Posts in Mythology
Selu
Selu

Selu, the revered goddess of corn in Native American mythology, is a central figure in the beliefs of several southeastern tribes, including the Cherokee and Creek. Created by the Great Spirit to provide sustenance, Selu is celebrated for her power to ensure a bountiful harvest and her nurturing nature. According to Cherokee mythology, Selu, the first woman and corn goddess, was killed by her sons who feared her magical abilities, but she instructed them to bury her body, transforming her essence into corn seeds to feed future generations. Today, Selu remains a symbol of wisdom, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of life, continuing to inspire spiritual practices and reverence in indigenous communities.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonMythology, Cherokee, Native American, Goddess, Corn, Harvest
Amaterasu
Amaterasu

Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, shines as a central figure in Japanese mythology and Shinto religion. Her name, translating to "shining in heaven," reflects her role as the supreme deity and ruler of Takamagahara, the heavenly realm. Born from the left eye of the primordial deity Izanagi, Amaterasu embodies the sun's brilliance, symbolizing life, growth, and fertility. Revered as the guardian of rice cultivation and purity, her shrine at Ise Grand Shrine stands as one of Japan's most sacred sites. Amaterasu’s legends, including her retreat into a cave due to her brother Susanoo’s misdeeds and her subsequent return to bring light back to the world, underscore her vital role in maintaining harmony and prosperity.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonAmeterasu, Japanese Mythology, Shinto, Shintoism, Japan, Goddess, Japanese Goddess, Sun Goddess, Sun, Summer
Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga

Deep within the heart of Eastern European forests lies Baba Yaga, a figure whose eerie mystique has captivated generations. As a prominent example of the Crone archetype in Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga embodies the untamed beauty and inherent danger of the wilderness. Described as an elderly woman with iron teeth and wild, iron-gray hair, she commands fear and respect with her penetrating gaze and metal-clinking voice. Her attire, consisting of tattered rags, and her gnarled staff reflect her deep connection to the forest, while her hut on giant chicken legs adds a surreal, terrifying aspect to her domain, showcasing her role as guardian of the liminal space between life and death.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonWitch, Baba Yaga, Slavic Folklore, Crone
Mictecacihuatl
Mictecacihuatl

Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, is a pivotal figure in Aztec mythology, embodying the profound duality of existence. As the goddess of death and the underworld, she and her consort, Mictlantecuhtli, oversee Mictlán, guiding souls on their journey to the afterlife. Her skeletal visage, emblematic of the calavera imagery, is central to Dia de los Muertos, a festival celebrating life and honoring the deceased. Beyond Aztec culture, Mictecacihuatl's symbol of life and death resonates globally, encouraging a deep understanding of transformation and renewal.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen Hudsonmythology, goddess, Mexican mythology, Mictecacihuatl, Underworld, Death, Mictlan
Kali
Kali

Kali is revered as the cosmic force that upholds the balance of existence, confronting ignorance and ego with fierce determination. Her myth, particularly her battle against the demon Raktabija, highlights her role in ending stagnation and malevolence. Kali’s symbolism extends into modern culture, representing transformation, empowerment, and the radical embrace of one’s true self.

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Goddesses, MythologyKristen HudsonKali, Hindu, Mythology, Chaos
Ereshkigal
Ereshkigal

Ereshkigal, the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of the underworld, reigns as a formidable guardian of the realm of the dead. Known as the "Lady of the Great Earth" or "Queen of the Great Below," her domain, the Kur, is a shadowy and mysterious place. Her role as an overseer of death and transformation connects her with other underworld deities like Persephone and Hel, highlighting a shared human intrigue with the afterlife. Integral to Mesopotamian cosmology, Ereshkigal also holds a celestial connection as a symbol of Venus, embodying both the mysteries of death and the cycles of rebirth.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonIshtar, Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death, Underworld, Goddess of Shadow, Death Goddess
Medusa
Medusa

Medusa, with her snake-covered head and petrifying gaze, is a striking figure in Greek mythology, symbolizing transformation and the power of vengeance. Originally a beautiful priestess of Athena, she was cursed by the goddess after being assaulted by Poseidon, transforming her into a monster with serpents for hair and a gaze that could turn anyone to stone. This transformation, seen by some as both a punishment and a form of self-defense, underscores the often harsh and complex nature of the Greek gods. Medusa's legacy endures as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, resonating through literature and art as a potent figure of transformation and strength.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonMedusa, Dark Goddess, Gorgon, Snakes, Serpent
Cerridwen
Cerridwen

Continuing Spooky Season with more Dark Goddesses, this time we're delving into Celtic mythology with Cerridwen. A powerful sorceress and symbol of transformation, Cerridwen is renowned for her cauldron of wisdom, which she intended to bestow upon her son but instead became a vessel of profound alchemical change. Deeply connected to the moon, she represents cycles of renewal and the mysteries of existence. In modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions, Cerridwen's cauldron and lunar affiliation underscore her role as a guide to personal growth and mystical insight.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonWelsh Mythology, Celtic, Cerridwen, Magic, sorceress, witchcraft
Oya
Oya

Oya, the Yoruba goddess of wind, storms, and transformation, is a formidable deity whose legend spans both physical and metaphorical realms. Commanding the elements of wind and storms, she embodies the tumultuous forces of nature and the transformative power of life's storms. Her narrative includes a dramatic transformation from a river goddess to a tempestuous force, catalyzed by her relationship with Shango, the god of thunder. As a guardian of the underworld and guide for departed souls, Oya symbolizes the profound renewal and cyclical nature of existence, linking life, death, and spiritual transformation.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonYoruba, Africa, Oya, Death, Storms, Transformation
the Morrigan
the Morrigan

Celtic mythology reveals a profound depth through the figure of the Morrigan, the Great Queen or Phantom Queen. As a tripartite deity, she embodies three distinct aspects—Badb, Macha, and Nemain—each representing war, sovereignty, and chaos respectively. Known for her shape-shifting into a crow or raven and her ability to foretell death and battle outcomes, the Morrigan was central to Celtic beliefs about war and sovereignty. Today, she remains a symbol of strength and transformation, celebrated in modern Celtic and Pagan practices for her enduring power and influence.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonGoddess, Morrigan, Morgan, Witch, Celtic, Shapeshifter, Death, War, Mystical, Magic
Hel
Hel

Hel, a prominent figure in Norse mythology, embodies the intricate interplay between light and darkness as the guardian of the underworld. Daughter of Loki and Angrboða, her role as keeper of Niflheim underscores the duality of existence, marking a realm for souls who did not die in battle. Depicted as a living corpse or spectral figure, Hel symbolizes the balance between life and death. Her influence endures in modern culture and spiritual practices, representing the transformative journey through darkness and the cyclical nature of life.​

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonGoddess, Hel, Goddess of Death, Underworld, Dark Goddess
Nyx
Nyx

Nyx, the primordial goddess of night in Greek mythology, is a shadowy and majestic figure born from Chaos. She envelops the world in darkness, embodying the profound and hidden aspects of existence. As a divine mother, Nyx gave birth to significant deities like Eris and Nemesis, who influence cosmic balance and human affairs. Her realm and progeny reflect the complex interplay between light and darkness, and the mysteries of the human soul.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonNyx, Nox, Night, Chaos
Hecate
Hecate

As the season shifts to fall, we delve into the enigmatic realm of Hecate, a central figure in Greek mythology known for her profound influence over magic, crossroads, and transitions between life and death. Daughter of Titans Perses and Asteria, Hecate is depicted with three faces representing her dominion over the earthly, maritime, and celestial realms. Revered as a mistress of magic and arcane knowledge, she guided seekers of esoteric wisdom with her torches and protected against malevolent forces. Her lunar association and animal companions, the loyal dog and wise owl, highlight her role as a protector and guide in the mysterious aspects of existence.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonHecate, Hekate, Magic, Witch, Witchcraft
Ishtar/Inanna
Ishtar/Inanna

Originating from ancient Mesopotamia, the goddess Inanna—also known as Ishtar—embodies a rich tapestry of love, fertility, war, and the dynamic interplay between creation and destruction. Revered as the Queen of Heaven and Earth, she represents both strength and vulnerability, and her legendary descent into the Underworld symbolizes profound themes of transformation and renewal. With the lion as her sacred symbol, Inanna embodies the duality of the nurturing mother and fierce warrior, reflecting her protective and powerful nature. Her influence extends through various cultures, inspiring deities like Astarte and Aphrodite, and underscores her enduring legacy in spiritual narratives.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonCreation Goddess, Ishtar, Isis, Goddess of Love, goddess of war
Virgo
Virgo

The constellation Virgo, often associated with modern ideas of virginity is historical and mythological significant. Originally, Virgo’s symbolism was not about modesty but about independence and wisdom. This evolution from the ancient Sumerian goddess Nisaba, linked to writing and harvest, to the Mesopotamian deity Ishtar, representing fertility and love, highlights Virgo’s deep connection to themes of creation, balance, and transformation. Furthermore, Virgo’s ties to Demeter and Persephone reflect its association with agriculture, fertility, and the cycles of life and death, showcasing a multidimensional identity that transcends contemporary interpretations.

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Astrology, Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonVirgo, Virgo Season, Astrology
Lugh
Lugh

Lugh, a central figure in Celtic mythology, is known for his diverse skills and attributes. As a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the grandson of the Fomorian leader Balor, Lugh's birth was prophesied to bring prosperity and overthrow his grandfather. His mastery across various disciplines—warfare, poetry, music, and druidic arts—earned him the title Samildánach, or Master of All Arts. Celebrated during Lughnasadh, his harvest festival in August, Lugh's legacy continues to inspire modern earth-centered spiritual practices, embodying light, knowledge, and creativity.

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MythologyKristen HudsonLion, Leo, Leo Season, Lughnasadh, Lugh, Celtic, Wheel of the Year
Ix Chel
Ix Chel

Ixchel, the Jaguar Goddess of Maya mythology, embodies the lunar cycles and the dual forces of creation and destruction. As the Moon Goddess, she symbolizes birth, growth, and renewal, with a deep connection to fertility, healing, and rain. Her association with jaguars reflects her power and role as a guide for souls in the spiritual realm. Often depicted with a serpent-adorned headdress, Ixchel's presence underscores the Maya people's profound understanding of life’s interconnectedness and the natural world.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen Hudsonmythology, goddess, Mexican mythology, Ix Chel, Jaguar, Cats