The Greek goddess Athena had as her sacred animal familiar the owl, also known as the Athene Noctua in Latin. The Romans, fond as they were of stealing from the Greek pantheon, renamed Athena to Minerva. Athena and her owl are considered to be symbols of wisdom, in both cultures. Athene Noctua Athena’s owl orContinue reading “Ancient word of the day: Athene Noctua or Athena’s Owl”
Tag Archives: goddess
Book Review: Mystical Journey Oracle by Tennessee Charpentier
A sublimely beautiful deck of cards and book that provokes deep contemplation, meditation and clarity on one’s life path and future possibilities. Even if you don’t believe in the woo-woo of reading oracles or cards, you will still enjoy the stunning paintings by French artist Tenessee Charpetier and the deep accompanying storytelling of the book. This would also make a great gift for the spiritual seeker in your life.
The Māori Goddess Taranga by Robyn Kahukiwa
In Maori legend, Taranga is the mother of the god Maui and her husband is named Makeatutura. When Maui is born prematurely, Taranga wraps his body in her hair and throws him into the waves. In the ensuing years, sea-creatures care for Maui, hiding him in the sea coral and kelp until one day following aContinue reading “The Māori Goddess Taranga by Robyn Kahukiwa”
Book Review: Words of a Kaumātua by Haare Williams
A compelling, rich and lush blend of essay, poetry, reflections and personal stories by one of New Zealand’s most preeminent Māori writers. I have to admit that I didn’t know much about Haare Williams before picking up this book in Te Papa Museum in Wellington. This is a definitive collection of Māori wisdom that isContinue reading “Book Review: Words of a Kaumātua by Haare Williams”
Opening Pandora’s Box: Phrases Borrowed from the Classics and the Stories Behind Them by Ferdie Addis
If you are in love with language, storytelling, folklore or classical history then you will love this book. It’s short at only 162 pages. However Opening Pandora’s Box punches well above its weight in terms of quality with many amusing and shocking stories from classical history to enjoy.
Ancient word of the day: Nymph
In Greek mythology, the nymphs were tiny and minor goddesses that each presided over a type of landscape feature. Normally something glimmering, glittering and bewitching in nature like waterfalls, streams, mountains, lakes or trees. The name nymphe means bride in Greek and so the tiny and bewitching nymphs represented the brides or maidens of theContinue reading “Ancient word of the day: Nymph”
Book Review: Making Magic by Briana Saussy
Briana Saussy writer and founder of the Sacred Arts Academy in San Antonio, Texas has written an intimate, enjoyable and joyful guide to the art of creating spiritual rituals and ceremonies in your home. Making Magic is organised by technique and material. It makes the everyday rituals in our lives sacred and adds pleasure andContinue reading “Book Review: Making Magic by Briana Saussy”
Ancient words of the day: Arcadian Idyll
Arcadian Idyll: an idealised vision about rural life, a country paradise. Arcadia was and still is, a mountainous region in Greece. It was populated mainly by shepherds and the sleepy and fluffy flocks of sheep. In reality, rural life in Arcadia was harsh, poor and beholden to the ravages of unpredictable weather. However thatContinue reading “Ancient words of the day: Arcadian Idyll”
Hawaii’s volcanic spectacle and Pele the Fire Goddess
This sky-level satellite image above shows how most of Puna is covered in a lush green canopy, with some visible lava flows in the District of Puna. Puna is one of the smaller islands in the American states of Hawaii. At around 1,300km2 Puna is slightly smaller than the island of Kaua. It’s subtropical climate andContinue reading “Hawaii’s volcanic spectacle and Pele the Fire Goddess”
The sacred feminine: The art of Chie Yoshii
Chie Yoshii’s oil paintings explore timeless psychological themes and the inner landscape of women’s experiences. There’s a hint of luminosity to her panels that’s reminiscent of traditional Flemish paintings, although also a pagan symbolism and a dark sensuality to them as well. Born in Kochi, Japan, Chie Yoshii moved to the US to complete a BFA at MassachusettsContinue reading “The sacred feminine: The art of Chie Yoshii”
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