The lady of the lake is a well known ethereal character from the mythology of Arthur. She is often depicted as a powerful sorceress, a High Priestess of Avalon. She is the guardian of the legendary sword of Excalibur, and in many stories she rises from the lake and presents the sword to King Arthur. and is one of his greatest supporters.
She is connected to Merlin, sometimes as his lover, his pupil and eventually she surpasses his magical ability.
The lady of the lake has had many names, Viviane, Nimue, Ninianne and even sometimes Morgana. Is the lady of the lake simply another role of the High Priestess of Avalon perhaps?
Regardless of her name, she is a powerful, mysterious figure and she has always captivated me. I would recommend reading The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley if you have an interest in the female perspective behind the Arthurian Myths.
The lady of the lake hand printed linocut print is available to buy here and as a greeting card here.
Greek Goddess Lyssa is the personified spirit, or Daimon of rage and fury. She can drive animals to madness with rabies, setting them on her targets and was often used as weapon, as the divine response to injustice, betrayal, and the violation of natural order. When mortals committed acts that demanded cosmic retribution, it was often Lyssa who arrived.
Myths surrounding Lyssa
Heracles and the Madness
Hera was jealous of her husband Zeus’s son Heracles and wanted to destroy him. She asked Lyssa to drive the hero mad. But Lyssa hesitated as she knew Heracles was a good man who had helped both gods and humans.
The Daughters of Proetus
King Proetus had three daughters who became extremely vain and claimed they were more beautiful than the goddess Hera. Lyssa punished their arrogance by driving them mad, making them wander the countryside believing they were cows. They were only cured when they properly honored the gods and showed humility.
The Death of Pentheus
King Pentheus of Thebes refused to acknowledge Dionysus as a god and banned his worship. Lyssa worked with Dionysus to punish this disrespect by driving all the women of Thebes into a religious frenzy. In their madness, they killed Pentheus—including his own mother, who didn’t recognize him.
The Death of Actaeon
The hunter Actaeon watched the goddess Artemis bathing naked in a lake. Furious at being seen, Artemis turned him into a stag. Lyssa then drove his own hunting dogs mad with rabies, and they tore their former master apart, not recognizing him in his new form.
The Madness of Ajax
After the Trojan War, the Greek hero Ajax felt he deserved Achilles’ armor but it was given to Odysseus instead. In his rage and humiliation, Lyssa afflicted him with madness. Ajax slaughtered a flock of sheep thinking they were his enemies, and when he realized what he’d done, he killed himself in shame.
Goddess Lyssa guidance in today’s world.
Lyssa embodies the raw force of feminine rage, and though her energy in terrifying, it can also hold immense potential for positive change in the world.
Society dismisses women’s anger as “hysteria” or being “too emotional.” But Lyssa shows us that feminine rage can be sacred and necessary. Throughout history, women’s anger has driven major social changes—from suffragettes fighting for the vote to #MeToo exposing abuse.
Feminine rage isn’t something to suppress or apologize for. Like Lyssa’s divine fury, it often signals real injustice and can be the catalyst for positive change. The problem isn’t women’s anger—it’s the systems that try to silence it.
Sometimes rage is exactly what the situation calls for.
Feminine rage is the fire ignited in your belly by social injustice, by the indignities and cruelties inflicted upon so many. It is the heartbreak for the path humanity is on.
Girls are often taught to suppress their rage, even when disrespected, expected to just let it go. Yet when harnessed and unleashed, it becomes a catalyst for change.
The Selkie, or seal-folk are large seals found in the Northern Isles of Scotland that have the ability to shapeshift into human form. These fascinating mythical creatures have captured the imagination for centuries and feature in many stories from Celtic Folklore.
At the heart of Selkie lore lies their ability to transform. When on land, selkies shed their seal skin, revealing a beautiful human form. Their skin is their connection to the sea and without it they are trapped on land.
Many folktales can be found with motif of the skin of the female selkie being stolen by a man and her being coerced into a relationship for many years, unable to change back and regain her freedom and true self but forever yearning for the ocean, even if she develops a love for her human family, and once she found her skin she would leave and never look back. Other stories exist where the Selkie does fall in love and chooses to live on land, but can never escape from the lure of the Sea, of her true self and eventually the sea always wins. They are stories of being pulled in two directions, the longing for freedom and the pull of love and connection existing in a duality.
The Merfolk – The Mythology of Mermaids and Sirens
Merfolk have a long and interesting history, they have been given many names and many shapes, starting in 1000BC in Assyria. The fertility goddess Atargatis became a mermaid after casting herself into a lake from shame and grief after losing her lover. She transformed in to a fish, but her divine beauty could not be contained and her upper half returned to being the shape of a woman.
In greek mythology, before mermaids there were sirens. Sirens were half woman, half bird. They were scary creatures who would kill any sailor who saw them. Sirens transformed over the centuries into mermaids and are often depicted as mermaids today. Both mythical creatures were seducers, and were very dangerous. Mermaids are said to have a beautiful voice that could lead sailors to their death.
Mermaids became a part of the sailor culture and many sightings of them existed from as far back as the 1st century with the Romans in Gaul, all the way up to the present. Christopher Columbus believed he saw mermaids in the Caribbean.
The Merfolk hand printed linocut is currently sold out but the greeting card is available to buy here
Pachamama – South America’s Mother Earth from Incan Mythology
The Meaning of Pachamama
Pachamama is more than just a deity in Andean culture, she embodies the very essence of Mother Earth, nurturing and sustaining all living beings. Understanding the meaning of Pachamama goes beyond simple folklore, it delves into a deep connection with the land and the natural world. She is a representation of nature and the life cycle. She is the fertility of the land and the fertility of people on it. She holds a sacred place in Andean culture especially around themes of generosity, abundance and reciprocity.
The origins
The roots of Pachamama can be traced back to the ancient Andean civilizations, where the reverence for the earth and its bounties was central to their way of life. This deep connection with nature was ingrained in their daily rituals, agricultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Pachamama represented the fertility of the land, the abundance of crops, and the cycles of life and death. Through ceremonies and offerings, the Andean people honored and appeased Pachamama, seeking her blessings and protection. In the ancient myths of Incan culture there is always duality. Each female thing had to have male counterpart. Pachamama had Inti the Sun god as her male opposite. There was also Kay Pacha, the earth world and Hanna Pacha, the heaven world to name just one other pairing.
Modern World
Pachamama is still an important feature of andean culture today, although the ceremonies and beliefs may differ from area to area.. It is still believed by many that she protects the inhabitants of her land and nourishes them if balance can be maintained.This mythology 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 at the beginning of August.
In the words of an ancient Andean proverb, “The earth does not belong to us. We belong to the earth.” We should honor and protect the legacy of Pachamama, as the wisdom gained from this mythology can only be a force for good in this world where we so often take more much than we give.
The Pachamama hand printed linocut by The Coventina Press is available to buy here
The Dryads – Nymphs of the trees from different mythologies.
The Dryads are the nymphs of the trees, groves and woodlands. They are most commonly known as the spirits or fairies of the oaks, poplars, pine and ash, but there are similar stories of tree spirits in lots of mythologies around the world.
Greek Dryads
In Greek mythology, they were believed to be the nymphs of the trees, born from the earth itself to protect the forests and all living things within them. Some famous dryads from Greek Mythology are Eurydice and Daphne.
Norse Mythology
In Norse mythology, the dryads were said to be spirits of the trees, watching over the woodlands with a fierce and protective loyalty. dryads were known to possess the ability to communicate with trees and manipulate the growth of forests, emphasizing their close connection to nature.
Celtic Mythology
In Celtic mythology, the dryads were believed to possess the power to shape-shift into animals, blending seamlessly with the trees they inhabited. The Sidhe Draoi, also known as faery tree spirits are a group of magical beings deeply rooted in Celtic mythologies, known for their mastery of ancient arts and enchantments. These mystical creatures are said to dwell in the hidden realms of the forests, where they use their powers to protect the natural world and its inhabitants. Similar to the dryads, the Sidhe Draoi are believed to possess a profound connection to nature, acting as guardians of the balance between the earthly and spiritual realms.
Scandinavian Mythology
The Huldra are mystical beings from Scandinavian folklore, similar to Dryads, they are known for their enchanting presence and affinity for the natural world. These mysterious creatures are said to inhabit the deep forests, where they guard the secrets of the land and maintain the delicate balance of nature. With their otherworldly beauty and alluring charm, the Huldra are capable of captivating even the most wary of travelers who happen upon their domain. However, behind their beguiling facade lies a cautionary tale of those who dare to cross paths with these elusive beings, as their interactions with humans often lead to unforeseen consequences and challenges.
The Summer Dryad hand printed linocut print by The Coventina Press is available to buy here and as a greeting card here
The Goddess Ganga is the personification of the Ganges River and holds a position of unparalleled reverence in Hinduism. More than just a river, she is a goddess, a life-giving force, and a symbol of purification and spiritual liberation.
Mythology
The lore around Ganga’s origins vary but she is often depicted as the daughter of Himavan, the personification of the Himalayas, and Mena, making her the sister of Parvati. Sometimes she is linked to the divine figures of Vishnu or Brahma. A popular myth tells the tale of King Bhagiratha’s arduous penance to bring Ganga down from the heavens to Earth, a feat necessary to liberate his ancestors. Such was the force of her descent that Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu trinity, had to intervene, containing her immense power within his matted hair before releasing her gently onto the earth.
Attributes
Ganga is revered as the goddess of purification, believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Bathing in the Ganges is a sacred act for Hindus, a ritual believed to wash away transgressions and bring spiritual renewal. Beyond spiritual cleansing, Ganga is the lifeblood of millions. The Ganges River provides essential water for sustenance, agriculture, and daily life, making Ganga a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and well-being. Devotees seek her blessings for all aspects of life. The river also plays a crucial role in ancestral rites. Hindus often immerse the ashes of their deceased loved ones in the Ganges, believing it facilitates their souls’ journey to salvation.
Ganga is typically depicted as a beautiful woman, often riding a makara, a mythical aquatic creature. She can be portrayed holding a pot of water, a potent symbol of her life-giving nature. Numerous temples are dedicated to her, where devotees offer prayers and seek her divine grace. The evening ritual of Ganga Aarti, performed on the banks of the Ganges, is a breathtaking spectacle of devotion. With lamps, incense, chanting, and rhythmic movements, devotees express their reverence for the goddess.
Ganga is more than just a deity; she is an integral part of the Hindu ethos. She represents purity, life, and the profound connection between the earthly and the divine.
The Moirai or The fates in Greek Mythology are three sister goddesses who wove the destinies of everyone on earth, mortal humans and gods alike. They were extraordinarily powerful even compared to the Olympians and were feared throughout ancient Greece. They stood on the edge of time and had a view of the entire universe. The three fates had individual characteristics and different roles. I’ll give a brief outline below but the Moirai are involved in so many of the Greek myths and intertwined in many stories that I couldn’t possibly write it all down here.
Clotho
Clotho was the youngest of the three sisters, I have depicted her as a maiden in keeping with the maiden, mother, crone archetype that is so popular with triple goddesses such as these. It was the responsibility of Clotho to spin the thread of the cosmos and to weave the individual threads of life in to the tapestry of the universe. She was known as the Spinner. It was Clotho, on a cosmic level that kept balance in the universe, weaving the threads of life together. She knows all things and arranges them in order.
Lachesis
Lachesis, the mother. Middle aged, wise and just. She was the measurer. It was she who would give you ‘your lot’ She would divide, apportion and assign the parts of our existence. Fortune, folly, good and evil, love and hate. The triumphs and the obstacles. She took the cosmic order from clotho and allocated it out on a human level. She then measured the thread of your soul and passed it on her sister when your time was up.
Atropos
Atropos the crone. The eldest and most feared of the sisters. Only to her could the most important role be given. Her duty was to cut the thread of life. The finality of death was in her hands. In some myths she is the one who decided when it was your time to go and in others she is simply the cutter, the ending already woven in to the tapestry by her sisters.
Free Will and the Fates
Although it would be easy to believe having read the above that no-one has any free will. That all has already been decided, predestined the moment you were born, it was more likely that the Greeks did believe in free will. The fates rather than controlling your destiny, simply knew your destiny. They knew every decision you would eventually make and how the life you were given would play out. and regardless of what power the fates had over your life, you were still judged on the way you lived it.
The ancient Greeks believed in judgement after death. You would be judged on how you lived the life you were given, did you overcome the struggles with honour? did you live humbly with your good fortunes? All of this speaks of free will, and that life is truly what you make of it and not what the Moirai gave you to begin with.
My Moirai Oracle cards are available in the shop, links below!
My Goddess Anahit print was a lovely commission I received last year and I have to admit, I had never heard of her. As I was researching I found that there was very little detailed information about her on the internet in English. Every website I found repeated the same phrases over and over, except for one.
I did find a wonderful website dedicated to Armenian goddesses called flaming of the rose and I would highly recommend visiting it if you are interested in the history of Armenian Mythology and their beautiful goddesses as she describes Anahit much better than I have below.
The making of Anahit
Goddess Anahit of Armenia arose in part from earlier goddesses of the ancient tribes of Armenia and also from the Zoroastrianism of Persia. She is similar but distinct from Goddess Anahita of Persia. She is a syncretism of the many goddesses that came before.
Associations
She is a Mother Goddess, a goddess of fertility, healing and wisdom. She has strong associations with marriage and childbirth and is also associated with the heavenly waters and purity. She became one of the most venerated deities in the region and is still beloved by her people.
Temples were built in her honour throughout Armenia and she was worshiped and loved even after the conversion to Christianity by King Trdat.
Worship
There are few remnants of the worship of Anahit, most temples and statues to her were destroyed. The head of one such statue is in the possession of the British Museum and although it is so far the only one recovered, they refuse to give her back to Armenia, which saddens me greatly.
Modern Day
Anahit is a symbol of Armenia, she is on banknotes, stamps and coins. She is recognised by her people as their emblem and their love for her is still strong. It was an honour to get to know her whilst researching this linocut print and a difficult one for me as she is shrouded in mystery. I hope I did her justice.
The Goddess Anahit art by The Coventina Press is available here
Jenny Greenteeth is an English fairy or bogey who dwells in ponds and lakes covered in duckweed. She waits lurking beneath the water for unexpected children to pass close by and pulls them down to her lair.
The Grindylow is a type of water spirit from British folklore. They dwell in marshes, bogs and rivers. Some believe the Grindylow is a descendant of Grendal of the Beowulf epic poem. They are most well known in the northern regions of Britain, which adds weight to the idea it is a creature of Scandinavian origin, and can go by many names, Jenny Greenteeth is just one type of Grindylow.
Children were warned away from the water by their parents, using the Grindylow as a sort of bogeyman. The Grindylow seems to have a penchant for pulling small children under the water to drown them. Now whether the Grindylow stories appeared just to scare the children away from the bogs, as of course, bogs are extremely dangerous, or if the Grindylow stories appeared first we just don’t know.
Grindylows are often described as having green skin, sharp teeth and slimy skin. They have a small humanoid appearance, somewhat like a mermaid but without the tail.
Grindylows have made a comeback in popular culture as they appear in the Harry Potter series.
The Jenny Greenteeth hand printed linocut is available to buy here.
The Goddess Directory 