by Kayci Roert

Created on: April 17, 2009

Wiccan and pagan cultures for the most part embrace the idea of an all-encompassing god or goddess. However, for one reason or another some practicing Wiccans have reason to call upon different known deities. In Wiccan and pagan cultures there are as many gods and goddesses as there are stars in the sky. Many have been derived from other religions over time and adapted to suit a particular purpose. While there are many to choose from in these practises, here are some of the more familiar.

Diana~

From Roman mythology, Diana is the goddess of the hunt. She is known for her association with animals, the woodland, and the moon. She is also well known for chastity. Diana is most widely invoked when dealing with childbirth. Either bringing a quick and easy uncomplicated birth. Or a swift end for a mother slipping away during a difficult birth. Her most well known symbol is the crescent moon.

Aphrodite~

From Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, passion, sex, and beauty. She has been used in rites for the strengthening or repair of a troubled union. And also for the obtaining of beauty, however this is a little used practice in the culture as vanity spells can have unwanted affects. Her symbols are the swan and the dove.

Brigid~

Brigid has Celtic origins and is known as the warrior goddess and protectress. Also known as the Triple Goddess. She is most commonly used for her protection of children in trying times. The most commonly known symbol for Brigid is fire.

Aradia~

Aradia is the daughter of Diana. She is the queen and protectress of witches. Most used in protection spells. Her symbol is the red garter.

Astarte~

Astarte is a recognized fertility goddess in Greek mythology and known to the Egyptians as the goddess of war and tenacity. She is known for her assistance in growing of plant life and with the conception of a child. She is rightly known for her egg symbol.

Hestia~

The Greek goddess of home and hearth, Hestia is used in the search for a new home, and the building and remodeling of homes. She is also used for safety in the home and the family unit as a whole. Her symbol is that of the hearth.

Isis~

From Egyptian mythology, Isis is the mother goddess or Triple goddess. She is used for motherhood and fertility rites. Most well known symbols are the throne and the Isis knot.

Selene~

Selene is a Greek goddess of the moon. She is used for finding logical answers and solutions to tricky situations. One of her known symbols is the silver moon.

Morgan~

A celtic goddess of war, magick, fate and death, Morgan is also known as The Lady of the Lake. She was Merlin's wife and said to have helped him obtain his powers. It is also said that she was responsible for Excalibur. She is known for her healing powers and shifting. Her more well known symbols are the raven and crow.

Fortuna~

Fortuna is the Roman goddess of fortune. She is most commonly called upon for luck spells. She is a prominent figure used in Tarot divination. Her symbol is the Wheel of Fate.

Remember, this is just the short list of commonly used goddesses in the Wiccan practice. It would be impossible to cover them all. I hope this information is informative in helping you on your journey into the Wiccan life. Or if you are just interested in some facts about the culture I hope you found what you needed.

Blessed be.

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