Maya - Goddess of Illusion

The literal meaning of the word "Maya" is illusion, and the Goddess Maya is revered as the goddess of illusion by both the Buddhists and the Hindus in India. She created the illusion of the individual self. She also worshipped in Nepal, Tibet, and the Himalayas as the Goddess who gives both life and the desire for life. 

She is sometimes called the "Mother of Creation". Maya is also connected with the sun and sunlight for it is said that She is the one who lights up our ideas.

Also associated with magic, Maya is a creative power which is believed to manifest Nature simply from the power of Her will. She is the truth which is said to lie far beyond our veil of existence; She teaches us that all energies are as one. But, as the goddess of illusion and delusion, it is when we are under Her influence we may forget about our true nature....and spend our lives in the pursuit of unworthy objectives.

We can turn to Maya to assist us at those times when we are confused about something or when we reach crossroad in which we do not know which way to turn.   When you need to make a decision, light a candles, and think about Maya with the many faces She presents to us.  Reflect on your life and ponder whether you actually really need to do something at the present time, or can you just wait it out to see if a solution comes to you. Maya helps us to understand how we get ourselves trapped in a world of illusions. 

When we know that it is the power of Maya that binds us, we become aware of its influence in our lives... and out of this awareness comes a state of caution. 

Questions to ask yourself:

How may I keep from deluding myself here or living in a dream world?

How may my inner guidance and the perceptions of others keep me in touch with reality?

How may I maintain my faith if my illusions are being stripped away and my ideals are being challenged?