How to Tell if a Friend is Sampling Goddess Spirituality
A few days ago I went to coffee with a young woman, (I’ll call her Gina), who used to be a Christian. Knowing I’m writing a book about the rise in goddess spirituality, Gina was willing to talk and answer a few questions. Although she now identifies herself as a pagan (she invokes three different goddesses and is guided by four "archangels"), she has a unique perspective since she was raised in the church. She was very open and friendly and answered all of my questions. I’ll share some of Gina’s very thought provoking comments in a later post.
But, midway through our visit I noticed a striking piece of jewelry–a shiny silver five-pointed star on a chain around her neck. In the middle of the star was a red cabochon garnet. Gina identified the five points as "earth, air, water, fire, and spirit."
Women involved in goddess worship (and its sister religions, such as Wicca/witchcraft, paganism, and earth-centered spirituality) often share certain practices and characteristics. Here are a few hints that a friend, sister, or mother might be sampling goddess spirituality:
- Participation in groups with names including the words goddess, sophia, Diana, coven, grove, pagan, sacred circle, or craft
- Exploration of internet sites, books, shops, or festivals featuring the goddess, sacred/divine feminine, Wicca, paganism, or magick (not a misspelling–this term denotes occultic practices,
as opposed to fake, Las Vegas-y stage magic) - Home altars featuring goddess figurines, along with candles, incense, crystals, and other ritual objects
- Tattoos or jewelry with goddess imagery such as female figures, moons, and Celtic symbols
Do keep in mind that these words and symbols are also becoming culturally trendy, and so of course it’s totally possible that a woman might exhibit these signs and not be involved in goddess worship at any level. But, it’s a hint.
During our coffee date, one thing Gina said hit me hard:
"When I was a Christian, every day of my life I felt like a sinner and that I was going to hell. I just couldn’t live that way anymore. It just didn’t work for me."
Gina feels like Christianity is all about rules, judgment, and guilt. What am I doing today to instead bring a message of forgiveness and grace to those around me?
Ouch.
Note: if you’re a subscriber, and would like to comment on this post or read the comments, click here to go to the Unmasking the Goddess blog.
2 Responses 
Leave a Reply 
SUSY FLORY is a New York Times best selling author, speaker, and journalist who searches out big stories with happy endings. She's I'm always looking for true stories that inspire and challenge her readers to embrace a life of passion, boldness, & adventure. 
Gina’s statement brought tears to my eyes.
Lord- what are we doing if not loving??? I pray that God rips every bit of judgemental-ism out of me.
I am loathe to admit how guilty I have been of being judgemental. ‘How dare you not be perfect such as I’ was my cry. Amazing when God starts to deliver you from yourself. You no longer look at that person with harsh eyes but with those of compassion. Good post!