Chthonic fertility goddess. Ibo [eastern Nigeria, West Africa]. A popular deity who is also goddess of the underworld linked with a cult of the dead (which rest in her womb). Her temple is the Mbari which contains a cult statue depicting the goddess seated with a child in her arms and adorned with the crescent moon. She is flanked by attendant deities. She enjoys a profusion of local shrines which are well supplied with votive offerings. Serious crimes including murder are considered to be offenses against her. An annual yam festival is celebrated in her honor. Also Ale, Ana, ANI.
Tag: womb
Anjea
Animistic fertility spirit. Australasia. Known to tribesmen on the Pennefather River, Queensland, Australia and believed to place mud babies in the wombs of pregnant women. The grandmother of a newly born infant buried the afterbirth, which was collected by Anjea and kept in a hollow tree or some such sanctuary until the time came to instill it into another child in the womb.
Bear Medicine Woman
by Gerald Musinsky
She was born with the spirit of a bear, after her father killed a bear while she was still in her mother’s womb. She is the origin of the Bear Medicine Ceremony invoking healing powers by actions of a bear based on her narrative myth.
[Plains, Pawnee]
The Priestess by Charly
Surrendered to Divine Mother I be
Pouring river of thy love supreme
Light born from thy dark womb
I gathered fury of thy reign.
Given to thy smile eternal
Womb of thy heart manifesting
Music of thy string cheering
Notes of thy flute singing
Given to thy majesty supreme
Hole that knows no end
I, atoms of thy nucleus bursting
Surrendered all of life to thee
Every corner of my turn thy will supreme
To thee highest huntress / enchantress
I fling myself to thy bosom
Suck thy nectar of life
I be born to thee magick
Sweet fruit of my breath
Thru thy nostrils breathe I
Thy sight my eyes humbly do see
Mother Divine, thy son,
Does rest forever,
In thy well shot forward
Lightning bolt of fate
I thy gathered light
finger into darkness
Thy writes my fate
Holy Mother Divine.
0 – The Fool
by Anja Heij
This card has no. 0 because it represents the life-phase of the unborn child, pure creativity. (The figure inside the womb). It represents the openminded, innocent attitude of both the unborn baby and the wise person, who know that they actually know nothing; they show a complete openness to the wonders of life. There is no fear, the biting tiger (symbol of fear) does not bother him. The fool is adventurous and just about to jump into life.
Birthing Ritual Chant
Greetings and Aloha,
As a mother witch I have come up with a chant that is quite appropriate for any birthing ritual. Use and enjoy:
Tiny bud, swelling nub, resting in the womb
Unleashing spark, in the dark, birthing to be soon
Healthy child, labor mild, mother safe and strong
Nature flow, now to grown a household before long
Witch's Well 