Goddesses in the Dust: Starfish Really Loves You

An archaeologist unearths the divine feminine, one archetype at a time...

Walking along a South Carolina beach I spotted this starfish and her recent imprint, likes twins from the sea. I did a little digging and found that starfish symbolize the goddess Isis in Egyptian mythology in her role as a guardian to sailors. They are also is associated with Sirius, the star sacred to Isis which appeared during the annual Nile flood. As you know, a starfish can regenerate its arms, so the concept of regeneration and renewal dovetails with the annual return of life giving water to agriculture. Starfish are also known as Stella Maris, or the star of the sea, and are associated with the Virgin Mary in her aspect as a guardian to sailors as they relied on the stars to guide their path. 

My path that morning led me to this glorious sunrise...

(Couldn't resist the reference to "Starfish really loves you" from the Charlie the Unicorn videos my kids used to watch...)

Postcards from the Underworld: Modern Greek Mannequins

Seen on the street - mannequins masquerading as modern Greek sculpture

Athens' Monastiraki Flea Market

Late summer 2014

Goddesses in the Dust: Theia - Goddess of Light

An archaeologist unearths the divine feminine, one archetype at a time...

We recently remodeled a bathroom in our house and replaced an old opaque window with a new, clear glass one. The first morning I went down the stairwell I saw the most amazing light show dappling the wall; a light show never before seen. The old opaque window did not let in light the way the new window does and I was so spellbound by the dazzling display of nature on my stairwell wall that I videotaped it. 

In ancient Greece, Theia is a Titan goddess of shining light - the daughter of Uranus and Gaia and the sister of Phoebe and Themis, who were associated with prophecies. She married her brother Hyperion, the Titan god of light, and gave birth to Helios (the sun) Selene (the moon) and Eos (dawn.) A shrine dedicated to her is located in Thessaly, Greece. 

I can't help but recall the old saying about a door closing and a window opening. This is particularly meaningful for anyone working to let go of old wounds or worn out emotional patterns that no longer serve you, and let in the light of healing. 

Wishing you the same blessings as we continue to embrace 2015. 

P.S. Listen for our grandfather clock (we call it our Granmaudie clock after my mother) chiming at the end :))

Postcards from the Underworld: Feed Me

Not sure what this creature is, spied on a sultry summer afternoon

Frikes, Ithaka

Greece

Goddesses in the Dust: Groundhog Day or Candlemas?

An archaeologist unearths the divine feminine, one archetype at a time...

February 2nd has traditionally been known as Groundhog Day - the day we see if winter will continue for 6 more weeks or if spring is around the corner, ludicrously determined by whether a rodent sees his shadow or not. But February 2nd is also known as Imbolc, the Celtic holiday of Candlemas, which also celebrates the first signs of spring.

Known as Brigid's Day, this represents the Triple Goddess, who is changing from the Crone to the Maiden. At the time when it seems winter might never end, this is when the earth shifts and warms, getting ready for the first shoots of spring to begin pushing out under the frost. So even though spring still seems far away, Brigid as the Triple Goddess reminds us that the rumblings beneath the soil and the germination of plants are occurring now, beneath our feet.