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As Above, So Below (How the Stars Became Our Hearts)

Who Are The Dark Goddesses?

 

 

Before we begin, as a disclaimer, it should be noted that with the old gods, stories differ from source to source, and were never canonized. An ironic word to use in that the word canonization comes from the canonization of the Bible. So in effect, the word doubles its meaning, in that they are religious texts non canonized, and that the various stories written about them are done so non canonically. The gods and are something that can only be expressed, not explained.

Above is a picture of Shiva. Some of you may know, he is one of the Principal Deities of Hinduism. He his the god of destruction, and arguably the most revered entity in Hindu culture. He is called Adiyogi, and is the creator of Yoga. Is wife Parvati becomes one with him, and they become the half male, half female Ardhanarishvara. The perfect balance of the masculine and feminine force. Shiva is depicted as being very powerful and masculine, usually seen with a Trident. Parvati, who has many other names, and is seen as the supreme Goddess, or Mahadevi.

 

 

Shiva is the destroyer, and the god of meditation and yoga, and is responsible for the continuous transformation of the universe. And Parvati is the goddess of love, connection and fertility. The combined nature of Ardhanarishvara is the supreme amalgam of all the divine aspects, but masculine and feminine. They are Deva and Devi (God and Goddess) as one. The supreme being encompasses both sides of the universal energies.

The identities of the old gods are very complicated. They have many names and many forms. In Hinduism, different sects consider different aspects of these entities the supreme being. And as with much of Celtic and Norse iconography, much of the lore is actually lost. This is by no means a complete explanation of the gods and goddesses, but a space to shed some light on the darker, more misunderstood goddesses.

 

Kali Ma

 

While the precise origin of Kali Ma is unknown, she comes to us in the Hindu pantheon. The nature and identity of Kali Ma are also rather complicated, and a source of debate. She is an aspect of Durga. Who is herself, and aspect of Mahadevi, or Parvati. The supreme Goddess. Many pagan gods and goddesses of all paths have aspects, which makes sense, as having multiple aspects is a trait of having consciousness. In the Hindu pantheon, all aspects of nature and consciousness have a deity, or an aspect of a deity. Hinduism is known for its innumerable gods and goddesses, so of course listing them all would be impossible. As Mahadevi, (or Devi) is the source of all Shakti energy of the cosmos, her many aspects reflect the many aspects of feminine nature.

So the aspect of Devi known as Durga encompasses the warrior aspects of feminine nature. The protective mother. Kali, is an aspect of Durga. In one legend, she is said to have been summoned from Durgas forehead to combat the demon Raktabija. When the demon was cut, his blood would create a copy. Kali was said to drink his blood to prevent any more Raktabija from forming.

She has many origin stories, but her specific nature has never changed. Wild haired and naked, standing on Shiva, sometimes seated upon him sexually, Kali Ma represents the wild untamed aspects of feminine nature. While she is seen as a mother Goddess, she is unapologetically nude, covered in blood. Her tongue sticking out. A garland of heads around her neck, and a skirt of severed arms. A freshly severed head in one of her four arms, and a scimitar in one of the others, and usually a bowl catching the blood in another. She is seen dominating a male form. And not just any make form, Shiva. Though Shiva is said to be stopping her in that position. Kali represents unbridled feminine rage. Indifferent to society. She represents time, and ultimately death. She herself has many aspects. The Supreme amalgamation of them all being known as Mahakali. Maha is just a Sanskrit prefix that means supreme. So it comes up frequently.

Kali had become increasingly more popular in this time, as this is a time for this feminine destructive force to eradicate the old patriarchal paradigm that is leading to the death of our planet. It’s also a time of radical consciousness shifting, calling for the destruction of old thought patterns and beliefs. Interpersonally and on a global scale. Her energies are responsible for global catastrophe. If you simply use this non dualistic lense to look at the effects of Covid. Nature’s indifference to suffering is an aspect of Kali. But the resulting healing the world is starting to see as a result of these disasters is also Kali’s energy. Kali’s force effects every being in the universe. Her power is one of embracing your own sexual nature, your shadow, and your own death. Living fiercely and unapologetically. Not being afraid to cut off what no longer serves you. Even if it’s an arm and a leg…….. or a head.

 

The Morrigan

 

 

We can’t talk about fiercely unapologetically sexual warrior goddesses without talking about The Morrigan. The most beautiful and power member of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Goddess of War, and of Sovereignty. Her name means “Great Queen”, or “Phantom Queen.” She is closely associated with war, and was often seen on the battlefield. The Morrigan imbues warriors with valor. She is seen to foretell the deaths of warriors, and even the gods themselves. She is seen washing their blood drenched raiments in the river. She is often see accompanied by ravens and crows. If The Morrigan smiles upon you, Corvids will make themselves known to you.

The Morrigan is a triplicity, meaning she is a contrivance of three goddesses. Badb [Baiv] Macha [Ma, and Nemain (pronunciation…)

Seen as three sisters, Badb is the battle crow aspect of The Morrigan, and was known to give devotees a boon in battle. She is also the aspects to foreshadow great loss in battle, and death. Macha is the aspect of The Morrigan who is the goddess of sovereignty, and also connected with fertility, and abundance. She is closely associated with grain, and wealth, and the rulership.  Nemain is the aspect  of the Morrigan associated with the chaos and carnage of the battlefield.

The Morrigan is also a shapeshifter. Whether the Morrigan is three sisters, or a singular entity who presents as three is a debated topic. She was fiercely independent and married to the chief of the Tuatha Dé Danann, The Dagda. Unlike the aforementioned Kali Ma, and Hecate, whom we shall discuss below, her origins are strictly Irish. There are many who associate her with Morgan le Faye of Arthurian legend. Some view her as a sex Goddess, but this is simply not true! While she is a Goddess known for having sex, so have most gods and goddesses. (And animals). She is a beautiful redhead however, and is depicted in a lot of fantasy art. Those who follow The Morrigan find these images greatly offensive, and she is a supreme deity in the Irish Celtic pantheon. 

She is by far one of the most fierce and intimidating deities in all of paganism. A harbinger of war, death and Chaos. Kali Ma and The Morrigan are great examples of what darkness looks like to a deity. They’re still loving, wise, and loyal, but they bring balance to the love and light goddesses. She is seen as queen of the otherworld, and is as such, regarded with much respect among those in the Celtic Pagans community.

 

Hecate

 

 

Last, but of course not least. (And not really last, as their are many many more that will not be featured here.)

Hecate. 

Hecate is considered the Queen of Witches, as she is the goddess of spells and witchcraft. She is considered principal to the Greek pantheon, but like Kali Ma, her origins are truly unknown. Some believe her origins could even be from the Egyptian goddess Heqet. She is closely associated with sorcery, necromancy, and poisonous plants, and by extension, intoxicating plants as well.

Like The Morrigan, she is seen as a triplicity, though earlier versions of her are singular. She is depicted holding a torch and a set of keys, usually accompanied by dogs. She is sometimes seen with animal heads. 

She was more popular in antiquity, a household name, and worshipped beside the other more well know gods and goddesses of the Greek Pantheon. Unlike many of the other pagan gods, her history of worship is documented pretty well. She had her own temples, but was also worshipped in temples devoted to the other gods and goddesses as well.

There are many other dark goddesses, more innumerable to name. Their lores too deep to put into one article, but they can offer variety and balance to your spiritual perspectives and practices.

 

Artwork

Special Thanks to Tatiana Konstaninov for her contributions of the beautiful Ardhanarishvara, and the Kali Ma piece above. She has amazing art of all of the Hindu pantheon. You can check her Etsy store at  https://www.etsy.com/shop/DivineArtCards or her studio at https://illuminedart.studio/.

The Morrigan art seen above was provided by the amazing Tammy Wampler. Her Celtic Goddess art is TO DIE FOR! Check her Etsy out at https://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonSpiralart, or her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tammywamplerart/.

The Beautiful Hecate etching was provided by Statue Crafts. Visit http://etsy.com/shop/statuescrafts to find a new piece for your altar today!

And as Always

Blessed Moons

 

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About the Author:

Alexiel Raynes is a shaman, philosopher, and musician from Louisville, Ky. He has studied religion and science for over 20 years. His spiritual path focuses on self realization, the liberation of the constraints of the mind on consciousness. He also studies plant medicines and their use in indigenous cultures world wide. He is fascinated with exploring the world beyond the veil of mainstream western science, and postulates at what lies beyond general consensus reality. He, together with his business partner Hallie Walker are the owners of Saol Bandia, a holistic herbal apothecary based in their hometown. They are also very active in raising pagan awareness in their community, and helping give witches the courage to stand up to a world that has forgotten our ways.

You can visit their store at Saolbandia.com

For contact visit Facebook.com/AlexielRaynes2020

Or email [email protected]