Felicitas

Felicitas is a minor Roman goddess of good luck. Known particularly from the second century BCE, in Roman mythology, this goddess of success was very closely associated with the Imperial Family. She had multiple temples in Rome, including one on the Forum Romanum. Felicitas personified happy events and was linked with agricultural prosperity; she became the special protector of successful commanders ...

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Isis

Egyptian mythology
by Micha F. Lindemans

Isis, one of the most popular goddesses in Egypt. Isis belongs to the Ennead of Heliopolis, and according to the Heliopolitan genealogy is a daughter of Seb and Nut, sister and wife of Osiris. Possibly she was originally the personification of the throne (her name is written with the hieroglyph for throne), and as such she was an important source of the pharaoh's power. In the Hellenistic time Isis was the protrectress of sailors.

In the Osiris myths she searched for her husband's body, who was killed by her brother Seth. She retrieved and reassembled the body, and in this connection she took on the role of a goddess of the dead and of the funeral rights.

Isis impregnated herself from the Osiris' body and gave birth to Horus in the swamps of Khemnis in the Nile Delta. Here she raised her son in secret and kept him far away from Seth. Horus later defeated Seth and became the first ruler of a united Egypt. Isis, as mother of Horus, was by extension regarded as the mother and protectress of the pharaoh's. She was worshipped as the divine mother-goddess, faithful consort of Osiris, and dedicated mother of Horus.

Isis was depicted as a woman with the solar disk between the cow horns on her head (an analogy with the goddess Hathor) or crowned with a thrown, but also with the child Horus sitting on her lap. A vulture was sometimes seen incorporated in her crown. Also she was sometimes depicted as a kite above the mummified body of Osiris. Isis' popularity lasted far into the Roman era. She had her own priests and many temples were erected in her honor. On the island of Philae in the Nile delta her largest temple was situated (it was transferred to the island Agilkia in 1975-1980).

The name Isis was understood by Plutarch as meaning 'Knowledge'. The story of Isis and Osiris; how Seth murdered Osiris and how Horus avenged his father.

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Brigid

Suggested Mantra: Wisdom

Goddess of light, inspiration and all skills associated with fire, she is the benefactress of inner healing and vital energy. She is the mother of all things, mistress of all the elements, Queen with divine powers, trilogy goddess of the spoken word, healing and fire.

Suggested Affirmations:

• I radiate love
• I walk in beauty
• I radiate wisdom
• I have found my spark
• I glow with creative energy
• I have all the time I need to do the things I love
• I am fired up and ready to achieve wonderful things

Related gemstones: Carnelian, coral, agate, sodalite, ocean quartz.

The Celtic goddess Brigid is the traditional patroness of healing(represented by twin serpents), poetry (the ancient Celtic traditionof see-poets and bardic lore were the primal retainers of culture and learning), and smithcraft (her sisters carry the alchemical sword and blacksmithing tongs). All of these elements are all practical and inspired wisdom and creativity.

Brigid was worshipped by the pre-Christian Brigantes as the Bringer of Prosperity, but over the centuries made the transition from pagan Mother Goddess to Virgin Mother to Christian Virgin Saint. Her magicpowers and strength over fire were consistent through her morphisms, and she successfully made the transition back to goddess again with most of her traditions intact.

She is the caregiver of the fire she keeps burning in the hearths -"it is she who hangs her cloak upon the rays of the sun and whose dwelling-place radiates light as if on fire".

She is revered with sacred trust for her divine justice in both Ireland and the highlands and islands of Scotland. The worship of Saint Brigid has persisted up until the early 20th century with herIrish followers as faithful to her as to the Virgin Mother Mary.

Her Modern Energy: Compassion, generosity, hospitality, spinning, weaving, smithwork, healing and agriculture ran throughout her various lives and evolution.

Consistent with Celtic lore, Brigid's women are honoured and highly respected. Brigid is not compromised by allegiance to one lover or husband, so is free to utilise her healing powers for the good of all.

Do This: So it is, that if you are feeling you have lost your passion, your fire, and you are wandering without goals and directions, light a candle for Brigid. As you let yourself become mesmerised by the flickering flame, try to internalise Brigid's gentle wisdom to help you escape from the maze you have created for yourself. She will lead you home to the safety of her hearth, and you can rest in safety with the knowledge that you are warm, loved, serene and wise.

Brigid, ever excellent woman, golden sparkling flame, lead me to your
fireside, warm me with your love.

Read more about Brigid athttp://www.celticheritage.co.uk/virtualshrine/brighid.cfm

Tara

Wisdom and peace have motivated countless spiritual traditions as well as individuals throughout time.

Searching for the same, men and women today still may turn to the goddess White Tara, whose core attribute is her infinite and loving compassion.

The legends of many cultures praise White Tara as the embodiment of not only the highest wisdom, but also the capability and compassion that accompany it, and indeed it is said that she assumes as many earthly forms as necessary to meet humanity's needs.

It is in Buddhism that White Tara surpasses divinity. She is the feminine counterpart of theAvalokitesvara, the Buddha reincarnated as the Dalai Lama. White Tara, often depicted as beautiful and slender-limbed woman, with eyes on her forehead, palms and the soles of her feet, standing with her hand out offering goodwishes, was born of the waters of a lake of tears, shed by Buddha when he first understood the scope of man's suffering. A beautiful lotus emerged from the middle of the lake and White Tara rose from within the blossom. Her goodness granted her the right to assume human form as a male yet she chose to remain female. In her many embodiments, she protects, brings long life and peace, saves us from danger, brings fertility and helps us navigate a clear path personal journeys of growth and discovery.

She also serves as an example, teaching great caring, understanding and strength, acting as an archetype of humanities wisdom and giving us the ability to endure great stress and hardship.

Fostering a close relationship with White Tara means knowing that sustenance and protection will always be with you. But though she has many gifts to share with the world, each individual is called upon to discover the source of White Tara's compassion and peacefulness from within.

http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2004/201.html

Image found at http://www.bodyandmind.co.za/Goddess_Centre/pics/Tara.jpg

Kamuhata Hime

Themes: Love, arts, relationships, devotion, romance.

Symbols: Woven items.

About Kamuhata Hime: A Japanese Goddess of weaving, Kamuhata Hime braids the strands of fate to help out anyone seeking solid relationships. Through her careful, artistic eye, she binds devotion with love into a beautiful, strong tapestry between two committed people.

To Do In Honour of amuhata Hime: The Tanabat weaving festival is a traditional day for marriage in China, commemorating the time when two stellar deities meet and celebrate their love, thanks to the help of celestial magpies who build a winged bridge across the Milky Way, bringing them together this one day out of the year.

Stargazing is a favorite activity that you can participate in, watching as Kamuhata Hime weaves the heavens into a feast for the eyes and soul. As you gaze out into the stars, watch closely the area of the Milky Way. If you see a shooting star, make a wish for love or the improvement of a relationship and Kamuhata Hime will answer it.

If you're thinking of deepening your commitment to someone, tonight is an excellent time to recite your promises to each other beneath the stars. As you do, braid three strands of cloth or yarn, making a vow at each juncture. Keep this as a Kamuhata Hime amulet to protect the love and devotion in your relationship. Unbind this if the two of youever part ways.

from 365 Goddessby Patricia Telesco

Vesta

Vesta, one of the most popular and mysterious goddesses of the Roman pantheon. Vesta is the goddess of the hearth, equated with the Greek Hestia. There is not much known of her origin, except that she was at first only worshipped in Roman homes, a personal cult. Her cult eventually evolved to a state cult.

One myth tells that her service was set up by king Numa Pompilius (715-673 B.C.E.). In her temple on the Palatine Hill, the sacred fire of the Roman state burned, which was maintained by the Vestal Virgins. At the start of the new Roman year, March 1, the fire was renewed. The sacred fire burned until 394 C.E. Vesta's temple was situated on the Forum Romanum and was built in the third century B.C.E. None of her temples, however, contained a statue of the goddess. Her festival is theVestalia, which was observed from June 7th - 15th. On the first day of this festival, the 'penus Vestae', the inner sanctum of the Vesta temple which was kept closed the entire year, was opened for women who came to bring offerings bare-footed. The temple was ritually cleansed on the last day. The ass is Vesta's sacred animal, whose braying supposedly kept the lascivious Priapus away. Vesta is portrayed as a stern woman, wearing a long dress and with her head covered. Her right hand rests against her side and in her left hand she holds a scepter.

Pronunciation: ves'-tuh

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Xtah

Rain Festivals ( Mexico/Central America ).

Themes: Weather, harvest, fertility, & prayer.

About Xtah: The Guatemalan Goddess of Rain and Water sprinkles Herself into today's celebration in answer to Her people's fervent prayers. As She does, Her rain also bears constructive, fulfilling energy to maintain the gardens of our spirit with Spring's growth-centered magick.

To Do In Honour of Xtah: This is the time of the year when people in this region begin praying to the sacred powers for rain. In Guatemala, specifically, they pray and make offerings to the Goddess so the crops will not fail from draught.

If your spiritual life has seemed a bit "dry" lately or lacking in real substance, pray to Xtah with words like these:

"Xtah, as you pour forth from the heavens, see my need

(pour out a glass of water here--this is a type of sympathetic magick that encourages Xtah to follow your example ).

Rain upon my life and heart with Your fruitful waters so I may grow
with clarity of spirit. Thank You for Your bounty, for refilling my inner
well with your richness. So be it."

If it's raining outside, dance in the rain as you pray so you can literally touch Xtah's presence. Alternatively, pray in the shower or in the rains created by a lawn sprinkler.

Wear water-coloured clothing today ( blue, purple, dark green ) to accent whichever of Xtah's attributes you want to develop.

from 365 Goddess -- A Daily Guide of the Magick and Inspiration of the Goddess by Patricia Telesco

Thmei

Themes: Freedom, justice, honour, divination, balance, equality, foresight, morality.

Symbols: Scales or balanced items, ostrich feathers.

About Thmei: This Egyptian goddess of law and mother of virtue watches over human conduct, looking for right action, wise decisions, ethical dealings, and just outcomes. On a broader scale, she also tends to matters of universal law, that we might learn its patterns, internalize its ideals, and then use this awareness throughout the year.

In some instances, Thmei is considered a prophetic goddess to call on in determining the outcome of any course of action, especially legal ones. Egyptian art depicts Thmei bearing a single ostrich feather, the symbol of truth with self and others.

To Do In Honour of Thmei: Celebrate your personal independence, and break free from any constraints that seem unjust or unethical, asking Thmei for the power and courage to endure. To make a Thmei charm that draws equity into all your dealings, find a portable token that, to you, represents balance, harmony, and fairness. Put this on your bathroom scale, saying, Balance and harmony within this shrine, Thmei, make impartial dealings mine!

Carry this token with you, or leave it in the area where you feel inequity or discord exists.

from 365 Goddessby Patricia Telesco

Ma'at

Ma'at, an Egyptian goddess who personified the concepts of truth, cosmic order and justice. This concept was fundamental to Egyptian life and the rule of the Pharaohs. The Kings portrayed themselves constantly as "Beloved of Ma'at" and upholders of the universal order. This role was established by their divine predecessor Horus, who defeated the forces of the chaotic god Seth.

Judges in both human and divine spheres were known as representatives of Ma'at. At the final judgement of souls that Ma'at helped to determine the ultimate fate of the deceased. In the Hall of the Two Truths, the heart of the deceased would be weighed by Anubis against the Feather of Truth, which was Ma'at's symbol. If the verdict was favorable then the deceased could look forward to a happy afterlife; if not, the hapless soul was quickly devoured by the hybrid Ammit. Ma'at was usually depicted as a woman wearing a large ostrich feather in her headband.

This Feather formed the Hieroglyph of her name and could be used by itself as an abstract representation of the goddess.

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Pallas

Suggested Mantra: Determination

Pallas is both the Warrior Woman and the Peaceful General. She is the embodiment of strength and wisdom. Pallas lets us find our inner courage to know we can and will survive life's battles.

Suggested Affirmations:

• * I am letting go
• * My mind is at peace
• * I am healthy and happy
• * I understand self-respect
• * I feel absolutely supercharged
• * I am ready to face my fears
• * I am ready to empower myself

Her Modern Energy

The good news for such women, is that Pallas is a survivor. Let go of the victim mindset you may be experiencing, and prepare to fight for your self-esteem. You may be presenting a strong and courageous face to the world, but really you're drawing on your strength rather than devoting time to explore your weaknesses. It is only in understanding your weaknesses that you will derive the strength you need to empower them, thereby empowering yourself.

Use diplomacy, respect and resilience to negotiate your way. Conflict will only serve to keep you off-balance, on your back foot representing defensive position. Pallas calls on you to stand on your front foot, braced for obstacles with self-confidence and grace.

Do This

Say good-bye to negative influences. Surmount your troubles, think positively, and attract like-minded people. Make it a habit to say "I can" ( instead of "I can't" ), and watch as your life becomes full of positive and affirmative people living life with intention.

http://www.goddess.com.au/

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