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Earth Religion[edit]

Earth Religion is a parallel name to the World Pantheism Religion where nature is essentially the God that is worshiped and celestial objects such as the moon and terrestrial objects such as water and fire. Earth religion is a term used mostly in the context of neopaganism. Earth-centered religion or nature worship is a system of religion based on the veneration of natural phenomena.[1] It covers any religion that worships the earth, nature, or fertility gods and goddesses, such as the various forms of goddess worship or matriarchal religion. Some find a connection between earth-worship and the Gaia hypothesis. Earth religions are also formulated to allow one to utilize the knowledge of preserving the earth.

Africa[edit]

With Africa's 54 countries, there are a wide variety of cultures that are embraced within it. Beginning to name a few of the goddesses worshiped in their mythological stories, there is: Ala the goddess of fertility of the Igbo language, Asase Ya the earth goddess of fertility of the Ashanti people, as well as Mbaba Mwana Waresa the goddess of fertility, rainbows, agriculture, rain and beer of the Bantu ethnic group in Southern Africa.[1] As we get more in depth with Africa, we can look into countries such as Egypt.

In Egyptian Mythology, there were a multitude of goddesses that were praised and worshipped by the people due to their association with fertility, motherhood, magic, soil, and sexual pleasure.[2] Although Bastet has been seen as a goddess of warfare as she was a protector of Egypt, she was originally known as a lioness warrior goddess of the sun which then transformed into her well known identity as the cat goddess. Hathor was one of the most important deities as she was worshiped for being a goddess of feminine love, motherhood, and joy. Other roles she carried were being the goddess of foreign lands and fertility as she helped many women bring new life to the Earth.[3] According to the Egyptians, frogs were the symbol of fertility which was the form that the goddess Heqet was represented. Heqet's duties were like those of a midwife which in modern times, midwives have often called themselves "Servants of Heqet.[4] Isis has been worshipped throughout the centuries, not only by the Ancient Egyptians but by modern-day pagans. Isis was the goddess of motherhood, magic, and fertility.[5] Other goddesses of fertility were Sopdet and Taweret. Goddesses that were looked upon for their childbirth gifts were Meskhenet and Taweret. Tefnut, whose name literally translates to "That Water" was a goddess of water.[6] Qetesh, was worshipped as a nature goddess for she was the goddess of sacred ecstasy and sexual pleasure.[7] As for other nature goddesses, Renenutet was the goddess of the harvest and fertile fields, and Sopdet, the goddess of soil.[8]

Europe[edit]

For Celtic mythology, the gods and goddesses associated with fertility were: Brigid the Irish goddess, Cernunnos the horned god, Damara the goddess worshiped in Britain, Damona the Gaulish fertility goddess, Epona a goddess of fertility and horses, Onuava, and Rosmerta a Gallo-Roman goddess of fertility and abundance. The Hooded Spirits were a group of deities whom theorized to be fertility spirits. Also within the Celtic mythology was the goddess of nature, the earth, fire, and fertility which of whom was Nantosuelta.

In Europe within Catholicism, though not mythological or considered deities, these Saints are looked highly upon. Saint Anne, is the patron saint of pregnancy and mothers, Saint Margaret the Virgin the patron saint of childbirth and pregnant women, and Saint Raymond Nonnatus the patron saint of childbirth, motherhood, children, mothers and expecting mothers. Saint Catherine of Sweden was a patron saint of protection against abortion and miscarriage. The Phallic saints werer a group of saints that invoked fertility. The most famous of all, Theotokos whom is otherwise known as Mary, Mother of God, or Mother of Jesus.

In Italy, as part of the Etruscan mythology, their god and goddesses that were thought of highly were Fufluns, Thesan, and Turan. Fufluns was the god of plant life, happiness and health which were to be grown in all things. Thesan was the goddess of the dawn and also associated with the generation of life. Turan whom was the goddess of love, fertility, and vitality.

Finland worshiped a god and goddess of fertility: Äkräs and Rauni.

Germanic mythology had multiple various fertility goddesses as well as a god. Nerthus was an earth goddess whom was associated with fertility. Freyja was a goddess of fertility and sister of the above Freyr. Freyr was also a fertility god. Ēostre was a fertility goddess as well as the origin of the Easter holiday.

Greek mythology withholds a multitude of gods and goddesses that are part of the natural world and in association with Earth. Aphaea, was the local goddess associated with fertility and the agricultural cycle. Aphrodite, was the goddess of love, beauty and sexuality, natural traits within human nature. Aphroditus, was the god of male and female unity, the moon, and fertility. Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, the wilderness, childbirth, virginity, fertility, young girls, and health and disease in women. Ceybele, Phrygian the Earth Mother goddess is one who embodies the fertile Earth. Demeter was the goddess of agriculture and the fertility of the Earth. Dionysus, the god of wine and festivity was also associated with fertility. Eros, a god of secual love, fertility and beauty. Priapus, a god of fertility, gardens, and male genitalia. Gaia, not only the Earth Mother and goddess of fertile Earth, but also the divine goddess whom is highly looked upon in Earth religion as well as the basis of the belief in Gaia. Hera, the goddess associated with the air, marriage, women, women's fertility, and childbirth. Ilithyia, also known as Eileithyia, is a goddess of childbirth and midwifery. Pan, a god of shepherd, flocks, mountain wilds, and hunting, as well as associated with fertility. Phanes, is a primeval deity of procreation and the generation of new life. Priapus, was a rustic god of fertility, protector of livestock, fruit plants, gardens, as well as male genitalia. Lastly is Rhea, a goddess of fertility, motherhood, and the mountain wilds.

In Northern Europe, where the Baltics originate from, have praised these two goddesses: Laima, whom is the goddess of luck and fate but has also been associated with childbirth, pregnancy, marriage, and death.[9] The other goddess is Saulė, who is the goddess of life and fertility, as well as warmth and health.

Asia[edit]

In Arabian mythology, Al-Uzza was worshiped as a star goddess, sometimes even a moon goddess, as well as a goddess of heaven.

Within Armenian mythology, Anahit was the goddess of fertlity, healing, wisdom, and water.[10] Aramazd was also a fertility and rain god whom was looked upon in the Armenian mythological culture.[11] Aramazd was also the father to the Armenian goddess, Anahit.[11]

The Canaanite mythology has three goddesses that are associated with the natural world; Ba'al, also known as Hadad, is the god of the sky who governs the rain and thus the germination of plants with the power of his desire that they be fertile. Tanit was a symbol of fertility and is seen as an equivalent to a moon goddess.

Celestial registrar of childbirth deities were worshiped in Chinese Mythology. Yunxiao Guniang, Qiongxiao Guniang and Bixiao Guniang were the Holy Mothers of the Three Skies, otherwise known as the "Ladies of the Three Stars."[12] Madam Zhaojing, Miss Chenjing, Ninth Lady Lin, and Third Lady Li were all celestial deities. There were childbirth monitors of the Nine Heavens such as Jiǔtiān Jiānshēng Dàshén, Jiǔtiān Wèifáng Shèngmǔ, Jiǔtiān Dìngshēng Dàshén, Jiǔtiān Gǎnhuà Dàshén, Jiǔtiān Dìngtāi Dàshén, Jiǔtiān Yìtāi Dàshén, Jiǔtiān Zhù Shēngjūn, Jiǔtiān Shùn Shēngjūn, Jiǔtiān Sù Shēngjūn, Jiǔtiān Quán Shēngjūn, Liùjiǎ Fúlì, Cuīshēng Tóngzǐ, bǎoshēng Tóngzǐ, Sùshēng Tóngzǐ, Nánchāng Fēntāi Gōngcáo, Nánchāng Zhǔchǎn Gōngcáo, Zhùsǐ Gōngcáo, and Qǐsǐ Gōngcáo.

Within the Hindu mythology, the Parvati is of which the follow gods and goddesses derive from. Aditi is the goddess of space, consciousness, the past, the future, and fertility. Banka-Mundi, the goddess of the hunt and fertility. Bhūmi, the goddess of the Earth and the fertility form of Lakshmi. Chandra is the lunar god associated with fertility. Lajja Gauri is the goddess associated with abundance and fertility.

Manasa is the snake goddess associated with fertility and prospertity. Matrikas are a group of 7-16 goddesses who are associated with the fertility and mother power. Parvati is the goddess whom is associated with fertility, martial felicity, devotion to the spouse, asceticism, and power. and lastly is the goddess whom is associated with fecundity and easy birth, Sinivali.

In Southeast Asia in Buddhist mythology, the Bodhisattva Phra Mae Thorani, in direct translation Phra and Mae mean "mother" and Thorani means "ground earth" whom is usually pictured and identified with the Buddha, calls upon the Earth to be his witness.[13]

Australia[edit]

As part of the indigenous Australian mythology: Anjea, goddess or spirit of fertility, Birrahgnooloo, Kamilaroi goddess of fertility, Dilga, Karadjeri goddess of fertility and growth, Julunggul, Yolgnu rainbow snake goddess associated with fertility, initiation, rebirth and the weather, Kunapipi, mother goddess and the patron deity of many heroes, Ungud, snake god or goddess associated with rainbows and the fertility and erections of the tribe's shaman, and Wollunqua, snake god of rain and fertility.

The Americas[edit]

There are some Native American cultures that perform a sun dance ritual. It is mainly a tribal ceremony in which is a prayer for life, world renewal, and thanksgiving.

As of October 2016, there has been an increasing rise in Native cultural traditions that praise "Water is Life" due to the North Dakota Access Pipeline that is currently being protested on Native American reserved land. The Standing Rock Sioux Native American tribe are currently holding a peaceful protest against the destruction of their ancestral graves.[14] In doing so, they are chanting various prayers in their native language, "Mni Wiconi" meaning "water is life" in the Anishinaabemowin language as one of the many chants being heard. The water is so holy to these people, as it is the 100% of the Earth's population, is due to the fact that "We, like the earth, are primarily water."[15]

The Aztecs have multiple gods and goddesses that are associated with fertility, life, death, rebirth, and nature. Tonacatecuhtli is the god of fertility alongside the goddesses of fertility: Tonacacihuatl.[16] Coatlicue is a goddess of fertility, life, death and rebirth as she gives life to the Earth, then consumes it once the time has come.[17] Coatlicue is also a goddess whom had given birth to the moon and the stars.[18] Xochipolli is the god of love, art, beauty, dance, flower, maize, and fertility. Xochiquetzal is the goddess of fertility, beauty, female sexual power, protection of young mothers, pregnancy, childbirth, and women's crafts. Temazcalteci is the goddess of water and of natural healing.[19]

In Hawaii, United States, there is Haumea which of whom is the goddess of fertility and childbirth. Kamapua'a is a demi-god of fertility. Laka, is a patron of the hula dance and a god of fertility. Lono is an associated god of fertility, agriculture, rainfall and music. Naukea is a goddess of lactation.

In Northern Calfornia, the Yurok tribe has viewed the condor bird as a sacred animal as it has been connected with ceremonies since tyhe beginning of the world. The feathers of the bird are a significant representation for the World Renewal ceremony that has songs that are sung about its wings and during this ceremony, the Yurok's pray and fast to balance the world.[20]

In Peru, where the Incas have originated from, there are a few goddesses and a god that have been looked upon. Mama Quilla is the goddess of the moon, the menstrual cycle, and a protector of women; in translation, her name means Mother Moon.[21] Mama Ocllo is the mother goddess and is associated with fertility.[21] Pachamama is the fertility goddess who presides over planting and harvesting and causes earthquakes. [21] In Inca mythology, Pacha Kamaq is viewed as the creator of the world.[21]

  1. ^ "List of Fertility Deities". Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
  2. ^ "List of Fertility Deities". Wikipedia.org. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  3. ^ "Hathor". Wikipedia. 2016-10-31.
  4. ^ Franklin, Rosalind (2005). Baby Lore: Superstitions and Old Wives Tales from the World Over Related to Pregnancy, Birth and Babycare. Diggory Press. p. 86.
  5. ^ "Isis". Wikipedia. 2016-10-28.
  6. ^ "Tefnut". Wikipedia. 2016-11-07.
  7. ^ Spooner, Henry G. American Journal of Urology and Sexology. p. 71 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ Wilkinson, Richard H. (2003). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. London: Thames and Hudson. pp. 167–168.
  9. ^ Botjar, Endre (1999). Foreword to the Past: A Cultural History of the Baltic People. Budapest, Hungary: CEU Press. p. 301. ISBN 963-9116-42-4.
  10. ^ Hacikyan, Agop Jack (2000). The Heritage of Armenian Literature. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. p. 67.
  11. ^ a b Mercanante, Anthony (2009). Facts on File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition. New York City: Infobase. p. 96.
  12. ^ Overmyer, Daniel L. (2009). Local Religion in North China in the Twentieth Century: The Structure and Organization of Community Rituals and Beliefs (PDF). Boston: Brill.
  13. ^ Guthrie, Elizabeth (2004). A Study of the History and Cult of the Buddhist Earth Diety in Mainland Southeast Asia. Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Canterbury. p. 2.
  14. ^ Fergus, Abi (2016-11-07). "Min Wiconi: water is life | The Almanian". www.almanian.org. Almanian. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
  15. ^ Fergus, Abi (2016-11-07). "Min Wiconi: water is life | The Almanian". www.almanian.org. Almanian. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
  16. ^ Hale, Susan (1891). Mexico | The Story of the Nations. London: T. Fisher Unwin. p. 27.
  17. ^ Cartwright, Mark (November 28, 2013). "Coatlicue". Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2016-10-24.
  18. ^ "Coatlicue". Wikipedia. 2016-10-13.
  19. ^ "Goddess Temazcalteci". Journeying to the Goddess. 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  20. ^ Clarke Historical Museum
  21. ^ a b c d Ajacopa, Teofilo Laime (2007). Diccionario Nilingue | Iskay Simipi Yuyayk'ancha. La Paz, Bolivia.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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