I am the Goddess of a thous<strong>and</strong> names <strong>and</strong> infinite capacity.<br />
All Her gifts are mine.<br />
All Her powers reside in me.<br />
I am Athena of Greece.<br />
Life my <strong>to</strong>tem, the owl, I am wise<br />
For I see <strong>and</strong> hear everything around <strong>and</strong> within me<br />
Like the oak, I am strong for the olive of peace is sacred <strong>to</strong> me.<br />
I am Bast, cat goddess of Egypt<br />
I am graceful, flexible, playful <strong>and</strong> affectionate<br />
I radiate the warmth <strong>and</strong> light of the glorious sun.<br />
I am Cerridwen of Wales<br />
My magic cauldron contains food for the soul<br />
An inexhaustible source of wisdom <strong>and</strong> inspiration<br />
The more I give, the more I receive.<br />
I am Diana, Roman goddess of the ever-changing moon.<br />
I am a protectress of women <strong>and</strong> children<br />
A guardian of the wild<br />
I focus my aim on my heart's desire <strong>and</strong> draw it <strong>to</strong> me.<br />
I am Ereshkigal, Assyro-Babylonian goddess of the underworld<br />
Queen of the Great Below<br />
I shed dead skin <strong>to</strong> grow<br />
Deep powers of renewal are mine.<br />
I am Freya, Well-beloved Nordic Lady<br />
I survey the beauty of my world in joyous flight<br />
I celebrate <strong>and</strong> honor the bonds between friends <strong>and</strong> lovers.<br />
I am Gaia, Greek Earth Mother<br />
Grounded <strong>and</strong> centered in the rhythms <strong>and</strong> patterns of chaos<br />
I emerge <strong>to</strong> create my usiverse.<br />
I am Hecate of Greece<br />
Triple Goddess of the crossroads of choice
I balance by powers of thought <strong>and</strong> my emotion<br />
I choose the path I walk<br />
The <strong>to</strong>rch of my reason is illumined by my brilliant intuition.<br />
I am Isis, Egyptian Queen of the World<br />
I offer healing <strong>and</strong> transformation <strong>to</strong> all in need<br />
I hold the power <strong>to</strong> shape my world.<br />
I am Jagad-Yoni, Hindu universal yoni, womb of the world<br />
I am the gatekeeper of the next generation<br />
I choose the life that emerges through me<br />
I use my power wisely.<br />
I am Kwan-Yin of Buddhist China, goddess of compassion<br />
I hear <strong>and</strong> comfort the wounds of the world<br />
I welcome children <strong>and</strong> teach the magic of change.<br />
I am Liban, Irish mermaid goddess<br />
I revel in the healing power of pleasure<br />
Quench your thirst at my sacred well.<br />
I am Maat of Egypt<br />
Truth, justice <strong>and</strong> law are the natural order of my universe<br />
Harmony arises as I attune <strong>to</strong> my divine will.<br />
I am Nu-Kua, Chinese dragon-tailed creatress<br />
I res<strong>to</strong>re the cosmic equilibrium<br />
I form community among women <strong>and</strong> men<br />
Connecting in equality of love <strong>and</strong> respect.<br />
I am Old Spider goddess of Micronesia<br />
I created the moon, the sea, the sky, the sun<br />
And the earth from a single clamshell<br />
All the vast <strong>and</strong> varied universe is present<br />
In the smallest forms of life.<br />
As above, so below<br />
As within, so without.<br />
I am Pele, Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes<br />
My fiery energy erupts from my core <strong>to</strong> create new worlds<br />
I flow easily over obstacles in my path.
I am Qedeshet of Syria<br />
I balance lightly on the lion I ride<br />
Laughter lifts me from the pull of gravity<br />
The lotus blossom I hols <strong>and</strong> the serpents I carry<br />
Symbolize the life <strong>and</strong> health I bring.<br />
I am Rhiannon, horsewoman, Divine Queen of Wales<br />
My steady pace is swift <strong>and</strong> smooth<br />
I travel freely through the world, safe, serene <strong>and</strong> secure<br />
My winged friends can wake the dead<br />
And lull the living <strong>to</strong> sleep.<br />
I am Sedna of the Eskimos<br />
Know <strong>and</strong> honor me through my animals<br />
Bears, whales <strong>and</strong> seals<br />
All creatures of the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> sea are part of me.<br />
We share the right <strong>to</strong> be.<br />
I am Tiamat of Babylon, primordial sea-serpent<br />
I am the great mother womb<br />
Who brought forth the earth <strong>and</strong> heavens<br />
I dive deep in<strong>to</strong> the watery unconscious<br />
To find the treasures buried there.<br />
I am Uttu, Chaldean-Sumerian goddess of waving <strong>and</strong> vegatation<br />
I offer shelter <strong>and</strong> nourishment <strong>to</strong> all who know me<br />
We weed <strong>and</strong> clothe each other through our work.<br />
I am Vasudhara, Hindu goddess of abundance<br />
My six arms hold everything you need <strong>and</strong> offer it <strong>to</strong> you<br />
Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Center, Spirit<br />
Purpose, Love, Passion, Wisdom, Here, Now.<br />
I am Wite woman of Honduras<br />
I descend from heaven <strong>to</strong> build my temple on earth<br />
And return as a glorious bird.<br />
I honor <strong>and</strong> express my true spirit<br />
My beauty is beyond compare.<br />
I am Xochiquetzal, Aztec goddess of flowers, love,
spinning, weaving, singing <strong>and</strong> dancing.<br />
I am an Original Woman<br />
I delight in sharing my many gifts.<br />
I am Yemaya, Nigerian Fish Mother, Brazilian Voodoo mermaid<br />
Lakes, rivers <strong>and</strong> oceans are my home<br />
The waters of life belong <strong>to</strong> me<br />
We cleanse <strong>and</strong> sustain each other.<br />
I am Zoc, Gnostic Acon of Life<br />
Mother of All Living<br />
I am the embodiment of growth <strong>and</strong> vitality<br />
I am unique life energy.<br />
I am the Goddess of a thous<strong>and</strong> names <strong>and</strong> infinite capacity<br />
All Her gifts are mine<br />
All Her powers reside in me.<br />
We are the Goddess of a thous<strong>and</strong> names <strong>and</strong> infinite capacity<br />
All Her gifts are mine<br />
All Her powers reside in me.<br />
You are the Goddess of a thous<strong>and</strong> names <strong>and</strong> infinite capacity<br />
All Her gifts are thine<br />
All Her powers reside in thee.
Goddess Salute<br />
Place left h<strong>and</strong> on breast, with right h<strong>and</strong> raise Athame up <strong>and</strong> out. Bring Athame <strong>to</strong><br />
your lips, kiss it, extend it again <strong>and</strong> return <strong>to</strong> your side in original position.
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Abeona<br />
Abeona<br />
Italy. Goddess who protects children when they leave the parental house for<br />
the first time.<br />
Abundantia<br />
Abundantia<br />
Italy. Goddess of abundance, prosperity, <strong>and</strong> good fortune.<br />
Achelois<br />
Achelois<br />
Greece. Goddess of the moon <strong>and</strong> healing (Her name means "She Who Drives<br />
Pain Away").<br />
Adeona<br />
Adeona<br />
Italy. Goddess who protects children when they return <strong>to</strong> the parental house<br />
after they've left home.<br />
Aine<br />
Aine<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> fertility; fairy queen.<br />
Airmed<br />
Airmed<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of medicinal plants <strong>and</strong> keeper of the spring that brings the<br />
dead back <strong>to</strong> life; She is the daughter of the Irish God of medicine, Dianceht.<br />
Alcmene<br />
Alcmene<br />
Greece. Goddess of Midwinter, the new year, stateliness, beauty <strong>and</strong> wisdom.<br />
Alcyone<br />
Alcyone<br />
Greece. Goddess of the sea, the moon, calmness, <strong>and</strong> tranquility.<br />
Alemonia<br />
Alemonia<br />
Italy. Goddess who feeds the unborn child.<br />
Alpite<br />
Alpite<br />
Greece. Goddess of barley flour, destiny <strong>and</strong> the moon.<br />
Amphityonis<br />
Amphityonis<br />
Greece. Goddess of wine, friendships, <strong>and</strong> the relationships between nations.<br />
Anceta Anceta<br />
Anceta<br />
Italy. Goddess of healing.<br />
Angina ngina ngina<br />
Italy. Goddess of health, especially for sore throats.<br />
Angita<br />
Angita<br />
Italy. Goddess of healing <strong>and</strong> witchcraft.<br />
Angerona<br />
Angerona<br />
Italy. Goddess of secrecy <strong>and</strong> protectress of ancient Rome; She is depicted<br />
holding a finger <strong>to</strong> Her closed mouth.<br />
Anna Anna Anna Perenna Perenna<br />
Perenna<br />
Italy. Goddess of the new year, <strong>and</strong> human <strong>and</strong> vegetative reproduction.<br />
Anjea<br />
Anjea
Australia. Goddess who forms infants from mud <strong>and</strong> places them in<strong>to</strong> their<br />
mother's womb.<br />
Antervorta/Antervorte<br />
Antervorta/Antervorte<br />
Antervorta/Antervorte<br />
Italy. Goddess of prophecy <strong>and</strong> childbirth.<br />
Anu<br />
Anu<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of fertility, comfort <strong>and</strong> prosperity.<br />
Aphrodite Aphrodite<br />
Aphrodite<br />
Greece. Goddess of sexual love.<br />
Aradia<br />
Aradia<br />
Italy. Patroness of witches <strong>and</strong> founder of Strega, the Italian tradition of<br />
Wicca; She is the daughter of the Italian goddess Diana <strong>and</strong> Her brother, the Italian<br />
god of the sun, Lucifer.<br />
Arianrhod<br />
Arianrhod<br />
Wales. Goddess of the sky, the stars, beauty, fertility, <strong>and</strong> reincarnation;<br />
keeper of the cycling silver wheel of stars the symbol of time/karma (Her name means<br />
"Silver Wheel").<br />
Ariki<br />
Ariki<br />
New Zeal<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of the stars.<br />
Artemis<br />
Artemis<br />
Greece. Goddess of the hunt, the night, <strong>and</strong> virgins; guardian of women<br />
during childbirth.<br />
Astarte<br />
Astarte<br />
Greece. Goddess of spiders; weaver of fate <strong>and</strong> destiny.<br />
Astraea<br />
Astraea<br />
Greece. Goddess of the stars <strong>and</strong> justice (Her name means "The Star Maiden").<br />
Athena<br />
Athena<br />
Greece. Goddess of wisdom, the arts, industry, justice, <strong>and</strong> skills.<br />
Atro Atropos Atro Atropos<br />
pos<br />
Greece. Fate who with Her shears cuts off the thread of human life.<br />
Auxesia<br />
Auxesia<br />
Greece. Goddess of growth.<br />
Aveta<br />
Aveta<br />
Gaul. Goddess of midwifery.<br />
Befana<br />
Befana<br />
Italy. Kind <strong>and</strong> gentle old woman who every January 5th, comes <strong>to</strong> give c<strong>and</strong>y<br />
<strong>to</strong> the good children of the world, <strong>and</strong> lumps of coal <strong>to</strong> the bad children.<br />
Belisama<br />
Belisama<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of light <strong>and</strong> fire, the forge, <strong>and</strong> crafts; She is the wife of the<br />
Irish god of metal crafts, Belenos.<br />
Bia Bia<br />
Bia<br />
Greece. Goddess of power <strong>and</strong> force (Her name means "force").
Bona Bona Bona Dea<br />
Dea<br />
Italy. Goddess of fertility <strong>and</strong> chastity; She was worshiped by Roman matrons.<br />
Branwen<br />
Branwen<br />
Wales, Manx. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty; lady of the lake; Venus of the<br />
northern seas.<br />
Brigit<br />
Brigit<br />
Spain, Irel<strong>and</strong>, France, Wales. Goddess of fire, fertility, occult knowledge,<br />
inspiration, poetry, divination, feminine arts <strong>and</strong> crafts, healing, love <strong>and</strong> witchcraft<br />
(Her name means "Power").<br />
Bubona<br />
Bubona<br />
Italy. Goddess <strong>and</strong> protectress of domestic animals.<br />
Caca<br />
Caca<br />
Italy. Goddess of hearth.<br />
Calliope Calliope<br />
Calliope<br />
Greece. Muse of eloquence <strong>and</strong> epic or heroic poetry (Her name means<br />
"Beautiful Voice").<br />
C<strong>and</strong>elifera<br />
C<strong>and</strong>elifera<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth (Her name means "To Bring Forth Life").<br />
Cardea<br />
Cardea<br />
Italy. Goddess of thresholds, doorways, <strong>and</strong> health; protectress of sleeping<br />
children from night spirits who may try <strong>to</strong> harm them.<br />
Carmenta Carmenta<br />
Carmenta<br />
Italy. Goddess of prophecy <strong>and</strong> midwifery; She assists women in labor <strong>and</strong> can<br />
tell the future of the newborn.<br />
Carna<br />
Carna<br />
Italy. Goddess of health <strong>and</strong> doorways; associated with bodily organs,<br />
especially the heart.<br />
Cer Ceres Cer es<br />
Italy. Goddess of agriculture <strong>and</strong> the love a mother bares for her child(ren)<br />
Chloris<br />
Chloris<br />
Greece. Goddess of the spring <strong>and</strong> flowers.<br />
Cinxia<br />
Cinxia<br />
Italy. Goddess of marriage.<br />
Clementia<br />
Clementia<br />
Italy. Goddess of clemency <strong>and</strong> mercy.<br />
Clio<br />
Clio<br />
Greece. Muse of his<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Cl Clotho Cl<br />
otho<br />
Greece. Fate who spends the thread of human life (Her name means “The<br />
Spinner”).<br />
Cliodna<br />
Cliodna
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Wales. Goddess of beauty; fairy queen.<br />
Conciliatrix<br />
Conciliatrix<br />
Italy. Goddess of marital harmony.<br />
Concordia Concordia<br />
Concordia<br />
Italy. Goddess of peace.<br />
Copia Copia<br />
Copia<br />
Italy. Goddess of wealth <strong>and</strong> plenty, She is depicted carrying the cornucopia,<br />
the “horn of plenty”.<br />
Creiry<br />
Creiry<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Wales. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty.<br />
Cuba Cuba<br />
Cuba<br />
Italy. Goddess of infants who blesses them with peaceful sleep.<br />
Cunia<br />
Cunia<br />
Italy. Goddess of infants who protects them while they sleep in their cribs.<br />
Cura<br />
Cura<br />
Italy. Goddess of human life (it was said that Cura was the first <strong>to</strong> fashion<br />
humans from clay)<br />
Damara<br />
Damara<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>, Britain. Goddess of fertility associated with the month of May.<br />
Dea Dea Dia<br />
Italy. Goddess of growth.<br />
Decima<br />
Decima<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Deverra<br />
Deverra<br />
Italy. Goddess of motherhood <strong>and</strong> protectress of young mothers.<br />
Diana/Lucifera<br />
Diana/Lucifera<br />
Italy. Goddess of the hunt, the moon, virgins, childbirth, <strong>and</strong> witchcraft;<br />
mother of the Italian patroness Aradia, <strong>and</strong> consort of the Italian God Lucifer; She is<br />
depicted as a huntress accompanied with deer (Her name means “The Shining One”).<br />
Dike<br />
Dike<br />
Greece. Goddess of justice.<br />
Dione<br />
Dione<br />
Greece. Goddess of love, divination <strong>and</strong> prophecy associated with nature <strong>and</strong><br />
the Earth; mother of the Grecian Goddess Aphrodite.<br />
Domiduca<br />
Domiduca<br />
Italy. Goddess who escorts children safely back home.<br />
Donn Donn<br />
Donn<br />
Wales. Mother Goddess; mother of the Welsh God Gwydion <strong>and</strong> wife of the<br />
Irish God Beli; Her Irish counterpart was Danu.<br />
Druantia ruantia<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of fertility, protection, knowledge, trees, creativity, <strong>and</strong>
sexual activities (Her name means “Queen of the Druids”).<br />
Educlia<br />
Educlia<br />
Italy. Goddess of infants, who blesses their food.<br />
Edusa Edusa<br />
Edusa<br />
Italy. Goddess who helps children learn <strong>to</strong> eat.<br />
Eiliethyia<br />
Eiliethyia<br />
Greece. Goddess of childbirth who assisted women during labor.<br />
Empad Empada Empad a<br />
Italy. Goddess who personified the idea of generosity <strong>and</strong> openness.<br />
Eos<br />
Eos<br />
Greece. Goddess of dawn.<br />
Era<strong>to</strong> Era<strong>to</strong><br />
Era<strong>to</strong><br />
Greece. Muse of lyrical poetry, particularly love <strong>and</strong> erotic poetry.<br />
Ethausva Ethausva<br />
Ethausva<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Eunomia<br />
Eunomia<br />
Greece. Goddess of legistration <strong>and</strong> order.<br />
Fama<br />
Fama<br />
Italy. Goddess of personified fame <strong>and</strong> popular rumor.<br />
Fana/Fauna<br />
Fana/Fauna<br />
Italy. Goddess of fertility <strong>and</strong> wildlife; Earth Mother.<br />
Febris Febris<br />
Febris<br />
Italy. Goddess of health who protects humans from fever.<br />
Februa<br />
Februa<br />
Italy. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> purification associated with the month of February.<br />
Fecunditas<br />
Fecunditas<br />
Italy. Goddess of fertility.<br />
Felicitas<br />
Felicitas<br />
Italy. Goddess of good luck.<br />
Fides<br />
Fides<br />
Italy. Goddess of good faith <strong>and</strong> honesty; guardian of honesty <strong>and</strong> integrity in<br />
all dealings between individuals <strong>and</strong> groups (Her name means "Faith").<br />
Flora Flora<br />
Flora<br />
Italy. Goddess of the Spring, flowers <strong>and</strong> infants (pray <strong>to</strong> Flora for a healthy<br />
baby).<br />
Forn Fornax Forn Forn ax<br />
Italy. Goddess of the womb <strong>and</strong> baking bread (Her name means "Oven").<br />
Fortuna<br />
Fortuna<br />
Italy. Goddess of fertility, good fortune, <strong>and</strong> blessings.<br />
Freya/Fria<br />
Freya/Fria<br />
Germany, Norway. Goddess of love, beauty, <strong>and</strong> healing.
Frigga/Fricka<br />
Frigga/Fricka<br />
Germany, Norway. Goddess of love; patroness of marriage <strong>and</strong> fecundity; She<br />
reunites parted lovers <strong>and</strong> presides over married love.<br />
Gaia/Gaea Gaia/Gaea<br />
Gaia/Gaea<br />
Greece. Goddess of the Earth <strong>and</strong> fertility; Earth Mother.<br />
Graces, Graces, The/Charities<br />
The/Charities<br />
Greece. Goddess of beauty <strong>and</strong> gracefulness; They are Thalia ("Good Cheer"),<br />
Aglaia/Aglaea ("Splendor"), <strong>and</strong> Euphrosyne ("Mirth").<br />
Gwenn Gwenn Teir Teir Bro Bronn Bro Bro nn<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of motherhood.<br />
Harmonia Harmonia<br />
Harmonia<br />
Greece. Goddess of harmony <strong>and</strong> concord.<br />
Hebe<br />
Hebe<br />
Greece. Goddess of youth.<br />
Hera<br />
Hera<br />
Greece. Goddess of marriage <strong>and</strong> childbirth; wife of the Grecian God Zeus.<br />
Hestia Hestia<br />
Hestia<br />
Greece. Goddess of hearth, who presides over domestic life.<br />
Hora Hora<br />
Hora<br />
Italy. Goddess of time <strong>and</strong> beauty.<br />
Hygieia<br />
Hygieia<br />
Greece. Goddess of health.<br />
Iaso<br />
Iaso<br />
Greece. Goddess of healing.<br />
Ida<br />
Ida<br />
Greece. Goddess of nurturing energy.<br />
Ilithyia<br />
Ilithyia<br />
Greece. Goddess <strong>and</strong> protectress of midwives <strong>and</strong> those who assisted women<br />
during childbirth.<br />
Intercidona Intercidona<br />
Intercidona<br />
Italy. Goddess of the ax, who guards new mothers from evil spirits; protectress<br />
of children.<br />
Ir Irene/Eirene<br />
Ir ene/Eirene<br />
Greece. Goddess of peace.<br />
Iris<br />
Iris<br />
Greece. Goddess of the rainbow; She is the messenger of the <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>to</strong> mankind<br />
particularly <strong>to</strong> the Grecian goddess Hera whose orders She brings <strong>to</strong> humans; She is<br />
depicted as a young woman with wings, a herald's staff <strong>and</strong> a water pitcher <strong>and</strong><br />
mainly appears on Greek vases.<br />
Justitia<br />
Justitia<br />
Italy. Goddess of justice.
Kerridwen/Cerridwen<br />
Kerridwen/Cerridwen<br />
Wales. Goddess of fertility, regeneration, inspiration, astrology, herbs,<br />
knowledge, poetry, spells <strong>and</strong> the moon.<br />
Lachesis Lachesis<br />
Lachesis<br />
Greece. Fate who measures the length of thread of human life.<br />
Larunda<br />
Larunda<br />
Italy. Goddess of the home (pray <strong>to</strong> Larunda for a safe <strong>and</strong> blessed home).<br />
Lavinia Lavinia<br />
Lavinia<br />
Italy. Goddess of the Earth <strong>and</strong> fertility.<br />
Libentina<br />
Libentina<br />
Italy. Goddess of sexual pleasure.<br />
Libertas<br />
Libertas<br />
Italy. Goddess of liberty.<br />
Lofn/Lufn<br />
Lofn/Lufn<br />
Germany, Norway. Goddess of passionate love.<br />
Lucina<br />
Lucina<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Luna<br />
Luna<br />
Italy. Goddess of the moon, who regulates the months <strong>and</strong> seasons of the year.<br />
Lympha<br />
Lympha<br />
Italy. Goddess of healing.<br />
Maia<br />
Maia<br />
Italy. Goddess of Spring warmth <strong>and</strong> sexual heat.<br />
Maiesta<br />
Maiesta<br />
Italy. Goddess of honor <strong>and</strong> reverence.<br />
Matrona<br />
Matrona<br />
Italy. Goddess of women from birth until death (alternative name of the<br />
Italian goddess Juno).<br />
Matuta Matuta<br />
Matuta<br />
Italy. Goddess of the dawn; protectress of newborn babes.<br />
Meditrina<br />
Meditrina<br />
Italy. Goddess of healing.<br />
Mena<br />
Mena<br />
Italy. Goddess of menstruation.<br />
Mens<br />
Mens<br />
Italy. Goddess of the mind <strong>and</strong> consciousness.<br />
Metis<br />
Metis<br />
Greece. Goddess of wisdom; mother of the Grecian goddess Athena.<br />
Minerva<br />
Minerva<br />
Italy. Goddess of wisdom, medicine, the arts, commerce, sciences <strong>and</strong> trades;<br />
patroness of physicians.
Mnemosyne<br />
Mnemosyne<br />
Greece. Goddess of memory.<br />
Moira<br />
Moira<br />
Greece. Goddess of fate.<br />
Moneta<br />
Moneta<br />
Italy. Guardian of finances.<br />
Nascio<br />
Nascio<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth <strong>and</strong> protectress of infants.<br />
Nike<br />
Nike<br />
Greece. Goddess of vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Nixi, Nixi, Nixi, The The<br />
The<br />
Greece. <strong>Goddesses</strong> who assist women during childbirth by easing the pain.<br />
Nona<br />
Nona<br />
Italy. Goddess of fetal formation who was called upon by a pregnant mother in<br />
her ninth month when her child was due <strong>to</strong> be born (Her name means "Ninth").<br />
Nyx<br />
Nyx<br />
Greece. Goddess of the night.<br />
Opigena Opigena<br />
Opigena<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Ops/Opis<br />
Ops/Opis<br />
Italy. Goddess of the Earth, abundance, fertility, <strong>and</strong> wealth (Her name means<br />
"Plenty").<br />
Orbona<br />
Orbona<br />
Italy. Goddess who was invoked by parents who became childless, <strong>and</strong> begged<br />
Her <strong>to</strong> grant them children again.<br />
Ossipago<br />
Ossipago<br />
Italy. Goddess of skeletal structures <strong>and</strong> strengthener of fetal bones.<br />
<strong>Our</strong>ania<br />
<strong>Our</strong>ania<br />
Greece. Goddess of Summer, especially Midsummer, <strong>and</strong> ruler of the night sky<br />
(She is known as the "Queen of the Winds").<br />
Pales<br />
Pales<br />
Italy. Patroness who presides over the fertility <strong>and</strong> health of domestic animals.<br />
Panacea<br />
Panacea<br />
Greece. Goddess of healing <strong>and</strong> herbs who symbolizes the power of healing<br />
through herbs (Her name means "All Heal/Universal Cure").<br />
P<strong>and</strong>ia<br />
P<strong>and</strong>ia<br />
Greece. Goddess of the sun (Her name means "All Bright").<br />
Parca<br />
Parca<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth (Her name means "Create/To Give Birth").<br />
Parae, Parae, The<br />
The<br />
Italy. Sister goddesses of fate.
Partula<br />
Partula<br />
Italy. Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Paventia<br />
Paventia<br />
Italy. Goddess who protects children against sudden fright.<br />
Pax<br />
Pax<br />
Italy. Goddess of peace.<br />
Pecunia<br />
Pecunia<br />
Italy. Goddess who presides over money.<br />
Peitho<br />
Peitho<br />
Greece. Goddess of persuasion <strong>and</strong> seduction.<br />
Pelonia Pelonia<br />
Pelonia<br />
Italy. Goddess invoked <strong>to</strong> ward off enemies.<br />
Pertunda<br />
Pertunda<br />
Italy. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> sex who presides over newlyweds <strong>and</strong> their first<br />
sexual intercourse.<br />
Philotes<br />
Philotes<br />
Greece. Goddess of affection.<br />
Pietas<br />
Pietas<br />
Italy. Goddess of justice.<br />
Polyhymnia<br />
Polyhymnia<br />
Greece. Muse of eloquence, dance <strong>and</strong> the sacred hymn.<br />
Portina<br />
Portina<br />
Italy. Goddess of infants who blesses their drinks; She is the sister of the<br />
Italian goddesses Edulica <strong>and</strong> Cuba.<br />
Rhiannon<br />
Rhiannon<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Wales. Goddess of fertility, enchantment, horses <strong>and</strong> birds (Her name<br />
means "The Great Queen").<br />
Rosmerta<br />
Rosmerta<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of fire, abundance, wealth <strong>and</strong> warmth.<br />
Rumia Rumia Dea<br />
Dea<br />
Italy. Goddess of nursing mothers; protectress of animals <strong>and</strong> infants.<br />
Saga<br />
Saga<br />
Germany, Norway. Goddess of the past, memories <strong>and</strong> poetry.<br />
Salacia<br />
Salacia<br />
Italy. Goddess of weddings.<br />
Salus Salus<br />
Salus<br />
Italy. Goddess of prosperity <strong>and</strong> hearth (Her name means "Salvation").<br />
Sapientia<br />
Sapientia<br />
Goddess of wisdom.<br />
Saudela<br />
Saudela<br />
Goddess of persuasion, especially in love.
Scathach<br />
Scathach<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Patroness of healing <strong>and</strong> magick.<br />
Securitas<br />
Securitas<br />
Italy. Goddess of security.<br />
Selene<br />
Selene<br />
Greece. Goddess of the moon <strong>and</strong> solutions; patroness of magicians,<br />
sorceresses, <strong>and</strong> conjurers; She will bring a logical answer <strong>to</strong> any problem.<br />
Sentia<br />
Sentia<br />
Italy. Goddess who heightens feelings <strong>and</strong> brings forth a child's awareness.<br />
Sheila Sheila Na Na Gig<br />
Gig<br />
Britain, Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of fertility.<br />
Sirona<br />
Sirona<br />
Gaul. Goddess of astronomy.<br />
Sjord Sjord<br />
Sjord<br />
Germany, Norway. Goddess of human passions, it's Her duty <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p fights<br />
between married couples.<br />
Snotra<br />
Snotra<br />
Germany, Norway. Goddess of virtue (Her name means "Mistress of All<br />
Knowledge").<br />
Spes Spes<br />
Spes<br />
Italy. Goddess of hope.<br />
Stata Stata Mater<br />
Mater<br />
Italy. Goddess of protection, especially against fires.<br />
Stimula<br />
Stimula<br />
Italy. Goddess who stimulates the passion in women.<br />
Strenia<br />
Strenia<br />
Italy. Goddess of health <strong>and</strong> protectress of the young.<br />
Strenua<br />
Strenua<br />
Italy. Goddess of vigor who gives energy <strong>to</strong> the weak <strong>and</strong> tired.<br />
Tamesis<br />
Tamesis<br />
Irel<strong>and</strong>. Goddess of fresh waters.<br />
Thalia<br />
Thalia<br />
Greece. Muse of comedy <strong>and</strong> light poetry.<br />
Thea<br />
Thea<br />
Greece. Goddess of light; mother of the dawn.<br />
Themis<br />
Themis<br />
Greece. Goddess of the divine right order of things as sanctioned by law <strong>and</strong><br />
cus<strong>to</strong>m; mother of Clotho, Lachesis <strong>and</strong> Atropus.<br />
Tyche Tyche<br />
Tyche<br />
Greece. Goddess of fortune, chance <strong>and</strong> luck.<br />
Unxia<br />
Unxia
Greece, Italy. Protectress of the newly married.<br />
Upis<br />
Upis<br />
Greece. Goddess of childbirth.<br />
Urania Urania<br />
Urania<br />
Greece. Muse of astrology <strong>and</strong> astronomy.<br />
Venus Venus<br />
Venus<br />
Italy. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty.<br />
Verd<strong>and</strong>i<br />
Verd<strong>and</strong>i<br />
Norway, Germany. Norn of necessity (represents the past fate of one's life).<br />
Veritas Veritas<br />
Veritas<br />
Italy. Goddess of justice <strong>and</strong> truth (Her name means "Truth").<br />
Verticordia<br />
Verticordia<br />
Italy. Goddess of love <strong>and</strong> sexuality.<br />
Vesta Vesta<br />
Vesta<br />
Italy. Goddess of hearth.<br />
Vica Vica Pota Pota<br />
Pota<br />
Italy. Goddess of vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ria<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ria<br />
Italy. Goddess of vic<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Virilis<br />
Virilis<br />
Italy. Goddess invoked by women praying <strong>to</strong> continue <strong>to</strong> be exciting <strong>to</strong> their<br />
husb<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Volumna<br />
Volumna<br />
Italy. Goddess <strong>and</strong> protectress of the nursery.<br />
Volumptas<br />
Volumptas<br />
Italy. Goddess of sensual pleasures.<br />
Vor<br />
Vor<br />
Norway, Germany. Goddess <strong>and</strong> guardian of marriage <strong>and</strong> contracts.<br />
Vortumna<br />
Vortumna<br />
Italy. Goddess of destiny, the new year, reproduction, the oracle, <strong>and</strong> matron<br />
of gardeners.
<strong>Goddesses</strong> for Every Occasion<br />
Sunday- Sunne, Frau Sonne, Aditi, Amaterasu, Arinna, Izanami, Ochumare<br />
Monday- Luna, Selene, Diana, Re, Gealach, Ida, Artemis, Yemaya, Erzulie<br />
Tuesday- Pingalla, Anna, Aine, Danu, Yngona, Bellona, Aida Wedo, SunWoman<br />
Wednesday- Isis, Demeter, Ceres, Spider Woman, Bona Dea, Oya, Devi-Kali,Hella,<br />
Rhiannon, Coatlique<br />
Thursday- Juno, Hera, Kwan Yin, Mary, Cybele, Tara, Mawu, Waresa, Ishtar<br />
Friday- Freya, Astarte, Aphrodite, Erzulie, Eve, Venus, Isis, Diana,Chalchiuhtlique<br />
Saturday- Ops, Rhea, Tellus mater, Gaia, Eartha, Ge, Ashera, the Shekinah,Mary,<br />
Demeter, Herodias<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> of the Zodiac:<br />
Aries = Athena, The Morrigan, Minerva<br />
Taurus = Hathor, Isis, Io, Venus, Selene<br />
Gemini = Kali, Parvati, Tefnut, Leda<br />
Cancer = Ix Chel, Ida, Selene, Luna<br />
Leo = Arinna, Cybele, Nesh<strong>to</strong>, Juno<br />
Virgo = Kwan Yin, Bel, Inanna, Diana, Ishtar<br />
Libra = Ishtar, Aphrodite, Dike, Themis<br />
Scorpio = Pele, Tiamat, Ishara, Selket<br />
Sagittarius = Artemis, Diana, Pingala<br />
Capricorn = Awehai, Ida, Amalthea, Vesta<br />
Aquarius = Mawu, Cybele, Sophia, Iris, Juno<br />
Pisces = Nammu, Anuit, Aphrodite, Dione<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> of the Month:<br />
January = Juno, Hera, Hestia, Brigid<br />
February = Brigid, White Buffalo Woman, Juno Februa<br />
March = Ra-Nuit, Artemis, Minerva<br />
April = Aphrodite, Ishtar, Artemis, Astarte, Eostre Venus, Terra , Erzulie<br />
May = Maia, Flora, Tanith, Bel, Mary, Hera<br />
June = Ishtar, Athena, Demeter, Juno, Persephone, Luna, Hera, Mawu<br />
July = Ishtar, Apet, Athena, Demeter, Persephone, Spider Woman.
August = Ishtar, Ceres, Lakshmi, Hesperus<br />
September= Hathor, Ishtar, Yemaya, Menkhet, Pomona<br />
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber = Hathor, Demeter, Ceres, the Horae<br />
November = Sekhmet, Demeter, Diana, Kali, Astrae<br />
December = Vesta, Hestia, Befana, Sekhmet, Oya<br />
Hestia 26 December - 22 January<br />
Bridhe 23 January - 19 February<br />
Moura 20 February - 19 March<br />
Columbina 20 March - 17 April<br />
Maia 18 April - 15 May<br />
Hera 16 May - 12 June<br />
Rosea 13 June - 10 July<br />
Kerea 11 July - 8 August<br />
Hesperis 9 August - 5 September<br />
Mala 6 September - 2 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber<br />
Hathor 3 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber - 30 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber<br />
Cailleach/Samhain- 31 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber - 27 November<br />
Astraea 28 November - 25 December<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong> for the days of the Moon/month:<br />
1 (new moon) Hathor, Isis, Anahit, Selene, Juno, Lucina, Luna, Re, Blodeuwedd.<br />
2 Selene, Luna, the Mothers, Gos, Arstat, Saoka<br />
3 Athena, the Witch of Gaeta, Rata<br />
4 Hathor, Isis, Selene, Luna<br />
5 Maat, the Erinyes, Eric, Terra, the Eumenides<br />
6 Artemis, Erzulie, the Mothers<br />
7 the Sabbatu, Le<strong>to</strong>, Luna, Arstat<br />
8 Selene, Luna, Ata Bey<br />
9 Rhea, Selene, Spider Woman<br />
10 Anahit, Anaitis, White Buffalo Calf Woman
11 Kista, Athena, Minerva, Sophia, Changing Woman<br />
12 Demeter, Oddudua, Dikaiosune<br />
13 The Muses, Diana, Oya, the Corn Mothers<br />
14 Ishtar, Selene, Gos, Aida Wedo, the Lady, the Great Mother<br />
15 Ishtar, Luna, Mene, Anna Perenna, Mary, Hina, Arianrhod, Aradia, Diana, Cybele,<br />
Mah<br />
16 Levanah, Selene, Luna, Kwan Yin, Chalchiuhtlique<br />
17 Ashi Vanguhi, Arstat, Kista, Demeter, Luna, Aida Wedo<br />
18 Ochumare, Mawu, Copper Woman<br />
19 The Manes, Ashi Vanguhi, Minerva<br />
20 Selene, Tonantzin, Coatlique, Mary<br />
21 Drvaspa, Hera, Athene, Medusa<br />
22 Re, Gealach, Rhiannon, Selene, Mayauel<br />
23 Venus, Aphrodite, Oshun, Erzulie, Freya, Xochiquetzl<br />
24 Daena, Kista, Ochumare, Maat, Sophia, Chang-O<br />
25 Ashi Vanguhi, Ard, Kista, Athena<br />
26 Arstat, Cerridwen, Copper Woman, Mother Holle<br />
27 Diana, Hecate, Maman Brigette, Oya<br />
28 Zamyad, Tellus Mater, Hemera, Eos<br />
29 Hecate, Tonantzin, Nyx, Rhiannon, Eurydice<br />
30 Hecate, Mene, Hecate Prosmna, the moon Goddess, the Dark Maiden, the Crone.
Gaea<br />
Greek <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Gaea is the earth goddess. With Uranus she bore the rest of the Titans. She is regarded<br />
as all-producing <strong>and</strong> all-nourishing, <strong>and</strong> one of the deities of presiding over marriage.<br />
Mnemosyne<br />
The goddess of Memory, Mnemosyne, mated with Zeus <strong>to</strong> produce the 9 Muses.<br />
Phoebe<br />
By her brother Coeus she is the mother of Asteria <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>. Through Le<strong>to</strong>, she is the<br />
gr<strong>and</strong>mother of Apollo <strong>and</strong> Artemis.<br />
Rhea<br />
Rhea was the wife of the Titan Cronus, who made it a practice <strong>to</strong> swallow their<br />
children. When Zeus was about <strong>to</strong> be born, she bore him in secret <strong>and</strong> gave Cronus a<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne wrapped as an infant <strong>to</strong> swallow.<br />
Tethys<br />
Tethys the wife of Oceanus <strong>and</strong> gave birth <strong>to</strong> around 3,000 river-gods <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Oceanides. Hera was raised by Tethys until she was ready <strong>to</strong> marry Zeus.<br />
Theia<br />
The wife of her brother Hyperion, by him Theia gave birth <strong>to</strong> Helios (sun), Eos<br />
(dawn), <strong>and</strong> Selene (moon). She is the goddess from whom light emanates <strong>and</strong><br />
considered especially beautiful.<br />
Themis<br />
Themis is the goddess of the order of things established by law, cus<strong>to</strong>m <strong>and</strong> ethics. By<br />
Zeus' comm<strong>and</strong>, she convenes the assembly of the gods, <strong>and</strong> she is invoked when<br />
mortals assemble. She is the mother of the Horae (seasons), the Hesperides <strong>and</strong><br />
Prometheus.
Olympians<br />
Aphrodite<br />
Aphrodite, the goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty, was born from the foam of the sea. She is<br />
married <strong>to</strong> Hephaestus, the god of fire <strong>and</strong> smithy <strong>to</strong> the gods. Sacred <strong>to</strong> her are the<br />
myrtle, rose, apple, poppy, sparrow, dove, swan, swallow, <strong>to</strong>r<strong>to</strong>ise, ram, the planet<br />
Venus, <strong>and</strong> the month of April. Eros was produced from a liaison with Zeus. Her<br />
favorite lover is the god of war, Ares.<br />
Artemis<br />
Artemis is the goddess of the hunt, virginity, the moon, <strong>and</strong> the natural environment.<br />
She is the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> twin sister of Apollo. Even though she is a<br />
virgin goddess, she also presides over childbirth. Sacred <strong>to</strong> her are the laurel, fir tree,<br />
fish, stag, boar, bear, dog, goat, bee <strong>and</strong> other animals.<br />
Athena<br />
Athena is the Greek virgin goddess of reason in war <strong>and</strong> peace, intelligent activity,<br />
arts <strong>and</strong> literature, <strong>and</strong> useful arts. She sprang full grown from Zeus' head rather than<br />
being born by a woman. She is Zeus' favorite <strong>and</strong> is allowed <strong>to</strong> use his weapons<br />
including his thunderbolt. Sacred <strong>to</strong> her are the olive, serpent, owl, lance, <strong>and</strong> crow.<br />
She invented the bridle, the trumpet, the flute, the pot, the rake, the plow, the yoke,<br />
the ship, <strong>and</strong> the chariot.<br />
Demeter<br />
Demeter is the goddess of the earth, of agriculture, <strong>and</strong> of fertility in general. Sacred<br />
<strong>to</strong> her are lives<strong>to</strong>ck <strong>and</strong> agricultural products, poppy, narcissus <strong>and</strong> the crane. She is<br />
the mother of Persephone by Zeus. During the months Persephone lives with Hades,<br />
Demeter withdraws her gifts from the world, creating winter. Upon Persephone's<br />
return, spring comes in<strong>to</strong> bloom.<br />
Hera<br />
Hera is the supreme goddess of the Greeks <strong>and</strong> goddess of marriage <strong>and</strong> childbirth,<br />
<strong>and</strong> wife <strong>to</strong> Zeus. Her children are Ares, Hebe, Hephaestus <strong>and</strong> Eris. Sacred <strong>to</strong> her are<br />
the peacock, pomegranate, lily <strong>and</strong> cuckoo. She is extremely jealous of Zeus' amorous
adventures <strong>and</strong> punishes his mortal lovers.<br />
Hestia<br />
Hestia is the virgin goddess of the hearth <strong>and</strong> of domestic life, <strong>and</strong> the inven<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
domestic architecture. Of all the Olympians, she is the mildest, most upright <strong>and</strong><br />
most charitable.<br />
Other <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Alec<strong>to</strong><br />
Alec<strong>to</strong> is one of the three Furies or Erinyes <strong>and</strong> sometimes known as a Greek<br />
goddess of war <strong>and</strong> death.<br />
Arete<br />
Arete is the Greek goddess of justice <strong>and</strong> teacher of Heracles.<br />
The Charities<br />
The Charities are personifications of aspects of grace <strong>and</strong> beauty. They are called<br />
Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), <strong>and</strong> Thalia (Good Cheer). While the Muses<br />
inspire artists, the Charities apply the artists' works <strong>to</strong> the embellishment of life.<br />
Cer<br />
The Greek goddess of violent death, Cer (or Ker) is the daughter of Nyx ("night") <strong>and</strong><br />
sister of the Moriae ("fates"). This name was also used of the malevolent ghost of any<br />
dead person.<br />
Cotys<br />
Coyts the goddess of sexuality was revered in Thrace. There here servants, the baptai<br />
("baptized ones"), celebrated secret festivals in her honor.<br />
Dryads<br />
Dryads (Hamadryads) are elemental forces incarnated in a bark-like body. Theywere
usually female <strong>and</strong> mortal, dying when the tree died. A dryad will punish mortals for<br />
thoughtlessly breaking her branches or harming her.<br />
Eos<br />
Eos is the goddess of dawn, daughter of the Titans Hyperion <strong>and</strong> Theia, <strong>and</strong> sister of<br />
Helios <strong>and</strong> Selene. She is the mother of the evening star Eosphorus (Hesperus), other<br />
stars, <strong>and</strong> the winds Boreas, Zephyrus <strong>and</strong> Notus. When she was caught in a tryst<br />
with Ares, Aphrodite cursed her with an insatiable desire for h<strong>and</strong>some young men.<br />
She most often appears winged or in a chariot drawn by four horses, one of them<br />
being Pegasus.<br />
The Erinyes<br />
The Erinyes (Eumenides) names are Alec<strong>to</strong>, Megaera, <strong>and</strong> Tisiphone. They are solemn<br />
maidens dressed as huntresses, wear b<strong>and</strong>s of serpents around their heads, <strong>and</strong> carry<br />
<strong>to</strong>rches. They pursue wrongdoers <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>rment them in ways that make the criminals<br />
wish they were dead. Crimes that especially draw their attention are disobedience<br />
<strong>to</strong>ward parents, ill-treatment of the elderly, murder, violation of the law of<br />
hospitality, <strong>and</strong> improper conduct <strong>to</strong>ward suppliants.<br />
Eris<br />
Eris is the goddess of discord <strong>and</strong> the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Hera. She is obsessed with<br />
bloodshed, havoc, <strong>and</strong> suffering. She calls forth war <strong>and</strong> her brother Ares carries out<br />
the action.<br />
Hecate<br />
Hecate brings good luck <strong>to</strong> sailors <strong>and</strong> hunters or can withhold these blessings if<br />
undeserved, so fear became a motivating fac<strong>to</strong>r in her worship. When Persephone<br />
was found with Hades, Hecate remained with her as attendant <strong>and</strong> companion <strong>and</strong> as<br />
a result has a share in the ruling over the souls in the underworld. Because of her<br />
unearthly aspect she is regarded as a kind of queen of witches.<br />
The Horae<br />
The Horae are the goddesses of the seasons <strong>and</strong> the orderly procession of things in<br />
general. They are also the collective personification of justice. Hesoid, who saw them<br />
as givers of the law, justice <strong>and</strong> peace gave them the names Eunomia (Discipline),
Dice (Justice) <strong>and</strong> Eirene (Peace). At Athens two of the Horae, were called Thallo <strong>and</strong><br />
Carpo, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> the Athenians, represented the budding <strong>and</strong> maturity of growing<br />
things. As a result, Thallo became the protectress of youth.<br />
Iaso<br />
Iaso is a Greek goddess of healing <strong>and</strong> the sister of Hygia.<br />
Irene<br />
Irene is the Greek goddess of peace <strong>and</strong> is worshipped with bloodless sacrifices at<br />
Athens. Some legends say she is one of the Horae.<br />
Iris<br />
The winged, rainbow goddess Iris is Hera's messenger. When she is not delivering<br />
messages she is asleep under Hera's bed. She is one of the few who can journey at will<br />
<strong>to</strong> the underworld where she fetches water for solemn oaths.<br />
Le<strong>to</strong><br />
Le<strong>to</strong> is the mother of Apollo <strong>and</strong> Artemis <strong>and</strong> is mostly worshipped in conjunction<br />
with her children.<br />
Meliae<br />
In one of the Greek creation myths, Mother Gaea had her son Uranus castrated.<br />
Drops of his blood fell on her <strong>and</strong> from those spots, Gaea conceived tree spirits called<br />
Maelia. As the world's original women, they were the mothers of humankind.<br />
The Moirae<br />
The Moirae are the Fates, the personification of the destiny of humans. The three<br />
Moirae are Clotho, Atropos, <strong>and</strong> Lachesis. Clotho spins the thread at the beginning of<br />
one's life, Atropos weaves the thread in<strong>to</strong> the fabric of one's actions, <strong>and</strong> Lachesis<br />
snips the thread at the conclusion of one's life. <strong>Gods</strong> as well as mortals have <strong>to</strong> submit<br />
<strong>to</strong> the will of the Moirae.<br />
The Muses
The nine Muses are the goddesses of arts <strong>and</strong> sciences <strong>and</strong> inspire those who excel in<br />
these pursuits. They are the daughters of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Mnemosyne. Their names are: Clio<br />
(His<strong>to</strong>ry), Urania (Astronomy), Melpomene (Tragedy), Thalia (Comedy), Terpsichore<br />
(Dance), Calliope (Epic Poetry), Era<strong>to</strong> (Love Poetry), Polyhymnia (Songs <strong>to</strong> the <strong>Gods</strong>),<br />
<strong>and</strong> Euterpe (Lyric Poetry). Apollo is the leader of the Muses.<br />
Nemesis<br />
Nemesis is the personification of divine vengeance. Happiness <strong>and</strong> unhappiness are<br />
measured out by her, determining that happiness was not <strong>to</strong>o frequent or excessive. If<br />
so, she brings about losses <strong>and</strong> suffering. She is one of the assistants of Zeus.<br />
Nike<br />
Nike, the winged goddess of vic<strong>to</strong>ry, is the daughter of the fearsome river goddess<br />
Styx <strong>and</strong> the sister of Zelos ("zeal"). She was honored throughout Greece, especially at<br />
Athens.<br />
Persephone<br />
Persephone is the daughter of the Olympian Demeter, <strong>and</strong> became the goddess of<br />
death <strong>and</strong> the underworld when Hades abducted her. The mint <strong>and</strong> pomegranate is<br />
sacred <strong>to</strong> her. Persephone raised Aphrodite's child Adonis.<br />
The Pleiades<br />
The Pleiades are the daughters of Atlas by Pleione <strong>and</strong> are called Electra, Maia,<br />
Taygete, Alcyone, Celaena, Sterope, <strong>and</strong> Merope. They <strong>and</strong> their mother were<br />
pursued by the giant Orion until the gods intervened <strong>and</strong> transformed them in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
constellation.<br />
Selene<br />
Selene, also called Mene, is the goddess of the moon. She is the daughter of Hyperion<br />
<strong>and</strong> Theia, <strong>and</strong> the sister of Eos (dawn) <strong>and</strong> Helios (sun).<br />
Styx<br />
The goddess of the River Styx that wound beneath the earth in the l<strong>and</strong> of the dead is
called is also called Styx "the hated one," who prevented the living from crossing in<strong>to</strong><br />
the realm of Persephone without first undergoing death's <strong>to</strong>rments.
Gula<br />
Gula, the Sumerian goddess of healing. Her husb<strong>and</strong> is Ninurta. The dog is her<br />
symbolic animal. Gula is often identified with Nin'insina, the city goddess of Isin. She<br />
is also associated with the underworld.
Hebe: Goddess of Youth<br />
Hebe Hebe, Hebe the goddess of youth, was the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Hera. Hebe served for a<br />
long time as cup bearer <strong>to</strong> the gods, serving them their nectar <strong>and</strong> ambrosia. She was<br />
replaced in this office by the Trojan prince Ganymede.<br />
According <strong>to</strong> one s<strong>to</strong>ry, she resigned as cup bearer <strong>to</strong> the gods upon her marriage <strong>to</strong><br />
the hero Hercules, who had just been deified. In another, she was dismissed from her<br />
position because of a fall she suffered while in attendance on the gods.
Hecate<br />
Then the earth began <strong>to</strong> bellow<br />
And howling dogs in glimmering light advance<br />
Ere Hekate came<br />
-Aeneid, Book VL<br />
Greek Queen of the Night, Goddess of Witchcraft <strong>and</strong> the Underworld. Hecate can<br />
change shapes or ages at will <strong>and</strong> has the power <strong>to</strong> rejuvenate or kill.<br />
The daughter of Perses <strong>and</strong> Asteria, she represents the oldest Greek form of the Triple<br />
Goddess. Her powers extend over heaven <strong>and</strong> the underworld, the earth <strong>and</strong> the sea.<br />
She is sometimes represented with three heads - one of a horse, one of a dog <strong>and</strong> one<br />
of a bear, or one of a dog, snake <strong>and</strong> lion.<br />
As Hecate of the Three Ways, her images s<strong>to</strong>od at three-way crossroads where<br />
offerings of dogs, honey <strong>and</strong> black ewes were left on Full Moon Nights. In the realm<br />
of nature she is honored as Selene, the moon, in Heaven. She is honored as Artemis,<br />
the huntress, on Earth <strong>and</strong> as Hecate, the destroyer, in the Underworld.<br />
She is also the Goddess of prophecy, charms, vengeance, wisdom, choices <strong>and</strong><br />
regeneration <strong>and</strong> is often accompanied by a pack of black, baying hounds or the<br />
three-headed dog, Cerberus.
Hecate<br />
Once a fairly benign goddess in early Greek times, Hecate became the dread Greek-<br />
Roman Goddess of ghosts, a close confidante of Persephone <strong>and</strong> a patron of witches.<br />
The brutally wronged Hecuba of Troy was reincarnated as Her black bitches, who<br />
accompanied Her on Her night walks.<br />
Hecate was worshiped at three-way crossroads at night even by ordinary Greek<br />
families <strong>and</strong> could ward off ghosts if properly propitiated. But Romans also believed<br />
She had more sinister worshipers — the witches <strong>and</strong> sorceresses who could coerce<br />
even the gods <strong>to</strong> do their will.<br />
When Persephone was kidnapped by Hades in the later Greek myth, far-seeing<br />
Hecate was the only one who witnessed it.
Hecate<br />
Hecate, (aka Hekate) is the original representation of the holy trinity. The Christian<br />
tradition demonized her as the queen of witches; <strong>and</strong> created an evil image of her <strong>to</strong><br />
obscure her importance <strong>to</strong> the agrarian societies of medieval Europe as a source of<br />
healing magic. She is the crone aspect of the moon. Invoke Hecate for wisdom,<br />
healing, <strong>and</strong> women's mysteries.
Hera: Queen of the <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Hera Hera, Hera Hera queen of the gods, the daughter of the Titans Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea, <strong>and</strong> the sister<br />
<strong>and</strong> wife of the god Zeus. Hera was the goddess of marriage <strong>and</strong> protec<strong>to</strong>r of married<br />
women. She was the mother of Ares, god of war; Hephaestus, god of fire; Hebe,<br />
goddess of youth; <strong>and</strong> Ilithyia, goddess of childbirth. A jealous wife, she often<br />
persecuted Zeus's mistresses <strong>and</strong> children, especially the half-god Hercules, <strong>and</strong> was<br />
known for her vindictive nature.
Hestia: Goddess of the Hearth<br />
Hestia Hestia, Hestia virgin goddess of the hearth, the eldest daughter of the Titans Cronus <strong>and</strong><br />
Rhea. She was believed <strong>to</strong> preside at all sacrificial altar fires. Prayers were offered <strong>to</strong><br />
her before <strong>and</strong> after meals, <strong>and</strong> most cities had a common hearth where her sacred<br />
fire burned.
His<strong>to</strong>ry of Goddess Worship<br />
That That Old Old Time Time Religion<br />
Religion<br />
One of the first religions developed by humans was Goddess worship. Much<br />
archeological evidence including statues, amulets, pottery, cave paintings <strong>and</strong> other<br />
images revering the Goddess, as well as burial sites, temples <strong>and</strong> alters have been<br />
unearthed which prove the existence of Goddess worship. Merlin S<strong>to</strong>ne, in When<br />
God Was a Woman, notes, "Archeologists have traced the worship of the Goddess<br />
back <strong>to</strong> the Neolithic communities of about 7000 BC, some <strong>to</strong> the Upper Paleolithic<br />
cultures of about 25,000 BC. From the time of its Neolithic origins, its existence was<br />
repeatedly attested <strong>to</strong> until well in<strong>to</strong> Roman times," (page 10).<br />
The most convincing evidence of Goddess worship comes from numerous sculptures<br />
of pregnant women, or faceless women depicted having exaggerated breasts, hips,<br />
thighs, but<strong>to</strong>cks <strong>and</strong> vulva. These images are referred <strong>to</strong> by archeologists as Venus<br />
figurines or idols of the 'great mother cult.' They are made of s<strong>to</strong>ne, bone <strong>and</strong> clay<br />
<strong>and</strong> have been discovered close <strong>to</strong> the remains of sunken walls in some of the earliest<br />
human-made dwellings. The niches in the walls are though <strong>to</strong> have been made <strong>to</strong><br />
hold the figures. These sites have been found in Spain, France, Germany, Austria,<br />
Czechoslovakia <strong>and</strong> Russia. They appear <strong>to</strong> span a period of at least ten thous<strong>and</strong><br />
years (S<strong>to</strong>ne, p. 13).<br />
These images were not mere decorations <strong>to</strong> the people who created them. They were<br />
profoundly important because they represented the ways which humans expressed<br />
themselves before they began <strong>to</strong> utilize language. The art reveals what the cultures<br />
valued <strong>and</strong> the knowledge they tried <strong>to</strong> pass on <strong>to</strong> future generations. Clearly,<br />
childbirth, mothering <strong>and</strong> female sexuality were considered sacred. This makes<br />
perfect sense, since, like a few isolated, primitive cultures still on the Earth <strong>to</strong>day,<br />
these cultures had little or no knowledge of the man's role in reproduction. For all<br />
they knew, the woman created the baby herself. Sex wasn't associated with<br />
childbirth, <strong>and</strong> women were regarded as the sole givers of life (S<strong>to</strong>ne, p. 11).<br />
Furthermore, since the concept of paternity was not yet unders<strong>to</strong>od, children<br />
belonged only <strong>to</strong> their mothers <strong>and</strong> the community. "Illegitimate" children did not<br />
exist. Children <strong>to</strong>ok their mother's name <strong>and</strong> family descent traveled through the<br />
female line. This social structure, based on mother-kinship, is called "matrilineal" <strong>and</strong><br />
still exists in parts of Africa, India, Melanesia <strong>and</strong> Micronesia. These cultures were<br />
often also matrilocal, meaning that when a woman married, her husb<strong>and</strong> came <strong>to</strong> live<br />
with her family, instead of the woman being uprooted <strong>and</strong> moving <strong>to</strong> the house of<br />
her husb<strong>and</strong>'s family. These societies were not necessarily matriarchal, meaning that
women had all the power, but women's status in society would certainly have been<br />
higher with matrilineal descent. Women would not have been <strong>to</strong>tally dependent on<br />
men or considered their property. The importance of virginity <strong>and</strong> punishments for<br />
adultery would not have existed <strong>to</strong> the extent that they do in patriarchal religions,<br />
where fatherhood, more than motherhood, is valued.<br />
From From Priestesses <strong>to</strong> Inven<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
The appeal of ancient Goddess worship includes the revelation that women played a<br />
major role in religious services <strong>and</strong> celebrations. Many women were priestesses,<br />
diviners, midwives, poets <strong>and</strong> healers (Starhawk). Women presided at temples erected<br />
solely <strong>to</strong> specific goddesses; Ishtar, Isis <strong>and</strong> Diana being among the most popular.<br />
From women's involvement in religion came many advances, including harnessing<br />
the power of herbs which cured the sick <strong>and</strong> eased the pain of childbirth. The first<br />
calendars included lunar calendars, which may have began as women kept track of<br />
their menstrual cycles <strong>and</strong> compared them <strong>to</strong> moon cycles. Besides astronomy,<br />
women are also though <strong>to</strong> have developed language, agriculture, cooking, ceramics<br />
<strong>and</strong> more. Women's contributions <strong>to</strong> human culture are innumerable, <strong>and</strong> never<br />
given enough credit.<br />
Patriarchal Patriarchal Rise/Goddess Rise/Goddess Fall<br />
Fall<br />
The Goddess experienced great popularity <strong>and</strong> prominence until patriarchal religions<br />
like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, <strong>and</strong> their precursors silenced her. The switch <strong>to</strong><br />
patriarchy was gradual <strong>and</strong> preceded by a change in kinship systems, going from<br />
matrilineal <strong>to</strong> patrilineal descent. The emphasis on fatherhood is clearly evident in<br />
the major religions practiced now. The father/son relationship of God <strong>and</strong> Jesus is key<br />
<strong>to</strong> Christianity, although the Mother figure managed <strong>to</strong> persist <strong>and</strong> appear in<br />
Catholicism as Mary. In some places, though, patriarchy may have caused the switch<br />
<strong>to</strong> patrilineal descent, especially in Goddess worshipping cultures which were<br />
conquered by savage invaders from the North.<br />
Other fac<strong>to</strong>rs relating <strong>to</strong> the rise in patriarchal religions included emphasis on<br />
property ownership, the rise of military dicta<strong>to</strong>rships, <strong>and</strong> increase in war cults.<br />
Esther Harding writes in Women's Mysteries, "The rise in masculine power <strong>and</strong> of<br />
patriarchal society probably started when man began <strong>to</strong> accumulate personal, as over<br />
against communal, property <strong>and</strong> found that his personal strength <strong>and</strong> prowess could<br />
increase his personal possessions. This change in secular power coincided with the<br />
rise of sun worship under a male priesthood, which began <strong>to</strong> supersede the much<br />
earlier moon cults," (page 31).So, as men gained power over women <strong>and</strong> the<br />
masculine became divine, female divinity became less <strong>and</strong> less acknowledged. Along<br />
with the fall in Goddess worship came more wars, crimes <strong>and</strong> tyrannous rulers. The<br />
rape of women <strong>and</strong> the Earth was underway.
Interestingly, patriarchal religions actually gained converts by adapting certain rituals<br />
<strong>and</strong> celebrations of Pagan/Goddess worshipping cultures <strong>to</strong> fit its practices (although<br />
it often forced people <strong>to</strong> convert, a great example being what happened <strong>to</strong> the entire<br />
Western hemisphere after Chris<strong>to</strong>pher Columbus "discovered" it). For example, Jones<br />
<strong>and</strong> Pennick write in A His<strong>to</strong>ry of Pagan Europe, "The use of holy water <strong>and</strong> incense,<br />
solemn processions, religious rites of passage marking the turning points of human<br />
life, the veneration of local saints, <strong>and</strong> the great feast of the dead, the annual<br />
Christian Parentalia on All Souls' Day, can all be seen as direct imitations of Pagan<br />
tradition," (page 75). Remnants of ancient Goddess worship still exist in religions<br />
<strong>to</strong>day, but her images <strong>and</strong> teachings have largely been forgotten.<br />
Female Female Deities<br />
Deities<br />
Female deities have been worshipped all around the world for thous<strong>and</strong>s of years, <strong>and</strong><br />
it would be impossible <strong>to</strong> discuss them all here. I hope <strong>to</strong> exp<strong>and</strong> this section in the<br />
future.
Ilmatar<br />
A Finnish goddess, Daughter of the Air. She created the world, <strong>and</strong> is the mother of<br />
Väinämöinen. Sometimes she is called Luonnotar, Daughter of Creation.
Inanna<br />
"My father gave me the heavens,<br />
gave me the earth,<br />
I am Inanna!<br />
Kingship he gave me,<br />
queenship he gave me,<br />
waging of battle <strong>and</strong> attack he gave me,<br />
the floods<strong>to</strong>rm he gave me,<br />
the hurricane he gave me!<br />
The heavens he set as a crown upon my head,<br />
the earth he set as s<strong>and</strong>als on my feet,<br />
a holy robe he wrapped around my body,<br />
a holy scepter he placed in my h<strong>and</strong>.<br />
The gods are sparrows, I am a falcon."<br />
Names:<br />
Names:<br />
Inanna (I-nanna, Queen Moon) - Inana - Inninna - Innin - Ninanna - Nin-me-sa-ra<br />
(Mesopotamian: Sumerian) Great Goddess of love, war, fertility <strong>and</strong> infinite variety;<br />
chief goddess of the Sumerian pantheon. (She corresponds <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Babylonian/Akkadian ISHTAR).<br />
Inanna originated as goddess of the date s<strong>to</strong>rehouse who each year ritually married<br />
Damuzi, the date harvest god. Her attributes are so many, so varied, <strong>and</strong> so often<br />
conflicting that she is likely a fusion of several earlier goddesses.<br />
The original Dance of the Seven Veils was Inannaís descent in<strong>to</strong> the Underworld, her<br />
sister Ereshkigalís realm, where she was gradually stripped naked as she passed<br />
through the seven gates. First went her crown, next earrings, then necklace, breast<br />
pins, belt of births<strong>to</strong>nes, then bracelets <strong>and</strong> finally her gown. No acts of procreation<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok place on earth while Inanna was in the Underworld. When she discovered that<br />
her only way out was in exchange for someone else, she betrayed Damuzi in<strong>to</strong> taking<br />
her place. Inanna's time in the Underworld is a myth of the lunar cycle, Damuzi's a<br />
myth of the seasons.<br />
Inanna figures in various myths <strong>and</strong> epics, including The Epic of Gilgamesh. She got<br />
Enki drunk <strong>and</strong> tricked him in<strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>wing many attributes <strong>and</strong> powers upon her. In<br />
the myth The Elevation of Inanna, Enki, An <strong>and</strong> Enlil all give their powers <strong>to</strong> Inanna,<br />
making her the Queen of the Universe. Inanna is a femme fatale whose lovers always
seem <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> grief. She is impatient, impetuous, <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>ing. Gilgamesh risked<br />
death when he spurned her advances, comparing her <strong>to</strong> a back door that would let<br />
cold air in<strong>to</strong> the house.<br />
Title:<br />
Title:<br />
<strong>Our</strong> Lady - Queen of the Universe - Mistress of Heaven - Queen of Heaven - Lady of<br />
Uruk <strong>and</strong> Nineveh - The S<strong>to</strong>rehouse - Protectress of Harlots - Queen Moon - Nin-mesa-ra,<br />
Lady of Myriad Offices<br />
Rules:<br />
Rules:<br />
Love, war, fertility, rain, prostitutes, lightning, thunder, tears, rejoicing, enmity, fair<br />
dealing, stars, planets, wool, meat, grain, the natural world<br />
"To pester, insult, deride, desecrate - <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> venerate -<br />
is your domain, Inanna.<br />
Downheartedness, calamity, heartache - <strong>and</strong> joy <strong>and</strong> good cheer -<br />
is your domain, Inanna.<br />
Trembling, affright, terror - dazzling <strong>and</strong> glory -<br />
is your domain, Inanna."<br />
Family:<br />
Family:<br />
Inanna is Nanna's daughter, sister <strong>to</strong> Utu, Ishkur <strong>and</strong> Erishkigal. She is sometimes<br />
considered An's daughter.<br />
Planet: Planet:<br />
Planet:<br />
Mars - Moon - Uranus - Venus (as both the morning <strong>and</strong> the evening star)<br />
Star:<br />
Star:<br />
Inana is associated with Sirius, the Bowstar<br />
Element:<br />
Element:<br />
Earth - Water<br />
Symbol:<br />
Symbol:<br />
Star of eight or sixteen points - a bundle of reeds tied in three places with streamers -<br />
rose - sacred tree or wooden <strong>to</strong>tem<br />
Number:<br />
Number:<br />
15<br />
Zodiac:<br />
Zodiac:
Virgo<br />
Depicted:<br />
Depicted:<br />
Winged, with tiered skirt, horned headdress <strong>and</strong> weapons case - naked, with jewelry<br />
- st<strong>and</strong>ing a<strong>to</strong>p a mountain - with winged lions<br />
Sacred Sacred Sacred Animal:<br />
Animal:<br />
Cow - lion - lion cub - dragon - Inanna is often attended by Imdugud, the<br />
thunderbird<br />
Plan Plant: Plan Plant:<br />
t:<br />
Rose - date palm - grain<br />
Vehicle:<br />
Vehicle:<br />
Chariot drawn by seven lions - reed boat - lion<br />
Geography:<br />
Geography:<br />
Nineveh, Uruk (Iraq) - Inanna's temple was the Eanna (House of Heaven), in Uruk<br />
Nativity:<br />
Nativity:<br />
January 2<br />
Invoke Invoke Inanna Inanna for:<br />
for:<br />
Sexual freedom - fertility - healing - love spells - sex magic - fatal love - power -<br />
abundance - procreation - battle, especially battling evil - tempests - rain - fashion -<br />
fertility of the natural world - destroying the indestructible - making the<br />
imperishable perish - fair dealing - a promotion - increasedresponsibility at work -<br />
guarding s<strong>to</strong>rehouses - igniting or extinguishingfires - oracles of war <strong>and</strong> battle -<br />
money spells (Ninanna)<br />
Invoke Inanna: at dawn - in warehouses - where prostitutes stroll at night Worship<br />
Inanna by making offerings <strong>to</strong> her at dawn<br />
"The great queen of heaven, Inanna, I will hail!<br />
The only one, come forth on high, I will hail!<br />
The pure <strong>to</strong>rch that flares in the sky,<br />
the heavenly light shining bright like the day,<br />
the great queen of heaven, Inanna, I will hail!<br />
Of her st<strong>and</strong>ing in the sky like the sun <strong>and</strong> moon,<br />
known by all l<strong>and</strong>s from south <strong>to</strong> north,<br />
of the greatness of the holy one in heaven
<strong>to</strong> the Lady I will sing."
Inanna<br />
Suggested Mantra: Renewal<br />
Goddess of the dark moon, brave <strong>and</strong> unwavering, Inanna ventures in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
underworld. She teaches us <strong>to</strong> st<strong>and</strong> firm, eyes focuses on the end true goal,<br />
ultimately leading us <strong>to</strong> a state of wisdom.<br />
Suggested Affirmations:<br />
I am revitalized<br />
I have overcome negative influences<br />
My new life path reveals itself <strong>to</strong> me<br />
I say goodbye <strong>to</strong> destructive influences<br />
My insecurity is replaced with wisdom<br />
At my center there is a inc<strong>and</strong>escent fire<br />
I release myself from harmful judgments<br />
Related essences: Vanilla, almond, oriental lily, bergamot<br />
Related gems<strong>to</strong>nes: Carnelian, coral, agate, brown jaspar (orange s<strong>to</strong>nes)<br />
Inanna is the Sumerian goddess, honored at the dark moon, as it is she who fixes<br />
destinies at each new moon. Inanna's journey in<strong>to</strong> the underworld <strong>and</strong> subsequent<br />
revitalization represents the soul's evolution through hardship in<strong>to</strong> glorious renewal.<br />
In her quest for clarity <strong>and</strong> knowledge, Inanna Queen of Heaven <strong>and</strong> Earth<br />
descended <strong>to</strong> Earth <strong>to</strong> rule her people, where (so that her people would not know<br />
hunger) she made a sacred marriage <strong>to</strong> ensure the fertility of the l<strong>and</strong>s. She thirsted <strong>to</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong> first-h<strong>and</strong> though, the true sufferings of her followers, so she descended<br />
again, this time <strong>to</strong> the realm of the underworld, the domain of her sister Ereshkigal.<br />
Ereshkigalonly allowed Inanna entry on the condition that she shed her earthly<br />
attachments at each of seven gates <strong>to</strong> the underworld. So, at each gate, Inanna<br />
surrendered some part of what she thought made up herself: wealth, power, tributes.<br />
By the time she relinquished her final garment, she was no longer the comm<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
Queen, <strong>and</strong>, exposed <strong>and</strong> vulnerable, she was ready <strong>to</strong> die.<br />
However, it was only when she was near death <strong>and</strong> at her most vulnerable did she<br />
discover new life <strong>and</strong> increased powers. She finally learned first-h<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> accept her<br />
vulnerability, as well as the underst<strong>and</strong>ing of the necessity of sacrifice <strong>and</strong> death for<br />
the cycles of life <strong>to</strong> continue.
These revelations increased her power, beauty <strong>and</strong> wisdom. If you are repeating old<br />
habits, ask Inanna <strong>to</strong> help you shed your layers that keep you trapped. Open yourself<br />
<strong>to</strong> a journey <strong>to</strong> the underworld where you can let go of old conditioning, release<br />
inhibitions, let alter-egos die, shed the burdens you carry all <strong>to</strong> create anew - it is<br />
only by becoming aware of our vulnerabilities that we can rise up with strength<br />
gained from knowledge <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing.<br />
Undress slowly in front of a mirror <strong>and</strong> with every bit of clothing you shed, call it by<br />
the name of a negative element in your life. Say good-bye <strong>to</strong> that negative element as<br />
you drop (or throw!) the clothing <strong>to</strong> the floor until you are st<strong>and</strong>ing naked. Do it <strong>to</strong><br />
music that will help keep you in the "now" - do not let yourself get distracted as you<br />
focus on what the elements are that you are shedding. Can you see your next steps,<br />
where you need <strong>to</strong> go, what you need <strong>to</strong> do? Give yourself a hug, <strong>and</strong> get ready for<br />
the journey back <strong>to</strong> strength <strong>and</strong> renewal - Inanna is with you <strong>to</strong> help you stay<br />
focused <strong>and</strong> unwavering on your goal.<br />
(Tip, do not get dressed again in the clothes you just shed - put them in the washing<br />
machine on "super wash"! And, try not <strong>to</strong> wear them again in the same combination).
Invocation of the Goddess<br />
I call thee down, O my great Queen<br />
To enter my body<br />
And commune with my spirit.<br />
Be with me now as I fulfill my destiny<br />
And work magick<br />
In accordance with your will.<br />
So mote it be.
Ishtar<br />
April 22nd is the traditional day for honoring Ishtar, Babylonian version of the<br />
Sumerian goddess Inanna, but as we are seeing the first signs of spring this is a good<br />
time <strong>to</strong> remember Ishtar's fertile energy.<br />
Suggested Mantra: Sexuality<br />
Ishtar represents the fullness of womanhood <strong>and</strong> dares us <strong>to</strong> dream. Her power is<br />
strongest at the full moon, when the essence of womanhood heightens in response <strong>to</strong><br />
the moon energy that is all-encompassing.<br />
Suggested Affirmations:<br />
I am joyful<br />
My big hips are sexy!<br />
I am healthy <strong>and</strong> happy<br />
I am alive with sexuality<br />
I adore my womanly shape<br />
I feel absolutely supercharged<br />
I have abundant energy <strong>and</strong> vitality<br />
My vital energy resurfaces with laughter<br />
Related essences: Vanilla, almond, oriental lily, bergamot<br />
Related gems<strong>to</strong>nes: Carnelian, coral, agate, brown jasper (orange s<strong>to</strong>nes)<br />
Ishtar's energy represents love, fertility, passion <strong>and</strong> sexuality. Babylonians have<br />
honored Ishtar as a goddess who inspires lovers everywhere <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p for a moment <strong>and</strong><br />
connect with the fertile energy she brings. The city of Mari worshiped Ishtar as a<br />
birth goddess symbolized by the Urn of Life held tight <strong>to</strong> her belly. Even the<br />
Christians have borrowed aspects of the womanly Ishtar <strong>and</strong> incorporated the divine<br />
love of a mother for her dying son in<strong>to</strong> their Virgin Mary.<br />
She is descended from the goddess of romance, Venus, <strong>and</strong> her energy encompasses<br />
all that is "woman" - nurturing mother, inspired companion, playful bed partner, wise<br />
adviser, insightful leader. She is revered especially on days of the full moon, when it<br />
is right <strong>to</strong> engage in joyful acts of lovemaking <strong>to</strong> celebrate being "woman".<br />
April 22nd is the traditional day for honoring Ishtar - as close <strong>to</strong> this day as possible,<br />
on the night of a full moon, <strong>to</strong> bring Ishtar's loving warmth <strong>to</strong> your heart <strong>and</strong> home,<br />
wear clothes or jewelry that contain Ishtar's symbolism - stars, the moon, the lion or<br />
the dove.
Play a drum with your h<strong>and</strong>s, holding it between your legs. Listen <strong>to</strong> your heartbeat<br />
<strong>and</strong> send it through your shoulders, arms <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>to</strong> the drum, <strong>and</strong> feel the infinite<br />
power of connection <strong>to</strong> the earth as the vibrations travel back through your body <strong>to</strong><br />
your core. Energy flows, love grows.<br />
Dance like no one is watching<br />
Sing like no one is listening<br />
Love like you've never been hurt<br />
And live like heaven on earth.
Ishtar <strong>and</strong> Tammuz<br />
The Goddess Ishtar, in her youth, loved Tammuz, God of the harvest. He returned her<br />
love, but he was killed by a boar. Ishtar was devastated by his death.<br />
When Tammuz died, all vegetation died. The animals would no longer mate, <strong>and</strong><br />
humans were no longer active sexually, <strong>and</strong> the Earth, herself, was dying. Ishtar<br />
knew that Tammuz was in the Underworld which was ruled by her sister Erishkigal.<br />
To reach Erishkigal, Ishtar had <strong>to</strong> pass the seven gates of the Underworld <strong>and</strong> at each<br />
gate surrender some of her jewelry or a garment until finally she s<strong>to</strong>od before her<br />
sister naked, unadorned <strong>and</strong> completely vulnerable.<br />
Ishtar laments: "Tammuz is dead!"<br />
Ishtar looks up at Sin, the Moon God <strong>and</strong> asks: "Sin, my father, what shall we do?<br />
Without my love Tammuz, the Earth's womb is sterile. The fields well bear no crops<br />
<strong>and</strong> my creatures will bear no young. Help me father!"<br />
Sin replies: "What can I do, sister? I am the Moon who lights up the night. I can bring<br />
rest, but not fruitfulness; visions, but not deeds; underst<strong>and</strong>ing, but not action. Such<br />
things belong <strong>to</strong> Earth. What can I do?"<br />
Ishtar turns <strong>to</strong> Shamash, <strong>and</strong> pleads: "Shamash, my brother, what shall I do?"<br />
Shamash replies: "What can I do sister? I am the sun who lights up the day, shining<br />
upon your Earth <strong>to</strong> bring it heat. I can call forth your crops once they are sown…<strong>and</strong><br />
warm your young once they are born; but I cannot sow the grain, or fertilize the<br />
womb. Such things belong <strong>to</strong> Earth. What can I do?"<br />
Ishtar appeals finally <strong>to</strong> Ea: "Ea, my brother, help me! You are wisdom, you are magic,<br />
you are the air which my creatures breathe. Help me!"<br />
Ea does not reply for a moment; then he st<strong>and</strong>s up, as Sin <strong>and</strong> Shamash also do when<br />
he comm<strong>and</strong>s them. "Be upst<strong>and</strong>ing, my brothers. Despair <strong>and</strong> resignation will not<br />
help our sister, nor bring Tammuz <strong>to</strong> life. What is wisdom <strong>and</strong> what is magic?<br />
Wisdom is knowledge of the laws of the universe, which are greater than each of us<br />
alone. And magic is the courage <strong>to</strong> call upon them. So let us call! It is a low of being,<br />
that death follows life, <strong>and</strong> rebirth follows death. Tammuz may seem <strong>to</strong> die, but his<br />
rebirth must follow as the great wheel turns. We call upon the laws of being – we call<br />
upon the wheel of rebirth!"
Sin <strong>and</strong> Shamash also threw up their arms. Ishtar takes Tammuz's h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> all three<br />
take up the cry: "We call upon the wheel of rebirth!"<br />
Tammuz opens his eyes <strong>and</strong> sits up. Ishtar st<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> pull him <strong>to</strong> his feet, saying:<br />
"Great Tammuz is reborn, the fruits of the Earth are ours once more. Bring them<br />
forth, let us enjoy them!"
Ishtar: In Her Praise, in Her Image<br />
She was called Ishtar by the Babylonians, Inanna by the Sumerians, Astarte by the<br />
Greeks, <strong>and</strong> Ash<strong>to</strong>reth by the Hebrews. She is a Goddess of Love <strong>and</strong> beauty, The<br />
Giver of All Life, The Maiden, The Mother, The Crone. As the maiden hymns were<br />
sung <strong>to</strong> her beauty <strong>and</strong> her love:<br />
"Praise the Goddess, most awesome<br />
of the <strong>Goddesses</strong>,<br />
Let one revere the mistress of the<br />
people, the greatest of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Praise Ishtar, the most awesome of<br />
the <strong>Goddesses</strong>,<br />
Let one revere the Queen of Women,<br />
the greatest of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
She is clothed with pleasure <strong>and</strong><br />
love.<br />
She is laden with vitality, charm<br />
<strong>and</strong> voluptuousness.<br />
In lips she is sweet; life is in<br />
her mouth.<br />
At her appearance rejoicing<br />
becomes full.<br />
She is glorious; veils are thrown<br />
over her head.<br />
Her figure is beautiful; her eyes<br />
are brilliant."<br />
--from a First Dynasty Babylon text, circa 1600 BCE<br />
The Goddess has her dark side <strong>to</strong>o. In this portion of a Sumerian prayer <strong>to</strong> Inanna<br />
from Ur, circa 2300 BCE, she is the bringer of death. In the following lines, "the<br />
Powers" refer <strong>to</strong> the powers <strong>and</strong> duties assigned <strong>to</strong> the various cosmic entities at the<br />
moment of creation:<br />
"My Queen, You who are guardian<br />
of all the great Powers,<br />
You have lifted the Powers, have<br />
tied them <strong>to</strong> your h<strong>and</strong>s,
Have gathered the Powers, pressed<br />
them <strong>to</strong> your breasts.<br />
You have filled the l<strong>and</strong> with<br />
venom like a serpent.<br />
Vegetation ceases when you thunder<br />
like Ishkur.<br />
You who bring down the flood from<br />
the mountains,<br />
Supreme One who are the Inanna of<br />
Heaven <strong>and</strong> Earth."<br />
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, it is the word of Ishtar that causes Enlil <strong>to</strong> bring the Deluge<br />
upon her Children, <strong>and</strong> in the same legend she brings death not only <strong>to</strong> her people<br />
but her lover <strong>to</strong>o: "When the glorious Ishtar raised an eye at the beauty of Gilgamesh,<br />
she said, 'Come, Gilgamesh, be thou my lover! Do but grant me thy fruit. Thou shalt<br />
be my husb<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> I will be thy wife.'" But the hero refuses her, listing the fates of<br />
her other lovers:<br />
"For Tammuz, the lover of thy<br />
youth,<br />
Thou has ordained wailing year<br />
after year.<br />
Having loved the dappled<br />
Shepherd-bird,<br />
Thou smotest him, breaking his<br />
wing.<br />
In the grove he sits crying, 'My<br />
wing!'<br />
Then thou lovedst a lion, perfect<br />
in strength.<br />
Seven pits <strong>and</strong> seven didst thou<br />
dig for him.<br />
Then a stallion didst Thou love,<br />
famed in battle.<br />
The whip, the spur, the lash Thou<br />
ordainedst for him."<br />
And rather than marry Ishtar, Gilgamesh went in search of immortality on his own.<br />
Images of this Great Goddess from the l<strong>and</strong> of the Tigris <strong>and</strong> Euphrates appear in<br />
many shapes <strong>and</strong> forms. Some of the earliest may be the clay or limes<strong>to</strong>ne figures
discovered at the site known as Mureybit in what is <strong>to</strong>day Syria. These figurines from<br />
hunter-gatherer villages of 8000 BCE range from the crude <strong>and</strong> stylized <strong>to</strong> the highly<br />
naturalistic. Like later images of Ishtar, these female divinities are depicted with their<br />
h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>to</strong> their breasts. These ancient images of a goddess are not joined by a male God<br />
until a thous<strong>and</strong> years later <strong>and</strong> then he remains less important.<br />
One common characteristic of the early images of Ishtar is the bird-like facial<br />
features. These features are also seen on images of the Goddess from the Thracian<br />
culture of what is <strong>to</strong>day Bulgaria, the Vinca culture of the Central Balkans, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Tisza culture of northeastern Hungary, circa 6000-5000 BCE. This bird Goddess of<br />
ancient eastern Europe, <strong>and</strong> the closely related Snake Goddess are frequently<br />
associated with the baking of sacred bread. Miniature temples made in the form of the<br />
Goddess contain scenes of baking bread being presided over by a priestess. Later,<br />
miniature Minoan temples contain images of a Goddess with the same bird-like<br />
features. The Greek Aphrodite is often associated with doves which are her symbol<br />
also. Like Aphrodite's consort was the Grain God Adonis, Ishtar is the consort of<br />
Tammuz, God of Grain <strong>and</strong> of bread. The "wailing year after year," in the above text<br />
refers <strong>to</strong> the annual death <strong>and</strong> subsequent resurrection of Tammuz the Grain God, the<br />
Mesopotamian equivalent of Adonis <strong>and</strong> Attis.<br />
The pierced crown <strong>and</strong> ears of figures are also reminiscent of images in bone <strong>and</strong> clay<br />
from Bulgaria that date <strong>to</strong> 5000 BCE (Similar piercing can be seen on bird-faced<br />
figures of the Machalilla culture of ancient Ecuador <strong>and</strong> some of the Chancay "Moon<br />
Goddess" figures of central Peru). The pierced crown is repeated in the headdress of<br />
figures from Mycenae Greece. When Dr. Heinrich Schleimann discovered figures like<br />
these, some had their arms upraised while others had their h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>to</strong> their hips<br />
forming a circular outline. He thought they might represent two phases of the moon.<br />
Dr. Schleimann was probably right. The arms of the figure from a <strong>to</strong>mb form the<br />
crescent of the New Moon rising, an ancient symbol of Ishtar in her aspect as the<br />
moon Goddess. They also repeat the design of the Assyrian Moon Tree. These<br />
upraised arms from ancient Yugoslavia <strong>and</strong> Czechoslovakia.<br />
Like Cybele <strong>and</strong> Attis, Demeter <strong>and</strong> Persephone, Aphrodite <strong>and</strong> Adonis, <strong>and</strong> Isis <strong>and</strong><br />
Osiris; Ishtar sought <strong>to</strong> retrieve her lover from the "house wherein the entrants are<br />
bereft of light, where dust is their fare <strong>and</strong> clay their food." When she arrived at the<br />
gate She dem<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> be let in. The Gatekeeper at the comm<strong>and</strong> of Allatu, Queen of<br />
the Underworld <strong>and</strong> sister of Ishtar, allowed her <strong>to</strong> enter. As she passed thru the first<br />
gate, however, she was <strong>to</strong>ld she must remove her crown as "that is the cus<strong>to</strong>m of<br />
Allatu". At the second gate she had taken the pendants from her ears; at the third the<br />
chains from her neck; at the fourth the ornament from her breast; at the fifth the<br />
Girdle of births<strong>to</strong>nes from her hips; at the sixth her bracelets <strong>and</strong> anklets; <strong>and</strong> at the
seventh she had the garment removed from her body.<br />
Allatu imprisoned Ishtar in the Underworld <strong>and</strong> because of her absence from the<br />
World of the living, "the bull springs not upon the cow, the ass impregnates not the<br />
jenny, the man lies in his own chamber <strong>and</strong> the maiden lies on her side." Because of<br />
this, the God Ea sent a messenger <strong>to</strong> Allatu <strong>and</strong> caused Allatu <strong>to</strong> sprinkle Ishtar with<br />
the waters of life. As Ishtar passed thru each of the seven gates on her ascent, Her<br />
garments <strong>and</strong> her jewels were returned <strong>to</strong> her.<br />
As for Tammuz, her beloved, his fate is not known according <strong>to</strong> the Sumerian myth<br />
because the last tablet of the text is missing. In a Babylonian version of the myth,<br />
however, the Gatekeeper is <strong>to</strong>ld "Wash him with pure water, anoint him with sweet<br />
oil, clothe him with a red garment, <strong>and</strong> let him play on a flute of lapis."<br />
As the knowledge of her brought death, so death brought resurrection.<br />
"On the day that Tammuz comes up<br />
<strong>to</strong> me<br />
When with him the lapis flute <strong>and</strong><br />
the carnelian ring come up <strong>to</strong> me,<br />
When with him the wailing men <strong>and</strong><br />
the wailing women come up <strong>to</strong> me,<br />
May the dead rise <strong>and</strong> smell the<br />
incense!"<br />
She was worshiped as a Goddess of Love <strong>and</strong> Beauty, a bringer of death <strong>and</strong> the<br />
mother of all life:<br />
"She is sought after among the<br />
<strong>Gods</strong>, extraordinary is her station,<br />
Respected is her word, it is<br />
supreme over them.<br />
Ishtar among the <strong>Gods</strong>,<br />
extraordinary is her station.<br />
Respected is her word, it is<br />
supreme over them."<br />
--from a first Dynasty Babylonian text, circa 1600 BCE<br />
The priestesses of Her temples were "harlots" detested by the Hebrews, but, in the<br />
words of The Great Goddess, "All acts of love <strong>and</strong> pleasure are my rituals." Ishtar is<br />
one of the earliest manifestations of The Great Goddess <strong>and</strong> the geographic<br />
boundaries of her worship may be far greater than is currently believed.
Isis<br />
Egyptian Moon Goddess, Great Mother <strong>and</strong> Giver of Life. With Osiris, Isis <strong>and</strong> Horus<br />
(the divine child) made up a Holy Trinity. She is the Goddess of marriage,<br />
motherhood, fertility, magick, healing, reincarnation <strong>and</strong> divination, <strong>to</strong> name a few.<br />
Isis is the patroness of priestesses.<br />
One myth has Isis poisoning the Sun God Ra, offering <strong>to</strong> save him only if he would<br />
reveal his secret name. At last, at the brink of destruction, Ra gives Isis his heart, with<br />
the secret name it held, <strong>and</strong> his two eyes (the Sun <strong>and</strong> the Moon).<br />
Isis quells the poison <strong>and</strong> ends up with Ra's supreme power. In time the great Eye was<br />
passed along <strong>to</strong> her son Horus. Proclus mentions a statue of her which bore the<br />
inscription "I am that which is, has been <strong>and</strong> shall be. My veil no one has lifted."<br />
Hence, <strong>to</strong> lift the veil of Isis is <strong>to</strong> pierce the heart of a great mystery.
Kali<br />
Indian Dark Goddess, the Crone, Goddess of death. Kali has a dual personality<br />
exhibiting traits of both gentleness <strong>and</strong> love, revenge <strong>and</strong> terrible death. She governs<br />
every form of death but also rules every form of life.<br />
Her image inspires horror - a hideous face smeared with blood, four arms, draped<br />
with snakes <strong>and</strong> wearing a necklace of skulls.<br />
She is the defender of women <strong>and</strong> children, <strong>and</strong> violence against any woman is<br />
forbidden by her.<br />
She is also the Goddess of regeneration, revenge, fear, sexual activities <strong>and</strong> intuition.
Kali<br />
Kali is the most fully realized of all the Dark <strong>Goddesses</strong>. It has been claimed that Her<br />
name is derived from the Hindu word for Time, yet also means "black." She is also<br />
called Durga.<br />
Her very appearance is meant <strong>to</strong> terrify. She is black <strong>and</strong> emaciated, with fangs <strong>and</strong><br />
claws. She wears a girdle of severed arms, a necklace of skulls or severed heads,<br />
earrings of children's corpses, cobras as bracelets or garl<strong>and</strong>s. Her mouth is bloodsmeared.<br />
She is accompanied by she-demons.<br />
Often She is shown st<strong>and</strong>ing or dancing on the corpse of the god Shiva. Here She is<br />
feasts on his intestines.<br />
Yet She also is a loving mother, <strong>and</strong> especially in that aspect is worshipped by<br />
millions of Hindus.<br />
Used <strong>to</strong> a god that is all-"good", Westerners have found it difficult <strong>to</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> why<br />
Hindus would worship such a deity, or why their art emphasizes Her most hideous<br />
forms.<br />
"Tantric worshipers of Kali thought it essential <strong>to</strong> face her Curse, the terror of death,<br />
as willingly as they accepted Blessings from her beautiful, nurturing, maternal aspect.<br />
For them, wisdom meant learning that no coin has only one side: as death can't exist<br />
without life, so also life can't exist without death. Kali's sages communed with her in<br />
the grisly atmosphere of the cremation ground, <strong>to</strong> become familiar with images of<br />
death. They said, 'His Goddess, his loving Mother in time, who gives him birth <strong>and</strong><br />
loves him in the flesh, also destroys him in the flesh. His image of Her is incomplete<br />
if he does not know Her as his tearer <strong>and</strong> devourer.'"<br />
-- Barbara Walker, The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths <strong>and</strong> Secrets<br />
Altered pho<strong>to</strong>, originally black <strong>and</strong> white, of wood carving from the 18th or 19th<br />
century, Nepal, now in the Vic<strong>to</strong>ria <strong>and</strong> Albert Museum.<br />
Further Further Reading:<br />
Reading:<br />
The Goddess Kali, part of a Web site devoted <strong>to</strong> Tantrism. Warning: very slow<br />
loading.<br />
The Dark Goddess <strong>and</strong> me, an intensely personal <strong>and</strong> well-written account of<br />
beginning <strong>to</strong> know Kali, by Del Marshall.
Kermeese<br />
Monday's Goddess: Weiben Frauen<br />
Themes: Banishing; Blessing; Joy; Protection; Fertility; Divination<br />
Symbols: Any Sacred Symbol; Forest Items; White<br />
About Weiben Frauen: Known as "White Woman" of the German forests, this<br />
goddess is said <strong>to</strong> have been worshiped by ancient pagans <strong>and</strong> witches where she<br />
lived—in the woods. In later times, people looked <strong>to</strong> her <strong>to</strong> predict the future, help<br />
with matters of fertility, <strong>and</strong> protect the l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
To Do Today: This unique festival dates back <strong>to</strong> pagan worship of the grove goddess<br />
(<strong>and</strong> pagan gatherings in the woodl<strong>and</strong>s). Traditionally, some type of sacred symbol is<br />
dug up <strong>and</strong> carried around <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>to</strong> renew blessings <strong>and</strong> happiness in all who see it.<br />
The ritual also banishes evil influences. To follow this cus<strong>to</strong>m, plant a white s<strong>to</strong>ne or<br />
<strong>to</strong>ken in a flowerpot, garden, or lawn this year, <strong>and</strong> next year dig it up temporarily <strong>to</strong><br />
release White Woman's power. At the end of the day, return the <strong>to</strong>ken <strong>to</strong> the earth so<br />
she can protect your home or l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> fill every corner of it with magic. Repeat this<br />
annually <strong>to</strong> continue the cycle!<br />
Wear something white <strong>to</strong>day <strong>to</strong> invite Weiben Frauen's protection on the figurative<br />
l<strong>and</strong> of your spirit, <strong>and</strong> spend some time in the company of trees at some point.<br />
Meditate on the pagans, who weaved magic in such places, <strong>and</strong> on this goddess, who<br />
empowered the spells. As you do, listen closely <strong>to</strong> the voices of the trees <strong>and</strong> see if<br />
they have a message for you.
Kuan Yin<br />
Suggested Mantra: Compassion<br />
Kuan Yin's esoteric attributes are those of compassion, healing, <strong>and</strong> centering. She<br />
lives in the heart chakra, st<strong>and</strong>ing in full acceptance, suspended in tranquility,<br />
relishing joy in the silence.<br />
Suggested Affirmations:<br />
I radiate love<br />
I am <strong>to</strong>lerant of everyone around me<br />
I have great joy, <strong>and</strong> therefore great energy<br />
My peace is shared peace<br />
I am weightless <strong>and</strong> free of burden<br />
Related essences: Rose, musk, jonquil, orange flowers<br />
Related gems<strong>to</strong>nes: Rose quartz, pink <strong>to</strong>urmaline, emerald (pink or green s<strong>to</strong>nes)<br />
Kuan Yin, Mother of Compassion in ancient Chinese culture, blows gently in<strong>to</strong> your<br />
life, <strong>and</strong> should be welcomed as an eternal source of comfort <strong>and</strong> peace. Kuan Yin's<br />
values are about co-operation, sharing, balance, harmony <strong>and</strong> partnership; she is<br />
highly sensitive <strong>and</strong> aware. Kuan Yin is light <strong>and</strong> weightless - the qualities that result<br />
from highly tuned vales of <strong>to</strong>lerance <strong>and</strong> acceptance. What a joy <strong>to</strong> have Kuan Yin<br />
visit you <strong>to</strong>day. Try closing your eyes. Visualize Kuan Yin resting with the world on<br />
one shoulder, her cheek resting against it. She sees you, <strong>and</strong> you are drawn <strong>to</strong> the love<br />
radiating from her heart. She shows you how <strong>to</strong> take the world from your shoulders,<br />
hold it in your h<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> dance in joyful, carefree circles. You see the earth's water<br />
rippling, the leaves in the trees blowing, the birds soaring without effort. Know this is<br />
happening purely thanks <strong>to</strong> your joy. When you walk through each day, remember<br />
Kuan Yin's presence whenever you see the soaring birds, the rustling leaves, the<br />
rippling waters. Use these triggers as a reminder <strong>to</strong> take the world off your shoulders,<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> dance with ab<strong>and</strong>on, with your face <strong>to</strong> the skies <strong>and</strong> your arms in the air.
Lilith<br />
Lilith, (also know as Lilit), was a relic of an early rabbinical attempt <strong>to</strong> assimilate the<br />
Sumero-Babylonian Goddess Belit-ili, or Belili, <strong>to</strong> Jewish mythology. To the<br />
Canaanites, Lilith was Baalat, the "Divine Lady". Hebraic tradition said Adam married<br />
Lilith because he grew tired of mating with animals, a common cus<strong>to</strong>m of Middle-<br />
Eastern herdsmen, though the Old Testament declared it a sin. Moslems were<br />
insistent on the male-superior sexual position <strong>and</strong> apparently Lilith was not Moslem,<br />
disagreed with Adam <strong>and</strong> flew away <strong>to</strong> the Red Sea.<br />
God sent angels <strong>to</strong> bring Lilith back, but she refused <strong>to</strong> return. She supposedly spent<br />
her time mating with "demons" <strong>and</strong> gave birth <strong>to</strong> "a hundred children a day". So God<br />
had <strong>to</strong> produce Eve as Lilith's more docile replacement. Lilith became the "Great<br />
Mother" of settled tribes who resisted invasions of nomadic herdsmen represented by<br />
Adam. Early Hebrews disliked the Great Mother who is said <strong>to</strong> have drank the blood<br />
of Abel after he was slain by Cain.<br />
Lilith's Red Sea was another version of Kali Ma's Ocean of Blood, which gave birth <strong>to</strong><br />
all things. There may have been a connection between Lilith <strong>and</strong> the Etuscan divinity<br />
Leinth, who had no face <strong>and</strong> who waited at the gate of the underworld along with<br />
Eita <strong>and</strong> Persipnei, (Hades <strong>and</strong> Persephone) <strong>to</strong> receive the souls of the dead. The<br />
underworld gate was a yoni <strong>and</strong> a lily, which had no face. Admission in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
underworld was often mythologized as a sexual union. The lily or lilu, (lotus) was the<br />
Great Mother's flower - yoni, whose title formed Lilith's name.<br />
The s<strong>to</strong>ry of Lilith disappeared from the Bible, but her daughters, the lilim, haunted<br />
men for over a thous<strong>and</strong> years. The lilim were thought responsible for nocturnal<br />
emissions <strong>and</strong> the Jews still made amulets <strong>to</strong> keep away the lilim well in<strong>to</strong> the Middle<br />
Ages. Greeks adopted the lilim <strong>and</strong> called them, Lamiae, Empusae, or Daughters of<br />
Hecate. Christians also adopted them <strong>and</strong> called them harlots of hell or succubae.<br />
They believed that Lilith laughed every time a Christian man has a wet dream. The<br />
Daughters of Lilith were supposedly very beautiful <strong>and</strong> presumed <strong>to</strong> be so expert at<br />
lovemaking that after an experience with one, a man couldn't be content with a mere<br />
mortal woman.
"You gotta give it <strong>to</strong> Lilith<br />
she was a hell of a woman<br />
Said she'd rather<br />
fuck demons on the beach<br />
than lie under the belly<br />
of that whiner Adam<br />
& flew from Paradise<br />
-Jonelle Maison<br />
Lilith 2<br />
Babylonian or Sumerian Moon Goddess, patroness of Witches, demon Goddess <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Jews <strong>and</strong> Christians, Lilith represents primal feminine sexuality. Lilith is the<br />
protectress of all pregnant women <strong>and</strong> of children <strong>and</strong> mothers. She is the Goddess of<br />
wisdom, regeneration, enticing sorcery, erotic dreams <strong>and</strong> feminine allure.<br />
As the early pages of Genesis give two accounts of the creation of women, legend has<br />
it that Lilith was Adam's first wife. Lilith, like Adam, was created from the dust of the<br />
Earth <strong>and</strong> had been one of the wives of Satan (or so the myth goes). She left her<br />
husb<strong>and</strong> for Adam, but refused <strong>to</strong> be subservient <strong>and</strong> submissive <strong>to</strong> him, saying that<br />
they were both created from the same Earth <strong>and</strong> thus were equals. They quarreled,<br />
she left <strong>and</strong> was forced in<strong>to</strong> exile.<br />
Her name stems from a Semitic root meaning "night", <strong>and</strong> in the Talmud, she is<br />
portrayed as a long-haired demon of the night. She is considered by many <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
first liberated woman.
Lilith 3<br />
Suggested Mantra: Equality<br />
The first feminist <strong>and</strong> liberationist, Lilith boldly instructs us <strong>to</strong> st<strong>and</strong> up for what we<br />
believe in, unbridled <strong>and</strong> courageous no matter what the cost.<br />
Suggested Affirmations:<br />
I forgive<br />
I welcome forgiveness<br />
I am free from judgment<br />
I deserve <strong>to</strong> be free from guilt<br />
I am creating the life I love<br />
I am a forgiving <strong>and</strong> loving person<br />
My vital energy resurfaces naturally<br />
I am honest <strong>and</strong> truthful in all I say <strong>and</strong> do<br />
Related essences: Patchouli, s<strong>and</strong>alwood, geranium<br />
Related gems<strong>to</strong>nes: Garnet, bloods<strong>to</strong>ne, <strong>to</strong>urmaline, smoky quartz (red s<strong>to</strong>nes)<br />
This Sumerian <strong>and</strong> Hebrew goddess, once honored for her wisdom, freedom, courage,<br />
playfulness, passion, pleasure <strong>and</strong> sexuality in pre-2300 B.C., was portrayed as a<br />
demon by Levite priests at the dawn of patriarchy. In Western tradition, she was the<br />
original partner of Adam, created equally <strong>to</strong>gether in the image of Elohin (a word for<br />
"god", having feminine <strong>and</strong> masculine linguistic roots). Her liberationist attitude <strong>and</strong><br />
assertive behavior was threatening <strong>to</strong> the emerging patriarchs, <strong>and</strong> led <strong>to</strong> her<br />
expulsion from Eden <strong>to</strong> be replaced by the more subservient Eve.<br />
Proudly holding the rod <strong>and</strong> ring representing Sumerian royal authority, Lilith strives<br />
<strong>to</strong> make modern life equal for all people. She inspires us not <strong>to</strong> judge our opposite sex,<br />
<strong>to</strong> respect them as our equal, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> nurture equality in our environment.<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>marily women break loose on leap days, asking men out or proposing marriage.<br />
But, as the Year 2002 is not a leap year, celebrate a new season instead. As we cross<br />
in<strong>to</strong> Autumn, start the new cycle by making a difference, making a new start, making<br />
it matter. Internalize Lilith's bravery <strong>and</strong> dignified strength of character, <strong>and</strong> make<br />
amends with anyone you've wronged with presupposition or prejudice. Or enjoy<br />
some daring activity <strong>to</strong> its fullest without fear or guilt - like Lilith, you are the master<br />
of your destiny. Only you can achieve liberation of your inner joy <strong>and</strong> exuberant<br />
passion for life.<br />
Start it <strong>to</strong>day!
Lupercalia: She-Wolf<br />
Lupercalia is a Roman ritual of purification <strong>and</strong> fertility dating from such an ancient<br />
time that even the Romans of the first century B.C.E. had forgotten its origin <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
which <strong>Gods</strong> it was dedicated <strong>and</strong> even the meaning of some of its symbolism.<br />
(Contrary <strong>to</strong> Z Budapest's statements, it was not known whether it was <strong>to</strong> Faunus <strong>and</strong><br />
in fact I think it may have been sacred <strong>to</strong> the more ancient founding Goddess,<br />
Rumina, the She-Wolf of Rome.) Central <strong>to</strong> the ritual is the lustration (light flogging)<br />
with a goat skin scourge (see, Gardner didn't invent it). This was often accompanied<br />
by much rowdiness <strong>and</strong> horse-play. The purpose was the purification of the people<br />
from curses, bad luck <strong>and</strong> infertility. The ritual is performed on February 15. The<br />
name of the month comes from the februa, anything used in purifying including wool<br />
(used for cleaning), brooms, pine boughs (which make the air sweet <strong>and</strong> pure), etc.<br />
The rite began in the cave of the She-Wolf in the city of Rome where legend had it<br />
that the founders of the city, Romulus <strong>and</strong> Remus, had been suckled by the wolf<br />
before they were found by a shepherd. The sacred fig tree grew in front of the cave.<br />
Vestals brought <strong>to</strong> the site of the sacrifice the sacred cakes made from the first ears of<br />
the last years grain harvest. Two naked young men presided over the sacrifice of a<br />
dog <strong>and</strong> a goat. With the bloody knife, their foreheads were smeared with blood, then<br />
wiped clean with wool dipped in milk. The young men laughed <strong>and</strong> girded<br />
themselves in the skin of the sacrificed goat. Much feasting followed. Finally, using<br />
strips of the goat skin, the young men ran, each leading a group of priests, around the<br />
base of the hills of Rome, around the ancient sacred boundary of the old city called<br />
the pomarium. During this run, the women of the city would vie for the opportunity<br />
<strong>to</strong> be scourged by the young men as they ran by, some baring their flesh <strong>to</strong> get the<br />
best results of the fertility blessing (you can see why the Christian church tried so<br />
hard <strong>to</strong> get this ritual banned, but it was so popular that it continued for quite some<br />
time under the new regime.)<br />
Except for the intrusion of foreign cults, this was the only Roman ritual where a goat<br />
was sacrificed. Dogs were only offered <strong>to</strong> Robigus (a guardian associated with crops),<br />
the Lares Praestites (the guardians of community), <strong>and</strong> Mana Genata (ancestral<br />
guardians).<br />
Because of the cave, the fig tree, the milk, <strong>and</strong> such, I suspect the very oldest forms of<br />
this rite honored a Goddess. Unlike some of the other Roman rites like the Oc<strong>to</strong>ber<br />
Horse sacrifice, there is no other Indo-European equivalent in Vedic, Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian,<br />
Irish, or Indo-Iranian traditions.
With modifications, the <strong>Temple</strong> of Pomona performed Lupercalias <strong>and</strong> has a great<br />
time.
<strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Maiden, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone<br />
Triads involving the <strong>Gods</strong> & <strong>Goddesses</strong> are older than the Christian archetype. In the<br />
Craft, the triad is symbolized by the Maiden, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone.<br />
The The Maiden<br />
Maiden<br />
The Maiden signifies youth, the excitement of the chase, <strong>and</strong> the newness of life <strong>and</strong><br />
magick. In human age she would be between puberty <strong>and</strong> her twenties. She does not<br />
have a mate. Her colors are soft & light, such white, soft pink, or light yellow.<br />
Rituals using the Maiden:<br />
Any new beginning, or even the hopes <strong>and</strong> plans for new beginnings.<br />
When taking on a new job, or planning <strong>to</strong> apply for a new job.<br />
During the first steps of new ideas, whatever they are.<br />
Whenever you plan or begin a complete turn around in your life.<br />
Whenever you begin a new phase in your life.<br />
On moving, in <strong>to</strong> a new house or apartment.<br />
On entering a new school or going back <strong>to</strong> school after a delay in education.<br />
Any journey that is connected with anticipated changes. This can be anything.<br />
The beginning of a new relationship, love or friendship.<br />
Plans for getting pregnant.<br />
The birth of a child.<br />
The first menstruation for girls.
Puberty on reaching the teens for boys.<br />
The The The Mother<br />
Mother<br />
The Mother st<strong>and</strong>s for nurturing, caring, fertility; she is a woman in the prime of her<br />
life <strong>and</strong> at the peak of her power. She protects her own <strong>and</strong> will ensure that justice is<br />
done <strong>and</strong> done well. This woman is usually mated. In human age, she would be seen<br />
as a woman in her thirties <strong>to</strong> mid-forties. Her colors are warmer than that of the<br />
maiden, such as green, copper, red, light purple or royal blue.<br />
Rituals using the Mother:<br />
Project fruition <strong>and</strong> completion.<br />
When childbirth is near<br />
Strength <strong>to</strong> see matters through <strong>to</strong> the end.<br />
Blessings <strong>and</strong> protection. This especially applies <strong>to</strong> females who are threatened by<br />
men.<br />
Guidance in life decisions.<br />
Marriages, or the contemplation of or desire for marriage.<br />
Finding or choosing a mate or companion.<br />
Gardening, the growing of any plant.<br />
Choosing or accepting an animal. Protection of animal life.<br />
Making choices of any kind.<br />
Gaining or continuing peace.<br />
Developing intuition <strong>and</strong> psychic gifts.<br />
Spiritual direction.
The The Crone<br />
Crone<br />
The Crone is a being of age-old wisdom. She is shrew <strong>and</strong> counsels well. She cares for<br />
the Maiden <strong>and</strong> the Mother as well as the off-spring thereof. She is logical <strong>and</strong> can be<br />
terrible in her vengeance. She st<strong>and</strong>s at the door <strong>to</strong> the dimension of death. In human<br />
years, she is approximately 45 or older. The Crone is the Most difficult of the three <strong>to</strong><br />
place in human age. The Crone's traditional colors are black, gray, purple, brown or<br />
midnight blue.<br />
Rituals using the Crone<br />
Ending relationships, jobs, friendships<br />
Menopause, or coming <strong>to</strong> terms with aging.<br />
Divorce.<br />
A regrouping of energies needed at the end of a cycle of activity or problem.<br />
Rest <strong>and</strong> calmness before making new goals <strong>and</strong> plans.<br />
When the garden or plants are ready for winter.<br />
Harassment of any kind.<br />
Retribution on rapists, murderers, abusers.<br />
On the death of a person or pet; of any animal or human. Contemplation at the<br />
end of your own life cycle.<br />
When moving from a dwelling or job.<br />
When strong protection is needed for attacks on the physical or psychic levels, or<br />
even annoyance by spirits.<br />
To underst<strong>and</strong> the deepest of mysteries.
Developing trance or communication with the guides or other spirits.
Roman mythology<br />
Minerva<br />
The Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, the arts, dyeing, science <strong>and</strong> trade, but also<br />
of war. As Minerva Medica she is the patroness of physicians. She is the daughter of<br />
Jupiter. In the temple on the Capi<strong>to</strong>line Hill she was worshiped <strong>to</strong>gether with Jupiter<br />
<strong>and</strong> Juno, with whom she formed a powerful triad of gods. Another temple of her was<br />
located on the Aventine Hill. The church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is built on<br />
one of her temples. Every year from March 19th - 23rd the Quinquatria was held, the<br />
primary Minerva Festival. This festival was mainly celebrated by artisans but also by<br />
students. On June 13th the minor Quinquatrus was observed.<br />
Minerva is believed <strong>to</strong> be the inven<strong>to</strong>r of numbers <strong>and</strong> musical instruments. She is<br />
thought <strong>to</strong> be of Etruscan origin, as the goddess Menrva or Menerva. Later she was<br />
equated with the Greek Athena.
Pray <strong>to</strong> the moon when she is round,<br />
Luck with you will then abound.<br />
What you seek for shall be found,<br />
On the sea or solid ground.<br />
Moon <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Chinese: Chinese: Yin<br />
Egyptian: Egyptian: Isis, Hathor, Neith, Ma'at<br />
German: German: Holda<br />
Greek: Greek: Demeter, Hera, Artemis, Aphrodite, Selene, Persephone, Hecate, Europa,<br />
Pallas Athena<br />
Indian: Indian: Indian: Kali, Aditi, Durga<br />
Japanese: Japanese: Kannon<br />
Middle Middle Middle Eastern: Eastern: Inanna, Tiamat, Ishtar, Astarte, Lillth<br />
Norse: Norse: Freya<br />
Roman: Roman: Juno, Diana, Luna, Titania<br />
Tibetan: Tibetan: Tibetan: Tara
Nemesis: Bearer of Justice<br />
Nemesis was the personification of divine justice <strong>and</strong> the vengeance of the gods,<br />
sometimes called the daughter of Night. She represented the righteous anger of the<br />
gods against the proud <strong>and</strong> haughty <strong>and</strong> against breakers of the law; she distributed<br />
good or bad fortune <strong>to</strong> all mortals. No one could escape her power
Egyptian mythology<br />
Nephthys<br />
Nephthys, the 'Mistress of the House' (Nebet-het or Nebt-het in the Egyptian<br />
Language), Nephthys is the 'Friend of the Dead,' <strong>and</strong> is first mentioned in Old<br />
Kingdom funerary literature as riding the 'night boat' of the underworld, meeting the<br />
deceased king's spirit <strong>and</strong> accompanying him in<strong>to</strong> 'Lightl<strong>and</strong>.' Her hair is<br />
metaphorically compared <strong>to</strong> the strips of cloth which shroud the bodies of the dead.<br />
Nephthys is almost universally depicted as a woman with the hieroglyphic symbols of<br />
her name (a basket <strong>and</strong> a house, stacked on <strong>to</strong>p of each other) situated a<strong>to</strong>p her head,<br />
though she can also be depicted as a bird (most often a kite or some other form of<br />
falcon/hawk). She was associated with funerary rituals throughout ancient Egyptian<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> was venerated not as Death itself, but as the companion who gives<br />
guidance <strong>to</strong> the newly deceased, <strong>and</strong> as a Lady With Wings who comforts the<br />
deceased's living relatives. Nephthys is in most myths the youngest daughter of Nut,<br />
sister of Isis <strong>and</strong> Osiris <strong>and</strong> the sister-consort of Seth. In later periods Nephthys is also<br />
considered <strong>to</strong> be the mother of Anubis, a primordial form of the lord of the dead who<br />
later became subservient <strong>to</strong> Osiris in the Egyptian cultic myth.<br />
Nephthys had connections with life as well as death she s<strong>to</strong>od at the head of the<br />
birth-bed <strong>to</strong> comfort <strong>and</strong> assist the mother giving birth (while her sister, Isis, s<strong>to</strong>od at<br />
the foot <strong>to</strong> midwife the child).<br />
To current Egyp<strong>to</strong>logical knowledge, Nephthys did not have her own cult or temples<br />
in Egypt until the P<strong>to</strong>lemaic-Roman period; however, as her name is merely a title<br />
(the same title given <strong>to</strong> the eldest woman in any ancient Egyptian household), it is<br />
possible that Nephthys may be a specialized form of another goddess; probable<br />
c<strong>and</strong>idates include Bat (as she is called the 'Lady of Het,' or 'Nebt-het') <strong>and</strong> Neith<br />
with whom Nephthys is paired in the canopic shrine quadrants, as Isis is with Serket,<br />
who is sometimes seen <strong>to</strong> be an aspect of Isis.<br />
Neith's being the 'eldest of goddesses,' along with her connection with weaving <strong>and</strong><br />
funerary garments lends credence <strong>to</strong> this theory, as does the interchangeable<br />
depiction of Neith <strong>and</strong>/or Nephthys in symmetrical transposition on a number of Late<br />
Period temples.<br />
Other names: Neb-hut, Nebthet
Norse <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Amma<br />
Amma<br />
A great mother in the Norse creation s<strong>to</strong>ry, Amma ("gr<strong>and</strong>mother") gave birth <strong>to</strong> the<br />
race of Churls, who conducted business <strong>and</strong> learned trades.<br />
Atla<br />
Atla<br />
Atla is a water goddess <strong>and</strong> daughter of Ran.<br />
Edda<br />
Edda<br />
Edda means great gr<strong>and</strong>mother, <strong>and</strong> the term eddas ("tales of great gr<strong>and</strong>mother") is<br />
the word used <strong>to</strong> describe the great s<strong>to</strong>ries in Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian mythology. The dwarfish<br />
Edda was the first <strong>to</strong> create offspring with her husb<strong>and</strong> Ai. She gave birth <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Thralls, the ones "enthralled" <strong>to</strong> service as food producers.<br />
Eir Eir<br />
Eir<br />
A companion of Frigg, Eir is the goddess of healing. She taught her art <strong>and</strong> the secret<br />
powers of herbs only <strong>to</strong> women, the only physicians in ancient Sc<strong>and</strong>inavia.<br />
Frigg Frigg<br />
Frigg<br />
As one of the foremost goddesses in Norse mythology, Frigg is the patroness of<br />
marriage <strong>and</strong> motherhood. She assists women in labor <strong>and</strong> is associated with the<br />
naming of children. Frigg has the reputation of knowing everyone's destiny, but<br />
never reveals it. Being the wife of the god Odin, she was known as the Queen of the<br />
Heavens. She is the central deity in Asgard where her hall, Fensalir ("water halls") is<br />
located.<br />
Freyja<br />
Freyja<br />
Freyja is the goddess of beauty, love <strong>and</strong> fertility, <strong>and</strong> the main deity of the Vanir. She<br />
loves music, spring <strong>and</strong> flowers, <strong>and</strong> spends much time with the fey. She is seen<br />
wearing a cloak of bird feathers, which allows the wearer <strong>to</strong> change in<strong>to</strong> a falcon <strong>and</strong><br />
a beautiful necklace of the Brisings given <strong>to</strong> her by dwarves, which the Norse still<br />
refer <strong>to</strong> as the Milky Way. Freyja is also a media<strong>to</strong>r between peace <strong>and</strong> violence, <strong>and</strong><br />
the bride of fallen heroes. Riding her chariot pulled by cats through battlefields, she<br />
picks up half of the dead corpses, leaves the other half for Odin, <strong>and</strong> takes their souls<br />
<strong>to</strong> her hall, Sessrumnir, in Asgard.<br />
Fulla Fulla<br />
Fulla<br />
Fulla is Frigg's h<strong>and</strong>maiden <strong>and</strong> messenger. Prayers are addressed <strong>to</strong> her for<br />
intercession with Frigg, <strong>and</strong> guidance in service.
Gefion<br />
Gefion<br />
All women that die unmarried go <strong>to</strong> Gefion the goddess of virgins. She is also the<br />
bringer of good luck <strong>and</strong> prosperity. It is traditionally claimed that she is the crea<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of the Isl<strong>and</strong> of Zeal<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Gerd<br />
Gerd<br />
A Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian goddess of light, Gerd lives in a house ringed by fire <strong>and</strong> shoots<br />
flames from her h<strong>and</strong>s. She is the most beautiful of creatures <strong>and</strong> the daughter of a<br />
female giant <strong>and</strong> a mortal man. The fertility god Frey became infatuated with Gerd<br />
<strong>and</strong> unsuccessfully courted her until he won her over with a spell in runes.<br />
Hel<br />
Hel<br />
Hel is the goddess of death <strong>and</strong> resides in her hall, Elvidnir (misery) in the<br />
underworld of Niflheim. She is described as being half white <strong>and</strong> half black. She is<br />
responsible for plagues, sickness <strong>and</strong> catastrophes.<br />
Hnossa Hnossa<br />
Hnossa<br />
The youthful goddess of infatuation, Hnossa is the daughter of Freya. Her name<br />
means "jewel."<br />
Idun<br />
Idun<br />
Idun is the goddess of eternal youth <strong>and</strong> the keeper of the golden apples the Norse<br />
gods eat <strong>to</strong> remain young.<br />
Imd<br />
Imd<br />
Imd is a Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian water goddess <strong>and</strong> the daughter of Ran.<br />
Lufn<br />
Lufn<br />
The goddess of forbidden love, Lofn encourages illicit unions.<br />
Modgud<br />
Modgud<br />
The servant of Hel, Modgud is the maiden that st<strong>and</strong>s guard on a gold-paved bridge<br />
on a path leading <strong>to</strong> the underworld.<br />
Mothir<br />
Mothir<br />
A mother in the Norse creation myth, Mothir gave birth <strong>to</strong> the Jarls or leaders, the<br />
ones who hunted, fought, <strong>and</strong> attended school.<br />
Norns<br />
Norns<br />
The goddesses of the destinies of both gods <strong>and</strong> men are the three sisters called Urd
(fate), Verd<strong>and</strong>i (necessity) <strong>and</strong> Skuld (being).<br />
Nott<br />
Nott<br />
The goddess of night, Nott, is the mother of the earth, Jord, <strong>and</strong> of the day as well.<br />
She rides forth each evening on her horse Frostymane, from whose foaming mouth<br />
the dew falls.<br />
Ran<br />
Ran<br />
Ran is goddess of the sea <strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rms, <strong>and</strong> wife <strong>to</strong> the sea god Aegir. She collects the<br />
drowned in her net <strong>and</strong> takes them <strong>to</strong> her hall located at the bot<strong>to</strong>m of the ocean.<br />
Saga<br />
Saga<br />
Saga, the all-knowing goddess, is an aspect of Frigg in some mythology. She lives at<br />
Sinking Beach, a waterfall of cool waves where she offers her guests drinks in golden<br />
cups. Her name, which means "omniscience," is applied <strong>to</strong> the epic heroic tales.<br />
Sif Sif<br />
Sif<br />
Sif is the golden haired wife of Thor <strong>and</strong> the goddess of crops <strong>and</strong> fertility.<br />
Sjofn Sjofn<br />
Sjofn<br />
Sjofn is the goddess <strong>to</strong> inspire human passions.<br />
Sjojungru<br />
Sjojungru<br />
Sjojungru is a Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian sea goddess.<br />
Snotra<br />
Snotra<br />
Snotra is the Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian goddess of wisdom.<br />
Valkyries<br />
Valkyries<br />
Valkyries are beautiful maidens that help Odin choose which brave warriors will be<br />
slain on the battlefield so they may then serve Odin. They are also Odins messengers,<br />
<strong>and</strong> when they ride forth on their winged horses, their armor shines <strong>and</strong> flickers<br />
causing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
Odes <strong>to</strong> the Goddess<br />
Scottish Scottish Gaelic Gaelic Invocation Invocation <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> Brigit Brigit from from<br />
from<br />
"The Witches' Goddess" by Janet <strong>and</strong> Stewart Farrar<br />
"May Brigit give blessing<br />
To the house that is here;<br />
Brigit, the fair <strong>and</strong> tender<br />
Her hue like cot<strong>to</strong>n-grass,<br />
Rich-tressed maiden<br />
Of ringlets of gold."<br />
Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust whose feet are the host of heaven,<br />
whose body encircles the universe:<br />
"I who am the beauty of the green earth <strong>and</strong> the white moon among the stars <strong>and</strong> the<br />
mysteries of the waters, I call upon your soul <strong>to</strong> arise <strong>and</strong> come un<strong>to</strong> me. For I am the<br />
soul of nature that gives life <strong>to</strong> the universe. From Me all things proceed <strong>and</strong> un<strong>to</strong> Me<br />
they must return. Let My worship be in the heart tha rejoices, for behold -- all acts of<br />
love <strong>and</strong> pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty <strong>and</strong> strength, power <strong>and</strong><br />
compassion, honor <strong>and</strong> humility, mirth <strong>and</strong> reverence within you. And you who seek<br />
<strong>to</strong> know Me, know that your seeking <strong>and</strong> yearning will avail you not, unless you<br />
know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will<br />
never find it without. For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, <strong>and</strong> I am<br />
that which is attained at the end of desire."<br />
Conversation Conversation between between Brid Brid <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Son<br />
Son<br />
from "The Witches' Goddess" by Janet <strong>and</strong> Stewart Farrar<br />
"Brid: Black the <strong>to</strong>wn yonder,<br />
Black those that are in it;<br />
I am the White Swan,<br />
Queen of them all.<br />
Son: I will voyage in God's name<br />
In likeness of deer, in likeness of horse,<br />
In likeness of serpent, in likeness of king.<br />
More powerful will it be with me than with all others."<br />
Invocation Invocation <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> Brighid<br />
Brighid
From "The Witches Goddess" by Janet <strong>and</strong> Stewart Farrar<br />
"Hail, golden Brighid, inspirer of us all,<br />
Mother of healing, mistress of the arts,<br />
Lady of every skill -- on thee we call<br />
To pour thy magic in<strong>to</strong> human hearts.<br />
Bes<strong>to</strong>w thy blessing on the poet's pen,<br />
The craftsman's chisel, <strong>and</strong> the healer's h<strong>and</strong>;<br />
And guide the work of women <strong>and</strong> of men<br />
To bring thy beauty in<strong>to</strong> this our l<strong>and</strong>!"<br />
Song ong of Ishtar<br />
From "The Witches' Goddess" by Janet <strong>and</strong> Stewart Farrar<br />
"I the mother have begotten my people,<br />
<strong>and</strong> like the young of the fishes they fill the sea.<br />
The gods concerning the spirits were weeping with me,<br />
The gods in seats seated in lamentation<br />
covered their lips for the coming evil.<br />
Six days <strong>and</strong> nights passed,<br />
The wind, the deluge, s<strong>to</strong>rm overwhelmed."<br />
Song Song Song <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> Ishtar<br />
Ishtar<br />
From "The Witches' Goddess" by Janet <strong>and</strong> Stewart Farrar<br />
"Thou art mighty, thou hast sovereign power, exalted is thy name!<br />
Thou art the light of heaven <strong>and</strong> earth,<br />
O valiant daughter of the Moon god.<br />
Ruler of weapons, arbitress of the battle!<br />
Framer of all decrees, wearer of the crown of dominion...<br />
Thou judgest the cause of men with justice <strong>and</strong> righteousness,<br />
Thou lookest with mercy on the violent man<br />
<strong>and</strong> thou settest right the unruly every morning.<br />
O goddess of men, O goddess of women,<br />
Thou whose counsel none may learn,<br />
Where thou lookest in pity, the dead man lives again,<br />
the sick is healed,<br />
The afflicted is saved from his affliction,<br />
when he beholdeth thy face!<br />
O exalted Ishtar, that givest light<br />
un<strong>to</strong> the four quarters of the world!"
Excerpt Excerpt Excerpt from from from "LOBA" "LOBA" "LOBA" by by by Diane Diane Diane Di Di Di Prima Prima<br />
Prima<br />
"Her power is <strong>to</strong> open what is shut<br />
Shut what is open...<br />
She gleams<br />
in the wildwood where you have not dared<br />
<strong>to</strong> walk. Wild yew & blackberries<br />
tight, dried meat<br />
of skinny winter deer, these<br />
she holds out, like a key.<br />
Her door<br />
cannot be found, it is close-shut, it crumbles<br />
it wafts in wind. Her power is <strong>to</strong> raise<br />
the pale green grass of spring, the pale wildflower<br />
carpets which fly starward like primroses w / dogs<br />
asleep on them. Her power is in spittle<br />
& in the lentil,<br />
it rises like smoke<br />
from the reopened furrow. She terraces the hills<br />
w / her glance, her white breast gleams<br />
in mossy caves you remember where the smoke<br />
curled on the greenwood fires...."<br />
Excerpt Excerpt from from the the Ballad Ballad Ballad of of Tinuviel<br />
Tinuviel<br />
From "Lord of the Rings" by J. R. R. Tolkien<br />
Note: In my opinion, Tinuviel is extremely similar <strong>to</strong><br />
the Lady of the Flowers in Celtic tradition.<br />
"The leaves were long, the grass was green,<br />
The hemlock-umbels tall <strong>and</strong> fair,<br />
<strong>and</strong> in the glade a light was seen<br />
Of stars in shadow shimmering.<br />
Tinuviel was dancing there<br />
To music of a pipe unseen,<br />
And light of stars was in her hair,<br />
And in her raiment glimmering.<br />
There Beren came from mountains cold,<br />
And lost he w<strong>and</strong>ered under leaves<br />
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone <strong>and</strong> sorrowing.<br />
He peered between the hemlock-leaves<br />
And saw in wonder flowers of gold<br />
Upon her mantle <strong>and</strong> her sleeves,<br />
And her hair like shadow following.<br />
Enchantment healed his weary feet<br />
That over hills were doomed <strong>to</strong> roam;<br />
And forth he hastened, strong <strong>and</strong> fleet,<br />
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.<br />
Through woven woods in Elvenhome<br />
She lightly fled on dancing feet,<br />
And left him lonely still <strong>to</strong> roam<br />
In the silent forest listening.<br />
He heard there oft the flying sound<br />
Of feet as light as linden-leaves,<br />
Or music welling underground<br />
In hidden hollows quavering...<br />
Now withered lay the hemlock-sheaves,<br />
And one by one with sighing sound<br />
whispering fell the beechen leaves<br />
In the wintry woodl<strong>and</strong> wavering.<br />
He sought her ever, w<strong>and</strong>ering far<br />
Where leaves of years were thickly strewn,<br />
By light of moon <strong>and</strong> ray of star<br />
In frosty heavens shivering.<br />
Her mantle glinted in the moon,<br />
As on a hill-<strong>to</strong>p high <strong>and</strong> far<br />
She danced, <strong>and</strong> at her feet was strewn<br />
A mist of silver quivering.<br />
When winter passed, she came again,<br />
And her song released the sudden spring,<br />
Like rising lark, <strong>and</strong> falling rain,<br />
And melting water bubbling.<br />
He saw the elven flowers spring<br />
About her feet, <strong>and</strong> healed again,<br />
He longed by her <strong>to</strong> dance <strong>and</strong> sing<br />
Upon the grass untroubling..."
Song Song Song <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong> the the the Lady Lady Lady from from from "Lord "Lord "Lord of of of the the the Rings" Rings" Rings" by by by J.R.R. J.R.R. J.R.R. Tolkien Tolkien Tolkien<br />
Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear!<br />
O Queen beyond the Western Seas!<br />
O Light <strong>to</strong> us that w<strong>and</strong>er here<br />
Amid the world of woven trees!<br />
Gilthoniel! O Elbereth!<br />
Clear are thy eyes <strong>and</strong> bright thy breath,<br />
Show-white! Snow-white! We sing <strong>to</strong> thee<br />
In a far l<strong>and</strong> beyond the Sea.<br />
O stars that in the Sunless Year<br />
With shining h<strong>and</strong> by her were sown,<br />
In windy fields now bright <strong>and</strong> clear<br />
We see your silver blossom blown!<br />
O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!<br />
We still remember, we who dwell<br />
In this far l<strong>and</strong> beneath the trees,<br />
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.<br />
A Elbereth! Gilthoniel!<br />
O menel palan-diriel<br />
Le nallon si di'nguruthos!<br />
A tiro nin, Fanuilos!<br />
"Lady "Lady Fair" Fair" by by an an Anonymous Anonymous Individual<br />
Individual<br />
Oh Silver Wind that crosses over ocean, wood, <strong>and</strong> snow<br />
Keep watch upon my w<strong>and</strong>ering heart<br />
For my Lady Fair will carry it wherever she may go<br />
And it won't be mine if we should part<br />
I see her in the morning mist that rises <strong>to</strong> the sun<br />
And in life's song I hear her speak<br />
Always I will find her there as long as time may run<br />
For she's the one my heart will seek.<br />
May the many paths I walk by day <strong>and</strong> dream by moonlit night<br />
Guide me as I move my feet<br />
To the ancient Crossroads where in heaven's light
I <strong>and</strong> my Lady Fair will meet.<br />
"The "The Song Song of of Amergin" Amergin" from from "The "The White White Goddess" Goddess" by Robert Graves<br />
Graves<br />
"I am a stag of seven tines<br />
I am a flood across a plain<br />
I am a wind on a deep lake<br />
I am a teardrop the sun lets fall<br />
I am a hawk above the cliff<br />
I am a thorn beneath the nail<br />
I am a wonder among flowers<br />
I am a wizard: Who but I<br />
Sets the cool head aflame with smoke?<br />
I am a spear that roars for blood<br />
I am a salmon in a pool<br />
I am a lure from paradise<br />
I am a hill where poets walk<br />
I am a boar ruthless <strong>and</strong> red<br />
I am a breaker threatening doom<br />
I am a tide that drags <strong>to</strong> death<br />
I am an infant: Who but I<br />
Peeps from the unhewn dolmen arch?<br />
I am the womb of every holt<br />
I am the blaze on every hill<br />
I am the queen of every hive<br />
I am the shield for every head<br />
I am the <strong>to</strong>mb of every hope.<br />
I am the hope reborn anew<br />
I am a flame that leaps from ash<br />
I am a priestess: Who but I<br />
Sleeps in the Earth <strong>and</strong> then awakes?"<br />
"The "The Mysteries Mysteries of of Seven" Seven" From From "The "The "The Song Song of of Taliesin" Taliesin" by by John John Matthews<br />
Matthews<br />
"I am Taliesin,<br />
Divine Child of the Mother.<br />
I speak in riddles<br />
From the Fountain of Vision.<br />
My words are for those<br />
Who underst<strong>and</strong><br />
The roots of trees,
The secrets of earth.<br />
Let me tell how the sun<br />
Gilded the Hero's face;<br />
Receive from me the secret<br />
Of my Mother's seven names.<br />
Three times seven <strong>and</strong> then three<br />
Were the number of her priestesses;<br />
Two times seven <strong>and</strong> then two<br />
Were the number of her poets.<br />
Twelve shadows she had<br />
And six faces;<br />
Nine were the maidens<br />
Who breathed above her Cauldron<br />
To prevent it from boiling.<br />
Five were the number<br />
Of her skirts in heaven,<br />
Only the God<br />
Might raise them all.<br />
Four kept watch<br />
At the <strong>to</strong>wer of the Winds<br />
Two were her progeny<br />
Except for myself.<br />
But I am first.<br />
The last of the poets<br />
To sing her praise:<br />
My <strong>to</strong>ngue silvered<br />
My brow radiant,<br />
My throat pure,<br />
My dreams of her."<br />
The Morrigan is a goddess of battle, strife, <strong>and</strong> fertility. Her name translates as either<br />
"Great Queen" or "Phan<strong>to</strong>m Queen," <strong>and</strong> both epithets are entirely appropriate for<br />
Her. The Morrigan appears as both a single goddess <strong>and</strong> a trio of goddesses. The other<br />
deities who form the trio are Badb ("Crow"), <strong>and</strong> either Macha (also connotes "Crow")<br />
or Nemain ("Frenzy"). The Morrigan frequently appears in the ornithological guise of<br />
a hooded crow. She is one of the Tuatha De Danaan (Tribe of the Goddess Danu) <strong>and</strong><br />
She helped defeat the Firbolgs at the First Battle of Mag Tuired <strong>and</strong> the Fomorians at<br />
the Second Battle of Mag Tuired. (C) 1996 by Danielle Ní Dhighe
Pele is my Goddess<br />
She has long <strong>and</strong> fiery hair<br />
It serves her for her bodice<br />
What else should a Goddess wear?<br />
Her heart beat breaks the planet open,<br />
lays it's juices bare;<br />
One breath from Madame Pele<br />
Will vulcanize the air.<br />
Oh, Pele, Pele, Pele, Pele,<br />
Dance across the Heavens gaily<br />
Spread your lava daily<br />
Everywhere<br />
Polynesian <strong>Gods</strong> assemble,<br />
Pele makes the isl<strong>and</strong>s tremble<br />
Makes the oceans boil<br />
And whispers brims<strong>to</strong>ne on the air.<br />
Madame Pele gaily tinkers,<br />
syrup rock <strong>and</strong> pudding clinkers<br />
Making heavy drinkers<br />
Everywhere.<br />
Pele is My Goddess
Persephone<br />
Early spring--<br />
Leo finally begins its ascent in<strong>to</strong> the night.<br />
If that lion could roar, would I be able <strong>to</strong> see its breath, a cloud of tiny<br />
stars in the indescribable sky?<br />
Far below, mottled purple fingers of skunk cabbage stab at me through frozen mud.<br />
Freeze<br />
Thaw<br />
Freeze<br />
Thaw<br />
My sap begins <strong>to</strong> run sluggish <strong>and</strong> slow, restless <strong>and</strong> silently roaring while the air<br />
unfolds.<br />
This is not like birth,<br />
not a sharp simple pain.<br />
This is an excavation,<br />
tedious <strong>and</strong> frustrating,<br />
a dipping in <strong>and</strong> out like summer pond feet dangling from the end of a dock.<br />
Persephone, how do you manage <strong>to</strong> climb all those stairs?
Greek mythology<br />
Persephone<br />
Persephone is the goddess of the underworld in Greek mythology. She is the daughter<br />
of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Demeter, goddess of the harvest. Persephone was such a beautiful girl<br />
that everyone loved her, even Hades wanted her for himself. When she was a little<br />
girl, she <strong>and</strong> the Oceanids were collecting flowers on the plain of Enna, when<br />
suddenly the Earth opened <strong>and</strong> Hades rose up from the gap <strong>and</strong> abducted her. None<br />
but Zeus had noticed it.<br />
Broken-hearted, Demeter w<strong>and</strong>ered the Earth, looking for her daughter until Helios,<br />
the all-seeing, revealed what had happened. Demeter was so angry that she withdrew<br />
herself in loneliness, <strong>and</strong> all fertility on Earth s<strong>to</strong>pped. Finally, Zeus sent Hermes<br />
down <strong>to</strong> Hades <strong>to</strong> make him release Persephone. Hades grudgingly agreed, but before<br />
she went back he gave Persephone a pomegranate <strong>to</strong> eat, thus she would always be<br />
connected <strong>to</strong> his realm <strong>and</strong> had <strong>to</strong> stay there one-third of the year. The other months<br />
she remained with her mother. When Persephone was in Hades, Demeter refused <strong>to</strong><br />
let anything grow <strong>and</strong> winter began. This myth is a symbol of the budding <strong>and</strong> dying<br />
of nature. In the Eleusinian mysteries, this happening was celebrated in honor of<br />
Demeter <strong>and</strong> Persephone, who was known in this cult as Kore.<br />
The Romans called her Proserpina.
Greek mythology<br />
Rhea<br />
In Greek mythology, Rhea is the mother of the gods, daughter of Uranus <strong>and</strong> Gaia.<br />
She is married <strong>to</strong> her brother Cronus <strong>and</strong> is the mother of Demeter, Hades, Hera,<br />
Hestia, Poseidon <strong>and</strong> Zeus.<br />
Cronus, jealous of the future power of his children <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> secure his dominion, ate his<br />
own children but Rhea managed <strong>to</strong> rescue one son, Zeus. She hid him in the Dictean<br />
Cave in Crete <strong>and</strong> gave Cronus a s<strong>to</strong>ne wrapped in the clothes of the infant, which he<br />
swallowed. Thus Rhea succeeded in making him believe that he had killed all of his<br />
children. When Zeus reached maturity he overpowered <strong>and</strong> dethroned his father <strong>and</strong><br />
made Cronus disgorge his siblings.<br />
Rhea is identified with mother goddess Cybele from Asia Minor <strong>and</strong> is also known as<br />
Rhea Cybele <strong>and</strong> Magna Mater ('great mother'). She was worshiped with orgiastic<br />
rites. Rhea is depicted between two lions or on a chariot pulled by lions.<br />
Other names: Dindumene
Roman <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aetna<br />
Aetna is the Roman mountain goddess after whom the Italian volcano Mount Etna is<br />
named.<br />
Angerona<br />
The Roman goddess of the winter solstice, Angerona is shown with a b<strong>and</strong>aged<br />
mouth with a finger <strong>to</strong> her lips comm<strong>and</strong>ing silence. Her feast the Divalia or<br />
Angeronalia was celebrated on December 21.<br />
Antevorta<br />
Antevorta is the Roman goddess of prophecy.<br />
Aurora<br />
The Roman goddess of dawn.<br />
Bellona<br />
The serpent haired goddess Bellona is often described as the feminine side of the god<br />
Mars. She represents conflict as well as peace in war.<br />
Bona Dea<br />
The "good goddess," Bona Dea became the most popular name by which the goddess<br />
Fauna or Fatua was known in Rome. She is worshipped only by women, <strong>and</strong> only in<br />
secrecy at rites in early December. Led by Vestal priestesses, these rites were held at<br />
the home of a high-ranking Roman matron. The room was decorated with vine<br />
branches <strong>and</strong> with wine flowing freely, it is thought these events were rather rowdy.<br />
Camenae<br />
These Roman water spirits dwell in freshwater springs <strong>and</strong> rivers, their most notable<br />
haunt being the sacred spring at the Porta Capena, just outside of Rome. Their name<br />
means "foretellers." Their festival, the Fontinalia, was celebrated on Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 13 by<br />
<strong>to</strong>ssing good luck wreaths in<strong>to</strong> wells.<br />
Ceres<br />
The goddess Ceres is the force of crop growth personified <strong>and</strong> celebrated by women<br />
in secret rituals.<br />
Concordia<br />
Concordia is the Roman goddess of peace <strong>and</strong> in art shown as a heavyset matron
holding cornucopia in one h<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> an olive branch in the other.<br />
Devera<br />
Devera is the Roman goddess that rules the brooms used <strong>to</strong> purify ritual sites.<br />
Diana<br />
Diana is the mother of wild animals <strong>and</strong> forests, <strong>and</strong> a moon goddess. Oak groves are<br />
especially sacred <strong>to</strong> her. She is praised for her strength, athletic grace, beauty <strong>and</strong> her<br />
hunting skills. With two other deities she made up a trinity: Egeria the water nymph,<br />
her servant <strong>and</strong> assistant midwife; <strong>and</strong> Virbius, the woodl<strong>and</strong> god.<br />
Disciplina<br />
Disciplina is the Roman goddess of discipline.<br />
Edusa<br />
Edusa is the Roman goddess who oversees the weaning of infants.<br />
Felicitas<br />
Felicitas is the goddess of good fortune, not <strong>to</strong> be confused with Fortuna.<br />
Flora<br />
Flora is the embodiment of the flowering of all of nature, including human nature.<br />
The female body was honored at the Floralia, the festival of nude women celebrated<br />
until the 3rd century A.D., when Roman authorities dem<strong>and</strong>ed revelers must wear<br />
clothes. Flora is the queen of all plants. Romans called her the secret patron of Rome,<br />
without whose help the city would die.<br />
Fons<br />
Fons is the Roman goddess of fountains.<br />
Fortuna<br />
The goddess Fortuna controls the destiny of every human being. She is the goddess<br />
who permits the fertilization of humans, animals <strong>and</strong> plants.<br />
Fraud<br />
Fraud is the Roman goddess of treachery.<br />
Juno<br />
The Roman supreme goddess is Juno, married <strong>to</strong> the ruling god, Jupiter. She is<br />
believed <strong>to</strong> watch <strong>and</strong> protect all women. Every year, on the first of March, women<br />
hold a festival in honor of Juno called the Matronalia. To this day, many people
consider the month of June, which is named after the goddess who is the patroness of<br />
marriage, <strong>to</strong> be the most favorable time <strong>to</strong> marry. The peacock is sacred <strong>to</strong> Juno.<br />
Minerva<br />
Minerva is the goddess of wisdom, commerce, crafts, <strong>and</strong> inven<strong>to</strong>r of music. Ovid<br />
called her the "goddess of a thous<strong>and</strong> works." The Romans celebrated her worship<br />
from March 19 <strong>to</strong> 23 during the Quinquatrus, the artisans' holiday.<br />
Pallor<br />
Pallor is the Roman goddess of fear.<br />
Panacea<br />
Panacea is a Roman goddess of health.<br />
Potina<br />
Potina is the goddess honored as the spirit of weaving <strong>and</strong> of drinking.<br />
Proserpine<br />
Proserpine is the counterpart of the Greek goddess, Persephone. She was kidnapped<br />
by Plu<strong>to</strong> <strong>and</strong> taken <strong>to</strong> his underworld <strong>and</strong> made queen of the dead.<br />
Providentia<br />
Providentia is a Roman goddess whose name means "forethought."<br />
Puta<br />
Puta is the Roman goddess of tree pruning.<br />
Salus<br />
Salus is a Roman goddess of health.<br />
Tellus Mater<br />
The Roman "Mother Earth" is the constant companion of Ceres, <strong>and</strong> the two of them<br />
are patrons of vegetative <strong>and</strong> human reproduction. Tellus is also the mother death<br />
goddess since the dead are returned in<strong>to</strong> her womb, the earth.<br />
Tempestates<br />
Tempestates is the Roman goddess of wind <strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>rm.<br />
Unxia<br />
Unxia is the Roman goddess of wedding anointment.
Sentia<br />
Sentia is the Roman goddess who heightens feelings.<br />
Venus<br />
As the goddess of love, Venus is the "queen of pleasure" <strong>and</strong> mother of the Roman<br />
people. She is married <strong>to</strong> Vulcan, the lame god of the forge. She is also associated with<br />
her lover, Mars the god of war. She is also a nature goddess, associated with the<br />
arrival of spring. Venus is the bringer of joy <strong>to</strong> gods <strong>and</strong> humans.<br />
Verplace<br />
Verplace is the Roman goddess of family harmony.
Selene<br />
Greek goddess of the moon. Daughter of the Titans Hyperion <strong>and</strong> Theia. Sister of<br />
Helios (sun) <strong>and</strong> Eos (dawn). Mother of P<strong>and</strong>ia by Zeus, <strong>and</strong> of fifty daughters by<br />
Endymion. She rode across the sky in a chariot drawn by two white horses. Also a<br />
tutelary deity of magicians. Selene was sometimes identified with Artemis as a moon<br />
goddess. She became synchronized with Hekate in later Greek mythology. The<br />
Romans equated her with Luna.
Selene 2<br />
The Greek Goddess of the Full Moon, Selene is daughter of Hyperion <strong>and</strong> Theia <strong>and</strong><br />
one of the deities of light during the dynasty of the Titans. She represents the full<br />
moon phase of the lunar cycle, along with Artemis (the crescent new moon) <strong>and</strong><br />
Hecate (the waning moon), Like her brother Helius, she drives a chariot through the<br />
sky each night; hers is usually drawn by two horses.<br />
By Zeus, she is the mother of P<strong>and</strong>ia (All-bright) <strong>and</strong> Ersa (Dew). By Endymion, she<br />
is mother of 50 daughters, who represent the 50 lunar months that elapse between<br />
each Olympiad. The days of the full <strong>and</strong> new moon were set aside for her worship.<br />
As the myth goes, Selene saw Endymion, a shepherd, asleep in a cave on Mt. Latmus<br />
one night. She fell in love with him, <strong>and</strong> began <strong>to</strong> neglect her duties <strong>to</strong> lie beside him<br />
as he slept. In some s<strong>to</strong>ries, Zeus grants Endymion perpetual sleep with perpetual<br />
youth, so that Selene would resume her duties. In others, Selene herself puts him <strong>to</strong><br />
sleep.<br />
Selene is often closely identified with Artemis <strong>and</strong> Hecate, both of whom are moon<br />
goddesses as well. It is said that this was the name the Triple Goddess Hecate was<br />
honored by when she was in the realm of heaven. Selene is of great importance in<br />
magick, spells <strong>and</strong> enchantments.
Selene 3<br />
Selene is the Greek Moon Goddess <strong>and</strong> teacher <strong>to</strong> Magicians, <strong>and</strong> sorcerers. She is<br />
shown as a beautiful, pale woman in a chariot drawn by either two white horses or a<br />
mule.
Snake Woman Shedding Her Skin<br />
The Goddess we usually call Crone is shown with a young <strong>and</strong> a middle-aged face as<br />
well. In Goddess spirituality, the idea that the Divine has many faces is well accepted.<br />
We're comfortable with the notion that the Divine appears in different ways <strong>to</strong><br />
different people. One of the best characteristics of Goddess religion, in fact, is this<br />
acceptance that others' visions are as valid as your own most precious beliefs. You<br />
don't have <strong>to</strong> make a strong argument for ecumenism among truly devoted Goddess<br />
worshipers.<br />
For me, though, it was one thing <strong>to</strong> acknowledge the many-paths-up-the-mountain<br />
argument in the abstract. It was something entirely different <strong>to</strong> realize it through<br />
direct experience. When I was a Goddess worshiper, I paid lip service <strong>to</strong> ecumenism,<br />
but I didn't really believe it. I disdained the patriarchal religions, especially the one<br />
that dominates my own culture. I truly believed that any woman who practiced<br />
Christianity, Judaism or Islam was little more than an obliging doormat. And, even<br />
though I didn't express it openly, I felt that anyone who chose <strong>to</strong> follow these faiths<br />
was misguided, incorrect, <strong>and</strong> maybe just a little cowardly not <strong>to</strong> break free of them. I<br />
was even a little smug about it.<br />
I don't think Goddess cares for self-righteousness, <strong>and</strong> She had a way of dealing with<br />
my attitude. My love of nature, that had brought me <strong>to</strong> Goddess in the first place, led<br />
me <strong>to</strong> the writings of Matthew Fox. Now, how a feminist Goddess follower ever<br />
looked at his writings in the first place, those of a Christian, <strong>and</strong>, on <strong>to</strong>p of that, a guy,<br />
still amazes me. It happened, as miracles seem <strong>to</strong>, inexplicably. I read Fox's book<br />
called Original Blessing, <strong>and</strong> was captivated from the first paragraph. Fox spoke of the<br />
Word of God. The Word was not just blind acceptance of some ancient mythology,<br />
but a living force of Creation. And Creation itself was not some static event in the<br />
inconceivable past, but a dynamic, moving, ever-new process. The Word was alive. It<br />
was awe, joy, mystery, <strong>and</strong> ecstasy. I could feel it. I saw the Word in everything, from<br />
tree branches against the gray morning sky <strong>to</strong> my h<strong>and</strong>s grasping a pencil. My life of<br />
spirit became deeper <strong>and</strong> richer. Before I had the chance <strong>to</strong> catch my breath, I was<br />
talking <strong>to</strong> an Episcopal priest about being baptized. Goddess, clearly, has a sense of<br />
humor. Little Ms. Smarty Pants who had all the answers woke up one day <strong>and</strong> found<br />
herself turned in<strong>to</strong> a Christian.<br />
Goddess used <strong>to</strong> be absolutely real for me. Now the Word fills my vision. I don't see<br />
this as one supplanting the other. It's more of a transformation, where Goddess<br />
worshiper became Creation-centered Christian like Snake Woman shedding Her skin.<br />
In no way do I feel I've turned away from Goddess. Goddess is just no longer how I
conceive of the Mystery. It's just a matter of what I see when I look <strong>to</strong>ward the<br />
inexpressible. This spiritual shape-shifting has made the unity of all light-seeking<br />
faiths real for me. We really are all one. As if we all hear the Cosmic sound <strong>and</strong> sing<br />
back a different note in the harmony.<br />
So, here I am, in my new skin, still in SisterSpirit, still participating in circle, still<br />
loving Goddess, really, but now as a Christian, with a different perspective, with<br />
added dimension, <strong>and</strong> reveling in every aspect of the irony. If you don't believe She<br />
changes everything She <strong>to</strong>uches, you'd better look behind you. May the peace of the<br />
Christ be ever in our hearts. Om. Amen. Blessed be.
Sophia<br />
Name Name: Name Sophia which is the Greek version of Her name, other names <strong>and</strong> titles are<br />
Hohkma (Hebrew), Sapienta (Latin), Mother-Of-All (Gnostic), Holy Spirit (very early<br />
Christians), Wisdom (what the other names mean).<br />
Symbols Symbols: Symbols A cup, the crescent moon, a dove, a tree.<br />
Usual Usual Image Image: Image Image A red winged woman, crowned with seven stars, at Her feet lies the<br />
World, She carries a golden cup. She is also often shown wearing a red gown, <strong>and</strong><br />
pregnant.<br />
Holy Holy Days Days: Days November 28th is the Day of Sophia.<br />
Holy Holy Books Books: Books The Tratta<strong>to</strong> Gnostico. The Clementine Homilies. The Gospel According<br />
<strong>to</strong> Mary.<br />
Place Place of of Worship Worship: Worship <strong>Temple</strong>s, but also places of learning.<br />
Relatives Relatives: Relatives Yahway (ex-husb<strong>and</strong>), Adam, Eve, Lilith, angels (children), Jesus Christ<br />
(step-son).<br />
Synodieties Synodieties: Synodieties Isis (Egyptian), Juno (Roman), Hera (Greek), Frigga (Norse) Spider<br />
Gr<strong>and</strong>mother (Native American), Inanna (Sumerian), Tara (Tibetan) Yemaya<br />
(African-Caribbean), Amaterasu (Japanese), Pachamama (Incan), Estsanatlehi,<br />
Changing Woman (Navajo <strong>and</strong> Apache), Danu (Celtic).<br />
Details Details: Details Sophia, or Hohkma or Sapienta etc. is the primary female figure of Judeo-<br />
Christianity, She was once very important, but because of the efforts of men who had<br />
a very serious problem with the female force in nature <strong>and</strong> themselves She has all but<br />
been expunged from modern Bibles. She was the veiled holy spirit of wisdom,<br />
pregnant with knowledge <strong>and</strong> inviting us <strong>to</strong> drink deeply from Her cup. Old Jewish<br />
literature tells of Her role as God's co-crea<strong>to</strong>r, "She reaches out from one end of the<br />
earth <strong>to</strong> the other with full strength <strong>and</strong> orders all things well Herself unchanging,<br />
she makes all things anew." without Her God is powerless. She shares God's throne,<br />
<strong>and</strong> is his creative breath. The Shakers recognized her in the rhyme: "Wisdom holds<br />
the Mother's seat, <strong>and</strong> is the Father's helper-meet." Yes, it's time that Mrs. God got<br />
Her due!<br />
Gnostics Gnostics And And Sophia<br />
Sophia
Gnosticism (Gnost = knowledge) was one of the very earliest forms of Christianity<br />
being some what older then what became the Roman Catholic Church, <strong>and</strong> one of it's<br />
chief rivals during the first part of the first millennium. They sought communion<br />
with Sige (Silence) who dwelt at the beginning of all things <strong>and</strong> gave birth <strong>to</strong> Sophia<br />
(Wisdom or Knowledge), The Gnostic Great Mother, who was both spouse <strong>and</strong><br />
mother of God. (Hey! it's how they thought back then, read your Joseph Campbell.)<br />
What became the orthodox church especially hated the Gnostic feminine imagery.<br />
Followers of Paul denounced the Gnostics as the spawn of Satan <strong>and</strong> ravening wolves<br />
in human form, <strong>and</strong> both devil worshipers <strong>and</strong> atheists, <strong>and</strong> other insults Christians<br />
used against other Christians of a different type in those times, <strong>and</strong> for that matter<br />
<strong>to</strong>day against other religions that they don't like <strong>to</strong>day.<br />
Starting mainly in the 4th <strong>and</strong> going through the 8th the Paulist church persecuted<br />
any Gnostic minorities that they could find, killing them in the thous<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Church fathers of the Paulist type were very upset <strong>and</strong> angry by the Gnostics<br />
admitting women <strong>to</strong> ecclesiastical rank. Tertullian reported with horror that "All<br />
initiates, men <strong>and</strong> women alike might be elected <strong>to</strong> serve as priest, bishop, or prophet.<br />
Beyond that the women teach, engage in discussion; they exorcise; they cure. They<br />
even baptize <strong>and</strong> in all way have equally, they pray equally -- even Pagans, if any<br />
happen <strong>to</strong> come.They also share the kiss of peace with all who come."<br />
Some sects of Gnosticism even went so far as <strong>to</strong> say that there were twelve female<br />
apostles lead by the beloved of Jesus Mary Magdalene, <strong>and</strong> that while Jesus was the<br />
real God made flesh, Mary Magdalene was the real Goddess also made flesh, most of<br />
their gospels pertaining <strong>to</strong> this were destroyed by the early Paulist, though some have<br />
survived.<br />
In return for what the other Christians had <strong>to</strong> say about them the Gnostics said that<br />
the God of the Roman church was not the real God but was a devilish demiurge who<br />
only wanted <strong>to</strong> entrap human souls in lies, illusion, <strong>and</strong> evil.<br />
But what about some of these differences that are <strong>to</strong> be found between the Gnostics<br />
who had a Yahway <strong>and</strong> Sophia, <strong>and</strong> the Paulist who had only Jehovah <strong>and</strong> Jesus? Lets<br />
take a short look at the Gnostic version of the Garden of Eden myth next.<br />
The Gnostics said that Sophia was born from the primordial female power Sige<br />
(Silence). And that she (Sophia) was God's mother, "the great revered Virgin in whom<br />
the Father was concealed from the beginning before He had created anything. Sophia<br />
gave birth <strong>to</strong> a male spirit, Christ, (who only much later came <strong>to</strong> earth in human
form) <strong>and</strong> a female spirit Achamoth (who later came <strong>to</strong> earth as Mary Magdalene).<br />
These two gave birth <strong>to</strong> the elements <strong>and</strong> the terrestrial world, then brought forth a<br />
new god named Jehovah, Son of Darkness, along with five planetary spirits later<br />
regarded as emanations of Jehovah: Iao, Sabaoth, Adonai, Eloi, <strong>and</strong> Uraeus. These<br />
spirits produced archangels, angels, <strong>and</strong> finally men <strong>and</strong> women.<br />
Jehovah forbade men <strong>to</strong> eat the fruit of knowledge, but his mother Achamoth sent<br />
her own spirit <strong>to</strong> earth in the form of the serpent Ophis <strong>to</strong> teach men kind <strong>to</strong> disobey<br />
the jealous god. The serpent was also called Christ, who taught Adam <strong>to</strong> eat the fruit<br />
of knowledge despite Jehovah's prohibition.<br />
Sophia sent Christ again <strong>to</strong> earth in the shape of one of Her <strong>to</strong>tems the dove, <strong>to</strong> enter<br />
the man Jesus at his baptism in Jordan. After Jesus died, Christ left his body <strong>and</strong><br />
returned <strong>to</strong> heaven <strong>to</strong> help collect souls.<br />
But not all of Sophia was taken out of the final version of the Bible by the Paulist,<br />
some was able <strong>to</strong> slip past i.e. from the 8th <strong>and</strong> 9th chapters Proverbs we see the early<br />
conflict between followers of Sophia <strong>and</strong> those of God. Maybe the divorce was going<br />
on at this time?:<br />
Doth not Sophia cry? <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing put forth her voice? She st<strong>and</strong>eth in the <strong>to</strong>p<br />
of high places, by way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry<br />
of the city, at the coming in of the doors. Un<strong>to</strong> you, O men, I call; <strong>and</strong> my voice is <strong>to</strong><br />
the sons of man. O ye simple, underst<strong>and</strong> Sophia: <strong>and</strong>, ye fools, be ye of an<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; <strong>and</strong> the opening of my<br />
lips shall be right things for Sophia is better then rubies; <strong>and</strong> all the things that may<br />
be desired are not <strong>to</strong> be compared <strong>to</strong> Her. I Sophia dwell with prudence, <strong>and</strong> find out<br />
knowledge of witty inventions. Counsel is mine, <strong>and</strong> sound wisdom; I am<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing; I have strength. By me kings reign, <strong>and</strong> princes decree justice. By me<br />
princes rule, <strong>and</strong> nobles, even all judges of the earth. I love them that love me; <strong>and</strong><br />
those that seek me early shall find me. I lead the way in<strong>to</strong> righteousness, jin the midst<br />
of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me <strong>to</strong> inherit substance;<br />
<strong>and</strong> I will fill their treasures. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at<br />
my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For who so findeth me findeth life. But he<br />
that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.<br />
Then we get:<br />
Sophia hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed<br />
her beasts: she hath mingled her wine: she hath also furnished her table. She hath<br />
sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city. Who so is<br />
simple, let him turn in hither; as for him that wanteth underst<strong>and</strong>ing, she saith <strong>to</strong>
him, Come, eat of my bread, <strong>and</strong> drink of the wine which I have mingled, but the fear<br />
of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: <strong>and</strong> the knowledge of the holy is<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, <strong>and</strong> the years of thy life shall<br />
be increased a foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, <strong>and</strong> knoweth nothing. For<br />
she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high place of the city, temples <strong>to</strong><br />
call passengers who go right on their ways: who so is simple, let him turn in hither.<br />
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; <strong>and</strong> her guests are in the depths of hell.<br />
Sounds like the nasty sort of thing that goes on in a lot of divorces <strong>to</strong> me. Or at least a<br />
heated PR battle.<br />
Lets say that the campaign <strong>to</strong> bring Sophia (or Sapienta or Hohkma or Goddess which<br />
ever) is a success, what are some of the effects that it might have? I mean other then<br />
the religious aspects, I mean also the political or more mundane aspects, because as it<br />
is now while women make up the majority of those that do do anything in the churches<br />
the power is in the h<strong>and</strong>s of men, well, with Sophia back thinks would have <strong>to</strong> loosen<br />
up more then a little bit, so what are some of the changes that could take place?<br />
Catholicism<br />
Catholicism<br />
Sure they have nuns, but that does not count because even they have <strong>to</strong> have a Priest<br />
that is over them (I think I'm really not sure about the details). So with the return of<br />
Sophia we could see also the Catholic Priestess who would have her very on<br />
sacraments <strong>and</strong> everything (see following message) <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> be sure they could also<br />
become bishops <strong>and</strong> cardinals I underst<strong>and</strong> that such things were quite common way<br />
back when.<br />
And Pope? There was Pope Joan, but she had <strong>to</strong> be in disguise <strong>to</strong> do that. And all that<br />
Pope stuff did not start till well after the last of the Sophiaist had been offed.<br />
But I know the perfect compromise, there is a lot of controversy in the Roman<br />
Catholic church right now between people who think that Priest should be able <strong>to</strong><br />
marry, <strong>and</strong> those that think things should stay just as they are. But if you let Priest<br />
marry who knows what would happen! After all nobody can underst<strong>and</strong> anybody<br />
else's choices in books or mates, <strong>and</strong> if you're Catholic what would you do if Father<br />
Dan showed up one day married <strong>to</strong> a Yahway's Witness or a nice Jewish girl?! You<br />
know what gossips church people can be, well here's the solution, let them get<br />
married, but only <strong>to</strong> Priestesses, sure that cuts down the field a lot but hey! that's<br />
<strong>to</strong>ugh, it comes with the terri<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Protestantism<br />
Protestantism<br />
Now here's a group that needs some work, ever seen some of the more hard-core
groups with the men in their Penta-Pimp suits <strong>and</strong> the poofyed up hair-dos <strong>and</strong> their<br />
drab mousey wife’s who never seem <strong>to</strong> say anything? I think there is more then room<br />
for a little loosening up <strong>to</strong> be done there, <strong>and</strong> in the more average protestant churches<br />
<strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Along with the minister have a womanizer, yeah that would work, maybe having<br />
another power would help cut down on the power tripping that often takes place.<br />
And just think, one more person <strong>to</strong> gossip about!<br />
Judaism<br />
Judaism<br />
Sorry, I really don't know enough about Judaism <strong>to</strong> talk about changes that might<br />
take place with the return of a Goddess figure, but I'm sure it would have <strong>to</strong> mean<br />
something, right?<br />
All All Judeo Judeo-Christianity<br />
Judeo Christianity<br />
One thing that is <strong>to</strong> be found in all Christian religious groups is the male-force<br />
version of the leader, no matter if he is called Priest, minister or what, who is let's<br />
face it more matter how you might like <strong>to</strong> not look at it, is for the most part a political<br />
figure, somebody in charge, so that you have a lot of religion but very, very little if<br />
any real spirituality.<br />
Perhaps that could be fixed with the return of Sophia because with the return of a<br />
Female element <strong>to</strong> a religion you open up the door <strong>to</strong> the possibility of the Christian<br />
Shaman, something that the world has yet <strong>to</strong> see, this person could be ether male or<br />
female <strong>and</strong> well I think this needs it's own message.<br />
Even if you are not Catholic yourself I am sure that you are at least somewhat familiar<br />
with each of the seven sacraments that a priest can perform as part of his office. Just<br />
for the record they are listed below.<br />
The seven sacraments that a priest of the Roman Catholic church can perform are:<br />
1. Baptism 2. Communion (eucharist) 3. Confirmation 4. Marriage 5. Priesthood 6.<br />
Sacrament of the Sick (formerly known as 'last rites') 7. Reconciliation (confession)<br />
Now, what would be the case if a campaign <strong>to</strong> return Sophia <strong>to</strong> Judeo-Christianity<br />
were <strong>to</strong> succeed? There would be no need <strong>to</strong> take anything away from the priests, or<br />
even for them <strong>to</strong> share the seven sacraments for that matter, I think that the priestess<br />
would have plenty <strong>to</strong> do with the seven sacraments of the Priestesshood:<br />
1. Pre-Baptism (sacred midwifery) To attend in a number of ways <strong>to</strong> the spiritual <strong>and</strong><br />
physical needs of pregnant women, blessing the child, doing some rite at the birth
etc.<br />
2. Blessing the Cup. Rite by which a cup of milk or water is imbued with the essence<br />
of Sophia.<br />
3. Bake the Love in. Rite in which an entire meal is imbued with the essence of<br />
Sophia.<br />
4. Match-Making. Something that is badly needed before the Priest can do the<br />
marriage bit. a number of ways in which the compatibility is tested between two<br />
people, also the aiding of finding a suitable match. ("Nu! have I got a girl for you!")<br />
5. Nag. Sort of like confession, only while one is <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>to</strong> the priest this one is <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>to</strong><br />
you by the priestess, sort of like nagging, but in a good way, a way of pointing out<br />
where some improvement could be made, all under the influence of Sophia <strong>and</strong> not<br />
the good Mother herself naturally. Maybe it could start out by the Priestess saying<br />
something like "Watch it buster, for you have sinned" or something like that.<br />
6. Tidy-Up. Rite <strong>to</strong> "clean-up" the spiritual "being" of the person in question, sort of<br />
like all that aura cleaning that the New Agers do.<br />
7. Make-Over. Training that lets the Priestess note changes that would be helpful if<br />
they were made in an individual, sort of like that Hail Mary thing, only the Priestess<br />
would assign things of a more tangible form. Like giving me one week with no beer<br />
drinking, or such like.<br />
The White Goddess. Robert Graves.<br />
Forerunners <strong>and</strong> Rivals of Christianity. (2 vols.) Francis Legge.<br />
The Gnostic Religion. Hans Jonas.<br />
Venus in Sackcloth. Marjorie Malvern.<br />
Myths <strong>to</strong> Live By. Joseph Campbell.<br />
The Gnostic Gospels. Elaine Pagels.<br />
When God Was a Woman. Merlin S<strong>to</strong>ne.<br />
The Lady Was a Bishop. Joan Morris.<br />
Spiral Dance. Starhawk.<br />
The Book of <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> Heroines. Patricia Monagham.<br />
The <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Tree. Ellen Cannon Reed.<br />
Urban Shaman. Serge Kahili King.<br />
Growing the Tree Within. William Gray.<br />
The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths <strong>and</strong> Secrets. Barbara G. Walker.
The Crone<br />
The Dark Mother is the most misunders<strong>to</strong>od of the triple aspects of the Goddess. Her<br />
color is Black <strong>and</strong> she absorbs everything, including light <strong>and</strong> life. The dark of the<br />
Moon is Her time, the Abyss <strong>and</strong> darkness of space is Her home. Her number is nine,<br />
symbolizing wisdom <strong>and</strong> sacred magick. Nine is also the number of completion <strong>and</strong><br />
the completion of beginnings is the Crone's place in the cycle of birth-life-death.<br />
The greatest fear in Western Society is the fear of death <strong>and</strong> so many have turned<br />
away from this face of our Mother. We see this in our fevered need for eternal "youth<br />
<strong>and</strong> beauty" (as defined by society) <strong>and</strong> in the medical community's fight against<br />
aging <strong>and</strong> death. Who among us had not had a friend or family member kept "alive"<br />
on life support long after the soul has left the body <strong>to</strong> resume its journey?<br />
We also see this turning away in the way this country treats its elderly. At a time of<br />
life in which a person should be venerated for wisdom <strong>and</strong> knowledge they could<br />
pass on <strong>to</strong> the young ones among us, the elderly are at best "taken care of" (read: loss<br />
of privacy, dignity <strong>and</strong> freedom) or at worst completely ignored. Advanced age<br />
should be a time <strong>to</strong> look forward <strong>to</strong> in our lives. We should be able <strong>to</strong> look back <strong>and</strong><br />
remember all that has happened <strong>to</strong> us with wisdom <strong>and</strong> good humor. We should be<br />
given the chance <strong>to</strong> relax <strong>and</strong> rest <strong>and</strong> contemplate our lives in preparation of a joyful<br />
reunion with the Dark Mother, come <strong>to</strong> take us in<strong>to</strong> Her starry womb once more.<br />
Instead, because we don't build a comfortable relationship with the Crone early in<br />
our lives, near the end all we feel is frustration <strong>and</strong> fear.<br />
How do we build a relationship with the Crone, this Dark Mother who upholds the<br />
laws of life <strong>and</strong> death with a rigorous need for balance that may seem so many times<br />
harsh <strong>to</strong> us? Forest we must realize that Death is not the only domain of the Crone.<br />
Endings of all sorts fall under Her sway, <strong>and</strong> endings always lead <strong>to</strong> new beginnings.<br />
You can get in <strong>to</strong>uch with the Crone during many transitional periods in your life;<br />
during the ending of relationships or jobs, when you need <strong>to</strong> regroup your energies,<br />
at the end of a project or problem, even when you are getting your garden ready for<br />
the winter. The Dark Mother also covers trance states, spirit communication, <strong>and</strong><br />
prophecy. Menopause is also a time <strong>to</strong> learn about the Crone aspect of the Goddess.<br />
Crone magick is not all that different from Her other three aspects, one must simply<br />
remember that the Crone is not a Goddess of birth, but the harvesting <strong>and</strong> resting of<br />
all life. One may use meditation, c<strong>and</strong>le burning <strong>and</strong> other general <strong>to</strong>ols of magick <strong>to</strong><br />
draw Her energies near. Her power may be called upon with dark c<strong>and</strong>les such as
lack, dark blues, or deep purples. Another of Her magickal domains is retribution,<br />
but you must be certain that you are justified in your need. Do not ask for revenge<br />
(remember the Low of Three!), do not be specific in anything that you want done.<br />
Simply lay the problem before Her <strong>and</strong> allow Her <strong>to</strong> decide whether or not there has<br />
been a true imbalance of justice.<br />
At the Winter Solstice, you can burn white, red <strong>and</strong> black c<strong>and</strong>les <strong>to</strong> be reminded<br />
that everything is born, lives <strong>and</strong> dies <strong>to</strong> be born again.<br />
In the end, all must confront the Dark Mother, willing or unwillingly. How much<br />
better it would be <strong>to</strong> realize that She is not <strong>to</strong> be dreaded, a figure in black come <strong>to</strong><br />
take us away from all we know <strong>and</strong> love, but a loving Goddess come <strong>to</strong> take us home<br />
so that we may rest <strong>and</strong> revive <strong>and</strong> begin our journey on the Wheel of Life once<br />
more.
The Dark Goddess<br />
The Dark Goddess is no lightweight. She promises trouble, an end <strong>to</strong> form as we have<br />
know it, the death of the ego. Her mythology suggests that she is venomous, wrathful,<br />
outraged, awake <strong>and</strong> on fire. She is impersonal, yet she erupts form deep within the<br />
human psyche with unexpected passion <strong>and</strong> rage. She is transformation in the<br />
extreme, <strong>and</strong> her power is regenerative <strong>and</strong> healing. Like a trickster, she frees us from<br />
the trappings that bind us <strong>to</strong> your tiny personal worlds; like a knife she cuts away all<br />
that is inessential <strong>and</strong> untruthful. She shatters structure, disintegrates the personality,<br />
destroys form. She liberates <strong>and</strong> saves, heals <strong>and</strong> frees.<br />
There is an inherent problem with the reappearance of the Dark Goddess in the<br />
world <strong>to</strong>day, <strong>and</strong> more personally in women's individual lives. When she was<br />
repressed, <strong>and</strong> her priestesses disempowered, she was also "demonized" by the new<br />
ruling elite. What had always belonged <strong>to</strong> Her was the power <strong>to</strong> interpret <strong>and</strong> carry<br />
out "natural law" in individual <strong>and</strong> community lives. The powers of life <strong>and</strong> death<br />
were hers, <strong>and</strong> we humans approached her with awe <strong>and</strong> respect. When female roles<br />
were replaced by male priests <strong>and</strong> shamans <strong>and</strong> temples became places where rules<br />
<strong>and</strong> regulations were made <strong>and</strong> held as 'comm<strong>and</strong>ments', the Dark Goddess was<br />
maligned <strong>and</strong> made evil.<br />
Women carry this malignant definition of female power in our cells <strong>to</strong>day. When the<br />
Dark Goddess begins <strong>to</strong> erupt in us, instead of rage at the wrongs that have been<br />
done, many women feel guilty <strong>and</strong> ashamed, as if something 'demonic' were<br />
awakening within them. What is this terrible force that makes a woman scream at<br />
her lover, rage at the authorities, <strong>and</strong> rail at God? When the Dark Goddess enters in<strong>to</strong><br />
the lives of even the most 'ordinary' women, She turns them in<strong>to</strong> troublemakers.<br />
Certainly the world around us defines Her presence as demonic <strong>and</strong> destructive. Little<br />
old ladies march for abortion; mothers <strong>and</strong> housewives leave the fold <strong>and</strong> take up<br />
with 'uppity' women; women of all ages <strong>and</strong> types s<strong>to</strong>p being 'nice'. If ever there was<br />
a revolutionary deity, the Dark Goddess is it!<br />
I love the Dark Goddess – worship her, pledge allegiance <strong>to</strong> the changes She would<br />
bring in my life <strong>and</strong> others – yet when She visits my life, I feel as if I am in an<br />
earthquake, a volcano, a tidal wave of terrible proportions. And through Her<br />
visitations come the ability <strong>to</strong> "feel" – on a visceral level, in the body – the creative<br />
power <strong>and</strong> expression of the earth itself. As She says "no no no!" no <strong>to</strong> what was; <strong>and</strong> "yes yes yes!" yes <strong>to</strong><br />
what isn't quite yet, She forces us <strong>to</strong> jump the inevitable gap between the past <strong>and</strong> the<br />
future.
Transformation always involves a death of the old, a moment of <strong>to</strong>tal, unknown<br />
voidness when we are naturally afraid, <strong>and</strong> a breathless leap in<strong>to</strong> the renewal when<br />
we are "reborn". It is imperative that we surrender <strong>to</strong> the death <strong>and</strong> let go in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
unknown before we can experience <strong>and</strong> appreciate the rebirth. It is this amazing<br />
doorway between death <strong>and</strong> rebirth that the Dark Goddess guards.
The Gaea Thesis<br />
In order <strong>to</strong> underst<strong>and</strong> the nature of the All-Mother, we must first underst<strong>and</strong> our<br />
own origins. Each of began our individual life as a single, fertilized cell or zygote. In<br />
the process of its innumerable divisions <strong>and</strong> multiplications, that cell kept dividing up<br />
<strong>and</strong> redistributing the very same pro<strong>to</strong>plasm. That pro<strong>to</strong>plasm which now courses<br />
through all of the several trillion cells of your adult body is the very same substance<br />
which once coursed through the bossy of that original zygote. For when a cell<br />
reproduces, the mother cell does not remain intact, but actually becomes the two new<br />
daughter cells. And this is why, no matter how many times a cell fissions in the<br />
process of embryological development, all the daughter cells collectively continue <strong>to</strong><br />
comprise but one single organism. We may imagine that, should our cells have<br />
consciousness akin <strong>to</strong> our own, they may very well fancy themselves <strong>to</strong> be<br />
independent entities living <strong>and</strong> dying in a world that <strong>to</strong> them would seem <strong>to</strong> be<br />
merely an inanimate environment. But we know them <strong>to</strong> be in fact minute<br />
components of the far vaster living beings that we ourselves are.<br />
Over four billion years ago, life on Earth began, as do we all, with a single living cell<br />
containing a replicating molecule of DNA. From that point on that original cell, the<br />
first <strong>to</strong> develop the awesome capacity for reproduction, divided <strong>and</strong> redivided <strong>and</strong><br />
subdivided its pro<strong>to</strong>plasm in<strong>to</strong> the myriads of plants <strong>and</strong> animals, including ourselves,<br />
which now inhabit this third planet from the Sun.<br />
But no matter how many times a cell fissions in the process of embryological<br />
development, all the daughter cells collectively continue <strong>to</strong> comprise but one single<br />
organism. All life on Earth comprises the body of single vast living being — Mother<br />
Earth Herself. The Moon is Her radiant heart, <strong>and</strong> in the tides beat the pulse of Her<br />
blood. That pro<strong>to</strong>plasm which coursed through the body of that first primeval<br />
ancestral cell is the very pro<strong>to</strong>plasm which now courses through every cell of every<br />
living organism, plant or animal, of our planet. And the soul of our planetary<br />
biosphere is She whom we call Goddess.<br />
"First life on my sources<br />
First drifted <strong>and</strong> swam<br />
Out of me are the forces<br />
Which save it or damn<br />
Out of man <strong>and</strong> woman<br />
And wild-beast <strong>and</strong> bird"
Goddess<br />
Goddess<br />
Name Name<br />
Name<br />
The Goddess Known by Many Names<br />
Triple<br />
Triple<br />
Aspect Aspect<br />
Aspect<br />
Geographical<br />
Geographical<br />
Origin Origin<br />
Origin<br />
Symbols Symbols <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Titles<br />
Titles<br />
Aphrodite Mother Greece Goddess of Love <strong>and</strong> Beauty, Most<br />
Beautiful, born from the Sea<br />
Ariadne Mother Crete Silver Thread, the Deep Sea, Guide of<br />
Souls through the Labyrinth<br />
Artemis Maiden Greece Moon Goddess, Virgin Goddess of the<br />
Hunt<br />
Astarte Mother Greece The Star, Goddess of Fertility <strong>and</strong> Love<br />
Athena Maiden Greece The White Owl, the Shield. Born from<br />
Her father’s head<br />
Bast Maiden Egypt Feline Goddess, Goddess of Beauty <strong>and</strong><br />
Dance<br />
Brigid Mother Irel<strong>and</strong> Goddess of the Forge, Smithcraft, Healing,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Poetry<br />
Cerridwen Crone Wales The Cauldron, Goddess of Mysteries,<br />
Creation, <strong>and</strong> Inspiration<br />
Demeter Mother Greece Grain, the Fruitful Earth, Mother <strong>to</strong><br />
Persephone<br />
Diana Maiden Rome The Moon, Bow <strong>and</strong> Arrow, Mother of<br />
Aradia<br />
Hathor Maiden Egypt Crescent Moon, Cow Goddess<br />
Hecate Crone Greece The Cave, the cauldron, Wise Woman,<br />
Crone of Wisdom<br />
Inanna Mother Sumer Queen of Heaven, Goddess of Descent <strong>and</strong><br />
Resurrection<br />
Ishtar Mother Babylon River of Life, Lady of Vic<strong>to</strong>ry, King Maker<br />
Isis Mother Egypt Solar Disc, Crescent Moon, Throne,<br />
Mother of All Beings
Kali Crone India Destroyer of Illusions, Wearer of Skulls,<br />
Dances Upon the Burning Ground<br />
Kwan Yin Mother China Lotus, Goddess of Peace, Love,<br />
Compassion, <strong>and</strong> Mercy<br />
Rhiannon Maiden Celtic Goddess of Death <strong>and</strong> Rebirth, the Great<br />
Queen, Horse Goddess, with three birds<br />
She releases the living from life <strong>and</strong><br />
resurrects the dead<br />
Sekhmet Mother Egypt Lionheaded Goddess of Strength, Warrior<br />
Goddess<br />
Tara Mother India, Tibet Mother of All Activities, Goddess of<br />
Twenty-One Aspects
The Hymn <strong>to</strong> Demeter<br />
With the coming of each spring we begin <strong>to</strong> feel the returning pulse of life all around<br />
us. The earth <strong>and</strong> all that is living upon her is waking from a wintry sleep <strong>and</strong> is<br />
bursting with life. As we walk outside <strong>and</strong> feel the chill of a beautiful spring morning,<br />
look around at the spring flowers blooming, <strong>and</strong> listen for the birds singing...<br />
something special happens <strong>to</strong> all of us. All of these wonderful sensations have been<br />
felt by all of the Goddess's children throughout time. <strong>Our</strong> ances<strong>to</strong>rs celebrated the<br />
turning of the wheel <strong>and</strong> the coming of spring with many s<strong>to</strong>ries <strong>and</strong> myths that<br />
reflect the importance of this time of the year.<br />
One of my personal favorites is the Homeric "Hymn <strong>to</strong> Demeter". The Homeric<br />
"Hymn <strong>to</strong> Demeter" was originally an oral epic sung <strong>to</strong> the ancient audience telling of<br />
the kidnapping of Persephone by Aidoneus or Hades. I would like <strong>to</strong> share this myth<br />
with you <strong>and</strong> wish all of you a most wonderful <strong>and</strong> blessed spring.<br />
Many years ago, when the earth was not so old <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> walked<br />
among mortals, the maiden Persephone, daughter of Demeter, gathered flowers in a<br />
meadow. In the meadow there grew a beautiful narcissus. Because of it's great<br />
beauty, Persephone approached the plant . When she reached out <strong>to</strong> pluck the<br />
beautiful flower, the earth split asunder <strong>and</strong> Aidoneus, lord of the underworld, came<br />
out <strong>and</strong> grabbed her. Persephone cried <strong>to</strong> her father Zeus <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> her mother<br />
Demeter... yet <strong>to</strong> no avail. The mountains echoed her cry <strong>and</strong> a great pain struck<br />
Demeter as she heard her child crying.<br />
Demeter sought out her daughter. She searched <strong>and</strong> searched, yet no one would tell<br />
her what had happened <strong>to</strong> her daughter. Demeter, struck with grief, drank neither<br />
ambrosia nor the sweetness of nectar for nine days. This was most unusual, as it is the<br />
way of the <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>to</strong> drink ambrosia <strong>and</strong> nectar. On the tenth day of her<br />
w<strong>and</strong>ering Demeter met Hecate, who <strong>to</strong>ld her of hearing the screams, but could not<br />
tell her who had taken Persephone. Demeter said nothing but immediately searched<br />
out Helios, who sees the doings of all the <strong>Gods</strong> <strong>and</strong> mortals.<br />
Demeter questioned Helios <strong>and</strong> learned that Aidoneus had taken her daughter. Helios<br />
then <strong>to</strong>ld Demeter that Zeus, father of Persephone, had allowed his brother Aidoneus<br />
<strong>to</strong> take Persephone as his wife. He continued by telling Demeter that she should be<br />
happy, as Aidoneus was a good husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> not an unsuitable son-in-law. Demeter,<br />
already filled with grief, lamented all the more for her daughter, <strong>and</strong> so she shrouded<br />
herself in clouds <strong>and</strong> left Olympus <strong>to</strong> w<strong>and</strong>er disguised among mortals.
In her w<strong>and</strong>ering, Demeter came <strong>to</strong> the city of Eleusis <strong>and</strong> here she found refuge with<br />
Queen Metaneria. While residing there, Demeter came <strong>to</strong> care greatly for the prince<br />
Demophon. Desiring <strong>to</strong> bes<strong>to</strong>w immortal life upon the child, each night she hid him<br />
in the fire <strong>and</strong> fed him the nectar <strong>and</strong> ambrosia of the <strong>Gods</strong>. When the queen found<br />
out what was going on she was very much frightened. At that moment, the Goddess<br />
Demeter revealed herself in all her glory <strong>to</strong> the mortals. She comm<strong>and</strong>ed that they<br />
should build a temple dedicated <strong>to</strong> her worship <strong>and</strong> instructed them in the secret<br />
rituals for her worship.<br />
Demeter stayed in her temple in Eleusis, away form the home of he <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Gods</strong>, for many days as she mourned for her daughter. She caused this time <strong>to</strong> be the<br />
most terrible <strong>and</strong> oppressive year for humans upon the nourishing earth. Demeter<br />
allowed no seed <strong>to</strong> grow <strong>and</strong> the fields were plowed in vain. By these deeds, she could<br />
have destroyed the mortal race <strong>and</strong> deprived the <strong>Goddesses</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Gods</strong> of the most<br />
glorious sacrifices. Zeus, fearing the loss of sacrifices, sent many an ambassador <strong>to</strong><br />
summon Demeter, yet she refused <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> Olympus. Demeter <strong>to</strong>ld the<br />
ambassadors that she would not return <strong>to</strong> Olympus nor allow the seeds of the earth <strong>to</strong><br />
grow again until she saw her daughter.<br />
When Zeus heard this, he sent Hermes <strong>to</strong> lead Persephone out of the underworld.<br />
When Persephone learned that she would be returning <strong>to</strong> see her mother she was<br />
overjoyed. However, before she left, Aidoneus gave her a pomegranate <strong>and</strong> bade her<br />
<strong>to</strong> eat it. Persephone did so, not knowing that Aidoneus had worked magick upon it<br />
so that if she ate of it she would be compelled <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> the underworld. In light of<br />
this, Zeus decided that Persephone would spend one third of the year with Aidoneus<br />
in the darkness of the underworld <strong>and</strong> the other two thirds with her mother,<br />
Demeter.<br />
As a result, each year Persephone returns <strong>to</strong> the underworld <strong>and</strong> Demeter mourns for<br />
her daughter. All life that is upon the earth retreats <strong>and</strong> awaits the return of<br />
Persephone. Each year we yearn, along with Demeter, for the return of Persephone.<br />
As the time approaches, we all smell the air, listen for the birds <strong>and</strong> look for the<br />
blooming flowers.<br />
Blessed Be <strong>and</strong> <strong>Welcome</strong> Return Persephone!
The Moon Goddess<br />
She is the ruler of the tides of flux <strong>and</strong> reflux. The waters of the Great Sea answer<br />
un<strong>to</strong> her, likewise the tides of all earthly seas, <strong>and</strong> she ruleth the nature of woman.<br />
One of the most significant archetypal symbols of the Goddess is the Moon. The<br />
Triple Goddess is seen in the Moon as Maiden (Waxing Moon), Mother (Full Moon),<br />
<strong>and</strong> Crone (Waning Moon). The Moon Goddess has been known by many different<br />
names in many different cultures. It is said that the Moon Goddess created time <strong>and</strong><br />
measurement. Ancient calendars were based on the Moon's phases. She is usually<br />
seen as the protec<strong>to</strong>r of women, <strong>and</strong> she rules magick <strong>and</strong> childbirth. In ancient<br />
Thessaly, the Moon Goddess was invoked in a rite called "drawing down the moon",<br />
which we still practice <strong>to</strong>day.<br />
The Moon Goddess has many different names in many different cultures. In Finl<strong>and</strong>,<br />
the Divine Creatress was called Luonnotar. In Sc<strong>and</strong>inavia, She was Mardoll, or "The<br />
Moon Shining Over the Sea". Gala or Galata is the original Moon-Mother of Gaelic<br />
tribes. In Britain, an early name for the Moon Goddess was Albion, or "Milk-White<br />
Moon-Goddess". To the Aztecs, the Moon Goddess was Mictecaciuarl, the devoured<br />
of the dead, <strong>and</strong> She had the same role among the Maoris <strong>and</strong> the Tartars. Several<br />
cultures believed that the Moon was the "L<strong>and</strong> of the Dead". In Africa, She is<br />
Akua'ba, in China Queen of Heaven, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> the Ancient Romans she was Luna.<br />
Greek/Roman Moon <strong>Goddesses</strong> include Artemis, Hecate, Bendis, Brizo, Callis<strong>to</strong>,<br />
Selene, Prosymna, Diana, <strong>and</strong> Luna.<br />
Artemis was daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>, <strong>and</strong> twin sister of Apollo. She was the Lady of<br />
the Beasts, Who roams the forest with her b<strong>and</strong> of nymphs, protecting pregnant<br />
beasts <strong>and</strong> their young. The Greeks assimilated her <strong>to</strong> a mistress of wild beasts. Bears<br />
were sacred <strong>to</strong> her, <strong>and</strong> the guinea-fowl were her birds. Her name possibly means<br />
"high source of water" (the moon being regarded as the source <strong>and</strong> ruler of all waters).<br />
She was the mistress of magick, enchantment, <strong>and</strong> sorcery. She was a protec<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
youth, especially of girls, <strong>and</strong> was called upon as Artemis Eileithyia by women in<br />
childbirth. She is often depicted with a hound, <strong>and</strong> carrying a bow <strong>and</strong> arrows. One<br />
of her forms was Callistro. Other names for her include Delia, Phoebe, Pythia, <strong>and</strong><br />
Parthenos. She was considered virginal, which means that she was her "own woman"<br />
<strong>and</strong> did not have a consort, however this did not mean that she was celibate. She is<br />
the Roman equivalent of Diana. Her tarot associations include nines, the High<br />
Priestess, <strong>and</strong> Temperance. Her gems<strong>to</strong>nes are quartz, moons<strong>to</strong>ne, pearl, <strong>and</strong> crystal.<br />
Sacred <strong>to</strong> her are the herbs m<strong>and</strong>rake, damiana, almond, mugwort, <strong>and</strong> hazel. Her
animals are the horse, dog, elephant, <strong>and</strong> centaur. Other associations of Artemis are<br />
magickal weapons, perfumes, s<strong>and</strong>als, bow <strong>and</strong> arrow, <strong>and</strong> menstrual blood. Her<br />
Festival is celebrated on February 12.<br />
Hecate was a Moon Goddess, Underworld Goddess <strong>and</strong> Goddess of Magick. She was<br />
the daughter of Perses <strong>and</strong> Asteria. Other traditions say she was the daughter of Zeus<br />
<strong>and</strong> Hera. She protected flocks <strong>and</strong> sailors, <strong>and</strong> was associated with crossroads. Her<br />
tarot associations are threes <strong>and</strong> the High Priestess. Her gems<strong>to</strong>nes include star<br />
sapphire, pearl, moons<strong>to</strong>ne, <strong>and</strong> crystal; her plants include cypress, opium poppy,<br />
almond, mugwort, hazel, <strong>and</strong> moonwort. Animals which are sacred <strong>to</strong> her are dogs.<br />
Other associations include perfumes, myrrh, civet, <strong>and</strong> magickal weapons.<br />
Bendis was a Moon Goddess <strong>and</strong> wife of the Sun God Sabazius, <strong>and</strong> was worshipped<br />
with orgiastic rites. Thracians made her popular in Attica, <strong>and</strong> in 430 BC her cult<br />
became a state ceremonial in Athens, with <strong>to</strong>rch races at the Piraeus.<br />
Brizo was a Moon Goddess of Delos, <strong>to</strong> whom votive ships were offered. The name<br />
Brizo may be a form of Brighid.<br />
Selene was a Moon Goddess <strong>and</strong> daughter of Hyperion <strong>and</strong> Theia, <strong>and</strong> sister of Helios<br />
(the Sun) <strong>and</strong> Eos (the Dawn). She was wooed <strong>and</strong> won by Zeus <strong>and</strong> by Pan. She also<br />
fell in love with Endymion <strong>and</strong> visited him nightly while he slept. (Zeus granted the<br />
mortal Endymion immortality on the condition that he remained eternally asleep.)<br />
She is also called Luna.<br />
Prosymna is the Greek Goddess of the New Moon. She is also known as Persephone,<br />
<strong>and</strong> is given the title of Demeter as the Earth Mother in her Underworld aspect.<br />
Diana was the Roman equivalent of the Greek Moon <strong>and</strong> Nature Goddess Artemis,<br />
<strong>and</strong> rapidly acquired all her characteristics. She is the Goddess of light, mountains,<br />
<strong>and</strong> woods. She was invoked <strong>to</strong> protect the harvest against heavy s<strong>to</strong>rms. Diana,<br />
whose name means "light", was originally the Italian Goddess of the Sun, Moon, <strong>and</strong><br />
Open Sky. She also bes<strong>to</strong>wed sovereignty <strong>and</strong> conception. Her feast day is August 15.<br />
Christians adopted her as St. Anne, Mary's mother, the "Gr<strong>and</strong>mother of God".
The Nemesis Conjuration<br />
In this ritual the Greek Goddess Nemesis, a deity of fate <strong>and</strong> vengeance, is seen in the<br />
role of being the complementary opposite of ones ego referring <strong>to</strong> the inner self as the<br />
center of Both personalities. Habits <strong>and</strong> actions taken against ones real desires create<br />
the opposite <strong>to</strong> the same degree <strong>and</strong> thereby form an anti-personality of ones ego,<br />
which in this case is identified with the principle of Nemesis.<br />
Disturbances on the plane of reality due <strong>to</strong> actions against ones subconscious desires<br />
can be eliminated by ritual union with this personal demon-sister/brother <strong>and</strong> enable<br />
one <strong>to</strong> reach ones inner self, which is defined as the mean value of Both the<br />
personalities.<br />
The effect of this ritual, if performed correctly, would by definition be fatal.<br />
Therefore the operation is strictly limited <strong>to</strong> the part of the psyche which the<br />
magician wishes <strong>to</strong> explore. A sigil representing this portion of the psyche is forcibly<br />
activated during the ritual in order that the magician may seek answers <strong>to</strong> his<br />
problems within the chosen area in the personality. No specific wishes or desires can<br />
be used for this purpose, only general ones. This is a necessary restriction <strong>to</strong> avoid<br />
being overwhelmed by any unpleasant effects. The magician should be aware of this<br />
when constructing the sigil.<br />
Nemesis Conjuration:<br />
1. Banishing.<br />
2. The ritual is performed sitting on the ground in the posture of the Rune perdro perdro. perdro<br />
The head may rest on the lower part of the arms, <strong>and</strong> the face should be covered by<br />
the cowl of the robe.<br />
3. Statement of intent: It is my will <strong>to</strong> take a step <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>to</strong>wards the the center center of of myself by<br />
union union with with my my opposite opposite through through this this sigil!<br />
sigil!<br />
4. The incantation is given while visualizing a winged figure of opposite sex who<br />
approaches the magician. The figure wears the chosen sigil on his/her breast <strong>and</strong> is<br />
Both beautiful <strong>and</strong> terrifying at the same time.<br />
5. Incantation:<br />
“Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, mighty, terrifying <strong>and</strong> beloved sister.<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, you, who are the goddess of my god, you, who are the<br />
demon of my demon.<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, you, who are the demon of my god, you, who are the<br />
goddess of my demon.<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, you, who are part of me which I am not, you, who are the<br />
counterbalance on the scales of my fate.
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, you, whose wings carry us <strong>to</strong> our mutual central Kia.<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, you, who are my ultimate fear, you, who are my ultimate<br />
desire. You, with whom <strong>to</strong> unite is the sigh of ecstasy <strong>and</strong> the silence of death.<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis, for you are my path <strong>and</strong> I am our aim I call upon you <strong>to</strong><br />
meet me in this sigil.<br />
Come <strong>to</strong> me oh Nemesis <strong>and</strong> guide me through this sigil <strong>to</strong> our mutual central Kia!”<br />
Start hyperventilation during the reading out of the incantation.<br />
The visualized figure with the sigil coming closer <strong>and</strong> closer <strong>to</strong> finally melt in<strong>to</strong> your<br />
own body. When this point is reached shout out:<br />
“Zodacam Vapaahe Ananael Zoda Ah!”<br />
(I move the wings of the secret wisdom within me!)<br />
6. Banishing <strong>and</strong>/or laughter.
The Star Goddess<br />
Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven,<br />
whose body encircles the universe:<br />
"I who am the beauty of the green earth<br />
<strong>and</strong> the white moon among the stars<br />
<strong>and</strong> the mysteries of the waters,<br />
I call upon your soul<br />
<strong>to</strong> arise <strong>and</strong> come un<strong>to</strong> me.<br />
For I am the soul of nature<br />
that gives life <strong>to</strong> the universe.<br />
From Me all things proceed<br />
<strong>and</strong> un<strong>to</strong> Me they must return.<br />
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices,<br />
for behold -- all acts of love <strong>and</strong> pleasure are my rituals. Let there be beauty <strong>and</strong><br />
strength,<br />
power <strong>and</strong> compassion, honor <strong>and</strong> humility,<br />
mirth <strong>and</strong> reverence within you.<br />
And you who seek <strong>to</strong> know Me,<br />
know that your seeking <strong>and</strong> yearning will avail you not, unless you know the<br />
Mystery:<br />
for if that which you seek,<br />
you find not within yourself,<br />
you will never find without.<br />
For behold, I have been with you<br />
from the beginning,<br />
<strong>and</strong> I am that which is attained<br />
at the end of Desire."
The Threefold Goddess<br />
To underst<strong>and</strong> the concept of Goddess requires more than the ability <strong>to</strong> visualize God<br />
as a woman. The Goddess concept is built around the myth <strong>and</strong> mystery of the<br />
relationship between God <strong>and</strong> Goddess, <strong>and</strong> beneath that, <strong>and</strong> part of it, Her<br />
Threefold Aspect, Maiden, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone.<br />
One of the oldest recognized Goddess forms is the first Greek Goddess - Gaia, the<br />
Earth Mother; the Universal Womb; Mother of All. The most ancient <strong>Goddesses</strong> were<br />
most often Earth <strong>and</strong> Mother <strong>Goddesses</strong>. The were worshiped <strong>and</strong> revered as bearers<br />
of life, fat, healthy, pregnant <strong>and</strong> fruitful. As the Goddess concept developed, then<br />
came the Harvest <strong>Goddesses</strong>, who were also Earth <strong>Goddesses</strong>. Underst<strong>and</strong> that this<br />
was a time when people did not even underst<strong>and</strong> the basic mechanics of procreation.<br />
Life was very sacred <strong>and</strong> mystical indeed!<br />
Gradually, myth <strong>and</strong> mystery developed <strong>and</strong> revealed themselves, creating the legend<br />
which we honor in the modern Wiccan Craft.<br />
We recognize the Goddess as the mother of all, including her Mighty Consort, the<br />
God. To Her he is Lover <strong>and</strong> Son, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>gether they form the Ultimate, the<br />
Omniverse, the Dragon, the Mystery.<br />
Now that is a pretty <strong>to</strong>ugh concept all things considered. Especially in our society as<br />
it sounds rather incestuous. From a mundane perspective, it gets worse as the Wheel<br />
of the Year Turns, <strong>and</strong> the Oak <strong>and</strong> Holly Kings battle, eternal rivals <strong>and</strong> sacrificial<br />
mates.<br />
In the pages that follow, we will explore the Goddess foundation concepts <strong>and</strong> try <strong>to</strong><br />
reach an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of the basis of the Mystery.<br />
I don't want <strong>to</strong> get off in<strong>to</strong> all the names of all the <strong>Goddesses</strong> in all the mythology in<br />
all of his<strong>to</strong>ry. While that is certainly a noble endeavor, it is not the objective here.<br />
What I do want <strong>to</strong> do is look at the Goddess, in whole <strong>and</strong> in part, <strong>and</strong> see just who<br />
<strong>and</strong> what she is.<br />
First <strong>and</strong> foremost, the Goddess is the symbol of the Cycle of Everlasting. She is<br />
constant, ever present, ever changing, <strong>and</strong> yet always the same. She could be<br />
compared in that respect <strong>to</strong> the oceans.<br />
As a part of that, she is that from which we have come, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> which we will return.
She is the Universal Mother, the Cosmic Womb. While those are largely symbolic<br />
images, as opposed <strong>to</strong> literal ones, they are important <strong>to</strong> bear in mind about any<br />
aspect of the Goddess. She never harms, she is Mother.<br />
One of the most difficult throwback mentalities <strong>to</strong> dispel in a student is the difference<br />
between "dark <strong>and</strong> light" <strong>and</strong> "bad <strong>and</strong> good". Societally, <strong>and</strong> often religiously, we are<br />
trained <strong>to</strong> see bad <strong>and</strong> dark <strong>and</strong> evil as being the same. Hence, we are also taught <strong>to</strong><br />
hate <strong>and</strong> fear our own mortality. All <strong>to</strong>o often I see practicing Wiccans, who ought <strong>to</strong><br />
know know better, fall back on these concepts when trying <strong>to</strong> explain or underst<strong>and</strong> a<br />
concept.<br />
The Goddess is dark, she is light, she is birth, she is death, <strong>and</strong> she rejoices in all<br />
things. With death comes joy, for with death comes renewal. With life comes joy, for<br />
with life comes promise. With growth comes joy for with growth comes wisdom.<br />
Sorrow <strong>and</strong> fear are not a part of her, not the way we feel those emotions. She is<br />
incapable of sorrow without joy, she fears nothing, because fear is not real. It is a<br />
creation of the mind.<br />
Whether you see the Goddess as a Warrior Queen, or like the Good Witch of the<br />
North in the Wizard of Oz, she is the Goddess. And she has many parts <strong>and</strong> facets<br />
which defy comprehension as "One". She simply is is, is<br />
<strong>and</strong> in that, can be whatever you<br />
need her <strong>to</strong> be in order <strong>to</strong> establish a relationship with her. But none of that changes<br />
what she is is. is<br />
"I greet thee in the many names of the Threefold Goddess <strong>and</strong> her Mighty Consort.<br />
Athe, malkuth, ve-guburah, ve-gedulah, le-olam, Amen. Blessed Be."<br />
So here, at the Circle Door, greeted by the High Priest or Priestess we first see<br />
mentioned the Threefold Goddess. Full-sized covens have three priestesses who take<br />
the specific roles of Maiden, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone, the High Priestess being Mother.<br />
The Threefold Goddess however is not three entities, she is one. Her aspects<br />
represent Enchantment, Ripeness <strong>and</strong> Wisdom.<br />
Taking first things first is usually best, so we shall start with a look at one side of the<br />
Maiden.<br />
Quoting The Myth of the Goddess as found in Gardenarian Wicca (Gerald B.<br />
Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft, Aquarian Press, London, 1959.):<br />
Now Aradia had never loved, but she would solve all the Mysteries, even the Mystery
of Death; <strong>and</strong> so she journeyed <strong>to</strong> the Nether L<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
The Guardians of the Portals challenged her, "Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy<br />
jewels; for naught may ye bring with ye in<strong>to</strong> this our l<strong>and</strong>."<br />
So she laid down her garments <strong>and</strong> her jewels <strong>and</strong> was bound, as were all who enter<br />
the Realms of Death the Mighty One. Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt<br />
<strong>and</strong> kissed her feet, saying, "Blessed by thy feet that have brought thee in these ways.<br />
Abide with me, let me place my cold h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart." She replied "I love thee not.<br />
Why dost thou cause all things that I love <strong>and</strong> take delight in <strong>to</strong> fade <strong>and</strong> die?"<br />
"Lady," replied Death, "it is Age <strong>and</strong> Fate, against which I am helpless. Age causes all<br />
things <strong>to</strong> wither, but when men die at the end of time I give them rest <strong>and</strong> peace, <strong>and</strong><br />
strength so that they may return. But thou, thou art lovely. Return not; abide with<br />
me."<br />
But she answered, "I love thee not."<br />
Then said Death, "An' thou receive not my h<strong>and</strong> on thy heart thou must receive<br />
Death's scourge."<br />
"It is Fate; better so", she said, <strong>and</strong> she knelt, <strong>and</strong> Death scourged her <strong>and</strong> she cried "I<br />
feel the pangs of love."<br />
And Death said, "Blessed be" <strong>and</strong> gave her the Fivefold Kiss, saying "Thus only may ye<br />
attain joy <strong>and</strong> knowledge."<br />
And he taught her all the Mysteries. And they loved <strong>and</strong> were one, <strong>and</strong> he taught her<br />
all the Magicks.<br />
For there are three great events in the life of Man: Love, Death <strong>and</strong> Resurrection in a<br />
new body, <strong>and</strong> Magick controls them all. For <strong>to</strong> fulfill love you must return again at<br />
the same time <strong>and</strong> place as the loved one, <strong>and</strong> you must remember <strong>and</strong> love them<br />
again. But <strong>to</strong> be reborn you must die, <strong>and</strong> be ready for a new body; <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> die you<br />
must be born; <strong>and</strong> without love you may not be born. And these be all the Magicks.<br />
So there in the Gardnerian Myth of the Goddess we have her Maiden aspect, seeking,<br />
searching <strong>and</strong> opening herself <strong>to</strong> the mysteries. But it is well <strong>to</strong> remember that the<br />
Goddess herself is a mystery, <strong>and</strong> the primary gift of the Goddess is intuitive Wisdom.<br />
Beltaine (Bealtain) is the only Sabbat where the Goddess is entirely devoted <strong>to</strong> the
Maiden. Here, she revels in the enchantment, in the joy of coming in<strong>to</strong> fullness <strong>and</strong><br />
mating with the God. Here, she is maiden bride <strong>and</strong> we can most easily underst<strong>and</strong><br />
that facet of the Maiden aspect. I should probably note here that some see this festival<br />
as maiden turning in<strong>to</strong> mother, with the maiden being in full at C<strong>and</strong>lemas, but I do<br />
not agree with that.<br />
Youth, newness, innocence <strong>and</strong> beauty are fundamental facets of the Maiden aspect.<br />
But beneath those are seeking, <strong>and</strong> love, <strong>and</strong> love of seeking. There is more <strong>to</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong> of the Maiden though. Enchantment does not end with maidenhood, it is<br />
simply the beginning of the Mystery of Life, for that, above all, is what the Goddess<br />
st<strong>and</strong>s for.<br />
In Circle, in the Balanced Universe, the Maiden takes her place in the East. In<br />
examining this most comfortable quarter, you learn more about the Maiden Aspect.<br />
East (Air) rules the free mind <strong>and</strong> intellect. It is the place <strong>to</strong> seek the ability <strong>to</strong> learn<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> open spiritually, <strong>to</strong> open your mind <strong>and</strong> find answers. It is a masculine quarter,<br />
ruled by intellect, <strong>and</strong> analytical logic, but she brings <strong>to</strong> it an intuition which is<br />
required <strong>to</strong> use these <strong>to</strong> best advantage.<br />
"The river is flowing, flowing <strong>and</strong> growing, the river is flowing back <strong>to</strong> the sea.<br />
Mother carry me, a child I will always be. Mother carry me, back <strong>to</strong> the sea."<br />
This Circle chant, sung in joy, sung in sorrow, is a cry <strong>to</strong> the Mother Aspect for<br />
comfort <strong>and</strong> warmth, a power chant calling upon the steady power <strong>and</strong> fullness of the<br />
Mother <strong>and</strong> a plea for guidance. While the Earth Mother, <strong>and</strong> the fully aspected<br />
Goddess are placed North in the Earth quarter, the Mother aspect alone belongs in<br />
the west.<br />
Comfort <strong>and</strong> love rule here. Emotions, sorrow, joy, tears, these belong <strong>to</strong> the ripeness<br />
of the Mother. Caring <strong>and</strong> loving for all her children, watching in pain <strong>and</strong> pride as<br />
they struggle <strong>to</strong> gain their own, knowing full well she could reach out <strong>and</strong> do it for<br />
them, but being both bound <strong>and</strong> desirous <strong>to</strong> let them do it for themselves.<br />
There is a considerable difference, as you might have interpreted from the above,<br />
between the Earth Mother <strong>and</strong> the Mother Aspect of the Goddess. That is why we've<br />
started with her quarter, because it reveals the limitations of the Aspect.<br />
The Mother aspect is ripeness, the ancient bearing of fruit, child <strong>and</strong> grain. She<br />
represents emotion <strong>and</strong> sexuality. The Goddess in that aspect is most of the altar (as<br />
discussed in the Great Rite lesson.) It is interesting <strong>to</strong> note the practice in numerous<br />
ancient cultures of lovemaking or outright sex magick in cornfields <strong>to</strong> help make the
corn grow.<br />
The Dark Mother should also be placed here, although culturally, I have a tendency<br />
<strong>to</strong> think of the Dark Mother as more in keeping the Crone Aspect. It is a bit of work<br />
<strong>to</strong> see the Dark Mother in the West, <strong>to</strong> separate Dark Mother from Crone, but it is<br />
worthwhile. If you have any background with the tarot I would suggest you take it in<br />
that context, it is beyond the scope of this text.<br />
<strong>Our</strong> exploration of the Goddess <strong>and</strong> her Aspects brings us now <strong>to</strong> the Crone. For me,<br />
the Crone is the most fascinating of the Aspects of the Goddess. Partly I suppose<br />
because she is the most mysterious <strong>and</strong> paradoxical.<br />
"Blessed Goddess, old <strong>and</strong> wise, open mine, thy child's, eyes. Speak <strong>to</strong> me in<br />
whispered <strong>to</strong>nes that I may know the rune of Crones."<br />
With life <strong>and</strong> growth comes age <strong>and</strong> wisdom, <strong>and</strong> the Crone is this in part. She holds<br />
fire <strong>and</strong> power, which wisely used can be of great benefit, but hold great danger for<br />
the unaware. Hers are the secrets of death <strong>and</strong> of life, <strong>and</strong> the mystery beyond the<br />
mystery.<br />
Part of the pleasure in knowing the Crone aspect is that while, unlike the fully<br />
aspected Goddess, she is not also Maiden <strong>and</strong> Mother, she does retain the experiences<br />
of both those Aspects in order <strong>to</strong> be Crone. The Crone, wizened though she is, must<br />
still be able <strong>to</strong> reach in<strong>to</strong> herself <strong>and</strong> recall the innocent joys <strong>and</strong> high passions of the<br />
Maiden <strong>and</strong> the love <strong>and</strong> warmth of the Mother. To be Crone <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> not have<br />
forgotten, <strong>to</strong> still be able <strong>to</strong> experience Maiden <strong>and</strong> Mother is, <strong>to</strong> me, very appealing.<br />
More importantly, <strong>to</strong> be comfortable in that Aspect, where you have truth <strong>and</strong><br />
knowledge but have left youth <strong>and</strong> physical beauty behind, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> still feel youth <strong>and</strong><br />
beauty without being desirous of them is an admirable quality.<br />
Crone is the least paralleled Aspect of the Goddess <strong>to</strong> our human society. We discard<br />
our old <strong>and</strong> wise, not underst<strong>and</strong>ing their value as teachers <strong>and</strong> models, <strong>and</strong> fearing<br />
their appearance as a reminder of our own mortality.<br />
Knowing Crone is a door we much each open for ourselves for <strong>to</strong> know <strong>and</strong> love her<br />
is <strong>to</strong> cast aside a great many of our cultural <strong>and</strong> societal malteachings.<br />
While the individual Aspects of Threefold Goddess are certainly valid concepts <strong>and</strong><br />
paths <strong>to</strong> knowing Goddess, I should caution that most mythological Goddess figures<br />
are composite <strong>Goddesses</strong>. Earth Mother Goddess figures are fully aspected Goddess by<br />
definition because they represent the full cycle of the Wheel. Most other Goddess
figures can be classified as having a dominant (or operative) aspect <strong>and</strong> recessive<br />
(promised, or in some cases past) aspect. Future <strong>and</strong> past should not be taken literally,<br />
mythological Goddess figures are always whatever they are eternally, they do not<br />
tend <strong>to</strong> change (ie age).<br />
Maiden <strong>Goddesses</strong> possessing their operative in the Huntress or Warrior aspects most<br />
often have a promise of Crone. Maiden <strong>Goddesses</strong> expressing their dominance in<br />
beauty <strong>and</strong>/or love usually have their recessive aspect as Mother. For example,<br />
Athena is a Maiden Goddess with Crone attributes (the combination produces many<br />
Mother-type qualities, <strong>and</strong> this results in the Crone aspected Maiden being the most<br />
complete of the Mythological <strong>Goddesses</strong>, with the exception of Earth Mother<br />
<strong>Goddesses</strong>.) Aphrodite is of course a Maiden Goddess with Mother attributes.<br />
Similarly, Dark Mother Goddess figures mostly find their promise in Crone <strong>and</strong> Light<br />
Mother figures their recessive in Maiden. Crone recessives work the same way,<br />
although sometimes it takes a bit of close examination <strong>to</strong> find the "hidden" aspect.<br />
One should note that this is not a formula, rather a <strong>to</strong>ol <strong>to</strong> assist in examining <strong>and</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing Goddess figures <strong>and</strong> creating one's own personal spiritual link with<br />
Goddess. It is also a useful consideration when invoking a specific Goddess with<br />
purpose in ritual. The purpose of this course has been <strong>to</strong> open avenues of approach in<br />
discovering <strong>and</strong> developing a relationship with Goddess. For me personally, I do not<br />
"believe" in the reality of mythological Goddess figures as they were presented, but I<br />
do believe they are a valid way <strong>to</strong> establish communication with Goddess. I also<br />
believe Goddess will appear in whatever form we are most ready <strong>to</strong> accept. The real<br />
Goddess, by my belief is an entity beyond my comprehension, perhaps composed of<br />
light, most assuredly unlike anything I could ever imagine in true form. However, I<br />
do find mythological Goddess figures highly useful for ritual, <strong>and</strong> of some help in my<br />
personal relationship with Goddess. I hope you will <strong>to</strong>o.
The Triple Goddess<br />
As the Maiden, I saw through your eyes as a child<br />
Spring rains, green forests, <strong>and</strong> animals wild!<br />
I saw you run freely on the Earth with bare feet!<br />
I watched as you danced in the winds, blowing free!<br />
I was there as you grew, getting stronger each day!<br />
I brought you rainbows, chasing grey skies away!<br />
I was there in your laughter - I was there in your tears!<br />
I was the acceptance you gained from your peers!<br />
I saw your first love <strong>and</strong> I felt your first blush,<br />
As passion first stirred in the night's gentle hush!<br />
I am there with you always in the fresh morning dew!<br />
I bring you the crispness of beginnings anew.<br />
As the Mother, I bore all the labor distress<br />
Of birthing your child, <strong>and</strong> I felt the caress<br />
Of your h<strong>and</strong> on the face of the new life so dear.<br />
I heard its first cry, <strong>and</strong> I eased your fear!<br />
I provided the milk which you fed from your breast<br />
Till the baby grew strong, <strong>and</strong> with health it was blessed.<br />
As she <strong>to</strong>ok her first step, I was there in your smile!<br />
I was there while you nurtured your beautiful child!<br />
On the first day of school, when the doors opened wide<br />
I was there in your fear - I was there in your pride.<br />
I am there with you always in the bright full of moon!<br />
I bring you fertility - abundance in bloom.<br />
As the Crone, I brought blessings of wisdom with age<br />
[Wisdom not found by the turn of a page].<br />
I was there as you taught the correct way <strong>to</strong> live:<br />
To love <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> trust - <strong>to</strong> take <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> give!<br />
I was there in the twinkle of your aged eye!<br />
I was there in your thoughts of the years flying by!<br />
I was there when you taught the Mysteries of old!<br />
I was there in the fire warming you in the cold!<br />
In the weariness of age, I was there with you, <strong>to</strong>o--<br />
I brought well-deserved rest <strong>and</strong> peace un<strong>to</strong> you!<br />
I am there with you always in the darkness of night!<br />
I complete your life cycle, guiding you <strong>to</strong>ward the light.
Maid, Mother <strong>and</strong> Crone - We are all One -<br />
Yet We are all separate, as each role is done.<br />
We do not leave you - We're always there<br />
As you walk through this life with your worries <strong>and</strong> cares;<br />
As you dance in the spiral, We live inside -<br />
Deep in your spirit - where nothing can hide!<br />
No matter your path, no matter it's length -<br />
We give you courage <strong>and</strong> We give you strength.<br />
We are there <strong>to</strong> support you every hour of day<br />
And deep in the night, when dreams take you away.<br />
<strong>Our</strong> gifts We give freely, for you are our Child--<br />
Yes, We are the Lady: Wise, Pure, <strong>and</strong> Mild!
The Witches' Goddess<br />
Aditi: ('Limitless') Hindu Mother Goddess, self-formed, the Cosmic Matrix. Mother of<br />
the Sun God Mitra <strong>and</strong> the Moon God Varuna.<br />
Ambika: Hindu, 'the generatrix,' wife of Shiva or of Rudra.<br />
Annapurna: Hindu. Goddess who provides food; she lives on <strong>to</strong>p of Mount<br />
Annapurna.<br />
Aphrodite: ('Foam-Born') Greek Goddess of sexual love. She was born of the bloody<br />
foam of the sea where Cronus threw the genitals of his father Uranus after castrating<br />
him. Married, on Zeus's orders, <strong>to</strong> the lame Smith God Hephaestus, <strong>and</strong> unfaithful <strong>to</strong><br />
him with the war God Ares. She was in fact an ancient East Mediterranean Goddess<br />
<strong>and</strong> can be equated with Astarte.<br />
Arachne: Greek Spider Goddess. A Lydian girl skilled in weaving, she dared <strong>to</strong><br />
challenge Athene <strong>to</strong> compete with her. The contest was held, <strong>and</strong> Arachne's work<br />
was faultless: impudently, it portrayed some of the <strong>Gods</strong>' less reputable deeds,<br />
including Athene's father Zeus abducting Europa. Furious, Athene turned her in<strong>to</strong> a<br />
spider, doomed eternally <strong>to</strong> spin thread drawn from her own body. But the Spider<br />
Goddess is more archetypal than this s<strong>to</strong>ry suggests: spinning <strong>and</strong> weaving the pattern<br />
of destiny like the Moerae or the Norns, <strong>and</strong> enthroned in the middle of her spiralpathed<br />
stronghold like Arianrhod. Athene here represents Athenian patriarchal<br />
thinking, trying <strong>to</strong> discipline earlier Goddess-concepts.<br />
Aradia: Italian (Tuscany) Witch Goddess, surviving there in<strong>to</strong> this century. Daughter<br />
of Diana <strong>and</strong> Diana's brother Lucifer (i.e. of the Moon <strong>and</strong> Sun), she came <strong>to</strong> Earth <strong>to</strong><br />
teach the witches her mother's magic.<br />
Ariadne: Cretan <strong>and</strong> Greek. The daughter of King Minos of Crete, who with her<br />
cunning thread helped Theseus find his way in<strong>to</strong> the labyrinth <strong>to</strong> kill the Minotaur,<br />
<strong>and</strong> out again. She eloped with him, but he ab<strong>and</strong>oned her on the isl<strong>and</strong> of Naxos. She<br />
was consoled by Dionysus, who in her Naxos cult was regarded as her consort.<br />
Arianrhod: ('Silver Wheel') Major Welsh Goddess. Mother of Llew Llau Gyffes by her<br />
brother Gwydion. Her consort Nwyvre ('Sky, Space, Firmament') has survived in<br />
name only. Caer Arianrhod is the circumpolar stars, <strong>to</strong> which souls withdraw<br />
between incarnations; she is thus a Goddess of reincarnation. Honored at the Full<br />
Moon.
Artemis: Greek Nature <strong>and</strong> Moon Goddess. Daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>, <strong>and</strong> twin<br />
sister of Apollo (though a day older). She probably absorbed a pre-Indo-European Sun<br />
Goddess, <strong>and</strong> her twinning in classical legend with the Sun God Apollo may stem<br />
from this. The Greeks assimilated her <strong>to</strong> a pre-Greek mistress of wild beasts. Bears<br />
were sacred <strong>to</strong> her, <strong>and</strong> she was associated with the constellation Ursa Major.<br />
Astarte: Canaanite version of Ishtar; fertility goddess. Chief goddess of Tyre <strong>and</strong><br />
Sidon. Astarte was also the Greek form of the name Ashtart. Tends <strong>to</strong> merge with<br />
Asherat <strong>and</strong> Anat, <strong>and</strong> with the Egyptian Hathor. She came <strong>to</strong> Egypt; Rameses II built<br />
a temple honoring her, <strong>and</strong> she <strong>and</strong> Isis were said <strong>to</strong> be firm friends.<br />
Athena: Greek, a Warrior Goddess, yet also one of intelligence <strong>and</strong> the arts of peace.<br />
Protec<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>to</strong>wns, above all of Athens.<br />
Banshee: (Bean Sidhe , 'Woman Fairy') Irish. Attached <strong>to</strong> old Irish families ('the O's<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Mac's'), she can be heard keening sorrowfully near the house when a member<br />
of the family is about <strong>to</strong> die. Still very much believed in, <strong>and</strong> heard.<br />
Bast: Egytian Cat Goddess of Bubastis in the Delta. Originally lion-headed, she<br />
represented the beneficent power of the Sun, in contrast <strong>to</strong> Sekhmet who personified<br />
its destructive power.<br />
Bean-Nighe: ('Washing Woman') Scottish <strong>and</strong> Irish. Haunts lonely streams washing<br />
the bloodstained garments of those about <strong>to</strong> die.<br />
Befana: ('Epiphany') Italian Witch Fairy who flies her broomstick on Twelfth Night<br />
<strong>to</strong> come down chimneys <strong>and</strong> bring presents <strong>to</strong> children.<br />
Binah: ('Underst<strong>and</strong>ing') Hebrew. The Supernal Mother, third Sephirah of the<br />
Cabalistic Tree of Life. She takes the raw directionless energy of Chokmah, the<br />
Supernal Father (the second Sephira), <strong>and</strong> gives it form <strong>and</strong> manifestation; she is thus<br />
both the Bright Mother, Aima (nourishing) <strong>and</strong> the Dark Mother, Ama (constricting).<br />
Bona Dea: ('Good Goddess') Roman Earth Goddess of Fertility, worshipped only by<br />
women; even statues of men were covered where her rites <strong>to</strong>ok place.<br />
Brighid, Brigid, Brigit, Brid: Irish Goddess of Fertility <strong>and</strong> Inspiritation, daughter of<br />
the Dagda; called 'the poetess.' Often triple ('The Three Brigids'). Her characteristics,<br />
legends <strong>and</strong> holy places were taken over by the his<strong>to</strong>rical St Bridget.
Cailleach Beine Brick: A Scottish legendary witch probably recalling an earlier local<br />
goddess.<br />
Callis<strong>to</strong>: ('Most Beautiful') Greek Moon Goddess, <strong>to</strong> whom the she-bear was sacred in<br />
Arcadia. Envisaged as the axle on which everything turns, <strong>and</strong> thus connected with<br />
the Ursa Major constellation. Linked with Artemis, often called Artemis Callis<strong>to</strong>.<br />
Carman: Irish. Wexford Goddess, whence Gaelic name of Wexford, Loch Garman<br />
(Loch gCarman).<br />
Cerridwen: Welsh Mother, Moon <strong>and</strong> Grain Goddess, wife of Tegid <strong>and</strong> mother of<br />
Creirwy (the most beautiful girl in the world) <strong>and</strong> Avagdu (the ugliest boy). Owner of<br />
an inexhaustible cauldron called Amen, in which she made a magic draught called<br />
'greal' ('Grail?') from six plants, which gave inspiration <strong>and</strong> knowledge. Mother of<br />
Taliesen, greatest of all Welsh bards. Most of her legends emphasize the terrifying<br />
aspect of the Dark Mother; yet her cauldron is the source of wisdom <strong>and</strong> inspiration.<br />
Cliona of the Fair Hair: Irish. South Munster Goddess of great beauty, daughter of<br />
Gebann the Druid, of the Tuatha De Danaan. Connected with the O'Keefe family.<br />
Clota: Scottish. Goddess of the River Clyde.<br />
Cybele: Greek. Originally Phrygian, finally merged with Rhea. Goddess of Caverns,<br />
of the Earth in its primitive state; worshipped on mountain <strong>to</strong>ps. Ruled over wild<br />
beasts. Also a Bee Goddess.<br />
Dakini: Hindu. One of the Six Goddess Governing the Six Bodily Substances; the<br />
others being Hakini, Kakini, Lakini, Rakini <strong>and</strong> Sakini.<br />
Dana, Danu: The major Irish Mother Goddess, who gave her name <strong>to</strong> the Tuatha De<br />
Danann ('Peoples of the Goddess Dana'), the last but one occupiers of Irel<strong>and</strong> in the<br />
mythological cycle.<br />
Demeter: ('Earth-Goddess-Mother') Greek goddess of the fruitful Earth, especially of<br />
barley. Daughter of Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea. Her brother Zeus, tricking her in the form of a<br />
bull, made her the mother of Persephone.<br />
Diana: Roman equivalent of the Greek Moon <strong>and</strong> Nature Goddess Artemis, <strong>and</strong><br />
rapidly acquired all her characteristics. Like Artemis, classically regarded as virgin but<br />
originally a Sacrificial-Mating Goddess.
Dione: Phoenician/Greek. Also known as Baltis. A Nature or Earth Goddess,<br />
overlapping with Diana <strong>and</strong> Danae. Daughter of Uranus <strong>and</strong> Gaia. Married her<br />
brother Cronus, who gave her the city of Byblos.<br />
Discordia: Roman Goddess of Discord <strong>and</strong> Strife, who preceded the chariot of Mars.<br />
Greek equivalent Eris.<br />
Ereshkigal: ('Queen of the Great Below') Assyro-Babylonian Goddess of the<br />
Underworld, sister of Ishtar (Inanna). Known as 'Star of Lamentation,' or sometimes<br />
simply as Allatu ('The Goddess').<br />
Eris: Greek goddess of Discord.<br />
Erin: Irish. One of the Three Queens of the Tuatha De Danann, daughters of the<br />
Dagda, who asked that Irel<strong>and</strong> be named after them.<br />
Frigg, Freya: ('Well-Beloved, Spouse, Lady') Most revered of the Teu<strong>to</strong>nic <strong>Goddesses</strong>.<br />
Wife <strong>and</strong> sister of Odin.<br />
Gaia: ('Earth') The 'deep-breasted,' the primordial Greek Earth Mother, the first being<br />
<strong>to</strong> emerge from Chaos. She was regarded as creating the universe, the first race of<br />
gods, <strong>and</strong> humankind.<br />
Glaisrig, Glaistig: A Scottish Undine, beautiul <strong>and</strong> seductive, but a goat from the waist<br />
down (which she hides under a long green dress). She lures men <strong>to</strong> dance with her<br />
<strong>and</strong> then sucks their blood. Yet she can be benign, looking after children or old<br />
people or herding cattle for farmers.<br />
Gorgons, The: Greek. Three daughters of Phorcys <strong>and</strong> his sister Ce<strong>to</strong>. Winged<br />
monsters with hair of serpents, they turned men <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ne by their gaze. They were<br />
Euryale <strong>and</strong> Stheno, who were immortal, <strong>and</strong> Medusa who was mortal <strong>and</strong> killed by<br />
Perseus.<br />
Grian: ('Sun') Irish. A Fairy Queen with a court on Pallas Green Hill, Co. Tipperary.<br />
Also a general Goddess symbol.<br />
Gruagach, The: ('The Long-Haired One') Scottish. Female fairy <strong>to</strong> whom the<br />
dairymaids used <strong>to</strong> pour libations of milk in<strong>to</strong> a hollow s<strong>to</strong>ne. Gwenhwyfar,<br />
Guinevere, Gueneva: Arthur's queen. Traces of Triple Goddess.<br />
Hathor: Egyptian. An ancient Sky Goddess; Ra's daughter by Nut, or his wife;
sometimes the wife or mother of Horus the Elder, Goddess of pleasure, joy, love,<br />
music <strong>and</strong> dancing. Protectress of women <strong>and</strong> embodiment of the finest female<br />
qualities.<br />
Hecate: Greek, originally Thracian <strong>and</strong> pre-Olympian; at the same time a Moon<br />
Goddess, <strong>and</strong> Underworld Goddess <strong>and</strong> a Goddess of magic.<br />
Hel, Hela: Teu<strong>to</strong>nic Goddess of the kingdom of the dead, not considered as a place of<br />
punishment. Daughter of Loki <strong>and</strong> Angurboda, <strong>and</strong> sister of the Midgard serpent of<br />
the ocean encircling the Earth, <strong>and</strong> of the devouring Fenris-wolf. Half her face was<br />
<strong>to</strong>tally black.<br />
Hestia: ('Hearth') Greek. First daughter of Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea, <strong>and</strong> oldest of the<br />
Olympians. Goddess of domestic fire <strong>and</strong> of the home in general. Poseidon <strong>and</strong><br />
Apollo both wanted <strong>to</strong> marry her but she placed herself under Zeus' protection as<br />
eternally virgin. She received the first morsel of every sacrifice. Roman equivalent<br />
Vesta.<br />
Inanna: ('Lady of Heaven') Sumerian Queen of Heaven, Mother Goddess <strong>to</strong> whom the<br />
Semitic Ishtar was assimilated.<br />
Isis: Egyptian. The most complete flowering of the Goddess concept in human<br />
his<strong>to</strong>ry. Daughter of Earth God Geb <strong>and</strong> Sky Goddess Nut.<br />
Kali: Hindu, Tibetan, Nepalese. Often called Kali Ma ('the Black Mother'). A terrible<br />
but necessary destroyer, particularly of demons, but also a powerful creative force,<br />
much misunders<strong>to</strong>od in the West.<br />
Kundalini: ('Coiled') Hindu. The feminine Serpent Force, especially in its relation <strong>to</strong><br />
organic <strong>and</strong> inorganic matter; the universal life-force of which electricity <strong>and</strong><br />
magnetism are mere manifestations. Envisaged as moving in a left-h<strong>and</strong>ed spiral,<br />
when aroused in the human body, from the base of the spine up <strong>to</strong> the brain.<br />
Lady of the Lake: Arthurian. In some legends Vivienne (or Viviane); in others,<br />
Vivienne was the daughter of the Lady of the Lake by Dylan, son of Arianrhod <strong>and</strong><br />
Gwydion. In Thomas Mallory, the Lady of the Lake is called Nimue.<br />
Lakshmi: Hindu Goddess of good fortune <strong>and</strong> plenty, <strong>and</strong> the personification of<br />
beauty.<br />
Leannan Sidhe: Irish fairy lover, succubus. In the Isle of Man she is malevolent <strong>and</strong>
vampiric.<br />
Lilith: In Hebrew legend, she was Adam's first wife, who would not subordinate<br />
herself <strong>to</strong> him <strong>and</strong> was turned in<strong>to</strong> a demoness.<br />
Lorelei: German. A beautiful siren who sat on a cliff above the Rhine, luring boatmen<br />
<strong>to</strong> their death with her songs.<br />
Luna: The Roman Moon Goddess, identified with Diana <strong>and</strong> the Greek Selene.<br />
Malkuth: ('The Kingdom') Hebrew. Personification of Earth, of the Earth-soul; the<br />
goddess in actual manifestation.<br />
Mary Magdalene: Hebrew. Held in Christian tradition <strong>to</strong> have been a reformed<br />
prostitute; but there are no biblical grounds for this whatsoever.<br />
Maya: Hindu. The Goddess of Nature, the universal creatress.<br />
Medusa: Greek. The only mortal member of the three Gorgons. Her hair was turned<br />
<strong>to</strong> serpents by Athene because she dared <strong>to</strong> claim equal beauty with hers. Her gaze<br />
turned men <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ne.<br />
Minerva: Roman. Wife of Jupiter, forming a triad with his other wife, Juno.<br />
Morgan: ('Of the Sea') Arthur's half-sister Morgan le Fay; but would seem <strong>to</strong> be a<br />
much older Goddess, possibly the Glas<strong>to</strong>nbury Tor one, for her isl<strong>and</strong> is Avalon.<br />
Neith: Egyptian. A very ancient Delta Goddess, protectress of Sais; her emblem was<br />
the crossed arrows of a predynastic clan.<br />
Nemesis: Greek. Daughter of Erebus <strong>and</strong> Nyx. Goddess of divine anger, against<br />
mortals who offended the moral law, broke taboos or achieved <strong>to</strong>o much happiness or<br />
wealth.<br />
Nicneven: Scottish Samhain Witch Goddess. Tradition places her night according <strong>to</strong><br />
the old (Julian) calendar, on 10 November.<br />
Nimue: Arthurian. Thomas Mallory's name for the Lady of the Lake.<br />
Nostiluca: Gaulish Witch Goddess.
Oshun <strong>and</strong> Oya: Nigerian, Yoruba tribe <strong>and</strong> Brizilian Voodoo. Sisters, daughters of<br />
Yemaja, <strong>and</strong> wives of the Thunder God Shango. Oshun was beautiful <strong>and</strong> Oya plain,<br />
<strong>and</strong> there was jealousy between them. <strong>Goddesses</strong> respectively of the rivers Oshun <strong>and</strong><br />
Niger.<br />
P<strong>and</strong>ora: ('Gift of All') The Greek Eve, fashioned in clay by Hephaestus on Zeus'<br />
orders <strong>to</strong> punish Prometheus for having s<strong>to</strong>len fire from heaven. Her name means<br />
that each God or Goddess gave her an appropriate gift. Zeus gave her a box which she<br />
must not open. She did open it, <strong>and</strong> all the evils that plague humankind came out of<br />
it. All that was left at the bot<strong>to</strong>m was Hope.<br />
Persephone: Greek <strong>and</strong> Phoenician. Originally a purely Underworld Goddess, became<br />
a corn-seed Goddess, daughter of Demeter.<br />
Pythia: ('Pythoness') Greek. Serpent Goddess, daughter of Gaia.<br />
Rhiannon: ('Great, or Divine, Queen'). Welsh fertility <strong>and</strong> Otherworld Goddess.<br />
Sarasvati: Hindu. Wife of Brahma, born of his body. Goddess of speech, music,<br />
wisdom, knowledge <strong>and</strong> the arts.<br />
Sekhmet: ('The Powerful') Egyptian Lioness-Goddess, Eye of Ra who was her father.<br />
Wife of Ptah as Goddess of the Memphite triad, <strong>and</strong> mother of Nefertum, God of the<br />
setting Sun (later replaced by Imhotep).<br />
Selene: Greek Moon Goddess, daughter of Hyperion <strong>and</strong> Theia, <strong>and</strong> sister of<br />
Helios (the Sun) <strong>and</strong> Eos (Dawn); though sometimes said <strong>to</strong> be the daughter of<br />
Zeus or of Helios.<br />
Sophia: ('Wisdom') A Gnostic Aeon; but Wisdom personified as female was earlier<br />
also characteristic of Hebrew <strong>and</strong> Greek-Hebrew thinking.<br />
Tailtiu: Irish. Foster-mother of Lugh, who instituted the Tailtean Games, central<br />
event of the Festival of Lughnasadh (1 August), in her memory.<br />
Tara: ('Radiating') Hindu Star Goddess, wife of Brihaspati (identified with the planet<br />
Jupiter), teacher of the <strong>Gods</strong>.<br />
Tenemit: Egyptian Underworld Goddess, who gave ale <strong>to</strong> the deceased.<br />
Tiamat: Assyro-Babylonian Primordial Sea Mother Goddess, the mass of salt waters,
who with her mate Apsu (the sweet waters) begat the original chaotic world <strong>and</strong> who<br />
also symbolized it <strong>and</strong> ruled it.<br />
Ulupi: Hindu. A Serpent Goddess, one of the Nagis, dwelling in Patala, the lowest<br />
level of the Underworld.<br />
Valkyries, The: Teu<strong>to</strong>nic. In late Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian myth, they brought the souls of those<br />
slain in battle <strong>to</strong> Odin.<br />
Venus: Roman. Originally a Goddess of Spring <strong>and</strong> protectress of vegetation <strong>and</strong><br />
gardens, was a minor deity till she became assimilated <strong>to</strong> the Greek Aphrodite in the<br />
second century BC.<br />
Vesta: ('Torch, C<strong>and</strong>le') Roman Goddess of fire, both domestic <strong>and</strong> ritual. Daughter of<br />
Saturn <strong>and</strong> Ops. Domestically she presided over the hearth <strong>and</strong> the preparation of<br />
meals.<br />
Virgin Mary, The: Mother of Jesus.<br />
Vivienne, Viviane: Arthurian. Sometimes referred <strong>to</strong> as the Lady of the Lake,<br />
sometimes as the Lady's daughter.<br />
Yesod: ('Foundation') Hebrew. Ninth Sephira of the Cabalistic Tree of Life, sphere of<br />
the Moon <strong>and</strong> of the astral plane.<br />
Zobiana: A medieval Witch Goddess name.
Classical Persephone<br />
The Witches' Persephone<br />
Persephone, also known as Kore or Proserpina, is known alternately as the Goddess of<br />
new, growing things, or as a terrible goddess of the dead. The daughter of Demeter<br />
(earth) <strong>and</strong> Zeus (sky), she has over time developed many aspects.<br />
Persephone <strong>and</strong> Kore were originally separate, distinct figures in the Greek pantheon.<br />
Kore ("girl" or "maiden") is described as a young, beautiful girl, <strong>and</strong> Persephone<br />
(meaning "she who destroys the light") as a dark, brooding woman of terrifying<br />
aspect, akin <strong>to</strong> Kali. Late in the evolution of the Greek pantheon the two aspects were<br />
combined in<strong>to</strong> the fair, sad figure of a woman so well known in romantic poetry <strong>and</strong><br />
art.<br />
As the classical s<strong>to</strong>ry goes, Persephone was out gathering flowers in a meadow when<br />
she is seen by Hades, god of the underworld. Smitten by her beauty, he seizes her just<br />
as she is plucking a narcissus, <strong>and</strong> carries her off in<strong>to</strong> the earth.<br />
Her mother, stricken by her loss, ab<strong>and</strong>ons her divine duties in the search for her<br />
missing daughter, <strong>and</strong> the earth falls barren. Fruit withers on the trees, green leaves<br />
turn <strong>and</strong> fall, <strong>and</strong> the animals either die or fall in<strong>to</strong> hibernation. This continues until<br />
Zeus intervenes, <strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>s the return of Persephone <strong>to</strong> her mother unless she had,<br />
by some word or deed, consented <strong>to</strong> her abduction.<br />
During her brief stay in the underworld Persephone eats of a pomegranate <strong>and</strong>,<br />
wittingly or not, commits herself. For as many seeds as she has eaten, she is<br />
compelled <strong>to</strong> spend an equal number of months each year with her new mate in his<br />
dark realm. The months of her absence from the earth mark the winter season as her<br />
mother falls in<strong>to</strong> a deep, seasonal grief.<br />
Persephone as the maiden is symbolic of youth, beauty, fertility <strong>and</strong> desire. The s<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
of her seduction is also the s<strong>to</strong>ry of transition from "girlhood" in<strong>to</strong> "womanhood."<br />
The union of Persephone <strong>and</strong> Hades is a wedding of life/death, consummated<br />
(interestingly enough) by the eating of seeds grown in darkness.<br />
Persephone Between the Worlds, Goddess in the Kingdom of Death<br />
When the earth falls in<strong>to</strong> darkness <strong>and</strong> cold, it is said that the Goddess spends this
time in the Kingdom of Death. For in love She ever seeks Her other Self, <strong>and</strong> walks a<br />
part of Her cycle in the shadows.<br />
The Guardian of the Gate challenged Her, <strong>and</strong> She stripped Herself of all the clothing<br />
<strong>and</strong> jewels She wore, for nothing may be brought in<strong>to</strong> that l<strong>and</strong>. For love, She was<br />
bound as all who enter there must be <strong>and</strong> brought before Death Himself.<br />
He loved Her, as He forever would, <strong>and</strong> knelt at Her feet. He lay His sword <strong>and</strong><br />
crown there, s<strong>to</strong>od, <strong>and</strong> kissed Her, saying:<br />
"Do not return <strong>to</strong> the living world, but stay here with Me, <strong>and</strong> have peace <strong>and</strong> rest<br />
<strong>and</strong> comfort. It is the fate of all that lives <strong>to</strong> die. Everything passes, everything fades<br />
in<strong>to</strong> the darkness. I bring comfort <strong>and</strong> consolation <strong>to</strong> all who pass the gates. But You<br />
are my heart's desire, return not, but stay here with Me."<br />
She smiled Her dark, lovely smile, <strong>to</strong>ok up His crown <strong>and</strong> placed it upon Her own<br />
head, saying:<br />
"Here is the circle of rebirth. Through You all passes out of life, <strong>and</strong> through Myself<br />
all may be born again. Even death is not eternal. Mine is the mystery of the dark<br />
womb, that is the cauldron of rebirth. Enter in<strong>to</strong> Me <strong>and</strong> know Me, <strong>and</strong> You will be<br />
free of all fear. For as life is but a journey in<strong>to</strong> death, so death is but a passage back <strong>to</strong><br />
life, <strong>and</strong> in Me the circle is ever turning."<br />
In love, He entered in<strong>to</strong> Her, <strong>and</strong> so was reborn in<strong>to</strong> life. As He is known as Lord of<br />
Shadows, the comforter, consoler, the opener of gates, the eternal King, so She is the<br />
Rose in the Darkness, the deep abiding mother; from Her all things proceed, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong><br />
Her they return again. In Her are the mysteries of death, of birth, <strong>and</strong> the fulfillment<br />
of all love.
The World of <strong>Goddesses</strong><br />
Aphrodite Aphrodite: Aphrodite Aphrodite Greek; Goddess of passion, sexual love. Aphrodite will assist you in<br />
pulling loving energy <strong>to</strong>ward yourself.<br />
Aradia Aradia: Aradia Italian; Queen of the Witches, daughter of Diana. Aradia is an extremely<br />
powerful entity <strong>and</strong> a protectress of Witches in general.<br />
Arianrhod Arianrhod: Arianrhod Welsh; Goddess of the stars <strong>and</strong> reincarnation. Call on Arianrhod <strong>to</strong> help<br />
with past life memories <strong>and</strong> difficulties as well as for contacting the Star People.<br />
Artemis Artemis: Artemis Greek; Goddess of the Moon.<br />
Astarte Astarte: Astarte Greek; Fertility Goddess. Whether you wish <strong>to</strong> bear children or have a<br />
magnificent garden, Astarte will assist in your desire.<br />
Athena Athena: Athena Greek; Warrior Goddess <strong>and</strong> Protectress. Someone giving you a rough time<br />
at work? Call on Athena <strong>to</strong> help you.<br />
Bast Bast: Bast Bast Egyptian; Goddess of Protection <strong>and</strong> Cats. Bast is great for vehicle travel as well<br />
as walking down a dark alley. Call on her essence in the form of a giant panther <strong>to</strong> see<br />
you through <strong>to</strong> your destination.<br />
Brigid Brigid: Brigid Brigid Celtic; Warrior Goddess <strong>and</strong> Protectress. Brigid is also a "Triple Goddess". She<br />
is strong <strong>and</strong> wise. Call on her <strong>to</strong> help protect your children in a <strong>to</strong>ugh situation.<br />
Ceres Ceres: Ceres Ceres Roman; Goddess of the Harvest.<br />
Ce Cerridwen Ce Cerridwen<br />
rridwen: rridwen Welsh; Moon <strong>and</strong> Harvest Goddess. Also associated with the Dark<br />
Mother aspect of the Crone.<br />
Demeter Demeter: Demeter Demeter Greek; Earth Mother archetype. Excellent Goddess where birthing or small<br />
children are involved.<br />
Diana Diana: Diana Diana Roman; Moon Goddess <strong>and</strong> Goddess of the Hunt. Diana is many faceted. She is<br />
a seductress (as she enchanted her brother Lucifer <strong>to</strong> beget Aradia in the form of a<br />
cat) as well as a mother figure for Witches.<br />
Dryads Dryads: Dryads Greek; feminine spirits of the trees.
Flora Flora: Flora Roman; Goddess of Spring <strong>and</strong> Birth. For beautiful flowers, babies <strong>and</strong> all<br />
bounties of Mother Earth.<br />
Fortuna Fortuna: Fortuna Fortuna Roman; Goddess of Fate.<br />
Freya Freya: Freya Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian; Moon Goddess <strong>and</strong> wife/lover of Odin. Also comm<strong>and</strong>er of the<br />
Valkryies.<br />
Hathor Hathor: Hathor Egyptian; Protectress of women in business. A Hathor's Mirror is very<br />
important for the Witch. Hathor was cunning as well as beautiful.<br />
Hecate Hecate: Hecate Greek; Moon Goddess as in Crone or Dark Mother.<br />
Hera Hera: Hera Hera Greek; Goddess of Marriage. If h<strong>and</strong>fasting or some type of commitment is the<br />
issue, Hera is the Goddess <strong>to</strong> seek. Just remember that she has a vindictive side.<br />
Hestia Hestia: Hestia Greek; Goddess of Home <strong>and</strong> Hearth. Building a house, remodeling, or<br />
apartment hunting. Safety in the home <strong>and</strong> family unit.<br />
Inanna Inanna: Inanna Sumarian; Goddess representation of the Mother.<br />
Isis Isis: Isis Egyptian; represents the complete Goddess or the Triple Goddess connotation in<br />
one being.<br />
Kali Kali: Kali Hindu; Creative/Destructive Goddess. Protectress of abused women. Kali Ma<br />
should be called if a woman is in fear of physical danger. Her power is truly awesome.<br />
Lilith Lilith: Lilith Hebrew; Adam's first wife <strong>and</strong> said <strong>to</strong> be turned in<strong>to</strong> a demoness, however, if<br />
you have ever read any of Zacharia Sitchin's work, you may change your mind. In my<br />
opinion, Lilith was a Star woman bred with Adam. This would make her a Goddess of<br />
Higher Intelligence or a representation of the Star People.<br />
Maat Maat: Maat Egyptian; Goddess of Justice <strong>and</strong> Diving Order. Maat is the true balance of any<br />
situation. She plays no favorites <strong>and</strong> will dispense justice <strong>to</strong> all parties involved. Be<br />
sure your own slate is clean in the situation before you call her.<br />
Morgan Morgan: Morgan Celtic; Goddess of Water <strong>and</strong> Magick. Morgan was said <strong>to</strong> be married <strong>to</strong><br />
Merlin. It was from him she learned her magick. She was also doubled with The Lady<br />
Of The Lake.<br />
Muses Muses: Muses Greek; <strong>Goddesses</strong> of Inspiration who vary in number depending upon the
pantheon used.<br />
Nephtys Nephtys: Nephtys Egyptian; Goddess of Surprises, Sisters <strong>and</strong> Midwives.<br />
Noras Noras: Noras Celtic; the three sisters of the Wyrd. Responsible for weaving fate – past,<br />
present <strong>and</strong> future.<br />
Nuit Nuit: Nuit Egyptian; Sky Mother. Often seen depicted in circular fashion cradling the stars.<br />
Persephone Persephone: Persephone Greek; Goddess of the Underworld as well as Harvest. Daughter of<br />
Demeter.<br />
Selene Selene: Selene Greek; Goddess of the Moon <strong>and</strong> Solutions. Appeal <strong>to</strong> Selene <strong>to</strong> bring a logical<br />
answer <strong>to</strong> any problem.<br />
Valkyries Valkyries: Valkyries Valkyries Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian; women warriors who carried the souls of the men slain in a<br />
battle <strong>to</strong> heaven.<br />
Venus Venus: Venus Roman; Goddess of Love <strong>and</strong> Romance.<br />
Vesta Vesta: Vesta Roman; Goddess of Fire.
What We Know About Eris<br />
The Romans left a likeness of Her for posterity— She was shown as a grotesque<br />
woman with a pale <strong>and</strong> ghastly look, Her eyes afire, Her garment ripped <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>rn,<br />
<strong>and</strong> women look pale <strong>and</strong> ghastly when concealing a chilly dagger in their bosoms.<br />
Her genealogy is from the Greeks <strong>and</strong> is utterly confused. Either She was the twin of<br />
Ares <strong>and</strong> the daughter of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Hera; or She was the daughter of Nyx, goddess of<br />
night (who was either the daughter or wife of Chaos, or both), <strong>and</strong> Nyx's brother,<br />
Erebus, <strong>and</strong> whose brothers <strong>and</strong> sisters include Death, Doom, Mockery, <strong>and</strong><br />
Friendship. And that She begot Forgetfulness, Quarrels, Lies, <strong>and</strong> a bunch of gods <strong>and</strong><br />
goddesses like that.<br />
One day Mal-2 consulted his Pineal Gl<strong>and</strong>* <strong>and</strong> asked Eris if She really created all of<br />
those terrible things. She <strong>to</strong>ld him that She had always liked the Old Greeks, but that<br />
they cannot be trusted with his<strong>to</strong>ric matters. "They were," She added, "victims of<br />
indigestion, you know."<br />
Suffice it <strong>to</strong> say that Eris is not hateful or malicious. But She is mischievous, <strong>and</strong> does<br />
get a little bitchy at times.<br />
*The Pineal gl<strong>and</strong> is where each <strong>and</strong> every one of us can talk <strong>to</strong> Eris. If you have<br />
trouble activating your Pineal, then try the appendix which does almost as well.<br />
Reference: Dogma I, Metaphysics #3, "The Indoctrine of the Pineal Gl<strong>and</strong>"
Who Was the Goddess<br />
"The Goddess" refers <strong>to</strong> the female divine principle, or a supreme deity worshipped<br />
by many people around the world for thous<strong>and</strong>s of years until She was silenced by<br />
patriarchal religions. In recent years the Goddess has experienced a resurgence in<br />
popularity, by feminists seeking a spiritual dimension <strong>to</strong> their political causes, by<br />
those interested in the ancient earth religions, including Pagans <strong>and</strong> Wiccans, <strong>and</strong> by<br />
everyday women <strong>and</strong> men who feel that something is missing in <strong>to</strong>day's prominent<br />
organized religions.<br />
The Goddess is difficult <strong>to</strong> define or sum up in a few paragraphs, but versatility is one<br />
of Her most outst<strong>and</strong>ing traits. For some people, She is the feminine side of God. For<br />
others, She is the only god. She is not necessarily one person, but a multifaceted force<br />
of energy which expresses itself in a variety of forms <strong>and</strong> can go by many different<br />
names. She has been called Ishtar, Astarte, Inanna, Lillith, Isis, Maat, Brigid,<br />
Cerridwen, Gaia, Demeter, Aphrodite, Venus, Artemis, Athena, Kali, Lakshmi, Quan-<br />
Yin, Pele <strong>and</strong> even Mary, among many others. Many symbols, such as serpents, birds,<br />
the moon <strong>and</strong> the Earth, have been attributed <strong>to</strong> Her.<br />
The Goddess is the crea<strong>to</strong>r of all things <strong>and</strong> She is the destroyer. Everything comes<br />
from Her <strong>and</strong> everything returns <strong>to</strong> Her. She is alive within everything, living <strong>and</strong><br />
unliving, on Earth <strong>and</strong> in the heavens. She is not distant <strong>and</strong> un<strong>to</strong>uchable, like the<br />
Judeo-Christian God. She is here here- here<br />
with us, in us. She is maiden, mother <strong>and</strong> crone.<br />
She is virgin <strong>and</strong> whore. She is you, She is me, She is everyone <strong>and</strong> everything.<br />
The Goddess is great because She can be whatever you want Her <strong>to</strong> be. But most<br />
followers of the Goddess do share a few common beliefs. Starhawk, a modern day<br />
witch <strong>and</strong> author of The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Great<br />
Goddess, writes that the three core principles of Goddess religion are immanence,<br />
interconnection <strong>and</strong> community. Immanence means that the Goddess is embodied in<br />
the Earth <strong>and</strong> in us. Nature, culture <strong>and</strong> life are sacred. We must take action <strong>to</strong><br />
preserve the Earth <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> live with integrity <strong>and</strong> responsibility. Interconnection<br />
means that all beings are interrelated <strong>and</strong> that we are linked with the cosmos. We<br />
should strive <strong>to</strong>wards compassion <strong>and</strong> justice. With community, growth <strong>and</strong><br />
transformation come through intimate interactions <strong>and</strong> common struggles. Basically,<br />
though, the law of the Goddess is love- unconditional love. She has no<br />
comm<strong>and</strong>ments <strong>to</strong> follow. She does not dem<strong>and</strong> sacrifice.<br />
Misconceptions:<br />
Misconceptions:<br />
Goddess religion has been criticized for a number of reasons, most of which stem
from misinformation about it. One complaint is that it is practiced by man-hating,<br />
radical feminist lesbians. My guess is that most people who recognize the Goddess<br />
would support women's rights, but wouldn't necessarily consider themselves<br />
feminists, or at least radical feminists. But some might. Also, people interested in the<br />
Goddess come from all sexual orientations, whether it be hetero, bi or homosexual.<br />
There is no criteria for loving the Goddess. You just have <strong>to</strong> have an open mind, heart<br />
<strong>and</strong> spirit.<br />
I would not call Goddess religion male-bashing, although I would call it patriarchy<br />
bashing, which is not the same thing. Both women <strong>and</strong> men can be guilty of giving in<br />
<strong>to</strong> patriarchy. Goddess religion is open <strong>to</strong> people of both sexes, though. More<br />
information on how the Goddess appeals <strong>to</strong> men can be found further down the page.<br />
The last misconception of Goddess religion I will discuss actually comes from<br />
feminists. They say that the Goddess is a sexist model because the symbolism<br />
associated with her is similar <strong>to</strong> traditional feminine ideals like motherhood,<br />
nurturance <strong>and</strong> fertility, which have been used <strong>to</strong> keep women "in their place." They<br />
also cite that Goddess symbolism points out differences between men <strong>and</strong> women in<br />
terms of the female body, intuition, menstruation, etc. These criticisms probably<br />
come from the school of feminism that believes that women <strong>and</strong> men should be<br />
regarded as equals under all circumstances <strong>and</strong> any differences between the sexes<br />
aren't important. Although Goddess symbolism does include many references <strong>to</strong><br />
fertility, menstruation <strong>and</strong> mothering, the whole point is <strong>to</strong> place these qualities in a<br />
positive light. The Goddess shows women that they should not be ashamed of their<br />
bodies <strong>and</strong> their sexuality because it is beautiful, sacred <strong>and</strong> powerful. In fact, when<br />
evidence of past Goddess worship was first discovered, the male scholars of the time<br />
simply dismissed it all as "fertility cults." Obviously, this view is quite limiting. Many<br />
female deities were known as lawmakers, inven<strong>to</strong>rs, healers, huntresses, <strong>and</strong> brave<br />
warrior women. They were highly respected <strong>and</strong> revered. Other goddesses, such as<br />
the Greek Artemis, were regarded as virgin goddesses, not meaning that they were<br />
virgins, but that they were never married or tied down <strong>to</strong> a man. Clearly, the Goddess<br />
does not have <strong>to</strong> conform <strong>to</strong> stereotypical gender roles. Again, she can be whatever<br />
you want Her <strong>to</strong> be.<br />
Back <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>p<br />
Why Why Why learn learn learn about about The The Goddess?<br />
Goddess?<br />
Recognizing the Goddess can have a profoundly positive affect on one's life,<br />
especially those who feel stifled, let down <strong>and</strong> ignored by patriarchal religions<br />
(Christianity, Judaism <strong>and</strong> Islam). These religions offer few s<strong>to</strong>ries about women, <strong>and</strong><br />
when women are in the s<strong>to</strong>ries, they are almost always in relation <strong>to</strong> a man. These<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ries lack positive female imagery, portraying women as weak, inferior <strong>and</strong> unclean.
She is always portrayed as dependent on man. She does not belong <strong>to</strong> herself, but <strong>to</strong><br />
her father or husb<strong>and</strong>. In addition, unmarried women are defined by their sexuality.<br />
They are either "good little virgins", or "evil temptresses."<br />
Such limiting roles offer few role models for young women trying <strong>to</strong> find their place<br />
in the world. Many girls suffer from low self-esteem <strong>and</strong> a negative self-image,<br />
because <strong>to</strong> them, what is there <strong>to</strong> be proud about? They're "just a girl." They're not<br />
special or sacred. All the gods, prophets <strong>and</strong> disciples are male. Patriarchal religions<br />
constantly refer <strong>to</strong> the Divine in male terms, such as "Lord", "Father","He" <strong>and</strong> "Him."<br />
Many churches still refuse <strong>to</strong> ordain women as priests <strong>and</strong> ministers.<br />
Carol Christ, author of "Why Women Need the Goddess," part of Woman Spirit<br />
Rising: A Feminist Reader is Religion, which she co-edited, agrees. She states,<br />
"Religions centered on the worship of a male God create moods <strong>and</strong> motivations that<br />
keep women in a state of psychological dependence on men <strong>and</strong> male authority,<br />
while at the same time legitimating the political <strong>and</strong> social authority of fathers <strong>and</strong><br />
sons in the institutions of society,". She also says, "Even people who no longer believe<br />
in God or participate in the institutional structure of patriarchal religion still may not<br />
be free of the power of the symbolism of God the Father,". Indeed, people who don't<br />
practice a set religion but grow up in mainstream society have absorbed ideas that<br />
male power is superior <strong>and</strong> beneficial <strong>and</strong> female power is inferior <strong>and</strong> dangerous.<br />
Women are not taught <strong>to</strong> love their bodies, <strong>to</strong> follow their intuition or <strong>to</strong> trust<br />
themselves.<br />
The Goddess, however, can liberate the minds, bodies <strong>and</strong> spirits of women. Starhawk<br />
sums it up beautifully in The Spiral Dance, "The Importance of the Goddess symbol<br />
for women cannot be overstressed. The image of the Goddess inspires women <strong>to</strong> see<br />
ourselves as divine, our bodies as sacred, the changing phases of our lives as holy, our<br />
aggression as healthy, our anger as purifying <strong>and</strong> our power <strong>to</strong> nurture <strong>and</strong> create but<br />
also <strong>to</strong> limit <strong>and</strong> destroy when necessary, as the very force that sustains all life.<br />
Through the Goddess, we can discover our strength, enlighten our minds, own our<br />
bodies <strong>and</strong> celebrate our emotions. We can move beyond narrow constricting roles<br />
<strong>and</strong> become whole,".<br />
Where Where do do men men fit fit in?<br />
in?<br />
Some people ask, "Isn't Goddess religion just reverse sexism?" The answer is definitely<br />
"No!" In fact, many practitioners of Wicca also recognize a male hunter God. The<br />
Goddess is female in essence, but She works in women <strong>and</strong> men. One of the<br />
characteristics of the Goddess is that She is the Crea<strong>to</strong>r. This role is naturally much<br />
better fulfilled by a female image of the Divine, since women do give birth. The<br />
Goddess provides unconditional love <strong>and</strong> nurturance, like only a mother can. Also,
the menstrual cycle of women's bodies is directly connected <strong>to</strong> the cycles of the<br />
moon, <strong>and</strong> is similar <strong>to</strong> the cycle of the Earth's seasons, <strong>and</strong> all life on Earth.<br />
Obviously, female imagery is best suited <strong>to</strong> the characteristics of the Goddess.<br />
Males may feel just as out-of-<strong>to</strong>uch with patriarchal religions as women do, <strong>and</strong> can<br />
receive liberation through the Goddess. In the major religions <strong>to</strong>day, males are<br />
expected <strong>to</strong> be the leader of the household, providing discipline, order <strong>and</strong> financial<br />
support, a role some guys aren't comfortable with. Guys also often feel out of <strong>to</strong>uch<br />
with their emotions <strong>and</strong> feel unable <strong>to</strong> express their feelings well because they have<br />
been taught not <strong>to</strong>. By invoking the Goddess, men can reconnect with this hidden<br />
side of themselves. Starhawk says, "The symbol of the Goddess allows men <strong>to</strong><br />
experience <strong>and</strong> integrate the feminine side of their nature, the deepest <strong>and</strong> most<br />
sensitive aspect of self. The Goddess does not exclude the male, She contains him, as a<br />
pregnant woman contains her male child," (The Spiral Dance.)
<strong>Gods</strong>
I have chosen me an isl<strong>and</strong>.<br />
Affirmations <strong>to</strong> Horus<br />
I fear not at all: not men, fate, gods, laughter, money.<br />
I will win the Ordeal x.<br />
I seek the secret fourfold word.<br />
I shall know <strong>and</strong> destroy the trai<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
Success is my proof.<br />
I grasp the double w<strong>and</strong> of power.<br />
I will the first ordeal silver.<br />
I will the second ordeal gold.<br />
I will the third, ordeal s<strong>to</strong>nes of precious water.<br />
I will the fourth ordeal ultimate sparks of the intimate fire.
Apollo<br />
Apollo, in Greek mythology, son of the god Zeus <strong>and</strong> Le<strong>to</strong>, daughter of a Titan. He<br />
was also called Delian from Delos, the isl<strong>and</strong> of his birth, <strong>and</strong> Pythian, from his<br />
killing of Python, the fabled serpent that guarded a shrine on the mountains of<br />
Parnassus.<br />
In Homeric legend Apollo was primarily a god of prophecy. His most important<br />
oracle was at Delphi, the site of his vic<strong>to</strong>ry over the Python. He sometimes gave the<br />
gift of prophecy <strong>to</strong> mortals whom he loved, such as the Trojan princess Cass<strong>and</strong>ra.<br />
Apollo was a gifted musician, who delighted the gods with his performance on the<br />
lyre. He was also a master archer <strong>and</strong> a fleet-footed athlete, credited with having been<br />
the first vic<strong>to</strong>r in the Olympic games. His twin sister, Artemis, was the guardian of<br />
young women, <strong>and</strong> Apollo was the special protec<strong>to</strong>r of young men. He was also the<br />
god of agriculture <strong>and</strong> cattle <strong>and</strong> of light <strong>and</strong> truth. He taught humans the art of<br />
healing.<br />
Some tales depict Apollo as pitiless <strong>and</strong> cruel. According <strong>to</strong> Homer's Illiad, Apollo<br />
answered the prayers of the priest Chryses <strong>to</strong> obtain the release of his daughter from<br />
the Greek general Agamemnon by shooting fiery, pestilence- carrying arrows in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
Greek army. He also abducted <strong>and</strong> ravished the young Athenian princess Creusa <strong>and</strong><br />
ab<strong>and</strong>oned her <strong>and</strong> the child born <strong>to</strong> them. Perhaps because of his beauty <strong>and</strong> perfect<br />
physique, Apollo was represented in ancient art more frequently than any other<br />
deity.
Ares: God of War<br />
Ares, god of war <strong>and</strong> son of Zeus, king of the gods, <strong>and</strong> his wife, Hera. Aggressive <strong>and</strong><br />
sanguinary, Ares personified the brutal nature of war. He was unpopular with both<br />
gods <strong>and</strong> humans. Among the deities associated with Ares were his consort,<br />
Aphrodite, goddess of love, <strong>and</strong> such minor deities as Deimos (Fear) <strong>and</strong> Phobos<br />
(Rout), who accompanied him in battle. Although fierce <strong>and</strong> warlike, Ares was not<br />
invincible, even against mortals.<br />
The worship of Ares, believed <strong>to</strong> have originated in Thrace, was not extensive in<br />
ancient Greece, <strong>and</strong> where it existed, it lacked social or moral significance. Ares was<br />
an ancestral deity of Thebes <strong>and</strong> had a temple at Athens, at the foot of the Areopagus,<br />
or Hill of Ares.
Aztec <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Chalchihuitlcue<br />
Chalchihuitlcue<br />
Lady Precious Green, wife of Tlaloc. Goddess of s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> water. Personification of<br />
youthful beauty, vitality <strong>and</strong> violence. In some illustrations she is shown holding the<br />
head of Tlazolteotl, the goddess of the witches, between her legs. Chalchihuitlcue is<br />
the whirlpool, the wind on the waters, all young <strong>and</strong> growing things, the beginning<br />
of life <strong>and</strong> creation.<br />
Co Coatlicue Co atlicue<br />
Earth monster. In the darkness <strong>and</strong> chaos before the Creation, the female Earth<br />
Monster swam in the waters of the earth devouring all that she saw. When the gods<br />
Quetzalcoatl <strong>and</strong> Tezcatlipoca decided <strong>to</strong> impose form upon the Earth, they changed<br />
themselves in<strong>to</strong> serpents <strong>and</strong> struggled with the Earth Monster until they broke her<br />
in two. Coatlicue's lower part then rose <strong>to</strong> form the heavens <strong>and</strong> her upper part<br />
descended <strong>to</strong> form the earth. Coatlicue has an endless, ravenous appetite for human<br />
hearts <strong>and</strong> will not bear fruit unless given human blood.<br />
Cinteotl Cinteotl<br />
Cinteotl<br />
The corn god, the giver of food, god of fertility <strong>and</strong> regeneration. Cinteotl is<br />
protected by the rain gods Tlaloc <strong>and</strong> Chalchihuitlcue.<br />
Eueucoyotl<br />
Eueucoyotl<br />
The Old, Old Coyote. Associated with gaiety <strong>and</strong> sex. A god of spontaneity, of<br />
ostentatious ornament, of unexpected pleasure <strong>and</strong> sorrow. A trickster <strong>and</strong><br />
troublemaker. Considered unlucky.<br />
Huitzilopotchli<br />
Huitzilopotchli<br />
God of war, son of Coatlicue. Principal god of the Aztecs. When Coatlicue became<br />
pregnant with Huitzilopochtli, her daughter Coyolxauhqui incited her brothers, the<br />
Centzon Huitznahua (the Four Hundred Stars) <strong>to</strong> destroy Coatlicue, because her<br />
pregnancy brought disgrace on the family. Still in the womb, Huitzilopochtli swore <strong>to</strong><br />
defend his mother <strong>and</strong> immediately on being born put on battle armor <strong>and</strong> war paint.<br />
After defeating the Four Hundred Stars, Huitzilopochtli slew his sister <strong>and</strong> cast her<br />
down the hill at Templo Mayor where her body broke <strong>to</strong> pieces on striking the<br />
bot<strong>to</strong>m. Priests at Templo Mayor killed prisoners in the same way, these sacrifices<br />
being replicas of mythical events designed <strong>to</strong> keep the daily battle between day <strong>and</strong><br />
night <strong>and</strong> the birth of the God of War ever in the minds of the people. Often<br />
considered synonymous with Quetzalcoatl<br />
Quetzalcoatl.<br />
Quetzalcoatl
Itzcoliuhqui<br />
Itzcoliuhqui<br />
The Twisted Obsidian One, the God of the Curved Obsidian Blade. God of darkness<br />
<strong>and</strong> destruction. Blinded <strong>and</strong> cast down from the heavens, Itzcoliuhqui strikes out<br />
r<strong>and</strong>omly at his victims.<br />
Itzpapalotl<br />
Itzpapalotl<br />
Obsidian Butterfly. Beautiful, demonic, armed with the claws of a jaguar. The female<br />
counterpart of Itzcoliuhqui.<br />
Mictlan<br />
Mictlan<br />
Below the world of living men there are nine underworlds, the lowest of which is<br />
Mictlan, the L<strong>and</strong> of the Dead ruled by Mictlantechupi <strong>and</strong> his consort<br />
Mictlancihuntl. Souls who win no merit in life come here after death, but they do not<br />
suffer as in the Christian hell. Instead they merely endure a rather drab <strong>and</strong> colorless<br />
existence before passing again in<strong>to</strong> the world of the living. As a man disappears in<strong>to</strong><br />
the West, the direction of the dead, the seeds of his rebirth are sown.<br />
Ometeotl Ometeotl<br />
Ometeotl<br />
"God of the Near <strong>and</strong> Close," "He Who Is at the Center," the god above all, the being<br />
both male <strong>and</strong> female who created all life <strong>and</strong> existence. Ometeotl is dualistic,<br />
embodying both male <strong>and</strong> female, light <strong>and</strong> dark, positive <strong>and</strong> negative, yes <strong>and</strong> no.<br />
Ome<strong>to</strong>e<strong>to</strong>l occupies Omeyocan, the highest of the Aztecs' thirteen heavens, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
four heavens immediately below Omeyocan are a mystery about which no one knows<br />
very much. Below the five highest heavens is a region of strife <strong>and</strong> tempest, where<br />
Ometeotl breaks in<strong>to</strong> his many facets or aspects.<br />
Quetzalcoatl<br />
Quetzalcoatl<br />
The Feathered Serpent. The Precious Twin who lifts the sun out of darkness, god of<br />
the winds <strong>and</strong> the breath of life, First Lord of the Toltecs. Lawgiver, civilizer, crea<strong>to</strong>r<br />
of the calendar. Demons tempted Quetzalcoatl constantly <strong>to</strong> commit murder <strong>and</strong><br />
human sacrifice, but his love was <strong>to</strong>o great for him <strong>to</strong> succumb. To a<strong>to</strong>ne for great<br />
sins, Quetzcoatl threw himself on a funeral pyre, where his ashes rose <strong>to</strong> the heavens<br />
as a flock of birds carrying his heart <strong>to</strong> the star Venus. A frieze in the palace at<br />
Teotihuacan shows his first entry in<strong>to</strong> the world in the shape of a chrysalis, from<br />
which he struggles <strong>to</strong> emerge as a butterfly, the symbol of perfection. Quetzalcoatl is<br />
by far the most compassionate of the Aztec gods – he only dem<strong>and</strong>s one human<br />
sacrifice a year. Often considered synonymous with Hui Huitzilopotchli<br />
Hui<br />
tzilopotchli tzilopotchli.<br />
tzilopotchli<br />
Tezcatlipoca<br />
Tezcatlipoca<br />
The Prince of This World, the Mirror that Smokes, the One Always at the Shoulder,<br />
the Shadow. A trickster, revered particularly by soldiers <strong>and</strong> magicians. The name
efers <strong>to</strong> the black obsidian mirrors used by magicians which become cloudy when<br />
scrying. A god of wealth <strong>and</strong> power, Tezcatlopoca's favors can only be won by those<br />
willing <strong>to</strong> face his terrors. Ruler over the early years of a man's life.<br />
Tlaloc<br />
Tlaloc<br />
Lord of all sources of water, clouds, rain, lightning, mountain springs, <strong>and</strong> weather.<br />
Tlal Tlalocan Tlal ocan<br />
Kingdom of Tlaloc, a heaven of sensual delights, of rainbows, butterflies <strong>and</strong> flowers,<br />
of simple-minded <strong>and</strong> shallow pleasures. Souls spend only four years here before<br />
returning <strong>to</strong> the l<strong>and</strong> of the living. Unless it strives for higher <strong>and</strong> nobler things while<br />
living, a soul is destined for this endless round of mortal life <strong>and</strong> Tlalocan. When a<br />
life had been particularly evil, a soul might journey instead <strong>to</strong> Mictlan.<br />
Tlillan Tlillan-Tlapallan<br />
Tlillan Tlapallan<br />
The l<strong>and</strong> of the fleshless. The L<strong>and</strong> of the Black <strong>and</strong> Red, the colors signifying<br />
wisdom. A paradise for those who successfully follow the teachings of Quetzalcoatl.<br />
Those souls who come <strong>to</strong> Tlillan-Tlapallan have learned <strong>to</strong> live without fleshly<br />
bodies, a state greatly <strong>to</strong> be desired.<br />
Tlazolteotl<br />
Tlazolteotl<br />
Eater of filth, devourer of sins, goddess of witches <strong>and</strong> witchcraft. Tlazolteotl has<br />
power over all forms of unclean behavior, usually sexual. Confessing sins <strong>to</strong><br />
Tlazolteotl, one is cleansed. The goddess has four forms or aspects, corresponding <strong>to</strong><br />
the phases of the moon: a young <strong>and</strong> carefree temptress, the lover of Quetzalcoatl; the<br />
Goddess of gambling <strong>and</strong> uncertainty; the Great Priestess who consumes <strong>and</strong> destroys<br />
the sins of mankind; <strong>and</strong> frightful old crone, persecu<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> destroyer of youth.<br />
Tonatiuh<br />
Tonatiuh<br />
God of the Sun. Poor <strong>and</strong> ill, Tonatiuh cast himself in<strong>to</strong> the flames, <strong>and</strong> being burnt<br />
up, was resurrected. Daily Tonatiuh repeats his passage across the heavens, down in<strong>to</strong><br />
darkness, <strong>and</strong> back again in<strong>to</strong> the sky. With him Tonatiuh carries all brave warriors<br />
who have died in battle <strong>and</strong> all brave women who have died in childbirth. The<br />
greatest heroes Tonatiuh carries with him <strong>to</strong> the greatest heights. In Tonatiuhican,<br />
the House of the Sun, dwell those who have won even greater enlightenment than<br />
those who dwell in Tlillan-Tlapallan.<br />
Xipe Xipe Tote Totec Tote c<br />
Lord of the Spring, god of newly planted seed <strong>and</strong> of penitential <strong>to</strong>rture. A<br />
pockmarked savior who tears out his eyes <strong>and</strong> flays himself in penance <strong>to</strong> the gods,<br />
thus persuading the gods <strong>to</strong> give maize <strong>to</strong> men. Giving up his pockmarked skin, Xipe
Totec is then clad in robes of gold.<br />
Xiuhtecuhtli<br />
Xiuhtecuhtli<br />
Lord of fire, Lord of the Pole Star, pivot of the universe, one of the forms of the<br />
Supreme Deity. The lord of every flame, from those which burn in the temples <strong>to</strong><br />
those which burn in the lowliest huts.<br />
Xolotl Xolotl<br />
Xolotl<br />
The god with backward feet who brought Man as well as Fire from the underworlds.<br />
Bringer of misfortune. The evil aspect of the star Venus. Quetzalcoatl's deformed<br />
twin.<br />
The preceding information was compiled <strong>and</strong> is copyrighted 1994 by D.W. Owens.<br />
Distribution is allowed if credit is given.
Roman mythology<br />
Consus<br />
The Roman god who presides over the s<strong>to</strong>ring of grain. Since the grain was s<strong>to</strong>red in<br />
holes underneath the Earth, Consus' altar was also placed beneath the Earth near the<br />
Circus Maximus. It was uncovered only during the Consualia, his festival on August<br />
21st <strong>and</strong> December 15th. One of the main events during this festival was a mule race<br />
(the mule was his sacred animal). Also, on this day farm <strong>and</strong> dray horses were not<br />
permitted <strong>to</strong> work <strong>and</strong> attended the festivities. He is closely connected with the<br />
fertility goddess Ops (also known as Ops Consiva). Later he was also regarded as god<br />
of secret counsels.
Dionysus: God of Wine<br />
Dionysus, in Greek mythology, god of wine <strong>and</strong> vegetation, who showed mortals how<br />
<strong>to</strong> cultivate grapevines <strong>and</strong> make wine. He was good <strong>and</strong> gentle <strong>to</strong> those who honored<br />
him, but he brought madness <strong>and</strong> destruction upon those who spurned him or the<br />
orgiastic rituals of his cult. According <strong>to</strong> tradition, Dionysus died each winter <strong>and</strong> was<br />
reborn in the spring. To his followers, this cyclical revival, accompanied by the<br />
seasonal renewal of the fruits of the earth, embodied the promise of the resurrection<br />
of the dead.<br />
The yearly rites in honor of the resurrection of Dionysus gradually evolved in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
structured form of the Greek drama, <strong>and</strong> important festivals were held in honor of<br />
the god, during which great dramatic competitions were conducted. The most<br />
important festival, the Greater Dionysia, was held in Athens for five days each spring.<br />
It was for this celebration that the Greek dramatists Aeschylus, Sophocles, <strong>and</strong><br />
Euripides wrote their great tragedies. After the 5th century BC, Dionysus was known<br />
<strong>to</strong> the Greeks as Bacchus.
Eros: God of Love<br />
Eros was the god of love in Greek mythology. He was represented as one of the<br />
primeval forces of nature, the son of Chaos, <strong>and</strong> the embodiment of the harmony <strong>and</strong><br />
creative power in the universe. Soon, however, he was thought of as a h<strong>and</strong>some <strong>and</strong><br />
intense young man, attended by Pothos ("longing") or Himeros ("desire"). Later<br />
mythology made him the constant attendant of his mother, Aphrodite, goddess of<br />
love.<br />
In Greek art Eros was depicted as a winged youth, slight but beautiful, often with<br />
eyes covered <strong>to</strong> symbolize the blindness of love. Sometimes he carried a flower, but<br />
more commonly the silver bow <strong>and</strong> arrows, with which he shot darts of desire in<strong>to</strong><br />
the bosoms of gods <strong>and</strong> men.
Hades: God of the Underworld<br />
Hades, in Greek mythology, is the god of the dead. He was the son of the Titans<br />
Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea <strong>and</strong> the brother of Zeus <strong>and</strong> Poseidon. When the three brothers<br />
divided up the universe after they had deposed their father, Cronus, Hades was<br />
awarded the underworld. There, with his queen, Persephone, whom he had abducted<br />
from the world above, he ruled the kingdom of the dead. Although he was a grim <strong>and</strong><br />
pitiless god, unappeased by either prayer or sacrifice, he was not evil. In fact, he was<br />
known as lord of riches, because both crops <strong>and</strong> precious metals were believed <strong>to</strong><br />
come from his kingdom below ground.<br />
The underworld itself was often called Hades. It was divided in<strong>to</strong> two regions: Erebus,<br />
where the dead pass as soon as they die, <strong>and</strong> Tartarus, the deeper region, where the<br />
Titans had been imprisoned. It was a dim <strong>and</strong> unhappy place, inhabited by vague<br />
forms <strong>and</strong> shadows <strong>and</strong> guarded by Cerberus, the three-headed, dragon-tailed dog.<br />
Sinister rivers separated the underworld from the world above, <strong>and</strong> the aged boatman<br />
Charon ferried the souls of the dead across these waters.<br />
Somewhere in the darkness of the underworld Hades' palace was located. It was<br />
represented as a many-gated, dark <strong>and</strong> gloomy place, thronged with guests, <strong>and</strong> set in<br />
the midst of shadowy fields <strong>and</strong> an apparition-haunted l<strong>and</strong>scape. In later legends the<br />
underworld is described as the place where the good are rewarded <strong>and</strong> the wicked<br />
punished.
Greek mythology<br />
Heracles<br />
Heracles is the son of the god Zeus <strong>and</strong> Alcmene. His gift was fabulous strength; he<br />
strangled two serpents in his cradle, <strong>and</strong> killed a lion before manhood. Heracles' main<br />
antagonist was Hera. She eventually drove him mad, during which time he killed his<br />
own children <strong>and</strong> his brother's. He was so grieved upon recovery that he exiled<br />
himself <strong>and</strong> consulted the oracle of Apollo. The oracle <strong>to</strong>ld him <strong>to</strong> perform twelve<br />
labors<br />
These Twelve Labors were:<br />
Kill the lion of Nemea. He strangled it without further ado.<br />
Kill the nine-headed Hydra. Two new heads would grow on the Hydra from each<br />
fresh wound, <strong>and</strong> one was immortal. Heracles burned the eight <strong>and</strong> put the<br />
immortal one under a rock.<br />
Capture the Ceryneian Hind. After running after it for many months, he finally<br />
trapped it.<br />
Kill the wild boar of Erymanthus. A wild battle, but pretty straightforward:<br />
Heracles won.<br />
Clean the Augean Stables of King Augeas. He succeeded only by diverting a<br />
nearby river <strong>to</strong> wash the muck away.<br />
Kill the carnivorous birds of Stymphalis.<br />
Capture the wild bull of Crete.<br />
Capture the man-eating mares of Diomedes.<br />
Obtain the girdle of Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons.<br />
Capture the oxen of Geryon.<br />
Take the golden apples from the garden of the Hesperides, which was always<br />
guarded by the dragon Ladon. Heracles tricked Atlas in<strong>to</strong> getting he apples by<br />
offering <strong>to</strong> hold the Earth for Atlas.<br />
When he returned with the apples, Heracles asked him <strong>to</strong> take the Earth for a<br />
moment so he could go get a pillow for his aching shoulders. Atlas did so, <strong>and</strong><br />
Heracles left with his apples.<br />
Bring Cerberus, the three-headed dog of Hades, <strong>to</strong> the surface world.<br />
Heracles was now free <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> Thebes <strong>and</strong> marry Deianira. Later the centaur<br />
Nessus tried <strong>to</strong> abduct Deianira; Heracles shot him with a poisoned arrow. The dying<br />
Nessus <strong>to</strong>ld Deianira <strong>to</strong> keep his blood, as it would always preserve Heracles' love.<br />
When Deianira later feared she was being supplanted by Iole, Deianira sent Heracles<br />
a garment soaked in Nessus' blood. It poisoned Heracles, who was taken <strong>to</strong> Olympus
<strong>and</strong> endowed with immortality after death.<br />
Other names: Herakles, Hercules.
Hermes: Messenger of the <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Hermes, messenger of the gods, was the son of the god Zeus <strong>and</strong> of Maia, the daughter<br />
of the Titan Atlas. As the special servant <strong>and</strong> courier of Zeus, Hermes had winged<br />
s<strong>and</strong>als <strong>and</strong> a winged hat <strong>and</strong> bore a golden Caduceus, or magic w<strong>and</strong>, entwined with<br />
snakes <strong>and</strong> surmounted by wings. He conducted the souls of the dead <strong>to</strong> the<br />
underworld <strong>and</strong> was believed <strong>to</strong> possess magical powers over sleep <strong>and</strong> dreams.<br />
Hermes was also the god of commerce, <strong>and</strong> the protec<strong>to</strong>r of traders <strong>and</strong> herds. As the<br />
deity of athletes, he protected gymnasiums <strong>and</strong> stadiums <strong>and</strong> was believed <strong>to</strong> be<br />
responsible for both good luck <strong>and</strong> wealth. Despite his virtuous characteristics,<br />
Hermes was also a dangerous foe, a trickster, <strong>and</strong> a thief.<br />
On the day of his birth he s<strong>to</strong>le the cattle of his brother, the sun god Apollo,<br />
obscuring their trail by making the herd walk backward. When confronted by<br />
Apollo, Hermes denied the theft. The brothers were finally reconciled when Hermes<br />
gave Apollo his newly invented lyre.<br />
Hermes was represented in early Greek art as a mature, bearded man; in classical art<br />
he became an athletic youth, nude <strong>and</strong> beardless.
Hymn <strong>to</strong> Ares<br />
Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shieldbearer,<br />
Savior of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with<br />
the spear, O defense of Olympus, father of warlike Vic<strong>to</strong>ry, ally of Themis, stern<br />
governor of the rebellious, leader of righteous men, sceptered King of manliness, who<br />
whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the<br />
aether wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of<br />
heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray<br />
from above upon my life, <strong>and</strong> strength of war, that I may be able <strong>to</strong> drive away bitter<br />
cowardice from my head <strong>and</strong> crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain<br />
also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me <strong>to</strong> tread the ways of bloodcurdling<br />
strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness <strong>to</strong> abide within the<br />
harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife <strong>and</strong> hatred <strong>and</strong> the violent fiends of death.
Lesser Known Facts About Hades<br />
Hades, God of the Underworld:<br />
Hades, also called Aidoneus, was the son of Rhea <strong>and</strong> Cronus (the lord of the Titans<br />
who ate everyone, including his own family, eventually). Fortunately, Hades was<br />
saved by his brother Zeus, who later gave Hades the underworld as his share of an<br />
inheritance. He was married <strong>to</strong> Persephone, who was condemned by Zeus <strong>to</strong> spend<br />
one third of each year in the underworld with Hades, for eating the fatal<br />
Pomegranate's seeds (which was the symbol of marriage). Hades has also been<br />
portrayed as Plu<strong>to</strong>. Homer said that <strong>to</strong> pray <strong>to</strong> him, one struck the ground with bare<br />
h<strong>and</strong>s or rods. Black ewes or rams were sometimes sacrificed <strong>to</strong> him. Plants sacred <strong>to</strong><br />
the God of the Underworld will always be Cypress <strong>and</strong> the Narcissus, <strong>and</strong> of course,<br />
the mint plant, which reminds him of a special Nymph.
North American Indian <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Anguta Anguta (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
Gatherer of the dead. Anguta carries the dead down <strong>to</strong> the underworld, where they<br />
must sleep with him for a year.<br />
Aningan Aningan (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
The moon, brother <strong>to</strong> the sun whom Moon chases across the sky. Aningan has a great<br />
igloo in the sky where he rests. Irdlirvirissong, his demon cousin, lives there as well.<br />
The moon is a great hunter, <strong>and</strong> his sledge is always piled high with seal skins <strong>and</strong><br />
meat.<br />
Asgaya Asgaya Gigagei Gigagei (Cherokee)<br />
The Red Man or Woman evoked in spells <strong>to</strong> cure the ill. Asgaya Gigagei is either male<br />
or female, depending on the sex of the patient.<br />
Atira Atira (Pawnee)<br />
The Earth, Sacred Mother of every living creature. The Pawnee were hunters. When<br />
<strong>to</strong>ld <strong>to</strong> ab<strong>and</strong>on hunting <strong>and</strong> settle down <strong>to</strong> farming, their priest replied: "You ask me<br />
<strong>to</strong> plow the ground! Shall I take a knife <strong>and</strong> tear my mother's bosom? Then when I<br />
die she will not take me <strong>to</strong> her bosom <strong>to</strong> rest. You ask me <strong>to</strong> dig for s<strong>to</strong>ne! Shall I dig<br />
under her skin for her bones? Then when I die I cannot enter her body <strong>to</strong> be born<br />
again. You ask me <strong>to</strong> cut grass <strong>and</strong> make hay <strong>and</strong> sell it, <strong>and</strong> be rich like white men!<br />
But how dare I cut off my mother's hair? It is a bad law <strong>and</strong> my people cannot obey<br />
it."<br />
Awonawilona<br />
Awonawilona Awonawilona (Pueblo Indians)<br />
"The One Who Contains Everything." The Supreme God, the Crea<strong>to</strong>r of All. Before<br />
the creation there was only Awonawilona; all else was darkness <strong>and</strong> emptiness. Both<br />
male <strong>and</strong> female, Awonawilona created everything from himself <strong>and</strong> taking form<br />
became the maker of light, the Sun.<br />
Big Big Heads Heads (Iroquois)<br />
Demon gods. Gi<strong>and</strong> heads without bodies which fly about in s<strong>to</strong>rms. They find men<br />
very tasty.<br />
Breathmaker Breathmaker (Seminole)<br />
Breathmaker taught men <strong>to</strong> fish <strong>and</strong> dig wells, <strong>and</strong> made the Milky Way. When the<br />
virtuous die, they follow the Milky Way <strong>to</strong> a glorious city in the western sky.
Coyote Coyote (Southwestern Indians, but known in other areas as well)<br />
A trickster, a clown. The crea<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> teacher of men. Like Loki, Coyote is always<br />
lurking about, causing trouble <strong>and</strong> playing pranks. To the Zunis, Coyote is a hero who<br />
set forth the laws by which men may live in peace. The Pomo Indians maintain that<br />
Coyote created the human race <strong>and</strong> s<strong>to</strong>le the sun <strong>to</strong> keep them warm. The Montana<br />
Sioux say that Coyote created the horse. The Chinook tell how Coyote <strong>and</strong> Eagle<br />
went <strong>to</strong> the l<strong>and</strong> of the dead <strong>to</strong> bring back their dead wives. On reaching the l<strong>and</strong> of<br />
the dead, they found a meeting lodge lit only by the moon which lay on the floor.<br />
Every night an old woman would swallow the moon <strong>and</strong> the dead would appear in<br />
the meeting lodge. Recognizing their wives among the spirits of the dead, the two<br />
gods devised a plan. The next day, after the old woman had vomited up the moon <strong>and</strong><br />
the dead had disappeared, Coyote built a huge wooden box <strong>and</strong> placed in it leaves of<br />
every kind of plant. Coyote <strong>and</strong> Eagle then killed the old woman, <strong>and</strong> Coyote donned<br />
her clothes. When the time came, Coyote swallowed the moon. The dead appeared,<br />
but Eagle had place the box outside the exit. When Coyote vomited up the moon, the<br />
dead filed out <strong>and</strong> were trapped in the box. Coyote pleaded <strong>to</strong> be allowed <strong>to</strong> carry the<br />
box, <strong>and</strong> Eagle gave it <strong>to</strong> him. But Coyote couldn't wait <strong>to</strong> see his wife <strong>and</strong> opened the<br />
box. The spirits of the dead rose up like a cloud <strong>and</strong> disappeared <strong>to</strong> the west. So it is<br />
that people must die forever, not like the plants which die in winter <strong>and</strong> are green<br />
again in a season.<br />
Deohako Deohako (Iroquois/Seneca)<br />
Spirits of maize, beans <strong>and</strong> gourds who live <strong>to</strong>gether in a single hill. Searching for<br />
dew, the maize spirit Onatha was captured by the evil spirit Hahgwehdaetgah who<br />
<strong>to</strong>ok her off <strong>to</strong> the underworld. Sun rescued her, <strong>and</strong> ever since she has remained in<br />
the cornfields until the corn is ripe.<br />
Estanatlehi Estanatlehi (Navajo)<br />
First Woman's adopted daughter. To punish mankind for pride, First Man <strong>and</strong> First<br />
Woman sent a plague of monsters <strong>to</strong> kill <strong>and</strong> devour them. The time came when First<br />
Woman repented of the evils she <strong>and</strong> First Man had visited upon men, <strong>and</strong> she sought<br />
a means for their deliverance. First Woman discovered the infant Estanatlehi lying on<br />
the ground near First Woman's mountain, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>ok her in. The infant Estanatlehi<br />
grew <strong>to</strong> adulthood in four days. Making love with the Sun, she gave birth <strong>to</strong> the Twin<br />
Brothers who after many adventures slew the monsters.<br />
Evening Evening Star Star (Pawnee)<br />
An evil star who drives the sun down out of the sky <strong>and</strong> send his daughter <strong>to</strong> hinder<br />
Morning Star from the sun back up again.<br />
First First Man Man <strong>and</strong> First Woman (Navajo)
In the beginning, First Man <strong>and</strong> First Woman ascended from the underworld<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether with Coyote, leading the people through trials <strong>and</strong> tribulations in<strong>to</strong> the<br />
surface world which became their home. Deciding that the sky was <strong>to</strong>o empty with<br />
only Sun <strong>and</strong> Moon, First Man, First Woman <strong>and</strong> Coyote gathered up glittering<br />
s<strong>to</strong>nes <strong>and</strong> placed them in the sky <strong>to</strong> serve as stars.<br />
Gahe Gahe, Gahe Gahe also Ga'an Ga'an (Apache)<br />
Supernatural beings who dwell inside mountains. The can sometimes be heard<br />
dancing <strong>and</strong> beating drums. Because they can heal <strong>and</strong> drive away disease, they are<br />
worshipped. In the ritual dances of the Chiricahua Apache masked dancers painted a<br />
different color for each point of the compass represent all the Gahe except the Grey<br />
One. The Grey One, though he appears as a clown, is really the mightiest of all the<br />
Gahe.<br />
Gluskap Gluskap (Algonquin)<br />
The Crea<strong>to</strong>r, or more exactly, the crea<strong>to</strong>r force. Generally benevolent, but often<br />
whimsical. Gluskap created the plains, the food plants, the animals <strong>and</strong> the human<br />
race from the body of the Mother Earth. His rival was his wolf brother Malsum, who<br />
made rocks, thickets <strong>and</strong> poisonous animals. After a long struggle Gluskap killed<br />
Malsum <strong>and</strong> drove his evil magic under the earth. Gluskap drove away monsters,<br />
fought s<strong>to</strong>ne giants, taught hunting <strong>and</strong> farming <strong>to</strong> men, <strong>and</strong> gave names <strong>to</strong> the stars.<br />
His work done, Gluskap paddled <strong>to</strong>wards the sunrise in a birch bark canoe. Some day<br />
he may return.<br />
Hino Hino (Iroquois)<br />
Thunder god, god of the sky. The Rainbow is his consort. With his fire arrows, Hino<br />
destroys evil beings.<br />
Irdlirvirisissong Irdlirvirisissong (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
The demon cousin of the moon. Sometimes Irdlirvirissong comes out in<strong>to</strong> the sky <strong>to</strong><br />
dance <strong>and</strong> clown <strong>and</strong> make the people laugh. But if anyone is nearby, the people must<br />
restrain themselves or the demon clown will dry them up <strong>and</strong> eat their intestines.<br />
Kachinas Kachinas (Hopi)<br />
Nature spirits which inhabit <strong>and</strong> control everything -- animal spirits, spirits of<br />
departed ances<strong>to</strong>rs, spirits of natural resources such as wind, rain <strong>and</strong> thunder. Their<br />
exact number is not known, but at least five hundred appear in the mythologies of the<br />
different villages.<br />
Ka Kanati Ka nati (Cherokee)<br />
"The Lucky Hunter." Sometimes called First Man. He lives with his wife Selu ("Corn")
in the east where the sun rises, <strong>and</strong> their sons, the Twin Thunder Boys, live in the<br />
west.<br />
Kitcki Kitcki Kitcki Mani<strong>to</strong>u Mani<strong>to</strong>u Mani<strong>to</strong>u (Algonquin)<br />
The Great Spirit, the Supreme Being. The Uncreated, the Father of Life, God of the<br />
Winds. The Great Spirit is present in some way in nearly every North American<br />
Indian mythology.<br />
Michabo Michabo (Algonquin)<br />
The Great Hare. A trickster. A shape-shifter. Crea<strong>to</strong>r of men, the earth, deer, water<br />
<strong>and</strong> fish. Michabo drives away cannibal spirits. In the House of Dawn, Michabo is<br />
host <strong>to</strong> the souls of good men, feeding them succulent fruits <strong>and</strong> fish.<br />
Morning Morning Star Star Star (Pawnee)<br />
A protec<strong>to</strong>r who leads the sun upward in<strong>to</strong> the sky. A soldier god.<br />
Nagenatzani Nagenatzani (Navajo)<br />
Elder Twin Brother.<br />
Nesaru Nesaru (Arikara)<br />
Sky spirit. In the beginning, Nesaru had charge over all creation. Displeased with a<br />
race of giants in the underworld who would not respect his authority, Nesaru sent a<br />
new race <strong>to</strong> the underworld <strong>to</strong> replace them <strong>and</strong> sent a flood which destroyed the<br />
giants without destroying the new men. When the new men cried out <strong>to</strong> be released<br />
from the underworld, Nesaru sent the Corn Mother for their deliverance.<br />
Nokomis Nokomis (Algonquin)<br />
"Gr<strong>and</strong>mother." The Sacred Earth Mother. Nokomis nurtures all living things.<br />
North North Star Star (Pawnee)<br />
A crea<strong>to</strong>r god. Beneficiant <strong>and</strong> venerated.<br />
Ocasta Ocasta (Cherokee)<br />
"S<strong>to</strong>necoat." The name comes from his coat which was made of pieces of flint. Equally<br />
good <strong>and</strong> evil, Ocasta was one of the Crea<strong>to</strong>r's helpers. Ocasta created witches <strong>and</strong><br />
drifted from village <strong>to</strong> village stirring up turmoil. Some women trapped Ocasta,<br />
pinning him <strong>to</strong> the ground with a stick through his heart. The men cremated the<br />
dying Ocasta, who while burning on his funeral pyre taught them songs <strong>and</strong> dances<br />
for hunting, fighting wars <strong>and</strong> healing. Some of the men were granted great power<br />
<strong>and</strong> became the first medicine men.
Olelbis Olelbis (Wintun, Pacific Coast)<br />
The Crea<strong>to</strong>r who lived in Olelpanti (Heaven) with two old women. When the first<br />
people destroyed the world with fire, Olelbis sent wind <strong>and</strong> rain <strong>to</strong> quench the<br />
flames, <strong>and</strong> repaired the earth. Olelbis intended men <strong>to</strong> live forever. When they grew<br />
old, they were <strong>to</strong> climb <strong>to</strong> heaven <strong>and</strong> join Olelbis in paradise. Olelbis set two<br />
vultures <strong>to</strong> the task of building a ladder <strong>to</strong> Olelpanti for men <strong>to</strong> ascend, but Coyote<br />
persuaded them <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p work.<br />
Rabbit Rabbit (Southeastern tribes)<br />
Like Coyote <strong>and</strong> Michabo, a trickster god. Through a sly trick, Rabbit brought fire <strong>to</strong><br />
man.<br />
Raven Raven (Northwestern tribes)<br />
Another trickster god. Very greedy, forever seeking food. Raven s<strong>to</strong>le the moon from<br />
a miser <strong>and</strong> placed it in the sky.<br />
Sedna Sedna (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
Goddess of the sea <strong>and</strong> the creatures of the sea. A one-eyed giant. A frightful old hag,<br />
but she was young <strong>and</strong> beautiful when her father threw her in the sea as a sacrifice. A<br />
sorcerer wishing <strong>to</strong> visit Sedna must pass through the realms of death <strong>and</strong> then cross<br />
an abyss where a wheel of ice spins eternally <strong>and</strong> a cauldron of seal meat stews<br />
endlessly. To return he must cross another abyss on a bridge as narrow as a knife<br />
edge.<br />
Selu Selu (Cherokee)<br />
"Corn." Sometimes known as First Woman. Kanati's wife. Selu created corn in secret<br />
by rubbing her belly or by defecating. Her sons, the Twin Thunder Boys, killed her<br />
when they spied upon her <strong>and</strong> decided she was a witch.<br />
Shakura Shakura (Pawnee)<br />
Sun god. The Pawnee performed their famous Sun Dance for Shakura's sake. Young<br />
warriors attached themselves <strong>to</strong> tall poles with strips of hide which were tied <strong>to</strong> sharp<br />
stakes. The stakes were driven through the skin <strong>and</strong> flesh on the chest. The young<br />
brave would then support his entire weight with the hide ropes as he slowly circled<br />
the pole following the sun's movement in the sky. This lasted until the sun went<br />
down or the stakes ripped out of the brave's flesh.<br />
South South South Star Star (Pawnee)<br />
God of the underworld, the opposite of North Star. Magical <strong>and</strong> feared.<br />
Sun Sun (Cherokee)
A goddess. When Sun's daughter was bitten by a snake <strong>and</strong> taken <strong>to</strong> the Ghost<br />
Country, Sun hid herself in grief. The world was ever dark, <strong>and</strong> Sun's tears became a<br />
flood. At last the Cherokee sent their young men <strong>and</strong> women <strong>to</strong> heal Sun's grief,<br />
which they did with singing <strong>and</strong> dancing.<br />
Sun Sun (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
A beautiful young maiden carrying a <strong>to</strong>rch who is chased through the sky by her<br />
brother Aningan, the moon. The planet Jupiter is the mother of the sun <strong>and</strong> very<br />
dangerous <strong>to</strong> magicians. If they are careless, she will devour their livers.<br />
Tekkeitserk<strong>to</strong>ck<br />
Tekkeitserk<strong>to</strong>ck Tekkeitserk<strong>to</strong>ck (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
The earth god, master of hunting <strong>to</strong> whom all deer belong.<br />
Tirawa Tirawa-Atius<br />
Tirawa Tirawa Atius Atius (Pawnee)<br />
The Power Above, crea<strong>to</strong>r of the heavens <strong>and</strong> the earth. In the beginning Tirawa-<br />
Atius called the gods <strong>to</strong>gether <strong>to</strong> announce his plan <strong>to</strong> create the human race <strong>and</strong><br />
promised the gods a share of power for their help. Shakura the Sun was assigned <strong>to</strong><br />
provide light <strong>and</strong> heat, Pah the Moon was assigned the night, <strong>and</strong> Tirwara-Atius<br />
placed the Evening Star, the Mother of All Things in the west. The Morning Star he<br />
set <strong>to</strong> guard the east. After the gods had raised dry l<strong>and</strong> from the watery chaos,<br />
Tirawa Atius <strong>to</strong>ld Sun <strong>and</strong> Moon <strong>to</strong> make love, <strong>and</strong> they gave birth <strong>to</strong> a son. He then<br />
<strong>to</strong>ld Evening <strong>and</strong> Morning Star <strong>to</strong> make love, <strong>and</strong> they gave birth <strong>to</strong> a daughter. So<br />
the human race was made. All would have been well if Coyote had not s<strong>to</strong>len a sack<br />
of s<strong>to</strong>rms from Lightening. Opening the sack, Coyote loosed the s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> so<br />
brought death in<strong>to</strong> the world.<br />
Thobadestchin Thobadestchin (Navajo)<br />
Youngest Twin Brother.<br />
Thoume' Thoume' (Chitimacha)<br />
Thoume' taught the people <strong>to</strong> make clothing <strong>and</strong> fire, <strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong> make love. After<br />
making the moon <strong>and</strong> the sun, Thoume' sent the trickster god Kutnahin <strong>to</strong> teach<br />
medicine <strong>and</strong> food preparation <strong>to</strong> men. Kutnahin traveled through the world<br />
disguised as a derelict covered with buzzard dung.<br />
Torngasak Torngasak (Inuit/Eskimo)<br />
The good spirit, representing everything in nature good <strong>and</strong> helpful <strong>to</strong> man.<br />
Twin Twin Thunder Thunder Boys Boys (Cherokee)<br />
The sons of Kanati <strong>and</strong> Selu. Kanati <strong>and</strong> Selu live in the east, the Twin Thunder Boys<br />
live in the west. When thunder sounds, the boys are playing ball.
Wachabe Wachabe Wachabe (Sioux/Osage)<br />
Black Bear. A guardian. Symbol of long life, strength <strong>and</strong> courage.
Pan<br />
Pan, god of woods, fields, <strong>and</strong> fertility, was the son of Hermes, messenger of the gods,<br />
<strong>and</strong> a nymph. Part animal, with the horns, hoofs, <strong>and</strong> ears of a goat, he was a<br />
rollicking deity, the god of the shepherds <strong>and</strong> the goatherds. A wonderful musician,<br />
he accompanied, with his pipe of reeds, the woodl<strong>and</strong> nymphs when they danced. He<br />
invented this pipe when the nymph Syrinx, whom he was pursuing, was transformed<br />
in<strong>to</strong> a bed of reeds <strong>to</strong> escape him; Pan then <strong>to</strong>ok reeds of unequal length <strong>and</strong> played<br />
on them. The god was always wooing one of the nymphs by playing on his pipes, but<br />
was always rejected because of his ugliness. Pan's haunts were the mountains <strong>and</strong><br />
caves <strong>and</strong> all wild places, but his favorite spot was Arcady, where he was born.<br />
The word panic is supposed <strong>to</strong> have been derived from the fears of travelers who<br />
heard the sound of his pipes at night in the wilderness.
Aztec mythology<br />
Quetzalcoatl<br />
Quetzalcoatl meaning 'Feathered Snake.' One of the major deities of the Aztec,<br />
Toltecs, <strong>and</strong> other Middle American peoples. He is the crea<strong>to</strong>r sky-god <strong>and</strong> wise<br />
legisla<strong>to</strong>r. He organized the original cosmos <strong>and</strong> participated in the creation <strong>and</strong><br />
destruction of various world periods. Quetzalcoatl ruled the fifth world cycle <strong>and</strong><br />
created the humans of that cycle. The s<strong>to</strong>ry goes that he descended <strong>to</strong> Mictlan, the<br />
underworld, <strong>and</strong> gathered the bones of the human beings of the previous epochs.<br />
Upon his return, he sprinkled his own blood upon these bones <strong>and</strong> fashioned thus the<br />
humans of the new era. He is also a god of the wind (he wind-god Ehecatl is one of<br />
his forms), as well as a water-god <strong>and</strong> fertility-god.<br />
He is regarded as a son of the virgin goddess Coatlicue <strong>and</strong> as the twin brother of<br />
Xolotl. As the bringer of culture he introduced agriculture (maize) <strong>and</strong> the calendar<br />
<strong>and</strong> is the patron of the arts <strong>and</strong> the crafts.<br />
In one myth the god allowed himself <strong>to</strong> be seduced by Tezcatlipoca, but threw<br />
himself on a funeral pyre out of remorse. After his death his heart became the<br />
morning-star, <strong>and</strong> is as such identified with the god Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli. In<br />
dualistic Toltec religion, the opposing deity, Tezcatlipoca ('Smoking Mirror'), a god of<br />
the night, had reputedly driven Quetzalcoatl in<strong>to</strong> exile. According <strong>to</strong> yet another<br />
tradition he left on a raft of snakes over the sea. In any case, Quetzalcoatl, described<br />
as light-skinned <strong>and</strong> bearded, would return in a certain year. Thus, when the Spanish<br />
conqueror Hernán Cortés appeared in 1519, the Aztec king, Montezuma II, was easily<br />
convinced that Cortés was in fact the returning god.<br />
The Aztec later made him a symbol of death <strong>and</strong> resurrection <strong>and</strong> a patron of priests.<br />
The higher priests were called Quetzalcoatl <strong>to</strong>o. The god has a great affinity with the<br />
priest-king Topiltzin Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl, who ruled the Toltecs in Tula in the 10th<br />
century. The cult of Quetzalcoatl was widespread in Teotihuacan (50 km northeast of<br />
Mexico City), Tula (or Tullán, capi<strong>to</strong>l of the Toltecs in middle Mexico), Xochilco,<br />
Cholula, Tenochtitlan (the current Mexico City), <strong>and</strong> Chichen Itza.
Rites of the Nameless <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Recent years have seen the appearance of several 'Necronimica', books from various<br />
sources each purporting <strong>to</strong> be renderings of the dreaded <strong>to</strong>me itself! They have ranged<br />
from Sumerian scribblings <strong>to</strong> ye writings of Dr. John Dee (now reincarnated as Robert<br />
Turner, apparently). Also, following August Derleth's attempt <strong>to</strong> cohere the Cthulhu<br />
Mythos in<strong>to</strong> an identifiable cosmology, several occultists (notably Kenneth Grant)<br />
have attempted <strong>to</strong> work the Great Old Ones in<strong>to</strong> an 'identifiable' system of one kind<br />
or another.<br />
While such attempts display the Western occultists' penchant for building up<br />
symbolic metastructures, I feel that such systemizations of the Great Old Ones are a<br />
misappropriation of Lovecraft's original sense of them. Their very nature is that they<br />
are ''primal <strong>and</strong> undimensioned' - they can barely be perceived, <strong>and</strong> forever 'lurk' at<br />
the edges of awareness.<br />
The most powerful energies are those which cannot be clearly apprehended or<br />
conceived of. They remain intangible <strong>and</strong> tenuous. Very like the feeling of<br />
awakening from a nightmare terrified, but unable <strong>to</strong> remember why. Lovecraft<br />
unders<strong>to</strong>od this very well, probably because most of his writings evolved from his<br />
dreams.<br />
The Great Old Ones gain their power from their elusiveness <strong>and</strong> intangibility. Once<br />
they are formalized in<strong>to</strong> symbol systems <strong>and</strong> related <strong>to</strong> intellectual metasystems, some<br />
of their primal intensity is lost. William Burroughs puts it this way:<br />
“As soon as you name something you remove its power. If you could look Death in<br />
the face he would lose his power <strong>to</strong> kill you. When you ask Death for his credentials,<br />
his passport is indefinite.''<br />
--The Place of Dead Roads<br />
Pr Primal Pr Primal<br />
imal Speech<br />
The Great Old Ones can be thought of as primal archetypes of experience,<br />
represented in various creation myths as the Giants or Titans. Differing orders of<br />
deities throughout his<strong>to</strong>ry reflect the development of human consciousness - the<br />
evolution of a psychocosm. From the zoomorphic animal-human deities of the Pagan<br />
Aeon <strong>to</strong> the Monotheist deity as a reflection of the state's ideal citizen. The Great Old<br />
Ones have little, if anything in the way of human attributions; no distinct spheres of<br />
influence or human morality. Lovecraft made it very clear that the Great Old Ones<br />
have their own purposes, <strong>and</strong> those that summon them, do so at their peril.
The Great Old Ones are atavisms of the pre-human strata of consciousness, dim<br />
perceptions of the era when the primitive 'dragon brain' was the seat of awareness. In<br />
his writings, Lovecraft continually alludes <strong>to</strong> the non-conceptual nature of the Old<br />
Ones, <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> the primitive methods of summoning them <strong>to</strong> Earth - blood sacrifice,<br />
incense, sexual magick (especially incestuous interbreeding) <strong>and</strong> Primal, or monstrous<br />
speech. All these methods act very powerfully upon the 'reptilian' areas of the brain;<br />
the activity of which governs the basic behavior patterns - sex, hunger <strong>and</strong> the flightfight<br />
response.<br />
Of particular interest in Lovecraft's mention of primal speech; the kind of glossolalia<br />
which can be heard at both Revivalist meetings <strong>and</strong> Voudou gatherings. When<br />
ordered speech is replaced with gibbering, grunting <strong>and</strong> other non-ordered noises,<br />
then patterning, inflection <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>ne/volume become the means for carrying a<br />
message. In ritual, this deliberate 'blocking' of verbal communication with 'static' can<br />
be a powerful means of assisting others in<strong>to</strong> a state of possession, during which the<br />
body is controlled by 'Nameless' <strong>Gods</strong> who can only gibber <strong>and</strong> flail 'their' limbs<br />
about - a state somewhat reminiscent of the flopping of lizards, actually Seeing<br />
someone in this state brings <strong>to</strong> mind Lovecraft's description of Azathoth as:<br />
“A blind idiot god, the monstrous Nuclear Chaos.''<br />
The value of such an experience is debatable. Full possession by a deity appears <strong>to</strong> be<br />
rare in Western magick, implying as it does, a <strong>to</strong>tal dis-inhibition which most people<br />
seem unwilling <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>lerate. These rites of the Nameless <strong>Gods</strong> serve <strong>to</strong> hurl the<br />
consciousness backwards in<strong>to</strong> a level of awareness where the sense of being an<br />
individual 'I' is blurred. Memories of such a state will, of necessity, be at best<br />
fractured, or even <strong>to</strong>tally absent, a phenomena not uncommon with possession<br />
experiences.<br />
To conclude then, the Great Old Ones can indeed be summoned, but the means of<br />
doing so requires an approach which is very different <strong>to</strong> the established styles of<br />
Western magick.
South <strong>and</strong> Central American Indian <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Auchimalgen<br />
Auchimalgen Auchimalgen (Araucanian, Chile)<br />
Moondgoddess, wife of the sun. Only Auchimalgen cares anything for the human<br />
race, all the rest of the gods being utterly malevolent. Auchimalgen wards off evil<br />
spirits <strong>and</strong> turns red when some important person is about <strong>to</strong> die.<br />
Bacabs Bacabs Bacabs (Maya)<br />
The gods of the four points of the compass, who hold up the sky. The lords of the<br />
seasons.<br />
Camazotz Camazotz (Maya)<br />
Bat god, demon of the underworld.<br />
Chac Chac (Mayan)<br />
"Lightening," "the Cutter," "Lord of the nine generations." Rain god. One of the four<br />
Bacabs, the Lord of the East. Portrayed as a red man with a long nose. Revered<br />
particularly by farmers.<br />
Cupara Cupara (Jivaro)<br />
Cupara <strong>and</strong> his wife are the parents of the sun, for whom they created the moon from<br />
mud <strong>to</strong> be his mate. The children of the sun <strong>and</strong> moon are the animals, <strong>and</strong> among<br />
the animals is the sloth, who was the ances<strong>to</strong>r of the Jivaro.<br />
Ek Ek Chua<br />
Chua<br />
God of merchants <strong>and</strong> cacao growers. Black faced with a huge nose.<br />
Evaki Evaki (Bakairi)<br />
Goddess of night. Evaki places the sun in a pot every night <strong>and</strong> moves the sun back <strong>to</strong><br />
its starting point in the east every day. Evaki s<strong>to</strong>le sleep from the eyes of the lizards<br />
<strong>and</strong> shared it with all the other living creatures.<br />
Hunab Hunab Ku Ku, Ku also Kinebahan (Maya)<br />
"Eyes <strong>and</strong> mouth of the sun." The Great God without Form, existing only in spirit.<br />
The chief god of the Mayan pantheon.<br />
Hurakan Hurakan (Maya)<br />
God of thunders<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong> the whirlwind. His name gave us the word "hurricane." At<br />
the behest of his friend Gucumatz, son of the Sun <strong>and</strong> the Moon, Hurakan created the<br />
world, the animals, men <strong>and</strong> fire.
Imahmana Imahmana Viracocha Viracocha Viracocha <strong>and</strong> Tocapo Virachocha (Inca)<br />
Son of the crea<strong>to</strong>r Viracocha. After the Great Flood <strong>and</strong> the Creation, Viracocha sent<br />
his son Imaymana Viracocha <strong>to</strong>gether with his brother Tocapo Viracocha <strong>to</strong> visit the<br />
tribes <strong>and</strong> see if they still followed the comm<strong>and</strong>ments they had been given. As they<br />
went, Imaymana <strong>and</strong> Tocapo gave names <strong>to</strong> all the trees, flowers, fruits <strong>and</strong> herbs,<br />
<strong>and</strong> taught the people which of these could be eaten, which could cure, <strong>and</strong> which<br />
could kill.<br />
Inti Inti Inti (Inca)<br />
Sun god. Inti's image is a golden disk with a human face surrounded by bright rays.<br />
Every day Inti soars across the sky <strong>to</strong> the western horizon, plunges in<strong>to</strong> the sea, <strong>and</strong><br />
swims under the earth back <strong>to</strong> the east. Inti's sons are Wirakocha, Pachacomac, <strong>and</strong><br />
Manco Capac.<br />
Itzamna Itzamna (Maya)<br />
"Lizard House." Sky god <strong>and</strong> healer, son of Hunab Ku. Founder of the Mayan capital<br />
city of Mayapan. God of drawing <strong>and</strong> letters, patron of learning <strong>and</strong> the sciences.<br />
Itzamna can bring the dead back <strong>to</strong> life. His symbol is a red h<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> which the ill pray<br />
for healing.<br />
Ix Ix Chel Chel (Maya)<br />
"Lady Rainbow." Consort of Itzamna. Goddess of the moon, of weaving <strong>and</strong> of<br />
medicine. Her h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> feet are claws, <strong>and</strong> there are snakes in her hair. Except for<br />
Hunab Ku, all the other gods are the progeny of Ix Chel an Itzamna.<br />
Ixtab Ixtab (Maya)<br />
Goddess who rules the paradise of the blessed, who are served magnificent food <strong>and</strong><br />
drink in the shade of the tree Yaxche. For reasons completely obscure, Ixtab is<br />
portrayed as a hanged woman with a noose around her neck.<br />
Kami Kami <strong>and</strong> Keri (South American generally)<br />
Kami <strong>and</strong> Keri were born in<strong>to</strong> the sky world as the sons of the jaguar Oka <strong>and</strong> a<br />
woman created by magic. Their mother was killed by Mero, the jaguar's mother, <strong>and</strong><br />
in revenge, Kami <strong>and</strong> Keri burned her <strong>and</strong> themselves up in a great fire. Bringing<br />
themselves back <strong>to</strong> life, they came <strong>to</strong> earth as human beings where the separated the<br />
heavens from the earth, s<strong>to</strong>le fire from the eyes of Fox, <strong>and</strong> made the rivers with<br />
water s<strong>to</strong>len from the Great Snake. After teaching humans how <strong>to</strong> live <strong>to</strong>gether, their<br />
work was done, <strong>and</strong> they climbed <strong>to</strong> a mountain peak where they disappeared.<br />
Konira Konira Konira Wirakocha Wirakocha (Inca)
The great god Wirkocha disguised as a traveler in rags. A trickster, a prankster. No<br />
one knew who he was, <strong>and</strong> the people he passed called him names. Yet as he walked,<br />
he created. With a word he made the fields <strong>and</strong> terraced hillsides. Dropping a reed<br />
blossom, he made water flow.<br />
Kukulcan Kukulcan (Maya)<br />
"The Feathered Serpent.) Serpent god. The city of Quirigua was dedicated <strong>to</strong> his<br />
service. Roughly similar <strong>to</strong> Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs. He is said <strong>to</strong> have built the<br />
great city of Chicen Itza.<br />
Mama Mama Mama Quilla Quilla Quilla (Inca)<br />
Goddess of the moon. Protec<strong>to</strong>r of married women. Her image is a silver disc with a<br />
human face.<br />
Manco Manco Capac Capac (Inca)<br />
The son of Inti, also a solar god. The youngest of four brothers, Manco Capac defied<br />
the eldest brother who greedily dem<strong>and</strong>ed all of creation for himself. Sealing the<br />
eldest brother forever in a cave, Manco Capac murdered another <strong>and</strong> frightened the<br />
third in<strong>to</strong> fleeing, never <strong>to</strong> be seen again. Thus gaining power over all the world,<br />
Manco Capac founded the city of Cuzco <strong>and</strong> was worshiped as the Son of the Sun.<br />
Ngurvilu Ngurvilu (Araucanian, Chile)<br />
God of lakes <strong>and</strong> seas. Ngurvilu prowls about the waters in the form of a wild cat. It's<br />
tail ends in a huge claw, with which Ngurvilu might attack any human out of sheer<br />
maliciousness.<br />
Pachamac Pachamac (Inca)<br />
God of the earth, crea<strong>to</strong>r god. Prior <strong>to</strong> the Incan conquest, the Peruvians worshiped<br />
Pachamac as the supreme being. For political purposes, the Incas were forced <strong>to</strong> adopt<br />
Pachamac in<strong>to</strong> their own pantheon, but his position was never very secure. The great<br />
Inca Atahualpa treated Pachamac's priests with cold indifference, explaining <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro that the god's oracle had made three<br />
ruinously inaccurate prophecies. The Great Sun King even incited the Spaniards <strong>to</strong><br />
defile <strong>and</strong> loot the god's temple. They accepted the invitation enthusiastically.<br />
Pillan Pillan (Araucanian, Chile)<br />
God of fire, thunder, <strong>and</strong> war, chief of all the gods. Aided by brigades of evil spirits,<br />
Pillan causes earthquakes <strong>and</strong> volcanic eruptions, blights crops, creates s<strong>to</strong>rms <strong>and</strong><br />
sends war.<br />
Supai Supai (Inca)
God of death. A god of insatiable greed. The Incas sacrificed over a hundred children<br />
a year <strong>to</strong> Supai <strong>and</strong> still he would not leave them alone.<br />
Tonapa Tonapa, Tonapa Tonapa also Tonapa Tonapa Viracocha Viracocha Nipacachan Nipacachan<br />
The great god Viracocha in human form, traveling in disguise as an old man with a<br />
staff, preaching virtue <strong>to</strong> the people, working miracles, sleeping in the fields with<br />
nothing but his tunic for cover. Failing more often than succeeding, widely despised,<br />
Tonapa departed across the sea.<br />
Tupan Tupan (Tupinamba, Brazil)<br />
God of thunder <strong>and</strong> lightening. A bulky young man with wavy hair. Tupan likes <strong>to</strong><br />
visit his mother often, <strong>and</strong> when he does the passage of his boat causes s<strong>to</strong>rms. The<br />
Tupinamba respect but do not worship Tupan.<br />
Virococha Virococha (Inca)<br />
Literally, Sea-Foam. The Crea<strong>to</strong>r. The teacher of the world. After the Great Flood,<br />
which covered even the highest mountains <strong>and</strong> destroyed all life, Virococha molded<br />
new people out of clay at Tia Huanaco. On each figure of clay he painted the many<br />
features, clothes <strong>and</strong> hairstyles of the many nations, <strong>and</strong> gave <strong>to</strong> them their languages,<br />
their songs <strong>and</strong> the seeds they were <strong>to</strong> plant. Bringing them <strong>to</strong> life, Viracocha ordered<br />
them <strong>to</strong> travel underground <strong>and</strong> emerge at different places on the earth. Then<br />
Viracocha made the sun <strong>and</strong> the moon <strong>and</strong> the stars, <strong>and</strong> assigned them <strong>to</strong> their places<br />
in the sky. Raising up smaller Viracocha, the God ordered them <strong>to</strong> go about the world<br />
<strong>and</strong> call forth the people, <strong>and</strong> see <strong>to</strong> it that they multiplied <strong>and</strong> followed the<br />
comm<strong>and</strong>ments they had been given. Some of the little viracocha went south, some<br />
went southeast, while the God's two sons traveled northeast <strong>and</strong> northwest.<br />
Viracocha himself traveled straight north. Some tribes had rebelled, <strong>and</strong> these<br />
Viracocha punished by turning the people in<strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>ne. At Pucara, forty leagues north<br />
of Cuzco, Viracocha called down fire from the sky upon those who had disobeyed his<br />
comm<strong>and</strong>ments. Arriving at last at Cuzco <strong>and</strong> the seacoast, Viracocha gathered<br />
<strong>to</strong>gether his two sons <strong>and</strong> all the little viracocah, <strong>and</strong> they walked across the water<br />
until they disappeared.
Amen (Amon, Amun, Ammon, Amoun)<br />
The <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Amen's name means "The Hidden One." Amen was the patron deity of the city of<br />
Thebes from earliest times, <strong>and</strong> was viewed (along with his consort Amenet) as a<br />
primordial creation-deity. He is represented in five forms: (1) a man, enthroned; (2) a<br />
frog-headed man (as a primordial deity); (3) a cobra-headed man; (4) an ape; (5) a<br />
lion. His sacred animals were the goose <strong>and</strong> the ram, though he was not depicted as<br />
them.<br />
Up <strong>to</strong> Dynasty XII Amen was unimportant except in Thebes; but when the Thebans<br />
had established their sovereignty in Egypt, Amen became a prominent deity, <strong>and</strong> by<br />
Dynasty XVIII was termed the King of the <strong>Gods</strong>. His famous temple, Karnak, is the<br />
largest religious structure ever built by man. According <strong>to</strong> E.A.Wallis Budge's <strong>Gods</strong> of<br />
the Egyptians, Amen by Dynasy XIX-XX was thought of as "an invisible creative<br />
power which was the source of all life in heaven, <strong>and</strong> on the earth, <strong>and</strong> in the great<br />
deep, <strong>and</strong> in the Underworld, <strong>and</strong> which made itself manifest under the form of Ra."<br />
Amen was self-created, according <strong>to</strong> later traditions; according <strong>to</strong> the older Theban<br />
traditions, Amen was created by Thoth as one of the eight primordial deities of<br />
creation (Amen, Amenet, Heq, Heqet, Nun, Naunet, Kau, Kauket).<br />
During the New Kingdom, Amen's consort was Mut, "Mother," who seems <strong>to</strong> have<br />
been the Egyptian equivalent of the "Great Mother" archetype. The two thus formed a<br />
pair reminiscent of the God <strong>and</strong> Goddess of other traditions such as Wicca.<br />
See also: Amen-Ra, Mut, Thoth.<br />
Amen-Ra<br />
A composite deity, invented by the priests of Amen as an attempt <strong>to</strong> link New<br />
Kingdom (Dyn. XVIII-XXI) worship of Amen with the older solar cult of the god Ra.<br />
See also: Amen, Ra.<br />
Amset (Imsety, Mestha, GD: Ameshet)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Amset was represented as a mummified man. He was<br />
the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the liver of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> was protected by the goddess Isis.
See also: Four Sons of Horus, Isis.<br />
Anubis (Anpu, GD: Ano-Oobist)<br />
Anubis (the Greek corruption of the Egyptian "Anpu") was the son of Nephthys: by<br />
some traditions, the father was Set; by others, Osiris. Anubis was depicted as a jackal,<br />
or as a jackal-headed man; in primitive times he was probably simply the jackal god.<br />
Owing <strong>to</strong> the jackal's tendency <strong>to</strong> prowl around <strong>to</strong>mbs, he became associated with the<br />
dead, <strong>and</strong> by the Old Kingdom, Anubis was worshipped as the inven<strong>to</strong>r of<br />
embalming, who had embalmed the dead Osiris, thus helping preserve him in order<br />
<strong>to</strong> live again. Anubis was also worshipped under the form "Wepuat" ("Opener of the<br />
Ways"), sometimes with a rabbit's head, who conducted the souls of the dead <strong>to</strong> their<br />
judgment, <strong>and</strong> who moni<strong>to</strong>red the Scales of Truth <strong>to</strong> protect the dead from deception<br />
<strong>and</strong> eternal death.<br />
See also: Nephthys, Osiris, Set.<br />
Bast (Bastet)<br />
A cat-goddess, worshipped in the Delta city of Bubastis. A protectress of cats <strong>and</strong><br />
those who cared for cats. As a result, an important deity in the home (since cats were<br />
prized pets) <strong>and</strong> also important in the iconography (since the serpents which attack<br />
the sun god were usually represented in papyri as being killed by cats).<br />
She was also worshipped as the consort of Ptah-seker-ausar; <strong>and</strong> is joined with<br />
Sekhmet <strong>and</strong> Ra (a very unusual combination of male <strong>and</strong> female deities) <strong>to</strong> form<br />
Sekhmet-bast-ra, also worshipped as Ptah-seker-ausar's spouse, <strong>and</strong> viewed as a deity<br />
of the destructive, purifying power of the sun.<br />
See also: Ptah, Ra, Sekhmet.<br />
Bes<br />
A deity of either African or Semitic origin; came <strong>to</strong> Egypt by Dynasty XII. Depicted as<br />
a bearded, savage-looking yet comical dwarf, shown full-face in images (highly<br />
unusual by Egyptian artistic conventions). Revered as a deity of household pleasures<br />
such as music, good food, <strong>and</strong> relaxation. Also a protec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> entertainer of children.<br />
However, many texts point <strong>to</strong> the idea that Bes was a terrible, avenging deity, who<br />
was as swift <strong>to</strong> punish the wicked as he was <strong>to</strong> amuse <strong>and</strong> delight the righteous.
Duamutef (GD: Thmoomathph, Tuamutef)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Duamutef was represented as a mummified man with<br />
the head of a jackal. He was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the s<strong>to</strong>mach of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> was<br />
protected by the goddess Neith.<br />
See also: Four Sons of Horus, Neith.<br />
Four Sons of Horus<br />
The four sons of Horus were the protec<strong>to</strong>rs of the parts of the body of Osiris, <strong>and</strong><br />
from this, became the protec<strong>to</strong>rs of the body of the deceased. They were: Amset,<br />
Hapi, Duamutef, <strong>and</strong> Qebhsenuef. They were protected in turn by the goddesses Isis,<br />
Nephthys, Neith, <strong>and</strong> Serket.<br />
See also: Amset, Duamutef, Hapi, Isis, Neith, Nephthys, Qebhsenuef, <strong>and</strong> Serket.<br />
Geb (Seb)<br />
The god of the earth, son of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, brother <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> of Nuit, <strong>and</strong> father<br />
of Osiris, Set, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys. In the earliest stages of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry his name<br />
was Geb; in later forms of the language it became Seb, but the old pronunciation has<br />
become so common in popular works on the subject that it is used herein. His sacred<br />
animal was the goose, <strong>and</strong> he was often referred <strong>to</strong> as the "Great Cackler". He is<br />
generally represented as a man with green or black skin - the color of living things,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the color of the fertile Nile mud, respectively. It was said that Seb would hold<br />
imprisoned the souls of the wicked, that they might not ascend <strong>to</strong> heaven.<br />
Hadit: SEE Hor-behedet.<br />
Hapi (GD: Ahephi)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Hapi was represented as a mummified man with the<br />
head of a baboon. He was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the lungs of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> was<br />
protected by the goddess Nephthys.<br />
The name Hapi, spelled identically in most but not all cases, is also the name of the<br />
god who was the personification of the River Nile, depicted as a corpulent man (fat<br />
signifying abundance) with a crown of lilies or papyrus stems.
See also: Four Sons of Horus, Nephthys.<br />
Hathor (Het-heru, Het-Hert)<br />
A very old goddess of Egypt, worshipped as a cow-deity from earliest times. The<br />
name "Hathor" is the Greek corruption of the variants Het-Hert ("the House Above")<br />
<strong>and</strong> Het-Heru ("the House of Horus"). Both terms refer <strong>to</strong> her as a sky goddess. The<br />
priests of Heliopolis often referred <strong>to</strong> her as Ra's consort, the mother of Shu <strong>and</strong><br />
Tefnut. Like Isis, Hathor was considered by many <strong>to</strong> be the goddess "par excellence"<br />
<strong>and</strong> held the attributes of most of the other goddesses at one time or another. Like Isis<br />
<strong>and</strong> Mut, Hathor was a manifestation of the "Great Mother" archetype; a sort of<br />
cosmic Yin.<br />
She had so very many manifestations that eventually seven important ones were<br />
selected <strong>and</strong> widely worshipped as the "Seven Hathors": Hathor of Thebes, Heliopolis,<br />
Aphrodi<strong>to</strong>polis, Sinai, Momemphis, Herakleopolis, <strong>and</strong> Keset.<br />
The Greeks identified her with Aphrodite, <strong>and</strong> this is not <strong>to</strong>o far off, as she<br />
represented, in the texts, everything true, good, <strong>and</strong> beautiful in all forms of woman;<br />
mother, wife, sister, <strong>and</strong> daughter; also the patron of artists of every kind, <strong>and</strong> of<br />
joyful things, festivals, <strong>and</strong> happiness. The star Sirius (called by the Egyptians Sepdet)<br />
was sacred <strong>to</strong> her.<br />
See also: Isis, Mut, Ra, Shu, Tefnut.<br />
Heru-ra-ha<br />
A composite deity in Crowley's quasi-Egyptian mythology; composed of Ra-Hoor-<br />
Khuit <strong>and</strong> Hoor-par-kraat. Apparently without basis in his<strong>to</strong>rical Egyptian<br />
mythology, but the name, translated in<strong>to</strong> Egyptian, means something approximating<br />
"Horus <strong>and</strong> Ra be Praised!"<br />
See also: Ra-Hoor-Khuit, Hoor-pa-kraat.<br />
Hor-akhuti (Horakhty)<br />
"Horus of (or in) the Horizons," one of the most common titles of Horus, especially<br />
when in his function as a solar deity, emphasizing his reign stretching from one<br />
horizon <strong>to</strong> the other.
See also: Horus, Ra, Ra-Hoor-Khuit.<br />
Hor-behedet (Hadit Hadit Hadit) Hadit<br />
A form of Horus worshipped in the city of Behdet, shown in the well-known form of<br />
a solar disk with a great pair of wings, usually seen hovering above important scenes<br />
in Egyptian religious art. Made popular by Aleister Crowley under the poorly<br />
transliterated name "Hadit Hadit Hadit", Hadit the god appears <strong>to</strong> have been a way of depicting the<br />
omnipresence of Ra <strong>and</strong> Horus. As Crowley says in Magick in Theory <strong>and</strong> Practice,<br />
"the infinitely small <strong>and</strong> a<strong>to</strong>mic yet omnipresent point is called Hadit Hadit." Hadit<br />
This is a good<br />
expression of the god - seen almost everywhere, yet at the same time small <strong>and</strong> ou<strong>to</strong>f-the-way.<br />
See also: Horus.<br />
Hor-pa-kraat (Horus the Child, GD: Hoor-par-kraat)<br />
Horus, the son of Isis <strong>and</strong> Osiris, distinguished from Horus the Elder, who was the old<br />
patron deity of Upper Egypt; but the worship of the two gods became confused early<br />
in Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> the two essentially merged. Represented as a young boy with<br />
a child's sidelock of hair, sucking his finger.<br />
The Golden Dawn attributed Silence <strong>to</strong> him, presumably because the sucking of the<br />
finger is suggestive of the common "shhh" gesture.<br />
See also: Horus.<br />
Horus (Her)<br />
One of the most important deities of Egypt. Horus as now conceived is a mixture of<br />
the original deities known as "Horus the Child" <strong>and</strong> "Horus the Elder". As the Child,<br />
Horus is the son of Osiris <strong>and</strong> Isis, who, upon reaching adulthood, becomes known as<br />
Her-nedj-tef-ef ("Horus, Avenger of His Father") by avenging his father's death, by<br />
defeating <strong>and</strong> casting out his evil uncle Set. He then became the divine pro<strong>to</strong>type of<br />
the Pharaoh.<br />
As Horus the Elder, he was also the patron deity of Upper (Southern) Egypt from the<br />
earliest times; initially, viewed as the twin brother of Set (the patron of Lower Egypt),<br />
but he became the conqueror of Set c. 3000 B.C.E. when Upper Egypt conquered
Lower Egypt <strong>and</strong> formed the unified kingdom of Egypt.<br />
See also: Hor-pa-kraat, Horus the Elder, Isis, Osiris, Set.<br />
Horus the Elder (Her-ur, Aroueris)<br />
Horus, the patron god of Upper Egypt from time immemorial; distinguished from<br />
Horus the Child (Hor-pa-kraat), who was the son of Isis <strong>and</strong> Osiris; but the two gods<br />
merged early in Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> became the one Horus, uniting the attributes of<br />
both.<br />
See also: Hor-pa-kraat, Horus.<br />
Isis (Auset)<br />
Perhaps the most important goddess of all Egyptian mythology, Isis assumed, during<br />
the course of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry, the attributes <strong>and</strong> functions of virtually every other<br />
important goddess in the l<strong>and</strong>. Her most important functions, however, were those of<br />
motherhood, marital devotion, healing the sick, <strong>and</strong> the working of magical spells<br />
<strong>and</strong> charms. She was believed <strong>to</strong> be the most powerful magician in the universe,<br />
owing <strong>to</strong> the fact that she had learned the Secret Name of Ra from the god himself.<br />
She was the sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Osiris, sister of Set, <strong>and</strong> twin sister of Nephthys. She<br />
was the mother of Horus the Child (Hor-pa-kraat), <strong>and</strong> was the protective goddess of<br />
Horus's son Amset, protec<strong>to</strong>r of the liver of the deceased.<br />
Isis was responsible for protecting Horus from Set during his infancy; for helping<br />
Osiris <strong>to</strong> return <strong>to</strong> life; <strong>and</strong> for assisting her husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> rule in the l<strong>and</strong> of the Dead.<br />
Her cult seems <strong>to</strong> have originally centered, like her husb<strong>and</strong>'s, at Abydos near the<br />
Delta in the North (Lower Egypt); she was adopted in<strong>to</strong> the family of Ra early in<br />
Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry by the priests of Heliopolis, but from the New Kingdom onwards (c.<br />
1500 BC) her worship no longer had any particular identifiable center, <strong>and</strong> she<br />
became more or less universally worshipped, as her husb<strong>and</strong> was.<br />
See also: Amset, Hor-pa-kraat, Horus, Nephthys, Osiris, Ra, Set.<br />
Khephra (Keper)<br />
The crea<strong>to</strong>r-god, according <strong>to</strong> early Heliopolitan cosmology; considered a form of Ra.<br />
The Egyptian root "kheper" signifies several things, according <strong>to</strong> context, most
notably the verb "<strong>to</strong> create" or "<strong>to</strong> transform", <strong>and</strong> also the word for "scarab beetle".<br />
The scarab, or dung beetle, was considered symbolic of the sun since it rolled a ball of<br />
dung in which it laid its eggs around with it - this was considered symbolic of the sun<br />
god propelling the sphere of the sun through the sky. In later Heliopolitan belief,<br />
which named the sun variously according <strong>to</strong> the time of the day, Khephra was the<br />
nighttime form of the sun.<br />
See also: Ra.<br />
Khonsu (Chons)<br />
The third member (with his parents Amen <strong>and</strong> Mut) of the great triad of Thebes.<br />
Khonsu was the god of the moon. The best-known s<strong>to</strong>ry about him tells of him<br />
playing the ancient game "senet" ("passage") against Thoth, <strong>and</strong> wagered a portion of<br />
his light. Thoth won, <strong>and</strong> because of losing some of his light, Khonsu cannot show his<br />
whole glory for the entire month, but must wax <strong>and</strong> wane.<br />
See also: Amen, Mut, Thoth.<br />
Ma'at (Ma)<br />
The wife of Thoth, Ma'at's name means "Truth", "Justice", <strong>and</strong> perhaps even "Tao". It<br />
cannot readily be rendered in<strong>to</strong> English but "truth" is perhaps a satisfac<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
translation. Ma'at was represented as a tall woman with an ostrich feather in her hair.<br />
She was present at the judgment of the dead; her feather was balanced against the<br />
heart of the deceased <strong>to</strong> determine whether he had led a pure <strong>and</strong> honest life. All civil<br />
laws in Egypt were held up <strong>to</strong> the "Law of Ma'at", which essentially was a series of old<br />
conceptions <strong>and</strong> morals dating <strong>to</strong> the earliest times in Egypt. A law contrary <strong>to</strong> the<br />
Law of Ma'at would not have been considered valid in Egypt.<br />
See also: Thoth.<br />
Min (Menu, Amsu)<br />
A form of Amen depicted holding a flail (thought <strong>to</strong> represent a thunderbolt in<br />
Egyptian art) <strong>and</strong> with an erect penis; his full name was often given as Menu-ka-mutef<br />
("Min, Bull of his Mother"). Min was worshipped as the god of virility; lettuces<br />
were offered as sacrifice <strong>to</strong> him <strong>and</strong> then eaten in hopes of procuring manhood; <strong>and</strong><br />
he was worshipped as the husb<strong>and</strong> of the goddess Qetesh, goddess of love <strong>and</strong><br />
femininity.
See also: Amen, Qetesh.<br />
Mut (GD: Auramooth)<br />
The wife of Amen in Theban tradition; seen as the mother, the loving, receptive,<br />
nurturing force (similar <strong>to</strong> Yin) behind all things, even as her husb<strong>and</strong> was the great<br />
energy, the creative force (similar <strong>to</strong> Yang). The word "mut" in Ancient Egyptian<br />
means "mother". She was also the mother of Khonsu, the moon god.<br />
See also: Amen, Khonsu.<br />
Neith (Net, Neit, GD: Thoum-aesh-neith)<br />
A very ancient goddess worshipped in the Delta; revered as a goddess of wisdom,<br />
often identified with Ma'at; in later traditions, the sister of Isis, Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> Serket,<br />
<strong>and</strong> protectress of Duamutef, the god of the s<strong>to</strong>mach of the deceased.<br />
See also: Duamutef, Ma'at.<br />
Nephthys (Nebt-het)<br />
The sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Set, <strong>and</strong> sister of Isis <strong>and</strong> Osiris; also the mother (variantly by<br />
Set or by Osiris) of Anubis. She ab<strong>and</strong>oned Set when he killed Osiris, <strong>and</strong> assisted Isis<br />
in the care of Horus <strong>and</strong> the resurrection of Osiris. She was, along with her sister,<br />
considered the special protectress of the dead, <strong>and</strong> she was the guardian of Hapi, the<br />
protec<strong>to</strong>r of the lungs of the deceased.<br />
See also: Hapi, Horus, Isis, Osiris, Set.<br />
Nuit (Nut)<br />
The goddess of the sky, daughter of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Geb, mother of<br />
Osiris, Set, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys. Described by Crowley in his Magick in Theory <strong>and</strong><br />
Practice thus: "Infinite space is called the goddess Nuit Nuit." Nuit<br />
Nut was generally depicted<br />
as a woman with blue skin, <strong>and</strong> her body covered with stars, st<strong>and</strong>ing on all fours,<br />
leaning over her husb<strong>and</strong>, representing the sky arched over the earth. Her<br />
relationship <strong>to</strong> Hadit is an invention of Crowley's with no basis in Egyp<strong>to</strong>logy, save<br />
only that Hadit was often depicted underneath Nuit - one finds Nuit forming the<br />
upper frame of a scene, <strong>and</strong> the winged disk Hadit floating beneath, silently as
always. This is an artistic convention, <strong>and</strong> there was no marriage between the two in<br />
ancient Egyptian legend.<br />
See also: Geb, Hor-behedet (Hadit), Shu.<br />
Osiris (Ausar)<br />
The god of the dead, <strong>and</strong> the god of the resurrection in<strong>to</strong> eternal life; ruler, protec<strong>to</strong>r,<br />
<strong>and</strong> judge of the deceased, <strong>and</strong> his pro<strong>to</strong>type (the deceased was in his<strong>to</strong>rical times<br />
usually referred <strong>to</strong> as "the Osiris"). His cult originated in Abydos, where his actual<br />
<strong>to</strong>mb was said <strong>to</strong> be located.<br />
Osiris was the first child of Nut <strong>and</strong> Geb, thus the brother of Set, Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> Isis,<br />
who was also his wife. By Isis he fathered Horus, <strong>and</strong> according <strong>to</strong> some s<strong>to</strong>ries,<br />
Nephthys assumed the form of Isis, seduced him thus, <strong>and</strong> from their union was born<br />
Anubis.<br />
Osiris ruled the world of men in the beginning, after Ra had ab<strong>and</strong>oned the world <strong>to</strong><br />
rule the skies, but he was murdered by his brother Set. Through the magic of Isis, he<br />
was made <strong>to</strong> live again. Being the first living thing <strong>to</strong> die, he subsequently became<br />
lord of the dead. His death was avenged by his son Horus, who defeated Set <strong>and</strong> cast<br />
him out in<strong>to</strong> the desert <strong>to</strong> the West of Egypt (the Sahara).<br />
Prayers <strong>and</strong> spells were addressed <strong>to</strong> Osiris throughout Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry, in hopes of<br />
securing his blessing <strong>and</strong> entering the afterlife which he ruled; but his popularity<br />
steadily increased through the Middle Kingdom. By Dynasty 18 he was probably the<br />
most widely worshipped god in Egypt. His popularity endured until the latest phases<br />
of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry; relief's still exist of Roman emperors, conquerors of Egypt,<br />
dressed in the traditional garb of the Pharaohs, making offerings <strong>to</strong> him in the<br />
temples.<br />
See also: Anubis, Geb, Horus, Isis, Nephthys, Ra, Set.<br />
Pharaoh (deified kings)<br />
From earliest times in Egypt the pharaohs were worshipped as gods: the son of Ra, the<br />
son of Horus, the son of Amen, etc. depending upon what period of Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
<strong>and</strong> what part of the country is being considered. It should be noted that prayers,<br />
sacrifices, etc. <strong>to</strong> the pharaohs were extremely rare, if they occurred at all - there<br />
seems <strong>to</strong> be little or no evidence <strong>to</strong> support an actual cult of the pharaoh.
The pharaoh was looked upon as being chosen by <strong>and</strong> favored by the gods his fathers.<br />
The pharaoh was never regarded as the son of any goddesses, but rather as the son of<br />
the Queen his mother, fathered by the god, incarnate as his earthly father. (A few<br />
seeming exceptions <strong>to</strong> this include a sculpture of Pharaoh Tutankhamen being<br />
embraced by his "parents" Amen <strong>and</strong> Mut, but the intent here seems <strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong> compare<br />
the king with their son Khonsu, rather than <strong>to</strong> actually claim that Mut was his<br />
mother.)<br />
See also: Amen, Khonsu, Mut.<br />
Ptah<br />
Worshipped in Memphis from the earliest dynastic times (c.3000 BC), Ptah was seen<br />
as the crea<strong>to</strong>r of the universe in the Memphite cosmology. He fashioned the bodies in<br />
which dwelt the souls of men in the afterlife. Other versions of the myths state that<br />
he worked under Thoth's orders, creating the heavens <strong>and</strong> the earth according <strong>to</strong><br />
Thoth's specifications.<br />
Ptah is depicted as a bearded man wearing a skullcap, shrouded much like a mummy,<br />
with his h<strong>and</strong>s emerging from the wrappings in front <strong>and</strong> holding the Uas (phoenixheaded)<br />
scepter, an Ankh, <strong>and</strong> a Djed (sign of stability). He was often worshiped in<br />
conjunction with the gods Seker <strong>and</strong> Osiris, <strong>and</strong> worshipped under the name Ptahseker-ausar.<br />
See also: Osiris, Seker, Thoth.<br />
Qebhsenuef (Kabexnuf, Qebsneuef)<br />
One of the Four Sons of Horus, Qebhsenuef was represented as a mummified man<br />
with the head of a falcon. He was the protec<strong>to</strong>r of the intestines of the deceased, <strong>and</strong><br />
was protected by the goddess Serket.<br />
See also: Four Sons of Horus, Serket.<br />
Qetesh<br />
Originally believed <strong>to</strong> be a Syrian deity, Qetesh was an important form of Hathor,<br />
specifically referred <strong>to</strong> in the latter's function as goddess of love <strong>and</strong> beauty. Qetesh<br />
was depicted as a beautiful nude woman, st<strong>and</strong>ing or riding upon a lion, holding<br />
flowers, a mirror, or serpents. She is generally shown full-face (unusual in Egyptian
artistic convention). She was also considered the consort of the god Min, the god of<br />
virility.<br />
See also: Hathor, Min.<br />
Ra<br />
Ra was the god of the sun during dynastic Egypt; the name is thought <strong>to</strong> have meant<br />
"creative power", <strong>and</strong> as a proper name "Crea<strong>to</strong>r", similar <strong>to</strong> English Christian usage of<br />
the term "Crea<strong>to</strong>r" <strong>to</strong> signify the "almighty God." Very early in Egyptian his<strong>to</strong>ry Ra<br />
was identified with Horus, who as a hawk or falcon-god represented the loftiness of<br />
the skies. Ra is represented either as a hawk-headed man or as a hawk.<br />
Owing <strong>to</strong> the fact that the sun was a fire, the Egyptians realized that in order <strong>to</strong> travel<br />
through the waters of Heaven <strong>and</strong> the Underworld, it required a boat, <strong>and</strong> so Ra was<br />
depicted as traveling in a boat. During the day the boat was a great galley called<br />
Madjet ("becoming strong") <strong>and</strong> during the night, a small barge called Semektet<br />
("becoming weak").<br />
During dynastic Egypt Ra's cult center was Annu (Hebrew "On", Greek "Heliopolis",<br />
modern-day "Cairo"). In Dynasty V, the first king, Userkaf, was also Ra's high priest,<br />
<strong>and</strong> he added the term "Sa-Ra (Son of Ra)" <strong>to</strong> the tutelary of the pharaohs.<br />
Ra was father of Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut, gr<strong>and</strong>father of Nut <strong>and</strong> Geb, great-gr<strong>and</strong>father of<br />
Osiris, Set, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> great-great-gr<strong>and</strong>father <strong>to</strong> Horus. In later periods<br />
(about Dynasty 18 on) Osiris <strong>and</strong> Isis superseded him in popularity, but he remained<br />
"Ra netjer-aa neb-pet" ("Ra, the great God, Lord of Heaven") whether worshipped in<br />
his own right or, in later times, as half of the Lord of the Universe, Amen-Ra.<br />
See also: Amen, Amen-Ra, Geb, Horus, Isis, Nephthys, Nut, Osiris, Set, Shu, Tefnut.<br />
Ra-Hoor-Khuit<br />
"Ra, who is Horus of the Horizons." An appellation of Ra, identifying him with<br />
Horus, showing the two as manifestations of the singular Solar Force. The spelling<br />
"Ra-Hoor-Khuit" was popularized by Aleister Crowley, first in the Book of the Law<br />
(Liber AL vel Legis).<br />
See also: Hor-akhuti, Horus, Ra.
Seb: See Geb.<br />
Sebek<br />
The crocodile-god, worshipped at the city of Arsinoe, called Crocodilopolis by the<br />
Greeks. Sebek was worshipped <strong>to</strong> appease him <strong>and</strong> his animals. According <strong>to</strong> some<br />
evidence, Sebek was considered a fourfold deity who represented the four elemental<br />
gods (Ra of fire, Shu of air, Geb of earth, <strong>and</strong> Osiris of water). In the Book of the<br />
Dead, Sebek assists in the birth of Horus; he fetches Isis <strong>and</strong> Nephthys <strong>to</strong> protect the<br />
deceased; <strong>and</strong> he aids in the destruction of Set.<br />
Seker<br />
A god of light, protec<strong>to</strong>r of the spirits of the dead passing through the Underworld en<br />
route <strong>to</strong> the afterlife. Seker was worshipped in Memphis as a form of Ptah or as part of<br />
the compound deities Ptah-seker or Ptah-seker-ausar. Seker was usually depicted as<br />
having the head of a hawk, <strong>and</strong> shrouded as a mummy, similar <strong>to</strong> Ptah.<br />
See also: Ptah.<br />
Sekhmet<br />
A lioness-goddess, worshipped in Memphis as the wife of Ptah; created by Ra from<br />
the fire of his eyes as a creature of vengeance <strong>to</strong> punish mankind for his sins; later,<br />
became a peaceful protectress of the righteous. She was worshipped with Bast <strong>and</strong> Ra<br />
as a compound deity, Sekhmet-bast-ra, <strong>and</strong> was considered the consort of Ptah-sekerausar.<br />
See also: Bast, Ptah, Ra, Seker.<br />
Serket (Serqet, Selket)<br />
A scorpion-goddess, shown as a beautiful woman with a scorpion poised on her head;<br />
her creature struck death <strong>to</strong> the wicked, but she was also prayed <strong>to</strong> save the lives of<br />
innocent people stung by scorpions; she was also viewed as a helper of women in<br />
childbirth. She is also depicted as binding up demons that would otherwise threaten<br />
Ra, <strong>and</strong> she sent seven of her scorpions <strong>to</strong> protect Isis from Set.<br />
She was the protectress of Qebhsenuef, the son of Horus who guarded the intestines<br />
of the deceased. She was made famous by her statue from Tutankhamen's <strong>to</strong>mb,
which was part of the collection which <strong>to</strong>ured America in the 1970's.<br />
See also: Isis, Qebhsenuef, Ra, Set.<br />
Set<br />
Originally, in earliest times, Set was the patron deity of Lower (North) Egypt, <strong>and</strong><br />
represented the fierce s<strong>to</strong>rms of the desert whom the Lower Egyptians sought <strong>to</strong><br />
appease. However, when Upper Egypt conquered Lower Egypt <strong>and</strong> ushered in the<br />
First Dynasty, Set became known as the evil enemy of Horus (Upper Egypt's dynastic<br />
god).<br />
Set was the brother of Osiris, Isis, <strong>and</strong> Nephthys, <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> of the latter; according<br />
<strong>to</strong> some versions of the myths he is also father of Anubis.<br />
Set is best known for murdering his brother <strong>and</strong> attempting <strong>to</strong> kill his nephew Horus;<br />
Horus, however, managed <strong>to</strong> survive <strong>and</strong> grew up <strong>to</strong> avenge his father's death by<br />
establishing his rule over all Egypt <strong>and</strong> casting Set out in<strong>to</strong> the lonely desert for all<br />
time.<br />
In the 19th Dynasty there began a resurgence of respect for Set, <strong>and</strong> he was seen as a<br />
great god once more, the god who benevolently restrained the forces of the desert;<br />
but this was short-lived <strong>and</strong> by around Dynasty 20 or 21 Set became once more<br />
dreaded as the god of evil.<br />
See also: Anubis, Horus, Isis, Osiris, Nephthys.<br />
Shu<br />
The god of the atmosphere <strong>and</strong> of dry winds, son of Ra, brother <strong>and</strong> husb<strong>and</strong> of<br />
Tefnut, father of Geb <strong>and</strong> Nuit. Represented in hieroglyphs by an ostrich feather<br />
(similar <strong>to</strong> Ma'at's), which symbol he is usually shown wearing on his head. He is<br />
generally shown st<strong>and</strong>ing on the recumbent Geb, holding aloft his daughter Nuit,<br />
separating the two. It was said that if he ever ceased <strong>to</strong> interpose himself between<br />
earth <strong>and</strong> sky, life would cease <strong>to</strong> be on our world - a very accurate assessment, it<br />
would seem. The name "Shu" appears <strong>to</strong> be related <strong>to</strong> the root "shu" meaning "dry,<br />
empty." Shu also seems <strong>to</strong> be a personification of the sun's light. Shu <strong>and</strong> Tefnut were<br />
also said <strong>to</strong> be but two halves of one soul, perhaps the earliest recorded example of<br />
"soul mates."<br />
See also: Geb, Nuit, Ra, Tefnut.
Tefnut<br />
The goddess of moisture <strong>and</strong> clouds, daughter of Ra, sister <strong>and</strong> wife of Shu, mother of<br />
Geb <strong>and</strong> Nuit. Depicted as a woman with the head of a lioness, which was her sacred<br />
animal. The name "Tefnut" probably derives from the root "teftef", signifying "<strong>to</strong> spit,<br />
<strong>to</strong> moisten" <strong>and</strong> the root "nu" meaning "waters, sky."<br />
See also: Geb, Nuit, Ra, Shu.<br />
Thoth (Tahuti)<br />
The god of wisdom (Thoth is the Greek corruption of the original Egyptian Tahuti),<br />
Thoth was said <strong>to</strong> be self-created at the beginning of time, along with his consort<br />
Ma'at (truth). The two produced eight children, of which the most important was<br />
Amen, the hidden one, who was worshipped in Thebes as the Lord of the Universe.<br />
Thoth was depicted as a man with the head of an ibis bird, <strong>and</strong> carried a pen <strong>and</strong><br />
scrolls upon which he recorded all things. He was shown as attendant in almost all<br />
major scenes involving the gods, but especially at the judgment of the deceased.<br />
It was widely believed that Thoth invented the magical <strong>and</strong> hermetic arts, <strong>and</strong> thus<br />
the Tarot deck, especially its revision by Aleister Crowley, is often referred <strong>to</strong> as the<br />
"Book of Thoth".<br />
See also: Amen, Ma'at.<br />
Part II - Frequently asked Questions (per se)<br />
In Liber AL, there are some Egyptian names that look funny. What's the deal?<br />
Crowley, it seems, tried as much as possible <strong>to</strong> use the original Egyptian<br />
pronunciations of divine names, rather than use their popular Greek corruptions.<br />
Some of these (e.g. Hadit) have since been revised in the light of better knowledge of<br />
Egyptian, but his attempt was in general a good one.<br />
Was there any Egyptian gematria?<br />
Put simply, no. If there was a st<strong>and</strong>ard order used by the Egyptians for their alphabet,<br />
it has been lost. And unlike Hebrew, but like English, the symbols used <strong>to</strong> express<br />
numbers in Ancient Egyptian were not used for letters.
However, since the phonetics of Egyptian closely parallel Hebrew, it is possible <strong>to</strong><br />
transliterate Egyptian names <strong>and</strong> phrases in<strong>to</strong> the Hebrew alphabet for gematric<br />
computations much more readily than English.<br />
What's the deal with all these 'hyphenated' gods like Amen-Ra, Ra-Hoor-Khuit,<br />
Ptah-Seker-Ausar, etc.?<br />
Most hyphenated gods' names are explained thusly:<br />
In ancient Egypt, different cities often had completely different conceptions of<br />
cosmology. As the influence of a city grew, so often did the influence of its mythos. It<br />
became necessary <strong>to</strong> reconcile different gods who served similar roles, <strong>and</strong> so the<br />
priests <strong>to</strong>ok the enlightened viewpoint that the "gods" were merely one entity<br />
manifesting under different names <strong>and</strong>/or forms. The one entity was referred <strong>to</strong> by a<br />
compound name, such as Amen-Ra or Ptah-Seker-Ausar.<br />
However, some hyphenated gods' names are merely hyphenated <strong>to</strong> make them easier<br />
<strong>to</strong> read, for example, Her-nedj-tef-f, from the Egyptian words Her "Horus", nedj<br />
"avenger", tef "father", <strong>and</strong> -f "his", thus "Horus, the avenger of his father."<br />
In the case of Ra-Hoor-Khuit, we have both explanations in force: Ra "Ra", Hoor<br />
"Horus", khuit "of the horizons", thus "Ra, who is like Horus of the Horizons".
The World of <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Adonis Adonis: Adonis Greek; consort of Aphrodite. Also another name for Lord. In Phoenician, his<br />
counterpart is Astarte. A vegetation God. Roman counterpart is Venus.<br />
Anubis Anubis: Anubis Egyptian; guardian of Isis. Jackal headed God of Protection. Call on him <strong>to</strong><br />
protect both home <strong>and</strong> person.<br />
Apollo Apollo: Apollo Greek <strong>and</strong> Roman; twin brother or Artemis. God of the Sun, Light <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Arts.<br />
Apsu Apsu: Apsu Apsu Babylonian, is mate is Tiamat.<br />
Cernunnos Cernunnos: Cernunnos Celtic; Horned God <strong>and</strong> consort of the Lady. Also Kernunnos.<br />
Eros Eros: Eros Greek; God of Romance <strong>and</strong> Passionate Love.<br />
Horus Horus: Horus Egyptian; Head of a falcon <strong>and</strong> body of a man. God of the all-seeing eye <strong>and</strong><br />
healing.<br />
Hymen Hymen: Hymen Greek; God of Marriage <strong>and</strong> Commitment. His counterpart is Dionysus.<br />
Lucifer Lucifer: Lucifer Italian; soulmate <strong>and</strong> brother of Diana. Father of Aradia. God of the Sun <strong>and</strong><br />
Light.<br />
Mithra Mithra: Mithra Persian; Sun God <strong>and</strong> bringer of light. A soldier's God.<br />
Odin Odin: Odin Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian; counterpart of Freya. This is the God who hung on the Tree of<br />
Yggdrasil <strong>to</strong> obtain second sight. His familiars are the Raven <strong>and</strong> the Wolf. In his<br />
youth he is depicted as a terrible God <strong>and</strong> in his old age, as a God of wisdom <strong>and</strong><br />
psychic sight.<br />
Osiris Osiris: Osiris Egyptian; counterpart of Isis, Overall God form including vegetation <strong>and</strong><br />
afterlife.<br />
Pan Pan: Pan Greek; God of Nature <strong>and</strong> the Woods, Laughter <strong>and</strong> Passion. Also music <strong>and</strong><br />
personal ab<strong>and</strong>on.<br />
Poseidon Poseidon: Poseidon Poseidon Greek; God of the Sea. His familiars are dolphins <strong>and</strong> horses.
Ptah Ptah: Ptah Ptah Egyptian; expert craftsman <strong>and</strong> designer. God of Creative Enterprise with the<br />
h<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Shiva Shiva: Shiva Shiva Hindu; consort of Kali. God of the Universal Cycle of birth, death, rebirth.<br />
Shiva can be both kind <strong>and</strong> terrible.<br />
Thor Thor: Thor Sc<strong>and</strong>inavian; God of Sky <strong>and</strong> Thunder. A kindly God of the common people<br />
including farmers <strong>and</strong> sailors.<br />
Thoth Thoth: Thoth Egyptian; God of Reincarnation. Also a Moon God <strong>and</strong> favorable <strong>to</strong> science<br />
<strong>and</strong> wisdom.
Roman mythology<br />
Vulcan<br />
Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, especially destructive fire, <strong>and</strong> craftsmanship. His<br />
forge is located beneath Mount Etna. It is here that he, <strong>to</strong>gether with his helpers,<br />
forges weapons for gods <strong>and</strong> heroes. Vulcanus is closely associated with Bona Dea<br />
with whom he shared the Volcanalia, observed on August 23rd. This festival <strong>to</strong>ok<br />
place during the height of the Mediterranean drought <strong>and</strong> the period of highest risk<br />
of fire. On the banks of the river Tiber, fires were lighted on which living fish were<br />
sacrificed. His temples were usually located outside the cities, due <strong>to</strong> the dangerous<br />
nature of fire. In 215 B.C.E. his temple on the Circus Flaminius was inaugurated. In<br />
Ostia he was the chief god as the protec<strong>to</strong>r against fire in the grain s<strong>to</strong>rages. He is<br />
identified with the Greek Hephaestus.
Zeus: King of the <strong>Gods</strong><br />
Zeus the god of the sky <strong>and</strong> ruler of the Olympian gods. Zeus was considered the<br />
father of the gods <strong>and</strong> of mortals. He did not create either gods or mortals; he was<br />
their father in the sense of being the protec<strong>to</strong>r <strong>and</strong> ruler both of the Olympian family<br />
<strong>and</strong> of the human race. He was lord of the sky, the rain god, <strong>and</strong> the cloud gatherer,<br />
who wielded the terrible thunderbolt. His breastplate was the aegis, his bird the<br />
eagle, his tree the oak.<br />
Zeus presided over the gods on Mount Olympus in Thessaly. His principal shrines<br />
were at Dodona, in Epirus, the l<strong>and</strong> of the oak trees <strong>and</strong> the most ancient shrine,<br />
famous for its oracle, <strong>and</strong> at Olympia, where the Olympian Games were celebrated in<br />
his honor every fourth year. The Nemean games, held at Nemea, northwest of Argos,<br />
were also dedicated <strong>to</strong> Zeus.<br />
Zeus was the youngest son of the Titans Cronus <strong>and</strong> Rhea <strong>and</strong> the brother of the<br />
deities Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, <strong>and</strong> Hera. According <strong>to</strong> one of the ancient<br />
myths of the birth of Zeus, Cronus, fearing that he might be dethroned by one of his<br />
children, swallowed them as they were born. Upon the birth of Zeus, Rhea wrapped a<br />
s<strong>to</strong>ne in swaddling clothes for Cronus <strong>to</strong> swallow <strong>and</strong> concealed the infant god in<br />
Crete, where he was fed on the milk of the goat Amalthaea <strong>and</strong> reared by nymphs.<br />
When Zeus grew <strong>to</strong> maturity, he forced Cronus <strong>to</strong> disgorge the other children, who<br />
were eager <strong>to</strong> take vengeance on their father. In the war that followed, the Titans<br />
fought on the side of Cronus, but Zeus <strong>and</strong> the other gods were successful, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Titans were consigned <strong>to</strong> the abyss of Tartarus. Zeus henceforth ruled over the sky,<br />
<strong>and</strong> his brothers Poseidon <strong>and</strong> Hades were given power over the sea <strong>and</strong> the<br />
underworld, respectively. The earth was <strong>to</strong> be ruled in common by all three.<br />
As husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> his sister Hera, he is the father of Ares, the god of war; Hebe, the<br />
goddess of youth; Hephaestus, the god of fire; <strong>and</strong> Eileithyia, the goddess of<br />
childbirth.<br />
Zeus is described as falling in love with one woman after another <strong>and</strong> resorting <strong>to</strong> all<br />
kinds of tricks <strong>to</strong> hide his infidelity from his wife. S<strong>to</strong>ries of his escapades were<br />
numerous in ancient mythology, <strong>and</strong> many of his offspring; such as, Hercules, were a<br />
result of his love affairs with both goddesses <strong>and</strong> mortal women. His many affairs<br />
with mortals are sometimes explained as the wish of the early Greeks <strong>to</strong> trace their<br />
lineage <strong>to</strong> him.