The Goddess Directory

Baba Yaga

July 24, 2025

Wood witch, ogres and guardian of the forest. Baba Yaga hails from Slavic folklore. She lives in a magical hut which moves about on chicken legs.
She is often portrayed as a hideous old witch who devours children and she even rides with Death in her flying mortar. However she is both good and bad, light and shadow. Baba yaga is untamed and unapologetic, a wild woman who will help you on your quest if she believes you are true and strong of heart.
Call to Baba Yaga only if you are ready to change as she does not suffer fools lightly. Her help may be painful and bitter but will always be what you need, even if you struggle to face it. If you can accept your darkness, wisdom and healing will follow.
The Coventina Press – Baba Yaga Oracle Card

The Mythology of Baba Yaga

Deep in the forest of Russia, Poland and the Balkans, you can here tell of Baba Yaga and the legends surrounding her. Her tales have endured thousands of years. Her name as ancient origins, Baba meaning old woman, grandmother and Yaga derived from an ancient word for snake or serpent. She is a wild primordial feminine force whose appearance is not likely to be forgotten. She has iron teeth that can gnow through bones, a nose so long it touches the ground and wild grey hair that flows like a storm behind her. Her chicken-legged home spins and dances through the forest and when it settles a fence of human bones surrounds it.

Baba Yaga dwells at the boundary between worlds – between life and death, civilized and wild, known and unknowable. She enjoys testing those who would come to her for help with impossible tasks and riddling questions.

She has a mortar and pestle that serve both as a cauldron and chariot, grinding herbs for potions by day and soaring through the skies at night. The pestle steers while she sweeps away her tracks with a silver birch broom, leaving no trace for those who might follow. She knows the language of animals, the secrets of plants that heal and harm, and the true names of spirits that others dare not speak.

The Price of Her Wisdom

There are many tales of Baba Yaga and in all of them, those that seek her aid, must prove their worth. SHe may make you sort poppy seeds from the earth or weave moonbeams into cloth. The tasks are never what they appear on the surface, as they are tests of character, determination and grit. She rewards those of pure heart with gifts, but she destroys the greedy, the lazy and the false.

The Shadow Teacher

Baba Yaga embodies the harsh wisdom of the wild feminine – the aspect of the divine that refuses to coddle or comfort. She is the wise woman who tells you truths you don’t want to hear, the crone who holds up the mirror to the darkest parts of your soul and in her presence, your mask will fall away and no pretense can be upheld.

The Baba Yaga oracle card is available to buy in the shop!
Hecate

July 4, 2025

Hecate: A Guide to the Underworld and Inner Wisdom

Hecate is an ancient goddess. It is believed she predates the Olympians gods, and was originally worshipped as an Earth Mother in Caria, Asia Minor long and was then later syncretized into the Greek pantheon. She is often seen as a triple goddess and that is because she is goddess over many different domains and the journey she has been on as changed her worship immensely. Her three aspects are connected and yet very separate from each other and they evolve as her worship changes through the ages.

She was first and foremost, a Great Goddess, a universal figure of worship and there were many temples and cults in her place of origin. After Zeus and the pantheon arrived from the Indo- european relighion, she still found a place in the pantheon and was highly respected as a goddess of liminal spaces and the in-between. She was classed as one of the titans, but not of the original twelve. She was extremely powerful but stood alone, apart from the major gods and goddess of the Greek pantheon. She became a goddess worshipped at transformative times and transitions. They would worship her at childbirth, marriage, death for example. She was a bridge, a messenger between mortals and gods. She connected the three male domains (sky, sea and underworld) together and passed easily between all the worlds. She has now shifted from Universal goddess, an earth mother to a liminal goddess, her second role. Her third aspect is as a chthonic goddess. Which is how she is most well regarded in modern times. As she was worshipped in transitions and transformations, she became associated with magic, witchcraft, death and the underworld. She was worshipped at crossroads where the unfortunate dead where often buried and she became connected and associated with ghosts and was known as the mistress of souls. She now as three different faces, but she is still only one powerful ancient goddess.

HECATE
Hecate is a truly ancient triple goddess, who predates even Greek Mythology. She is the Goddess of magic and moonlight, of witch-craft and ghosts.
Her mysterious presence is felt most in the liminal spaces, the inbetween where the veil is thin. She will call to you at the gates, the crossroads of this world and your life. Hecate is the escort to the dead on their journey to the underworld.

But do not fear her, call to Hecate on your spiritual journeys. She will guide you to your underworld.
To the hidden depths of your soul, to your shadow self and the darkness that lies within us all.
The clarity and inner wisdom she brings comes from embracing both the light and the dark and finding the balance and harmony with both.
The Coventina Press
Achelois

July 3, 2025

Achelois : she who washes away the pain

Not much is known of Goddess Achelois, there are no stories left behind for us to read, as Greek mythology is so ancient and also widespread..it can often overlap and be contradictive. We do know that she was associated with the Dodonian Oracle, one of the oldest hellenistic oracles. When people were in pain or need assistance in an illness, it was Achelois who they sacrificed to. Her name became synonymous with the washing away of pain and healing.

Many sources I found mention Achelois as a Moon goddess and although I can’t find the link to this yet…this makes sense to me as the moon, waters and tides often represent healing and the washing away of any hurt. When I think of Achelois, I imagine the moon and the seas, the tide creeping up the shore and cleaning away of the debris. In ancient Greek, she was looked at as a source of comfort to those in pain.

The Greek Poet Tzetzes believed Achelois to be one of The Muses, goddesses who inspired human to create. It is also suggested she could be the daughter of Epione, goddess of the soothing of pain. In another connection, she is a Siren, or perhaps all the sirens, daughter of Achelous, the River God.

As with many of the minor goddesses, we have no clear picture now of who she was, and what she represented to the people of the world she knew. Regardless of this, if you want to connect with Achelois, if you want to feel her healing power, the comfort of her embrace and ask her to wash away your pain. Close your eyes. Imagine her power and if you are lucky, she will come to you.

The Achelois hand printed linocut is available to buy here and I also have a very miniature linocut print available here too
Elemental: Air

June 30, 2025

Air Energy and the Goddesses of air and breath

Air, one of the four elements of our world. Air is the element that surrounds us, and yet it is an invisible element, one only seen when it touches another. Air is a transformational energy, it moves all other elements and changes the world around us. We feel its power in the swaying of the trees, the licking of flames and the crashing of waves. Air is the very breath of life, the flow of energy, in and out. It feeds us and yet we don’t spare it a thought unless we lose it.

So what it is to be guided by air and what does it mean if the element of air is part of your energy?

Air spirits are thinkers, communicators and doers. They are intelligent and often have the ability to breeze through life and often feel like a breath of fresh air to those around them. They are cheerful by nature and enthusiastic about things they love. Being surrounded by friends and family is important to them and they are sociable and look outwards. Air spirits are often called to teach or lean towards creative self expressive. They have powerful imaginations and often think of the bigger picture, they focus on the world around them , not just their own little corner. Air spirits are good at keeping the peace and resolving conflicts, but they will stand up for their beliefs and for the beliefs of others. On the flipside air spirits can end up feeling restless, scattered, they can become mentally over-stimulated and end up staying up all night falling down rabbit holes.

Below are a few air and breath goddesses from around the world, I’ve tried to cover the different aspects of air worship and the characteristics that are make up their energy.

ARIANRHOD

Celtic goddess Arianrhod, also known as the Silver Circle. She is a sky and star goddess who lives among the stars in the Corona Borealis, a constellation that surrounds the North Star. She sails across the sky to help the souls of those that have fallen in battle. She is also the goddess of the arts, magic and manifestation. She is associated with spinning and weaving as with her silver wheel she weaves the tapestry of life.

CARDEA

Cardea is a little known roman goddess, whose name means door hinge. Although as goddess of the door hinge, she sounds unimportant, she had the power to keep out evil spirits and such she was worshipped by the general population and looked at as the protector of children.

IRIS

Greek goddess Iris is the personification of the rainbow. She served as a messenger of the Gods. She could communicate with both Gods and mortals and helped to bridge the gap between the too. Her beautiful air energy helped those around her communicate clearly and she was able to keep the peace and resolve conflicts by teaching empathy. She was also the handmaiden to Hera, who as the Queen of the heavens is also an air spirit.

NUT

Goddess Nuit pronounced ‘newt’ is an Egyptian goddess of the sky and all heavenly bodies. It was believed that all celestial beings including the sun and the moon would make their way across her body during the day. She represents death and rebirth and the beautiful cycle of life. She looks over and protects your loved ones who have passed.

If you are interested in knowing more about Nut, I have a blog post all about her – Nut

I will definitely be exploring air energy more in my journey. Their ability to see clearly, communicate wisely and also their social nature inspires me and although I am an Earth spirit, through and through, we could all do with harnessing that air from time to time.

Artwork listed, links below!

Air Spirit linocut

Goddess Nuit Linocut
Elemental : Earth

June 30, 2025

Earth Energy and the Goddesses of earth and wood

Earth, one of the four elements of our world. The very foundation of all things, the matter of the universe. If you touch the ground you walk on, you can feel its stability, its unmoving strength. You can see its fertility, as life spring from it, and eventually all life is interred within it. So what is it to be guided my earth and what does it mean if the element of earth is part of your energy?

Earth spirit energy is stable, reliable and determined. They find peace out in nature, but also at home and at the hearth. They often have a calling to heal and care for others especially through nature, They have the ability to hold space for others and can take on responsibilities. They want to make the world around them a better place. Earth spirits are steady people, rock solid, and are private with their emotions and keep what they feel to themselves. They would only share their inner selves if it was necessary. Imagine how slowly the earth changes and turns and you can picture an earth spirit slowly, methodical going through life. The flipside of earth energy can be so steadfast it becomes stubborn, adamant and they can find it difficult to compromise especially regarding their principles. At work they can be perfectionists, and can be critical of themselves and of others. They also can become stuck if a change is needed.

Below are a few earth and wood goddesses from around the world, I’ve tried to cover the different aspects of earth worship and the characteristics that are make up their energy.

DEMETER

Greek Goddess Demeter is best known in relation to her daughter Persephone. She is the goddess of the harvest and agriculture. After Persephone, who is also an Earth spirit, was kidnapped, she became goddess of the seasons as in her joy the world blooms and in her sadness the world around her hibernates. She has a deep connection to the world of nature around her but she is was also very determined to get her daughter back and refused to keep caring for the world without her. Steadfast in her principles she did eventually get her back, for half the year at least. I have written a full post on Demeter which you can find here – Demeter

MOTHER EARTH

Earth mother, the eternal ever fruitful source of all life on our planet. Ever present in ancient religions around the world she has many names. Gaia, Pachamama, Terra Mater, Prithvi. A symbol of life and fertility. She teaches the importance of harmony and respect for the Earth and its gifts. Pachamama, translates Earth Mother. She is a fertility goddess revered by Incan people and is still an important feature of religion in Peru today. She protects the inhabitants of her land and nourishes them if balance can be maintained. She teaches the importance of harmony and respect for the Earth and its gifts and the belief that if we take too much, the Earth will fight back with natural disasters and famine. Gifts are regularly offered to her in a ritual named ‘pago a la tierra’ – payment to the earth.

I have a full detailed post on Gaia and a post on Pachamama here.

ARTEMIS

Artemis is an ancient Greek Goddess, Goddess of Wilderness- Artemis felt most at home in the wild,

roaming the mountains and forests and being at peace with the animals that lived there. She never tried to harness or use nature for any purpose. She protected the wild and the animals from the outside world.

Her and her companions would bath in the rivers and rest in peace from the hostility of the world around them. If you would like to know more about Artemis, I have a blog post dedicated to her – Artemis

SPIDER GRANDMOTHER

Spider Grandmother is the Earth mother in many native american cultures. with Tawa the sun god they created the Earth and everything in it. She created woman and man and gave them their cultures and traditions to follow. She is known as an wise old woman, a healer, a leader who gives advice and who helps people on their path.

Exploring the elements through personality and goddess has been so interesting to me. I am an Earth spirit through and through but having the ability to harness other elemental energy from time to time can only be a good thing.

List of prints available in the shop from this post, links below

Demeter

Pachamama

Gaia

Artemis

Back with more goddesses soon, bye
Elemental : Water

June 30, 2025

Water Energy and the Goddesses of water and waves

Water, one of the four elements of our world. Water surrounds us, in the oceans, rivers and streams. It springs out the earth and cascades down waterfalls. It’s the pouring rain. It flows freely with a graceful yet dynamic energy that can not be contained. Water has the ability to heal, purify and has a cleansing energy. Most civilizations were established next to water. It’s importance is all encompassing, It is the giver of all life, but also has the power to destroy through floods, droughts and drowning.

In most cultures water is a feminine energy and is strongly linked to the moon. Water is connected to our emotions, empathy, fertility, and to our dreams. It is an intuitive energy that flows through us. There are many water goddesses, goddess of the oceans, of springs and wells. River goddesses and goddess who harness water energy to heal. So what is it to be guided by water and what does it mean if the element of water is part of your energy?

Water spirits are deep and soulful. They are compassionate , have mountains of empathy and are emotionally sensitive to energies around them. In work, they are often called to bring art, love, music and joy into the world or find themselves in a healing profession from their desire to heal the world. They have an unrivalled ability to heal those around them and are highly intuitive. Often intelligent, frank and quick-witted. Although they always think twice before they speak. There are two types of water. Flowing water and still water and as such, you will have water spirits who are active, restless and impatient. Whereas still water spirits are calm, silent and stay at home. On the flip side water personalities can struggle to make decisions, feel emotions too intensely and get lost in a tidal wave of feelings. They can be insecure and fear is an emotion that follows them everywhere. They may need extra time and space alone.

Below are a few water and wave goddesses from around the world. I’ve tried to cover the different aspects of water worship and the elements that make up their energy.

CLIODNA

Celtic goddess of the sea and the otherworld. Daughter of the sea god Manannan. She was a fairy queen of the otherworld who aspects are beauty, passion and love. She fell in ,I’ve with a mortal man and left the otherworld to be with him but her father enchanted her to fall asleep by the sea and she was carried away on the ninth wave. She is the waves that crash onto the shores of Ireland. Every ninth wave is sacred to her and is always the strongest. It is believed that if you cast a pearl in a double shell into the ninth wave she will grant a wish for you. She has three birds who eat fruit from the otherworld and whose songs can heal the sick.

COVENTINA

Coventina is a British/Germanic Goddess of natural springs and wells. Her aspects are abundance, healing, renewal and inspiration. Not much is known of Coventina, but she is a goddess close to my heart and I have a blog post dedicated to her here.

TETHYS

Greek Titan Tethys was born to Uranus and Gaea, the personifications of heaven and earth. Tethys is the personification of fresh water. She appears in classic literature and as a figure in Roman art, especially in the baths. She is portrayed as a nurturing goddess unlike most titans. Tethys was also the wife of Oceanus, the personification of salt-water and together they made over 6000 water spirits and nymphs, all of the oceanids and river spirits.Tethys mosaic

I will definitely be exploring water energy more in my journey, that beautiful deep emotional energy is very powerful. And although I am an Earth spirit, through and through, we could all do with harnessing that water from time to time.

Linocuts available in the shop that are mentioned in this post are linked below!

Water Spirit linocut

Water spirit greeting card

Coventina Blue linocut print

Coventina Black linocut print

Coventina Blue greeting card

Coventina Black greeting card
Elemental : FIRE

June 30, 2025

Fire Energy and the Goddesses of fire and flame.

Fire, one of the four elements of our world. Fire has played such an important role in our evolutionary history that it makes sense that fire worship as always been with us. The importance of the sun, the warmth from the family hearth, and the power of volcanoes and lightning are all represented in fire. The craft of the blacksmiths, iron, warfare and metal tools. The ability of fire to mold and create but also to destroy and burn gives it immense power and a whole wealth of gods and goddesses characterize this element. So what it is to be guided by fire and what does it mean if the element of fire is part of your energy?

Fire spirits burns bright. In play, they are adventurous, brave, energetic and outgoing. They have a youthful spirit regardless of age and are often progressive and excitable. In work, they have natural leadership qualities, feel passionate and actively pursue their goals. They may have a burning desire to create, inspire or lead and they can often feel a calling to deliver an important message to the world. On the flip side all of this passion, this brightness can become destructive. Fire spirits can sometimes be brash, chaotic, disruptive, irresponsible and unreliable. Just like fire can keep you warm but also burn, fire energy needs to be channeled with thought and care.

Below are a few fire and flame goddesses from around the world, I’ve tried to cover the different aspects of fire worship and the characteristics that are make up their energy.

PELE

Goddess Pele by The Coventina Press

Goddess of volcanoes, fire and lightning. She who shapes the sacred land of Hawaii. Pele is loved but also feared on the islands. Many choose not to say her name in case she is listening. Pele is beautiful, passionate, fiery and full of energy and impatience. Her love is powerful and deep but can cause great pain to her and those around her. Her spirit, like the volcano that she inhabits is volatile and can be wrathful if she is hurt. Legend says Pele will curse any who steal from her and many Hawaiian rocks have been returned to the island by people who believe they now have bad luck for stealing from her. For more information on Pele, read this post. www.thecoventinapress.co.uk/post/goddess-pele-of-hawaii

SEKHMET

Sekhmet is an Egyptian goddess, whose name mean ‘she who is powerful’. She was created with the fire of the sun, from Ra’s eye as he looked upon the Earth. She was the fire, the weapon that would destroy you for your disobedience. Goddess of the hot desert sun, war, the plague and chaos. She was definitely a Goddess to be feared, however she was also a healer and for her friends she could divert the plagues and cure any illness. She was the patron of all healers and the protector of the Pharaohs.

HESTIA

Hestia. Greek goddess of the hearth fire and one of the twelve Olympians. Worship of Hestia was centered on the hearth, both at home and as a sacrificial fire. In ancient greece, fire was essential in the household for warmth, food and sacrificial offerings and Hestia was the divine personification of the hearth fire. She was everywhere and all important, but hers was not the burning bright fire of destruction but the warming fire of home and hospitality and she was loved and respected by all.

DRAUPADI

Draupadi, Hindu goddess of fire. She was born from the sacrificial fires themselves. She is the heroic princess from the Hindu epic of Mahabharata. Draupadi is a complicated goddess, known for being full of romance, charisma, intrigue and mystery. She displays all the exuberance of a fire spirit. Draupadi was strong-willed and stubborn but in all the best ways. A woman with unbending will, proud and angry with the strength to bear the trials and tribulations life threw at her and there were many.

GABIJA

Goddess Gabija is the fire spirit in Lithuanian mythology. Many of the rituals and traditions surrounding Gabija are still practiced today and fire is sacred to all Lithuanians. Gabija is a feminine energy and the women of the household would protect the scared hearth fire. This included banking it at night, feeding her and making sure only the right materials were given to her. She would never be disrespected or insulted, as Gabija could walk, burning everything in her path.

I will definitely be exploring fire energy more in my journey as I find the fine line between creative power and destructive power fascinating. And although I am an Earth spirit, through and through, we could all do with harnessing that fire from time to time.

Links to linocuts mentioned in this post below!

Fire spirit linocut print

Fire spirit Greeting card

Pele linocut print

Pele Greeting card
Nut

June 28, 2025

Dearest Nut : Our Cosmic Mother

Goddess Nut and the creation of our world

Goddess Nut is one of the oldest Egyptian goddesses, and is a part of the Egyptian creation stories. Before time begin, Ra, the creator existed in the lifeless waters of chaos called the Nu. He rose from his inert state and created Shu, the air and Tefnut, the moisture. Together Shu and Tefnut gave birth to Nut, the sky and Geb, the Earth. Nut and Geb were deeply in love and embraced each other so closely that Ra got jealous and put Shu, the air in between the lovers. In this way, Nut forms a protective layer over the Earth, saving us from the watery chaos above. All the celestial beings move through her body. Even Ra the creator, who later became the Sun. Ra is swallowed up by Nut every night and every morning she gives birth to him, giving her the title Mother of Gods. She also gave birth to the last four of the Great Ennead- Osiris, Isis, Set and Nephthys. She certainly has a very important role in the Egyptian universe.

The Attributes of Nut

Goddess Nut of the Sky. mother of all. She has always been looked upon as a loving caring Goddess. She holds a space for us, away from the watery chaos outside. She birthed all the stars and the celestial beings and loves the Earth passionately, Although she was rarely worshipped in daily life, as the sky is simply the sky, once life ebbs toward death Nut becomes all important.

O my Mother Nut, stretch Yourself over me, that I may be placed among the imperishable stars which are in You, and that I may not die.”

This quote is from the ancient Egyptian Pyramid Texts, which are among the oldest known religious writings in the world, dating back to around 2400-2300 BCE.

Goddess Nut, protector of the dead. Many inscriptions and carvings of Nut in Egyptian tombs such as the verse above have been uncovered. Nut was believed to carry the dead up to the sky with her and they would join her in her celestial world. She is a beautiful Goddess to call upon if you are grieving, her arms wrap the world in an all encompassing embrace. She protects the living and cares for the dead. She loves deeply and if you lie still and quiet and look up at the night sky it almost feels like you can feel her embrace.

I was commissioned to make my print of Goddess Nut for someone who had experienced an enormous loss and I hope that it gives some solace. As it is an reduction print, no more can be made but I think one day I will revisit her. She is most definitely worth getting to know more deeply.

The linocut greeting card of Nut is available at The Coventina Press
Gaia

June 28, 2025
Mother Earth : Gaia from Greek Mythology

Gaia comes from ancient Greek stories, where she represented the Earth as a living being. The Greeks believed she was one of the first gods to appear when the world began.

According to these ancient tales, Gaia emerged from Chaos, the first primordial goddess , who was the vast empty space that existed before everything else. Gaia arose from this nothingness and became the Earth itself.

The Greeks saw Gaia as a mother figure who gave birth to many gods, goddesses, and Titans. She was considered the ultimate life-giver, caring for all living things on Earth. The stories tell us that Gaia loved her creation deeply and promised to protect it always.

Mythologies from all around the world connect with this idea of Earth as a living, nurturing force. When we talk about “Mother Nature” today, we’re drawing on this ancient understanding.

Similar earth goddesses appear in cultures worldwide:
- Terra Mater in Roman mythology
- Pachamama in Andean traditions
- Prithvi in Hindu culture
- Jörð in Norse mythology
This universal concept suggests something deep in human nature recognizes Earth as more than just rock and soil. From towering mountains to delicate spring flowers, everything in nature was seen as part of Gaia’s creative energy. She wasn’t a distant goddess – she was present in every tree, rock, and blade of grass. The Earth itself was her body, and everything living on it was part of her being.

This ancient wisdom found new life in the 1970s when scientist James Lovelock proposed the “Gaia hypothesis” – the idea that Earth functions as a single, self-regulating living system. Suddenly, ancient mythology and modern science were saying something remarkably similar: our planet is alive.

Gaia Rebels

Gaia’s most famous story involves her rebellion against her husband Uranus (the Sky). After giving birth to the Titans, Uranus feared and hated his children, keeping them imprisoned within Gaia’s womb. In response to this cruelty, Gaia made a plan to overthrow him by creating a sickle made of flint and giving it to her son Cronus. When Uranus came to lie with Gaia, Cronus castrated his father, allowing the Titans to rule. Later, when Cronus became ruler and began swallowing his own children to prevent them from overthrowing him (just as he had done to his father), Gaia again rebelled. This time she sided with her grandson Zeus in his rebellion against Cronus. Gaia rebelled against the reigns of all three rulers of the universe (Uranus, Cronus, Zeus), but ultimately had to accept Zeus as the supreme king.

I am planning to do a post about all the different mother earth goddesses, actually planning to do a mother earth calendar for 2027, so ill be researching the various earth mother in the coming months.

Gaia Artwork is available at The Coventina Press
Sheela Na Gig

June 28, 2025

Dearest Sheela,

I first saw an image of Sheela na Gig whilst doing my art A Level at 17. She fascinated me. Her grotesque form delighting in her own body. Her ugly crone like appearance seemingly at odds with the overt sexuality of her pose….What enticed me even more was that her symbology is a mystery. The reason for her existence and especially her connection with the Church is unknown.

There are many goddess attributes that Sheela could take on, and throughout her long history I’m sure she has worn them all. Perhaps she truly is all them, the maiden, the mother, the crone. The triple goddess, in all her power, baring her teeth and her vagina to the world.

Sheela Attributes

A Fertility Symbol

As a fertility goddess, she stands proud. She shows us our path through labour and she gives hope and representation to women all over the world. A powerful symbol of a woman’s ability to stretch and open, to give birth.

I think what I love about her as a fertility goddess is the lack of beauty. This is no rosy, healthy, full of the life, ‘it will be all wonderful’ fertility goddess. This is a life and death, skin and bones, a give birth to the world and all that is in it whilst roaring your defiance fertility goddess. The rawness can be healing.

Goddess of Sexuality

Images of lust is an interesting book about research on a sexual carvings in religious settings in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. Sheela na Gig’s are of course a prominent feature. It is put forward in the book that the Sheela’s were carved by the church in the 11th/12th century as a warning against lust. Of all the explanations imagined about Sheela and her origins this one has the most research to back it up. I think that this could be true for a lot of the Sheela’s found displayed prominently on churches, and they can be rather grotesque. But some Sheela’s appear to be smiling and endearing in there strangeness, certainly not something to fear.

As a goddess of sexuality, she has her place. She is certainly not Venus or Aphrodite, this isn’t about love and sensuality. However there is something to be said for a symbol that allows for overt sexuality in women. In a society that has demonised it for so long, maybe Sheela is who we need.Sheela Na Gig carving on a church

The Protector Goddess

Another interesting theory is that the Sheela’s carved above doorways and windows are actually talismans to keep out the devil and protect us from the evil spirits roaming the Earth. In many ancient cultures the female genitalia were believed to hold magick. That they could be used to cast spells for good or for bad. In Finland for example the vittu, which is specifically a mothers vagina would protect the home, the cattle and the children. A bare vittu shown to the forest would scare away the beasts. Perhaps that was their role in the churches of old. Perhaps back then the vagina was a symbol of power and magick, the divine womb protecting those that passed it. Unfortunately that time has passed and in the 17th century many Sheela’s were removed from the Churches as a old symbol that was inappropriate for a more modest age.

A Pagan Goddess

It is indeed unlikely that the Sheela’s come from a time before Christianity, but the belief that she is a remnant of when the world worshiped the Mother Goddess, and the society was matriarchal is still the most widely accepted meaning. She does bare remarkable similarities to the ancient Greek goddess Baubo. Baubo is generally plump and sits legs apart showing her vulva. Some believe that the idea of Baubo stems from even older goddess religions from around the world. There are many examples of statues and art from ancient times when the vulva was not obscene and often worshipped for its life giving ability. It was even viewed in many places as a portal to the supernatural and it held a power unparalleled.

My personal belief, she is the Great Mother, A representation of the cycle of life. Her open vagina pulled apart giving birth to all of existence whilst simultaneously her crone like appearance showing us that death is the other side. Never one without the other. Maiden, Mother. Crone.

Regardless of when, or how or why these carvings exist, they hold immense power in today’s world. Whether you view her as the Great Mother, as a fertility goddess, as a protector or simply as a whore. Sheela has become part of our modern mythology, and there are many lessons to learn simply by looking at her closely.

Sheela Na Gig Linocut available in the shop listed below!

Sheela Na Gig linocut and Sheela Linocut Large

Sheela Na Gig greeting card