Lakshmi: The Hindu Goddess of Beauty and Prosperity

O Lakshmi, the one who has lotus-like eyes,

Who has lotus in hand,

Who is the most-dazzling white in complexion,

Who has a garland full of fragrance of various plants,

Who is the Goddess, Who is dear to Hari, Who is beautiful,

Who provides wealth to all the three worlds!

Please shower happiness on me.

(Author unknown)

 

Known since pre-Buddhist times, Lakshmi is one of the more popular Goddesses found within the Hindu pantheon.  Since last epic period (c.400 CE) she has been associated with Vishu as his consort, and plays the role of the model Hindu wife, obediently serving her husband. 

 

With her name being derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya (meaning “aim” or “goal”), Lakshmi was also known as Shri, was the Goddess associated with prosperity, wellbeing, royal power and illustriousness. As she was the embodiment of all these qualities it was believed that when these qualities were evident, the Goddess was present or would soon reveal herself.  Lakshmi was further considered to be the embodiment of loveliness, grace and charm, and was also worshipped as a Goddess who granted liberation from the endless cycle of life, death and rebirth.

 

New Book: In Her Sacred Name

For a period of 10 years (from 2002 until 2012) I had a regular column in an Australian "spiritual life style" magazine, Insight, which sadly folded in August 2012.  Being a monthly magazine, often I found that I was writing about two favourite topics of mine - mythology and the Goddess.  This resulted in a number of articles being written over the years and subsequent requests (especially when the magzine folded) to collate them together into a book.  For the last 12 months, this is what I have been doing (amongst other things) with the end result being In Her Sacred Name: Writings on the Divine Feminine.

 

As Persephone Returns

Asasa Ya

The time of the Spring Equinox is upon us and according to Greek myth, the Goddess Persephone has now well and truly returned from the Underworld to be with her mother, Demeter.  This return and reunion of the daughter and mother is an extremely delightful time as the trees and flowers bloom, and the gentle hum of the bees collecting their honey can now be heard.  This rising of energy begins to quicken in pace as the last shackles of Winter are cast aside. 

 

Buoyant and with the signs of proposed bounty, Spring can be such a joyous time (especially after what seems to have been a long, cold Winter).