Goddesses of the Celestial Realm
New Worlds Isse: NW016    By: Lisa Hunt

She speaks to us from the stars above. Her presence cloaks the universe in awesome brilliance. The ancients looked upon the celestial Goddess with reverence. Her dance across the sky provided a measure of time, and Her presence as the Moon inspired mythmakers, astronomers, and astrologers. She provides nourishment as the Sun and She represents enlightenment as the star.

Celestial Goddesses
Celestial Goddesses is a visual guide into the realm of the feminine divine as sun, moon, star, and the heavens. Twenty Goddesses from around the world are showcased in all their radiant glory. The full-color paintings are rich with visual symbols that can help us connect with the Goddess on a spiritual level. We not only gaze upon Her countenance, we feel Her within us. She mirrors who we are. Her presence represents the cycle of life and echoes the continuous rhythm of the cosmos. The Goddess helps us to recognize that we are part of the intricate web that constitutes the universe; every one of us contributing to the rich embroidery of its design. Each painting is accompanied by Her story. Although culturally diverse in origin, these tales reveal the universal nature of the Goddess. For the ancients, She was an important part of existence, being recognized as the primary link between nature and humanity. In Celestial Goddesses, She becomes accessible to anyone who wishes to establish a more intimate relationship with the feminine divine. Guided meditations enable you, the reader, to travel with the Goddess to places where you can explore the wild nature of your being or relax in the sanctuary of quiet reflection. As She holds your hand, feel the breeze, smell the aromas, and experience the healing power of the Goddess. Feel your senses tantalized and reawakened as you explore the celestial realm. Let Her stories and experiences help you (as they have helped me) to understand and appreciate your own continuing story.

While working on Celestial Goddesses, I was struck by the similarities of Her stories and images. Each Goddess has a particular style indicative of Her culture, yet She represents timeless qualities and attributes that never cease to inspire me. Painting Her image has been a moving experience. Her various incarnations provide me with a wonderful palette from which to work. She appears throughout the world in many different forms, yet each portrait resonates with the deep beauty, wisdom and nurturing spirit that all of these Goddesses share.

Meditation
Flip through the book and choose a Goddess who immediately beckons to you. Study Her image, rehearse Her story and then embark on a journey with the Goddess as your guide and healer.

The sound of the ocean fills you with peace and equilibrium. You see Ushas emerge from the waves wearing Her golden robes. Her light warms the air and sand. She joins your dance and you fall into perfect synchronicity. You feel the power of the Goddess leading your feet in a cadence to the ocean waves, and soon you merge with the Goddess. You feel the pulse of the universe reawaken your senses. The power of the waves fills your being with a sense of confidence and self -empowerment. There is nothing you cannot accomplish.

Absorb Her energy and allow yourself to break free from the talons of the daily grind. Float away with the Goddess to a place where you can relax and refresh yourself. Gain new perspectives and outlooks and learn to live your life more fully. When we learn to connect with the Celestial Goddesses, we learn to tap into our own internal universe of boundless creativity and wisdom.

Connect With the Goddess
Like Inanna, we can break through the surface of darkness and reach a new level of self-awareness. The Celestial Goddesses are here to help illuminate our paths. So, run barefoot with Artemis through a moonlit forest. Grasp Arianrhod’s hand as you leap across the sky. Learn to let go of daily stresses by dancing across the warm sand with Ushas. Feel the warmth of the rising sun upon your face as you emerge with Amaterasu from Her cave. Step over the threshold to new beginnings and embrace the strength of your own internal beauty. The Celestial Goddesses are reliable friends shining down upon us; reminders of the infinite possibilities that life can hold.