Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Sheila-Na-Gig

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Sheila-Na-Gig

Sheila-Na-Gig

The Irish Goddess of fertility, known as Sheila-Na-Gig, was annually honored on this date in ancient times. Many bas-reliefs of this Goddess figure have been found on medieval churches, priories, convents and some castles. Usually depicted as a squatting female figure, displaying exaggerated genitals and yawning vulva, she represents the Great Mother in her most ambiguous form. The Sheila-Na-Gig is associated with the generative principle of Nature. Her image, reproduced in amulet form, is worn for protection—possibly from harm or for safe sex.