29: Goddess Baubo: Laughter in the Face of Grief

This week I am focusing on the Greek Goddess Baubo! Baubo is a lesser-known but powerful figure in Greek mythology, known as the goddess of humor, fertility, joy, and the sacredness of the body. She is most famous for her role in the myth of Demeter and Persephone, where, in a moment of deep grief, Baubo uses humor and a playful, irreverent act to make Demeter laugh and break through her sorrow. In doing so, Baubo helped restore balance to the earth, allowing life to return and the harvest to be restored. Baubo embodies the Sacred Fool archetype—using humor, absurdity, and the breaking of taboos as tools for healing and transformation. She represents the power of laughter to heal, challenge social norms, and restore joy, especially in times of hardship. Baubo is also associated with fertility, the body, and unapologetic self-expression, encouraging women to reclaim their physicality, sexuality, and freedom from societal expectations. To connect with Baubo, you might focus on cultivating humor, embracing your body, and finding joy in the unexpected. Offer her flowers and plants that resemble vulvas (like poppies, tulips, or lilies), or use geranium essential oil to invoke her energy. Crazy lace agate, known as the "laughter stone," is also associated with her. By embodying Baubo's playful, transformative spirit, you can invite more joy, healing, and freedom into your life.

Hi All - I am currently on break to complete a few things so I wanted to share a very early channeling session when I was first learning how to connect with the goddesses. I will be back soon with new episodes! 

Hi Folks! This week we are covering the Greek Goddess of Discord, Eris. She is a controversial figure and very disliked by the Greek authors such as Hesiod. Eris is the Greek goddess of discord and chaos. In mythology, she is often depicted as a figure who incites conflict and rivalry among both gods and mortals. One of her most famous appearances is in the story of the Trojan War, where she throws the golden apple inscribed "To the fairest" among the goddesses, leading to the Judgment of Paris and ultimately to the war itself. Eris is sometimes portrayed as a companion to Ares, the god of war, emphasizing her association with chaos and conflict. Unlike many other deities, she embodies the notion that discord can lead to change and new beginnings, making her a complex figure in Greek mythology. While she often brings turmoil, her influence can also be seen as a catalyst for growth and transformation. Invocation to Eris:  "Homage to thee, O Eris, at thy beautiful chaos. Of all that is Sweet, of all that is Bitter, thou hast domination over all. Hail Eris!Hail Discordia! O divine madness, self-created, self-anointed, self-serve, thou art Goddess of Heaven, and Earth, thou did create beings celestial and terrestrial. Live thou in me, and I in thee, O thou Golden Apple of the Sun!” From: https://vocal.media/futurism/ways-of-worship-eris 

Hi All! This week I had the pleasure of speaking with the Goddess Calliope. She shared her thoughts on creativity and courage and fears of being a creator. I hope you find this episode helpful. If you have your own goddess stories to share feel free to email them to me or if you have any goddess questions please send them my way to answer on a Q + A Episode: [email protected]. 

This week is all about the Greek Muses! The Muses have a rich history in ancient Greek mythology, embodying the ideals of art and knowledge. Their origins can be traced back to early Greek religion, where they were considered divine figures associated with creativity and inspiration.  Early Origins Hesiod’s Theogony: The Muses are first prominently mentioned in Hesiod's "Theogony" (circa 700 BCE), where they are described as the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. Hesiod identifies them as nine in number, each presiding over different aspects of the arts and sciences. Roles and Functions The Muses served as sources of inspiration for poets, musicians, and artists, often invoked at the beginning of literary works. They were believed to bestow the gift of creativity upon mortals. Each Muse was associated with specific domains: Calliope with epic poetry, Clio with history, Erato with love poetry, and so on. Cult and Worship Temples and shrines were dedicated to the Muses, especially in places like Helicon and Parnassus, which were considered sacred to them. Festivals celebrating the Muses included poetry competitions and musical performances. The Muses were often depicted in art, usually shown as beautiful young women, each holding attributes that symbolize their respective domains. The Muses continue to inspire contemporary culture, representing the pursuit of creativity in various forms of art and literature. Their legacy endures as archetypes of inspiration, symbolizing the timeless human quest for knowledge and artistic expression. Sources for this Episode: 1. https://en.citaliarestauro.com/the-9-muses/ 2. https://public.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/mythology/muses.html 3. Encyclopedia of Women in the Ancient World by Joyce Salisbury 4. https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/The_Muses/the_muses.html 5. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18283/the-nine-muses-of-greek-mythology/ 6. http://mythmaniacs.com/muses.htm Orphic Hymn to the Muses:  The Fumigation from Frankincense. Daughters of Jove [Zeus and Mnemosyne], dire-sounding and divine, renown'd Pierian, sweetly speaking Nine; To those whose breasts your sacred furies fire much-form'd, the objects of supreme desire: Sources of blameless virtue to mankind, who form to excellence the youthful mind; Who nurse the soul, and give her to descry the paths of right with Reason's steady eye. Commanding queens who lead to sacred light the intellect refin'd from Error's night; And to mankind each holy rite disclose, for mystic knowledge from your nature flows. Clio, and Erato, who charms the sight, with thee Euterpe minist'ring delight: Thalia flourishing, Polymina fam'd, Melpomene from skill in music nam'd: Terpischore, Urania heav'nly bright, with thee who gav'st me to behold the light. Come, venerable, various, pow'rs divine, with fav'ring aspect on your mystics shine; Bring glorious, ardent, lovely, fam'd desire, and warm my bosom with your sacred fire.

 The Oracle of Delphi, also known as the Pythia, was a high priestess at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. She was considered the most important and authoritative oracle of ancient Greece, providing divine guidance and prophecies.   The Pythia served as the mouthpiece for Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, music, and healing. She would enter a trance-like state, believed to be induced by inhaling vapors from a chasm in the earth, through which Apollo spoke.  People from across Greece and beyond would come to Delphi to seek her counsel on various matters, from personal issues to political decisions and major undertakings. Her prophecies were often cryptic and required interpretation.  The Pythia’s role as the Oracle of Delphi was a central aspect of ancient Greek religion and culture, symbolizing the deep connection between the divine and the human world. Her legacy continues to intrigue and inspire, reflecting the enduring quest for wisdom and insight.  Thank you for listening!

Hi listeners! I sat down to speak with the goddess Ixchel today and it was quite special. As you learned in the previous episode, she is the Mayan goddess of the Moon, Healing, and Fertility but really she is so much more. Listen today as she speaks about her other strengths. If you would like to connect with her consider the following offerings below:  1. Offerings: Bread, Cacao, chocolate, beans, corn tortillas 2. Stone: Turquoise 3. Candle: Blue 4. Incense: Copal

Ixchel is a significant deity in Maya mythology and religion, known for her associations with the moon, fertility, medicine, and weaving. Here’s an overview of her attributes and roles: Key Attributes of Ixchel: Goddess of the Moon: Lunar Associations: Ixchel is primarily known as the goddess of the moon. She is often depicted with a crescent moon or other lunar symbols, reflecting her control over lunar cycles and phases. Goddess of Fertility and Childbirth: Fertility: Ixchel is revered as a fertility goddess, associated with the growth of crops and the fertility of women. Her influence extends to aspects of reproduction and childbirth. Childbirth: She is also considered a protective deity for women during childbirth, ensuring safe delivery and the health of newborns. Goddess of Medicine: Healing Powers: Ixchel is linked to medicine and healing. She is believed to possess knowledge of herbs and natural remedies, and she is invoked for healing purposes. Goddess of Weaving: Textiles: Ixchel is associated with weaving and textiles, reflecting her role in the creation of cloth and garments. This connection symbolizes the interweaving of fate and destiny. Depictions and Symbolism: Visual Representations: Iconography: Ixchel is often depicted as an elderly woman, sometimes with a headdress or a moon crescent. She may also be shown with a serpent, which symbolizes her connection to both fertility and medicine. Symbols: Common symbols associated with her include the moon, serpents, and textiles. Mythological Role: Mythological Stories: In Maya mythology, Ixchel plays various roles, including as a cosmic figure who influences the natural world and human affairs. Her myths often involve themes of creation, balance, and transformation. Worship and Cultural Significance: Sacred Sites: Cozumel: One of the most important pilgrimage sites dedicated to Ixchel was on the island of Cozumel, where her temple was a major center of worship. Pilgrims, especially women, traveled to Cozumel to offer prayers and seek her blessings. Other Sites: Ixchel was also venerated at other Maya sites, including temples and shrines associated with lunar and fertility rituals. Rituals and Practices: Rituals: Ceremonies in honor of Ixchel often involved offerings related to fertility and health, as well as rituals intended to ensure safe childbirth and successful harvests. Contemporary Relevance: Today, Ixchel continues to be an important figure in Maya cultural and spiritual practices. Efforts to preserve and revitalize Maya traditions often include reverence for this goddess. Ixchel represents a complex and multifaceted deity whose influence extends across various aspects of life and nature in Maya cosmology. Her legacy continues to be a vital part of Maya spiritual and cultural identity.

Today's episode includes a meditation to meet a goddess aligned with your higher self.  Buckle up because a goddess will be stepping forward to be your mentor. Grab a journal, candles, sage (or cedar/mugwort/pine) and let's get going. Enjoy!

This week I channeled a few messages from the goddess Hestia from ancient Greece. In this episode she discusses: 1. Humility 2. Issues of Self-worth 3. Her tools to help you if you connect with her energy.  Enjoy!