Author: WomenandMyth

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2009 Goddess Scholars Symposium

With the theme “Self and Goddess: Personal, Political, Spiritual,” ASWM’s second symposium took place on May 14, 2009, at the Goodman Community Center in Madison, Wisconsin .

Keynote speaker was Egyptologist Normandi Ellis, author of Dreams of Isis, Feasts of Light, and other works that examine the significance of ancient goddess mythology to contemporary seekers. She discussed her work with the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the significance of spiritual autobiography for contemporary women.

The agenda for the day’s speakers follows.

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Mythic Images from Sadberk Museum

This website is the place for some of our favorite mythic images–artifacts, art, and sacred sites–from members’ collections.  We will only share them with members!

1. Our Girls in Büyükdere (three Neolithic Anatolian goddess figures from the Sadberk Hanim Museum outside of Istanbul), shared by Sid Reger from a visit to Turkey in 2006. I haven’t seen a detailed discussion of these three ladies, but I know they are from Hacilar.

Sadberk is a small private museum not to be missed–one lovely boat ride away from Istanbul. The museum itself has won architectural awards for blending Ottoman yeli style with a modern expansion.

Neolithic goddesses, Sadberk Museum, outside of Istanbul
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Review: Mami Wata, Arts for Water Goddesses

Mami Wata circus poster

What do Ganesh, Oshun, Saint Martha, snake charmers and mermaids have in common?  They are all featured elements in the iconography of Mami Wata, the African/Caribbean great goddess of waters.  And they are all well represented in the magnificent art exhibit that bears her name.  This exhibit is on its way to the Smithsonian in April, 2009.

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The Bee Goddess and ASWM

This gold plaque from Rhodes (7th Century BCE) portrays a powerful goddess of the natural world.  Myths and reality converge in the mysteries of bees.  The facts of their life cycles and behaviors provide the basis for stories of communication, prophecy, healing, and rebirth.  The founders of ASWM have chosen this image to represent the rich harvest to be gathered when scholars collaborate and communicate to promote understanding of women’s ancient myths.  The Bronze Age bee goddess also reminds us of our essential connection with the stories of all creatures, and our need to ensure their continued survival.

Bee Goddess of Rhodes