The Goddess in Paganism

In many branches of Paganism, there are many Gods and Goddesses worshiped in a pantheon. This does not mean that all the deities are worshiped or called upon equally. Deities are often assigned specific tasks or jobs within a pantheon. For example, one or more deities will rule over smithing, or death, or the sun. As a result, most faiths with multiple deities tend to focus on only a few of them, often the most generalized.

In some cases, this surfeit of deity leads to massive simplification. There is an increasing belief that "All Gods are one". In Wicca, these collected deities are described as The God and The Goddess. They are the main focus of worship in Wicca, embodying the Male and Female energies of the universe. In the Wolf and Raven Path, these are aspects of the Universal Essence. They represent the dynamic opposites of masculine and feminine energy.

The Goddess

The Goddess is associated with feminine energy. She is sometimes represented by the Moon (opposite the Sun), sometimes as the Earth (opposite the Sky) and sometimes as the Earth Mother, mother and consort to the Green Man.

She has many faces, and is the driving force behind peace, nurturing and indirect action. This energy is much more subtle energy than masculine energy. With masculine energy, problems are dealt with head-on. Feminine energy deal with problems by seeking other approaches, shifting problems aside or bypassing them entirely. Further, male energy focuses more on victory, while female energy focuses on the safety of all concerned. While masculine energy confronts all obstacles, feminine energy seeks to keep everyone safe.

Some branches of Paganism (like Dianic Wicca) have a tendency to marginalize the God. This is partly in response to their need for female empowerment, partly in response to the Christian Church marginalizing female power. Ironically, these groups are usually steeped in masculine energy, frequently being confrontational or militant in their views. This is natural - remember that everyone has access to both masculine and feminine energies.

Accessing Feminine Energy

While everyone has both masculine and feminine energy within them, not everyone can comfortably access both. It is often more difficult for men to access feminine energy that for women to access masculine energy. This is mostly cultural: women who possess traits traditionally considered to be masculine (for example, strength and bravery) are often sought after. Conversely, men exhibiting feminine traits are often shunned. However, it is important for men to access this feminine nature, as this can bring out a much more nurturing and creative side of themselves. Those who are able to comfortably access and use both types of energy tend to be the most successful and fulfilled people.

This dynamic balance of opposing forces drives the world. Light and dark, summer and winter, male and female - the shifting balances of these forces drive creation in all its forms.

Summoning feminine energy can be as simple as visualizing yourself being filled with silver, red or white light. This light brings with a peaceful center that allows you to think more clearly, be more open to new possibilities, and relate better to your community. Many stones and crystals resonate to this feminine energy. These include rose quartz, moonstone, and fluorite. You can carry or wear these stones to increase this energy.

You can also ask the deities for direct assistance. You can do this by praying directly to the deity you are most comfortable with; male or female, they all contain both masculine and feminine energies. You could also pray to a deity that rules over the type of situation you are in (for example, Aphrodite or Eros for love). On many altars, the female deity is represented by a candle or figurine in either silver, red or white. You can also use an image of the specific deity you are praying to.

Remember that male and female energy together that drive creation. To neglect either is to have an unbalanced view of the world. We are as much a part of nature as every other living being. The better we understand both masculine and feminine energies, the better we will understand ourselves and our world.

Return from Paganism and the Goddess to Gods and Goddesses

Return to The Urban Pagan Homepage