|
|
|
 The Goddess is often depicted as three forms in one. She is seen as the Maiden, Mother and Crone. This is seen in the phases of the moon, the heavenly symbol of the Goddess, as it passes from the Waxing New Moon to Full Moon and then as it starts to Wane, starting the cycle once more. She is seen as the universal mother the source fertility and wisdom, the giver of life, yet there is also a darker side. The Goddess is also the bringer of death, but to Wiccans and Witches alike this is not the end. We know the Goddess is within all things, so to aid our discovery of her, we look for her many aspects. For example, the most common (probably) is the moon where we see the Maiden, Mother and Crone. But what of the Earth? She is the Goddess of storms and other natural disasters, but also she is the Goddess of the light spring rain, the oceans and rivers, the giver of life and love. These are just to state a few, I hope it gives you an idea or two
Symbolically, the Goddess is seen as the moon, in the cauldron used during rites and the water it contains. Animals such as the cat, dog, cow, horse, lion, spider and dolphin to name but a few are sacred to her. Also the daisy, apple, olive, rose, primrose, strawberry, catnip, poppy and violet are a few of the plants sacred to the Goddess.An incantation to the Goddess from Doreen Valiante's
" Charge of the Goddess " Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess;
she is the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven,
and whose body encircles the universe:
I who am the beauty of the green earth,
and the white moon among the stars,
and the mystery of the waters,
call unto thy soul: Arise, and come unto me.
For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe.
From me all things proceed, and unto me all things return;
and before my face, beloved of Gods and men,
let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite.
Let my worship be within the heart that rejoices;
for behold, all acts of love and pleasure shall be my rituals.
And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion,
honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And thou who thinkest to seek me,
know that thy seeking and yearning shall not avail thee,
thou wilt never knowest the mystery:
that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee,
thou wilt never find it without.
For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning;
and I am which is attained at the end of desire.
|
|
