What is the Sacred Feminine? It is a conversation that has been a part of my life for the past 10 years as I explore my own Divine nature. Many of the women I encounter are also fascinated with the concepts as they too embrace their true beauty.
Many traditions call forth the energies of deity-essence, in terms of having properties associate with the feminine aspects of being. Throughout centuries, prior to the coming of a patriarchal approach to spirituality, the Life Force Energy was considered to be of the Divine Feminine; a creating and sustaining power. We are accustomed to considering the feminine to be only nurturing and protecting.
The archetype of Goddess is multi-cultural. Julie Loar’s book entitled Goddesses For Every Day: Exploring The Wisdom & Power of the Divine Feminine Around The World, shows the various faces of the Goddess. Each seems to bear both light and dark sides, vulnerability and strength. What is particularly striking about this book, is its expansive and inclusive nature. Most people are familiar with Greek and Roman Goddesses. I recall learning about them in junior high school with the caveat that these were mythological beings. Growing up in a Judeo-Christian culture; that was to be expected. Loar opens the door and invites in a plethora of Sacred Feminine beings. There is Lorop (LOR-ahp) whose primary aspect is Mystery. She hails from Micronesia and is of the sea. Uke Mochi (OOH-key MO-chee) is the Shinto Goddess of food and rice. Holda (HOL-dah) is a Teutonic deity who flies through the night sky’s and delivers gifts, much like Santa.
There are 366 Goddesses profiled, one for each day of the year (and a bonus:). I was delighted to see that the Goddess who represents my birthday; October 13th is Hi’ iaka (hee EYE-ah-kah) Hawaiian Goddess of dance and she who breathes fire into volcanos, since dance both soothes and enlivens me and many who know me, consider me a fire-y and passionate person.
At the top of each page is a descriptive quality and at the bottom is an inspiring affirmation. Another unique component to the structure of the book is that Loar connects the Goddesses with the 12 zodiac signs.
The narrative about each Goddess is a fascinating glimpse into cultures worldwide.This book is both magical and practical and serves to illuminate our understanding of creating and life sustaining energies.
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