CAPRICORN GODDESSES

The Spinning Wheel

THREADS OF DESTINY ARE SPUN BY CHOICES AND DEEDS

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Capricorn anchors the winter solstice and combines the principles of cardinal initiating energies with the grounding influence of earth. In this sign, matter organizes itself into perfect forms. Capricorn's energy expresses itself as governing and conserving, focused on achievement, integrity, recognition, and responsibility. Capricorn natives are fueled by tremendous ambition, and their lessons stem from learning the motive that underlies their drive to climb. Capricorn is the tenth sign, and it represents the stage of the spiritual journey in which our aspiration turns inward to the clear mountain air of our spiritual nature. It also represents the principle of ambition, whether this is directed outwardly to the world of accomplishment or turned toward the spiritual path.

The goddess sign for Capricorn is the Spinning Wheel, representing crone goddesses who are weavers of fate. Spinning, weaving, and looms are the province of wise elder goddesses who pronounce our destiny and measure and cut the threads of our lives. While Scorpio spins the threads out of the substance of the goddess's belly, it is in Capricorn, the sign of form, that the threads take shape and are woven into the tapestry of our lives. Mountains symbolize the spiritual quest in numerous traditions, so Capricorn is traditionally symbolized by the Sea Goat, a mountain goat with the tail of a fish or dolphin. And so, ancient mountain goddesses are included in Capricorn, along with goddesses who embody structure, organization, time or duration, endings, the dark of winter, and the wisdom of old age.

JANUARY 1

White Tara

ETERNITY

White Tara (TAR-ah), called She of the White Lotus, is one of the manifestations of the Great Goddess Tara, who originated in India as a Hindu goddess. Tara has 108 names and many aspects or qualities. Worship of Tara was incorporated into Buddhism; she is Buddhism's most revered female bodhisattva. Her name means "star" in Sanskrit and also "she who brings forth life." White Tara is a three-eyed goddess of the day and is pictured with the wheel of time on her chest. She travels across the ocean of existence in a celestial boat, and her countenance is filled with love and compassion.

As Yeshe Dawa, or Moon of Primordial Awareness, she was a princess from millions of years ago who attained bodhichitta, the "awakened heart." She resolved to be incarnated only in female form until all the wounds of humanity are healed. Then, as the embodiment of Tara, she will manifest the supreme bodhi, or spirit of enlightenment in the world. In Japan, temple bells are rung 108 times in her honor at midnight on New Year's Eve to help counteract humanity's sins and hasten her manifestation of enlightenment.

CONTEMPLATION

As the eternally revolving wheel of the seasons starts the cycle of the calendar again, I set my sights on noble endeavors and vow to serve.

JANUARY 2

Chomolungma

DEVOTION

Chomolungma (cho-mo-LUNG-mah) is the Nepalese goddess embodied by the mountain we now call Everest. Her name is the original name of the mountain, bestowed by the indigenous people who live there. She is the goddess of the mountain itself and is considered to be the mother of the world, since she reaches so close to heaven. Chomolungma is the consciousness that abides through countless eons. When we approach her, or what looks like a mountain to us, we should adopt an attitude of devotion.

Today, when native Sherpas accompany those who would climb to the summit of the twenty-nine-thousand-foot mountain, one of the highest on earth, they pray and string colorful flags, honoring her at every stage of the ascent. They are Buddhists whose relationship with this austere goddess is one of humility and deep respect for the challenges she presents.

CONTEMPLATION

I climb to the peak of the mountains of my life in a spirit of humility and vigilance.

JANUARY 3

Konohana Sakuya Hime

CHARACTER

Konohana Sakuya Hime (koh-no-HAH-na sah-KOO-yah hee-may) is the Shinto goddess of Mount Fuji in Japan. Her name means "blooming flower princess." Fuji is the tallest and most famous mountain in this country of volcanic islands. The serenity of the snowcapped mountain symbolizes the peace that comes only in meditation, when the restless activity of the mind is stilled. But of course this stillness is broken at times by the powerful eruptions of human life.

Her myth tells of her husband's jealousy and his doubt about her faithfulness. To prove her innocence, she entered into a fire while pregnant with their unborn son and emerged unscathed. As a result, fire ceremonies are performed each year. The people light flames on altars in their homes, and torches in public ceremonies, to honor Konohana Sakuya Hime. Women also call upon her to ease the pain of childbirth.

CONTEMPLATION

By quieting my mind, I can still the quakes and reverberations of my unruly consciousness.

JANUARY 4

Ninhursag

TALENT

Ninhursag (nin-HER-sag) is a Sumerian creator and mother goddess who is one of the seven major deities of Sumer worshipped five thousand years ago. Her name means "lady of the sacred mountain," and she is generally depicted with a horned headdress and tiered skirt similar to those of the goddesses of Crete. She was the tutelary goddess to several Sumerian rulers who called themselves "children of Ninhursag."

Ninhursag, sometimes along with Marduk, chief god of the Babylonian pantheon, molded the first humans out of clay or mud. This myth precedes the much-later, similar biblical account. She shaped Enkidu to be the rival of the hero Gilgamesh. Some stories say she also gave birth to Gilgamesh. She created all vegetation and was also a goddess of childbirth. Serpents were sacred to her as symbols of continual regeneration.

CONTEMPLATION

I am the sculptor of my future and the weaver of my destiny.

JANUARY 5

Jord

STRENGTH

Jord (yord) is a Norse or Teutonic goddess who was worshipped on the tops of mountains, where it is believed she once mated with the sky, bringing heaven to earth. Jord is the word for the earth in the old Norse language, so this powerful goddess may have embodied all the strength and endurance of our planet. Her father was thought to be an ancient giant, so Jord, as befits the earth, is considered a giantess.

Some stories say she is a wife of...