Category: The Gods

List of Lunar Deities

Source: en.wikipedia.org

A lunar deity is a deity who represents the Moon, or an aspect of it. Lunar deities and Moon worship can be found throughout most of recorded history in various forms. The following is a list of lunar deities:

African[edit]

Name Image Mythology / Religion Details
Abuk Dinka Goddess of fertility, morality, creativity, and love
Amesemi Kushite Protective goddess and wife of Apedemak, the lion-god. She was represented with a crown shaped as a falcon, or with a crescent moon on her head on top of which a falcon was standing.
Ayyur Berber
Gleti Dahomean
Mawu Dahomean
Iah Egyptian
iNyanga Zulu Goddess of the Moon
Khonsu
Egyptian The god of the moon. A story tells that Ra (the sun God) had forbidden Nut (the Sky goddess) to give birth on any of the 360 days of the calendar. In order to help her give birth to her children, Thoth (the god of wisdom) played against Khonsu in a game of senet. Khonsu lost to Thoth and then he gave away enough moonlight to create 5 additional days so Nut could give birth to her five children. It was said that before losing, the moonlight was on par with the sunlight. Sometimes, Khonsu is depicted as a hawk-headed god, however he is mostly depicted as a young man with a side-lock of hair, like a young Egyptian. He was also a god of time. The centre of his cult was at Thebes which was where he took place in a triad with Amun and Mut. Khonsu was also heavily associated Thoth who also took part in the measurement of time and the moon.
Thoth Egyptian God of wisdom, the arts, science, and judgment
Ela-Opitan Yoruba

American[edit]

Aztec mythology[edit]

Cahuilla mythology[edit]

  • Goddess Menily[1]

Hopi mythology[edit]

Incan mythology[edit]

Inuit mythology[edit]

Lakota mythology[edit]

Maya mythology[edit]

Muisca mythology[edit]

Nivaclé Mythology[edit]

  • Jive’cla

Pawnee mythology[edit]

Tupi Guarani mythology[edit]

Voodoo[edit]

Asian[edit]

Ainu mythology[edit]

  • God Kunnechup Kamui

Anatolian[edit]

Chinese mythology[edit]

Elamite[edit]

Hinduism[edit]

The Hindu moon god Chandra, riding his celestial chariot
  • God Agni, invoked as a moon deity in some hymns[5]
  • God Chandra or Soma, The moon god

Hurro-Urartian[edit]

Indonesian mythology[edit]

Japanese mythology[edit]

Korean mythology[edit]

  • Goddess Myeongwol[6]

Mari mythology[edit]

  • God Tõlze

Philippine mythologies[edit]

Main article: List of Philippine mythological figures
  • Kabigat (Bontok mythology): the goddess of the moon who cut off the head of Chal-chal’s son; her action is the origin of headhunting[7]
  • Bulan (Ifugao mythology): the moon deity of the night in charge of nighttime[8]
  • Moon Deity (Ibaloi mythology): the deity who teased Kabunian for not yet having a spouse[9]
  • Delan (Bugkalot mythology): deity of the moon, worshiped with the sun and stars; congenial with Elag; during quarrels, Elag sometimes covers Delan’s face, causing the different phases of the moon; giver of light and growth[10]
  • Bulan (Ilocano mythology): the moon god of peace who comforted the grieving Abra[11]
  • Bulan (Pangasinense mythology): the merry and mischievous moon god, whose dim palace was the source of the perpetual light which became the stars; guides the ways of thieves[12]
  • Wife of Mangetchay (Kapampangan mythology): wife of Mangetchay who gave birth to their daughter whose beauty sparked the great war; lives in the Moon[13]
  • Mayari (Kapampangan mythology): the moon goddess who battled her brother, Apolaqui[14]
  • Apûng Malyari (Kapampangan mythology): moon god who lives in Mount Pinatubo and ruler of the eight rivers[15]
  • Mayari (Tagalog mythology): goddess of the moon;[16] sometimes identified as having one eye;[17] ruler of the world during nighttime and daughter of Bathala[18]
  • Dalagang nasa Buwan (Tagalog mythology): the maiden of the moon[19]
  • Dalagang Binubukot (Tagalog mythology): the cloistered maiden in the moon[20]
  • Unnamed Moon God (Tagalog mythology): the night watchman who tattled on Rajo’s theft, leading to an eclipse[21]
  • Bulan-hari (Tagalog mythology): one of the deities sent by Bathala to aid the people of Pinak; can command rain to fall; married to Bitu-in[22]
  • Bulan (Bicolano mythology): son of Dagat and Paros; joined Daga’s rebellion and died; his body became the Moon;[23] in another myth, he was alive and from his cut arm, the earth was established, and from his tears, the rivers and seas were established[24]
  • Haliya (Bicolano mythology): the goddess of the moon,[25] often depicted with a golden mask on her face
  • Libulan (Bisaya mythology): the copper-bodied son of Lidagat and Lihangin; killed by Kaptan’s rage during the great revolt; his body became the moon[26]
  • Bulan (Bisaya mythology): the moon deity who gives light to sinners and guides them in the night[27]
  • Launsina (Capiznon mythology): the goddess of the Sun, Moon, stars, and seas, and the most beloved because people seek forgiveness from her[28]
  • Diwata na Magbabaya (Bukidnon mythology): simply referred as Magbabaya; the good supreme deity and supreme planner who looks like a man; created the Earth and the first eight elements, namely bronze, gold, coins, rock, clouds, rain, iron, and water; using the elements, he also created the sea, sky, Moon, and stars; also known as the pure god who wills all things; one of three deities living in the realm called Banting[29]
  • Bulon La Mogoaw (T’boli mythology): one of the two supreme deities; married to Kadaw La Sambad; lives in the seventh layer of the universe[30]
  • Moon Deity (Maranao mythology): divine being depicted in an anthropomorphic form as a beautiful young woman; angels serve as her charioteers[31]

Vietnamese mythology[edit]

Semitic mythology[edit]

Turkic mythology[edit]

European[edit]

Name Image Mythology / Religion Details
Arianrhod[citation needed] Welsh
Artemis
Greek Artemis is the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, chastity, and occasionally the Moon due to being mistaken for Selene.[32][33] She is the daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo.[34] She would eventually be extensively syncretized with the Roman goddess Diana. Cynthia was originally an epithet of the Greek goddess Artemis, who according to legend was born on Mount Cynthus. Selene, the Greek personification of the Moon, and the Roman Diana were also sometimes called “Cynthia”.[35]
Artume Etruscan
Ataegina
Lusitanian
Sen Mesopotamian Religion
Bendis
Thracian
Devana Slavic Devana was the Slavic goddess of wild nature, forests, hunting and the moon, equated with the Greek goddess Artemis and Roman goddess Diana.
Diana
Roman Diana is a goddess in Roman and Hellenistic religion, primarily considered a patroness of the countryside, hunters, crossroads, and the Moon. She is equated with the Greek goddess Artemis (see above), and absorbed much of Artemis’ and Selenes mythology early in Roman history, including a birth on the island of Delos to parents Jupiter and Latona, and a twin brother, Apollo,[36] though she had an independent origin in Italy.
Elatha[citation needed] Irish Elatha was a king of the Fomorians in Irish mythology. He succeeded his father Delbáeth and was replaced by his son Bres, mothered by Ériu.
Hecate
Greek While associated with the Moon, Hecate is not actually considered a goddess of the moon.
Hors Slavic
Hjúki and Bil Norse
Ilargi Basque
Kuu Finnish
Losna Etruscan
Luna
Roman Roman counterpart to the Greek Titaness Selene. Sibling to Sol and Aurora. Considered one of the 20 principal deities of Rome, having had temples on both the Aventine and Palatine hills.
Mano Sámi
Máni
Norse Máni is the personification of the Moon in Norse mythology. Máni, personified, is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. Both sources state that he is the brother of the personified sun, Sól, and the son of Mundilfari, while the Prose Edda adds that he is followed by the children Hjúki and Bil through the heavens.
Mehnot Proto-Indo-European mythology
Meness Latvian
Myesyats Slavic
Phoebe Greek
Selene
Greek Selene Titan goddess and personification of the moon. She was depicted as a woman riding sidesaddle on a horse or driving a chariot drawn by a pair of winged steeds.
Triple Goddess
Wicca

Oceanic[edit]

Malagasy mythology[edit]

Polynesian mythology[edit]

Australian Aboriginal mythology[edit]

Mandjindja mythology[edit]

Yolŋu mythology[edit]

See also[edit]

Spell for Sunday – Ra Egyptian God of the Sun

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY COROSPONDENCES AND SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER)

Set Up An Altar for Ra Egyptian God of the Sun – Source: otherworldlyoracle.com

Setting up an altar for the god Ra is a great way to invite him into your spiritual practice and life. It creates a meeting place for you and your god to connect and communicate. Any flat surface will work such as a table, nightstand, bookshelf, counter, etc. Then add things to represent Ancient Egypt and the god Ra to your altar including: crystal pyramids, a statue of Ra, the Eye of Ra symbol, candles, incense with an incense burner, sun decor, a bowl of water, etc. Cleanse and bless your Ra altar before use.

Wearing Ra Amulets Source: otherworldlyoracle.com

Traditionally, amulets were worn by Ra worshipers to invoke their beloved deity and to show their dedication. Select an amulet that means something to you, but also reminds you of the sun god’s unique qualities. Perhaps a stone the Egyptians revered such as lapis lazuli, quartz, turquoise, or onyx. More appropriately, a sunstone would make a great Ra amulet. Cleanse your new amulet, then ask Ra to imbue his power into it. I like to set my amulets on my gods’ altars to really soak up their energy. Then wear the amulet daily or during special sacred rituals in honor of Ra.

Long-Lost Ancient Temple of Apollo Uncovered

A long-lost ancient temple of Apollo has been excavated after archaeologists from the Universities of Frankfurt and Kiel in Germany successfully located its whereabouts in Frangissa, near Pera Orinis in Cyprus.

The temple had been known about since 1885 but had been considered lost, a press release from the deputy culture ministry reported.

“The current research project aims to explore these complex structures, which often evolved over several centuries, and gain important insights into the functioning of ancient sanctuaries,” the press release said.

Current estimates place the temple as dating back to the Hellenistic period—a period of Ancient Greece that started in 323 B.C. and ended in 32 B.C.

“After its construction, the district underwent successive remodeling and expansion. In a later phase, transverse walls were added, altering the interior of the courtyard. Additionally, parallel flat stone bases were erected alongside the outer walls, likely serving as supports for columns and carrying the roof of a hall that surrounded all sides,” the statement from the ministry said.

In Ancient Greece, temples provided a place for worship and ritual practices, as well as providing a place for social, political, and economic functions.

In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of sun and light and was worshiped at temples and during festivals.

“Through the exemplary investigation of the sanctuary of Frangissa, the current research project aims to explore these complex structures, which often evolved over several centuries, and gain important insights into the functioning of ancient sanctuaries,” the statement said.

Of particular interest was the discovery of fragments of terracotta—a type of ancient pot constructed from brownish-red earthenware.

These fragments belonged to a huge male terracotta figure, the press release said.

“The robe of the figure was intricately decorated with incised ornaments. Similar fragments were previously found in 1885 and taken to the Cyprus Museum,” it said. “The newly found fragments perfectly match these ancient fragments, confirming the identification of the sanctuary with the site excavated in 1885, which was previously based on various circumstantial evidence.”

Archaeologists also found a head of an archaic warrior statuette.

Excavations began in 2021, when the remains of ancient masonry were discovered. The work continued in 2022, until the temple was finally uncovered this year,

Excavations will continue in the area, to allow archaeologists to discover more about the site and the role it played in Ancient Greece.

Source: newsweek.com

Gods – Buddha Was Not a God

Do Buddhists Believe in God, Heaven and Hell? From buddhism.info

The negative connotation associated with the term ‘atheist’

To be labeled an atheist or godless often has an insulting and derogatory connotation.

It implies that one denies worship, denies morals, denies any spiritual or social obligation and denies a religious life. This in no way describes the teachings of Buddha.

The terms atheist and godless are also often associated with one who subscribes to an entirely materialistic belief system, a doctrine that knows nothing beyond worldly senses and the slight, temporary happiness it can bestow.

Buddhism advocates nothing of the sort. Both Buddhists and followers of other religions believe that true and lasting happiness cannot be found in the material world.

In only one sense can Buddhism be described an atheistic religion – Buddhism denies existence of a Creator God, being an eternal omnipresent God who created the world and who can miraculously save others.

Unlike some other beliefs, Buddhists do not believe that a certain god will appear in this world at some future date to destroy the wicked, unsaved people and to protect the good ones.

Similarly, in Buddhism, there is no belief that someone can wash away their sins simply by asking for forgiveness.

Buddhists believe that redemption is only possible when people sincerely realize that what they are doing is wrong and then subsequently try to change their ways and do good.

It is only through this process that a sinner can counter the bad Karma that has accrued to them based on their evil deeds.

Although Buddhism does not depend on a Creator God, Buddhism emphatically recognizes the existence of moral and spiritual values.

Moreover, Buddhists believe in humanity – we believe that each human being is precious and important and that everyone has the potential to develop into a perfect human being.

The problems with religions based on Creator Gods

All theistic religions consider their concept of God to have ultimate authority over humans.

This supposed sacred authority  can be dangerous as it can blindly strip us of our individuality and freedom.

These God-religions attempt to make you a follower and preach that the only true path to salivation is through God.

Under these theistic religions, it is possible for a person to have led a perfectly righteous and virtuous life, but still be condemned to eternal hell since he or she didn’t believe in the existence of a particular group’s idea of God.

On the other hand, someone may have led a life of sin, yet made a repentance before death, and thus that person can be forgiven and ‘saved.’

Buddhists believe there is no rational justification for this type of teaching.

However, as we discussed in detail in Buddhist Views on Religion, Race and Tolerance, it is critically important that we show respect and tolerance to everyone regardless of their religions views.

The benefits of religions based on Creator Gods

Although Buddhism has succeeded as a peaceful religion without incorporating a creator-god, we cannot overlook the fact that the believe in God has done a great service to mankind.

First, the believe in God has helped people control their animal nature.

Secondly, much help and charity has been given to others in the name of god. Many people  also find inspiration and protection when the belief of god is in their mind.

Given these benefits, it is easy to see why so many people find the god concept so desirable.

Buddha was not a god

Unlike most other religions, Buddhism does not claim to have originated from heaven.

Buddha never said that he was the son of God, the messenger of God or a reincarnation of a God.

In fact, Buddha emphasized himself that he was not a god, rather he declared himself a simply a human being who was “full awake” and aware of the true nature of existence.

Buddha asked not to be worshiped by his followers but encouraged his followers to look deeply inside their own minds to answer fundamental questions about life, death and happiness. As such, Buddhists do not worship Buddha as a god or deity.

Although many Buddhists have statues and other Buddhism symbols in their homes and place of worship, this is done only as a reminder of our ability to have wisdom and compassion like the Buddha.

As we discussed in The Importance of Prostrating in Buddhism, prostrating or bowing before such figures can be very beneficial in your practice. However, such acts are not done to worship Buddha or the figure itself, but rather to show respect, gratitude and recognition.

Buddhist views of miracles, angels and praying

Often times people’s belief in their Creator God is confirmed or renewed because they prayed in a time of need and their prayer was answered.

Here, correlation doesn’t prove causation. Buddha rejected all of these as foolish and warned about the futility of taking refuge in the hills, woods or shrines when people are full of fear.

If miracles were possible, then there would be no need for hospitals and cemeteries.

Buddhists also don’t expect the gods to do things for us or the angels and guardians to protect us.

If you believe in these things, Buddhism teaches that you will suffer because you will always be waiting for the right day, the right month or the right year for your miracle.

Instead of praying to supernatural beings, Buddhists seek a practical means of conquering birth, aging, pain and death by destroying their mental defilements which cause greed, anger and delusion.

Buddhism doesn’t entice people into living a fool’s paradise, nor does it scare people with imaginary fears.

The traditional concepts of heaven and hell

From a Buddhist point of view, there is no such thing as the traditional concept of heaven and hell, being a permanent, eternal placed created by a God.

Buddhists believe that such a belief is ignorant, unreasonable and foolish to believe that there is an eternal heaven above the clouds or hell under the oceans.

Furthermore, Buddhists believe that it is unreasonable to condemn anyone to eternal hell for their human weakness.

The Buddhist concept of heaven and hell

However, Buddhism does have its own concept of heaven and hell.

Unlike other religions, these places are non-permanent, mental states of mind.

In other words, Buddhist believe that wise people make their own heaven while foolish people create their own hell.

Put yet another way, Buddhists define heaven as a temporary place where those who have done good deeds experience more sensual pleasures.

Hell is another temporary place where those who do evil experience more physical and mental suffering.

Hell is simply a place where one experience painful sensations due to suffering and heaven is a place where one experiences joyful and happy sensations.

However, these mental places are not permanent and there is no God involved. Each person experiences pleasure or pain, heaven and hell, according to their good and bad Karma.

Why do we experience heaven and hell?

According to Buddhists, people experience the fire and misery of hell in this world due to their anger, greed and ignorance. As we can all relate, human beings experience a mixture of both pain and happiness.

In other words, one experiences more pleasure or happiness in this world, then that place is a heaven to those who enjoy their worldly life in that place and time.

When there is more suffering, then that place is a hell to those who suffer. From a Buddhist point of view, if you are in hell, then you can get yourself out by creating good merit and Karma.  T

here are no locks on the gates of hell. Hell is only a temporary place and there is no reason for humans to suffer there forever.

Buddha as the Enlightened One

Although Buddha was just a man, he was not an ordinary man like us. He was an extraordinary and incomparably person.

As such, Buddha is considered the Enlightened One, the most compassionate and wise person who ever lived in this world.

For this reason, people take refuge in the Buddha as a teacher or master who has lived and shown the real path of inner peace.

While people may show their respect and gratitude toward Buddha, they do not pray to Buddha with the illusion that he is a god who will reward or punish them. Nor do they ask for material favors through Buddha.

They simply pay homage to a great religious teacher. Those who recite verses from his teachings do so as a means of recalling his great virtues and good qualities in order to get inspiration, confidence and guidance for themselves.

This is all done so that we can try to be like him.

In Buddhism, salvation can only come from within

In some religions, people seek protection in certain objects which they believe are inhabited by spirits.

Buddhists however, know  that the only protection they can have is through a complete understanding of their own natures and eradicating their base instincts.

When Buddhists seek refuge in Buddha, it simply means that they accept Buddha and his teachings as the means through which they can end their suffering.

Whether you call Buddhism a  religion, philosophy or a way of life, Buddhism is practical, rational and presents a realistic view of life and the world as it exists today.

In the here and now, we should look into our own actions, speech, and Karma. By doing good, you inherit goodness; by doing bad, you inherit badness.

If we can understand that good and bad, right and wrong all lie within us, then we won’t have to go looking for those things somewhere else.

Put another way, if we lose our inner peace here, we must look to find or restore it where we lost it – within ourselves.

Even if you don’t find it at first, keep looking where you dropped it. Usually, we lose it within ourselves and then go looking outside of ourselves for the answers, but we’ll never find it over there.

Gods – Egyptian Anubis God Of Death

Egyptian God Anubis – God Of Death

Anubis Facts

Anubis was the god of the dead and the underworld until the Middle Kingdom, when this role was taken over by Osiris.

He is one of the oldest gods, references in text go back as far as the Old Kingdom.

Anubis is the inventor and god of embalming and mummification.

He guided the death through the underworld (called Duat).

Anubis was the Guardian of the Scales, used to weigh the hearts of dead souls.

His high level of anatomical knowledge due to embalming made him the patron of anesthesiology.

A crouching statue of Anubis took a central place in Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Priests who performed the embalming of dead corpses wore a jackal mask.

Greek mythology blends Hermes with Anubis to result in the god Hermanubis.

Anubis is known as the god of death and is the oldest and most popular of ancient Egyptian deities. The ancient Egyptians revered Anubis highly because they believed he had tremendous power over both their physical and spiritual selves when they died.

References to Anubis are found in texts dating back to the Old Kingdom. His fame lasted until the Middle Kingdom, when his role as God of death was taken over by Osiris and Anubis became Osiris’ assistant.

Ancient Egyptians strongly believed in the afterlife, which was an essential aspect of their culture and religion. They considered death a transition to another realm rather than an end.

His Roles included all the following:

  • God of Mummification
  • Protector of tombs and cemeteries
  • Guide of souls in the afterlife
  • Ruler of the underworld
  • Gardian of the Scales of Justice

Anubis The Jackal God

Anubis was either seen as a man with a jackal head or completely in the form of a jackal.

In ancient Egypt, scavengers like jackals ruled the cemeteries. They dug up the freshly buried and tore at their flesh and ate it. Historians believe that this is what prompted the ancients to portray the god of the afterlife as a jackal, to fight fire with fire. New genetic research indicates that the ancient Egyptian jackal is not a jackal at all, but an ancient wolf.

Anubis’ skin is often depicted as black, while jackals are typically brown. The reason is that the color black is a symbol of death, but also a symbol of the Nile’s fertile and black soil.

The Main Role of Anubis

Absolute ruler of the underworld

In very ancient history Anubis was known to be the absolute ruler of the underworld (called Duat). Later theories indicate that this role was taken over by Osiris. Anubis was responsible for overseeing the realm of the dead and ensuring the souls of the deceased were guided safely to their final resting place. As the ruler of the underworld, Anubis was also tasked with maintaining order, protecting the dead from malevolent forces, and ensuring the proper balance between the worlds of the living and the dead.

The Guardian of the Scales:

One of his many roles surrounding the dead included the Guardian of Scales where he dictated the fate of souls. As depicted in the Book of the Dead, Anubis weighs the decedent’s heart against the weight of a feather. The feather represents “Ma’at” or truth. If the scale of justice tipped toward the heart, the dead person would be consumed by Ammit, a female demon the ancient Egyptian people dubbed “devourer of the dead.” If the scale of justice tipped toward the feather, Anubis would lead the decedent to Osiris so he could ascend to a worthy existence in heaven.

The God of embalming and mummification:

Anubis held the important role of overseeing the embalming and mummification of the dead. It was essential to the ancient Egyptian belief in the afterlife. Mummification was intended to preserve the body, allowing the soul, or “ka”, to recognize and reunite with it in the afterlife. Anubis was believed to oversee and guide the embalmers during the mummification process. Anubis’ role as the god of mummification solidified his importance in the spiritual journey of the deceased.

Several rituals were performed to honor Anubis during the mummification process. One such ritual was the “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony, which involved a priest wearing an Anubis mask and touching the mouth of the mummy or statue with special tools. This ritual was believed to restore the deceased’s ability to speak, breathe, eat, and drink in the afterlife. Offerings of food, drink, and other necessities were presented to Anubis, seeking his favor and protection throughout the mummification process and the journey to the afterlife.

The daughter of Anubis (Kebechet), is frequently seen as his assistant in the mummification process of the dead. Ancient Egyptians believed that Anubis sniffed the bodies of the dead, so they preserved them with sweet smelling herbs and plants.

Protector of Tombs:

As the Egyptian god responsible for protecting the dead, many prayers to Anubis were carved into their tombs and offerings were made to him to ensure the safety of the deceased’s remains. Anubis his role as protector of the deathextended to both the physical protection of the tombs from grave robbers and the spirutual protection of the death from malovent forces Anubis held this role until Osiris gained popularity and took it over.

Scepter and ankh

In ancient Egyptian art, Anubis is often depicted holding specific items that symbolize his roles and responsibilities. The most common objects held by Anubis are the “was” scepter and the “ankh.”

The “was” scepter (𓏭) is a long staff with a forked base and a stylized animal head at the top, typically that of a canine. This powerful symbol represents dominion, power, and authority, signifying Anubis’ status as a guardian and protector of the dead. However, the “was” scepter is not exclusive to Anubis, as it can also be seen in the hands of other Egyptian gods and pharaohs.

The “ankh” (☥) is a well-known ancient Egyptian symbol that resembles a cross with a loop at the top. It represents the concept of eternal life and is often called the “key of life” or the “key of the Nile.” When Anubis holds the ankh, it symbolizes his role in guiding the souls of the deceased to eternal life in the afterlife.

Anubis and Osiris

The mythology of the story varies, but according to legend:

  • Osiris’ brother (Seth), killed Osiris by luring him into a fancy coffin, sealing it shut, and pushing it into the Nile.
  • Osiris’ wife and sister (Isis), retrieved Osiris’ body on the Phoenician coastline, but an angry Seth chopped up Osiris’ body and scattered it throughout Egypt.
  • Anubis, Isis and Nephthys, set about to find the pieces and were successful (except for Osiris’ phallus).
  • Another Egyptian God called Thoth, helped restore the body and Anubis wrapped Osiris in linen, the action of which bestowed on him the title, “He Who is in the Place of Embalming”.

Anubis’ role shifted from being the primary god of the dead to a subordinate position to Osiris. Anubis became the god of mummification and guardian of the tombs, while Osiris assumed the role of the ruler of the underworld and judge of the dead.

Despite the shift in their roles, Anubis and Osiris maintained a cooperative and complementary relationship in the afterlif.

Anubis Family

Parents

Several versions exist of how Anubis came into being:

  • Son of Nephthys and Osiris: the most popular version is that Anubis is the son of Nephthys and Osiris. As the Goddess of Darkness, Nephthys would naturally be mother to a god who oversaw the embalming process and also guided souls into the afterlife.
  • Son of Nephthys and Seth: it is also speculated that Seth is Anubis’ father. In this version, it is believed that Nephthys disguised herself as Osiris’ beautiful sister, Isis, to beget a half brother for Horus. As Seth is the God of darkness, storms and destruction, it is easy to see how Anubis could be his son.
  • Son of Nephtys and Ra: in early mythology texts, Ra (the sun God), was depicted as being Anubis’ father, while his mother was speculated as being either Hesat the cow goddess, Bastet the cat-headed warfare goddess, or Nephthys.

  • Wife

    Anubis’ wife name is Anput (or Input), a lesser-known goddess in the Egyptian pantheon. Like her husband, she is associated with the afterlife, mummification, and the protection of the dead. Anput is usually depicted as a woman with a jackal or a jackal-headed human, similar to Anubis’ form. Her iconography is less prevalent in ancient Egyptian art and monuments than Anubis, but she is occasionally mentioned in texts and depicted in various artifacts.

  • Daughter

    Anubis and Anput are believed to have a daughter, Kebechet (or Qebehsenuef), who is also associated with the afterlife. Kebechet is typically represented as a snake or a snake-headed woman and is considered the goddess of purification, providing refreshing, purifying waters to the souls of the deceased during their journey to the afterlife. Her role complements that of her parents, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of the ancient Egyptian gods and their various functions in guiding and protecting the dead.

  • Anubis’ family relationships reflect the interconnected nature of ancient Egyptian gods, with each member playing a complementary role in the realm of the afterlife. As a family, Anubis, Anput, and Kebechet work together to guide, protect, and purify the deceased, ensuring their safe passage to the afterlife and ultimate reunification with their eternal body.

    A Shrine for Anubis

    Anubis was worshiped all over Egypt, and his cult center was in Cynopolis, located in the 17th nome (province) of Upper Egypt. Translated, Cynopolis is Greek for “city of the dog,” which fits well because of the close relation between jackals and dogs, and the fact that some scholars believe Anubis was indeed an ancient wolf.

    A shrine for Anubis was discovered in King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Made of wood, plaster, lacquer and gold leaf, the statue depicts Anubis in animal form in a recumbent position exactly how he is in his hieroglyph. As the sledge it rested on would indicate, the shrine was probably used in the funeral procession of the great Pharaoh, and was oriented to the west to help guide the Pharaoh into the afterlife (which the ancient Egyptians believed was in the direction of the setting sun).

    Anubis in Art

    Aside from the Anubis statue discovered in King Tut’s tomb, his representation can be found frequently in ancient Egyptian art. In the Valley of the Kings, an image of Anubis in his role as “Jackal Ruler of the Bows” was often used to seal tombs. The nine bows represented all the enemies of Egypt, and it was believed that Anubis had defeated every one of them. Anubis masks and statuettes dating back to early to late Ptolemaic period (332-30 BC) exist in museums today.

    In tomb paintings and murals, Anubis is often shown accompanying the deceased or presiding over the “Weighing of the Heart” ceremony, showcasing his importance in the soul’s journey through the underworld. Additionally, funerary texts and inscriptions frequently invoke Anubis’ name for protection and guidance, further highlighting his significance in ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and practices.

    Statues of Anubis, often in the form of a jackal or a jackal-headed human, were placed in and around tombs and mortuary temples to serve as guardians against potential physical and spiritual threats. The presence of Anubis was believed to deter grave robbers and protect the tomb from malevolent forces.

    Anubis in Modern Culture

    Anubis continues to hold a place in popular culture, with his image and mythology appearing in various forms of media, including literature, film, television, and video games. His jackal-headed form has become an iconic symbol of ancient Egyptian mythology, often featured in contemporary art and fashion. Anubis has also been a popular subject in fantasy and sci-fi genres, often portrayed as a powerful and mysterious deity with various supernatural abilities. Despite his ancient origins, Anubis’ image and symbolism continue to capture the imagination of modern audiences, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient Egyptian culture.

Goddesses – Greek Olympian Demeter, goddess of earth and harvest

Demeter, goddess of earth and harvest

Demeter (Deo, Ceres) was a goddess of earth and harvest. Her greatest gifts to mankind was corn and the knowledge of agricultural techniques. She was also described by Nonnus, Orphic hymn to Ceres and Homeric hymn to Demeter as the Lady of the fruits (of the earth) and according to the latter also as the bringer of seasons. Mostly she was described as a daughter of the titan couple Cronus and Rhea but there are some conflicts among different authors where she was described as a daughter of Cronus and Cybelle. However, Gaea, Cybelle, Hestia, Rhea, Hera and even Demeter are quite often referred as the mother earth goddess which is why it comes to misidentifying the correct goddess. Anyhow, it is known that she resided in most of the mystery cults which were promising a path to blessed afterlife. She had several children of which Persephone was the most famous and due to her abduction by Hades, and Demeter’s search for her daughter, mysteries of Demeter were born. Most famous were Eleusinian Mysteries, the festivals which were held once a year, and the great festivals, held every five years at Eleusis in Ancient Greece where it all began and is closely connected to the myth of her daughter’s abduction. This event was of great importance and had its basis from an old agrarian cult which goes back to the Mycenaean period. This ceremony is believed to be the interpretation of the myth in three stages; descent, search and ascent, where the main theme of celebration was the ascent where, in the myth itself, Persephone is reunited with her mother.

Appearance in the works of art

Most of the time, she is depicted as an adult woman, holding torch in one hand and cornucopia in the other. The cornucopia was a goat’s horn that would give its owner whatever he desired. It symbolises rich harvest or an abundance of food. Sometimes, she is depicted with a golden blade, believed to be from the time of Titanomachy.

Gifts to Mankind

As mentioned above, Demeter’s greatest gift to humanity was corn and agricultural techniques. It is said that she was the first who discovered corn and later shared her secret with Tripolmenus while at Eleusis. She is also credited to had taught men how to sow corn, how to plough dirt and how to avoid all the troubles associated with it. According to Hyginus and Orphic hymn to Ceres, she even taught them how to tame oxen in order to help them plough the large amounts of earth later on. But that was not all, Demeter also instruced laws and obidience to men so that they could become accostumed to deal with one another justly and because of all these great blessings to humanity, she was awarded with the most notable honours, generous sacrifices and magnificent feasts and festivals by all men, even barbarians, who had partaken of this kind of food.

Love affairs and her descendants

The goddess was mentioned to had some love affairs but only one was due to her willingness. Her only true love was a mortal man by the name of Iasion, a prince of Samothrace. It is said that they made love in a thrice-ploughed fallow in the rich land of Crete but when Zeus had heard about this affair, he struck Iasion with a thunderbolt because of jelaousy. It was too late though as Demeter got pregnant and gave birth to Plutus and according to Hyginus, who claims that she had borne two sons, also to Philomelus. Zeus of course got his hands on her later and famous Persephone was concieved but some of the authors are not mentioning Zeus as her father. In Clement’s Exhortations, however, Zeus himself was actually a son of Demeter and later had intercourse with her and begat Persephone. Furthermore, Clement also talks about mysteries of Demeter and that they commemorate the amorous embraces of Zeus with his mother Demeter but, considering that she was, by some people, thought to be the mother goddess, this should come as no surprise. Anyway, the goddess was also courted by Poseidon but she had refused his advances and transformed herself into a mare to escape him but the god of the sea was unrelentless and tricked her into mating with him by transforming himself into a beautiful stallion. She later gave birth to a divine horse Arion and, according to Pausanias, to a girl whose surname was “Mistress” but does not want to reveal her first name to the uninitiated (in mysteries) people. Carmanor, a lord of Crete, is also said to be one of her mates with whom she later gave birth to Eubuleus.

The abduction of Persephone

When Persephone, her beloved daughter, was abducted, Demeter was searching for her in vain. Unable to find her, she in sorrow and anger burned all the fruits of the earth or, in another version of the story, she neglected to look after the crops and lands soon became barren. And upon “Demeter’s curse”, which caused great drought on lands and consequently famine, it was Hecate who came to Demeter and told her about what she had heard.

Together they went to Helios who was able to see all deeds from both mortals and immortals. He told Demeter that Zeus and Hades were to blame. The goddess became so mad that she had given ultimatum for the lands to stay barren until she was to see her daughter again. Finally Zeus intervened, scared of potentially seeing all mortals gone. He sent Hermes to the underworld to speak to Hades and try to convince him to let Persephone return to her mother. After Hermes’ successful persuasion, Hades was willing to let her go but on the other hand tricked her with honey-sweet pomegranate seed as farewell gift. Once eaten the seed, she became bound to the underworld and would have to return eventually. Demeter was once again outraged but in the end they had come to an agreement that Persephone could stay two-thirds of the time per year with her mother while she had to return to the underworld for one-third of the time. Demeter lifted the curse from the lands but, as a sign of protest, she was casting her sorrow each year when her daughter had to leave for the underworld. This was known as the winter time. This particular myth is very coveted among ancient authors so therefore the story itself may slightly vary from author to author such as where the abduction took place, where Demeter looked for her and in details where some authors provide further clues of the events that followed or events that had happened before the abduction.

Taking refuge in Eleusis

When Demeter was searching for her daughter Persephone, she took refuge at the palace of Celeus, the king of Eleusis. She took the form of an old woman and asked the king for shelter. Celeus welcomed her in and give her an assignment to nurse his sons Demophon and Triptolemus. As a token of gratitude in her dark times, she planned to make Demophon immortal by placing him in the flames of the heart, to burn away his mortal self. It is also said that, while in her care, the boy grew faster than normal and his face became godlike. When the time had come and Demeter wanted to cover the boy in flames, the ritual was interrupted because the boy’s mother Metanira came in and started screaming. The flames were put out and immortality attempt was put to an end. According to Ovid and Hyginus, however, it was his brother Triptolemus whom the goddess wanted to make immortal. It is said that later, after the failed immortality attempt, Demeter taught Triptolemus all the divine arts and mysteries of agriculture. Triptolemus then in return taught anyone who wished to learn. Before Demeter returned to Olympus, she instructed Triptolemus and Celeus on how to celebrate the rites in her temple which then became known as Mysteries of Demeter. It is also said that the lesser mysteries were held every year, but the greater mysteries only every five years.

Mysteries of Demeter

As mentioned above, Triptolemus was the first who had been initiated into mysteries of Demeter where the goddess shared all her secrets about earth’s fertility with him. He later spread these secrets to the initiated people and the mysteries became known as Eleusinian mysteries. But these were not the only mysteries associated with the goddess. Sabazian and Lernean mysteries and a lot of un-named mysteries are also being related to the mysteries of the goddess and there was also the day of Demeter or the day of Ceres mentioned by Fulgentis and Virgil.

Similar event is described by Ovid who calls it Games of Ceres and reveals how these are connected to the myth of Persephone and how it was celebrated. It is said that torches are present on this day as a memorial of Demeter’s search for her daughter when she kindled two pine-trees to serve her as a light after sunset. It is also said that, because Demeter broke her fast at nightfall after unsuccessful quest of searching for her daughter, the initiates time their meals at night during ceremony and they wear white robes because this is the goddess’ proper color which is believed to be associated with harvest. Ovid also mentions that a fox is burned at the festival as a memorial to the incident of a “vixen fox” which was caught by a young lad and set on fire in retribution for carrying off many farm fowls. But the burning fox had escaped his hands and ran into a corn field that caught on fire and all the crops for the incoming winter perished in flames. Therefore, a certain law of Carseoli forbade to name a fox on that day and as a punishment, to the species for destroying crops, a fox is burned.

Her sacred placesThere are several places mentioned by the authors that were sacred to Demeter. In Homeric hymn to Demeter it is said that Paros and Antron are sacred to the goddess, while both Ovid and Claudian are mentioning Henna, Sicily. Diodorus Siculus on the other hand recokns that the whole island of Sicily is sacred to Demeter. There was also an island in Ionian sea mentioned by Apollonius Rhodius but the author was unsure whether or not it was called Drepane. The island by the ancient name Drepane is now known as island Corfu which is located near Albanian border in Ionian Sea. There was also a river mentioned in Pausanias’ Descriptions of Greece that was precious to her. It was called Rheiti. Claudain, on the other hand, even mentiones a palace of Demeter which was supposedly built by the Cyclopes but the location remains a mystery. On top of all the places, the river and the supposed palace, there is also a giant oak tree mentioned, by Callimachus and Ovid, to be very dear to the goddess. It was cut down by disrespectful Erysichthon who was then punished by Demeter. She had summoned Famine who then breathed her pestilential poison through his mouth and throat and breast, and spread the curse of utmost hunger in his veins.

Other mythsWhile in search of Persephone, Demeter used a spell on her daughter’s maids and changed them into sirens so that they could help in her quest. Originally they were nymphs and daughters of river Acheolus and muse Melpomene. The goddess was also involved in a myth of Pelops who was killed by Tantalus, cut up, cooked and served to the gods at the great feast. The gods soon realised what happened and brought Pelops to life again. They assembled his body once again but he was missing an arm. It was Demeter who had previously, before the discovery, eaten it. Therefore, the goddess wanted to make up for it and solved a puzzle by fitting and enspelling an ivory substitute on his torso. Pelops was alive and complete again and gods satisfied with their just act. In another myth, Demeter showed anger when Triopas, a king of Thessalians, once tore down her temple. She brought infinte hunger upon him so that he could not be satisfied by any amount of food and later when he was already dying she sent a snake to finish the job. He was bitten and died and then placed among stars by the will of the goddess as reminder to others not to mess with her.

Gods – Greek Olympia – Poseidon, god of sea, floods and earthquakes

Poseidon, god of sea, floods and earthquakes

Poseidon (Earthshaker, Dark-haired one, Neptune) was Olympian god of sea, floods and earthquakes. In some cases, he is also referred to as a tamer of horses. He was known for his fast changing temperament and being easily offended. And because he was also dignified and competitive, it was very important not to offend him or argue his statements and acts. Those who angered him became the victims of his wrath. He was known for causing major catastrophic events, such as floods, earthquakes and sea storms, and even unleashed his sea monsters in order to get even. Poseidon was also very lustful and selfish when it came to women. He had numerous affairs with both goddesses and mortals, by either seducing them or tricking them by changing his form, not to mention abducting and violating them. However, Poseidon did have some positives and was always passionate in supporting his cause or the cause of his favourite characters, helping them in many different ways by giving them unique traits and special powers or granting them divine animals. He even changed gender of Caenis and Mestra on their own request.

Appearance in the works of art

Poseidon is often depicted as a grown man with longer curly hair and long beard, wearing a crown and holding a magical trident. On more than few occasions, he is depicted in his domain of the sea and in company of his wife Amphitrite. Sometimes, he is depicted riding horses or a chariot drawn by horses.

Becoming the Ruler of the Sea

He was a descendant of Cronus and Rhea. With his brothers he fought bravely against the Titans. During the war he received the magical Trident, a weapon of great power made by the Cyclopes as a token of gratitude for helping them to escape from Tartarus. With their new weapons and help from enemies of Cronus, they were able to defeat and imprison the titans. After the victory, when the division of cosmos had to be decided between three brothers, they drew lots and he got the realm of Sea under his control. He also became second in command to Zeus. However, there is an alternative story how he became the ruler of the sea. According to Hyginus, it was Cronus himself who casted him under the sea when he was born, out of fear of dethroning him. Clement affirms this by saying that it was his destiny to become a sea ruler.

Love affairs and his descendants

Divine and semi-divine lovers

The god of the Sea is credited with having numerous love affairs with both goddesses and mortal women but in his honor he only had one wife, a sea-goddess called Amphitrite. With her he had a son Triton, who is also closely related to the sea, and Rhode, a water nymph closely related to Helios and island of Rhodes. Poseidon also had his eye set for Alcyone, one of the Pleiads, and soon he had an intercourse with her. She later gave birth to two sons, Hyrieus and Hyperenor and a daughter Atheusa. Plutarch also mentions Anippê, a daugher of Nile, who gave birth to Burisis by Poseidon. According to Hyginus, he made love with Antiopa, a daughter of Aeolus (supposedly son of Hippotes), who gave birth to two sons Boeotus and Hellen, and Arethusa, a daughter of Nereus, who gave him another son Abas. There was also Amymone, a daughter of Danaus, a mythical king of Egypt, who once called Poseidon to aid her when she was cornered in the woods by a satyr. So he came and drove the creature away and because of this courageous act she laid with him and from this embrace Nauplius was born. He also pursued Demeter who transformed herself into a mare to escape his lust but Poseidon tricked her with transforming himself into a stallion and mated with her. Demter then gave birth to goddess Desponia and variously to Arion, a horse with the ability to speak human language. Poseidon even had an intercourse with Medusa in the temple of Athena. Athena later cursed Medusa by changing her into a monster. It is also said by some authors that she was impregnated and when her head was chopped off by Perseus, Pegasus and Chrysaor arose from her blood and therefore they are giving credits to Poseidon as the father. He also fathered Polyphemus with the sea-nymph called Thoosa and Euphemus with Europe. It is said by Hyginus that Euphemus had the ability to walk on water.

Mortal lovers

One day, he tricked a mortal woman named Tyro by transforming himself in Enipeus, the river-god of her desire. She then gave birth to twin-boysPelias and Neleus who were known to be famous greek heroes. Aethra, the princess of Troezen is also said to had an intercourse with the god in the shrine of Athena and later gave birth to Theseus. Another famous hero by the name Orion was born to Poseidon and Euryale, a daughter of Minos, and it is said that he had been granted the ability to walk on water by his father. There was also Hippothous or Hippothoon who was begat by Alope after she was embraced by Poseidon. But, because Alope was uncertain who the father of her child was, unfortunate events followed for both of them. She was imprisoned and put to death and the child was exposed to danger twice but each time a mare came and furnished him milk. It was then when Sheperds had realized that it must be the will of the gods to spare him and gave him name Hippothous. It is also said that Alope was then turned, by the god, into a spring near Eleusis. Similar thing happened to Melanippe, a daughter of Desmontes, who was, after being impregnated by Poseidon, blinded and tossed in prison by her father Desmontes and the two sons Aeolus and Boeotus, that she had given birth to, thrown to wild beasts. But they managed to survive and eventually, led by their father, came back to Desmontes, killed him and freed their mother from prison whose sight was restored by Poseidon himself who is also credited as the father of Bellerophon by Eurynome. a daughter of Nysus. Another interesting tale comes from Apollodorus where it is said that Poseidon had a lover by the name Canace and she later gave birth to five sons, Aloeus, Epopeus, Hopleus, Nireus and Triops. Aloeus later married Iphimedia, a daughter of his brother Triops, but she fell in love with Poseidon and the god apparently couldn’t resist missing an opportunity like this because by him she later gave birth to two sons, Ephialtes and Otus. They were known as the Aloads or Aloadae giants.

Wraths of Poseidon

During his time, many vengeful acts were recorded. Most known are from the Odyssey where he chased Odysseus for eight years for blinding his son Polymphemus, the one-eyed cyclops. He was causing deadly storms and earthquakes, trying to drown the hero and prevent him from ever reaching Ithaca. It is also said that he punished Phoeacians by turning their ship into stone because they welcomed and helped the hero. Poseidon also became furious when he helped Laomedon, a king of Troy, with building the walls in exchange for a wealthy ransom. When the walls were built, the king refused to pay the god and therefore Poseidon flooded the region and sent an enormous sea-monster to ravage the lands of Troy.

The Trojan Cetus, as it was called, terrorized the whole country over and over again before the Trojans finally, after consultation with the Oracle, agreed to sacrifice King’s daughter Hesione in order to satisfy Poseidon enough to recall the monster. However, Laomedon had another option which was to promise a reward for Heracles who was just passing by from one of his quests. Heracles agreed, defeated the Cetus, and saved Hesione. In a similar story, where Cassiopeia, a mother of Andromeda, boasted that her daughter is more beautiful than the Nereids, relatives and employes of Poseidon. When they heard of this Cassiopeia’s pride, they complained to Poseidon who then released a Cetus to terrorise the lands of Ethiopia. They were, like the Trojans, advised by the oracle to sacrifice the princess to the monster. Thereafter they had chained Andromeda to the rock and left her to be devoured by the monster. Then Perseus came to rescue, but unlike Heracles, he defeated the Cetus and saved Andromeda because of love at first sight. Another one who offended the god was Inachus who, according to Apollodorus, testified that the land of Argos belonged to Hera after the gods were involved in a dispute. Poseidon was outraged and in revenge dried up all remaining springs, leaving the land completely waterless and useless to Hera.

There had also been a contest for the patronage of Athens between Athena and Poseidon. In order to win city’s deviotion, they had to produce a useful gift for its population. Poseidon was first to act and struck his trident hard in the earth, creating a well with streaming water. However, the water turned out to be salty and not so useful for the people. Athena was next and created the olive tree, by planting an olive branch into the hole that she made with a spear. Delighted with olives, oil and useful wood, people of Athens chose Athena over Poseidon. This angered the god who then, in his vengeful act, flooded the city and lands nearby with salt water. There is, however, an alternative explanation provided by Ovid where it is said nothing about revenge but that Poseidon, instead of giving fresh water to locals, presented a horse to men but the result was the same as they had picked Athena over him because of the olive tree. Then there were also two kings who paid their price for offending the god. First was Minos, a king of Crete, who tricked Poseidon with sacrificing an ordinary bull to him instead of the one given to him by the god as promised. The Earthshaker then had his revenge as he made the promised bull savage and casted a spell on his wife Pasiphae to fall in love with it. As a result of such action, the Minotaur was born which was a punishment enough for Minos. The other one was Erechtheus, a king of Athens, whose army killed Poseidon’s son Eumolpus in the battle for Athens. The god then demanded that one of his daughters should be sacrificed to him but because the daughters of Erechtheus had an agreement with each other that if one dies, the rest would commit suicide, the king of Athens lost all of his daughters. In the end Poseidon also requested from Zeus to struck Eechtheus with a thunderbolt which ended the king’s life and bloodline.

Helping others

Not all accounts are about revenge though. Poseidon could also be very passionate and understanding to those who he favoured and therefore gave good words or interviened himself on their behalf. One of such accounts is the myth of Ares and Aphrodite when they were trapped in the bed of Hephaestus. After all the gods have been summoned to see this adultery and having a laugh at it, it was Poseidon who convinced Hephaestus to let Ares go, in spite of what had been done. This was not the only god he helped. It is said, by Hyginus, that he also protected Leto from vengeful Hera and took her to Ortygia which later became known as Delos after Posedion had transformed it, and he also granted a wish of Aphrodite and accepted her descendants into his realm of Sea. It is worth mentioning that he also accepted a nypmh Leucothea into a divine company in deep waters with open arms and consequently did a great deed for mankind because ever since she supposedly helps seafares who lose their way. The god also once saved Ajax from the sea after previously cracking his boat in half due to hero’s boastful claim that he taught Antichlous everything about horses which of course was not true. Poseidon gave him a lesson but because he favoured the hero he spared his life. Poseidon was also very generous with gifts as he gave his son Peleus two magnificent horses, Balius and Xanthus, and also granted chariots to Idas and Pelops. He also blessed his son Neleus with boundless strength and ability to change shape whenever in a battle and other son Percilymenus the ability to change shape at will. To his grandson Pterelaus he granted immortality by implanting golden hair on his head. There had also been two accounts of sex-change recorded, both on own volition. There was a woman by the name Caenis whom the god once saw walking on the beach and ravished her. He felt bad about it so he offered to grant her any wish desired and she wanted to become a man so that such atrocity would never happen to her again. Poseidon granted her wish and made her a man named Caeneus but also made a new man invulnerable to any blow of sword or spear. Second was one the god’s lovers, named Mestra, who was only temporary changed to a man in order to conceal her from her father and master Erysichthon. He was looking for her and eventually, because he couldn’t find her, gave up and left. Poseidon then turned her back into original form.

Trojan war

Poseidon sided with the Greeks and was helping them all along but on one occasion he is said to had worked against them. It is said by Homer and Quintus Smyrnaeus that the god was jealous because of the impressive wall the Greeks have built around their ships. He was worried that its fame would overshadow his work on Trojan walls and, because of it, helped Trojans destroy it which left consequences on the morale of Greek soldiers. Thereafter, Poseidon had to interviene again and it is said that he encouraged troops indirectly ,because of the rules Zeus had set for immortals not to engage in battle, and fused both Ajaxes with power through his staff when being disguised in the shape of an old seer named Calchas. He is also said to had protected Idomeneus at all costs and even helped him kill Alcathos.

Later in war the god of the Sea became angered because Trojans killed his grandson Amphimachus and his indirect involvement was not helping much as Trojans were taking advantage over them. It was then when he agreed to take part in Hera’s plot to decieve Zeus. After the king of the gods had been put to sleep, Poseidon engaged in the battlefield to lead the Greek army and it is said that he roared so loud as if it were nine thousand men, all to raise morale and finally put an end to Trojans. And it had an effect until Zeus woke up and realised he had been tricked. Immediately he gave orders for all the immortals to withdraw from the battle but Poseidon opposed for a while until he realised that it is best to listen to his brother. He, then, finally withdrew himself from the battlefield and returned to the sea realm. Later, he was summoned to the assembly with the rest of the immortals where Zeus gave them a choice to pick a side and fight for them if they wish to do so. Poseidon is said to had intended to fight Apollo if provoked but the gods came to an agreement and let men decide their battle. When Greeks had finally taken the upper hand in war and when they were attacking Troy, Poseidon is mentioned to had shaken the walls and foundations of the city and driven back posts of Dardan or Dardanian gates. It is also said that after the war was won, he gave Trojans favourable winds which enabled them to escape and prevented further death casualties. According to Homer, he also previously saved Aeneas from a certain death in a battle with Achilles.

 

Poseidon’s sacred places

 

Some of the places are being mentioned by the authors that Poseidon had a special bond to. One of such is Onchestus and it is said that he had a precinct there, in his sacred grove. According to Virgil, Delos is also said to be very dear to the god which he previously transformed. Another such island is the island of Calauria which was a part of mainland town of Troezen at the time but Plutarch says that whole Troezen was sacred to Poseidon and that he was a patron god of this land. Very interesting story comes from Pausanias where it is said that Delphi was once controlled by Poseidon and Calauria by Apollo who then offered this beautiful island to the god of the Sea in exchange for the Oracle. According to Homer, there was one other place sacred to the god, named Helice or Helike which was, as the evidence shows, unfortunately sunk by tsunami in the year 373BC.

Other mythsThe god was also involved in other myths such as the war of theGiants, the great flood and even the plot of the gods against Zeus. It is said by Apollodorus that Poseidon fought a giant Polybotes in Gigantomachy, where the god was forced to destroy part of the island to defeat the giant. It all happened on the island of Cos where Posedion broke off a piece of the island and hurled it at Polybotes. This piece was later known as the island Nisyrum, now Nisyros, and it situated between islands Tilos and Cos in Aegean sea. As mentioned earlier, he was also a part of Zeus‘ master plan to end humanity and it is said that he unleashed a great flood on the command of the King of the gods and later ceased the event by cracking earth open, enabling the water to sink in. This was not the only case where Poseidon helped his brother. It is said by Valerius Flaccus, in accordance to the battle between Zeus and Typhoeus (Typhon), that it was Poseidon who finished the giant by pulling him in the water and sending him to Tartarus. He also helped Zeus in Titanomachy as already said early in this article but there is more to the story. In Hesiod’s Theogony it is said that after the war had ended and when the Titans had been sent to Tartarus, Poseidon built a gate of bronze and fixed it upon the entrance of this unforgivable pit so that none of the prisoners would ever be able to escape. Poseidon also participated in Hera’s plot to overthrow Zeus where they had not further plan after tying him down. Of course the plan was doomed from the beginning and after Zeus was freed, he harshly punished his wife to make an example for others and afterwards even Poseidon wouldn’t dare to complain to his brother.

Goddesses and Gods – Greek Olympians – Goddess Artemis and God Aristaeus

Greek Olympian – Artemis – Goddess of Hunting

ARTEMIS FACTS
Name(s): Artemis, Aeginaea, Aetole, Agrotera, Kourotrophos, Locheia, Cynthia, Amarynthia, Phoebe, Alphaea, Alpheaea, Alpheiusa
Rules over: the Hunt, Forests and Hills, the Moon, Archery
Gender: Female
Symbols: Bow, Arrows, Stags, Hunting dog and moon
Sacred animals: Deer
Parents: Zeus and Leto
Siblings: Ares, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, Dionysus, Hebe, Hermes, Heracles, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Perseus, Minos, the Muses, the Graces
Roman name: Diana

Greek mythology is filled with respected gods and goddesses that continue to inspire. Artemis is known as the goddess of the hunt and is one of the most respected of all the ancient Greek deities. It is thought that her name, and even the goddess herself, may even be pre-Greek. She was the daughter of ZEUS, king of the gods, and the TITANESS LETO and she has a twin brother, the god APOLLO.

Not only was Artemis the goddess of the hunt, she was also known as the goddess of wild animals, wilderness, childbirth and virginity. Also, she was protector of young children and was know to bring and relieve disease in women. In literature and art she was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrow. She was the goddess of many things, but most remember her as the most recognizable of the hunting deities.

Artemis was a virgin and drew the attention and interest of many gods and men. However, it was only her hunting companion, Orion, that won her heart. It is believed that Orion was accidentally killed either by Artemis herself or by GAIA, the primordial goddess of the earth.

In one version of the stories of ADONIS – who was a late addition to Greek mythology during the Hellenistic period – Artemis sent a wild boar to kill Adonis after he continued to boast that he was a far greater hunter than her.

The Origins of Artemis

Artemis’s origin story is a tumultuous one. She is the DAUGHTER OF ZEUS and Leto. Zeus is the well-known King of gods and the leader of MOUNT OLYMPUS. Despite the many stories of his greatness, Zeus’ weakness was infidelity to his wife, Hera.

Zeus impregnated a Titan called Leto. Hera became angry upon learning of Zeus’ unfaithfulness. In retaliation, she forbade Leto from giving birth on land. Eventually, she found solace on the floating island of Delos. There, she gave birth to Artemis and Apollo.

According to the Homeric Hymn to Artemis, the twins were born on Ortygia. Either way, most of the accounts say that Artemis came first. As a result, she was a fierce protector and nurturer of Apollo.

Not much is known about Artemis’ childhood. Some scholars say that she spent her time participating in archery, perhaps leading to her excellence in hunting.

Artemis Depictions

Artemis was the subject of many works of art throughout Ancient Greece and beyond. Usually, she was shown as a young and beautiful woman carrying a bow and arrow. Typically, she wore a knee-length tunic and was accompanied by various animals.

She was shown alongside various other SYMBOLS when talked about as the goddess of the moon or fertility. For example, she often wore a crescent moon crown or stood by women and nymphs.

Greek Olympian – Aristaeus God of Useful Arts, Countryside and Pastoral Places

ARISTAEUS FACTS
Name(s): Aristaeus
Rules over: Animal Husbandry, Bee-Keeping, Fruit Trees, Cheesemaking, Olive-Growing
Title: Minor Patron God of Animal Husbandry, God of Useful Arts
Gender: Male
Symbols: —
Sacred animals: Bees, Sheep
Items: Vine, Olives
Parents: Apollo and Cyrene
Consort: Autonoe
Other significant others: Chiron and the Muses that taught Aristaeus
Children: Actaeon and Macris, Charmos, Kallikarpos
Roman name: Mellona

In Greek mythology, Aristaeus was the god useful arts, such as bee-keeping and cheese-making, olive-growing, herding, and hunting. He was a rustic god, a god of the countryside and pastoral places.

Aristaeus was a minor god in Athens but a prominent god in Boetia, a farming region in central Greece, where he was known as “the pastoral Apollo.” Aristaeus is often pictured on Boetian pottery as a young man with wings.

Aristaeus also appears prominently in the mythology of Macedonia, Arcadia, Sicily, Sardinia, Thessaly, and Ceos. Later, stories about his travel emerged in order to account for his prominence in all these different regions.

Over time, Aristaeus became a popular Greek name, given to many famous public figures in ancient Greek politics and society.

 

Aristaeus’s Birth and Training

Aristaeus was the son of APOLLO and Cyrene. Apollo seduced Cyrene by promising she would be the founding mother of a great city raised in her name if she would go to Libya with him. After Aristaeus was born, he was taken by HERMES and raised on nectar and ambrosia. The Earth GODDESS GAIA then made him immortal.

Various GODS AND GODDESSES taught Aristaeus the rustic arts. Apollo taught him the art of healing with herbs. The goddess DEMETER taught him how to hunt and how to skin the animals he caught and tan leather. The god DIONYSUS taught him to make beer and wine. The great Earth mother Demeter taught him the arts of herding and agriculture.

From the Myrtle-Nymphs Aristaeous learning to make olive oil, keep bees for honey, and to make butter and cheese.

When Aristaeus became a man he sailed to Boetia and was schooled in deeper mysteries by the Centaur CHIRON. He married Autonoe, a daughter of Cadmus, founder of THEBES. They had a son named Acteon, who was also trained in hunting and other mysteries by the cave-dwelling Chiron.

 

Aristaeus, Ceos, and the Dog-Star Sirius

According to one myth, the Delphic Oracle advised Aristaeus to visit Ceos, where he would be greatly honored by the local people. When he arrived he found them falling ill due to the early morning rising of Sirius, the Dog-Star. Aristaeus put together a healing ritual that involved a sacrifice to Sirius at its first appearance, thereby cooling the weather and healing the sick populace.

Aristaeus also found that Ceos was overrun by murderers. He found them and had them executed, making Ceos safe once again.

Gods and Goddesses – List of the Most Used Gods in Witchcraft

Adonis: Greek – consort of Aphrodite

Anubis: Egyptian – Jackal-headed God responsible for conducting souls to the underworld. 

Apollo: Greek & Roman – God of the Sun, twin brother of Artemis 

Cernunnos/Kernunnos: Celtic – The Horned God, consort of the Lady.

Dionysus: Greek – God of wine, fertility, and vegetation. 

Eros: Greek – God of love and passion.

Herne: Celtic/Saxon – see Cernunnos.

Horus (the elder): Egyptian – God of the all-seeing eye. Has the head of a falcon and the body of a man.

Hymen: Greek – God of marriage and wedding feasts. 

Lucifer: Italian – God of light, brother of Diana.

Mithra: Persian – God of the Sun and of victory in war

Odin: Scandinavian – God of the dead and of war. Consort of Freya.

Osiris: Egyptian – Fertility God, brother and consort of Isis.

Pan: Greek – God of nature and of woodland.

Poseidon: Greek – God of the sea.

Ra: Egyptian – God of the Sun. Father of Hathor by Nut.

Shiva: Hindu – God of the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. Consort of Kali.

Thor: Scandinavian – God of the sky and of thunder. Son of Odin

Thoth: Greek – God of wisdom and of writing.

Zeus: Greek – Supreme God. Brother of Demeter.

Gods – Cu Chulainn 1 of the Most Famous Celtic Mythological Heroes

Cu Chulainn would be a demi-god, but the Celtic pantheon does not have demigods.

The Story of Cu Chulainn

Cu Chulainn is one of the most famous Celtic mythological heroes. He appears in the stories of the Ulster Cycle, and Scottish and Manx folklore. He was said to be the son of Deichtine and the god Lugh, and the nephew of Conchobar mac Nessa, the King of Ulster. His given name at birth was Setanta but he gained the name Cu Chulainn, meaning ‘Culann’s Hound’ after he killed a ferocious guard dog belonging to a smith named Culann. Cu Chulainn offered to take the place of the guard dog until a replacement could be reared.

The stories of Cu Chulainn’s childhood, which date back to the 9th century, are many. It is said that as a small child, he had asked incessantly to be allowed to join the boy-troop at Emain Macha (today known as Navan Fort in County Armagh, Northern Ireland). According to the legend, he sets out on his own, and eventually runs onto the playing field at Emain, unaware of the custom of asking for protection. The other boys see this as a challenge, and attack Setanta, but he beats them all single-handedly as he carries the trait of ‘ríastrad’, in which he undergoes a sort of distortion, becoming an unrecognizable monster who knows neither friend nor foe. King Conchobar put a stop to the fight.

In the next part of the story, Culann the smith invites Conchobar to his home for a feast.

At this point, Conchobar is so impressed by Setanta that he asks him to join the dinner. Setanta is unable to attend right away, but promises to join them at Culann’s house later. However, Conchobar forgets, and Culann lets loose his ferocious hound to protect his house. On arrival at their house, Setanta is forced to kill the guard dog in self-defense. Culann is devastated at the loss of his guard dog and Setanta feels so bad that he offers to rear a new one, and to guard Culann’s house until the new dog is ready to do so.

When Cu Chulainn is seven years old, he overhears a druid named Cathbad teaching pupils at Emain Macha. Cathbad states that any pupil who takes arms that day would have everlasting fame. Desiring everlasting fame, Cu Chulainn goes to King Conchobar to ask for arms. Conchobar gives Cu Chulainn many arms to try, but none can withstand Cu Chulainn’s strength until finally Conchobar gives him his own arms. Unfortunately, Cu Chulainn did not listen to Cathbad’s full prophecy, and he was unaware that a pupil who took arms that day would have everlasting fame, but a short life.

As Cu Chulainn gets older, he decides he would like to take Emer, daughter of Forgall Monach as a wife. However, Forgall is opposed to this, and tells Cu Chulainn that he should train with Scottish warrior-woman, Scáthach. Forgall’s true intent is that Cu Chulainn will be killed. While Cu Chulainn is gone, Forgall offers Emer to Lugaid mac Nóis, a king of Munster, but when the king learns that she loves Cu Chulainn, he refuses to take her hand.

Scáthach teaches Cu Chulainn all the arts of war. His fellow trainees include Ferdiad, who becomes Cú Chulainn’s best friend and foster-brother. During his training with Scáthach, Cu Chulainn comes to face Aife, Scáthach’s rival. Although the two are evenly matched, Cu Chulainn eventually seizes Aife, and demands that she bear him a son. While Aife is pregnant, Cu Chulainn leaves Scotland, and returns to his love Emer, but Forgall still refuses to allow the marriage. Enraged, Cu Chulainn storms Forgall’s fortress, kills twenty-four of his men, abducts Emer, and steals Forgall’s treasure. Forgall falls to his death.

King Conchobar fears the marriage of Cu Chulainn and Emer, because Conchobar has the “right of the first night” over all marriages and is afraid of Cu Chulainn’s reaction if he sleeps with Emer. On the other hand, Conchobar will lose all his power and authority over his subjects if he doesn’t. The druid Cathbad suggests that Conchobar sleep with Emer, but Cathbad sleep between them.

After eight years pass by, Cu Chulainn’s son by Aife, Connla, comes to find him. When Connla refuses to identify himself, Cu Chulainn kills him. As Connla dies, his final words are that he and Cu Chulainn could have “carried the flag of Ulster to the gates of Rome and beyond,” leaving Cu Chulainn grief-stricken.

Several years pass, and Cu Chulainn rides out to face a group of men who have conspired to kill him. They are all sons of men he had killed. On his way, he encounters three one-eyed hags eating a feast of roast dog. They invite him to join them.  Cu Chulainn had several gessa, which are self-declared taboos which, if broken, would lead to his inevitable downfall. Two of his gessa were to never eat dog meat, and to never refuse hospitality. At this junction, he has no choice but to break one of his gessa. He takes one bite and places the bone under his thigh. The hand he used and his thigh are immediately weakened. Cu Chulainn continues on his journey, and is eventually killed while fighting his conspirators. When he received his fatal wound, he tied himself to a pillar so he would die standing and facing his enemies. As the prophecy foretold, Cu Chulainn had reached fame but died at a young age.

The legends of Cu Chulainn are still told to this day. As a mythological hero, the stories of his strength and power have lived on, re-told throughout the years in many ways. Today, the image of Cú Chulainn is invoked by both Irish and Ulster (Northern Ireland) nationalists. Irish nationalists see him as the most important Celtic Irish hero, while unionists see him as an Ulsterman defending the province from enemies to the south.

If you would like to read more about Cu Chulainn warrior tales here is a link for a general search on Táin Bó Cúailnge

Gods – Pan Greek God of Nature

Pan – Greek God of Nature

The culture of Ancient Greece involved a complex spiritual world of major and minor gods that oversaw human events and engaged in dramas of their own. One of these, called Pan, ruled over nature and pasturelands. He is frequently depicted in literature and artworks. Although he is not one of the major gods of Ancient Greece, he is one of most often referenced figures in Greek mythology.

PAN FACTS
Name(s): Pan
Rules over: Nature, The Wild, Shepherds, Flocks, Goats, Mountain Wilds. Often associated with sexuality
Title: God Of The Wild
Gender: Male. Also a satyr (half man, half-goat)
Symbols: Pan Flute
Sacred animals: Goat
Items: Corsican Pine, Water-Reed
Parents: Hermes and Penelope (some accounts vary)
Consort: Syrinx, Echo, Pitys
Other significant others: —
Children: The 12 Panes (mountain spirits), various others including Iynx, Silenos and Krotos
Roman name: Faunus

Pan the God of the Wild

Pan is considered to be one of the oldest of GREEK GODS. He is associated with nature, wooded areas and pasturelands, from which his name is derived. The worship of Pan began in rustic areas far from the populated city centers. Therefore, he did not have large temples built to worship him. Rather, worship of Pan centered in nature, often in caves or grottos. He ruled over shepherds, hunters and rustic music. He was the patron god of Arcadia. Pan was often in the company of the wood nymphs and other deities of the forest.

Pan’s Appearance

Perhaps because of his association with nature and animals, Pan did not have the appearance of a normal man. The bottom half of his body was like a goat, with the top half of his body being like other men. However, he is often depicted with horns on his head, and his face is usually unattractive.

Pan’s Lineage

The parentage of Pan is uncertain. Some accounts say he is the son of HERMES and Dryope. Others say he is the son of  ZEUS or the son of Penelope, wife of Odysseus. The story of his birth says that his mother was so distressed by his unusual appearance that she ran away, but he was taken to Mount Olympus where he became the favorite of the gods.

Pan’s Powers

Like the other GODS OF OLYMPUS, Pan possessed enormous strength. He could also run for long periods of time and was impervious to injury. It was believed he could transform objects into different forms and was able to teleport himself from Earth to Mount Olympus and back. He is depicted as very shrewd with a wonderful sense of humor.

In Ancient Roman mythology, a SIMILAR GOD is called Faunus.

Pan and Music

The MYTHOLOGICAL STORIES involving Pan usually involve his romantic interest in a lovely goddess of the woods who spurns his advances and gets turned into an inanimate object to escape him or who otherwise flees from his ugly appearance. One story concerns Syrinx, a beautiful wood nymph. She flees from Pan’s attentions, and her follow GODDESSES turn her into a river reed in order to hide her from him. As the winds blow through the reeds, they make a gentle musical sound. Because he does not know which reed Syrinx is, he cuts several from reeds from the group and set them in a line to make the musical instrument, the pan flute. Pan’s image is often depicted with this instrument.

Pan Gave Humans the Word “Panic”

One story involving Pan is the tale of war, in which Pan helps his friend survive a vicious struggle by letting out an immense cry that frightened the enemy and caused him to run away. From this story, we get the word “panic,” the sudden, uncontrollable fear that leads people into irrational behavior.

Pan in the Modern World

Over the ages, Pan has been a symbol of the force of nature. In the 1800s, interest in this mythological figure revived, and communities organized festivals in which Pan was the central figure. Mythical stories of his antics abound, and he continues to be a figure representing the ancient mystery of the forest, hunting activities and wildlife.

Like the OTHER GODS of Ancient Greece, Pan embodies many of the qualities of the world over which he ruled. He is depicted as energetic, sometimes frightening, with the wild, unbridled creative force of nature that makes him an interesting, and often entertaining, character.

Gods – Overview The Olympian Gods and Goddesses

There will be a more detailed post for each god and goddess in the upcoming weeks.

The Olympian Gods and Goddesses, Main Greek Gods and Goddesses

The Olympian gods or Olympians are younger gods who got the name after their mythical place Mount Olympus. They had gained rank as the rulers of the world after dethroning the elder gods, known also as the Titans, in a ten-year war called Titanomachy. The Olympians, as they called themselves, were the main gods of Ancient Greece and were representing civilization of the world.

The first generation Olympians were descendants of a titan couple Cronus and Rhea. Together they gave birth to six children, three sons and three daughters. The sons were Poseidon, Hades, Zeus and daughters Hera, Hestia and Demeter. Zeus, Poseidon, Hera and Demeter are always considered as Olympian gods while Hestia and Hades are only included at some point of their existence. Hades was supposed to live on Mount Olympus and had every honour and right to but was given the realm of death under his control, when the three brothers had to split the cosmos after the victory over titans. And Hestia lived there just for a short period. After being granted a place on Mount Olympus by Zeus she eventually, because of her modesty, gave away her place to keep peace among gods because there were only twelve places on Mount Olympus, and the desire for these was huge among gods. The second generation Olympians were Athena, Ares, Hermes, Dionysus, Apollo, Artemis and Hephaestus. Aphrodite is also sometimes considered as the second generation goddess but is in general referred to be from the titans generation. Anyway, all of these gods are referred as Olympian gods and together they presided over every aspect of human life.

First generation of Olympian gods

Demeterdemeter

Goddess of harvest and fertility

Hadeshades

God of death and the dead

Herahera

Goddess of marriage and childbirth

Hestiahestia

Goddess of the hearth and domestic affairs

Poseidonposeidon

God of sea, floods and earthquakes

Zeuszeus

God of the sky and weather

Second generation of Olympian gods

Apolloapollo

God of light and sun

Aresares

God of war, violence and destruction

Artemisartemis

Goddess of hunting and wilderness

Athenaathena

Goddess of wisdom, strategy, warfare and skill

Dionysusdionysus

God of wine, festivals and pleasure

Hephaestushephaestus

God of craftsmanship. blacksmiths and stonemasonry

Hermeshermes

God of travel, trade, diplomacy, persuasion, writings and athletics

Aphroditeaphrodite

Goddess of love, beauty, pleasure
There are also Asclepius(son of Apollo and Coronis), Eros(son of Ares and Aphrodite or primeval deity), Hebe(daughter of Zeus and Hera), Heracles(son of Zeus and Alcmene) and Persephone(daughter of Zeus and Demeter) who are sometimes referred to be among Olympians.

Gods – Ra Egyptian Sun God

Ra The Sun God of Egypt

The ancient Egyptians revered Ra as the god who created everything. Also known as the Sun God, Ra was a powerful deity and a central god of the Egyptian pantheon. The ancient Egyptians worshiped Ra more than any other god and pharaohs often connected themselves with Ra in their efforts to be seen as the earthly embodiment of the Sun God.

Ra Mythology

The ancient Egyptians believed that as the sun god, Ra’s role was to sail across the heavens during the day in his boat called the “Barque of Millions of Years.” In the morning when Ra emerged from the east, his boat was named, “Madjet” which meant “becoming strong.” By the end of the day the boat was called, “Semektet” which meant “becoming weak.” At the end of the day, it was believed that Ra died (swallowed by Nut) and sailed on to the underworld, leaving the moon in his place to light up the world. Ra was reborn at dawn the very next day. During his journey across the heavens during the day, he fought with his main enemy, an evil serpent named Apep, or also, The Lord of Chaos. In some stories, Ra, in the form of a cat named Mau, defeats the evil serpent, Apep. This is part of the reason why cats are so highly-revered in Egypt.

Ra created himself from the primordial chaos. He is also known as Re and Atum. His children are Shu, the God of Dry Air and Father of the Sky, and his twin sister Tefnut, the Goddess of Moisture and Wetness. As a lion-headed goddess, Tefnut is responsible for dew and freshness. Humans were created from Ra’s tears.

Although Ra was highly revered and devoutly worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, there is a story to suggest he eventually grew weak. In the Legend of Ra, Isis and the Snake, as Ra grew old, he dribbled saliva. Isis knew that Ra’s power was hidden in his secret name. Isis gathered Ra’s saliva and created a snake out of it. She set the snake in Ra’s path and it bit him. Isis wanted the power Ra had always enjoyed, but she knew she had to get him to tell her his secret name. Eventually, because of the pain he was in, Ra allowed Isis to “search through him” and in so doing, she healed him and Ra’s power was transferred over to her.

The Tree of Life is an important religious symbol to the Egyptians. The Tree of Life was located within Ra’s sun temple in Heliopolis and was considered sacred. The fruit that sprang from this tree was not available to humans, but only in aging-rituals reserved for pharaohs. The Tree of Life is also referred to as the mythical, sacred Ished tree. Eternal life came to those who ate the fruit from the Tree of Life.

Another important ancient Egyptian symbol connected to Ra is the “Bennu”. Bennu is the name of the bird that represented Ra’s soul. This bird is a phoenix and it was seated at the Tree of Life in Ra’s Sun Temple in Heliopolis. Inside the temple, on top of an obelisk, sat the Benben Stone. This pyramid-shaped stone served as a beacon to Bennu and is also an important ancient Egyptian religious symbol.

Worship of the Sun God

Solar temples were built for Ra but did not contain a statue of the god. Instead, they were created to be open to the sunlight that Ra represented. The earliest known temple built in honor of Ra exists in Heliopolis (what is now a Cairo suburb). This solar temple is known as “Benu-Phoenix” and is believed to have been erected in the exact spot where Ra emerged into creation.

Although Ra dates back to the second dynasty, he is not the oldest of the Egyptian gods. It wasn’t until the fifth dynasty that Ra became closely associated with the pharaoh. As the king and leader of Egypt, the pharaoh was seen as the human manifestation of Horus, so the two gods became connected. This new deity fusion was then referred to as “Ra-Horakhty” meaning Ra is Horus of the Horizon. Ra’s relationship with other gods did not stop there. As the powerful creator of mankind and the sun god, he also became associated with Atum to make “Atum-Ra.”

Fifth Dynasty and subsequent pharaohs were all known as “The son of Ra” and Ra became incorporated into every pharaoh’s name from then onward. During the Middle Kingdom, the new deity, Amun-Ra was formed. Amun was one of the gods who formed the Ogdoad (the assembly of eight gods who represented eight elements of creation).

The New Kingdom brought new heights of worship to Ra. Many tombs in the Valley of the Kings portray depictions of Ra and his journey through the underworld. During this time, many solar temples were built.

Eye of Ra

Present in the ancient Egyptian mythology is the Eye of Ra, shown as the sun disk with two ‘uraeus’ cobras coiled around it, next to the white and red crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. Initially associated with Horus (similarly to the wadjet, the Eye of Horus), the Eye of Ra shifted positions in the myths, becoming both an extension of Ra’s power and a separate entity altogether.

Click here to learn more about The Eye of Ra

Ra God Facts

  • The ancient Egyptians worshiped Ra to such an extent above other gods that some historians have argued that ancient Egyptian religion was indeed a monotheistic one with Ra as the singular god.
  • Historians believe that the pyramids might represent rays of sunlight, further connecting the pharaohs with Ra, the sun god.
  • During Ra’s journey through the heavens he was accompanied by several other gods including Thoth, Horus, Hathor, Maat, Abtu, and Anet.
  • Nut, goddess of the sky and heavens, is sometimes referred to as Ra’s mother, because he emerges from her and is reborn every morning.
  • The morning manifestation of Ra is known as “Khepri the scarab God.”
  • The evening manifestation of Ra is known as the ram-headed god, Khnum.
  • The sacred cobra that encircled Ra’s crown symbolized royalty, sovereignty and divine authority.
  • The right eye of Ra represented the Sun; while the left eye of Ra represented the moon.
  • Ra is also closely associated with the Tree of Life myth, the Ben-Ben Stone and the Bennu Bird myths.
  • Ra’s glory came to an end during the time when the Roman’s conquered Egypt in 30BC.

Who is Ra?

Ra (pronounced ray) represents sunlight, warmth and growth. It was only natural that the ancient Egyptians would believe him to be the creator of the world, as well as part of him being represented in every other god. The ancient Egyptians believed that every god should illustrate some aspect of him, while Ra himself should also represent every god.

Ra’s Appearance

Ra was usually depicted in human form. He had a falcon head which is crowned with a sun disc. This sun disc was encircled by a sacred cobra named Uraeus. Ra has also been depicted as a man with the head of a beetle and also a human man with the head of a ram. The ancients also depicted Ra in full species form such as a serpent, heron, bull, lion, cat, ram, hawk, beetle, phoenix and others. His main symbol, however, is the sun disk.

Gods – Celtic Cernnunos

Celtic God Cernnunos

The God In The Wild Wood (3)

At the Sacred Centre, in the Grove of all Worlds, He sits with legs crossed beneath an ancient Oak. Entranced, connecting the three worlds Earth, Sea, and Sky, and the worlds behind the worlds, the god and the Great Tree are One, His immense limbs widespread, stretching into distant sky and starry space.
His massive trunk, spine of the Middleworld, is the heart of the Ancient Forest around which all Life, all worlds turn; His limitless root web growing deep into secret earth and Underworld; above him the great turning circles of Sun, Moon, and Stars. All around Him subtle movements of the leaves in melodious, singing air; everywhere the pulsing, gleaming Green awash in drifts of gold and shimmering mist; beneath Him soft moss creeping over the dark, deep, moist of spawning earth. At His feet is the great Cauldron from which the Five Rivers Flow.

Through the forest stillness they come, whispering wings and secret glide, rustling leaves, and silent step, the first Ancestors, the Oldest Animals, to gather around Him: Blackbird, Keeper of the Gate; Stag of Seven Tines, Master of Time; Ancient Owl, Crone of the Night; Eagle, Lord of the Air, Eye of the Sun; and Salmon, Oldest of the Old, Wisest of the Wise leaping from the juncture of the Five Springs. He welcomes them and blesses them, and they honour Him, Cernnunos of the nut brown skin and lustrous curling hair; the god whose eyes flash star-fire, whose flesh is a reservoir of ancient waters, His cells alive with Mystery, original primeval essence. Naked, phallus erect, He wears a crown of antlers limned in green fire and twined with ivy. In his right hand the Torq of gold, testament of his nobility and his sacred pledge; in his left hand the horned serpent symbol of his sexual power sacred to the Goddess. Cernnunos in His Ancient Forest, His Sacred Temple, His Holy Grove, Cernnunos and His children dream the Worlds.

The Origins of Cernnunos

Cernnunos, a nature and fertility god, has appeared in a multitude of forms and made himself known by many names to nearly every culture throughout time. He is perhaps best known to us now in his Celtic aspects of the untamed Horned God of the Animals and the leaf-covered Green Man, Guardian of the Green World, but He is much older. Cernnunos worked his magic when the first humans were becoming. Our prehistoric ancestors knew him as a shape-shifting, shamanic god of the Hunt. He is painted in caves and carved everywhere, on cliffs, stones, even in the Earth Herself. Humans sought to commune with Him and receive his power and that of his animal children by dressing themselves in skins and skulls, adorning themselves with feathers and bones, by dancing His dance. Yet He is older still. In the time of the dinosaurs, the great swamps and subtropical forests of cycads, seed ferns and conifers, and later in the time of the deciduous plants and flowers, when the pollinators came and the first tiny mammals were creeping up from beneath the ground, Cernnunos was the difference and diversity of life, the frenzy and ferment of evolution. But, He is much older still. He is oldest of the Ancient Ones, first born of the Goddess. At the time of First Earth, Cernnunos grew in the womb of the All Mother, Anu, waiting to be born, to come forth to initiate the everlasting, unbroken Circle of Life.

The Many Faces & Natures Of Cernnunos

Cernnunos, as The Horned God, Lord of the Animals is portrayed as human or half human with an antler crown. Though he wears a human face his energy and his concerns are non-human. He is protector of animals and it is Cernnunos who is the law-sayer of hunting and harvest. While He is recognized most often through his connection to animals and our own deeply buried, dimly recalled, instinctual animal natures, Cernnunos is also a tree, forest, and vegetation god in his foliate aspect of The Green Man, Guardian of the Green World. His branching antlers symbolize the spreading treetops of the forest as well as his animal nature. As Master of the Sacrificial Hunt, His is the life that is given in service of new life. His wisdom is that the old must pass away to make way for the new.

In his Underworld aspect Cernnunos is The Dark Man, the god who dwells in the House Beneath the Hill, the Underworld. He is the one who comforts and sings the souls of the dead to their rest in the Summerlands of the Otherworld. Cernnunos, as Master of the Wild Hunt, who pursues the souls of evil doers, is not associated with a biblical or even modern morality, but with the protection and continuance of the Land and Nature and the spirits that dwell therein.

Pan, lusty Satyr god of the Greeks is another aspect of the Horned God. ‘Pan is a proud celebration of the liberating power of male erotic energy in its purest and most beautiful form.’ (5) He is portrayed as playful and cunning, but He also has a darker, dangerous nature. The panic or terror often associated with Pan is not related to human violence, but to the Life and Death of the natural world. In this form he is called the “All Devourer.” However, Pan, as Protector of the Wilderness and as a god prone to fits of madness and violence, can induce panic or wild fear in those who threaten his domain.

Cernnunos appears again in Elizabethan England, and is mentioned by Shakespeare, as Herne the Hunter, the demon and guardian of Windsor Forest, the Royal Wood. In this aspect it is said that he appears as Guardian of the Realm during times of National emergency and crisis. In modern times he is often called the God of the Witches and embodies uncorrupted masculine energy. A masculine energy that is fully-developed and in balance with the natural world

Cernnunos & The Sacred Wheel Of The Year

We celebrate and honour Cernnunos as the Green Man in spring and summer, the light half of the year and as the Dark One or the Dark God in autumn and winter, the dark half of the year. He appears in spring as the young Son, child of the Goddess, embodiment of the budding, growing, greening world. In summer He is the Green Man, vibrant, pulsing with life essence, the consort of the Green Lady Goddess. It is in autumn, the dying time, that perhaps we see the Horned God most clearly. He is the sacrificed one, who, wounded unto death begins his journey to the Underworld, returning to the Earth from which he was born and where the seeds of light released from his decaying body will quicken Her womb with a new Sun once again.

The Path To Cernnunos

The path to Cernnunos is both through the natural world: seeking out the wild places and a deep understanding of the processes of growth, bounty, decay, rest, and rebirth, and through Otherworld journeys to the Middleworld forest of which he is guardian. One may experience this both actually and symbolically by following the path that disappears over the horizon into the distance and moves away from the ‘civilized’ world and into the heart of the Wild Wood. Often experienced as traveling away from the centre to the perimeter, this is in actuality a return to the Centre. When the seeker reaches the god’s forest the track ends, and her/his pathways are found by other means. After entering the Wildwood the seeker cannot be followed, nor can s/he follow another. Whatever pathways are discovered disappear in passing, and the Wood is trackless once again, for each one’s way is different. In the Forest of Cernnunos there is a stillness, an otherworldly feeling, as if one has passed out of time. Here the mind is not supreme. It is instinct, the innate wisdom of the body that guides us to Him.

The Way Of Cernnunos

The way of Cernnunos is the way of the shaman or any person who truly seeks Communion with the Land. Yet, one cannot speak of Cernnunos without speaking of Anu or Don, the All Mother who gave Him birth. The way of Cernnunos is through the One. Like Her, Cernnunos is a Being or Power that existed before time and before the gods, the Shining Ones. Together they are First Mother and First Father, All Mother and All Father who brought the gods into being. Limitless and everlasting His energy permeates Her matter through every aspect of life to the sub-atomic. As Lord of the Dance He is present in the billions and billions of infinitely small movements that make up the seemingly chaotic Dance of Life, the Dance of Making and Unmaking. He is truly the Life that never, never dies, for even as nothingness he is self-originating. He is triple as She is triple. He is Cernnunos: Father, Son, and Wild Spirit.

Cernnunos Chant

Cern-nu-noh-oh-oh-oh-os
Stag Horned Hunter, Hunted One
Join Us Now
Cer-nu-noh-oh-oh-oh-os
Greenwood Lord of Life and Death
Join Us Now
Cern-nu-noh-oh-oh-oh-os
Herne and Pan and Every Man
Join Us Now (6)

Click on link to see the sources for this article.

Gods – Greek 2nd Generation Titans – Epimetheus and Prometheus

2nd Generation Greek Titan – Epimetheus

2nd Generation Greek Titan – Prometheus

Epimetheus and Prometheus: Representatives of Mankind

After the Titanomachy, Zeus wanted to populate the Earth with ANIMALS and humans. He entrusted that job with the brothers Epimetheus and Prometheus.

The humans and animals were crafted from clay. Zeus gave the brothers attributes crafted by other deities. Their job was to allocate them to the clay figures before they came to life, giving them the strengths and skills to survive on Earth.

Epimetheus took on the role of distributing attributes. He enjoyed the job, and Prometheus would check on his brother’s work before releasing the creatures into the Earth.

All went well at first. Epimetheus made sure that every creature was equipped with a skill. Some would be natural predators, while others gained the ability to dig or fly. Everything was going according to plan. That is, however, until Epimetheus got to humans.

According to poets like Hesiod and Plato, what happens next is why Epimetheus got his name. The name translates to “afterthought” or “hindsight,” representing Epimetheus’ way of thinking. He did not plan, simply acting on impulse without giving his action any ounce of thought.

When he finally got to humans, he realized that there were no more attributes left to give. He pleaded with Zeus for more, but the King of gods would not create additional attributes to provide. He was willing to unleash humans into the world unprotected. However, Epimetheus’ brother decided to take action.

Epimetheus

The tale of Epimetheus is one that poets often use to describe the unfavorable habits of humans. His myth involves the creation of man and the disastrous ramifications of acting before thinking. Epimetheus isn’t as well-known as other figures in GREEK MYTHOLOGY, but his story is certainly memorable.

The Origins of Epimetheus

Epimetheus is a second-generation god. He was born from IAPETUS and Clymene. Iapetus is the son of URANUS and GAIA, two primordial beings responsible for starting the succession myth. Clymene was an OCEANID nymph born to Titans OCEANUS and TETHYS.

Epimetheus had three brothers. All of them play important roles in Greek mythology. There was Atlas, who is most famous for the punishment of holding up the heavens put onto him by ZEUS. His second brother was MENOETIUS, who was banished to TARTARUS for his role in the Divine war.

Prometheus was his third brother. PROMETHEUS and Epimetheus share a strong connection due to the part they played in the creation of man. But before that happened, there was the Titanomachy.

THE TITANOMACHY was a vicious ten-year war between the TITANS and the OLYMPIANS. The Titan CRONUS swallowed all of his children in fear of one of them overtaking his spot on the Divine throne. Eventually, his wife RHEA snuck one child away before Cronus could swallow it. That child grew up to be Zeus.

He challenged his father, forcing him to disgorge his siblings. The newly freed children, the Twelve Olympians, waged war against the Titans for revenge. It was a destructive war that lasted an entire decade. Most Titans participated. That included Epimetheus’ brothers ATLAS and Menoetius.

However, Epimetheus and Prometheus did not participate in the Titanomachy. They remained neutral, which would prove to be a smart move that saved them in the end.

The Olympians won the war with help from the three CYCLOPES and the HECATONCHIRES. As the battle concluded, Zeus took the mantle on MOUNT OLYMPUS. He became the King of the gods and swiftly punished the Titans. Once great gods like HYPERION and Cronus were doomed to Tartarus. Epimetheus’ brother, Menoetius, was struck by one of Zeus’ lightning rods during battle. He was subsequently imprisoned before going to Tartarus.

Meanwhile, Epimetheus’ other brother, Atlas, was famously doomed to hold up the heavens for all of eternity!

But Epimetheus and Prometheus? Zeus did not punish them. They were neutral, so he entrusted them with an important task. This is where Epimetheus’ myth truly gets started.

Epimetheus is a second-generation god. He was born from IAPETUS and Clymene. Iapetus is the son of URANUS and GAIA, two primordial beings responsible for starting the succession myth. Clymene was an OCEANID nymph born to Titans OCEANUS and TETHYS.

Epimetheus had three brothers. All of them play important roles in Greek mythology. There was Atlas, who is most famous for the punishment of holding up the heavens put onto him by ZEUS. His second brother was MENOETIUS, who was banished to TARTARUS for his role in the Divine war.

Prometheus was his third brother. PROMETHEUS and Epimetheus share a strong connection due to the part they played in the creation of man. But before that happened, there was the Titanomachy.

THE TITANOMACHY was a vicious ten-year war between the TITANS and the OLYMPIANS. The Titan CRONUS swallowed all of his children in fear of one of them overtaking his spot on the Divine throne. Eventually, his wife RHEA snuck one child away before Cronus could swallow it. That child grew up to be Zeus.

He challenged his father, forcing him to disgorge his siblings. The newly freed children, the Twelve Olympians, waged war against the Titans for revenge. It was a destructive war that lasted an entire decade. Most Titans participated. That included Epimetheus’ brothers ATLAS and Menoetius.

However, Epimetheus and Prometheus did not participate in the Titanomachy. They remained neutral, which would prove to be a smart move that saved them in the end.

The Olympians won the war with help from the three CYCLOPES and the HECATONCHIRES. As the battle concluded, Zeus took the mantle on MOUNT OLYMPUS. He became the King of the gods and swiftly punished the Titans. Once great gods like HYPERION and Cronus were doomed to Tartarus. Epimetheus’ brother, Menoetius, was struck by one of Zeus’ lightning rods during battle. He was subsequently imprisoned before going to Tartarus.

Meanwhile, Epimetheus’ other brother, Atlas, was famously doomed to hold up the heavens for all of eternity!

But Epimetheus and Prometheus? Zeus did not punish them. They were neutral, so he entrusted them with an important task. This is where Epimetheus’ myth truly gets started.

Prometheus

Prometheus was the famous TITAN GOD of fire. His name is thought to mean “forethought’. He is credited with molding mankind out of mud and clay. Unfortunately, his desire to improve the lives of his creations, resulted in constant conflict with Zeus.

Son of the OCEANID Clymene and the Titan IAPETUS, he along with his brother EPIMETHEUS fought for ZEUS and the rest of the OLYMPIANS in the TITANOMACHY. However, after aiding Zeus and helping him win the war, he began to quarrel with him about his unfair treatment of humanity.

Often regarded as a trickster, Prometheus first tested Zeus by tricking the gods during a sacrificial feast. He then stole fire from the gods up in heaven and gave it to mankind, resulting in years of torture.

As punishment for his rebelliousness, Zeus chained him to a cliff and had an eagle feast upon his regenerating liver day in and day out. He also created the first woman, Pandora, to bring misfortune and calamity to the house of man.

Generations later, Zeus’ son, the great hero HERACLES, came to the rescue by shooting the eagle and freeing Prometheus. While he made peace with Zeus afterwards, he would continue to be held in high regard as a spreader of knowledge and romanticized as a hero for his acts.

Prometheus’ Family

Hesiod’s THEOGONY states Prometheus was the son of the Titan Iapetus, and his mother was the Oceanid Clymene. Most scholars agree, but there have been other references to him being the son of Iapetos and Asia, the Titan Eurymedon and HERA, or of URANUS and Clymene.

As far as the rest of his family goes, Prometheus was the brother of fellow Titans MENOETIUS, ATLAS, and Epimetheus. The duo of Prometheus (Forethought) and Epimetheus (Afterthought) have been referenced countless times throughout Greek mythology.

Prometheus had three children: Deucalion, Hellen, and Aidos. Deucalion was eerily similar to Noah in the Christian Bible. Like Noah, he survived a great flood responsible for wiping out the rest of humanity, and he was able to do so by floating in a massive chest for nine days and nine nights. He and his wife PYRRHA were the only survivors, and they are credited with repopulating the human race.

Prometheus and the Titanomachy

Prior to the creation of humanity, there was a great battle between the Greek gods and a race of giants known as the Titans. The Titans not killed in the battle were driven to TARTARUS to spend their days in eternal hell.

Despite being a Titan himself, Prometheus, whose name translates to foresight, convinced his brother Epimetheus to fight alongside him with the Olympian gods led by Zeus. In fact, Prometheus was one of the battle’s ringleaders, helping Zeus defeat the Titans and take control of the heavens in a struggle said to have lasted over a decade.

He switched sides in support of the victorious Olympians simply because the Titans refused to follow his advice to apply trickery and deception in the battle. His two other brothers, ATLAS and Menoetius, remained loyal and fought with their fellow Titans against Prometheus, Epimetheus, and the Olympians. However, they and the rest of the Titans were defeated, proving it’s wise to follow someone with the name “forethought.”

Prometheus and the Creation of Man

As thanks for fighting alongside the Olympians in the Titanomachy and helping them win the decade long battle, Zeus entrusted the Titan brothers with the responsibility of creating every living thing, including man.

Epimetheus was tasked with blessing creatures with gifts of the gods. He gave flight to some creatures and the ability to race through grass or move through water to others. He gave the beasts sharp claws, soft fur, and glittering scales.

Meanwhile, Prometheus was busy shaping mud to make the first humans. They were formed to reflect the image of the gods. According to some authors, Athena brought the clay figures formed by Prometheus to life.

Despite looking like them, Zeus ordered the humans to remain mortal. They were also ordered to worship the gods of MOUNT OLYMPUS from Earth below.

Why? Well, because Zeus saw the humans as subservient creatures, so he made them dependent on the Olympians for protection from the elements and monstrous creatures like the Hydra, SPHINX, or NEMEAN LION.

However, Prometheus wanted to give his creations a greater purpose and completely opposed Zeus’ decree. So, when asked by Zeus how sacrifices were to be made, the cunning Prometheus devised a trick to give humans a bit more power.

Prometheus’ Crimes

Prometheus is most known as being a punished benefactor to humans. He got that reputation because he did not want humans to go into the world without any skills to help them survive. With Zeus’ refusal to create more attributes, Prometheus decided to steal some.

He chose civilized arts and fire and the gifted skills for humans. He stole the civilized art from ATHENA and fire from Hephaestus. Prometheus quickly gave the attributes and let man go onto Earth. He was successful, but his actions enraged Zeus.

He was punished for essentially covering the mistake of his brother. Prometheus was famously taken to the Caucasus Mountains. There, he was chained up as a crow fed on his regenerating liver for eternity. But before he was whisked away for punishment, he warned his brother not to accept any gifts from Zeus or the Olympians.

Once again, Epimetheus failed to have any forethought.

Gods – Egyptian Geb

Gods – Egyptian Geb

Geb is the Egyptian god of the Earth. He is also a god of fertility and farming, and is associated with birth, death and the life cycle in Egyptian mythology. Geb is also sometimes referred to as “seb” or “keb”. There is some debate over the proper pronunciation and spelling of his name, as well as when different variants of his name were used in ancient Egypt.

Geb Facts

Name(s): Geb
Rules over: Earth, Fertility, Farming
Gender: Male
Symbols: Reeds, Grain
Sacred animals: Goose, Snakes, Rabbits, Bulls
Parents: Shu (Father) and Tefnut (Mother)
Siblings: Seth, Osiris, Nephthys, Isis, Horus
Greek Similar: Gaea, goddess of the earth.
Roman Similar: Terra Mater

Origins

The oldest known depiction of Geb is found in Heliopolis, and is dated to approximately 2600 B.C.E.

Geb was incorporated into the Great Ennead of Heliopolis. Ennead is a Greek term for the number nine, and its meaning relating to Egyptian mythology is “a collection of nine deities”. There were a number of Enneads, or collections of nine deities, created in ancient Egypt at various points of the civilization. The Great Ennead is the most famous of those collections.

The Great Ennead was formed as early as 2600 – 2500 B.C.E. The other eight members of this particular grouping included Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Seth and Nephthys.

Appearance

In hieroglyphic writings, Geb was usually portrayed in a purely human form. In many of these portrayals, he can be seen covered with plants or vegetation to symbolize fertility in farming. He was sometimes depicted as having green hair or skin, and also at times shown with a goose sitting on top of his head.

He was also shown lying on the ground underneath Nut who was arched high above and covered with stars, or underneath Shu who was between him and Nut.

One example of this is found on the Papyrus of Tentamun, and can be found in other papyrus writings as well. Geb can also at times be found in scenes in a zoomorphic or hybrid form, such as having a snake’s head and human body.

Family

His parents were Tefnut, known as the moisture goddess, and Shu, the god of sunlight, wind and air. Geb also had a twin sister, Nut, who was goddess of the sky.

Geb and Nut produced four offspring – Seth, god of storms and disorder, and Osiris, Isis, and Nephthys. At times they were said to have a fifth child, Horus.

According to the Heliopolitan Ennead system, Geb had an important place in the creation story. Some time after he and his sister were born, they began to have a relationship that was incestual. Their father, Shu, was not pleased with them and separated them. Shu held Nut up above his head in the sky, and kept Geb on the earth below him.

In the space between them, Shu created and gave life to nature.1 Even though they were separated, the siblings still had four (or five) children together. Narratives between cities and regions may have differed from this, but many of them had the father Shu holding or supporting Nut and standing on top of Geb.

As a result, Geb became very important to matters relating to the earth. It was said that earthquakes were the result of his laughter. Because of this relation to the earth, he became an important god in farming.

Symbols

Animals associated with him included geese, snakes, rabbits, bulls. Other symbols that were affiliated with him included plants such as grain or reeds.

Worship

There was not a major cult center associated with Geb, but the god did have a high number of appearances in hieroglyphics throughout Egyptian temples, tombs and pyramids. Heliopolis, located near Cairo, is one such place where Geb frequently appears.2

Facts about Geb

  • Depending on the belief system, Geb had four or five siblings, and they were born from Shu and Tefnut.
  • One mythological narrative has Atum becoming angry at Nut and Geb. He curses them so that they can’t have any children in any month. Thoth, the god of knowledge, cunningly adds five days to the lunar calendar to form a new calendar, and the two siblings then had 5 children. This mythological story explained why
    there were 365 days in a calendar year.1
  • An Egyptian Pharaoh or king was known as an ‘heir of Geb’. The god was important during the transfer of power from one Pharaoh or king to the next.2
  • In hieroglyphics, the goose was used to spell the beginning of Geb’s name.

References

  • 1. Schomp, Virginia. “The Ancient Egyptians”, 2007. Marshall Cavendish Publishing.
  • 2. Wilkinson, Toby. “The Egyptian World”, 2007. Routledge.

Gods – Plutus, Greek God of Wealth

Greek God – Plutus

Plutus, which is the Latin spelling of Ploutos, is the god of wealth. He was supposedly born on the Greek island of Crete and is the son of a local hero named Iasion and the goddess DEMETER, who is the goddess of harvest and fertility. He is often depicted as a boy carrying a horn-shaped container of wheat called a cornucopia.

Here are some interesting facts about Plutus:

Plutus Was Originally the God of Agricultural Wealth

The reason Plutus carries wheat was because he was originally meant to only represent wealth in terms of farming output, such as an abundance of crops. But he eventually came to represent wealth in general.

Plutus Was Blind

The Greek god ZEUS blinded Plutus when he was very young, so that he would not just bless wealth onto good people and those who were deserving of it, but onto everybody. Famed ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes once wrote a comedy about Plutus, in which he regains his sight and thereafter only bestows wealth onto those who actually deserve it.

Plutus Was Also Handicapped and Had Wings

Plutus was not just blind, but he was also handicapped. This was to explain why wealth sometimes took a long time to come. He further had wings, which was meant to represent why he left a lot faster than he came.

Often Associated with Pluton

Pluton, which is also written as Plouton, is a Greek god similar to Plutus. He is the god of hidden bounty, and like Plutus, he is often carrying a cornucopia.

Plutus Is Often Depicted as an Infant in the Arms of Goddesses

Many depictions of Plutus show him as baby, sitting in the arms of either TYKHE (TYCHE) — who is the goddess of good fortune — or Eirene (Irene), who is the goddess of peace. This was meant to show that wealth rarely comes alone. It often comes hand-in-hand with good luck or peace.

Plutus is Often Confused with Pluto

While their names may sound similar, Plutus is very different from PLUTO, who is the god of the underworld.

SOURCE: <a href=”https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/plutus/”>Plutus: https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net</a&gt; – Greek Gods & Goddesses, June 11, 2018

Gods – Greek 2nd Generation Titan – Atlas, God of Endurance and Astronomy

Greek Titan – Atlas

Atlas (the heaven-bearer) was a Titan god of endurance. He was also identified as a god of astronomy because he was the first who instructed mankind in astronomical science which was basically used for navigation and measuring the seasons. It is said, in Library of History by Diodorus Siculus, that he surpassed all others by mastering astrology and was the first to discover spherical nature and therefore being touted as the heaven-bearer. According to Hesiod and Hyginus, Atlas was one of the four sons of Iapetus and oceanid called Clymene but in another source, according to Apollodorus, Iapetus and Asia were his parents. During the war of the gods, unlike his brothers Prometheus and Epimetheus, Atlas sided with the titans along with his other brother Menoetius. After the war he was punished by Zeus who decided not to send him to Tartarus together with his relatives but instead he was sent him to the western edge of the known world, to hold axis between heavens and earth apart and therefore prevent the recurrence of primeval union of Gaea and Uranus and probably a birth of new powerful descendants.

Condemned to a special punishment

During the war against Olympians, Cronusmade Atlas their leader, mostly because of his war skills, extreme orientation and durability. As it turned out, he was quite a leader and it looked like for a long time that they were going to win the war. However, they were outnumbered in the end because Cronus made too many enemies during his ruleage. Atlas was, unlike his relatives, condemned to a special punishment by Zeus himself. He made him as an eternal caretaker of the axis between heavens and earth which were controlled by his predecessors in the past. Because of his endurance, Zeus believed that he was just going to be able to hold them and do nothing else in the meantime. He was right, Atlas was, according to Aeschylus and Ovid, barely supporting the enormous weight of heavens on his shoulders. However, there is an alternative description of the titan by Valerius Flaccus and Virgil who are describing him as an enormous giant standing in the ocean with his feet and his head reaching above the clouds while with ease holding heavens apart from earth.

Descendants of Atlas

But before the punishment, Atlas was in love with Pleione, one of the oceanids, the daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, who gave birth to Pleiades, seven in numbers, that were mentioned by most authors. Their names were Alcyone, Asterope, Celaeno, Electra, Maia, Merope and Teygate.

There is a further explanation presented by Hyginus who mentiones in his Fabulae that Atlas and Pleione actually had twelve daughters and a son Hyas. Five of them were Hyades and were named after their brother who was killed by a lion and they had grieved for him so much that they died because of it and were placed among stars. Their names were Ambrosia, Coronis, Eudora, Phaesyla and Polyxo. And when Hyades died, the rest of the sisters also brought death upon themselves by further grief and were placed among stars known as Pleiades. According to Diodorus Siculus, Atlas also had a brother Hesperus and eventually married one of his daughters by the name of Hesperis. She bore him seven daughters that were named Atlantides, after their father, and Hesperides, after their mother. They were very beautiful and pure and therefore they caught the eye of Egyptian king who dispatched pirates to kidnap them. They were later saved by Heracles.

The account with Heracles

As mentioned above, the daughters of Atlas were kidnapped by pirates while they were playing in their garden and when the pirates stopped to have a meal on their route back to Egypt, Heracles, in one of his last labours, came along. When he found out by the maidens what had happened, he slew the pirates on site and brought ladies back to Atlas. In his gratitude, Atlas helped Heracles in his labour, presumably giving him the apples from his daughter’s garden, and also gave him lessons in astrology.

However, the mainstream belief is that Atlas was encountered by Heracles who came to the titan on the advice of Prometheus in his eleventh labour, when he had to retrieve apples of Hesperides. In need of his services, Heracles offered himself as temporary caretaker. In return he asked the titan to help him with the Golden Apples quest. The garden, controlled by Hera, was tended by Hesperides, the titan’s daughters. Upon return, Atlas tried to convince Heracles to hold the heavens for a bit longer while he was going to deliver the Apples himself which was definitely not the case. Heracles thought of this trickery and asked him to hold the heavens for just a few moments so he could reposition his cloak to serve him as support. The titan fell for the trick and when he reclaimed his position, Heracles took the apples and ran away, and opportunity to escape was gone.

“Released” from his burden

According to Fulgentis’ Mythologies and Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Atlas, with the heavens on his back, was at some point encountered by Perseus who was on his way back to Seriphos Island. Perseus kindly asked the titan for a shelter over night, telling him that he was a son of Zeus. The titan replied by stating that he was a liar which angered the hero and Perseus then in revenge turned Atlas into stone by showing him the head of Medusa and released him from his burden. From that point on he was known as Mount Atlas. Now, this contradicts the story of Atlas meeting Heracles becuase Perseus lived in the times before Heracles and therefore Heracles could not meet Atlas and ask him for help, if he was already turned into a mountain.

Goddesses and Gods – The 21 Main Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

The Egyptian pantheon includes all the gods created by the falcon-headed Sun god Ra. Egyptian gods include many gods with animal heads (Horus, Set, Anubis, Thoth, Bastet, Sekhmet, Ra) and others with human heads (Osiris, Isis, Nephthys, Amun).

We will see together in this article:

  • The gods Ra, Apep, Aten, and Sekhmet involved in the creation of the Universe
  • The gods Set, Osiris, Isis, Nephthys, and Horus involved in the tragedy called “myth of Osiris”
  • The gods Anubis, Thoth, and Ammit involved in the judgment of the Egyptian dead
  • The other important gods: Khepri, Amun, Ptah, Taweret, and Sobek

Let’s begin without further ado by discovering the first of these gods and the creator of the Egyptian world: Ra, the falcon Sun god.

 Ra –

The creation of all the other gods by Ra

The primordial function of Ra in the Egyptian Universe

Apep

Aten

Osiris

Isis

Horus

Set

Nephthys

Sekhmet

Bastet

Hathor

Anubis

Ammit

Thoth

Khepri

Ptah

Amun

Taweret

Sobek

click here to read information presented about the 21 main Egyptian Gods and Goddesses

Goddesses and Gods – A List of Sun Deities

I will use this list to do a more in-depth post on these deities in the future.

Name Nationality/Religion God or Goddess? Notes
Amaterasu Japan Sun Goddess Major deity of the Shinto religion.
Arinna (Hebat) Hittite (Syrian) Sun Goddess The most important of three Hittite major solar deities
Apollo Roman Sun God
Freyr Norse Sun God A fertility god associated with the sun.
Helios Greek Sun God Before Apollo was the Greek sun god, Helios held that position. Helios road a chariot.
Huitzilopochtli (Uitzilopochtli) Aztec Sun God
Hvar Khshaita Iranian/Persian Sun God
Inti Inca Sun God The national patron of the Inca state.
Liza West African Sun God
Lugh Celtic Sun God
Mithras Iranian/Persian Sun God
Ra Egypt Mid-day Sun God An Egyptian god shown with a solar disk. Center of worship was Heliopolis. Later associated with Horus as Re-Horakhty. Also combined with Amun as Amun-Ra, a solar creator god.
Shemesh/Shepesh Ugarit Sun goddess
Sol (Sunna) Norse Sun Goddess She rides in a horse-drawn solar chariot.
Sol Invictus Roman Sun God The unconquered sun. The title was also used of Mithras.
Surya Hindu Sun God Rides the sky in a horse-drawn chariot.
Tonatiuh Aztec Sun God
Utu (Shamash) Mesopotamia Sun God