New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| Most of us call upon specific goddesses and gods who have deep meaning to us. It is unfortunate, but this world remains less welcoming to those of Pagan persuasion. Our earth-based belief systems often remain private and unspoken due to concerns about family or employers.
What can you do when you wish to include a symbol of your faith in an open environment, such as on a kitchen shelf or your desk? My personal goddess is Io. Loved by Zeus, forced to change into a cow, tortured by Hera-Io eventually was made human again and honored in her lifetime. The Ionian Sea is named for her. Her gem is iolite, a lustrous dark blue stone. I have a whimsical little statue of a black and white cow, in a dress, holding a basket of wheat (symbol of abundance), with wheat all about her feet. This symbolic statue of Io, found in a thrift store, is innocent enough to be placed in plain sight. Today is the start of the last week of summer for many in the Northern Hemisphere. Visit some of your local thrift or gift shops and seek out a representation of your patron deity or spirit guide or a symbol of abundance. Before purchasing an item, remember to gently blow away all former energies from it with your breath. A formal cleansing may be performed later. Say: "[Insert name here], I honor you with this symbol. Guide me always. I delight in your protection." |
