Discovering the Divine Feminine
Aphrodite
Many of the portraits are of Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and sensual joy. One of the ancient world's most beloved goddesses, she was called &uqot;the golden one" by her many worshipers. Her attributes are captured in the magnificent Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite:
beautiful, gold-crowned, a blossom
riding the seafoam, resting on wind.
She comes ashore, and women
in gold bracelets meet her, bearing
silken garments for her lovely body
copper earrings for her shell ears,
chains of gold for her silver breasts.
They lead her from the seashore.
Do not look upon her! Your eyes
will dazzle from such beauty.
But you do not need to see her.
You already know her. It is she
who moves you in your dance.
She is the music of your life.
Do you need to ask her name?
Call her Love. Call her Joy.
Call her golden Aphrodite.
She is the moment when body
knits to body and the world flowers.
She enlivens everything: plants
in the meadow, the ocean's fish,
animals hidden in the forest,
birds tumbling on the wind.
She is our darling, who under
the wheeling stars makes all
things blossom and bear fruit.
At her approach storms clear,
dark clouds dissolve to blue,
the sweet earth and her oceans
smile, and her light dances brilliant
through the flourishing world.
Artemis
Artemis, Greek goddess of the wilderness, is a fierce huntress who protects and defends her followers. Those seeking to be in touch with their inner wildness, or who wish to remind themselves of the need for self-protection, should display her image. A related goddess appers in Rome under the name of Diana; an image of this goddess is an appropriate gift for girls or women bearing that name.
Apsara
The heavenly dancer from Hindu India and Tibet is a reminder that the soul has celestial as well as earthly aspects. Her image is appropriate for those who are in transition from one stage of life to another, or those who wish to focus upon the multiple realities beyond everyday occurances.
Nereid
To the Greeks, all aspects of nature were alive. The rocks were Oreads, the trees were Dryads, and the waves of the sea were Nereids. Daughters of the sea-goddess Doris, the fifty Nereids were famous for their oracular powers. They were also famous dancers, in whose honor Greek maidens performed in festivals. Images of these goddesses are especially appropriate for dancers and those who wish to connect with the inner dancer. Those studying oracular arts will also find the Nereid an appropriate goddess image.
The Eye Goddess
Found in temples across the Eastern Mediterranean, the staring eyes of the Eye Goddess (whose original name is unknown) remind us of the universal force which watches over and protects us. An especially apt image for those seeking to learn greater trust in universal goodness and truth, for those recovering from violence or betrayal, or for those seeking serenity.
Want to know more?
The Goddess-of-the-Month Club offers an opportunity to explore the exciting world of women's spirituality. Classes focus on specific goddesses or cultures, and involve creation of an amulet, mandala or other object as well as lectures, slide shows and other instruction. Class is conducted by Patricia Monaghan, one of the pioneeers of the women's spirituality moment and author of the definitive encyclopedia of feminine divinities, The Book of Goddesses and Heroines. See class listing for dates and times. Walk-ins welcome.