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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Aglaia

See Charities/Graces

Allecto

See Erinyes/Eumenides

Amaltheia

In Greek mythology, this she-goat goddess nourished Zeus as an infant. In later years, Zeus broke off one of her horns, which became the cornucopia, providing sustenance for all earth's creatures. For her diligence and service, Amaltheia was transformed into the constellation Capricorn, where she remains.
Themes: Success; Humor; Reason; Devotion; Providence
Symbols: Goat; Cornucopia; Stars

Antheia

Since 800B.C.E. Antheia has been known as the Greek goddess of marriage, companionship, and good council. These attributes manifested themselves in a triple goddess figure who flowered, sought a mate, and reached perfection.
Themes: Promises; Friendship; Trust; Honor; Community; Love; Relationships
Symbols: Gold-colored Items; Honey; Myrrh

Aphrodite

"Foam-born"; Moon Goddess; "She Who Binds Hearts Together:; "She who came from the sea"; Goddess of the Western corner. She was pictured as beautiful, voluptuous, with blue eyes and fair hair. At one time her name was Marianna or "La Mer," meaning "the Ocean." She was called virginal, meaning that she remained independent. Her priestesses were not physical virgins, but celebrated sexual rites; men were excluded from many of her rituals. Fankincense and myrrh were burned in her temples. The love of women, in whatever form, was sacred to her. She was strong, proud, loving. Her birds were the heron, lovebird, swan, and dove (yonic symbol).
Themes: Love; Romance; Passion; Sexuality; Luck; Fertility; Beauty; Pleasure; Sensuality; Generosity; Renewal
Symbols: Her Girdle; Cockle shells; Poppy; Garden Apples; Sweet Fragrances; Fruits; Roses

Athena

Among the Greeks, especially those dwelling in Athens, Athena was the great protectress, standing for personal discipline and prowess, especially in battles. When you find your self-control lacking, or you need the courage to withstand a storm, Athena stands ready to come to the rescue. Grecian art shows Athena bearing a spear, wearing a breastplate, and accompanied by an owl. She is also the patroness of spinners and many other forms of craftspeople who work with their hands.
Themes: Protection; Victory; Courage; Leadership
Symbols: New Clothing; Olives; Owls; Oak

Atropos

See Moerae/Moirai/The Fates

Arachne

The greek spider goddess, inspires positive changes in your destiny for the new year. Legend tells us that Arachne challenged Athena to a weaving contest and won. In anger, Athena destroyed the girl's tapestry. Arachne, grief-stricken, took her destiny in hand and turned herself into a spider, but she continues to use her weaving talents to spin and pattern the lives of mortals.
Themes: Work; Weaving Destiny
Symbols: Web; Spinning Wheel; Needle

Artemis

Virgin Huntress; goddess of wild places and wild things; the Huntress; Maiden; Bear Goddess; Moon Goddess; Hunter of Souls; shape-shifter. In Ephesus she was called "many-breasted" and was the patroness of nurturing, fertility, and birth. In Greece she was sculpted as tall, slim, lovely, and dressed in a short tunic. Her chariot was pulled by silver stags. She roamed the forests, mountains, and glades with her band of nymphs and hunting dogs. she acted swiftly and decisively to protect and rescue those who appealed to her for help and was quick to punish offenders. She knew the deep secret places in Nature where one could rest and regain strength. The Amazons, who were loyal to her, worshiped one aspect of this Moon Goddess (the New Moon phase). Goddess of the hunt accompanied by a stag and the Alani (her pack of hounds), she carried a silver bow. Her priestesses did not consort with men, but the goddess helped women in childbirth. She could bring destruction but was usually benign. The sixth day from the New Moon was hers. Defender of women who were harassed or threatened by men. Very beneficial when dealing with animals or the elemental kingdoms.
Themes: Singers; Protection of Young Girls; Magick; Sorcery; Enchantment; Psychic Power; Fertility (Women); Purification; Sports; Exercise; Good Weather (traveling); Mental Healing; Hunting; Dance; Healing
Symbols: Acorns; Guinea Fowl, Dog, Horse, Stag; Sickle; Bridle; Spinning Distaff; Hanks of Wool

Astraea

This goddess motivates fairness and virtue within us. She empowers our ability to 'fight for the good fight" in both word and deed, especially when we feel inadequate to the task. According to lore, she left earth during the golden age because of man's inhumanity to man. She became the constellation Virgo.
Themes: Excellence; Learning; Purity; Justice; Knowledge; Reason; Innocence
Symbols: Stars

Athene/Athena

Holy Virgin; Maiden Goddess; Mother Goddess of Athens; Bright-Eyed. An all-powerful warrior goddess, but she disliked senseless violence. Sometimes called PALLAS (PAL-ass) ATHENE in memory of the goddess' close friend whom she accidentally killed in practice. The Parthenon, "Virgin Temple," was her shrine. She wore a helmet and gegis (breastplate) and carried a shield and spear. She invented the plow, bridle, rake, ox yoke, chariot, and flute; also taught thenaea in March and on the Day of Ganiae on December 25.
Themes: Freedom; Women's Rights; Craftsmen; Protection; Writing; Music; Sciences; Sculptors; Potters: architects; Wisdom: Arts and Skills; renewal; True Justice; Prudence; Wise Counsel; Peace; Embroidery
Symbols: Owl; Olive; Oak; Intertwined Snakes

B

Bendis

Thracian Goddess of the Moon and Fertility. Her rites included orgies.

Britomartis/Dictynna

Her name means "law-giver"; "Sweet Virgin"; Cretan virgin forest huntress; goddess of chastity. May have been a form of Artemis.

C

Callipoe

See Muses.

Callisto

Appearing sometimes as a she-bear guarding her cubs, the goddess Callisto reinspires the natural instincts with which we have lost touch and illustrates the intensity of maternal love. Her other name is Helic, which means to "to turn" or "willow branch"; she thus has the power to help with personal transformations. In mythology, Callistio became Ursa Major while pregnant with Zeus's child. Artemis changed her into a bear, along with her son, who became Ursa Minor.
Themes: Instinct; Protection; Flexibility
Symbols: A Bear; a Willow Branch; The Constellation Ursa Major

Carpo

See Horae

Castalia

This goddess embodies the force of artistic inspiration. Her power is so profuse that art often depicts her simply as an ever-flowing fountain from which we can drink when our motivation wanes.
Themes: Art; Creativity; Joy; Children; Inspiration
Symbols: Cartoon Characters; Fountains

Charila

Charila comes to our aid when there is a famine, a drought, or some kind of abuse, be it in the earth or in our spirits. Greek mythology tells us that Charila was a young girl who approached a king seeking food. The king was angered and slapped her. Charila hung herself in disgrace, but not without some notice by the Delphic oracle. The phrophetess told the king to change his unsympathetic ways and make offerings to Charila to appease her spirit. Some traditional offerings for her include honey cakes and grains.
Themes: Cleansing; Fertility; Luck; Protection; Providence; Kindness
Symbols; leeks; Onions; Grain; Honey Cake

Charities/Graces

Triad of Moon goddesses; Aphrodite's companions. Usually portrayed nude and dancing. they were Aglaia (the shining one, glorious), Thalia (the flowering one, abundance), and Euphrosyne (the one who makes glad, joy).

Circe

She Falcon"; Moon Goddess. Called the death-bird (kirkos or falcon). As the circle or cirque, she was the fate-spinner, weaver of destinies. Ancient Greek writers spoke of her as Circe of the Braided Tresses because she could manipulate the forces of creation and destruction by knots and braids in her hair. Circe had her magnificent palace on a small isle (aeaea) in the Aegean Sea.
Themes: Physical Love; Sorcery; Enchantments; Evil Spells; Vengeance; Dark Magick; Witchcraft; Cauldrons
Symbols: Willow Tree; Honey; Fruits

Clio

See Muses.

Clothos

See Moerae/Moirai/The Fates.

Cybele/Kybele

A Phrygian Goddess of the Earth and caverns; Great Mother; associated with Attis, who was her son. She carried a scourge of knuckle bones and liked pearls and cypress. The greatest center of her worship was at Pessinus in Phrygia; there, under the shadow of Mount Dindymon, was a cave containing the tomb of Attis and an extremely ancient image of the goddess in the shape of a stone.
Themes:The Natural World and all it's Formations; Wild Beasts (esp. lions); Dominion Over Wild Animals; Dark Magick; Revenge
Symbols: Crescent Moon; Cymbal; Libation Bowl; Sickle; Honey; Lions; Pomegranate; Caves; Violets; Meterites; Pine Trees; Bees

D

Demeter

Mother"; "Doorway of the Mysterious Feminine"; Eternal Mother; the Sorrowing Mother; Corn Goddess; "Grain Mother"; Mistress of Magick. She was shown as a matron with beautiful hair, wearing a blue robe and carrying a sheaf of wheat; crowned with ears of corn or ribbons and held a scepter. This goddess gave the first wheat seeds to humans, taught them how to cultivate the soil and make bread from the grain. she instituted the Elusinian Mysteries, the Lesser in February, the Greater in September.
Themes: Protectress of Women; Initiation; Renewal; Rebirth; Vegetation; Fruitfulness; agriculture; Civilization; Law; Motherhood; Marriage; Maternal Love; Fidelity; Magickal Philosophy; Expansion; Higher Magick
Symbols: Corn; The Plow; Soil; All Growing Things

Dike

See Horae.

Doris

The Daughter of Oceanus, this sea goddess is associated with the sea gifts and it's wealth.
Themes: Abundance; Providence; Water
Symbols: Seawater; Plants; and Animals (especially fish)

E

Eleithyia

The Aegean goddess of birth. Her name translates as "Fluid of Generation," giving her strong fertile aspects, and she also has a hand in personal fate. According to myth, Eleithyia was the midwife of the gods and even birthed Eos, the creative force behind all things. When Eleithyia's hands were closed, birth was delayed. When Eleithyia opened her body, a child arrived effortlessly.
Themes: Birth; Children: Creativity; Fertility
Symbols: A Torch; White Flowers

Eos

In Indo-European tradition, Eos is a sky goddess who offers us dawn's hopeful, renewing energy. Greek stories tell of Eos's intense beauty, which inspires passion. as a faithful consort and fertile divinity, she also ensures us of productivity and devoted love. She sometimes rode on Pegasus, sometimes in a purple or gold chariot.
Themes: Wealth; Love; Joy; Health; fertility; Leadership; Passion; Beauty
Symbols: Saffron

Erato

See Muses.

Erinyes/Eumenides

The angry ones"; "Avengers"; "the kindly ones"; Children of Eternal Night; Daughters of Earth and Shadow. Punishers of sins, they had serpents twined in their hair and carried torches and whips. The tracked down those who wrongly shed blood, especially a mother's blood. three virgin goddesses; Allecto (beginnings, unending), Tisiphone (continuation, retaliation), and Megaera (death and rebirth, envious fury). They defended mothers and the laws of blood relationships; revenge; justice against those who broke customs or taboos, social and bloodline laws. Later identified with fairies.

Eunomia

See Horae.

Euphrosyne

See Charities/Graces.

Eurynome

This ancient Greek goddess reached out to the chaos at the beginning of time. embraced it, and made order in the world. Through her sacred dance, the winds were born, from her womb came the land and stars, and then she created rulers for the poles (one male, one female) so the balance would forever be maintained.
Themes: Unity; Peace; Balance
Symbols: Sacred Dancing

Euterpe

See Muses.

F

Fates

See Moerae.

G

Gaia

Broad-bosomed"; Great Mother; Universal Mother; supreme Goddess; Earth Goddess; Mother Earth; Primeval Prophetess; most ancient Earth; omnipotent. Gaia stretched out at the begining of time, becoming the earth's land. In this form, she continues to give life and sustenance to all things that dwell in and on the planet, even when the cold weather tries to steal away that life. So sacred are Gaia's soils that any promise made with one hand on the earth is irrevocable. The oracle at Delphi belonged to Gaia before Apollo took it over, giving her the additional attribute of prophesy. She had sanctuaries at Dodona, Tegea, Sparta, and athens.
Themes: Abundance; Providence; Thankfulness; Nature; Divination; Promises; Earth
Symbols: Harvested Foods (especially fruit and grain); Soil

Gamelia

A lucky aspect of the Greek goddess Hera, who brings good fortune (especially in love). In ancient times, people would wash Gamelia's statues on New Year's, symbolically wiping winter away. They would also hang bay, palm, dates, and figs around the house to inspire a year filled with Gamelia's blessings.
Themes: Luck; Health; Prosperity; New Beginnings
Symbols: Two-sided Items, Representing the Old and New (like coins and hourglasses

Graces

See Charities/Graces.

Gratiae

The Gratiae are akin to the Greek Graces, who inspire all arts, from a dancer's elegance, a model's beauty, and a diplomat's words to a terminal romantic's loving presentation. They arrive as earth is blooming to encourage a flood of creativity that leads to excellence. it is traditional to offer them the first draught of wine at a gathering to invoke their blessing and aid.
Themes: Arts; Creativity; Honor; Love; Excellence; Beauty
Symbols: Sweet Aromas: Arts (all); Wine

H

Hekate

"Most lovely one"; "the Distant One"; Thracian Goddess of the Moon, the dark hours and the Underworld; the Crone; Queen of the world of spirits; goddess of Witchcraft. Daughter of Tartaros and Night, two Titans; other versions says of Perses and Asteria (starry-Night), or Zeus and Hera. A goddess of the Amazons, her chariot was pulled by dragons. She could change forms or ages and rejuvenate or kill. She was the third Moon aspect as the Hag or Crone. An ally of Zeus accompanied by a pack of hounds. A huntress goddess who knew her way in the realm of spirits; all secret powers of Nature at her command. On the last day of the year she opens the path through which the old year departs and the new enters. People customarily worship Hekate at crossroads, where worlds meet, which may be why she became a witch's goddess. On December 31, her festival day, she bears a torch, lighting the way to the future.
Themes: Moon; Beginnings; Magick; Prophesy; Vengance; Expiatons; Averting Evil
Symbols: Serpent, Horse or Dog (her sacred animals); Light (specifically a torch);Myrrh; Silver; Moonstone; Key; Cauldron

Hera

"Lady"; "Holy One'"; Mother of the gods; Queen of Heaven; Earth Goddess; Great Mother. Pictured wearing a veil and a matronly dress; very noble. She held a scepter and a pomegranate. The sickle she sometimes carried was made for her by Hephaestus. To her belonged the tree of golden apples in Hesperides. Hera rules the earth, its people, and the hearts of those people. Using passion and creativity, Hera nudges star-crossed lovers together, chaperones tests, and helps struggling marriages. Legend tells us that Hera refused to return to Zeus's bed because of a quarrel. Zeus, however, had a plan. He humorously dressed up a wooden figure to look like a bride and declared he was going to marry. When Hera tore off the dummy's clothes and discovered the ruse, she was so amused and impressed by Zeus's ingenuity that she forgave him.
Themes: Love: Romance: Forgiveness; Humor; Fertility; Renewal; Pain; Death; Punishment
Symbols: Oak: Myrrh; Poppy; Peacock (her sacred bird); Double Axe; Sacred Shield; Helmet; Spear; Cows

Hermaphroditos

This androgynous deity was once the son of Hermes, but he loved the nymph Salmakis so much that the lovers became of one body and soul, neither the male nor the female being discernible. In this form, Hermaphroditos reminds us that the Goddess is also the God, blending the best of both sexes together into powerful productive energy.
Themes: Balance; Masculinity; femininity; Honor; Reason; Leadership
Symbols: Two-sided Items; Yin/yang Symbol

Hestia

Virgin Goddess; oldest of the Olympians; goddess of the domestic hearth and fire; a gentle reserved goddess. She represented the quiet life, home and city. She had no temples in Greece; a house or temple was not considered sanctified until Hestia eneteren in the form of the hearth flame.
Themes: Religious Devotion; Home; Wishes; Manifestation; Kinship; Unity; Beginnings; Circles; Discipline;
Symbols: Fire (ovens); Sparks

Horae

These are the Greek and Roman goddesses of time, ruling over the seasons and every hour of the day. They were the guardian goddesses of Nature and rain: Eunomia (order). Dike (justice), Carpo (fruit), and Irene/Eirene (peace).
Themes: Time; Cycles;Law; Justice; Peace; Protection of the Young
Symbols: Clocks; Hourglasses; Egg Timers

Hosia

The Greek goddess who created all sacred rituals and ceremonies.
Themes: Cleansing; offering; Forgiveness; Magick
Symbols: Ritual Tools

I

Iambe

Imambe means "speech," indicating this goddess's intimate connection with the art of communication. In Greek stories, Iambe always had a witty (and sometimes stirical) comeback. This may be why she was credited with creating the writer's bane of iambic pentameter verse (a metered vers with two distinct accents). In mythology, Iambe used this form of poetry to cheer up Demeter, with tremendous success.
Themes: Communication; Creativity; art; Humor; Playfulness
Symbols: Paired Items

Irene

Irene is Zeus's daughter and one of three Horae who together preside over matters of peace, order, and justice. They guarded the gates of Mount Olympus to ensure that all who passed had good-intentioned hearts. Offerings to Irene were always bloodless, in honor of her amicable energy.
Themes: Peace; Cooperation; Reconciliation
Symbols: A Peace Sign; White; Gates and Entryways

Iris

Rainbow Goddess; Hera's maid; messenger to the gods traverses between the earth and heavens, appearing as a winged maiden on a shining, hopeful rainbow. In this form she represents the calm after the storm--the end of the year's activities and the advent of a new geginning. Her sacred place was Delos where traditional offerings to her included figs, cakes, wheat, and honey. In some stories it was Iris's job to gather water from the underworld for use in taking sacred oaths. Now, she carries the telepathic communications between the gods and humans.
Themes: Winter; Peace; Protection; Air; Mediation; Promises; Beginnings
Symbols: Rainbow; Water

J

K

Kore/Kore-Persephone

See Persephone.

Kybele

See Cybele.

L

Lachesis

See Moerae/Moirai/The Fates

M

Megaera

See Erinyes.

Melpomene

See Muses.

Mene

See Selene.

Mirianna

See Aphrodite.

Moerae/Moirai/The Fates

Three deities who decided the destiny of each individual. Clothos spun the thread of life, Lachesis measured it out, and Atropos cut it. Lachesis often added good luck which could change the destiny spun by Clothos. Nemesis could intercede with Attopos to allow a longer life. Often accompanied by the Deres (Dogs of Hades), who were three beings with sharp teeth and robed in red. Invoked at weddings for a happy union.

The Muses

Companions of Apollo; goddesses of springs, memory, and poetry. Their oldest sanctuary was at the Pieria in Thrace. There were nine: Clio (history), Euterpe (flute playing), Thaleia (comedy), Melpomene (tragedy), Terpsichore (dancing and lyric poetry), Erato (love poetry), Polyhmnia (mime), Urania (astronomy), Calliope (epic poetry). Their music was based on the seven-tone musical scale which came from the music of the seven spheres or planets. Willow wands were used to invoke the Muses.

N

Nemesis

Also called Adrateia (the inevitable). Shown with wreath on her head, and apple in her left hand and a bowl in her right. Goddess of destiny, divine anger against mortals who broke moral laws or taboos. she was a harsh, unremitting force representing acceptance of what must be. At times she would intercede with the Fate Atropos to allow longer lifespan.

Nereids

A Greek catch-all phrase for fairies, nymphs, mermaids, female Nature spirits. they were shapeshifters. Also the name of the sea nymphs of the Mediterranean; the 50 granddaughters of Pontus (sea god) and Gaea (Earth Mother). They had beautiful fair hair, no fish-tails and accompanied the chariot of Poseidon, Thetis, and Galatea.

Nike

Goddess of Victory; sister of Bia (violence), Zelos (jealousy), and Kratos (force). She was winged and carried a palm branch.

Nymphs

Female spirits of water, plants, and Earth. The Naiads were nymphs of brooks, the Crenae or Pegae (of springs, the Limnads of stagnant waters, the Oreads of grottos and mountains, the Dryads of forests and trees, the Hamadryads of specific trees, and the Napaeae, the Auloniads, the Hylaeorae, and the Alsaeids of woods and valleys. they sometimes lived within the waters, sometimes in grottos nearby. they gave the gift of prophecy and oracles, healed the sick, watched over flowers, fields, and flocks.

O

P

Pallas Athene

See Athene/Athena.

Pandora

Unlike the later associations with Pandora, this goddess's name means "all-giver" or "sender of gifts." And when the evils of the world threaten, let us not forget that Pandora's box still, and always, holds hope.
Themes; Hope; Prosperity; Wishes
Symbols: Boxes

Persephone

Corn Maiden; "Destroyer"; Queen of the Underworld. Daughter of Demeter, her name was Kore before she became the wife of Hades. Crone aspect of the Goddess, she held the keys to Elysium and Tartarus. Sacred to her were the bat, willows, grain, corn, narcissus, and the pomegranate. She was pictured carrying a cornucopia. Seldom invoked without Demeter.
Themes: Rest; Winter; The Survivor; Overcoming Obstacles
Symbols: Corn; Pomegranate

Polyhmnia

See Muses.

Q

R

Rhea

Cretan Universal Mother or Great Goddess; Supreme Queen of Heaven; Great Goddess; the Mother. Goddess of plant life and fertility; inventor of the arts and magick.

S

Selene/Mene

The second aspect of the Moon; daughter of Hyperion and Theia; Sister of Helios and Eos; Moon Goddess; the Moon as lover and bride. She was pictured as a beautiful woman with a gold crown. Great importance in magick, spells, enchantments.

Semele

In Greek mythology, Semele is a young earth goddess who, in mortal form, gave birth to the ever-exuberant party animal Dionysus (the god of wine). Semele's name translates as "land," giving her additional associations with fertility and grounding. She became a goddess after insisting on seeing Zeus (Dionysus' father) in his full glory. This killed Semele, but Zeus rescued her from Hades and made her a goddess.
Themes: Fertility; Grounding; Joy; Playfulness; Pleasure; Youthfulness
Symbols: Wine or Grape Juice; Soil

T

Terpsichore

See Muses.

Thaleia

See Muses.

Thalia

See Charities/Graces.

Themis

Titaness daughter of Uranus and Gaea; mother of Atlas and Prometheus; mother of Zeus of the Horae and the Moerae. Zeus's advisor and respected by all the Olympians. Her temple was in the citadel of Athens, and she carried a pair of scales. she was another form of the Earth Mother, personifying law and order. Her festival was near the end of September. She protected the innocent and punished the guilty.
Themes: Justice; Equity; Reason; Morality; Organization; Foresight; Karma; Truth
Symbols: Balanced Items; Scales

Trisiphone

See Erinyes/Eumenides.

U

Urania

See Muses.

V

W

X

Y

Z

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