Bastet: The Feline Goddess of Ancient Egypt

Bastet: The Feline Goddess of Ancient Egypt

In the pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities, few figures are as intriguing and beloved as Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protector of cats. Often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, Bastet held a special place in the hearts of the Egyptian people.

Today, we’ll delve into the rich history, symbolism, and significance of the captivating goddess, Bastet.

Origins and Evolution

Bastet’s origins trace back to the Second Dynasty of ancient Egypt, around 2900 BCE. Initially, she was worshipped as a lioness goddess associated with warfare and the sun. However, over time, her image and attributes evolved, and she came to be seen as a protector of the home, fertility, and childbirth.

Symbolism and Iconography

The Lioness and Domestic Cat: Bastet is often depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat. The lioness represented her fierce protective nature, while the domestic cat symbolized her nurturing and motherly aspects.

The Sistrum: Bastet is frequently shown holding a musical instrument known as a sistrum. This symbolized music, dance, and the rhythmic flow of life.

The Ankh and the Uas Scepter: The ankh, a symbol of life, and the uas scepter, representing power and authority, were also associated with Bastet, emphasizing her role as a life-giver and protector.
Roles and Attributes

Protector of Home and Family: Bastet was revered as a guardian of households, ensuring their safety and prosperity. Families often kept amulets or statues of Bastet in their homes for protection.

Goddess of Fertility and Childbirth: Due to her nurturing and protective qualities, Bastet was closely associated with fertility and childbirth. Women would pray to her for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

Warrior Goddess: In her earlier iterations, Bastet was considered a fierce warrior goddess, particularly during times of conflict. She was believed to have protected the pharaoh and the nation.
Goddess of Joy and Celebration:

Bastet was also associated with music, dance, and festivities. Her worship often involved lively celebrations and joyful rituals.

Bastet’s Enduring Legacy

Bastet’s influence extended far beyond ancient Egypt. Her worship spread to other parts of the world, and she remains an iconic figure in popular culture today. Her feline companionship, protective nature, and associations with domesticity continue to captivate modern audiences.

Bastet, the enigmatic goddess of ancient Egypt, embodies a captivating blend of strength, nurturing, and protection. Her legacy endures through the ages, reminding us of the profound significance of feline companionship and the enduring power of the divine feminine. As a symbol of home, fertility, and guardian of cats, Bastet’s influence continues to resonate in our modern world.

September 14, 2023

blog, Goddesses

Athena

Greek Goddess of War, Strategy, Wisdom, and Handcrafting

Mythology

Athena is the Greek goddess of war, strategy, and wisdom. She makes a formidable opponent not because of physical force but because she can outwit just about anyone. She also was the goddess that often aided famous heroes such as Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, and Jason. She also played a role in the start of the Trojan War as a result of a feud involving her, Aphrodite, and Hera. One of the more famous myths involving Athena describes her outsmarting Poseidon by succeeding in creating the first olive tree.

Another incredibly famous story involves her competing with a human woman Arachne in a weaving competition and transformed her into the first spider. Another myth speaks of Athena turning Medusa into a gorgon in retaliation to witnessing an assault on her by Perseus. Some believe she did this as punishment or out of jealousy, but others reinterpret this as an act of protecting Medusa, being that any man that tried to gaze upon her again would be turned to stone. It is up to you which version of the myth you choose to abide by. Mythology is rarely ever black and white and is more symbolic of deeper meanings and lessons. As societal ideals change, so do the interpretations of the mythology.

Working with Athena

Athena is the ideal goddess to work with when you want to embody wisdom and think your moves out strategically before making them. She comes out victorious because of her careful planning and sharp wit. She is playing chess, not checkers. Working with her will help you to sharpen as well as strengthen your will. She will awaken the warrior spirit lying within and encourage you to apply yourself in order to achieve your goals. Although anyone can benefit from her gifts, students will find her to be especially helpful when it comes to studying and strategizing.

Symbols of Athena

Olive leaves

Snakes

Gorgoneion

Helmet

Spear

Armor

Chariot

Owls

Creating an Altar for Athena

What to Include:

Symbols of owls

Symbols of snakes

Candle dedicated to Athena

Feathers

Statue of Athena

Art print or pictures of her

Symbols of armor or battle

Books, paper, pens

August 9, 2023

blog, Goddesses

Persephone

Mythology

Persephone is the Greek Goddess fertility and the spring as well as Queen of the Underworld. She is the daughter of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture and nature.

Persephone is probably most famous for her marriage to Hades, God of the Underworld, but their myth is not one full of romance and courtship. The original myth is filled with abduction and abuse of power, however romanticized it is today.

According to the myth, Hades fell in love with Persephone at first sight, and decided right then and there that he would have her as his wife. Knowing that his brother wouldn’t try to sway his mind to a less selfish endeavor, Hades informed Zeus of his obsession and together they devised a plan to capture Persephone.

While Persephone was wandering outdoors, Hades and Zeus caused the ground to split beneath her and she plummeted to the Underworld where Hades made her his wife. The myth states that initially Persephone was heartbroken but eventually grew to love Hades.

Demeter, fearing for the well-being of her daughter, searched high and low but to no avail. Due to her lack of success, she enlisted the help of Hekate, the goddess of witchcraft, spirits, and crossroads. Hekate sought out Helios, the sun god who is all-seeing to find out what happened to Persephone. He informed them of her abduction and they took to the Underworld, refusing to give up on the innocent maiden.

Demeter begged Hades to allow Persephone to return, imploring him to understand that the Underworld was no place for her daughter to reside. It was agreed that Persephone would be allowed to live with her mother for six months out of the year but would be required to return to the Underworld with Hades for the remaining six months. Persephone ate pomegranate seeds from the Underworld and thus sealed her fate to have to return to Hades for half the year.

The Greeks would throw massive festivals honoring her return and mourning her absence, while honoring the changing of the seasons simultaneously. When she returned to the Underworld, it was a harsh and barren cold, mirroring the emotions of Demeter. The warm season represented Demeter’s joy as plants and wildlife flourish.

Persephone is still honored by some modern-day pagans, reminding us that we can encompass the duality of nature.

Some people reinterpret the myth to mean that Persephone ate the pomegranate seeds as an act of rebellion, knowing the consequence was to be confined to the Underworld for half the year. One could argue that she was ready to live her own life and give in to her affinity for darkness. She might have felt more at home in the Underworld than having to live up to the expectations of the gods and goddesses.

To work with Persephone, you can honor the duality within yourself. Some people invite her to communicate with them in meditation and others create an altar or shrine for her.

Associations For Persephone

In-Store Persephone items

Crystals

Peridot

Green Tourmaline

Dioptase

Herbs/Oils/Incense

Flowers

Almond

Vanilla

Floral Incense

Bergamot

Orange

Colors

Green

Black

Indigo

Magenta

Purple

Lavender

Food/Drink

Wine

Dark Chocolate

Floral Tea

Pomegranate

Grains/Bread

Cakes/Pastries

Honey

August 2, 2023

blog, Crystals, Goddesses, herbs

The Enigmatic Morrigan

The Enigmatic Morrigan: Exploring the Magical Influence of the Celtic Goddess

In the ancient pantheon of Celtic deities, few are as enigmatic and powerful as the Morrigan.

Revered as a triple goddess associated with war, fate, and transformation, the Morrigan weaves a captivating tapestry of magic, mystery, and divine influence. With her striking presence and multifaceted nature, she has left an indelible mark on Celtic mythology and modern spiritual practices.
In this blog, we embark on a journey to unravel the magical influence of the Morrigan and understand the significance she holds in the hearts of those who honor her.

The Triple Goddess

The Morrigan embodies the essence of the triple goddess, appearing as three distinct aspects or sisters – Anu (the maiden), Badb (the mother), and Macha (the crone). Each aspect represents different facets of life, including creation, destruction, and rebirth. This triad symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence and the ever-changing flow of time.

Goddess of War

As a warrior goddess, the Morrigan is often associated with battles and conflict. In Celtic lore, she is said to appear on the battlefield as a crow or raven, inspiring courage and strength in warriors. Her presence is both fearsome and protective, and she is believed to choose those destined to fall in battle, guiding the souls of the fallen to the Otherworld.

Goddess of Fate and Prophecy

The Morrigan is also revered as a goddess of fate and prophecy. Her ability to foretell the future and influence destiny grants her a powerful role in the lives of mortals. Many ancient Celtic warriors sought her blessings before battle, believing that she could determine the outcome and forewarn of impending danger.

Sovereignty and Transformation

Beyond her role as a warrior and prophetess, the Morrigan is also associated with sovereignty and transformation. In some myths, she tests kings and heroes, challenging their worthiness to rule. She possesses the power to shape-shift, assuming the forms of various creatures to impart wisdom or initiate transformative experiences.

Modern Spiritual Connection

The Morrigan’s mystical allure transcends time, resonating with modern pagans and followers of Celtic-inspired spirituality. Many practitioners seek her guidance for courage, protection, and personal growth. As a goddess of transformation, she is invoked during times of major life changes or to embrace the cycles of life and death.

Symbolism of Crows and Ravens

The crow and raven hold profound symbolism in association with the Morrigan. They are often considered her sacred animals, representing wisdom, magic, and the liminal spaces between worlds. These birds’ presence is considered a sign of the Morrigan’s influence or imminent transformation.

Herbs and Crystals for Connection and Devotion

Honoring the Morrigan in rituals and ceremonies can deepen one’s connection to her fierce and enigmatic energy. Incorporating herbs and crystals that resonate with the Morrigan can enhance the sacred experience and evoke her presence. Below we’ve listed some of the herbs and crystals commonly used to honor the Morrigan goddess.

Herbs for Connection:

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): Mugwort is a sacred herb known for its connection to intuition, dreams, and divination. It is believed to open the channels of communication with the spiritual realm, making it an ideal herb for invoking the Morrigan’s guidance and prophetic wisdom.
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna): Caution should be exercised when working with belladonna, as it is a poisonous plant. However, some practitioners view it as a potent herb for connecting with the Morrigan’s dark and transformative aspects.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa): Blackthorn is a tree associated with the Morrigan, symbolizing both the protective and destructive aspects of her nature. The thorny branches of the blackthorn are often used to create ritual tools or altars in her honor.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium): Similar to mugwort, wormwood is a herb that enhances psychic abilities and visionary experiences. It can be used in rituals to evoke the Morrigan’s presence and seek her wisdom.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a herb known for its protective qualities and association with battle. It is used to honor the Morrigan as a warrior goddess and to seek her aid in times of conflict or challenge.

Crystals for Devotion:

Obsidian: Obsidian is a volcanic glass known for its protective properties. It can be used to create a sacred space and shield one’s energy during rituals dedicated to the Morrigan.
Bloodstone: Bloodstone is a powerful healing crystal associated with courage and strength. It can be utilized in rituals to invoke the Morrigan’s warrior energy and promote resilience.
Smoky Quartz: Smoky quartz is a grounding crystal that can help practitioners connect with the Morrigan’s earthy and transformative aspects. It provides stability and support during intense spiritual work.
Black Tourmaline: Black tourmaline is a highly protective crystal that wards off negative energies. It can be used as a talisman for invoking the Morrigan’s shield of divine protection.
Amethyst: Amethyst is a stone of spiritual insight and intuition. It can facilitate a deeper connection with the Morrigan and aid in understanding her mysteries.

Remember, working with herbs and crystals is a sacred practice, and it’s essential to approach it with respect and reverence. Before incorporating any herb or crystal into your rituals, take the time to research its properties, correspondences, and potential risks. As you honor the Morrigan goddess, may your devotion and connection to her be filled with reverence, love, and transformative energy.

The magical influence of the Morrigan goddess is woven into the fabric of Celtic mythology and continues to captivate spiritual seekers and devotees today. As a triple goddess of war, fate, and transformation, she embraces both the light and shadow aspects of existence, guiding those who seek her protection, insight, and courage.

Whether one seeks her blessings on the battlefield or endeavors to navigate life’s profound changes, the Morrigan remains a powerful and revered figure in Celtic-inspired spiritual practices, inspiring reverence and wonder for those who are drawn to her mysterious allure.

August 2, 2023

blog, Goddesses

Sekhmet

Sekhmet “She Who Is Powerful”

Wall relief of Sekhmet, Temple of Kom Ombo

Sekhmet is the Egyptian goddess of chaos, plague, war and healing. She is the daughter of the sun god Ra and got the name the Eye of Ra as she acted as her father’s hand of vengeance. When mortals on Earth started to conspire against Ra, he sent Sekhmet down to destroy them and stop the rebellion. After all of her enemies were vanquished, Sekhmet’s blood lust was not quenched. She continued on her killing spree, destroying all those who stood in her path without discernment.

In order to put an end to her reckless murder spree and keep Sekhmet from destroying all of humanity, Ra and the other gods devised a plan. They spilled a lake of wine onto the Earth, and upon seeing it, Sekhmet thought it was blood and drank every last drop. By the time she was finished, she was so inebriated that she returned with Ra willingly and let her desire to kill subside.

Sekhmet is the ideal deity to work with when you want to honor your righteous anger and call on the power of the dark feminine. She does not want to be worshiped, she only wants you to honor the part of you that mirrors her enormous power. She wants you to listen to your anger and recognize that it is the part of yourself that loves you. Your anger sees mistreatment you are enduring or your own insecurities getting in the way of your happiness and demands that you take action.

While honoring your anger can be cathartic, the story of Sekhmet is a perfect example of where it can go too far. Once she acquired the taste for blood, she couldn’t get enough. She became too wrapped up in her quest for vengeance that she lost sight of the true purpose behind her actions. Be careful that you do not become like your enemy in your quest for vengeance.

The key takeaway from Sekhmet’s story is that if you are to act on your anger, make sure that it is righteous. Do not act out of impulse or pride. Just as Sekhmet can send the plague, she also provides the cure. The punishment must fit the crime as we are supposed to be evening the scales, not enacting revenge.

Crystals For Sekhmet

Ruby

Fire Agate

Carnelian

Garnet

Citrine

Yellow Jasper

Herbs For Sekhmet

Cardamom

Lotus

Cinnamon

Incense/Oils For Sekhmet

Sandalwood

Myrrh

Dragon’s Blood

Vanilla

Mahogany

Oak

You can also honor by getting a statue of her and leave the offerings in exchange for her wisdom.

July 26, 2023

blog, Goddesses

Isis/Aset

Mythology of Isis/Aset

Isis is a goddess that is represented in more than one pantheon but originated in Egyptian mythology. Isis rules over women and children (especially protecting them), healing the sick, fertility, and magic. She was originally known as Aset and was shifted to Isis when her worship expanded to the Greco-Roman world. In order to stay historically accurate, she will be referred to as Aset going forward. Aset emits a loving and nurturing energy but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t pack a punch. Think about the term “mama bear.” For the most part, a mother bear wants to leave others alone, but if someone threatens her family, she will rip them apart.

She is a child of Geb and Nut, the earth god and sky goddess and the sibling of Seth, Nephthys and Osiris. Aset is the wife of Osiris, who is the king of Egypt, while Nephthys is the spouse of Seth (we do not take this familial relationship as literally as we would in the present day). Aset taught the people of Egypt how to bake, weave, and brew beer. The couple was beloved by the Egyptians, which incurred immense jealousy from their brother, Seth. Seth trapped Osiris in a wooden box coated in lead and threw him in the Nile. As a result, Seth stole the throne and became the king of Egypt.

Aset, in her desperation and grief, scoured the land in search of her husband. Finally, with great effort, she found the box. Her victory was short lived when Seth discovered the box and ripped Osiris’s body into pieces and scattered his remains with hopes that this would thwart any further attempts to revive him. But Aset would not be bested so easily. In the true nature of the Divine Feminine, she soldiered on and continued her efforts.

Aset transformed into a bird with vibrant blue wings and with the combined effort of her and her sister Nephythys, found the piece of his remains and made him whole. He was bandaged and pieced together but not restored completely. Instead he was a mummy, between the realms of the living and the dead. Using her immense magical powers, Aset was able to conceive a child, and nine months later gave birth to Horus. Following the birth, Osiris was forced to descend to the underworld where he became the king of the dead. Aset hid Horus in the marshes of the Nile until he was old enough to avenge his father’s murder and take on Seth and battle for the throne that was rightfully his.

While Aset is often associated with maternal instincts and childbirth, her most notable attribute is her magical skills, which outweigh those of any other deity, even Osiris and Ra. Aset sets the example that you do not need to be conspicuous when it comes to your raw power, but instead know that it is resting just below the surface, waiting to be called on and used in times of duress.

Correspondences for Isis/Aset

*These are items you would use to honor Aset or put on an altar dedicated to her*

All of these items can be found sold at Goddess Elite

Lapis Lazuli

Isis Oil

Scarab beetle symbolism

Candle

Incense(Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Musk)

Precious Resins

Statues of Aset

Isis Oracle

July 18, 2023

blog, Goddesses

Lilith

Lilith is the patron goddess of those who want to ignite the spark of sensuality, practitioners who do not shy away from the dark feminine and instead embrace it with open arms and an iron will.

Lilith (1887) by John Collier

Lilith’s History

The first historical whisper of Lilith goes as far back as 3000 BCE, originating in Sumer in Mesopotamia. She was acknowledged as the “Queen of Heaven” known as Inanni or Ishtar and would later be the basis for the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In other Mesopotamian regions of Sumer, Lilitu is known as a class of female demons that attack in the night.

Lilith originally was portrayed as a handmaiden to Inanna (a well-loved goddess worshiped in Sumer), which involved prostitution in the temple of Inanna. Sexuaity was seen as a gift from the Heavens and was celebrated as such. It is believed that Inanni or Lilith was created in order to separate sexuality and lust from the beloved goddess Inanna. Lilitu was cited as a demon sent out by Inanni to seduce men and steal them away in the night.

While in the present day, the name “Lilith” is riddled with negative associations, many practitioners work with her as a way to connect with their inner sensuality and desire.

There is mention of Lilith in the Dead Sea Scrolls (between 408 and 318 BCE) as well, where she was associated with the wild and untamed beasts, bastards and demons.

Beginning at the Common Era, Lilith became the personification of sexual deviance and wickedness, the original succubus. Her daughters were other succubi and sons incubi. These creatures were often blamed for rape and assault on women.

Lilith, illustration by Carl Poellath from 1886 or earlier

“Her glamor, beauty, and sexuality made her powerful by way of men’s animalistic impulses–and this power scared them–so they vilified her, ultimately deifying her as the representation or what women should never be, all the while suppressing womankind altogether for this vert reason.” – The Glam Witch, Michael Herkes

Quite possibly the most famous rendition of Lilith derived from texts written between 700-1000 CE where she is named as the original female inhabitant of the Garden of Eden. She refused to submit to Adam and that resulted in arguments and disharmony. Adam felt that he was superior to her and demanded that Lilith lay beneath him during intercourse as a sign of deference.

Both Adam and Lilith were created by God out of earth, so therefore Lilith argued that her and Adam were equals. Because of her rebellion, she was cast out of the Garden. Adam begged for her to be returned and three angels were sent by God to find her, threatening that if she didn’t return, it would result in the death of her children but she was unphased by the threats. This story is used as a metaphor warning of what happens when women dare to disobey.

While initially this myth was created to warn women of the dangers of this “wildness”, instead Lilith’s siren song has called out to rebellious witches around the world, who want to honor the dark feminine power she emits.

Symbols of Lilith

–Animals: Snakes, Cats, Owls

–Colors: Black, Red, Pink

–Herbs: Apple, Cardamom, Damiana, Cinnamon, Jezebel Root, Lavender, Lotus, Lily, Orchid, Pomegranate, Poppy, Rose

Items To Include On Lilith’s Altar

-Red, Pink, or Black Candle

-State or picture of Lilith

-Herbs associated with her

-Items that remind you of lust or romance

To find more about Lilith and the practices around her such as love, glamor, sex, check out “The Glam Witch” by Micheal Herkes.

July 12, 2023

blog, Goddesses, rituals

The Night of Hekate – November 16

Night of Hekate

Hekate (also spelled ‘Hecate’) is the Greek Goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, necromancy, the underworld, and childbirth.

Hekate's night November 16 She is the goddess of the three paths, goddess of the crossroads, both physical and spiritual. As a Triple Goddess, Hekate rules the realms of Earth, Sea, and Sky, the conjunction of past, present, and future, as well as the Moon, Earth, and Underworld.

Hekate is considered by many as the protectress of the oppressed, the marginalized, and witches. As the Goddess of the in-between, the liminal spaces, the boundaries, and the transitional times of life including birth and death, she carries a torch for illumination. This illumination is not just of the dark, but of our personal pathways, especially our shadow side, guiding us through our choices at the crossroads and the path we eventually choose.

Hekate’s time is that of the Dark Moon, the time of release and renewal.

She is also honored on the 30th of each month, at the Dark Moon, and at the beginning of sunset on November 16th (and until sunset the next day) each year, known as The Night of Hekate.

Hekate’s Night Ritual

Hekate’s ancient devotees held dinners in her honor known as Hekate Suppers.

On Hekate’s Night, food offerings consisting of any of the following that Hekate (and her dogs) love are served:

wine
honey
crescent-shaped bread and pastries
eggs
garlic
fish
mushrooms

These offerings of food are both consumed by those celebrating and left out by the front door (the “crossroad” between indoors and outdoors, between one’s private space and public spaces) or at a crossroad, on a (perishable) plate or flat stone, as an offering to Hekate as she roamed the Earth by night with her sacred dogs, and to invite her blessings for those who dwell inside.

Make your invocation and petition, this is a good time to ask for her assistance to release something from your life, and then walk away without looking back. Encountering or hearing a dog is an indication that your petition has been heard by Hekate and her sacred dogs.

On this night, it is good to acknowledge Hekate’s strength. Recognize her as the ultimate protector of all realms of existence.

November 16, 2020