There are two basic ways to approach a spiritual path that involves goddess worship. They are both equally viable and in fact many folks, including me, actually use a mixture of the two. These are the general (simply calling on “goddess” without using any name or image) or the detailed, where you choose one or more goddesses who appeal to you in particular.
I often call on goddess and god without getting any more specific than that. For instance, I start many of my spells with “God and goddess, hear my plea.” When I greet the gods in the morning or give thanks at night, I don’t use specific names. In rituals, however, it depends.
For instance, there are some holidays that are usually associated with a specific goddess, such as Brigid at Imbolc, or Persephone at the Spring Equinox. When my group Blue Moon Circle (a bunch of eclectic Witches, many of whom have been practicing together since 2004—we call ourselves a circle, rather than a coven, but it is essentially the same thing) holds rituals for those Sabbats, we often call on certain goddesses. If there is some type of magical work I am doing, I might call on a goddess who is known for Her power in that area. Aphrodite for love magic, for instance, or Brigid for healing.
Some of us feel a special connection to one particular goddess, whom we may regard as our personal patron (or maybe it should be matron) deity. For me, that is Hecate, although I am still exploring my relationships with other goddesses to see what they might have to say to me.
Sometimes a goddess will choose you, instead of the other way around. You may just know who yours is. That was certainly the case for me. I have also had friends who got repeated and less-than-subtle messages that a goddess had taken an interest in them. Look out for reoccurring sightings of symbols (animals, statues, names, pictures) associated with one particular goddess, and if you start to see a pattern, try saying “hello,” and seeing if you get an answer. You might even just have one start talking to you, once you become open to such a thing. Goddesses may also show up to you in dreams or during meditation.
It’s not a good idea to ignore these signs—especially if you put out the intention that you were seeking to connect with deity. The goddess who shows up may not be the one you were expecting, or even necessarily one with whom you feel comfortable, but She may just be the one you need right now.
I knew I was a Witch when I went to my first ritual and there, standing in a circle in the dark night, I reached out for deity, and She/He reached back. I had been searching for my whole life, through years spend practicing Judaism with my family, going to the Unitarian Universalist Church, studying Buddhism and Taoism, and for the first time, I felt something. Something real and unquestionably present. A voice that said, “Ah, there you are. We have been waiting for you.” And that voice was female. I had found goddess and god. It was a remarkable moment, and I have never looked back.
I hope you have that moment too, in whatever way is right for you. I’m pretty sure She is waiting.
There is a lot of discussion these days in the Pagan community (and elsewhere) about cultural appropriation. Many Witches call on deities from cultures not their own, and some folks see this as wrong or even offensive. This is something you are going to have to think about and decide for yourself, but I will give you my take on it, for whatever that is worth.
First of all, not everyone comes from a culture that has a goddess figure who “speaks” to them, or one with whom they can connect at all. I was brought up Jewish, and there are no goddesses in that tradition at all. If you really want to stretch a point, you can say Lilith comes from a Jewish background, but certainly none of my relatives ever worshipped her, unless you go back many generations into the misty past. (There is some evidence that there was a Hebrew goddess at one point, but she was pretty thoroughly erased thousands of years ago.)
Does that mean I don’t get to worship a goddess? That hardly seems fair.
What if the goddess who calls to you is from the Egyptian pantheon and you come from a German background? Does this mean you can only worship Mother Holle and not Bastet?
Neither of these answers makes any more sense to me than limiting people to the faiths in which they were raised, even if those faiths don’t resonate with them. Belief isn’t restrained by culture or DNA. And if a goddess touches your heart and spirit, she has clearly looked beyond lineage and genetics to see who you really are. Who are we to disagree? Plus, there is the issue of reincarnation and past lives, which many Witches believe in. What if the goddess who calls to you is one who “belonged” to you in some other lifetime?
As long as your approach is respectful and not in any way exploitative, I see no problem in worshipping whichever goddess appeals to you the most, or in exploring a multitude of goddesses from various cultures to find the one or ones who are most suited to your spiritual goals and needs. If you choose one who is not right for you, I suspect you will simply be ignored. And if you feel a particular resonance with a goddess who is not from your own cultural background, well, who are we to argue with deity? You just might have to go that extra mile—do your research, and learn all you can about her.
In the end, the goddesses will make their own choices, and I for one think that is the way it should be.
That being said, there are certain practices which probably do fall under the umbrella of cultural appropriation. For instance, calling yourself a shaman without proper training and without being familiar with the culture from which that shamanistic training is derived. Or wearing a religious symbol that has meaning for others but not for you. Generally speaking, it is considered more appropriate to talk about having a power animal (which is general) than a totem animal, which is specific to Native American culture.
In this as with all other things, if you are unsure if something is acceptable, you can ask a person from that culture if you happen to know one, do some research, and use your best judgment.
Here is a brief introduction to some of the better-known goddesses, along with a simple ritual, spell, or invocation you can use to connect with them. This is by no means an all-inclusive list, since there are many more goddesses than I could fit into one book. I tried to pick the ones I thought would have the most general appeal and be the most useful to the modern woman. There are many wonderful books that cover a huge array of goddesses from every culture imaginable in much more detail than I have room for here. I have included a brief list in Appendix III of this the book of some of the resources I used (I own a lot of books on goddesses), but they are just the tip of the iceberg.
I have also included a few goddesses with whom I am not quite as familiar, but who are important to the cultures they come from, and who might speak to those from backgrounds different from mine. There are a few that are still actively worshipped today (the African goddesses, for instance, who are still followed both in their original homeland and through Santeria, in the American South, as well as places like Brazil and Cuba; this is true for some of the Native American goddesses, too). If you are drawn to one of them and you are not from the culture they typically belong to, be extra careful to be respectful in your practices.
I encourage you to take your explorations far beyond the confines of this book, once you have started on this journey. You may also want to seek out goddesses who are from your own particular background, or from any pantheon to which you find yourself drawn. If, for instance, you prefer the Roman pantheon to the Greek one, you will find that most of the Greek goddesses I’ve listed have Roman counterparts that are nearly identical—simply use the Roman names. (In the few cases where there are substantial differences, I have listed both.)
If you are just beginning to dip your toes in the water, so to speak, you may want to spend some time getting acquainted with many of these wonderful ladies. Or perhaps you are searching for a specific goddess to call your own, in which case it might be more efficient to only try to connect with the few that really jump out at you as you read.
Alternatively, you may be at a point in your life or dealing with a particular issue that falls under the area of expertise of a specific goddess or goddesses. You can always read through the descriptions to find one that seems especially suitable to call on for help or guidance. Some goddesses may fill an emotional gap; those who have poor (or no) relationships with their mothers may be drawn to a mother goddess, for instance. Or a woman who feels vulnerable or weak may seek out a particularly kick-ass or empowering goddess.
There is no right or wrong way to go about the process of expanding your acquaintance with the goddess or goddesses of your choice. Just remember to approach them with respect, keep an open mind, and an open heart. Who knows … perhaps there is a deity who has been waiting patiently for you to call Her name.
No matter what age you are, there is a goddess who can help you as you walk your path. And while you aren’t limited to a deity who looks or acts like you, some people like to connect with a goddess who reflects the stage of life they are currently going through.
The goddess in modern Witchcraft (and in many earlier cultures, as I mentioned earlier) is often seen in the triple aspect of maiden, mother, and crone. The maiden is young, more innocent, full of energy, and often associated with springtime. Examples would be Persephone, Indunn, Rhiannon, Freya, and virgin goddesses like Artemis and Athena. (No, you don’t have to be a virgin to worship them, thankfully.)
Many of us seek out the goddess as mother—the aspect that is comforting, nurturing, and protective. (Even non-Witches talk about Mother Earth.) We can all use a helping hand from our mother sometimes. Mother goddesses are often associated with abundance, prosperity, and growth in their role as harvest deities. Some of them are dedicated to the protection of home and family. Demeter, Selene, Isis, and Gaia are good examples, although all of the triple goddesses have a mother persona.
Crone goddesses are particularly appropriate for those who are past the mothering stage of their own lives, whether that is marked by children moving out, or by reaching menopause, retirement, a birthday you find significant, or simply the realization that you have finally achieved some measure of comfort in your own skin. Crone goddesses are filled with wisdom, often associated with the spirit world, prophecy, transitions, and sometimes death and the underworld. Baba Yaga, Hecate, and Morrigan are examples of goddesses who are primarily seen in their crone aspect.
Keep in mind that for Witches, crone is not an insult. Getting old is not seen as a bad thing. In fact, it is only in more recent history and in American culture in particular that reaching this stage of life is considered a negative. In many cultures, the elders of the community are valued for their wisdom and experience, for the tales they can pass on to the next generation, and for their roles as matriarchs of their families. If you are in the crone stage of your own life, you may find empowerment in connecting with one of the crone goddesses.
Of course, many goddesses encompass all these phases of life—maiden, mother, and crone—coming to us in either the form we need most to connect with at the time, or the one which the goddess deems the most appropriate.
The triple goddess is found in most cultures and is symbolized by the changing face of the moon, waxing (maiden), full (mother), and then waning (crone) as well as the changing seasons. Spring is associated with the maiden, summer with the mother, then fall and winter with the crone, as the world around us withers and moves toward either death or slumber. Then, of course, as spring returns the maiden goddess returns, and the entire cycle starts all over again. You may wish to change your worship as the seasons change, to whichever goddess seems the most appropriate at the time.
Cerridwen and Brigid are among the best-known triple goddesses, but there are also those like Hecate who are more often associated with one aspect—in Her case the crone—but who are still considered to be triple goddesses. If you can’t figure out which stage you’re in or which goddess aspect would suit you best, you can always call on one of them.
A NOTE ON CALLING THE GODDESSES
The suggestions for connecting with the various goddesses that follow are just that—suggestions. If you need to change the wording to better suit your situation, by all means, do so. Don’t have the color candle I suggest? A white one is always a suitable substitute, or you can do without the candle altogether. In fact, any items can be replaced with a reasonable facsimile or done away with altogether. Speaking from the heart is more important than having the right tools or statues or symbols. I often say, “Place X on your altar.” Don’t have an altar? No worries. You can either create a temporary one using a small table or shelf, or if you are outside, use a flat rock. If the only place you have to do these simple rituals is your desk or a dresser in your bedroom, use that. I assure you, the goddesses will hear you anyway. Don’t have whatever “X” is? (That candle or rock or whatever.) Don’t worry—all those tools are optional. They can be useful ways to gather your focus on the task at hand, but you never truly need anything more than your mind, your heart, and your intent.
You also don’t need to use my exact words. I provide them for you in case you aren’t comfortable coming up with your own, but by all means feel free to use them as a general guide instead of a blueprint. You can paraphrase them, or simply speak from the heart if you are called to do so. Connecting with goddess is all about what feels right to you in that moment. Some days or for some goddesses, that may mean reading out loud what I have written. Other days it might simply be gazing at the moon and saying whatever comes to you. There is no wrong way, and the goddess will not judge you for how you speak to Her as long as you are sincere.
Irish goddess of love, fairies, and fertility. She rules over passionate love, fertility, luck, healing, and protection and is associated with fairies and magic. In some mythology she was said to be the fairy king’s daughter. Aine is a moon and sun goddess whose name means, among other things, “joy” and “bright.” In Her dark maiden aspect, She can be called on for vengeance on unfaithful lovers, brutal men, and unsuitable mates. She is known for Her strong emotions, and as a fertility goddess, She chooses her own lovers. Be warned, however, that in some of the myths She is also taken unwillingly (perhaps as a symbol of the land being conquered). Because of this, She is a good goddess to call on if you have been violated or abused. In Her guise as sun goddess, She is celebrated at Midsummer, where the more positive aspects of Her powers for fertility, healing, and growth are at the forefront.
Connecting with Aine—Any time you wish to connect with the fairies, but most especially on Midsummer (the Summer Solstice), you can perform this simple ritual. It is best done outside while the sun is high, although you can substitute a large yellow candle for the sun if necessary. Sprinkle flower petals on the ground or on an altar, and put out a small bowl filled with either milk, honey, or mead. If you wish, you can wear a garland of flowers, or stick a flower in your hair. Light a yellow candle and say, “Aine, O’ bright and passionate one, I praise your name. I have brought gifts for you and your friends, the Fair Folk, and approach you both with respect and admiration. Share with me your joyous energy, and ask the fairies to bless me and the place where I live.” If you are outside, pour the honey, milk, or mead onto the ground, and sprinkle the flower petals nearby. If you are inside, you can simply leave the bowl on the altar for a while, then dispose of it later.
Note: Fairies, or the Fair Folk, are not the cute little winged sprites depicted in many modern stories. They are a powerful elemental force and best approached with respect and caution.
Greek goddess of the sea. To the ancient Greeks, Amphitrite was the queen of the sea, embodying the ocean itself. She gave birth to the dolphins and the seals and was known as “the one who encircles,” just as the ocean wraps around the land. She was eventually downgraded to the wife of Poseidon by later Greek mythology, when he married Her to become a god of the sea. (Ain’t that always the way.) She rules over everything to do with the ocean, including the waves. Her symbols are seahorses (hippocampus), dolphins, seals, crabs, and fish.
Connecting with Amphitrite—Amphitrite represents the elemental power of womanhood. She cannot be diminished by changing mythology, because the ocean is still as powerful as it always was. Her waves can be gentle as a lover’s caress or as destructive as a tsunami. Call on Her when you want to connect with the element of Water, or if you feel as though some man is trying to steal your personal power. Gather some symbols of the sea. You can use shells, a picture of a dolphin, or some other representation of the ocean. Place a bowl of saltwater (use sea salt if you can) next to a white, green, or blue candle—anything whose color reminds you of the ocean. Light the candle and say, “Amphitrite, Queen of the Ocean, let your sacred waters wash over me. Let them clear my mind so I might think clearly.” (Dip your fingers in the saltwater and wet your forehead.) “Let them wash the sorrow and fear from my heart so I might be strong.” (Dip your fingers in the saltwater and wet the area over your heart.) “Let the power of your waves be echoed in the water that makes up my own body, and resonate in my core.” (Touch the water to your abdomen.) “Bless me, O’ Queen of the Ocean, and encircle me with your timeless waves.” If you want, keep the bowl of saltwater on your altar or somewhere you can access it easily, and anoint yourself whenever you need a boost.
Greek goddess of love and war. (Venus is her Roman counterpart.) She rules over beauty, love, sexuality, romance, fertility, pleasure, dedication, and love of self. Ironically, she is the goddess of both married love and illicit affairs. Aphrodite is also associated with war, possibly having descended from Astarte and Ishtar. Her name means “water born” or “foam born,” and she is sometimes called “the Golden One.” Her symbols are the ocean (from which She arose), doves, apples, roses, pearls, gold, and mirrors. Aphrodite is the goddess of passionate love—not to be called upon lightly, since those flames can burn as easily as they warm. There is no guarantee that the gifts She gives will last, although you can certainly call on Her if you want more passion in your life. But She is also a goddess who embodies beauty and self-assurance, so it might be a healthier approach to channel Her energies into yourself so that you can seek out passion from a place of self-love, knowing that you are vibrant, beautiful, and worthy of adoration.
Connecting with Aphrodite—Soak some rose petals in a bowl of water mixed with a tiny bit of sea salt, to represent the ocean from which Aphrodite was born. You can also use a few drops of rose essential oil (look online or in your local health food store—it’s expensive, but you don’t need much) or rose water, which can be found in the international section of many supermarkets. If you have pearl or gold jewelry, put it on to honor Her. Scatter rose petals or seashells around the altar if you have them, and light a pink or red candle. If you want, you can play whatever music makes you feel sexy, or ocean sounds in the background. Think about the people you may have met who weren’t stunningly beautiful, but who had such confidence in their own attractiveness, all those around them saw them as lovely. Think about the beauty that comes from inside. Dip your fingers in the salt water/rose water and anoint your forehead, saying, “Aphrodite, help me to believe in my own beauty.” Then anoint your lips, saying, “Aphrodite, let my words show the beauty of my spirit.” Anoint your chest and say, “Aphrodite, let my heart shine out with all the love I feel for others and for myself.” Anoint your belly or core and say, “Aphrodite, let my energy be strong and beautiful,” and finally, if you wish, anoint your pubic bone (called “the mound of Venus”) and say, “Aphrodite, let me revel in sensuality and my own sexual beauty.” (Skip this part if it makes you uncomfortable.) Dip both hands into the remaining water and hold them up to the sky, then run them down your face and over your body. Say, “Aphrodite, let your beauty be a part of me from this day forward, and help me to see my own beauty through your divine eyes. So mote it be!” Sit for a while and then blow out the candle. If you like, you can save any remaining water to use in the bath or shower later.
Note: If you prefer to call on Venus instead of Aphrodite, their attributes are much the same, so you can simply substitute her name.
Welsh moon goddess. (Also Arianrod.) The mother goddess in the triple goddess triad with Blodeuwedd and Cerridwin, Arianrhod is the goddess of prophecy, fate, magic, and reincarnation. She was known as “Silver Wheel” or “Silver Wheel That Descends into the Sea,” and her name means “silver disc.” This may refer to the moon, but also to the wheel of fate. She rules the moon and the stars, and watches over the dead and guides them to their next life. Pale and beautiful, Arianrhod can also shape shift into an owl, which is one of her symbols. Those who worship her may be allowed to see into the past or the future, so she is the perfect goddess to call on if you are a tarot reader or use any other form of divination. She can also help you if you are exploring past lives.
Connecting with Arianrhod—Invoke the goddess to help you with divination. If you can, do this simple ritual on the night of the Full Moon. Place your tarot cards, runes, or whatever tools you use for divination (if any) on a piece of white or silver cloth. Light a white or silver candle and say, “Arianrhod, goddess of prophecy, lend me your gifts tonight. Help me to see clearly as I look at the past, the present, and the future, and send me whatever information I need to know. So mote it be.”
Greek goddess of the hunt. (Diana is Her Roman counterpart, although they are not exactly equivalent.) Goddess of protection, independence, nature, and the moon. Forests, woodlands, and wild animals fall under Her protection, as do girls until they reach maturity. A virgin goddess who stands for independent women and protects the weak or vulnerable, Artemis is especially appropriate for teens, those who have suffered abuse, pregnant women, or women seeking to become more self-reliant. She is a goddess who is wholly dedicated to women. (Sorry, guys.) She is often shown holding a bow and arrow. Her symbols include the moon, a bow and arrow, and numerous animals, most specifically deer, bears, and dogs. The herb Artemisia was named for Her and is always appropriate to use in Her rituals.
Connecting with Artemis—Call on Artemis for protection when you are feeling vulnerable or in need of strength. Stand outside under the moon if you can, and/or light a white candle. If using an altar, you can decorate it with any of Her symbols, or whatever symbolizes protection to you. Light the candle, hold up your arms and say, “Artemis, great huntress, protector of women, come to me in my hour of need. Surround me with your protective light and show me the best way to protect myself. Lend me your strength and your fierceness. Make me strong and independent. Protect me, O Artemis, in this my hour of need.” Visualize a bright white light surrounding you, filling you with strength. See yourself as a warrior or huntress. If you want, let out a loud howl or yell and shake your fists at the sky. If you are seeking guidance in ways to grow stronger long term, be alert in the days to come for any direction the goddess might send you.
Mesopotamian goddess of love and war. (Similar to Ishtar and Aphrodite.) She presides over passion, marriage, sexual encounters, sensuality, and female independence. Astarte is also queen of both the morning and evening stars; Her name means “star.” She rules the spirits of the dead and all astral bodies, including the moon. In Her dark aspect She is a warrior queen, all that passion turned to war and battle victories. Astarte is one of the earliest goddesses we know of, with a shrine that can be dated back as far as the Stone Age. Her symbols are the star, the dove, and the sphinx. She was also associated with horses and chariots and the planet Venus (also known as the evening star when it appears in the western night sky). She is usually shown as a naked woman with a crown of cow horns around a sun disc.
Connecting with Astarte—Connect with Astarte in Her role as Queen of the Evening Star. The stars are fixed and enduring, a point of stability in an unstable world. Go outside or look out your window when the stars first appear. Identify the evening star if you can, or simply pick the brightest star you can see. Make a wish on the star, and ask Astarte to bring you a warrior’s strength to help you achieve your goals.
(Also Athene, Pallas Athena) Greek goddess of wisdom. (Minerva is her Roman counterpart.) She is a goddess of wisdom, philosophy, and cunning intelligence, as well as the patroness of weaponry, weaving and other women’s arts, metalworking, and shipbuilding. A virgin goddess, She symbolizes female independence and reason. A goddess who protects Her people, She rose from Zeus’s head already dressed in battle armor. Her symbols are the owl and the olive tree, and She is often depicted with a golden helmet and shield.
Connecting with Athena—Call on Athena when you have a conflict you need to fight on your own, one which is better won through brains than by actually engaging in battle. Place an owl picture or figurine and/or a bowl of olives on your altar. If you have clothing or a piece of jewelry that makes you feel empowered (this can be anything from a business suit to your sexiest underwear to a favorite necklace or full makeup—if you work out, maybe sneakers or bare feet and your workout clothes), put it on. Light a white or yellow candle and envision yourself wearing Athena’s armor invisibly woven into your clothes. Then say, “Great Athena, lend me your strength and wisdom. Help me to stand strong against those who would defeat me, and guide me toward the actions that will best enable me to achieve victory. And let me do so with grace and cunning, without anger or loss of control. So mote it be.” If you want an added bit of power, wear a piece of jewelry or clothing that you can put on later when you need to feel strong.
Russian crone goddess. She was downgraded in later fairy tales to a powerful but ugly Witch with iron teeth and bony legs, one who often bestowed difficult tasks on those who came to her for answers or favors. A goddess of wisdom, regeneration, and the elements, She is both feared and admired. In stories, those who failed Her tasks often paid with their lives. She has power over time, the seasons, and the elements and is sometimes seen to represent the darker side of the path to wisdom. Often shown riding in a mortar steered by a pestle, a classic tool of both Witches and herbalists.
Connecting with Baba Yaga—Call on this goddess when you embark on a difficult endeavor or a deeper level of learning (especially if it is spiritual, but pursuing any serious knowledge). If you have a mortar and pestle, put them in front of you, along with some symbol of whatever path you are embarking on, and some kind of gift for Baba Yaga. (Hint: She loves food in all forms, so you can forget the pretty flowers … She also likes bones.) Always be polite and respectful with all the goddesses, but especially this one. Light a white, yellow, or black candle and say, “Baba Yaga, wise and powerful, I ask for the favor of your guidance as I, too, endeavor to be wiser and more powerful. Grant me the knowledge I need to walk this path well, and help me to safely navigate the darker places in the forests of life. I give you this gift as I ask most humbly for your aid.”
(Also Bast) Egyptian goddess of love, fertility, sensuality, music, anointing, magic, joy, and of course, cats. Generally a benign goddess who embodies the sun’s healing rays, She is also sometimes called “The eye of Ra.” As the daughter of Ra, the sun god, She carried out vengeance against those who had wronged him. Cats are sacred to Her, and roamed freely in Her temples. During the years She was actively worshipped, it was illegal to harm a cat and after death they were mummified and brought to one of Her many temples. Her celebrations were usually joyous and wild. Bast is often depicted as either a woman with the head of a cat, or a black cat wearing a gold collar and earrings. She protects women and children, guards the home, and brings in health and prosperity. She is the patron goddess of cats and all who care for them.
Connecting with Bastet—Do some simple magical work to protect your cat or cats. (I hear some people actually have just one.) If you have a statue of Bast, or any small cat statues, put them on the altar. You can also put out anything that represents your own cats, such as a food or water bowl, a picture, and/or some fur (from brushing, please, don’t cut it). If your cats get treats or catnip, put a little bit in a bowl on the altar, too. If your cat will come sit by you willingly, even better. Light a white or black candle and say, “Bastet, Mother of Cats, please shine your protective light on the one(s) I love. Keep [insert cat name or names] safe, and healthy, and happy and help us to live together in harmony with love. Thank you for the gift of cats. Blessed be.” Afterward, you can give the cat(s) the treats or catnip that have been blessed by the goddess.
Celtic goddess of fire, healing, and inspiration. (Also Brigit, Brighid, Bride. Brigid is pronounced Breed, although most of us use the more phonetic Bridge-id. It’s a Celtic thing.) Called “The Bright One.” A triple goddess, Brigid rules over smithcraft, poetry, and healing in each of Her aspects. She is also associated with sacred wells and rivers, sacred fires, creativity, and music. The Pagan holiday of Imbolc (which falls on February 1 or 2, midway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and celebrates the first signs of spring) is dedicated to Her. Her symbol is the cauldron, which is used both for healing and to signify the fire of creativity. She is also one of the only goddesses who was openly co-opted by Christianity and turned into a saint. In Ireland, the people still worship both the goddess Brigid and Saint Brigid of Kildare.
Connecting with Brigid—Call on Brigid when you are in need of healing. Prepare a cup of whatever drink feels most healing to you—regular tea, or maybe peppermint herbal tea, or even chicken broth—and pour it into a small bowl or some other round mug or vessel you can hold in both hands. Light a white or blue candle and lift the bowl up in offering. Then say, “Brigid, O Bright One, I call on you to shine your healing light down upon me. Heal me within and without so I, too, might shine.” Then slowly sip your healing liquid until it is gone, envisioning it glowing with Brigid’s power with every swallow. When you are done, you can leave the candle burning for as long as it is safe, or relight it every day until you are feeling better. Wash out the bowl by hand with reverence.
Welsh goddess of wisdom, inspiration, justice, spiritual transformation, prophecy, magic, death, and rebirth. (Also Ceridwen. Pronounced Ker-RID-Wen.) A moon goddess, and a triple goddess, although usually seen in Her crone aspect. Her symbol is a cauldron, or more specifically the Sacred Cauldron, as well as a white sow (female pig). Cerridwen’s cauldron is the source of all inspiration, as well as a magical tool. Call on Her when you are going through a time of complete rebirth or change, or whenever you are in need of inspiration.
Connecting with Cerridwen—If you are working on any creative endeavor (writing, artwork, or especially poetry) and in need of inspiration, you can call on Cerridwen with this simple plea: “Cerridwen, stir your cauldron for me, and send me creativity.” If you want to go into a little bit more depth, find a small cauldron (they make cast iron ones that are quite handy for magical work, in various sizes ranging from about two inches in diameter on up) or a fire-safe bowl, and crumble up some sage leaves in it. As you call on Cerridwen, light the sage and let the smoke carry your request up to her. Burn a little bit more any time you feel the need for inspiration.
Navajo goddess who represents the Earth, the changing seasons, and the changing phases of life. She grew to puberty four days after being born, which led to the first puberty ritual. She constantly transforms from baby, to child, to maiden, mother, then crone. Possibly the most respected of the Navajo deities. The Dine, as they call themselves, believe that the Blessingway, their most sacred ceremony, came from Her, and that She created the Navajo themselves. She teaches the cycles of life and how to walk in balance on the Earth. Call on Her when you are in the midst of a transformation or any major life change, such as to celebrate a young woman reaching puberty, or marriage, becoming a mother, or becoming a crone (this is sometimes seen as when a woman reaches menopause, but for some women it might be retirement, or when they take on teaching the next generation). Be sure to be respectful of the fact that this goddess comes from a living culture who still worship Her today.
Connecting with Changing Woman—We all go through many changes in our lives, but we don’t always take the time to mark the truly important ones. You can call on Changing Woman as part of a larger, more formal ritual, or perform this very simple one. If you can be outside for this, spend a little time connecting with the Earth. It is appropriate to wear jewelry that has beads made of turquoise, shell, or jet, if you have them. Place an ear of corn and/or a bird feather on the altar as an offering to Changing Woman, and say, “Changing Woman, I come to you at this time of transition and ask for your blessing. Help me to make the most of the changes I am going through, learning and growing during the process. Guide me as I enter the next stage of my life as you guide the seasons and the plants. Send me your wisdom and gift me with your love. Help me to walk in balance on the Earth. Thank you.”
Greek goddess of the harvest and agriculture. (Her Roman counterpart is Ceres. You can worship Her under either name.) Goddess of the harvest, grains, seasons of the year, fertility of the land, motherhood, and motherly love. Demeter represents growing and making food, and nurturing in all aspects but especially maternal. Always a mother goddess, She is often shown with baskets full of flowers, fruits, or vegetables. She is sometimes depicted as part of a goddess triad with Persephone as maiden and Hecate as crone. Demeter is sympathetic to suffering and grief because of Her anguish when her daughter Persephone was stolen by Hades. The story of Demeter and Persephone is used to explain the reason for the changing seasons, since Demeter mourns while Her daughter is gone, and refuses to let anything grow. She can also represent the fierce defensive love of a mother for her children. Demeter is usually shown carrying a basket or cornucopia filled with harvest foods.
Connecting with Demeter—Call on Demeter when dealing with issues concerning motherhood, especially the relationship between mother and child. Put a piece of fruit (a pomegranate or an apple, for example) or a loaf of bread on the altar. If you like, you can also put a picture of your child or children. Light a white or pink candle and say, “Blessed Demeter, help me to be the best mother possible. Grant me wisdom and patience, and guide me as I do my best to guide my child/children. Watch over my child/children and protect them from harm. This I ask you with all the love in a mother’s heart. Thank you.”
Roman goddess of Witches, magic, the wilderness, and animals both wild and tame. (Artemis is Her Greek counterpart, but they are often worshipped for different aspects. Artemis more for Her fierceness and connection with animals, and Diana for Her magic.) Diana is a moon goddess often associated with magic and magical women. She defends animals, women, and children, especially those who are weaker than those around them. Diana is often shown carrying a bow and arrow, in the midst of a group of animals, or with a deer, stag, or dog. She is sometimes pictured with a crescent moon on Her forehead, points upward like horns. Call on Her for help with magical work or protection.
Connecting with Diana—Often called the Queen of Witches, call on Diana to help you connect with the magic within you. If possible, go outside on the night of a Full Moon. Either way, do this in darkness. If you are outside, gaze up at the moon, if inside, light a candle and gaze at that (or look outside at the moon if you can see it). Envision Diana standing in the glow of the light, and say, “Blessed Diana, you who are the moon and magic, help me to tap into the magic that lives deep inside me. Show me the way to embrace my own power without fear. Guide me in the ways of the Witch. Cleanse me of fear and self-doubt, so I might reach within for the gifts that you have given me. Bathe me in the glow of your light, so that I might glow more brightly from this day forward.” Then close your eyes and visualize yourself filling with magical light, starting at your core and going outward, until you are glowing as brightly as the moon and the candle’s flame.
Greek goddess of the dawn. (Aurora is Her Roman counterpart.) She rules over renewal, rejuvenation, and light. Eos opens the gates so Her brother, the sun, can ride across the sky. She brings light and regeneration and washes away troubles of the past. Eos is mother to the four elemental winds. She is often pictured with wings, driving a chariot with four horses. In some myths, She had many lovers, some of them humans She kidnapped when they caught Her eye. I don’t suggest you call on Her for that. Invoke Eos when you need renewal after a difficult time, or to rebirth yourself completely.
Connecting with Eos—Perform a simple ritual to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. At dawn (or at least first thing in the morning), go outside or open a window. Feel the light from the new sun shining down and let the fresh air blow away your troubles. Raise your arms and say, “Eos, goddess of the dawn, I greet you at the start of a new day. Let your light bring brightness and joy. Send your sons the winds to gently clear away the debris from days past, so I might start again, refreshed, renewed, and blessed by your energy. So mote it be.” Then just stand there in silence for as long as feels right.
Roman goddess of flowers and spring. Flora was a minor goddess except during the spring, when She was celebrated with a holiday in Her name, the Floralia, which ran from April 28 to May 3. It included dancing, singing, and drinking, and was all about the pleasures of life. Flora is the goddess of spring, flowers, youth, and the blossoming of life, both vegetative and human. She is the perfect goddess for anyone who gardens, since She protects growing things from disease and rot. Called “the flourishing one,” Flora can be called on when you need anything in your life to blossom and grow, whether it is your plants or your spirit.
Connecting with Flora—Invoke Flora by placing flowers on your altar. You can also burn any flowery incense, such as rose or lavender (preferably made using essential oils, so you can call on the energy of the plant, as opposed to fragrance oils which come from chemicals), or use a live plant in a pot. Do this in the spring during the special days dedicated to Her, or any time that you feel the need of an extra boost of regenerative energy. Dress in bright clothing, as the Roman women did during the Floralia. Hold up a flower in offering and say, “Flora, I offer you this flower as a token of my appreciation. I ask that you help me to grow and blossom. Keep the lightness of spring in my spirit and let my endeavors flourish like the flowers you tend. So mote it be.” If you want, plant a few flower seeds in your garden or in a pot to say thank you.
Roman goddess of fortune and luck. (Her Greek equivalent was Tyche.) She ruled over luck, both good and bad, as well as fortune, fate, and divination. Her name comes from Vortumna, an earlier goddess, and means “she who turns the year.” Because of this, She is also associated with the zodiac. She may be shown wearing a veil, probably to represent the unseen future or the unknowable nature of fate. She is also often depicted holding a wheel, which is one of Her symbols. Fortuna’s festival was celebrated in October, but you can call on Her for good fortune any time of the year. She can also be invoked for work with divination.
Connecting with Fortuna—If you are going into an endeavor when you need good luck, or if you have had a run of bad luck and want to change it, call on Fortuna. If you want, you can put symbols of luck on your altar, like dice or a lucky coin if you have one (no rabbits’ feet, please!), or draw a wheel of fortune. You can also use the Wheel of Fortune card from the tarot deck, or print out a copy from online. Light a white candle and tie a lightweight scarf over your eyes (making sure to keep it away from the flame, of course). Say, “Fortuna, I do not know the future and I am blind to my own fate. I give myself over into your hands and ask that you send me good fortune and good luck, and bless all that I do. I promise that I will pass a little bit of that luck on to others, if you would be so gracious as to grant it to me.” Sit quietly for a few minutes and feel your luck shifting.
Note: If you are not good at memorizing things, you can either use a piece of cloth that is thin enough to see through, or just paraphrase what I’ve written here. Or skip the scarf altogether.
Norse goddess of love and war. (Also Freyja.) Freya rules over sexuality, sensuality, marriage, and all matters of the heart and passion. Ironically, She is also a goddess of war and ruler of the Valkyries. A sun goddess, She drives a chariot pulled by two giant cats and is sometimes called Mistress of Cats. As Queen of the Valkyries, She is responsible for the souls of the dead, and has first choice from among the dead whom She wants to live in Asgard with her. A maiden goddess, She is said to be the most beautiful of all the goddesses in the Norse pantheon. Freya is often shown wearing a cloak of feathers and wearing Her magical amber necklace, which is called Brisingamen. Wear amber in Her honor or place two cat statues on your altar. Invoke Her for happiness in relationships and to connect with your own inner beauty and sensuality.
Connecting with Freya—Call on Freya when you want to feel strong and beautiful, inside and out. When the sun is high, stand in front of a mirror (naked, if you are comfortable with that) and gaze fearlessly at your reflection. Don’t worry about the so-called imperfections we are judged by in our society. Everyone has them, seen or unseen. The goddess doesn’t care. Just as She judges the fallen warriors on the battlefield by their bravery and spirit, so She sees our own inner beauty. Light a white candle in a heat-safe container or on a plate and hold it in front of your heart. Then say, “Freya, Queen of the Valkyries who sees all, help me to see the beauty in my own true self. Let me be strong like your warrior women so I might face the world bravely and see your bright spirit staring back at me out of the mirror. Let me glow with your light. So mote it be.” Look at the flame of the candle in the mirror and see it as a symbol of your inner strength and beauty. Feel Freya’s spirit filling you. When you’re done, put the candle aside and light it any time you need to remind yourself that you are strong and beautiful.
Greek goddess of the Earth. Many Witches use Her name to personify Mother Earth, something which has actually caught on to some extent with the general population. All life comes from Her. Gaia is the ultimate goddess of fertility, creation, and abundance. She was the original oracle at Delphi, a shrine where a giant snake named Python resided, so She is also a goddess of prophecy, and Her symbol is the snake. It is said that any promise made while touching Gaia’s earth with one hand can never be broken. She is usually depicted as a full-figured woman. If you wish to call on a goddess without being terribly specific, Gaia will connect you with the earth and nature. We all come from Her and we will all return to Her; She is the Earth itself, and the energy of the Earth, both nurturing and powerful.
Connecting with Gaia—It can be hard to stay grounded when most of us live lives surrounded by technology, running from place to place frantically trying to accomplish too many things in too little time. Occasionally it is important to renew our connection with the earth and the planet, refilling our wells with energy direct from the source. Take a few minutes to go outside and sit on the ground. (If you don’t have a yard, go to a park or a nearby wooded area. If you don’t have anywhere private, you can say the words silently.) Put your hands flat on the earth and close your eyes. Feel the energy of the earth humming underneath you and say something like, “Gaia, Mother to us all, I greet you in love and joy. Thank you for your gifts. Know that they are appreciated. I promise I will do my best to support you as you support me. Blessings given and received.” Then just sit for as long as feels comfortable, sending your energy into the earth and feeling it coming back to you.
Egyptian goddess of love and music. Possibly the most popular of the Egyptian goddesses, Hathor is a sky goddess who rules over abundance, wealth, success, love, beauty, sexuality, joy, creativity, and the arts. She celebrates femininity in all its aspects, as well as dancers and musicians. Hathor is associated with cows and is often shown as a woman with cow ears. Like Bastet and Sekhmet, She also sometimes appears as a cat. Her symbols are mirrors, a musical instrument called a sistrum (a kind of rattle), the color gold, red ale, and cows. Hathor’s feasts were often raucous and filled with drinking, since inebriation was a part of Her myth. Her primary feast day was on September 17, when a mirror was carried out to catch the first rays of the sun. Call on Her when you are in the mood to celebrate with abandon, or if you wish to bring more joy, creativity, or abundance into your life.
Connecting with Hathor—One of the easiest ways to connect with this goddess is through dance or music. You can make yourself a simple rattle using an empty jar and some beans, or use one you bought. Put on whatever music makes you happy and dance with abandon, shaking your rattle and chanting the goddess’s name. If you happen to do a bit of belly dancing, even better!
Greek goddess of Witches and crossroads. (Also Hekate.) Hecate rules over magic, the underworld, ghosts, and death, as well as regeneration, travel, wisdom, and vengeance. She is a triple goddess, who most often manifests in the crone aspect. Goddess of the crossroads, as well as Earth/the underworld/the heavens. She is sometimes called the Queen of Ghosts, and holds dominion over the spirits of the dead. The crossroads were seen as a place of mystery and spiritual potential, dangerous and powerful, and so it is not surprising that Hecate is sacred to Witches, and to those who tread the ways of mystery. She is protective of women and children, and watches over women during childbirth. Often shown with black hounds, although She is also said to take the form of a black cat. Hecate is often depicted carrying a knife, a torch to light the way, and occasionally wearing a necklace of testicles. She is not an easy or comfortable goddess, but if you are serious about walking the path of the Witch, She may be a good teacher. She is worshipped only at night, preferably by candle or torchlight, and especially on the night of the Dark Moon. Her symbols are the color black, dogs, snakes, cauldrons, brooms, and torches, as well as all crossroads.
Connecting with Hecate—To embrace and celebrate your identity as a Witch, call on Hecate to bless your path. After the sun goes down, and if possible, on the night of the Dark Moon, carve your name into a black candle. If you’re comfortable doing so, turn out all the other lights or go outside. You can dress entirely in black, or in whatever clothes you wear to practice Witchcraft. As you carve your name with your athame (a double-sided knife used by many Witches as a tool to direct energy during ritual), a toothpick, or your fingernail, think about what being a Witch means to you. If you are just starting out, think about what you hope it will bring to your life. Then light the candle and say, “Hecate, Queen of Witches, I (your name) am a Witch and I call upon you! I ask that you bless me as I walk this path. Guide me as I work my magic, so I might make the best possible choices. Light my way with your wisdom. This I ask as a Witch and as a woman. So mote it be.” As you stand there, be open to any guidance she might send you.
Greek queen of the gods. (Her Roman counterpart is Juno.) Hera’s domain is primarily marriage, women, and the sky, and She is sometimes called the Queen of Heaven. A strong and fierce goddess, She is the matron goddess of women, especially (but not limited to) married women. She has no tolerance for misbehavior by men, especially cheating or any form of betrayal, so you can call on Her if you need strength in those situations. But be aware that it can be unwise to ask for Her help with retribution, because Her response may be harsher than desired. There is a fair amount of evidence that Hera started out as a strong, independent goddess, whose role was changed to that of a reluctant and wronged wife later in history. Call on Her if you need help with married life, or if you feel as though your own role is being taken over by men. I’m pretty sure She’ll take your side. Her symbol is the peacock, so it is appropriate to put a peacock feather on any altar dedicated to Her. She is also associated with the cuckoo and the pomegranate.
Connecting with Hera—Call on Hera if you feel the need to strengthen a relationship without giving up too much of your own personal power. (Compromise is a good thing. Giving in all the time is not.) Put a goblet or glass of pomegranate juice on the altar, and light a blue candle to signify both the sky and peaceful discussion. If you want, put a picture of you and your significant other on the altar as well. Then say, “Great Hera, Queen of the gods and of the sky, help me to be the queen in my own relationship. Send me the strength to stand my ground when I should, and the wisdom to know when it is best to give in. Guide me on the path to a healthy and balanced partnership, one where I can retain my own power without diminishing that of the one I love. Thank you, O Queen of the Heavens.” Take a sip of the juice and think about the sweetness of love. If you are outside, pour a little juice on the ground as an offering.
Greek goddess of hearth and home. (Her Roman counterpart is Vesta.) A virgin goddess who guards and protects the home, Her name means “hearth,” and She was the center of everything sacred and secure. It was traditional to have an altar to Her somewhere in the house, where offerings of flowers or food might be left. Hestia had no form other than the flames of the fire, but She was the first of the Olympian gods, so despite Her benign nature She should not be undervalued. A warm and welcoming goddess, She watches over the home and all those within, and provides sanctuary to those in need.
Connecting with Hestia—To make your own home a warm and welcoming place, prepare an altar (if possible, one you can leave up) for Hestia. This can be as simple as a white candle in a fire-safe container and a small plate for offerings of food or small trinkets. Dress it up with a pretty cloth or whatever else makes it feel homey to you. If it is going to be a permanent altar, you may want to place pictures of everyone who lives in the house on it, to put them under Hestia’s protection. Put an offering on the plate, such as a piece of bread or cake, or some fresh fruit, and light the candle. Then say, “Hestia, first of the gods, please bless and protect my home and all those who live here. Make it a warm and welcoming place of safety for those I love. So mote it be.” Leave the candle burning if it is safe to do so, or burn it for a few minutes a day while asking Hestia for Her blessing.
Germanic goddess of winter. (Also Holle or Mother Holle.) Her holiday is Yule, the Winter Solstice, and She is said to fly in a magical carriage or on Her broom giving out gifts to deserving children. Bowls of milk were left out to thank Her for Her gifts. (Why does this sound familiar?) It is said that when it snows, it is Mother Holle shaking out Her feather pillows. If it raining, She is doing Her washing, and fog is the smoke from Her chimney. In addition to Her association with nature and winter, Holda is a goddess of the domestic arts, particularly spinning (which was often done during the winter), and is the patroness of housewives. She was sometimes seen as maiden or mother, but more often as a crone—in any guise, however, She was shown with long white hair and wearing white robes. Holda was known for rewarding those who worked hard and punishing the lazy. In older myths, She was depicted as leading the Wild Hunt, made up of the souls of dead children. In general, however, Holda is a benign goddess, as long as you work hard and keep your house clean. Call on Her any time you need help with household issues, but be sure to celebrate Her on the Winter Solstice, and perhaps when the first snow falls, if you live in a place where that happens. Perhaps instead of having a Father Christmas, this year you will have Mother Holle!
Connecting with Holda—On the night of the Winter Solstice, put out a bowl or container of milk (someplace that your animals can’t get it, if you have cats or dogs who would drink it—you can even leave it outside if you need to, or get rid of it after you’ve done this little ritual, if there is no safe place to leave it). You may also put out a skein of white yarn, or a bowl filled with snow. Say, “Thank you, Holda, for the gifts you bring. Please bless my home and all who live in it.”
Sumerian goddess of love and war. (Her Babylonian counterpart is Ishtar.) She rules over love, fertility, sensuality, wisdom, divination, wine, justice, leadership, and protection. Inanna is a moon goddess also associated with the morning and evening stars. She was the chief goddess of Her land and credited with bringing civilization to humans. Sometimes called Lady of the Heavens or Queen of Heaven and Earth. One of Her myths tells of Her descent into the underworld and Her successful return despite the challenges She faced. Symbolized by an eight-pointed star, the number seven, the lion, and often depicted wearing a horned headdress. Inanna is sometimes shown standing on two griffins (mythical beasts with the wings of eagles and the bodies of lions).
Connecting with Inanna—Inanna fought to improve the lives of Her people. She tricked the god Enki into giving her the Tablets of Destiny, which enabled Her to bring civilization to the world. If you find yourself in a position of power or responsibility, you can call on Inanna to help you be a good leader. Either at dawn or night when the stars appear, light seven small candles and say, “Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth, hear my plea. Help me to be wise and strong, to do my best for those who depend on me, to be just in my decisions and brave in my actions. Inanna, guide me if I must descend into difficult places, so I might triumph for myself and for others.”
Norse goddess of youth. (Also Iduna.) The goddess of immortality, eternal youth, spring, love, and healing, Indunn was in charge of the enchanted apples that granted youth and immortality to the gods. A maiden goddess of springtime, Indunn is symbolized by apples and new growth. Call on Her for youthful energy and renewed health, but also for an eternally rejuvenated attitude.
Connecting with Indunn—When you are coming out of a long winter, whether it is actual or metaphorical, and you need a boost of energy, try calling on Indunn. Take an apple—the prettiest, most perfect one you can find—and either walk outside or stand in the sunshine by a window. Raise the apple to the sky and say, “With this apple, the symbol of youth and beauty, I call you to me, Indunn, Goddess of the spring. May you share your positive, revitalizing energy with me, and send me the blessings of health, joy, and love. So mote it be.” Then eat the apple.
Babylonian goddess of love and war. (Related to Astarte and Inanna.) Her name means “Giver of Light” and She is associated with the planet Venus, both as the morning star and the evening star. Her symbol is the eight-pointed star. Primarily a goddess of sexual love and fertility, She was called the Courtesan of the Gods and it is thought that Her temple priestesses may have been sacred courtesans. She is an independent and powerful goddess, who makes an annual descent to the underworld. As a war goddess, She protects women in particular. Call on Ishtar to embrace your sexuality and your own sexual identity, whatever that might be and no matter what anyone else thinks.
Connecting with Ishtar—The Babylonians celebrated the festival of Ishtar on April 22, but you can pay homage to her any day of the year by channeling her fearless sexuality. If you have a partner, you can do this ritual before sex. Or, of course, there is always self-love, if you don’t have someone to share sex with. Even if you don’t want to actually take part in a sexual act, put on something that makes you feel beautiful and, if you feel like it, do an erotic dance in the middle of your living room. Either way, take a few minutes to ignore our society’s often judgmental stance on sexuality, and feel your power as a woman. Draw or download a picture of an eight-sided star or a picture of the planet Venus. If you like, put on some sexy underwear or your best smoky eye makeup, or any clothing that has stars on it. If there is a particular kind of music that makes you feel sexy, put that on in the background. Light a red candle and say, “Ishtar, help me to be confident and secure in my sexuality. Fill me with your sacred energy so I might fully accept my own feminine power and the glory that is my body and the pleasure it can bring to me and to others. Make me shine like a star here on earth, as you shine in the sky above.” Close your eyes and feel yourself filled with the basic creative sexual energy and sensuality of the goddess. Then channel that into whatever makes you feel best. (Yes, eating ice cream in your pajamas counts, if that’s what works for you. There’s no judging here.)
Egyptian goddess of magic, love, divination, transformation, the harvest, and healing. Protector of women, children, and marriage, She is both a mother and a wife, and considered to be the queen of the gods in Egypt. Isis is associated with the moon and with the Nile River, which transformed the land every spring, bringing abundance and life. She is often depicted wearing a winged cloak and a headdress with the moon between two horns. Use Her energy when you need to manifest dramatic positive change in your life, sweeping away the old and bringing in the new. She is also associated with magical healing, since She was able to reassemble the dismembered body of her husband Osiris.
Connecting with Isis—Fill a bowl with something that will represent both the land around the Nile River and aspects of your life that you need to be transformed. You can use something like sand, or salt, or grains of rice. Then fill a small pitcher with water. (You may wish to place a cloth underneath the bowl if you aren’t working at an outside altar.) Place the bowl on a table or the ground and hold up the pitcher to the sky. Say, “Great Isis, send me your healing magic that I might heal my life, and your powerful energy for transformation that I might make the changes that will allow me to grow and blossom like the lands you fertilize each spring.” Pour the water over the bowl so it shifts the contents. “As your blessed waters of the Nile flood the lands and bring needed growth, help me to wash away those things that no longer work for me and create the space for abundance and positive growth. So mote it be.” Dispose of the bowl’s contents when you are done. If you want, drink a small glass of any remaining water to take the rest of that energy into yourself.
Ancient Mayan moon goddess. (Also Ixchel.) She rules over the moon, fertility, childbirth, healing, water, and rain. It is thought that Her name might mean “rainbow,” and certainly She is associated with mists and rainbows. Often depicted as a crone, and sometimes called “Grandmother,” Ix Chel was invoked by midwives and presided over sweat bath rituals, which were used for purification both before and after childbirth. Women made pilgrimages to the island of Cozumel, where Ix Chel had a sanctuary, to ask for blessings on their marriages. She is also a healing goddess, associated with medicine and called upon by healers and shamans. Ix Chel is a water goddess, and Her symbols include water, the rainbow, turquoise, and jade.
Connecting with Ix Chel—You may not have access to a steam bath, but you can use a hot shower or bath for this ritual, or even stand outside in the rain. If you have turquoise or jade stones or jewelry, put them near the water you will be using. If it is safe to do so, light some small candles and turn off the lights. You may want to find a towel or clothing with rainbow colors to wrap yourself in when you’re done. If you are a woman who wishes to become pregnant, you can specifically ask Ix Chel to gift you with fertility. Otherwise simply focus on healing. Make the water as hot as you are comfortable with (unless it is rain, of course!) and step into the shower or bath, or out into the rain. Feel the water as a gift from Ix Chel, sent to cleanse and clear your body of anything harmful or unhealthy. Say, “Blessed Ix Chel, sacred Grandmother of the Maya, bless me with your healing energy and let your waters cleanse my body, heart, and spirit. So mote it be.” Then sit or stand in the water for as long as feels right, feeling it washing away illness and imbalance, or, if you are looking for fertility, filling every cell with the call to new life.
Chinese Buddhist goddess of mercy. (Also Quan Yin.) Technically She is not exactly a goddess, since there is no such thing in Buddhism; you might call Her a “goddess-like figure” instead, but She has been adopted and adapted by many in a goddess role. Goddess of compassion, healing, fertility, and magic. Known for Her all-encompassing kindness, Kuan Yin hears all prayers and responds with unconditional love. She is also the patroness of healers and can be invoked whether the illness is physical, mental, or spiritual. She is dedicated to relieving suffering and providing enlightenment. As a bodhisattva, or one who is semi-divine and on the edge of perfect enlightenment, She refused to step over that edge into Buddhahood until there was no more suffering in the world. Kuan Yin is often shown as a beautiful smiling woman holding a lotus flower or bearing a jar of healing water. Her symbols are the lotus, black tea, rice, healing water, and rainbows. Call on Kuan Yin when you are in need of comfort or healing.
Connecting with Kuan Yin—When you are suffering, sad, or ill, say this simple prayer to Kuan Yin. If you have a statue of Her, put it on your altar, or print out a picture from the internet if you like. Fill a bowl with the water. (You may want to do this outside, or even inside the shower if you want to really embrace the ritual.) Light a white candle and say, “Kuan Yin, I am in need of your compassion and healing. Let your sacred waters wash away my sorrow and pain, and hold me in your loving embrace.” You can dip your hands into the water and touch it to forehead, lips, heart, belly, and feet. Or you can sprinkle it over your entire body. When you are done, say, “Blessings be with you, Kuan Yin. Thank you for your healing and love.”
Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. Lakshmi also represents devoted love because of Her long and happy marriage to the god Vishnu, and is often invoked as part of Hindu wedding ceremonies. She rules over prosperity and abundance in all forms, not just monetary, although you can certainly call on Her for help with material wealth. Her name comes from the Sanskrit word for “goal,” implying that She rewards those who work hard toward their objectives. Lakshmi is often depicted sitting on a lotus or holding that flower, making it clear that the wealth She bestows is also spiritual. She is usually shown with four arms (for the four goals of human life), dressed in red and gold, and sometimes holding a jar of coins with elephants or owls in the background. Call on Her when your fortunes need a boost, but only if you are willing to work hard to gain the prosperity you want.
Connecting with Lakshmi—Place a lotus or some bright flower on your altar, and fill a small bowl with some shiny coins (pennies are fine, but use shiny new ones if you can). If you have specific things you work at that you want to bring in more money for you, place them or a representation of them on your altar. For instance, as an author and a jewelry maker, I might use a notebook and pen, and some beads or a necklace I made. If you are hoping for a new job, you can put a symbol of that job. If you have a gold candle, use that. Otherwise white or yellow will do. Light the candle and hold up the bowl of coins. Say, “Lakshmi, please send me the prosperity I desire. I am open to your gifts and willing to work hard to attain my goals.” Leave the coins on your altar for a while, or maybe tuck them into your wallet or use them to buy supplies that will further your aspirations.
Egyptian goddess of justice and truth. (Also Ma’at.) She rules over law, truth, tradition, justice, and morality. Maat is the ultimate judge of right and wrong. She is the goddess who oversees oaths and promises, and punishes those who break them. She is so powerful, even the gods have to abide by Her judgment. It is said that She judges the souls of the dead using a feather of truth, deciding who will go on to the afterlife and who is unworthy. She can be invoked when dealing with legal matters or issues involving broken promises. Keep Her in mind when you are choosing your own actions, and make sure that She would approve. Often depicted with a cloak of feathers, Her symbol is the feather (especially an ostrich feather) and double-sided scales. Call on Her when you need the power of justice on your side.
Connecting with Maat—If you have been wronged and need justice, it is a good time to invoke Maat. This may be for a legal battle that is stacked against you, or unfair treatment at work, or a relationship you have suddenly discovered is full of lies. Remember, though, that Maat is a goddess. If you call on Her, make sure it is for something big and important, something you can’t handle on your own with a little patience or a graceful exit. When you call down the justice of the gods, you may not get an immediate response (sometimes they move slowly and subtly, and there are times we need the lessons the unfair battles teach us). Other times, their answer is swift and aggressive. So make sure you really need Maat’s help before you call on Her. Once you have made that choice, though, place a feather on your altar—on top of a scale of some sort if you have one, like a kitchen or mailing scale—along with any symbols of the issue at hand. Then light a white or yellow candle and say, “Great Maat, I ask you for justice in the matter before you.” (Explain briefly if you want. For instance, “I have been lied to by one I trusted” or “Corruption at high levels has placed me in a situation I can’t win.”) “May your justice, honor, and truth be with me, O Maat, today and going forward.”
Roman goddess of wisdom. (Her Greek counterpart is Athena, although they are not identical in their worship.) She rules over knowledge, wisdom, healing, household crafts, and invention. Also a war goddess, and highly protective, Minerva is a virgin goddess who is fiercely independent. She is a creative goddess and is said to have invented numbers, medicine, and musical instruments. Minerva is the patroness of those in the medical profession, so it is fitting to call on Her if you are a doctor, a nurse, or anyone else in the healing field. She is also particularly appropriate for anyone involved in mathematics or accounting, or anything to do with creativity or music. If you think it sounds like She is in charge of just about everything, you will understand why Ovid referred to her as “Goddess of a thousand works.” She is symbolized by the owl and the antelope, and often shown holding a spear.
Connecting with Minerva—Call on Minerva to inspire any form of creative endeavor. Put a sample of your work on your altar or hold it in your hands. Light a yellow candle and say, “Minerva, goddess of a thousand things, help me to be creative in my chosen form. Aid me in learning my craft and honing my skills. Let my creativity flow freely and easily. Let my work be something to be proud of, and let it bring me joy. So mote it be.”
Greek goddess of victory. She rules over success, especially in sports or battles of any kind. She was close to the goddess Athena, and is often shown standing by the other goddess’s side. Usually depicted as a tiny female figure with wings, often holding a laurel wreath (used to crown the winner of races) with outspread wings. Call on Nike when you are going into any kind of contest or battle, so She might bring you victory and lend you speed and strength.
Connecting to Nike—If you are entering into some kind of competition (whether in sports, or competing for a better position at work, or vying for some other prize that is important to you), you can call on Nike to help lend you that extra bit of oomph you might need to win. This doesn’t mean you won’t have earned the victory yourself—Nike doesn’t help those who don’t put in the time and hard work to achieve what they want—but She might just turn the odds in your favor. Write down what you wish to win on a piece of paper and roll it up like a scroll. Take a crown or tiara of some kind (even if it is something you fashion out of foil or beads or string) and put it on your altar next to the rolled-up paper. Light a white or yellow candle and say, “Nike, I call on you to bring me victory! Lend me strength and energy for the fight! Help me to endure and hold tight to my goals! Crown me the winner!” (Put the crown on your head and hold up the scroll.) “Be with me when I need you, Nike, and carry me to victory!” Close your eyes and visualize yourself achieving your goal. Then blow out the candle. If you want, you can fold up the paper and tuck it in a pocket when you enter into whatever battle you face.
Egyptian sky goddess. She rules over the sky, the stars, and all heavenly bodies, including the sun and the moon. Nut also holds back the forces of chaos, protects the souls of the dead, and is associated with rebirth. Her picture was often painted on the ceilings of Egyptian tombs. Nut is the mother of Isis and Osiris, as well as either two or three other Egyptian deities, depending on the myth. She swallows the sun god Ra every evening and then gives birth to him again in the morning. Nut is mostly depicted as a naked woman covered with stars who is arched over the Earth with Her hands and feet at the cardinal points, although She is also sometimes shown as a cow. Her symbols are the jar (which represents the womb), stars, and a ladder, which Osiris used to climb up into the sky. Call on Nut when you wish to connect with the vast power of the night sky.
Connecting with Nut—Go outside at night once the stars are out. If you live in a city where light pollution can make it difficult to see the stars, you can try making a pilgrimage to someplace where you might be able to see the night sky more clearly, or even a planetarium. If you can’t go outside, try using a scarf printed with stars and holding it over your head. They also make inexpensive lights that will project the night sky on your ceiling, if you want something even cooler. But the actual sky is best, if you can manage it. Gaze at the stars and feel the vastness of the night sky. Send your awareness up and out until you can sense Nut, Her body stretched out above the planet, holding back the forces of chaos and protecting all those below. Say, “Nut, lady of the night, thank you for your stars. Thank you for the light they shine down on us, and for the beauty of the night sky. Thank you for your protection. As I gaze up at you in awe and admiration, I ask for your blessing and your continued protective energy. So mote it be.”
West African (Yoruba People) and modern Santeria. She is one of seven great Orishas, or spirit beings. Goddess of freshwater rivers, she rules over shifting currents and renewal, as well as sensuality and love, women, Witches, divination, and any acts of pleasure. Because of the slave trade, the religion of the Yoruba people was spread to Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, and the southern United States. Oshun is still actively worshipped, so it is important to be especially respectful in any of your interactions with Her if you do not come from that particular background. She is often pictured as a dark-skinned woman with large hips, wearing yellow, and is usually associated with the color yellow, and the number five. Oshun is said to love beauty, so make sure that any altar you set up for Her is visually pleasing. In Nigeria, She is honored at the Osun-Osogbo Festival, a two-week-long annual festival that usually takes place in August, at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove on the banks of the Osun River.
Connecting with Oshun—If you can, do any ritual for Oshun at the edge of running fresh water, like a river or stream. If you don’t have one near you, use an indoor fountain or place a bowl of water on the altar. Put on a yellow shirt or scarf, or put something yellow on the altar if you’re using one. Oshun is a good goddess to ask about love, so you can use tarot cards, rune stones, or simply ask your question and gaze into the water to see if you receive a sign. Light a yellow candle and say, “Oshun, I call on you for guidance in the matter of love. I look to the wisdom of your shifting waters and ask to see clearly.” Then ask your question.
West African (Yoruba People) and modern Santeria. One of the seven great Orishas, or spirit beings. Goddess of storms and thunder. A warrior goddess, associated with the Niger River, Her mate is the god of thunder. She is called Queen of the Nine, because of the nine tributaries of the Niger, and because She bore nine children. She rules over justice, memory, tradition, and truth. Not a goddess to be trifled with, Oya is associated with fire, wind, and hurricanes, and guards over marketplaces, cemeteries, and the gates of death. She can reveal the truth of any situation. She is the winds of change—particularly drastic change, usually for the good. She is protective of women, especially those in trouble. Because of the slave trade, the religion of the Yoruba people was spread to Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, and the southern United States. Oya is still actively worshipped, so it is important to be especially respectful in any of your interactions with Her if you do not come from that particular background. She is often depicted as a dark-skinned woman holding a machete in each hand, sometimes wearing nine different colored scarves tied around Her waist to represent Her nine children. Her symbols are the number nine, a machete or sword, and all kinds of weather.
Connecting with Oya—Call on Oya during times of major change, especially when you need to cut away your ties to the past so you can move forward into your new future. If you can do this during any kind of active weather—rain, thunderstorm, or a very windy day—all the better. If not, you may want to play a recording of a storm in the background. Place nine coins or scarves on an altar, if you’re using one. Hold up a sharp knife of some kind—your athame will do if you use one, or any kind of knife or sword (a steak knife will do if that is all you have)—and say, “Oya, powerful goddess of storms and truth, help me to cut the ties to the old so that I might move freely into positive change. Use your blessed winds to blow away what no longer works for me and wash away difficulty with your beneficial rains. Lend me your power and fire so I might be strong enough to move forward and make the changes I need in my life. Thank you and blessed be.”
Note: This is a powerful ritual, and once you ask Oya to help you make changes, they are likely to happen, so make sure you are really ready and want whatever those changes are. If you’re not sure, wait until you are certain the time is right.
Greek goddess of peace. Not one of the better-known goddesses, but worth mentioning because of Her role in bestowing peace, joy, and contentment. Her name even came to mean peace. She is often invoked during difficult discussions to keep things calm. Pax is usually pictured holding an olive branch or a cornucopia. Her color is white. Call on Her if you are in a situation that needs calm heads and open hearts, or if you simply need to feel more peaceful. Who couldn’t use that?
Connecting with Pax—During times of conflict, or if you are feeling overwhelmed by the negativity of the world that surrounds you—whether personal or the bigger picture—call on Pax to help you find some calm in the eye of the storm. Dress in white or drape a white cloth around your shoulders or over your head. Find a quiet space and light a white candle. Sit for a moment breathing in and out and then say, “Pax, blessed goddess of peace, I ask you to bring peace to my life. Surround my heart with your soothing light. Quiet my mind. Help me to stay calm and to remember that every story has two sides. Bring me peace. And let my mind and heart be at ease. So mote it be.” Sit quietly and breathe for as long as feels right, envisioning yourself enveloped by white light. You can do this every day, if it helps you to cope, and after the first time or two, just say the words without doing the rest of the ritual. But if is soothes you to do the whole thing, by all means, go for it. If you do, then you might try wearing the white scarf you use any time you are going into a situation where you might need a little extra calm.
Greek goddess of spring. (Sometimes called Kore. Her Roman counterpart is Proserpina.) She rules over agriculture, growth, innocence, happiness, and spring. Also life, death, and divination. Persephone’s myth is one of the best-known even to this day. The daughter of Demeter, She was stolen away by Hades and taken to the underworld. Her mother, goddess of the harvest, caused all growing things to wither and die until Her daughter was returned. But Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds and so had to stay in the underworld for half the year. (In some stories it was four, and She had to stay for four months. The variations on the story probably depended on how long the winter lasted in the land it was being told. Where I live, She would probably have eaten eight. Or the whole darn pomegranate.) This is what gives us the seasons, and spring is when Demeter rejoices to be reunited with Her child. Persephone has both a light and a dark side. As spring maiden, She is innocence and joy. As the dark maiden who is queen of the underworld, She has dominion over the souls of the dead and the darker mysteries. In some stories, She fell in love with Her dark husband and is happy to rule at his side. In other tales, he tricked Her into eating the seeds to force Her to stay with him. You’ll have to decide for yourself which you believe. Call on Persephone when you are torn between two worlds, or when you are in need of a joyous rebirth.
Connecting with Persephone—We all have times when we need a little boost coming out of the dark and back into the light. Dawn is the best time to do this, but any time will do if you don’t want to get up that early. Position a bunch of small candles (tea lights work well). If you can, sit in the center of a circle of candles. Otherwise put the candles in front of you and place a white string or cloth around you instead, to represent the circle of positive energy. As you light the candles one by one, say, “Persephone, I call on you to help me come out of the dark and back into the light. Help me to see that both have their place, but now is the time for rebirth. Show me the brightness of the spring, and help me to leave Hades behind, at least for now. Renew my spirit and open my heart to light. So mote it be.”
Welsh goddess of horses and rest. Rhiannon is a moon goddess who relieves pain and suffering, and aids sleep. She rules over magic, dreams, restful sleep, comfort, patience, communication, horses, ghosts, and fertility. Often pictured riding a white horse, the horse is Her main symbol. One of the five goddesses of Avalon. If your spirit animal is a horse, or you are drawn to horses strongly, you may want to consider including Rhiannon in your regular worship and magical work. Call on Her for good sleep, pleasant dreams, and swift forward movement.
Connecting with Rhiannon—Who among us couldn’t use more restful sleep? The truth is, most of us make do with much less sleep than we really need. Use this simple prayer to ask Rhiannon to help you sleep well and deeply. If you want, you can do this right before bed. If you have a horse statue or picture, put it on an altar or near where you sleep. (If you are going to bed right away, don’t light a candle.) Light a white candle or simply envision a beautiful goddess riding on a gleaming white horse. Then say, “Rhiannon, please send me a deep, restful sleep. Let your magic seep into my dreams and make them pleasant and soothing. Help me to sleep well and wake refreshed and energized, ready to move forward through the day to come. So mote it be.”
Hindu goddess of words and knowledge. Sometimes called “The Flowing One.” Sarasvati rules over creativity, the arts, science, mathematics, language, teaching/learning, wisdom, and communication. She invented Sanskrit, and may have been connected with the waters of a river that bore Her name. She is usually shown with white skin, sometimes sitting on an open lotus blossom or with a swan or peacock. Traditional offerings included lotus or marigold blossoms and incense. Call on Sarasvati if you need help with anything to do with education or learning, or creativity (especially involving the written word). If you are a writer, a teacher, a librarian, or love to read, this is a goddess you might want to explore further.
Connecting with Sarasvati—Call on Sarasvati when you need help finding the right words. This might be so you can communicate better or for schoolwork or writing. Whenever you face a situation where words are important, place an offering of marigolds on your altar, or light some incense (rosemary is good for anything to do with the mind). If you want, you can place a book or notebook or a partially written letter or a pen there too, or whatever will best symbolize your reason for invoking Her aid. Light a yellow or white candle and say, “Sarasvati, help me to find the words! Send me wisdom and clarity, creativity or kindness or cleverness as the moment calls for it. Let the words flow lightly and easily and let me find the ones I want when I need them.” Touch your fingers to your lips and then hold out the hand you write with as if offering it to the goddess. “Help me speak clearly. Let me write well. Help me find the words. Thank you, Sarasvati.” When you are ready to speak or write, you may want to whisper Her name under your breath before starting.
Greek goddess of the moon. (Her Roman counterpart is Luna.) She rules over lunar magic, magic, sleep, dreams, prophecy, and sensuality. Often shown with wings, riding in a chariot drawn by two white horses, and wearing a crescent moon on her forehead. It is said that when the moon is not visible in the sky, it is because Selene is visiting Her human lover, Endymion, who is always asleep and yet managed to give Her fifty children. (Impressive.) Call on Her for general worship of the moon, and for magical work to do with sleep and dreams.
Connecting with Selene—As Witches, we are naturally drawn to moon goddesses, so feel free to invoke Selene during any lunar ritual done during the time the moon is visible. To tap into Her gifts for prophecy and dreams, create a simple dream sachet. You can use any of the herbs associated with sleep, such as lavender or catnip, or mugwort, which is particularly good for lucid dreaming. (If you are sensitive, you may wish to avoid that one, though, because it can be very powerful.) Place the herbs into a small drawstring pouch, or sew a little pillow and put the herbs inside that. If you have a particular question you need the answer to, you can write it on a piece of paper and tuck it inside before you seal up the sachet. On the night of the Full Moon (or the nights near it), put the sachet under your pillow while saying, “Selene, blessed lady of the moon, please help me to dream true, with clear vision and magical purpose. Let me see what I need to see and know what I need to know. So mote it be.” When you turn out the light, try to focus on whatever it is you want to know, and breathe in the scent of the herbs as you fall asleep.
Native American goddess of creation, She is present in many Native American cultures, mostly from the Southwest United States, but Her mythology may vary. Sometimes called “The Great Teacher,” “Weaver of Dreams,” and “Creator of Life.” All existence stems from Her. She determines fate, and weaves magical charms. The Hopi’s Spider Woman spun the four directions at the beginning of time. The Cherokee version gave humans the gift of fire, weaving, and pottery. She weaves together time and can create the perfect network of energy for any situation. Spider Woman may take the form of a wise old woman or a spider, and often guides or aids humans. She is symbolized by woven items, spiders, and webs. Use a dreamcatcher to represent Her presence in your home.
Connecting to Spider Woman—We are all connected by invisible threads of life and magic. Take a moment today to sit in a quiet place, outside if possible, and ask Spider Woman to strengthen the threads of your existence. Say, “Spider Woman, I sit in the middle of the web of your creation. I am filled with gratitude for all those connections and ask that you help me to strengthen my ties to the earth, my magic, and those I love.” Then close your eyes and visualize thin but strong threads reaching out from within you to connect with the earth below and the sky above. Then out to all the people in your life and beyond, to those whose existence has touched you in some way. Visualize those threads beginning to glow, brighter and brighter, getting a little bit thicker and a little bit more solid. Feel the web of life connecting you to everything, and send out gratitude and love. When you are ready, take a deep breath, and open your eyes. You can do this any time you feel as though your energetic threads are fraying or worn.
Greek goddess of prophecy. She rules over order and law, tradition, hospitality, morality, and administers divine justice. One of the most ancient Greek goddesses, Themis is the daughter of Gaia and either inherited the oracle at Delphi from Her or founded it Herself. (The myths vary on this point.) What is clear is that She was the oracle personified; both one who bestowed oracles on those who approached Her for predictions of the future and the patroness of seers and intuitives. She can be called on for justice and clarity when you are uncertain of the right path, or to aid in divination. Themis is usually depicted holding a set of scales, and sometimes a sword, which was thought to represent Her ability to cut through lies to get to the truth.
Connecting to Themis—If you are involved in any kind of legal battle, call on Themis to help you triumph, assuming you are sure you are in the right. If you work with any form of divination, you can call on Her to help you see clearly. In the first case, put any documents representing your case in front of you. In the second, place anything you use to help you with prophecy—tarot cards, rune stones, pendulums—in front of you. If you don’t use anything, that’s okay. After all, you are there to represent your own abilities. Place a mirror or a dark bowl filled with water on a table, and light a white candle. Raise your hands, palms up, to show that you wish to receive the goddess’s blessings, and say, “Let all things become clear. Let all things be clear. Let there be clarity.” If you are looking for justice, add, “Let there be justice, in your name.” If you are looking for help in accurate divination, add, “Let me see clearly, and let what I see be helpful.” Then just sit for a while, open to whatever Themis sends.
West Africa (Yoruba People) and modern Santeria. (Also Yemaja.) One of seven Orishas, or spirit beings. Goddess of the oceans and motherhood. Yemaya is the ultimate mother goddess. As the goddess of the ocean, all waters come from Her, and she gave birth to the other Orishas. Her name means something like “Mother Whose Children Are the Fish.” Like most mother goddesses, She is protective of her children, especially women, and helps with conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and watches over children until puberty. Yemaya is compassionate and healing, although if angered, She can be as destructive as a storm at sea. She is sometimes also worshipped as a moon goddess. She is often depicted as a mermaid, or surrounded by the ocean. Her color is blue and Her number is seven, like the seven seas. Her symbols are fish, shells, and the crescent moon. In Brazil, Yemaya is celebrated at New Year’s Eve. People gather on beaches and make offerings of candles, flowers, and intricate altars, which they believe She takes to herself on the tides. Because of the slave trade, the religion of the Yoruba people was spread to Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, and the southern United States. Yemaya is still actively worshipped, so it is important to be especially respectful in any of your interactions with Her if you do not come from that particular background.
Connecting with Yemaya—If you can get to the ocean, bring Yemaya a gift and leave it at the edge of the water. It can be a pretty shell or stone or a flower (please make sure whatever you use won’t harm the ocean). Or you can write a message to Her in the sand where the incoming tides will wash it away. If you can’t get to the sea, do the same at a river or lake, or any other place where there is water. Barring that, create your own “body of water” using an indoor fountain, a bowl of water, or even your bathtub. This is an especially good ritual to do on New Year’s Day. Wear blue or white, and any jewelry you have that has shells or blue stones in it. Place your offerings by or in the water, and dip your hands into the water, scooping it up and letting it run through your fingers repeatedly as you say, “Yemaya, bless me. Yemaya, mother of us all, watch over me. Let your waters heal and protect me. Yemaya, bless me.” You can say this as many times as seems right, and then bow to the water. If you are outside, leave your gifts behind. If you are using some form of water inside, you can remove your gifts and place them on your altar or outside under the moonlight.
Remember that these goddesses have many aspects. If the aspect I choose to focus on is not the one that speaks to you, by all means create your own ritual to connect with the goddess in question. For that matter, I encourage you to explore in more depth any goddesses who particularly seem to resonate with you, especially if they begin to appear in your dreams or manifest in any other way.
In addition, there are many wonderful goddesses I didn’t get a chance to include here. So don’t be discouraged if none of these “call” to you. Keep looking for the one who will claim you as Her own. Or simply call on the goddess in general. I assure you, she will hear you.
We are living in challenging times. Women are not only still fighting for equal pay and equal opportunities, we’re waging battles for the right to control our own bodies—in some cases, battles we thought we’d won years ago. We are still ogled and objectified and subjected to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Not to mention being constantly judged on our weight and appearance, our choice of partners, our sexuality (or lack thereof), and whether or not we choose to reproduce.
Many women are not only working full time while raising children, but helping to care for aging parents as well. Plenty are single mothers, struggling to do it all on their own. Some have partners who shoulder some of the burden, yet studies show that women still do the majority of the housework, even when they work as many hours as their husbands. Society expects us to be Superwomen, and mostly, we have come to expect that of ourselves.
As someone once famously said of the dancing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, “Sure, he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did … backwards and in high heels.”2
That’s us, whether literally or figuratively—doing it all, but backwards and in high heels.
It’s exhausting and frustrating, and we rarely get enough credit for our efforts. And on the days when some mechanic treats you like you’re an idiot just because you lack a Y chromosome (even if you have a PhD in engineering), or you lose out on a job you deserved because of the “good old boy network,” or some jackass of a male politician explains why he knows better what choices women should be allowed to make, you probably want to scream. And maybe chuck a high heel at his head.
Many of us are dealing with a higher than usual level of anger and frustration these days, along with feelings of helplessness and even despair. Fortunately, there are goddesses who are particularly appropriate for helping us channel those feelings into productive forward movement and positive change.
So in those moments when you really wish you could turn someone into a toad, try calling on one of these angry, kick-ass goddesses instead. (Sorry, no—you can’t turn anyone into a toad. Although in some cases that would be redundant anyway. Also no hexing, cursing, or wishing for body parts to fall off. The karmic payback for this stuff is too great. Remember the Law of Returns: What you send out returns back to you.)
Hindu goddess of time, creation, and destruction. Kali is both order and chaos, the beginning and the end, creator and destroyer. She rules over change and rebirth; wild and transformative, She is not a goddess to call upon lightly. Kali is often shown with black skin and wearing a necklace of skulls, Her tongue jutting out and weapons in Her hands. She is sometimes called “Black Mother Time,” and is the essence of female energy who dances on the bodies of Her enemies. Her symbols are weapons (knives, spears, and swords, among others), the colors red and black, and severed heads or skulls. She may appear when your life is in ruins and you must rebuild from the smoking ashes, or when it is time to tear it all down and start all over again.
Connecting with Kali—When your world has come crashing down around you and you are feeling overwhelmed with fear or helpless rage, call on Kali to help you re-create your life and channel those feelings into productive action. Fill a goblet or glass with some bright red juice (like cranberry or pomegranate) to symbolize the blood Kali drank to keep Herself energized to fight evil. If you have some loud, wild music you like, put it on in the background. Then light a black candle and shout (with as much force as you can manage), “Kali! Kali! Kali! Mother of Time! Protector of women! Come to me in my moment of need. Help me to rise up from the ruins. Send me your creative energy so I might recreate myself and my life. Fill me with power so I might move forward and not look back. Kali, I drink your essence! (Drink some of the juice.) Kali, I dance as you danced, reclaiming my own inner goddess. Kali! Kali! Kali!” Now dance if you can, or just throw back your head and howl.
Irish goddess of prophecy and war. (Also The Morrigan or Morrigu.) Morrigan rules over war, death, fate, magic, passionate love, sex, and prophecy. She is sometimes portrayed as one of three sisters. Morrigan is probably best-known for inciting men to war and predicting who will win. She was sometimes seen washing the bloody clothes of those who will die in battles to come. Usually pictured as a mysterious woman with long dark hair, She is symbolized by the crow, whose form She sometimes takes. She is also associated with cows, possibly to indicate Her strong connection with the land. A powerful and unpredictable goddess, She is probably best called on in times of great need, when going into some kind of battle.
Connecting with Morrigan—On the night of the Dark Moon, or any night after dark, call on Morrigan to help you with a really important fight. The kind of fight where the stakes are high and you are up against tough odds. Only invoke the goddess when you have done everything you can do to prepare for the battle ahead, and you are ready to give it your all. Place a small bowl on the altar and fill it with water that has been tinted red with juice or food coloring. You will also need a piece of white cloth or cheesecloth. Light a black candle in front of a statue or picture of a crow, or of the goddess. Focus your mind on the fight in front of you and say, “Morrigan, I call you. I face a difficult battle. Give me the strength to fight for what is important and right. Wash the clothes of those who oppose me, and not mine.” (Submerge the white cloth in the bowl of red water.) “Fight by my side, O Morrigan. Predict my victory. This I ask with all my heart. Be with me, great goddess, and lend me strength.” Leave the cloth soaking in the water in front of the candle for as long as it is safe to leave the candle burning.
Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire. She rules over fire and lightning, creation, fiery anger, and transformative change. She can also be protective. Pele is known for Her passion, power, and volatility. She is still actively worshipped today and is believed to live in Kilauea, a live volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii. She both creates and destroys the land. Pele is strongly associated with the native hula dance, and many specific forms of the dance are dedicated to Her. It is said that She can sometimes be seen dancing on the rim of the volcano. Red berries are sacred to Her, as is the color red in general. She is sometimes depicted as an old woman with a white dog, and sometimes as a beautiful young woman wearing a red dress. Traditional offerings include strawberries, sugarcane, hibiscus flowers, and cut hair.
Connecting with Pele—Call on Pele with caution because She is unpredictable. When you are filled with rage so powerful you don’t know what to do with it, invoke the spirit of Pele to help you turn that anger into a dance of power. Put on red clothing or wrap a red scarf around your hips or over your shoulders and, if possible, take off your shoes so your feet are bare. Light a red candle or candles where they will be safely out of the way, and place a small offering of strawberries or flowers on a plate for Pele. If you want, you can either find a recording of Hawaiian music online or put on anything that feels powerful to you. Say, “Pele! Goddess of the fire and the volcano, I have a volcano within me! Help me to turn my rage into an inner fire that will help me fight to create positive change, reshaping the landscape of my life. Pele, dance with me. Pele, I dance with you!” Then dance. It doesn’t have to be graceful. It doesn’t need to be anything that resembles a hula. Just dance until your feelings bubble to the surface like lava, overflowing and washing away the anger, leaving only fierce determination, and perhaps a new peace.
Egyptian goddess of punishment. She is the embodiment of the anger of the gods, and represents righteous anger of all kinds. The essence of female deity, She is both creative and destructive in nature. Sekhmet is protective of women. Also called “The Eye of Ra,” She sees all and is a sun deity in Her own right. The fire of Her power can be burning or healing. Her breath is said to have created the desert. Frequently seen as the fiercer counterpart of Bastet, She is often shown as either a lion or a woman with the head of a lion, sometimes with a solar disk on the top of Her head. Call on Her when you need a productive way to channel your own righteous anger.
Connecting with Sekhmet—Place a lion figure or a picture of Sekhmet on your altar if you have one. Light a red candle to signify the fierceness of anger or a yellow or orange candle to represent the sun. Then say, “Sekhmet, you who are all powerful, hear me. Feel my rage. I burn with anger, as hot as the sun. Help me to channel that anger into productive action to win my battles. Keep it from burning me up with wasteful energy, and let me instead find ways to use my rage to fuel positive change. Hear me roar, Sekhmet! Hear me roar!” If you are so moved, roar as loudly and passionately as you can, sending all the rage and anger out into the universe, where perhaps it will move the goddess to take action of her own. Then sit quietly for a few moments, feeling the heat of fury die down into embers of determination, visualizing them burning steadily but calmly either in your heart or in your core. When you need to tap into that anger with purpose, pull it up and out of where you have stored it. But make sure you wield the anger as a weapon for good, and that it doesn’t wield you.
Now that you have a better idea of which goddesses are out there, it is time to take action, assuming you haven’t done so already.
Pick a goddess and make friends, as it were. You can do this in a number of different ways. Maybe one of the goddesses jumped out at you from those I talked about above. (Probably not literally, but with goddesses, you never know.) If so, by all means start with that one.
If you’re still not sure which goddess or goddesses are right for you, don’t worry. For one thing, it is always fine to just use the general “goddess” and not call on any particular one. For another, it often takes some exploration to discover which goddesses resonate with you and which ones don’t. You may also want to invoke different ones on different occasions.
But let’s assume you want to start somewhere. Here are a few options:
Remember that there is no wrong way to go about connecting with deity, as long as you are respectful. Each of us has a different path, and no two people go about creating a spiritual life in exactly the same way. What worked for me may not work for you, and that’s okay. What’s important is to honor your own truth, listen to that small quiet voice inside, and find the path that satisfies the hunger in your soul. That’s what goddess worship is all about, no matter what approach you use to doing it.