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Amaterasu; The Illuminating Shinto Goddess of The Sun, Creation, and The Higher Celestial Plane

Amaterasu is the primary deity of the Shinto religion in Japanese mythology, revered as the goddess of the sun, universe, and creation itself, and considered the highest manifestation of the spirit of the universe. As the source of all light, life, and creation, the sun goddess sustains heaven and earth with a light so compelling that her father appointed her ruler of the universe when he first laid eyes on her. 

As the embodiment of the sun, she assimilates all of its qualities and provides comfort and assurance to all those who look to her for guidance and protection. Having served as the mother of the imperial family she is revered as the goddess of the state, and is both nurturing and maternal.

 Born from the drops of water that fell from his face, Amaterasu is deeply connected to mirrors, which are seen as sacred objects that contain a sliver of her spirit. Her blessings permeate many aspects of Japanese life, from protecting warriors in battle to ensuring bountiful harvests. Revered throughout history, even the imperial family claims descent from Amaterasu. Her benevolent light continues to guide the Japanese people through dark times. Let me shine her illuminating light for you to see and learn all that her rays touch and influence in your life!

Who is Amaterasu?

She has a shimmering aura that spreads across the skies and touches all corners of the world. Amaterasu signifies a new day with hope, energy, and growth. From the moment of her creation Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess of Japanese mythology, was said to be so radiant that she illuminated both heaven and earth. Goddess Amaterasu is the Goddess of the Sun worshiped in Japan. 

Possessing the rising sun as a symbol, every morning she is greeted by the people through prayers. Amaterasu is one of the main Goddesses of Shinto. In Shinto it is common for Goddesses and Gods to be called “Kami”, therefore it is common to see the name Amaterasu-ōmikami which means something close to “Great” Kami that illuminates the heavens.”

Goddess Amaterasu is described as a radiant and kind Goddess who brings light, joy, and prosperity to her people. Her femininity and nurturance blend with her forceful solar nature. Her influence extends beyond physical aspects; she is linked to enlightenment, wisdom, and artistic inspiration.  She is also credited with first using silkworms and looms for weaving.

She is the daughter of the divine creators of the world, Izanami and Izanagi, and she has two brothers: Tsukuyomi, the God of the Moon, and Susanoo, the God of Storms and seas. It was written that Amaterasu had painted the landscape with her siblings to create ancient Japan.

Amaterasu, Japan’s sun goddess of legend, is known for her powerful and benevolent ways. One story tells of her brother’s misdeeds causing her to retreat into a cave, and the other gods’ plan to coax her out again, resulting in the birth of dance and music which we will talk about later.

The radiant god is believed to be the ancestor of Japan’s imperial family, and her divine power is said to have been passed down through generations. She is associated with Shintoism, Japan’s native religion, with sunlight representing purity and enlightenment. 

A sacred mirror reflects her true form and is venerated in Shinto shrines throughout Japan. It symbolizes truth and self-reflection, encouraging us to embrace our own radiance and divinity. Amaterasu has played a fundamental role in Japan’s culture, from ancient times to today. Her influence runs deep, becoming part of the country’s collective identity.

What does she look like?

Amaterasu is a revered deity known for her ethereal beauty and enchanting presence. Often depicted as graceful, the sun goddess has long, lustrous black hair, radiant skin, and bright eyes. Her attire consists of flowing kimonos crafted from the finest silks and satins. Such richly detailed depictions of the goddess have helped to cement her place as one of the most beloved and celebrated figures in Japanese folklore and culture.

Ruler of the higher celestial plane

Amaterasu is also known for her role as the ruler of the Higher Celestial Plane. In this realm, she was responsible for bringing light to the world through the sun that she embodied. Amaterasu is the rising and setting sun: without her, all forms of life would cease to exist. As ruler of the heavens, she governs over all spirits (kami), and her divine powers brought about the cultivation of rice and wheat: she is also credited with first using silkworms and looms for weaving. Amaterasu’s role as the ruler of heaven is to ensure the continuity of life by maintaining order.

Her tie to the imperial state

The Japanese monarchy is regarded as the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world, with its roots extending all the way back to the 7th century BC. Like many other ancient monarchies, the Emperors of Japan trace their ancestry to a divine source, though it may be said that there are certain differences between the divinity of the Japanese Emperor and those of other rulers who claimed divinity.

It is said that the first emperors of Japan were direct descendants of Amaterasu. It is believed that Amaterasu sent her grandson Jimmu to Earth 3,000 years ago to be the first ruler of Japan, beginning the divine family of Japanese emperors. Even her sacred sword (Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi), her jewel (Yasakani in the Magatama) and her mirror (Yata no Kagami), the goddess’s main symbol, are still guarded to this day as Imperial Treasures.

Goddess of creation

Amaterasu is believed to be one of the oldest gods. She played an important role in creating Japan and its people. Her divine light illuminated the world and caused many phenomena. Amaterasu is the rising and setting sun: without her, all forms of life would cease to exist. As ruler of the heavens, she governs over all spirits (kami), and her divine powers brought about the cultivation of rice and wheat.

Amaterasu The spiritual guide

Amaterasu is the spiritual guide and protector of the Japanese people. Many festivals are held in her honor. She symbolizes hope, prosperity, and purity. She gets this role because of her incredibly high status as the kami of the higher celestial plane. Since this is said to be a realm she has domain over it would of course make her the spiritual guide to the people.

Amaterasu and duality

Since I am a grey witch and live in the liminal spaces every single deity I work with I look for how they can connect to duality. How do they represent the universal concept of duality that every being is meant to achieve in the universe. I feel with light deities this gets overlooked often and is much more focused on with dark deities. Amaterasu does this very well, in the fact that she is the sun that can both bring and sustain all life and it can smother it and snuff it out. If you think about it we as humans love the sun and NEED it to survive but, our bodies aren’t really made for it either. Our skin burns, we sweat, and we can only tolerate low heats of it. 

The same thing with her being a deity of  light. Light can illuminate and shine brightly to allow us to see. It can also shine so brightly It can blind us and send us off in the direction. She also does this by being the kami to embody all of the universe. How can she encompass all of the universe and she not be steeped in duality?

Amaterasu and the Divine feminine 

The myth of the Goddess Amaterasu emphasizes female power. The absence of the Goddess and the resulting aridity and darkness of the world demonstrate the importance of the woman, who must be respected, recognized and honored as a source of life and energy. You also see her importance with the divine feminine in being a solar deity and her simply being a goddess. It is common across cultures especially in the west and after christianity that the sun is represented as a masculine energy with a god.

Her Association with Other Elements of Nature

Amaterasu is not only the goddess of the sun, but also holds significance in the association with other elements of nature. In Japanese mythology, she is responsible for sending forth the four winds and for creating the typhoons that are prevalent in Japan.

She is also associated with the regulation of the tides, agriculture, and rainfall. These associations with natural elements have given Amaterasu significant power in shaping the lives and culture of the Japanese people.

Mythology and stories

The birth of Amaterasu

According to the beliefs of the Shinto religion, Amaterasu is the child of Izanami and Izanagi, the two primordial gods responsible for the creation of the Japanese islands. Izanami is recognized as ‘she who invites,’ while Izanagi is known as ‘he who invites.’ Amaterasu’s birth is shrouded in myth, with multiple versions of the story found in Japanese sacred texts. The Nihon Shoki includes two versions of the tale, while the Kojiki or Furukotofum contains the most widely accepted account of her conception

The Nihon Shoki

The Nihon Shoki, or Chronicles of Japan, is a highly esteemed history book that dates back to classical Japan. As the second-oldest text in Japanese history, it is more detailed and comprehensive than its predecessor, the Kojiki. Its value to historians stems from the fact that it contains the most extensive historical records of ancient Japanese history. Along with this, it also includes a collection of myths about the origins of Japan and a genealogy of the Imperial family. 

In the Nihongi, there are two versions of the origins of Amaterasu. In the first version, the divine beings Izanagi and Izanami no Mikoto are said to have descended from heaven and created Japan’s islands, mountains, rivers, and seas. They were, however, most concerned with bringing forth the high Kami who would rule over all these lands. First, they brought forth Amaterasu Omikami, who emanated light from every horizon. In their joy, the divine parents sent the child to heaven to reign over the highest celestial plain (Takama No Hara). Following Amaterasu’s ascent to heaven, Tsukiyomi no Mikoto, the Moon Kami, came into existence and was sent to join Amaterasu as her brother and husband, Soon after, her brother Susano-O no Mikoto, the Storm Kami, was created and sent to control the seas.

In the second version of the myth found in the Nihongi, the divine progenitor is solely named Izanagi (“Amaterasu – New World Encyclopedia” 2019). In this particular narrative, Izanagi desired to create a deity worthy of governing the universe. After careful consideration, he took hold of a white-copper mirror in his left hand and created Amaterasu Omikami. Then he took another mirror of the same material in his right hand and used it to produce Tsukiyomi no Mikoto. Lastly, Izanagi turned his head and looked askance, leading to the emergence of Susano-O.

The Kojiki

The Kojiki, also known as the Furukotofumi or “Records of Ancient Matters,” is a priceless artifact that provides valuable insights into the ancient history of Japan. It was compiled during the first half of 680 C.E. at the command of Emperor Temmu and remains the oldest surviving book of its kind. 

According to the Kojiki, the final and most widely accepted version of Amaterasu’s birth involves Izanagi and Izanami creating the islands of Japan and the entire natural universe. That is until Kagu-Tsuchi’s birth. Unfortunately, upon emerging from his mother’s womb, Kagu-Tsuchi singed his mother, causing Izanami to become gravely wounded. Despite attempts to save her, Izanami ultimately succumbed to her injuries and passed away. Amid his grief, Izanagi sought to retrieve his beloved Izanami from Yomi, the underworld. With a heavy heart, he journeyed to the land of the dead and searched for her. However, upon finding her, he was devastated to discover that her flesh was decaying and covered in maggots. Despite his desperate pleas, Izanami could not leave the realm of the dead and return with him to the world above. 

Barely escaping Yomi, Izanagi went to purify himself and bathed in a nearby river, cleansing himself of any remnants of the underworld that may have clung to him. As he washed his face, something miraculous occurred. When he rinsed his left eye, a radiant figure emerged – Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun. Overcome with wonder and amazement, Izanagi continued to wash his face. Soon after, he rinsed his right eye, and then Tsukiyomi no Mikoto, the god of the moon, emerged. Finally, as he rinsed his nose, Susano-O no Mikoto, the god of storms, appeared before him. As a result of great sorrow and loss, three mighty deities emerged, each representing a distinct aspect of the natural world.

Amaterasu hides inside the Ama-no-Iwato

The main story involving Goddess Amaterasu Goddess tells when she hid in a cave due to sadness. According to Kojiki, the main book that tells the Shinto myth of creation, Susanoo caused many problems and, for that reason, he was expelled from the skies. The main problem he caused greatly upset Amaterasu, let me tell it below.

There was a long-standing rivalry between Amaterasu and her other brother, Susanoo. When he was to leave Heaven by order of Izanagi, he went to bid his sister goodbye. Amaterasu was suspicious, but when Susanoo proposed a challenge to prove his sincerity, she accepted. Each of them took an object of the other’s and from it birthed gods and goddesses. Amaterasu birthed three women from Susanoo’s sword while he birthed five men from her necklace. Claiming the gods were hers because they were born of her necklace, she decided that she had won the challenge. 

The two were content for a time, but her brother became restless and went on a rampage, destroying Amaterasu’s rice fields, hurling a flayed pony at her loom, and killing one of her attendants in a fit of rage. Amaterasu, who was in fury and grief, hid inside the Ama-no-Iwato (“heavenly rock cave”), thus effectively hiding the sun for a long period of time. The world, without the illumination of the sun, became dark.

The fields begin to die, the vegetation does not grow anymore, the cold takes over everything. Not even the Gods can reverse the situation. No one can persuade Amaterasu to leave the cave. Fearing eternal darkness, the God of Wisdom Omoikane has a great idea. The Gods organized a party at the entrance of the cave. A mirror was raised so Amaterasu could see her own reflection. 

Goddess Uzume began to dance. She was so happy dancing that she ended up losing her clothes, exposing her breasts. She then says that the Gods have found another Goddess as beautiful and radiant as Amaterasu. Then she recites the verses: 

Hito futa miyo. Itsu muyu nana. Ya koko no tari. Momo chi yorodzu. Which means: Gods, look at the entrance to the cave. The Majesty appears! Rejoice! Our hearts are happy. Look at my breasts and my limbs.

Listening to the noise and laughter of the other gods, Amaterasu decides to spy out of the cave. Seeing her image reflected in the mirror, and dazzled by her own beauty, Amaterasu emerges from the cave. She was received with songs of praise and let herself be carried back to her golden palace, illuminating the world again. This story is also thought to be the birth of dance and music.

Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi: The legend of night and day

Another important story involving the Goddess Amaterasu is found in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). Tlegend begins with Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu serving as the deities of heaven as husband and wife. One day, Uke Mochi, the goddess of food, invited Amaterasu over for a feast: not being able to go, Amaterasu sent Tsukuyomi instead.

Tsukuyomi meets Ukemochi and she prepares a banquet for him, creating all her food through her mouth. Tsukuyomi finds everything very disgusting and kills Ukemochi, leaving Amaterasu deeply saddened. Since then, Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi are no longer together.After their separation, the sun goddess Amaterasu and the moon god Tsukuyomi took control of the sky separately, one illuminating the day while the other cast a soft glow over the night.

Festivals And Rituals

A leading figure in Japanese spiritual and cultural traditions, Amaterasu’s legacy endures to this day. Many devotees seek blessings and guidance from the Goddess through many shrines and temples across Japan. 

The Grand Shrine of Ise is the most prominent shrine dedicated to Amaterasu in Ise, Mie, in western Honshū. The shrine is believed to enshrine the body of Amaterasu, and it is considered the holiest site for Shintoists. It is customary to rebuild the Inner Shrine at Isé every twenty years as per Shinto tradition, ensuring that it remains pure and new. Visitors worship outside the southern gate, while only priests and members of the imperial family can enter the innermost sanctum. It is customary for Shinto believers to make a pilgrimage to the shrine at least once in their lifetime.

There are also other significant shrines that worship Amaterasu, such as the Amanoiwato Shrine and the Atsuta Shrine.The Amanoiwato Shrine is located in the cave where Amaterasu famously hid during the story of her retreat, while the Atsuta Shrine is believed to house the sword that was passed down from Amaterasu’s grandson, Ninigi.

Amaterasu’s importance to Japanese history is evident in the imperial regalia of Japan, which have been passed down from her grandson Ninigi. These three artifacts – a mirror, a sword, and a jewel – are believed to be the symbols of the Japanese imperial family and their rule.

The mirror is said to represent wisdom, the sword bravery, and the jewel benevolence. The regalia are kept in the Tokyo Imperial Palace and only brought out for coronations and other important rituals.

In Japan, there are annual street processions to honor Amaterasu on July 17th and a winter solstice celebration on December 21st: commemorating Amaterasu’s emerging from the cave, bringing light and warmth back into the world.

Correspondences

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use.

  • Planet- The sun, Higher celestial plane, the universe
  • Animal-The raven and white wolf, horses, snakes, sometimes kitsunes but most often they are connected to Inari okami
  • Element- Fire, but she is uniquely connected to all elements
  • Sex- Feminine
  • Symbol- Sun, Rooster, Crow, Pheasant, Raven, Mirror, Sword, infinity symbol
  • colors- Yellow, Gold, Orange, Red
  • Themes- sun, higher celestial plane, the universe, queen of the kami, light, the imperial family, The nation of japan, joy, happiness, laughter, dance, vitality, energy, protection, wisdom, strength, nourishment, purity, health, abundance, radiation, unity, blessings, community, and kinship.
  • Chakra-Solar plexus, Crown chakra, root chakra
  • Herbs-Heliotrope, Sandalwood, Rose, Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot, rice, chamomile, marigold, carnation, sunflower, juniper, chrysanthemum, Sakura cherry tree
  • Stones/ crystals- Sunstone, Gold, Danburite, Citrine, Tigers Eye, Yellow Jasper, amber, carnelian, Rose Quartz
  • Metal- gold

Why work with Amaterasu?

This beautiful Goddess will bring the joy back to your life. Helping you find joy in all aspects of your life, helping you to laugh and have fun. She will help you relax and enjoy the little things in life and just be in the moment. Call on her when you are feeling overwhelmed and worried or feeling down and she will bring some spark back into you. Helping you see the bright side of things and to give you a powerful boost of shining light, shining joy and lots of laughter!

Ways to work with Amaterasu

Everyone’s relationship with deities is different and we all work with and believe in them differently. You might believe in multiple gods and goddesses and work with them each as though they are close, personal friends. Or maybe you believe the old gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from. However you incorporate deities in your practice is up to you. But here are our ideas to get you started. To work with Amaterasu, it’s important to approach her with respect, reverence, gratitude and by building a relationship with her.

Study, get to know her

As with every deity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know a deity, specifically a goddess like Amaterasu is to study all you can about her. Read more about the myths we went over above, learn about the other kami connected to her, look at the brilliant art she is the centerpiece of throughout centuries, study the culture and religion she is central to;Japan and shintoism. When working with a deity it is all about building a true relationship with them and you do this first by getting to know who they are.

Create a Kamindana in your home to connect to and honor her

To add her to your home and to create a sacred space to go and meet with her you can create a kamidana dedicated to her. A kamidana is a miniature Shinto shrine designed for home worship. It is very similar to having an altar dedicated to any of the deities I have talked about before. You can learn how to create a kamidana to add to your home for her in my previous blog post here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/shintoism-the-way-of-the-kami/

Offerings

Everyone likes receiving presents. Amaterasu is no different, especially since she is such a revered deity and so central to every part of Japanese life and culture.  You don’t have to give her offerings every day, but when you feel it is appropriate. You can place these offerings at your kamidana or when performing any work to connect to her like meditation, prayer, and visualization.

The best offerings for Amaterasu include:

  • Rice crackers
  •  cooked rice dyed with saffron
  •  paper origami figures
  • Grain or rice as an offering, inside a brass or gold offering dish/bowl 
  • A magick mirror dedicated to Amaterasu
  • Sandalwood oil
  • A special cloth, like silk

Greet her at sunrise

Amaterasu is everywhere through the sunlight. Even on cloudy days, she graced the earth with her warmth and kindness. There is no need to summon a Goddess who is already so present among us, but it is common to greet her at sunrise and reflect her light with a mirror through the rooms of the house letting her enter the rooms to bring peace, energy and life. Otherwise your greeting can be as simple as giving a respectful bow and clapping. How to do this; at first, bow twice to greet the kami. Then clap twice, and make a pray with your both hands together. At last, bow again to show gratitude towards the deity.

Mirror Guidance 

Another way of summoning the Goddess can be done at times when you wish advice from the Goddess. For being the Goddess of the Sun, Amaterasu can light up your mind and overshadow illusions that may be blocking your path. To do this ritual, first, take a mirror. It can be any mirror you have in your home or a mirror that you want to use especially for these occasions. Bow before the mirror, greeting the Goddess as the Japanese do. Then look into your own eyes and call Amaterasu eight times, the number of infinity. Concentrate and listen to the words of the Goddess.

To learn how to work with mirrors more in your life to connect to here you can watch my previous class all about mirror magic below!

Sunbathing

Obviously Amaterasu is a solar goddess and therefore she enjoys warmth, sunlight, and hot climates. So why not get out in the sun and do a little sunbathing? It feels great, gives you energy, and allows you to soak up the magical energy the sun has to offer us humans as the vital energy of our existence.

Perform solar magic

Like we just talked about, Amaterasu  is a solar goddess so a very obvious way to connect to and work with her would be performing and working with any kind of solar magic. There are so many different ways to work with solar magic and the sun from meditating under its bright rays, making sun water, drawing down the sun and more. To learn all about solar magic and connecting to the sun and how to do so you can read about it here in my previous blog post; https://modgepodgemystic.com/solar-magic-a-guide-to-harness-the-bright-vibrant-and-confident-magical-energy-of-the-sun/

Call on her for abundance

Since, Amaterasu is the deity of the sun, and the reason we have all sustenance to survive and thrive as humans she is amazing to work with for abundance! Call on her when doing any abundance spells, working or rituals for a more boosted and amplified affect. To learn how to work with the energy of abundance you can read all about it in my guide here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/all-about-the-magic-of-abundance-prosperity-and-good-fortune/

Meditation, visualization and Dream work

One of the best ways to channel divine energy and tap into goddesses like Amaterasu  is through meditation, visualization and dreaming.  These practices allow you to open up and receive/ connect to divine energy in a very intuitive, clear, and transformative way.  You will find a plethora of guided meditations on YouTube that will lead you to your spirit guide or god/goddess.. Try those if you have a hard time meditating on your own. I have many classes on youtube as well on previous deities you can watch where I even summon and guide you to them in sacred space. In addition, ask Amaterasu to visit you in your dreams and teach you lessons that you currently need to learn. Then record every encounter with her in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire.

Meditation to connect with Amaterasu Omikami

Light some incense, maybe a candle and close your eyes.  Take three deep breaths, relaxing your whole body. Hold your intention in connecting to Amaterasu Omikami. You could say this in your head three times, ‘My intention is to connect with Amaterasu Omikami.’

Imagine you are in the middle of a field and its just before dawn. There is high grass around you with meadow flowers. Light is starting to show on the horizon and you can see that far off in the distance there are trees. You sit down and watch the light get stronger and then the sun starts to rise. You say Amaterasu Omikami I wish to connect with you, please connect. The sun then rises high in the sky and shines down on you with so much light and warmth. You hear a voice ‘I am Amaterasu Omikami. You are my shining light just as I am yours. I will help you to balance your energies and bring you joy. You can call on me when ever you need, for I am a Mother to you and I will help you and comfort you.’ You then talk to Amaterasu Omikami.

When you have finished your conversation with Amaterasu Omikami, you thank her and know you can contact her any time. The sun sets and the day turns to night. When you are ready, take three deep breaths and come back to the room.

Write down your experience. What was Amaterasu Omikami like? What message did she have for you? Did she answer your questions? What did she look like? What was the gift she gave you?

Prayers

One very powerful way to connect to a deity is through prayer. It is common in Japan for Devotees to utter heartfelt prayers to Amaterasu to receive her bountiful blessings of prosperity, health, and guidance.

“I honor you, Amaterasu. I ask you to turn your light upon me. I honor you with this piece of silk (or jewelry) and ask that it become a talisman of power. Goddess of the sun, bless me.”

The most well known prayer to Amaterasu no Omikoto. It goes like this:

Lovely Lady of the Heaven’s
Goddess and Guardian of the Japan People.
Amaterasu, with Awe we see your beauty Rise.Tranquil Queen of Heaven
When I look up to the Royal Sky
I see thee Shining in Great Glory. behind a screen of Clouds, The Sun
Amaterasu, For Thousands of ages Your Children have served you.
As your Brillant light did shine,
Now in their Hour of Greatest Need,
We ask you to shine the full measure of your blessing on your children,
May it shine from each Bosom, and Shrine. May it shine from each home, and each field. May it shine forth from each child you touch. Amaterasu, may the children of your children remember this moment with Awe, and sing your name with great Praise. Let them look heavenward and sing For Thousands of ages may she shine.
For Thousands of ages may we serve her. May we serve her with reverence.May we serve her with Love

Move your body through Dance

Amaterasu is a solar deity, and the kami of the entire universe which makes her a very vital goddess. What better way to connect to vitality than by getting up and moving our bodies? To connect to her more directly, do this through dancing to honor one of the popular myths which credit the birth of dance and music in Japan to her. 

Light work and Energy work

Since Amaterasu is a solar deity, a light deity, and the kami of the universe and higher celestial plane she is one of the best goddesses to call on when working with your own energy, the energy of the environment around you, and the universe as whole. She has the ability to guide you to your higher self, your sacred contracts and the divine in a very intense and illuminating way. Unlike when working with a dark goddess and being shown your shadows she illuminates the brightest and best part of yourselves that may shine too brightly for you to always see. To learn more about how to do energy work you can learn about in my previous blogpost here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-basics-of-life-and-magic-energy/

Pilgrimages

Followers embark on pilgrimages to sacred sites associated with the goddess, such as Ise Grand Shrine. These journeys symbolize strong devotion and spiritual unity with Amaterasu. So, if at all realistically possible try and do this at some point in your life to connect to her in a deep way.I have yet to experience this one but, it is a goal of mine to one day do!

Sacred Objects

 Worshippers create ornate talismans, known as omamori, that are said to possess Amaterasu’s divine presence. These talismans bring protection and good luck to their owners.

Live in accordance to the practices of shintoism

Amaterasu is the central figure to shintoism, and Japanese culture. So, one of the best ways to connect to her and honor her would be by encompassing the principles and affirmations of that belief system. To learn more about how to do that you can read my previous blog post on it here; https://modgepodgemystic.com/shintoism-the-way-of-the-kami/

Conclusion

Amaterasu has been a revered guiding force since her arrival into this world. Even after thousands of years, she continues to shine as a symbol of hope and inspiration for those who believe in her divine presence. Call on her when you are feeling overwhelmed and worried or feeling down and she will bring some spark back into you. Helping you see the bright side of things and to give you a powerful boost of shining light, shining joy and lots of laughter! Allow her to guide you to higher celestial plane and shine her illuminating rays on all that you are and provide you with all that you need! 

To expand your knowledge about her and meet her in a guided session or if you learn better through listening instead of reading. You can watch my free class with Divination Academy on youtube below!

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Pan; The shepherding Greek God of the untamed wilderness

Pan, the horned – and horny – furry little half man half goat god of Greek mythology speaks to such basic instincts and has so many names and attributes that he is probably one of the most ancient Greek gods – perhaps even predating Greek religion as we think of it. This is due the fact that even though Pan isn’t one of the great Greek gods, references to him are more common than references to any other character in Greek mythology.

Part man and part goat, Pan was the Greek god who was patron of shepherds and hunters, who watched their flocks. Pan was the Greek god of nature and the untamed wilderness. PAN was the god of the meadows and forests of the mountain wilds. His unseen presence aroused panic in those who traversed his realm. He was even thought to be the cause of the musical sound of the wind through the trees. He was Associated with music, fertility, and spring. In ancient Greek art, he was often depicted as a horned man with the legs of a goat; he was the chief of the satyrs, who were similar in appearance and character to Pan.

Pan, ruled over nature and pasturelands. Pan is essentially the father of the wild things. 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 has come to represent the unstoppable power of nature throughout the ages and still today. Let’s journey into the dark, unseen parts of the forest and meet the musical, lustful, primal hunting spirit,  the patron deity of shepherds and greek  god of the wilderness; Pan!

Who is Pan?

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 and rural areas, far from the populated city centers. Communities were modest and he didn’t have any large temples built to worship him. Rather, worship centered in nature, often in caves or grottos. He ruled over shepherds, hunters and rustic music and was the patron god of Arcadia. Pan was often in the company of the wood nymphs and other deities of the forest.

In literature and art, Pan was commonly represented as a carefree and easygoing god (as long as his midday siestas were not disturbed). He spent his days hunting, dancing, or playing his beloved pipes. Pan was known above all for his insatiable lust and for pursuing beautiful nymphs throughout the woodlands and mountains—though these chases tended to end in frustration, with the objects of his desires fleeing him or changing their shape.

It is possible that Pan was once a far more powerful and all-encompassing figure in Greek mythology. In some of the less common myths, he had the powers of a sea god and had the epithet Haliplanktos. He was also a god of oracles and a healer of epidemics through the cures that are revealed in dreams

A representation of nature in all its wild strength, the god Pan has always been seen as the generating force in male form and is still recognized today by the Wiccan religion as the beneficial father, as opposed to the Goddess, the Earth, Gaea, who is the primary force.

As a fertilizer, he had a great sexual connotation from the beginning, which together with his repellent aspect have made him the symbol of male supremacy.

History and worship

Though there is no evidence of Pan’s mythology prior to 500 BCE, it is likely that he was known in some form—at least in his native Arcadia—from a very early period, perhaps even as early as the Bronze Age. Pan may have emerged as a deity of the Mycenaean period (ca. 1600–1050 BCE) named “Aegipan” (Αἰγίπαν/Aigípan), a kind of goat god of shepherds. Pan’s origins may also be connected with the early Indian god Pushan, whose name is cognate with his.

But, Pan was most commonly worshiped in Arcadia, although a number of cults were dedicated to him in Athens and other major Greek centers by the fifth century B.C.E. The Roman counterpart to Pan is Faunus, another nature spirit.

Ancient Arcadia, a mountainous area in central Peloponnessus. The majority of Greeks disdained Arcadia and its inhabitants, as the society was far removed from Classical Greece, with a pastoral economy and rudimentary political system. Furthermore, the mountain dwelling Arcadians themselves were considered somewhat backwards and primitive. Thus, the fact that they held a figure of the wilderness in such high regard is not surprising.

Worship of Pan began in Arcadia and remained the principal area of his worship. Pan was considered Lord of Arcadia and guardian of its sanctuaries. One enclosure dedicated to Pan stood on Mount Lycaeus and functioned as a sanctuary for animals that were stalked by the wolf, consistent with the idea that Pan protected all creatures. His ability to bestow sterility or fertility upon domesticated animals gave him particular significance in the worship of Arcadian hunters and shepherds. In fact, Theocritus notes that if Arcadian hunters or shepherds had been disappointed in the chase or with the sterility of their animals, respectively, they would undertake a rite in which the statue of Pan was whipped and scourged in hopes of calling back the god from inactivity.Arcadians believed that Pan was the keeper of the mountainous lands in which he lead his own flocks, and also considered such places to be his sanctuaries.

It was not until the fifth century B.C.E. that a cult of Pan began to develop in Athens, shaping the image of the god into that which is most recognizable today. According to Herodotus’s account, Pan was declared an official deity in the city after appearing to the messenger Phillippides on an assignment that took him to Arcadia before the battle of Marathon. Pan questioned Phillippides as to why the Athenians had not yet dedicated a cult to him, despite all his benevolence. After the battle, Athenians remembered this epiphany, and consecrated a grotto on the northwest slope of the Acropolis to Pan. In contrast to his consistently exalted position in Arcadia, Pan went on to lose his status as a major god in the major centers of Greece, assuming a marginal position in the pantheon when compared to more prominent deities such as the Olympians. However, Pan’s symbolic value was greatly enriched during this period. Rituals involving the god were no longer confined to the pastoral sphere, and his myth and iconography began to spread throughout other major Greek centers such as Attica, Boeotia, and Delphi.

Festivals and Holidays

Some festivals of Pan were documented in antiquity. In Athens, for example, Pan was honored annually with sacrifices and a torch race. But he was most often worshipped in an individual, private capacity. Shepherds would sacrifice kids (i.e., young goats) in his honor, as well as other animals. They would also dedicate statuettes and other votive offerings (vases, lamps, and so on) at the shrines of Pan.

Some rituals connected with Pan were more surprising or strange. On the island of Psyttalea near Attica, Pan was regarded as the patron god of Athenian fishermen.  In Arcadia, young men would ceremonially beat a statue of Pan after unsuccessful hunts.

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. He is also depicted as having the hindquarters, legs, and horns of a goat, with the upper body and hands of a human male, resembling a faun. 

However, he is also often depicted with horns on his head, and his face is usually unattractive. He often holds either a shepherd’s crook, used for hunting small game, or else a syrinx, a flute-like instrument also known as the panpipe. With the advent of Christianity, his hooves, thick beard, tail, and horns were often associated with Satan.

Pan’s Lineage

The parentage of Pan is unclear, I mean I found 14 different versions of it. He is most commonly considered to be the son of Hermes and a nymph, either Dryopeor Penelope. He has been variously considered a son of Zeus, Apollo, Cronus, Uranus, Odysseseus, Antinoos, or Amphinomos. 

The story of his birth in the homeric hymn 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, especially Dionysus. 

In other versions, Pan was raised by nymphs, spirits of nature, whose life force are attached to things such as trees, rivers, and plants. Pan was welcomed into the divine pantheon by all the gods.

Despite suggestions that Pan was the son of an Olympian god, he often appears in some myths to be older than the Olympians. For instance, this is implied in the story which explains that it was Pan who gave Artemis her hunting dogs.

Pan’s name

In the classical age the Greeks associated his name with the word pan meaning “all”. However its true origin lay in an old Arcadian word for rustic.

Pan Powers And Symbols

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.

As the god of nature, shepherds, and flocks, Pan had dominion over the pastoral realms. He could instill fear, navigate through forests without a trace, and had a mesmerizing musical talent, especially with his flute, which could soothe, enchant, or terrify listeners.

The symbols associated with Pan provide insights into his roles and attributes. The Pan flute, made from reeds, is a testament to his love for Syrinx and his musical prowess. His goat features, especially his horns and legs, connect him to the wild and untamed aspects of nature. Additionally, the pinecone is often linked to him, symbolizing fertility and the natural cycle of life.

Pan Roles And Responsibilities

In the vast pantheon of Greek gods, Pan held a unique position. As the god of shepherds and flocks, he was the protector of pastoral lands and livestock. Shepherds often prayed to him for the well-being of their animals. His role wasn’t limited to the pastures; as the god of nature, he was the guardian of forests, mountains, and meadows.

Pan’s music had the power to inspire, soothe, or terrify. His melodies on the Pan flute could bring about harmony or chaos, reflecting the dual nature of the wild. Additionally, his ability to instill “panic” made him a formidable force during times of war, where his mere presence could scatter enemies in terror.

Lastly, Pan’s association with fertility made him a deity invoked during various agricultural festivals. His blessings were sought to ensure bountiful harvests and the prosperity of the land.

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 of the famous myths of Pan describes the origin of his trademark pan flute. It begins with Pan experiencing immense feelings of love for Syrinx, a beautiful nymph who, as a follower of Artemis, maintained a strict vow of chastity. Though she scorned them all, Syrinx was nonetheless beloved by the satyrs and other wood dwellers. As she was returning from the hunt one day, Pan ambushed her. She ran away without pausing to hear his flattery, and he pursued her from Mount Lycaeum until she came upon the bank of the River Ladon. Here he overtook her. Desperate, Syrinx called upon the river nymphs for help, and just as Pan laid hands on her, she was transformed into the river reeds. When the air blew through the reeds, it produced a plaintive melody. Pan took these reeds to fashion an instrument that he dubbed the syrinx in honor of his lost love.

On another occasion, Pan had the audacity to compare his music with that of Apollo, the sun god who was a formidable player of the lyre. He then proceeded to challenge Apollo to a trial of skill. Tmolus, the mountain god, was chosen to umpire the competition. Pan blew on his pipes, and with his rustic melody gave great satisfaction to both himself and his faithful follower, Midas, who happened to be present at the time. Then Apollo struck the strings of his lyre. Tmolus at once awarded the victory to Apollo and everyone in attendance save Midas agreed with the judgment. Midas dissented and questioned the merit of the award. Apollo would not tolerate such an insipid listener any longer, and turned Midas’ ears into those of a donkey.

Another musically-inclined myth involving Pan tells the story of Echo, a nymph who was a great singer and dancer. She also scorned the love of any man. This angered Pan, and he promptly instructed his followers to kill her, which they did, tearing the nymph to pieces which scattered all over the earth. The goddess of the earth, Gaia, received these pieces of Echo, whose voice remained, repeating the last words of others. In some versions, Echo and Pan conceive a daughter before Echo is destroyed: this child has been identified as either Iambe, the goddess of verse, or Inyx, a girl in the form of a bird.

Pan and Duality

Pan and the natural habitat in which he was said to live became a metaphor for the pastoral as it exists in contrast to the urban. Pan’s dual nature as both divine and animal plays upon the tenuous balanced between disorder and harmony, the primal and the cultivated. He represents in his literal form the blending of our animal side, our connection to nature, and our primal wild instincts and the divine, spiritual connection, and our humanity.

Pan and sexuality

Pan is famous for his unfettered sexuality, and is often depicted with an erect phallus. This rampant desire prompted him to do much philandering, plying his charms primarily on maidens and shepherds, such as Daphnis, a Sicilian nymph with whom he consorted, and later taught to play the panpipe. However, Pan was rarely successful in his courting. Just as he was avoided by Syrinx, so too was he abhorred by a nymph named Pitys, whom he stalked untiringly. She escaped his pursuit only when the gods turned her into a pine tree.

Though Pan failed with Syrinx and Pitys, he was not so unfortunate with the Maenads, making love to each of them. It is also said that Pan enticed the moon goddess Selene. Pan accomplished this feat by wrapping himself in a sheepskin to hide his hairy black goat form, and drew Selene down from the sky into the forest where he seduced her.

Pan’s Lovers And Relationships

Pan, the god of the wild, was not only known for his rustic nature and musical prowess but also for his numerous romantic escapades. His relationships with various nymphs and deities are woven into the fabric of Greek mythology, each tale more intriguing than the last.

Syrinx

One of the most famous myths associated with Pan involves the beautiful wood-nymph Syrinx of Arcadia, daughter of the river-god Ladon. As Syrinx returned from a hunt, Pan, smitten by her beauty, pursued her. To escape his advances, she ran until she reached her sisters, who transformed her into a reed. When the wind blew through these reeds, it produced a haunting melody. Unable to find the specific reed that was Syrinx, Pan fashioned an instrument from several reeds, creating the pan flute, which he named in honor of his beloved.

Echo

Echo, another nymph, also caught the attention of Pan. However, when she scorned his love, he, in a fit of rage, ordered his followers to tear her apart. Yet, even in death, her voice lived on, forever echoing in the mountains, giving birth to the phenomenon we now know as an echo.

Pitys

Pitys too was an object of Pan’s affection. The tales say that to escape his advances, she was transformed into a pine tree.

Selene

There’s also a legend that suggests Pan seduced the moon goddess Selene. He did so by covering himself with a sheep’s fleece, deceiving her with its softness.

These tales not only highlight Pan’s romantic pursuits but also shed light on his persistent nature and the lengths he would go to for love. Whether it was crafting an instrument in memory of a lost love or disguising himself to woo a goddess, Pan’s escapades are a testament to the complexities of love and desire in Greek mythology.

Pan’s Offspring

Pan’s escapades not only involved various lovers but also resulted in the birth of several offspring, each with their own unique tales and significance in Greek mythology.

Silenus

Silenus, often depicted as a jovial and rotund individual, was one of Pan’s most notable children. He was a companion and tutor to the wine god Dionysus. Known for his wisdom, Silenus possessed knowledge of the past, present, and future. However, extracting this knowledge was a challenge, as he was often found intoxicated and had to be coaxed or even forced to share his insights.

Iynx

Iynx was a daughter of Pan and Echo. She was transformed into a bird, often identified as a wryneck, and became associated with magical spells that stirred up desire. The “iynx wheel,” a charm used to invoke passionate love, was named after her.

Krotos

Krotos was a unique creature, part man and part horse, known for his exceptional skill in archery and his love for music. He lived among the Muses and is credited with the invention of rhythmic applause – the act of clapping hands to appreciate music. His musical talents and contributions were so significant that the Muses requested Zeus to place him among the stars, leading to the creation of the constellation Sagittarius.

Xanthus

Xanthus was one of the twelve offspring of Pan, though specific tales about him are less prevalent. His name, which means “golden” or “fair,” suggests a radiant or beautiful being, but details about his role or significance in myths remain elusive.

Pan’s offspring, like their father, played diverse roles in Greek myths, from imparting wisdom to influencing love and music. Their tales further emphasize the vast and varied influence of Pan in the tapestry of Greek mythology.

Pan and the nymphs

Nymphs have always been associated with Pan and his satyrs, primordial creatures, spirits of nature themselves, which were generated by it. Beautiful girls, also custodians of a strong sexual charge, to the point that the word nymphomaniac derives from their name.

The nymphs and satyrs have always mated in the thick of the forests, under the branches of thousand-year-old oaks, in an ancient sexual game. That was the primary occupation of such creatures, beings created by nature itself and dominated by it.

Generate. Generate life, crops, every plant species, herds, and wild animals. Protectors of the woods and fields, they led a simple and bucolic life, played their flutes, slept in the shade of old trees, tasted all the pleasures of sex.

Christianity changed everything, assimilated the old religions by adapting them, and since there was no place for them in Heaven, they were thrown into Hell. Pan became Satan, and his satyrs the devils. The lascivious nymphs became wicked witches, and the pleasant amusements of satyrs and nymphs in the heart of the forest became infernal sabbaths where witches mated with goats and deformed devils. Once again, poor Pan had been betrayed by his bestial aspect.

Obviously, a religion that repressed sex and considered it the cause of all misfortune could not accept mythology that had made sex its very reason for being. It could not simply forget them and consign them to oblivion, but it was necessary to demonize them, so that they were always a warning to men. In their eyes, the very union of apparently human girls with beings of animal descent was an abomination, which they tried to erase through centuries of oppression and inquisition.

Pan and Myths of Wanderers

The Greek countryside was more than a place to tend to sheep and goats. With rugged mountains, deep caves, and hidden grottoes it was a favorite place for those looking to hide. Spending his time in that landscape, it’s not surprising that Pan features prominently in myths involving a flight into the wilderness.

In one such story, Pan encounters the goddess Demeter.

Demeter’s beloved daughter, Persephone, had been “abducted”by Hades  and made queen of the underworld. Grieving the loss of her child, Demeter had abandoned Olympus.

Wearing a black cloak of mourning, she wandered the wilderness. Eventually, she shut herself in a cave to be completely alone in her suffering. Without Demeter, though, the world began to die. Plants withered, causing a famine for humans and animals.

Knowing the mountains well, Pan set out to find the missing goddess. He eventually discovered her hiding place and reported it to Zeus. Zeus sent the Fates, who persuaded Demeter to return to her duties. To learn more about both hades and persephone you can my classes on both of them here; Dark Goddess Devotionals: Persephone and below!

In another story, Pan came across the beautiful princess Psyche.

Against the wishes of Aphrodite, Eros had fallen in love with the girl. He took her away, but made her promise never to look upon his face. When Psyche broke that promise, Eros abandoned her. She wandered the world, searching for her lost love. In her despair, Psyche considered ending her own life by throwing herself into a river. As she had this thought, Pan happened to come by.Knowing what had happened to cause her misery, Pan tried to comfort the girl. Psyche did not reply, but she did continue on her way. Eventually, she would win Aphrodite’s favor and be reunited with her husband as a goddess.

These legends did more than just tie Pan into the stories of the major gods. They reinforced his position as a companion to anyone who wandered the wilderness.

Whether someone lived a rustic life or simply found themselves lost in Arcadia’s miles of hilly wilderness, they could count on Pan to be nearby.

Pan and Dionysus

Of all the gods, Pan is most closely linked to Dionysus.The god of wine and feasting, Dionysus represented a release from the constraints of society’s rules and order. A wild god who loved music and sex, Pan was a natural companion for the god of parties.

Pan is often seen with, or conflated with, the Satyrs. These wild spirits with the tails of horses were similarly associated with wild merriment and unchecked sexuality.

The Satyrs and Pan were often the companions of the Maenads, the wild followers of Dionysus. Their worship was a wild, drunken revelry that often descended into a chaotic frenzy of sex and violence.

Pan’s son, Silenus, had served as tutor and foster-father to Dionysus. The two became virtually inseparable. Association with Dionysus was not always about parties and revels, however. Even the god of wine went to war.

The story of the Indian War of Dionysus was a later one, from after the time of Alexander the Great. In his campaigns he had introduced the Greek world to India, and the Dionysiaca was an attempt to incorporate this new land into Greek tradition.

In this epic poem, Zeus tells Dionysus that he must convince the Indians to worship the gods of Olympus if he wishes to be counted as one himself.

Dionysus sets off in a war on India. His army is composed largely of his usual followers – the wild Satyrs, Maenads, and Panes – as well as more organized troops provided by Rhea.

Dionysus and his men easily overpower the Indians and the battle is a bloodbath. He takes pity on his enemies, turning the water of a nearby lake to wine.This was the first time Indians tasted wine. When they had drunk themselves to sleep, Dionysus had them bound.

As one of his chief followers, Pan was a part of the army of Dionysus.

When the god attempted to talk to the Indian leaders, Pan was with the heralds sent. They were rudely chased away, inciting the anger that led to the great battle. When the battle was over, Pan played his flute while the Greek and Indians enjoyed the ample wine Dionysus had provided.

Pan Gave Humans the Word “Panic”

Pan also was thought to inspire panic, the paranoid fear that has the potential to reduce human beings to their most animalistic instincts, particularly when they are in lonely places. It is from the name Pan that this word derived.  

The story of Pan’s birth in which his appearance causes his mother to flee in terror serves as something of an origin myth for this variation of fear.

Another story that may be the origin of this myth involves Pan in 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. 

Pan and the Pans

Pan was sometimes multiplied into a mob of “pans,” goat-featured woodland creatures much like him; some sources even spoke of female pans. Sometimes these creatures were the offspring of Pan,while other times they were the offspring of Hermes, who in certain traditions was also the father of Pan. These pans, like Pan himself, were often represented as members of Dionysus’ entourage.

One of the pans, Aegipan, was more notable than the others; in fact, he may have been identical with Pan himself. Some of the myths involving Aegipan were also told of Pan, and both creatures were connected with the constellation Capricorn

Constellation

Pan was sometimes connected with the constellation Capricorn, which the Greeks knew as Aegocerus (meaning “goat-horned”). He was given this honor, at least in one tradition, because his advice had saved the gods when they were attacked by the monster Typhoeus. Pan suggested the gods disguise themselves as animals and hide from their terrible enemy (he followed his own advice by turning into a goat). After Zeus defeated Typhoeus, he rewarded Pan for his sage counsel by putting him in the stars as Capricorn, the celestial goat.

Pan The dead god

If you choose to  believe the Greek historian Plutarch in The Obsolescence of Oracles, Pan is the only Greek god who is dead. During the reign of Tiberius (14 C.E.–37 C.E.), the news of Pan’s death came to Thamus, a sailor on his way to Italy by way of the island of Paxi. A divine voice hailed him across the salt water, saying “Thamus, are you there? When you reach Palodes, take care to proclaim that the great god Pan is dead.” Thamus did just this, and the news was greeted from shore with much lamentation. The death of Pan upset Tiberius to such an extent that he called together a committee of philologists to find out who exactly the god was.

Other Interpretations

There were other important interpretations of the god Pan in antiquity. In philosophy, especially Stoic philosophy, Pan was seen as the embodiment of the universe—a notion that arose from the pseudo-etymological link between Pan’s name and the Greek tò pân, meaning “everything, universe.”

A similar view of Pan was adopted in Orphism, an ancient Greek religion with its own distinctive beliefs, rituals, and pantheon. In Orphism, Pan was regarded as the god of “everything.”

Why work with Pan?

Given his status as a nature deity, Pan exhibited a degree of capriciousness befitting his status. He had both benevolent and destructive sides to his personality. A person whose main credo in life was liberty, Pan was well-known for his boundless zeal and his relentless pursuit of his ambitions. The life Pan led was one of carefree abandon. Most of his time was spent frolicking through the highlands, where he herded sheep, played the pipes, sang, and danced. 

When you experience sexual desire, childlike wonder, or genuine happiness, Pan is there to help you celebrate. In the sights of any romantic or in the beating heart of anyone who accepts life as it is, flaws and all. The magical energies of Pan are those of ecstasy, oneness with nature, joy, sexuality, and stability.

Therefore, Pan teaches us to enjoy life and love to the fullest, to access that wildest part of the self. On a literal level, the Greek god Pan can teach you how to connect with nature, but on a metaphorical level (and the two often go together), Pan shows you how to find the wildness within, even if the journey may be frightening.

Pan has the ability to teach you all of this! To teach you to be more carefree to let go of control, to follow your passion and desires, and to welcome your deepest sexual desires. As one of the “old gods,” working with Pan is no walk in the park. He will show you the darkest parts of yourself, analogous to the inner forest where no light shines, but he will also show you the intrinsic beauty and power in those parts. Lastly he can help you to tap into your own personal power of who you are beyond your looks and the acceptance of others. He reminds you that neither of those things are needed to live a carefree, and wildly fun life. 

Correspondences

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be the zodiac energy the moon, an archetype energy , or for a deity like I will list below for you to use.

  • planet-Earth
  • Animal- Goat, satyr, centaur, sheep
  • Element- Earth
  • Sex- Masculine
  • Symbol- panflute, nature, nymphs, phallus, beasts, satyr, panpipe, livestock, acorns, leaves, shepherds crook, 
  • colors- greens, browns, reds, earthly tones and colors
  • Tarot- the devil
  • Themes- wilderness, fertility, the unseen, nature, sexual desire and passion, carefreeness, joy, wanderlust, rejection, music, shepherding, animals, panic, rural areas, ecstasy, grounding, 
  • Chakra-Root 
  • Herbs- musk, pine, frankincense, myrrh, patchouli, water reeds, 
  • Stones/ crystals- bloodstone, jasper, smoky quartz, amber, carnelian, black tourmaline

How to work with Pan

Everyone’s relationship with deities is different and we all work with and believe in them differently. You might believe in multiple gods and goddesses and work with them each as though they are close, personal friends. Or maybe you believe the old gods are reflections of Universal energy and simply archetype energies that you can learn a lesson from.. However you incorporate deities in your practice is up to you. But,below you find many different ways to get you started with working the god Pan.

When working with Pan remember, He can  form bonds easily, so if you’ve been looking for a loving, laid back God who certainly doesn’t mind any of your more earthy habits, He may be the God for you. Pan is also a God who seems to not go where He isn’t wanted. He can be persistent but if heartbroken you’ll never see Him again. So be gentle, He’s had it hard enough between people declaring Him dead or calling Him ugly. Pan is a very sweet-natured God and all He asks in return is love and affection.

Study Pan

As with every deity I have ever written about or taught about, The first way to get to know a deity, specifically a godlike Pan, is to dive into their history and qualities. Begin by studying the myths, verses, and incantations featuring this wild god. Read about his origin story, his connection to Hermes, Dionysius, and his connection to the nymphs. Then read about the culture from which he arose and the region his worshiped was centered around Arcadia.  Then study some more. Keep a section in your journal and/or book of shadows dedicated to Pan.

Shadow work

Just like with every other deity I have ever written or taught about shadow work is a phenomenal way to connect to and work with the god Pan.  With him being a deity of the wilderness, the unseen, sexual passion, and the duality of our animalistic side he can bring us into some of the darkest places of ourselves that we truly fear to venture into. He can open our eyes to some of our deepest wants and desires that we may not even want to admit to ourselves. He reminds us that we are primal beings connected to nature and there is no shame in honoring and connecting to that. With his story being full of rejection especially from his own mother; he can truly help us to accept ourselves and who we are even when the world and even our loved ones do not. To learn more about shadow work and how to use it in your life and magical practices you can watch my previously taught class on the topic below.

Dedicate Altar Space

Set aside some space in honor of Pan.. This can be an elaborate large altar or as simple as a small shelf or corner of a counter. Place a representation of Pan there, be sure to cleanse the space before you invite him in. Include his earthy colors,  his symbols, and representations of satyrs, and a wooded wild place and any of his other correspondences you can use to connect to him. This will be a space that reminds you to connect with his primal, raw, and wild energy. To learn more about how to set up an altar for a deity you can read about it in my study guide here;

 All About Altars study guide.docx

Offerings

Everyone likes receiving presents. Pan is no different. You don’t have to give him offerings every day, but when you feel it is appropriate. The Greek god Pan prefers offerings that are wild and based on nature. You can place these offerings at your altar space dedicated to him or when performing any work to connect to him like meditation, prayer, and visualization.

  • Wine and honey cakes.
  • Grapes, wine, and meat
  • Sunstone, carnelian, and obsidian
  • Musk, saw palmetto, patchouli, and myrrh 
  • Honey and milk
  • offerings of music or song
  • It is well-known that he had a particular fondness for gold-coated grasshoppers.
  • Vases and works of pottery
  • If possible you can sacrifice a portion of your livestock
  • If you are a hunter or fisher  you can offer one of your catches or kills

Connect to Pan through music

As we talked about many times, Pan was deeply tied to music so much so he is commonly depicted with his pan flute and he even believed he was more musical than Apollo. This makes using music to connect to him great! You can do this by simply listening to music, especially flute music or even learning to play a new instrument. 

Use him to help ease Anxiety and panic attacks

He can help, naturally, with panic attacks. As Pan is the God who can induce two kinds of panic (mental as in battle terror and erotic) He can also reverse it. Through the sound of His pipes, voice or mere presence He can cut through the mindless terror. You can use him to help alleviate anxiety by calling on him in prayer, saying his name, listening to his music and going to him in meditation.

Wander carefree

One of the main characteristics we see often about Pan is that he was a very carefree deity who could be found wandering the rugged mountainside often and there are even many myths were he is stumbled upon. So, why not connect to him by doing the same thing. Head out of your home and simply wander with no goal, no destination and no purpose other than to enjoy where you go and see where you end up. Use this method to help you release some control and understand you are going to experience so much joy when you simply just exist in the world.

Cast a sex spell or use sex magick

If you need to boost your sex drive and your sex life, you can ask Pan for help. Invoke him and ask him to support your spell casting with his energy and his power. You can create a custom prayer for him and use a statue or picture of him as a special addition to your sacred space. To learn more about how to use sex magick in your life you can watch part 2 of my class on sex magick here;

Meditation, visualization and Dream work

One of the best ways to channel divine energy and tap into god like Pan is through meditation, visualization and dreaming.  These practices allow you to open up and receive/ connect to divine energy in a very intuitive, clear, and transformative way.  You will find a plethora of guided meditations on YouTube that will lead you to your spirit guide or god/goddess.. Try those if you have a hard time meditating on your own. I have many classes on youtube as well on previous deities you can watch where I even summon and guide you to them in sacred space. You can focus on hearing him and visioning him playing his flute to help you begin.  In addition, ask Pan to visit you in your dreams and teach you lessons that you currently need to learn. Then record every encounter with him in your journal, book of shadows, or grimoire.

Connect deeply to nature

Pan is the deity of nature and the wilderness. Spend some time outside—especially at midday, as that’s Pan’s hour—and drink a few glasses of wine in his honor, have some fun while in nature. Truly soak up all that nature has to offer you. Both the seen and the unseen part of nature.

Gather objects from the outdoors

Pan is the deity of nature and the wilderness so when you are connecting to nature take the time to gather some things like feathers, rocks, mosses, etc. to infuse your home with natural energy. Having this natural energy in your home will help you connect to Pan daily and allow your home to be filled with the wild vital energy of nature. 

Cast a fertility spell

Pan is god of nature and the wild which makes him a deity associated with fertility. So, cast a fertility spell to connect to him, especially, If you’re a man and struggling with infertility, ask him to help you. Cast a fertility spell and dedicate your craft to him. He will definitely help you boost both your fertility and your sex life.

Call on him to amplify Protection magic and spells 

Pan is protective. He won’t think twice about protecting those He loves and His music, mere presence or fearsome shout can inspire mindless terror. I’m not saying you cause trouble and expect Pan to save you, but He can and will protect those who are truly kind to Him. To learn how to use him in protection magic and about protection magic in general you can watch both part 1 and part 2 of my protection magic class here; Magick And Witchcraft Basics: Protection and Warding Part 2 and below.

Use color magic and earthy tones

What is color magic? Color magic is using the color spectrum and the intention of each color to invoke its magical response and connect to that energy and vibration of the color.

Each color has it’s own magical properties you can connect to. You can use those colors in spells, on your altar, to connect to elements and/or deities, and to set intentions and manifestations. You can even use color magic in your every day life like in the clothes you wear, the décor of your home, the color you paint your nails and more! The sky is the limit it really is up to you! To connect to pan using color magic you need to make sure to use earthy tones that connect you to the outside and nature. 

Ritual for abundance with Pan

 This ritual helps you attract the finest things in life together with abundance, wealth, and luck. This ritual should be performed during the night of a full moon.

Ingredients

A green candle, A statue or any other representation of Pan,A magnet

How to perform it

Light the green candle.

Hold the magnet in your hands and recite 8 ( 8 is the number of good fortune and wealth )times:

“God Pan, God Pan, God Pan. Luck is flourishing, luck is real, luck is mine. God Pan, God Pan, God Pan. Your vibrant energy feeds me with joys, luck is flourishing, luck is true, luck is mine. Your vibrant energy feeds me with immense and luxuriant joys. My eyes explode with joy. My mind is free and welcomes all the good in the world. God Pan, God Pan, God Pan. Your vibrant energy feeds me with joy and I feed the highest with my joy. An immense and luxuriant joy forever. Flowering joy, true and mine. In the heart, in the soul, and along the way. “

Let the candle burn out and bury the remains near your home.

Prayer for Pan

“Pan, my beloved god of the woods,

Let your joy and your powerful energy take over,

let it be the energy to rule my whole life,

Give me the chance to enjoy nature, life, and the pleasures around me

Amen. Aho. So Mote it be”

How to know Pan is calling you

How can you know when the Greek god of the wild, Pan, is actually beckoning you? You can keep an eye out for any of the signs listed below.

  • You hear his name over and over again randomly
  • You feel a strong pull to go deep into a wooded area or the wild
  • You are seeing goats or centaurs often
  • You hear the whistling of musical wind often around you 
  • He comes and visits you in your dreams
  • You see reminders of Pan coming up often in your life like in tv shows, books, etc
  • Hearing pan flute or flute music around you often
  • You live in a rural area
  • You are connected to shepherding, and livestock for your profession
  • You have a dramatic increase to your libido and sex drive 
  • You feel the need to explore your animal side
  • You see his symbols, image, or name in your life often
  • when a storm comes up, you feel excited by the destructive force of nature

Conclusion

Pan, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is known as the god of nature, shepherds, and the wilderness. He possesses a unique appearance, with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a goat, complete with goat horns. Pan is recognized for his musical talent, often playing the pan flute with mesmerizing and enchanting melodies.His presence could invoke fear and panic, giving rise to the term “panic.”As a protector of shepherds and a symbol of the wild, Pan embodies the untamed and instinctual aspects of the natural world and human nature, leaving a lasting impact on art, literature, and culture. 

Working with Pan has the ability to teach you so much! To teach you to be more carefree to let go of control, to follow your passion and desires, and to welcome your deepest sexual desires. As one of the “old gods,” working with Pan is no walk in the park. He will show you the darkest parts of yourself, analogous to the inner forest where no light shines, but he will also show you the intrinsic beauty and power in those parts. Lastly he can help you to tap into your own personal power of who you are beyond your looks and the acceptance of others. He reminds you that neither of those things are needed to live a carefree, and wildly fun life. Enjoy the wild, carefree, shepherding,  and animalistic energy he will bring to your life and magical practices. 

To expand your knowledge about him, and meet him during a guided mediation or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!

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Dark Goddess of Liberation Lilith; A Guide to Who She is and How to Work with Her

Why I’m writing about Lilith

Why am I hosting a workshop on Lilith soon? Why did I already teach a class on her last year and summon her? Why did I create a study guide already for her? Why am I writing this blog post for you all now? Many reasons! The main reason, I teach and work with the “dark” goddesses and she is the number one goddess I get questions about.

Lilith has become a popular goddess for witches to want to work with for many reasons, the ” dark” feminine is becoming more popular for witches and pagans to be willing to work with for one. Second, many people, women especially are starting to do the very challenging work of healing journeys related to sexual trauma. I want to take a moment here as well. In case no one has said it to you; and you are on that journey; I am so very sorry you have that journey to take in your life. But, Lilith is one of the best choices of a deity to have with you for assistance and guidance on that journey. I personally know this myself and you can find and read many many stories saying the same.

Other than that she is just all around an astounding deity to work for liberation of yourself in almost every way and area of life. How you see yourself, your connection to magic, your connection to the collective, truly connecting to your “dark”/ Shadow self, and allowing you access and permission to enact justice when it is needed.

My journey with her has been a long one crossing many paths, working with many different faucets of her and delving into untying her extensively knotted and complicated history. She has been a staple in my practice for many years now and has a place on one of my altars often. So, if you have ever been curious about her, if she has ever called to you in the night or during some of your darkest times, if you are a student who was in my class last year and have been craving more this blog post is for you!

Keep reading to go on a journey through her darkness and duality. Learn about who she is, her extensive history, how she affects us today, how to work with her, how to honor her, and so much more! This post will not be the only one either as there is just no way to encompass all that she is in one blog post so this is just the beginning of our journey with her! Let’s start with who Lilith is.

Who is she?

Lilith is a “Dark” Goddess, she is one of incredible power, charisma, and persuasion. She is a mistress of the divine feminine and a true seductress. She is a Queen of Darkness and understands the powerful energies that sleep in the night and can bend them to her will.  She hears the dark whispers of the forgotten night.  The sleeping Dark mother who calls to the creatures of the nights and nurtures them in blankets of moonlight. She is Lilith, the Dark Mother and the Dark Queen of the Night. She is incredible to work with!

She is a healer and a lover and one who can provide comfort and support to those in need.  Her night energies provide rest and comfort and she can inspire those who work with her with dreams. She empowers those she works with.  She can awaken our power and help us to claim who we are and our space and become the people we desire to be.  She reminds us of our truth and the powerful individuals that we are.

She is very pro-independence and helping people to rise up in their power and increase their self-image and self-confidence. She is the protector of women and children (especially babies) and helps to empower people in all areas. She seeks justice and abhors slanderous gossip and bullying. She is gifted on the areas of divination, healing, black magic, necromancy, and bending dark energies to her will. She knows how to work with the energies of blood and the life force contained and can assist anyone who is called to work with her in learning these skills.

Her power and radiance shine on those who work with her and she has learned about the feminine archetypes and is empowerment for women, she understands greatly the darkness of all sides of these energies, the great empowered darkness. Her feminine energies though are not vindictive or damaging in any way to the masculine energies.

She is balanced and beautiful. She is one who seeks to empower women while still allowing them to be women. She can be vicious and violent, one who will defend herself and her family and one who will not let anyone push her around. She rises to the challenge presented to her and she will defend herself with the sheer might of the goddess she is.

She is all this and More. Lilith has incredible power and ability to see through illusions and uncover the truth of false accusations. She is a very powerful sexual and bold goddess who can work powerful sex magicks and sex rites.

Lilith, Feminism, Sexual Liberation and Witches

Let’s first touch on one of the ways that Lilith affects the collective as a whole; Lilith is an icon, symbol and representation of a dark goddess and feminine identity, feminine sexuality, liberation and empowerment. As the first woman of Adam (the first man – which in biblical Hebrew “Adam” אדם means “man”), Lilith has been forced to feel the pain of rejection, oppression and scorn for seeking equality and being denied to fully express herself, her true nature.

Lilith is like many dark goddesses who have been viewed to be feared, seen as hag-like, demons and scary, but rather this intense raw energy as a dark goddess can be “owned” and use protectively; a weapon that was once used against the Dark Goddess is now in her hands to defend herself.

Lilith may speak and come forth to women, but she may also come forth to men if she feels necessary. Anyone regardless of gender who feels a strong connection or the call of Lilith to awaken and liberate their sexuality, to revive or unleash their feminine side, can work with Lilith. Lilith (like many dark goddesses) may choose someone to work with when she feels the time is right; this may be at a younger age in your 20s or later in your 40s or 50s, whenever Lilith decides will be the right time.

Lilith’s extensively long history

Lilith has a long history that dates back far into Jewish mythology, Sumerian and Mesopotamia; a history that has often been cruelly unfair to a goddess and figure such as Lilith. I am going to do my best to sum up her very extensive history for you in this blog post, there really truly is so much to her history and so few know even half of it. If you want the entire detailed history you can read my study guide here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-gjqbHtFpVvAk3ArQ_LJAF1gtQzMcnAA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107019596187888016346&rtpof=true&sd=true I wrote for my class with Divination Academy last year.

For 4,000 years Lilith has wandered the earth, figuring in the mythic imaginations of writers, artists and poets. Her origins lie in Babylonian demonology, where amulets and incantations were used to counter the sinister powers of this winged spirit who preyed on pregnant women and infants. Lilith next migrated to the world of the ancient Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites and Greeks. She makes a solitary appearance in the Bible, as a wilderness demon shunned by the prophet Isaiah. In the Middle Ages she reappears in Jewish sources as the dreadful first wife of Adam.

In the Renaissance, Michelangelo portrayed Lilith as a half-woman, half-serpent, coiled around the Tree of Knowledge. Later, her beauty would captivate the English poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti. “Her enchanted hair,” he wrote, “was the first gold.”1 Irish novelist James Joyce cast her as the “patron of abortions.”2
Modern feminists celebrate her bold struggle for independence from Adam. Her name appears as the title of a Jewish women’s magazine and a national literacy program. An annual music festival that donates its profits to battered women’s shelters and breast cancer research institutes is called the Lilith Fair.
In most manifestations of her myth, Lilith represents chaos, seduction and ungodliness. Yet, in her every guise, Lilith has cast a spell on humankind.

Lilith in Sumerian and Mesopotamia

The ancient name “Lilith” derives from a Sumerian word for female demons or wind spirits—the lilītu and the related ardat lilǐ. The lilītu dwells in desert lands and open country spaces and is especially dangerous to pregnant women and infants. Her breasts are filled with poison, not milk. The ardat lilī is a sexually frustrated and infertile female who behaves aggressively toward young men.

The earliest surviving mention of Lilith’s name appears in Gilgamesh and the Huluppu-Tree, a Sumerian epic poem found on a tablet at Ur and dating from approximately 2000 B.C.E. The mighty ruler Gilgamesh is the world’s first literary hero; he boldly slays monsters and vainly searches for the secret to eternal life. In one episode, “after heaven and earth had separated and man had been created,”3 Gilgamesh rushes to assist Inanna, goddess of erotic love and war. In her garden near the Euphrates River, Inanna lovingly tends a willow (huluppu) tree, the wood of which she hopes to fashion into a throne and bed for herself. Inanna’s plans are nearly thwarted, however, when a dastardly triumvirate possesses the tree. One of the villains is Lilith.

Lilith in the bible and Talmud

She than makes her way into Judaism and Christianity. Over time, people throughout the Near East became increasingly familiar with the myth of Lilith. In Judaism she is the most notorious demon. In the Bible, she is mentioned only once, in Isaiah 34. The Isaiah passage lacks specifics in describing Lilith, but it locates her in desolate places. The Bible verse thus links Lilith directly to the demon of the Gilgamesh epic who flees “to the desert.” The wilderness traditionally symbolizes mental and physical barrenness; it is a place where creativity and life itself are easily extinguished. Lilith, the feminine opposite of masculine order, is banished from fertile territory and exiled to barren wasteland.

While Lilith is not mentioned again in the Bible, she does resurface in the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran. The Qumran sect was engrossed with demonology, and Lilith appears in the Song for a Sage, a hymn possibly used in exorcisms: “And I, the Sage, sound the majesty of His beauty to terrify and confound all the spirits of destroying angels and the bastard spirits, the demons, Lilith. . ., and those that strike suddenly, to lead astray the spirit of understanding, and to make desolate their heart.”7

Centuries after the Dead Sea Scrolls were written, learned rabbis completed the Babylonian Talmud (final editing circa 500 to 600 C.E.), and female demons journeyed into scholarly Jewish inquiries. The Talmud (the name comes from a Hebrew word meaning “study”) is a compendium of legal discussions, tales of great rabbis and meditations on Bible passages. Talmudic references to Lilith are few, but they provide a glimpse of what intellectuals thought about her. The Talmud’s Lilith recalls older Babylonian images, for she has “long hair” (Erubin 100b) and wings (Niddah 24b).8 The Talmud’s image of Lilith also reinforces older impressions of her as a succubus, a demon in female form who had sex with men while the men were sleeping. Unwholesome sexual practices are linked to Lilith as she powerfully embodies the demon-lover myth.

Lilith in The Alphabet of Ben Sira

Until the seventh century C.E., Lilith was known as a dangerous embodiment of dark, feminine powers. In the Middle Ages, however, the Babylonian she-demon took on new and even more sinister characteristics. Sometime prior to the year 1000, The Alphabet of Ben Sira was introduced to medieval Jewry. The Alphabet, an anonymous text, contains 22 episodes, corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The fifth episode includes a Lilith who was to tantalize and terrify the population for generations to come. To some extent, The Alphabet of Ben Sira shows a familiar Lilith: She is destructive, she can fly and she has a penchant for sex. Yet this tale adds a new twist: She is Adam’s first wife, before Eve, who boldly leaves Eden because she is treated as man’s inferior.

Ben Sira cites the Bible passage indicating that after creating Adam, God realizes that it is not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:18). In Ben Sira’s fanciful additions to the biblical tale, the Almighty then fashions another person from the earth, a female called Lilith. Soon the human couple begins to fight, but neither one really hears the other. Lilith refuses to lie underneath Adam during sex, but he insists that the bottom is her rightful place. He apparently believes that Lilith should submissively perform wifely duties. Lilith, on the other hand, is attempting to rule over no one. She is simply asserting her personal freedom. Lilith states, “We are equal because we are both created from the earth.”10

The struggle continues until Lilith becomes so frustrated with Adam’s stubbornness and arrogance that she brazenly pronounces the Tetragrammaton, the ineffable name of the Lord. God’s name (YHWH), translated as “Lord God” in most Bibles and roughly equivalent to the term “Yahweh,” has long been considered so holy that it is unspeakable. During the days of the Jerusalem Temple, only the High Priest said the word out loud, and then only once a year, on the Day of Atonement.

In The Alphabet, Lilith sins by impudently uttering the sacred syllables, thereby demonstrating to a medieval audience her unworthiness to reside in Paradise. So Lilith flies away, having gained power to do so by pronouncing God’s avowed name. Though made of the earth, she is not earthbound. Her dramatic departure reestablishes for a new generation Lilith’s supernatural character as a winged devil.

In the Gilgamesh and Isaiah episodes, Lilith flees to desert spaces. In The Alphabet of Ben Sira her destination is the Red Sea, site of historic and symbolic importance to the Jewish people. Just as the ancient Israelites achieve freedom from Pharaoh at the Red Sea, so Lilith gains independence from Adam by going there. But even though Lilith is the one who leaves, it is she who feels rejected and angry.

The Almighty tells Adam that if Lilith fails to return, 100 of her children must die each day. Apparently, Lilith is not only a child-murdering witch but also an amazingly fertile mother. In this way, she helps maintain the world’s balance between good and evil.
Three angels are sent in search of Lilith. When they find her at the Red Sea, she refuses to return to Eden, claiming that she was created to devour children. Ben Sira’s story suggests that Lilith is driven to kill babies in retaliation for Adam’s mistreatment and God’s insistence on slaying 100 of her progeny daily.

To prevent the three angels from drowning her in the Red Sea, Lilith swears in the name of God that she will not harm any infant who wears an amulet bearing her name. Ironically, by forging an agreement with God and the angels, Lilith demonstrates that she is not totally separated from the divine.

Lilith in the Zohar

The next milestone in Lilith’s journey lies in the Zohar, which elaborates on the earlier account of Lilith’s birth in Eden. The Zohar (meaning “Splendor”) is the Hebrew title for a fundamental kabbalistic tome, first compiled in Spain by Moses de Leon (1250–1305), using earlier sources. To the Kabbalists (members of the late medieval school of mystical thought), the Zohar’s mystical and allegorical interpretations of the Torah are considered sacred. The Lilith of the Zohar depends on a rereading of Genesis 1:27 (“And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them”), and the interpretation of this passage in the Talmud. Based on the shift of pronouns from “He created him” to the plural “He created them,” in Genesis 1:27, the Talmud suggests that the first human being was a single, androgynous creature, with two distinct halves.

Centuries later the Zohar elaborates that the male and female were soon separated. The female portion of the human being was attached on the side, so God placed Adam in a deep slumber and “sawed her off from him and adorned her like a bride and brought her to him.” This detached portion is “the original Lilith, who was with him [Adam] and who conceived from him” (Zohar 34b). Another passage indicates that as soon as Eve is created and Lilith sees her rival clinging to Adam, Lilith flies away.
The Zohar, like the earlier treatments of Lilith, sees her as a temptress of innocent men, breeder of evil spirits and carrier of disease: “She wanders about at night time, vexing the sons of men and causing them to defile themselves [emit seed]” (Zohar 19b).

The passage goes on to say that she hovers over her unsuspecting victims, inspires their lust, conceives their children and then infects them with disease. Adam is one of her victims, for he fathers “many spirits and demons, through the force of the impurity which he had absorbed” from Lilith. The promiscuity of Lilith will continue until the day God destroys all evil spirits. Lilith even attempts to seduce King Solomon. She comes in the guise of the Queen of Sheba, but when the Israelite king spies her hairy legs, he realizes she is a beastly impostor. The Zohar’s final innovation concerning the Lilith myth is to partner her with the male personification of evil, named either Samael or Asmodeus.

Lilith in Luciferian Witchcraft and Luciferianism

She encompasses the spectrum of divine feminine energies. She is the consort and lover of Samael who holds the title of Adversary. Many people think that Samael and Satan are the same being, but they are not. Samael is not a demon, he is an Angel, a dark angel and one who is not aligned with the group of Holy Angels.

He works with the Darker beings of the Outer Spiritual world, most specifically the creatures of the night and has deep connections and affiliations with those beings who are of darkness. He embraces and understands the darkness and is aligned with it. That is where his energy resides and he is the consort and lover of Lady Lilith and her King. He is not Satan.

Samael and Lilith have MANY children together, in fact, Lilith is the first of her kind and the mother of many offspring that are like her. She is a beautiful and incredible goddess of lust, passion, seduction, and pleasure.

Lilith in the Outer spiritual world was one who suffered great abuse and left what she knew. She ventured out into the world on her own relying only on her skill and ability. She met the Angel Samael, and they were smitten with each other. She grew and was infused with the power of the Dark Goddess. They completed each other’s energies and she embraced her empowered feminine qualities and stepped into the powerful Goddess and Queen that she is today.

Honoring The Darkest Aspects Of Lady Lilith

Lady Lilith, the enigmatic and powerful goddess, is a multifaceted being whose mythology encompasses both light and shadow. While she is revered as a symbol of independence, liberation, and empowerment, there are darker aspects to her lore that speak to the complex and often misunderstood nature of her essence.

As a figure who defies easy categorization, Lilith embraces the duality of creation and destruction, nurturing and wrath, desire and fear. In this section, we will delve into the darkest aspects of Lady Lilith, exploring her role as a succubus, a torturer of men, and a stealer of infants. It is through honoring and understanding these aspects that we can fully appreciate the depths of Lilith’s mysteries.

Lilith as Succubus: In some legends, Lady Lilith is depicted as a succubus, a nocturnal entity that seduces and bewitches those who cross her path. Her allure is both intoxicating and perilous, leading to both pleasure and ruin.

Lilith as Torturer of Men: In tales of retribution and justice, Lilith is known as a punisher of men who have wronged women or abused their power. As a goddess who refused to be subjugated by Adam, Lilith holds a mirror to patriarchal oppression and seeks to redress the imbalance. Lilith has a fierce determination to challenge tyranny and inequality.

Lilith as Stealer of Infants: One of the most fearsome aspects of Lilith’s mythology is her association with the stealing of infants. In ancient lore, Lilith was believed to be a child-snatcher, preying on the vulnerable and innocent. While this aspect is often viewed as malevolent, it may also be seen as a manifestation of Lilith’s wild, untamed nature that defies societal norms and conventions.

Lilith’s darkness is a reminder that we each possess both light and shadow, and that embracing our wholeness is an integral part of our spiritual journey. Allow Lilith’s complexity to inspire you to explore your own depths, to confront your fears, and to discover the hidden facets of your soul.

Lilith in Astrology

Lilith gives you the power you need to be YOU.
For women, Lilith can show you how you can be your true independent self and find that power within you as a woman. For everyone, she’s your ability to think for yourself and say it. Your inner Lilith – the person who has their own mind and own power independent of anyone else – can be a source of hidden power that helps you become a stronger version of YOU. That makes Lilith an incredibly empowering position!

In practice, I also find people with strong Lilith in their charts tend to:
be super feminists (girl power!)
be super mystics (Lilith is a little – or lot – witchy)
there’s usually a difficult relationship with the mother (perhaps linking to the “demon” and stealing babies part of the mythology)

What is Lilith, technically?
Black Moon Lilith (BML) is the point in the Moon’s orbit that is farthest from Earth (the apogee). There are two versions of BML, Mean and True or Oscillating. The movement of BML is not too stable, so the Mean position averages out the movement, while the True or Oscillating position gives the actual position. You can look up both positions in your natal chart and see which position, Mean or True/Oscillating, resonates stronger for you personally.

Technically, in astrology, there are three different Liliths (just to make it confusing!): Black Moon Lilith, Dark Moon Lilith (also called Waldemath Moon), and asteroid Lilith (the only physical body of Lilith). Dark Moon Lilith tends to be a little darker while asteroid Lilith to be more symbolic of the story of Lilith. I personally mostly just use Black Moon Lilith unless one of the other two is super strong in a natal chart.

How can I find my Lilith positions?
To find the locations of your Liliths for free, you can use astro.com. Click on ‘My Astro’ in the upper right, choose to use as a guest or create an account (to save your information), then input your birth data (date of birth, time of birth, and place of birth).

​You should be directed to the ‘Free Horoscopes’ page; click on ‘Extended Chart Selection’, then click on Additional Objects, and then click on Lilith in the menu (gives the Mean BML position), and in the Manual entry box, type in h13 (Oscillating BML), h58 (Waldemath), and 1181 (asteroid Lilith), then generate your chart (hit the button ‘Click here to show the chart >>’).

Working with Lilith in Witchcraft

Working with Lilith in witchcraft can be for different reasons connected to who Lilith is and what she represents. In Luciferian Witchcraft and Luciferianism (a form of Theistic Satanism), Lilith is honoured as the consort of Samael. However, you don’t have to practice Luciferianism or Luciferian Witchcraft to work with or be called upon to work with Lilith. Lilith can be worked with to reawaken your feminine sexuality, your passion for life, to reclaim your personal power when you feel small or that the world is overbearing and looming over top of you.

If you feel that you have given away your power or that you feel victimized in any way, Lilith screams back that you have the power to stand tall in the face of anyone encroaching on your space.
Here are a few ideas for witchcraft spells and magick involving Lilith or simply to work with Lilith:

  • Improving sexual relationships (to create balanced relationships)
  • Healing sexual trauma
  • Asserting independence and women/women’s rights
  • Fighting patriarchy/oppression/sexism placed on women
  • Boosting self-confidence and sensuality
  • To gain respect and/or recognition for contributions
  • Exploring and/or awakening your sexuality (especially if experiencing low libido)
  • Sex magick (feminine dominance)
  • Healing and/or managing menstrual issues and/or working menstrual magick
  • Working with the feminine shadow self or healing feminine shadow issues
  • Reclaiming your personal power and strengthening your voice
  • Handling or managing pre-menopause, peri-menopause or menopause symptoms
  • Feminine reproductive issues (especially with PMS, PMDD or other hormonal/mood swing problems)
  • Womb healing

Correspondences to Connect to Lilith

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be he zodiac energy the moon, an archetype energy , or a deity like I will list below for you to use.

Symbols

Owl- Wisdom, intuition, connection with Lilith
Serpent- Rebirth, transformation, feminine power
Black Moon- Mysticism, hidden knowledge, Lilith’s energy
Apple- Forbidden knowledge, temptation, femininity
Crescent Moon- Goddess energy, intuition, feminine cycles
Screech Owl- Night vision, divine guidance, Lilith’s presence
Black Rose- Mystery, seduction, Lilith’s essence
Bat- Transition, rebirth, connection with the night
Dark Water- Depths of emotions, divine feminine energy

Crystals
onyx
red jasper
obsidian
red carnelian
labradorite
black moonstone
black tourmaline
jet
garnet
clear quartz
All dark crystals (black and red) will work for connecting with Lilith.
Clear quartz can be effective if no other crystal is available.

Herbs/Plants
belladonna (caution: poisonous)
nightshade (caution: poisonous)
hemlock (caution: poisonous)
mugwort
sandalwood
patchouli
rose

Element:
Air (this is best utilized as incense)

Colors
black
red

Symbols Associated with the divine feminine

The Venus Symbol: Representing femininity and the divine feminine, the Venus symbol is a circle with a cross below it. This iconic symbol reflects Lilith’s role as a champion of women’s rights and a guardian of the feminine spirit.

The Raised Fist: A symbol of resistance and solidarity, the raised fist has been used by feminist movements around the world to signify strength and unity. Including a depiction of the raised fist on your altar honors Lilith’s revolutionary nature and her call for liberation and equality.

The Triple Moon: Comprising a waxing crescent, a full moon, and a waning crescent, the Triple Moon symbolizes the phases of a woman’s life—maiden, mother, and crone. It also reflects Lilith’s deep connection to the moon and her association with transformation and cycles of change.

The Equal Sign: Simple yet powerful, the equal sign stands for gender equality and the belief that all individuals deserve equal rights and opportunities. Placing this symbol on your Lilith altar reaffirms your commitment to justice and fairness.

The Snake: As a symbol of wisdom, rebirth, and healing, the snake is often associated with Lilith, who is said to have taken the form of a serpent in some tales. The snake also represents the shedding of societal constraints and the embracing of one’s true self.

The Wild Rose: The wild rose, with its untamed beauty and resilience, symbolizes Lilith’s free spirit and her defiance of patriarchal norms. It also serves as a reminder of the beauty and strength inherent in all women.

(Best) Day(s)

Wednesday
Friday
From just before sunset on Friday to the first three stars in the sky on Saturday evening is Shabbat in Judaism.
Depending on your belief, cultural background or how you modernize the Jewish creation story, it may be personally decided to honour (or not) Lilith during the time of Shabbat.
This may seem heretical, so you may choose whether Lilith can be honoured before or after Shabbat is over depending on your belief. This is a personal choice and only taking into consideration the cultural history and origin of Lilith.

(Best) Time of Day

witching hour (this can mean midnight or the time between 3 am and 4 am depending on your definition)
(Best) Moon Phase

dark moon
new moon

Sacred Days

Beltane / May Day (because of the sexual theme of the holiday)
October 24 – some sources state this day as the day Lilith left the Garden of Eden and also as a Sumerian holiday to mark the end of the harvest
February 29 (Leap Year every 4 years) – said to be the day when women can be loose/free to break (traditional) norms (e.g. old fashioned customs) and ask men out on dates; may not be so applicable in modern times, but can be in a sense a liberating day for forthrightness and breaking social limitations placed on women.

Ways to work with Lilith

Embrace the Moonlit Path
Lilith, the Goddess of the Night, draws her strength from the moon’s luminous energy. To connect with her, bask in the moonlight, whether it’s under the silver glow of the full moon or the gentle embrace of the crescent. Engage in moon rituals, meditations, or simply spend time in contemplation under her celestial guidance. As you align with the lunar cycles, you will tap into the depths of your intuition and unleash the hidden aspects of your being.

To learn more about working with the moon you can check you these previous articles of mine here on the topic; https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-full-moon/ ; https://modgepodgemystic.com/working-with-the-new-moon/; https://modgepodgemystic.com/moon-water-a-magical-staple/; You can also see some of my previously hosted moon celebrations/ rituals with Divination Academy here and check out the study guide on my resources page on my site as well.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeHvi9fxqgzRx1cIX1vfLMDVVtPYzKvl1&si=SGs-4Tcgre5Gjc-d

Invoke the Queen of Shadows
To work with Lilith, embrace your own shadows and fears. Light a black candle and call upon her as the Queen of Shadows. Confronting and accepting your inner darkness allows you to integrate and transmute these energies, empowering you to walk the path of self-discovery and empowerment. Trust in Lilith’s guidance as you navigate the depths of your subconscious, for within the darkness, you shall find your true strength.

To learn more about Shadow work and how to do it you can check out my Class on the topic Here and check you out the study guide in the resource section!

Celebrate the Wild Feminine
Lilith embodies the untamed, wild, and unapologetic aspects of femininity. Celebrate and honor your feminine power by embracing your authenticity and standing unyielding in the face of adversity. Engage in activities that help you connect with your feminine essence, such as dance, art, or nature walks. Embody the Goddess of the Night within you, and let her energy inspire you to reclaim your sovereignty.

Create a Lilith Altar
Design a sacred space dedicated to Lilith, adorned with dark-colored crystals, moon symbols, and images representing the night. Place offerings of dark fruits, red wine, or pomegranate seeds as a tribute to her essence. Meditate at this altar, seeking her guidance and strength, and watch as her energy infuses your life with purpose and resilience.

I don’t like to share my own personal altar and am working on being willing to do that so for credit here is the link where I got this one from https://images.app.goo.gl/nTXEztrS9dwbRrh68 But, I did teach a class on this already and am waiting for the video to be uploaded so until than if you need help you can comment on this article and keep an eye out I have an eBook I am just about done with for you on this topic!

Dance with Fire and Air
In ritual and celebration, dance under the moonlit sky, invoking Lilith’s spirit within you. Let the flames of fire and the whispers of the wind be your companions in this dance. Moving your body to the rhythm of the elements, you connect with the primal force of Lilith, igniting your passion and embracing the free-spirited aspects of your soul.

Invoke Lilith in Dreams
Before sleep, set the intention to meet Lilith in your dreams. Keep a journal by your bedside to record any visions, messages, or encounters you experience. Working with Lilith in the realm of dreams can provide profound insights, healing, and guidance as you navigate your waking life.

Explore Divination and Tarot
Turn to divination and tarot as tools to communicate with Lilith and gain deeper understanding of your inner self. Choose tarot decks that resonate with the themes of the night, the moon, and feminine power. Engage in regular readings, seeking Lilith’s wisdom to illuminate the paths that lie ahead. If you need to get a start at Tarot you can check out this amazing free class series at the link here;

Confront Patriarchal Conditioning
Lilith’s story challenges patriarchal constructs, making her a symbol of resistance against oppressive systems. Reflect on the ways patriarchal conditioning has influenced your life and choices. By dismantling these patterns and embracing Lilith’s essence, you empower yourself and support the collective shift towards equality and liberation.

Call on Lilith for Protection
Invoke Lilith as a guardian and protector, especially during moments of vulnerability or when you seek strength in challenging times. Her fierce energy can shield you from harm and guide you through adversity, reminding you of the power you hold within.

Commune with Nature
Spend time in nature to connect with Lilith’s primal energy. Seek solace in forests, beside flowing rivers, or under the open night sky. As you immerse yourself in the natural world, you become attuned to the rhythms of life and Lilith’s ancient wisdom.

If you want to start a journey or expand your knowledge on elemental magic and how to work with the elements I have a class coming up in mid march on this topic thru Divination Academy. Check it out at the link below!

https://fb.me/e/1WjNPOQEA

Work with Lilith in Ritual Magick
In your magical practice, incorporate Lilith’s sigils or symbols to amplify your intentions and spells. Seek her presence as you explore the mysteries of the night and harness her transformative energy to manifest your desires.

Honor Lilith in Rituals and Festivals
Celebrate Lilith’s presence during seasonal festivals, such as the Samhain or Beltane, when the veil between worlds is thin. Light candles and offer prayers to honor her role as the Goddess of the Night, inviting her blessings and guidance into your life.

Mirror Scrying: Gazing into the Veil of the Night
Embrace the ancient art of mirror scrying to connect with Lilith, the Goddess of the Night. Instead of staring at your reflection, dedicate a mirror specifically for scrying purposes. Call upon Lilith’s spirit as you peer into the depths of the mirror, allowing her to guide your divination sessions. Through this mystical practice, you can unveil hidden truths, receive insights from the otherworldly realms, and tap into the wild energy that Lilith bestows upon her devotees.

If you want to know more about working with mirrors and mirror scrying you can check you my previous post at this link here! https://modgepodgemystic.com/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall-whose-the-most-magical-of-them-all-a-guide-to-mirror-magic/

Air Element Magick: Embrace the Wild Winds
Harness the untamed energy of Lilith by incorporating air element magick into your practice. Work with the wind’s flow by making and burning incense, engaging in smoke and cloud scrying, or crafting powerful storm magick rituals. As the spirit of the wind, Lilith’s essence is intertwined with the breath of life, and through these practices, you can attune to her primal force and explore the mysteries of the unseen world.

The Owl Familiar Spirit: Commune with Lilith’s Sacred Messenger
The owl, synonymous with Lilith’s name in Hebrew, serves as a sacred animal and messenger of this enigmatic goddess. Connect with the owl familiar spirit or the Owl spirit guide in your practice to honor Lilith and delve into the occult mysteries she holds. The owl’s wisdom and intuitive prowess will aid you in understanding the deeper layers of the night and the secrets that lie within.

https://fb.me/e/1FH0pCuAJ ; https://modgepodgemystic.com/services-and-readings/

Sex Magick: Embrace the Lustful Enchantress
Explore the domain of sex magick, ruled by the intensely lustful nature of Lilith. Whether in personal or partnered encounters, learn to manifest your desires and tap into the transformative power of sexual energy. Engaging in sex magick rituals can provide profound insights into your own sensuality and desires, fostering a deep connection with the Goddess of the Night and the alluring mysteries she embodies.

If you are interested in sex magic Keep an eye out for some Ebooks, woskshops, and other things coming you can have access too on the topics in the meantime check out my study guides here from the two classes I have taught already on the topic through Divination.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yFUWXbHH6Ei6HPfQv8WkTqT28wuKrK-f2EkXLLli75w/edit?usp=drive_link

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t4MlyfzJL0342KPFh3IF94XobMHo9R0DpxZhGsKk6vc/edit?usp=drive_link

The Daughters of Lilith: Becoming One with the Enchantress
In her demon form, Lilith is said to lead a horde of spirits known as the Daughters of Lilith. Delve into the study of this unique group of spirits and consider embracing your identity as a Daughter of Lilith, which is synonymous with being a witch. By aligning with this mystical lineage, you can connect with the ancient, powerful energies that flow through Lilith and explore the paths of witchcraft and the arcane arts.

Read about Lilith: Unveiling the Enigmatic Goddess
Embark on a journey of knowledge by immersing yourself in reading about Lilith. Delve into a wealth of resources, from ancient folklore and religious texts to modern interpretations and archaeological discoveries. By diving into the depths of Lilith’s story, you will gain a profound understanding of her multifaceted nature, her significance in diverse cultures, and the wisdom she bestows upon those who seek her guidance.

Final Musings

In the tapestry of history and myth, the name “Lilith” weaves a mesmerizing thread, connecting ancient civilizations to modern seekers of wisdom. As we embrace her enigmatic essence, she reminds us of the eternal truths found within the depths of the night—the beauty of embracing our shadows, the strength in claiming our sovereignty, and the power in honoring the wild and authentic self.

Lilith, the Goddess of the Night, beckons us to wander through the realms of our own souls, fearlessly exploring the depths of our desires, fears, and dreams. She stands as a beacon of feminine strength and empowerment, encouraging us to reclaim our voices, defy societal constraints, and dance boldly under the moon’s gentle glow.

She is incredibly powerful and healing for feminine energies and as a Queen in her own right, helping both men and women to feel comfortable with their bodies and embrace themselves and their truth. She is a Divine Goddess and one of abundance and empowered feminine archetypes. She is incredible and beautiful to behold. She is a goddess of women embracing their femininity.

Lilith is a guardian of the night, an embodiment of the shadowy and mysterious aspects of femininity. She reigns over the realms of darkness and dreams, where the subconscious mind roams free and untamed. As a goddess of the moon, she presides over its phases, from the new moon’s hidden embrace to the full moon’s radiant splendor. Her lunar influence connects her to cycles of life, death, and rebirth, a symbol of eternal renewal.

She is balanced and beautiful. She is one who seeks to empower women while still allowing them to be women.

She can be vicious and violent, one who will defend herself and her family and one who will not let anyone push her around. She rises to the challenge presented to her and she will defend herself with the sheer might of the goddess she is.

In her divine form, Lilith exudes an air of untamed sensuality and allure. She is the enchantress who bewitches mortals with her captivating gaze and seductive charm. Yet, her allure extends beyond mere physical beauty; it emanates from her deep connection to the primordial forces of creation. Lilith represents the life-giving aspects of femininity—the generative power that births both galaxies and ideas alike.

As the embodiment of feminine sovereignty, Lilith challenges conventional notions of subservience and patriarchy. She stands tall and unyielding, refusing to be confined by societal norms. The goddess Lilith is the epitome of independence, self-reliance, and courage. She empowers those she works with. She can awaken our power and help us to claim who we are and our space and become the people we desire to be. She reminds us of our truth and the powerful individuals that we are.

If you want to learn some more advanced ways of working with her like; how to Summon her, how to do tantric prayer to invoke her, working with her sigils and womb healing You can purchase my eBook about her in the shop.

To expand your knowledge about her further and meet her in a guided mediation or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!

Suggested Reading:

The Black Moon Lilith series:
​Black Moon Lilith in the Zodiac Signs
Progressions & Black Moon Lilith
Natal Planets Conjunct Black Moon Lilith
That Dark Lady, Lilith
Intro to Black Moon Lilith
Lilith the Witch
Transit Black Moon Lilith
Black Moon Lilith & Love Astrology
Prominent Natal Black Moon Lilith
When You’re Cut Off From Black Moon Lilith
Houses Ruled by Black Moon Lilith
Transit Black Moon Lilith in the Houses & Aspects

Book of Lilith spells and invocations https://eclecticwitchcraft.com/lilith-spells/

Resources sited:
History:
a. See Tzvi Abusch, “Gilgamesh: Hero, King, God and Striving Man,” Archaeology Odyssey, July/August 2000.
b. But see David R. Freedman, “Woman, a Power Equal to Man,” BAR, January/February 1983.

  1. Dante Gabriel Rossetti, “Body’s Beauty,” in The House of Life: A Sonnet-Sequence (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press, 1928), p. 183.
  2. James Joyce, Ulysses, chap. 14, “Oxen of the Sun.”
  3. All Gilgamesh quotations are from Samuel N. Kramer, Gilgamesh and the Huluppu-Tree: A Reconstructed Sumerian Text, The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Assyriological Studies 10 (Chicago: Univ. of Chicago, 1938).
  4. Translated by Theodor H. Gaster in Siegmund Hurwitz, Lilith—The First Eve (Einsiedeln, Switzerland: Daimon, 1992), p. 66. Another translation does not mention Lilith’s name and reads, “Be off, terrifying ones, terrors of my night.”
  5. Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible quotes are from TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1985).
  6. These items may arise from Lilith’s association with darkness. Some translators and commentators have mistaken the etymology of Lilith’s name. Lilith, lylyt [tylyl], was not derived from the Hebrew word for night, lylh [hlyl], as they supposed. Instead, Lilith’s name originated in her depiction as a mythic Mesopotamian fiend and foe of Gilgamesh.
  7. 4Q510. See Joseph M. Baumgarten, “On the Nature of the Seductress in 4Q184,” Revue de Qumran 15 (1991–1992), pp. 133–143.
  8. All talmudic references are to The Babylonian Talmud, trans. Isidore Epstein, 17 vols. (London: Soncino, 1948).
  9. Raphael Patai, The Hebrew Goddess, 3rd enlarged ed. (Detroit: Wayne State, 1990), p. 226.
  10. The translation is my own. The full Hebrew text of The Alphabet of Ben Sira is found in Ozar Midrashim: A Library of Two Hundred Minor Midrashim (New York: J.D. Eisenstein, 1915), vol. 1, pp. 35–49.
  11. All references to the Zohar are to the edition translated by Harry Sperling and Maurice Simon, 2nd ed. (London: Soncino, 1984), vol. 1.
  12. David Stern and Mark Jay Mirsky, eds., Rabbinic Fantasies (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1990).
  13. Joseph Adler, “Lilith,” Midstream 45:5 (July/August 1999), p. 6.
  14. Rossetti, “Eden Bower,” in Poems (Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1873), pp. 31–41.
  15. Judith Plaskow Goldenberg, “Epilogue: The Coming of Lilith,” in Religion and Sexism, ed. Rosemary Radford Ruether (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974), pp. 341–343.
  16. Pamela White Hadas, “The Passion of Lilith,” in In Light of Genesis (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 1980), pp. 2–19.
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Baba Yaga; The Hag Goddess of Wisdom

Baba yaga is an incredibly fascinating witch and goddess. Her name alone just draws you in to learn more about her and pulls you into the slavic forest in search of her wandering hut on chicken legs. She will pull many in to learn about her but very few will actually learn her magic and walk her path with her.  Some view her as simply a folklore character, others a witch, some a hag, and to others she is seen as an ancestral figure to honor as a goddess. 

We can learn much from her when we are open to her wisdom. Her light is that of our ancestors, whose flame has been burning for generations. Death and rebirth are the domains of Baba Yaga, the Slavic goddess of regeneration.

Baba Yaga is staple of Slavic lore. She can be found in stories across several countries as a specific character, not just an archetype. What I find most interesting about her is that she is portrayed, almost equally, as a villain and a benefactor.

Who is she?

Baba yaga is seen in many folklore tales throughout the Slavic and Russian culture. Like I touched on before many see her as just that. A folklore character that has many myths and legends surrounding her of her doing dark things like eating children who wander into the woods.  But, many others view her as a divine ancestor, a powerful spirit, an ancient earth goddess. Though her lineage is unknown and we do not know where or who she came from or her parents which is a reason she is seen as primordial energy and not being of this world of the underworld. She is also referred to as the keeper of the waters of life aka the fountain of youth and when I have worked with her she has shown me a door that only she has the key to and explained all knowledge of time is within it.

Her importance during ancient times

In ancient cultures, older women were seen as the keepers of family or tribal wisdom and tradition, and they were revered as such.

These knowing women were thought to be familiar with the mysteries of birth and death; as a result, they were qualified to care for the sick and dying, and they were endowed with the function of bringing life and death.

Her name

The first part Baba translates to old woman or grandmother. Depending on the region and people, this can be a term of endearment or even an insult. It essentially points to the fact that the woman is in her elderly years and may even be ugly or misshapen, to some. Which is where we see the connection and description of her being a hag goddess being so common. To others, it gives the woman a certain power and wisdom

Yaga,  this part of her name is a little harder to translate and understand. There have been literally dozens of translations looking at various languages in Eastern Europe and Russia. Some include terror, horror, serpent, chill, witch and even dryad or wood nymph.

Her many images

Baba Yaga isn’t just one thing. She’s many: a monster, witch, hag, villain, divine grandmother, earth goddess, forest spirit, shapeshifter, light bringer, and to some she’s even considered a hero. According to Judika Illes, while Baba is of Slavic prominence, she may have once been the Scythian goddess of the hearth Tabiti. Though, I believe we can see her as many of the deities of the hearth. Including Hestia of Greek origin and Holda and Berchta of Germanic origin. We also can draw a connection to her and the celtic goddess Cerridwen with what she has to offer and her connection to herbal knowledge.  

To modern witches and Slavic pagans, Baba Yaga is a witch goddess who lives deep in a birch forest. She’s the keeper of herbal and healing wisdom and grants her knowledge to those who are worthy and of whom seek initiation.

Baba Yaga’s myths over the centuries have turned her into the wicked witch of the forest, seen as ugly and old. This is more commonly a societal view of how many see elderly women set in their ways and often shunned by younger generations who value beauty and youth over age and experience.

The tales say Baba is an old woman with iron teeth like boar tusks. She has bear claws and wears a necklace of skulls, smokes a pipe, and sometimes has a golden or iron foot. In other belief, she’s a snake from the waist down. Some say she wears an apron and holds a key to life’s mysteries. She flies about in a mortar, holding a pestle. Sometimes she holds a broom with which to sweep away any signs she’s been about.

When she’s first documented in 1755 (that we know of), the writer says Baba has bony legs, iron teeth, and refers to misshapen or repulsive features. Including the old woman’s nose, breasts, buttocks and vulva. Baba appears in a list along with other Slavic deities, with all of the others compared to Roman deities. But not Baba she’s on her own. Which shows her sovereignty and power.

Baba Yaga is associated with the dark forests, death, rebirth, sickness, dying, but also healing, renewal, sage wisdom and advice that comes from experience and a long life.

Her wise grandmother’s energy is strict and harsh, but for your own well being.

Her energy is most strongly felt in the autumn, leading up to Mabon and Samhain as the leaves change color and the temperatures begin to get cooler.

Baba yaga and the liminal space

Baba Yaga is not quite of this world and the next as she remains otherworldly between the physical world and the spirit world/underworld.

A crone witch and often referred to as a goddess, Baba Yaga can be considered part of the dark goddess archetype.

She is seen as a liminal witch and not quite of this world due to her magical hut which is central to her mythology and who she is. Baba Yaga is found between the worlds, not exactly of the spirit world or the underworld and not quite of this world either.

Her connection to death, mortality, fraility can be connected to the same as ghosts who roam the Earth and the magick of the mythological forest creatures such as the Rusalka (русалка) and Leshy (леший). 

However,  even with Baba Yaga as a dark/crone goddesss she doesn’t reside in the underworld, but she is connected to what it represents.

Baba yaga’s hut

Baba Yaga’s home is strongly connected to her mythology, which is also associated with the familiarity of the home and our ancestral connections. 

 So, where is Baba Yaga’s house and what does it look like? 

The tales say Baba Yaga’s house is deep in a birch forest. And that it sits atop a pair of giant chicken legs. Because it has legs, it can move. In other tales, her cabin sits atop the legs of a goat or spindle wheels.

Around Baba Yaga’s house, there’s a fence with skulls that sit on top. These skulls glow at certain times. And in her cabin, there’s a large oven akin to a cauldron. Baba Yaga is said to stretch out on top of this oven to warm herself, and in some tales, she’s so large that she can reach both corners of her home as she stretches out atop it. The cauldron in her home screams of Baba’s domain over magic, regeneration, ancestral wisdom and initiation into the magical arts and is where we see Cerridwen popping up again. During the day, a white horse and a red horse may be seen outside her hut. And at night, a black horse. It may also be surrounded by other wildlife including birds, squirrels, snakes, etc.

Baba yaga and Vassalissa the wise

Vassalissa the Wise may be the most well-known story featuring Baba Yaga.

One of the more famous of the Baba Yaga stories features the main character not as the old woman herself but a young maiden named Vasalisa. 

In the tale of Baba Yaga and Vasalisa the Wise, Baba takes on her typical personality as the fearsome witch in the wood. The young maiden, Vasalisa, is sent away by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. They selfishly and sadistically hope that Vasalisa will die in the cold, dark forest. But instead, Vasalisa comes to the hut of Baba Yaga, and the old woman offers her life as well as shelter and food in return for Vasalisa’s hard work around the house. And any other duties the old woman might require.

For three whole days, Vasalisa toils over the chores (without complaint) and cooks the old woman her meals. With the help of a poppet she holds in her pocket that is a vessel for her dead mother’s soul. And each day Vasalisa is met with 3 horses on the old woman’s property whom she also saw while traveling in the forest before coming to the hut. There’s a white and red horse that appear during the day, and a black horse that appears at night. Baba also threatens to put Vasalisa in her cauldron if she doesn’t complete her chores each day. On the third day, Vasalisa is brave enough to ask Baba Yaga a question. Vasalisa asks about the three horses, to which the old woman replies:

“The white horse is my bright day;

the red horse is my red, round sun;

And the black horse is my black, dark night.”

At the end of the three days, Vasalisa is granted her desire to return home. Baba Yaga gifts her a skull that lights up to light her way home. When Vasalisa returns home with the skull, she sets it in her stepmother’s hearth. Immediately, the stepmother and stepsisters are so taken with the skull that they can’t break eye contact. In turn, this turns them to ash and Vasalisa is free from their evil ways. She takes the skull and returns to Baba Yaga in the woods. Upon which Baba Yaga invites her to learn her ways.

Take aways from this myth:

Sacred Number 3: birth, death, rebirth; night, dawn, day; maiden, mother, crone

Cauldron of regeneration and initiation

The blood red horse may be akin to a woman’s menstruation and initiation into womanhood

Ancestral magic: Vasalisa holds a poppet in her pocket with the energy or spirit of her dead mother that guides and helps her throughout her trial with the old woman in the woods

Birch forest: also a symbol of regeneration and renewal, as well as of the Goddess in many European traditions

Initiation process: successfully completing an ordeal that tests one’s patience and brings one to death’s door and back again

Correspondences

First, what is a correspondence? A correspondence is an item or symbol that is meant to connect you to a specific energy thru it’s representation. It is seen also as an item to respect, honor, and venerate that energy as well whether it be a deity, an archetype energy , or the zodiac energy the moon is currently in like I will list below for you to use.

  • Sign- scorpio
  • Colors- red, white, black
  • Animals- snakes, horses, chickens, creatures of the forest, cat
  • Archetype- crone
  • crystals/gemstones-Garnet, bloodstone, tourmaline, smoky quartz
  • Epithets- Baba, Boba, Baba Den, Jezi Baba
  • herbs/flowers- nightshade, patchouli, sandalwood, geranium
  • Season- autumn and samhain
  • Tree-birch
  • symbols-mortar and pestle, broom, cauldron, skulls, flame 

When to work with Baba yaga

  • Advice
  • Guidance
  • Healing (physical ailments)
  • Wildcrafting
  • Herbalism
  • Relationship advice
  • Hedge Witchcraft

Baba Yaga gives straight-forward advice, knowledge and wisdom to those who respectfully request and want to improve their witchery skills.

Her witchery expertise is in areas of herbology and wildcrafting (using wild and natural items found in nature and forests), along with hedge witchcraft. Baba Yaga can help to give wisdom and teachings when it comes to witchcraft (folk magick) and healing.

She uses natural items in forests and nature that bring healing in herbal salves, ointments and teas and herbs that can be used in folk magic.

If you work with herbs in your practice, you can work with Baba Yaga to help you perfect your craft and improve your skills and knowledge with herbs and healing with herbs.

In meditation, Baba Yaga can offer healing teas and herbs that can work to help ease discomfort and minor ailments such as upset stomach, minor colds, seasonal allergies, rashes/hives, headaches, etc.

If you’re looking for the right herb for a spell or natural healing, you can call on Baba Yaga to guide you to the right resources or materials.

How to know if you should work with her

“Be prepared. Baba Yaga is not an easy teacher. And she is definitely no pushover. She will challenge you, she will test you, and she will push you farther than you ever believed you could go. But, like a tough coach or a domineering drill sergeant, perhaps it’s because she believes in you more than you may believe in yourself. To work with her takes courage, intelligence, resourcefulness, and even a little bit of moxie, but if you’re ready for the challenge, you’ll reap incredible rewards—climbing higher, going farther, and doing more than you ever thought possible.” ~ Madame Pamita, author of Baba Yaga’s Book of Witchcraft.

You’ll know if Baba Yaga is calling you to her house and to her craft. But if you’re unsure, here’s a few signs she might send you:

The Birch tree keeps showing up in books, TV, etc.

You see Baba Yaga’s name everywhere online, movies, books, etc.

You’ve had a vision, dream or meditation in which Baba Yaga approaches you or you find her house in the birch forest

Three horses come to you as an omen (and an even bigger sign if there’s one white, one red and one black)

You might see a cauldron, broom, or spinning wheel as signs

Dreaming of skulls along a fence-line or in the hearth

If you’re going through an initiation process in life, at work, in a skill or spiritually

How to work with her

Here are just a few ideas of how to work with her and always remember it may look different and feel different for each and every one of us so just follow your intuition and your call. 

1. Read and Research

The first thing I always recommend when getting to know a deity is to read as much as you can about them. If you’re not a reader, watch documentaries. Listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Whatever you can find about Baba Yaga will be helpful in getting to know her from a respectful, cultural perspective. She is featured in many fairy tales, movies, poems, and even in children’s books. Some books written from a modern witchcraft perspective include Madame Pamita’s Book of Witchcraft, Baba Yaga by Natalia Clarke, and a fun read called Ask Baba Yaga: Otherworldly Advice for Everyday Trouble by Taisia Kitaiskaia.

Some common myths to look into about her will be Maria Morevna, where she makes a deal to help Prince Ivan find his bride, only to sabotage his effort to keep his end of the bargain, which would have resulted in his death. And The Black Geese, where her only goal is to capture and eat children.

2. Set Up An Altar for Baba Yaga

Every deity and spirit appreciates their own space. Baba is no different. If you have a mantle or space near a wood stove, this is the perfect spot for her as she’s highly linked to the hearth in Russian lore.

When working with Baba Yaga, offerings of thanks should be made each time after making a connection with Baba Yaga or asking for her advice, guidance or help.

If you know some poetry or words in Ukrainian, Russian, Polish or any Slavic language, you can give thanks to Baba Yaga in these languages.

At your altar, you can leave tokens of appreciation and thanks to Baba Yaga such as:

Include objects that make her feel at home: a cauldron, broom, or mortar and pestle for example.

Tobacco / cigarettes

Vodka

Food: kovbasa, borshch, patychky, varenyky (pierogis), bread (хліб), potato pancakes (картопяні млинці)

Decoration: wheat, traditional embroidery or rushnyky (traditional embroidered towels/rugs), matroshka (nesting dolls), pysanky (decorated Ukrainian eggs), skull decorations, bones (ethically gathered or sourced), images or statues of Baba Yaga and/or her house.

These offerings can also be left in forests at the foot of a tree or a special area that you dedicated outside for Baba Yaga.

3. Initiation Process

Baba will take you on a road to initiation deep in her forest. This process will be different for every devotee. You may be required to perform acts of service in her name, perhaps by aiding in preservation of the earth, forest, or wildlife. Perhaps through herbal studies. And she may even quiz you with riddles. Be open to learning, being patient, and working hard. Ask Baba Yaga how you can learn from her.

4. Work with herbs

Baba yaga is a master with herbs and plants as she is so at home in the forest. She has so much knowledge on herbal remedies and usages for alignments. Working with herbs and studying them especially the more dangerous one like Nightshade are a great way to connect to her and learn from her.

5. Shadow work 

Since Baba yaga resides in the Liminal space, and is so connected to the primordial wisdom of the earth and our ancestors she makes one of the perfect goddesses to call on for shadow work. She is intense though one of the most intense goddesses I have ever called in during a shadow work session. When you enter her hut for a shadow work session you will go deep in the liminal space and be pushed further than have before to really get the answers the forest and your ancestors from the beginning of time have to offer you. So, be prepared for this journey with her she will push you and she will show you everywhere you made a mistake and caused your own suffering to get worse. 

6. Call to her for discipline

Something I don’t see often from other witches is using her for discipline and structure. Baba Yaga is that overbearing, strict, I will slap your hand away grandmother type energy. Due to this attitude of strictness she has she is perfect to call on for situations where you need a little more discipline like quitting a bad habit or maintaining your schedule. You can do this by calling to her in spells and invocations when setting intentions for discipline and even calling to her while binding or banishing a habit you wish to stop. She suggests that when doing this you spin in a circle to signify and understand the difficulty it takes to break free of a cycle.

7. Work with her as the triple goddess

 It is said that Baba Yaga has two other sisters, who are also Baba Yagas who live in Her hut. Baba Yaga becomes a Triple Goddess in this fashion, embodying the Virgin, Mother, and Crone. The “Keeper of the Water of Life and Death” is another name for Baba Yaga. So, if you work the triple goddess archetype you can use her as the crone representation alone or as all three. I have seen and done both myself. 

8. Guided meditation to meet her

The purpose is to meet Baba Yaga so you my get to know the true Goddess. This meditation is best done during the dark moon. It is a solitary medition best done alone. Cast a circle if you like or just get comfortable in you favorite meditation position. Make sure the room is dark and you will not be disturbed

. Now let us begin.

You have entered a thick forest, but some how you know your way. You reach an opening in the trees. There before you is the home of the Goddess Baba Yaga. The fence is made of bones topped with human skulls. The house dances on chicken legs. It is a fearsome sight, yet you know there is nothing to fear. You reach the gate and ring the bell for her. In a harsh voice she asks what you want. With a pure heart you tell her why you wished to meet her. She flies out of her house in her mortar to greet you. How are you feeling? What are your impressions? Baba Yaga approaches and asks you to come with her for a ride. Do you hesitate? Go with her. Fly through the air in the mortar with Baba Yaga. Take note to where she takes you and what she tells you. Enjoy the feeling of flying! Baba Yaga will know when it is time to come back. When you return to her home, thank her and give her a gift. Does she give you a gift? If so, what is it? You know your way back through the woods.

 Now you know the way and can visit Baba Yaga when needed.

Note: When I rode with Baba Yaga in her mortar the first time she ground me up into little pieces with her pestle. She then sprinkled the waters of life on me and I was back to myself. I felt refreshed, as if the unneeded traits were ground away. Baba Yaga came to me as a healer. She taught me all healers must be intimately familiar with the cycles of life and death. She remains guardian of both the underworld and the fountain of the waters of life

No matter how you choose to work with her if you even do just remember to show her respect, understanding and to express gratitude for all the wisdom she brings to you no matter how harsh of way she does it in. I will leave you with this poem written about her to help you connect and  decide if she is a goddess you would like to work with. 

Baba Yaga

Wild Woman

I walk in the forest

and speak intimately with the animals

I dance barefoot in the rain

without any clothes

I travel on pathways

that I make myself

and in ways that suit me

my instincts are alive and razor sharp

my intuition and sense of smell are keen

I freely express my vitality

my sheer exuberant joyfulness

to please myself

because it is natural

it is what needs to be

I am the wild joyous life force

Come and meet me

By Amy Sophia Marashinsky

To expand your knowledge about her and meet her in guided meditation or if you’d rather listen than read; you can watch my free class with Divination Academy on YouTube below!