Author: Erlang Shen
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In ancient Greek mythology, Selene stood as the goddess of the moon, distinctively personifying the moon itself rather than merely being associated with it. Her role as the luminary in the night sky highlights her importance in various myths, powers, and symbols that define her character and legacy. Selene: The Moon Goddess Selene is recognized…
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The Bacchanalia occupies an intriguing and enigmatic role in the annals of ancient Rome. These festivals, initially sacred rites dedicated to Bacchus—the deity representing wine, liberty, and ecstasy—can be traced back to as early as 200 BC in Italy. The Bacchanalia served as a venue for Romans to engage in merrymaking, dramatic exhibitions, and ecstatic…
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Demeter: The Goddess of Agriculture and Fertility Demeter stands as a vital figure among the Olympian deities, revered as the goddess of agriculture, grain, and sustenance. She is the nurturing force behind the earth’s abundant gifts, providing humanity with nourishing crops. Encapsulating her essence, Demeter often appears portrayed as a dignified woman adorned with a…
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Alright, I’m in a new phase of my connection with Her—it’s a bit unrefined. For those of you already devoted to this Great One, your understanding is appreciated. Here, I will present this experience in its unpolished form, which perhaps is what She prefers. We’ll see if She conveys anything different. Temple in Eternal Twilight…
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February 3rd is significant as it represents the celestial midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox, a time recognized by the Celts as “Brigid time” or Imbolc, an important cross-quarter day within the Celtic Medicine wheel. Brigid stands out as the most celebrated Irish-Scottish deity, easily identifiable and deeply connected to the arrival of spring.…
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From the dawn of Egypt’s First Dynasty around 3200 BCE, the revered cheetah goddess Mafdet held a significant place in worship. Known as “the runner,” she symbolized swift execution of justice. As the “Avenger of the King,” it was believed that Mafdet prowled the unseen realms, removing the hearts of wrongdoers and presenting them at…
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The notion that “Zeus feared Nyx” is a common reference, yet its origin is seldom cited directly. This concept can be traced back to a passage in the Iliad, which states: “…Zeus, stirred by anger, searched through his dwelling, seeking above all for me [Hypnos], and would have cast me into the abyss of the…
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Welcome to another edition of Deities of Good Fortune, where we have previously explored figures like St. Anthony, Ekeko, Lakshmi, Mami Wata, and the Seven Lucky Gods. Today, we turn our focus back to ancient Rome to discuss the Roman Goddess Fortuna. It is essential to acknowledge the significant influence of luck and fate on…
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Neptune: A Majestic Roman Depiction This impressive sculpture, crafted from veined marble around 135 AD, showcases Neptune, the Roman deity governing seas and freshwater bodies. The statue, exceeding typical human size, stands robustly supported by a dolphin—an emblem of the god. Notably, Neptune’s left arm holds a trident, a symbol representing his dominion over the…
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When Egypt boasted distinct borders, significant monuments, and an effective governance framework, it was a society informed by a governing body, established regulations, cultural traditions, sophisticated irrigation methods, and thriving agriculture. This civilization was characterized by remarkable achievements that put it at the forefront of progress while much of the world was still mired in…