Goddess of the Month ~ Demeter

Demeter, Goddess of Grains and Agriculture

Demeter is the Greek Goddess of grains and agriculture, who presided over the fertility of earth, the seasons and harvest. She is also known as a goddess of health, birth, and marriage, all closely related to fertility. Festivals were held in her honor in early autumn. Demeter taught humankind the art of agriculture: sowing seeds, ploughing and harvesting.  It is said that Demeter was compassionate and understanding of human suffering because she experienced it herself when her daughter, Persephone, was abducted by Hades, the god of the underworld. Demeter searched the world over for Persephone in great distress, leading her to neglect the growth of grain and cause a famine. Finally Zeus demanded Hades return Persephone to her mother. However, before she left, Hades gave her a pomegranate, and when she ate the seeds (a commonly known symbol of  fertility), she was bound to spend a portion of the year (winter) with him. Only when her daughter was with her (spring, summer and fall), would Demeter allow things to grow. The cycle of life and death, the dying and blossoming of nature, was thus attributed to Demeter.
Demeter was usually portrayed as a mature woman on a chariot, with symbolic images of the harvest, including flowers, fruit, and grain, and a torch, the latter presumably referring to her search for Persephone. Demeter is best known for her determination and endurance in the search and defense of her daughter. She reminds us to be unwavering and stand firm in our beliefs, taking a stand for what is right and what we justly deserve.

Inviting Demeter into the Modern Goddess’ World:

Action Steps:

Believe in yourself. Stand firm in what you know to be your truths and do not let others sway you  from what you know in your heart to be the right path for you. If you feel yourself wavering and unsure whether you can continue towards your goal, lean only on those who support your vision and desires, this may or may not be family and friends. Sometimes we have to look outside the family we began with and create a sense of family with those who we feel connected, supported and encouraged to live our most authentic life. My hope is that The Grateful Goddess community is one of your support systems you consider your chosen family.  I am grateful for this family as well as another one of my support systems or family, Team Northrup, a group of entrepreneurial men and women who are philosophically aligned with the work of women’s wellness authority,  Dr. Christiane Northrup. Having just returned from spending time with this inspiring clan, I want to share one of the golden nuggets I walked away with — the analogy of being a lighthouse… Stand tall and firm in your beliefs and shine your light, truths and wisdom like a beacon of light so that others may find you. If you venture out in a ‘search and rescue’ mission, then other boats will not be able to find you. Shine brightly in whatever you believe to be true and do not let others diminish your light.
Americans pride themselves in being independent, a worthy trait, yet it can serve to our detriment when we are too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help. Our first chakra, the root chakra, is all about a sense of belonging and security. We are not meant to go it alone, let the community of The Grateful Goddess strengthen you when you need help so that you can be there for others when they need help. We are all in this together; we are all connected and can draw on each others’ strengths when needed.

Plant seeds and watch them grow. Whatever you want to create in your life, plant the seeds now, so they have time to germinate. Take the steps necessary to create the life you want to live. Too often we say that we will do the things that truly bring us joy later,  after we have accomplished everything else we feel we ‘have to’ do. Only then, the time never comes as something else always fills in and ‘has to’ be done. Take steps, plant the seeds and begin the process now of living the life you truly want to live.

Eat organic whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Enjoy the bounty of mother earth and give thanks and praise for the foods that provide us life force energy. Farmers markets are plentiful and delicious this time of year. Support your local farmers and make it a daily practice to share your gratitude for the earth, sun, rain, and the farmer’s hard work and dedication in providing our bodies with good nutrition. Love and respect your body by providing it with fresh produce.

Honor the cycles of life and death. If you have been pushing yourself to produce and it feels like a struggle, perhaps you need to let yourself rest, lay dormant and quietly reflect and the next best course of action.  There is a season and a time for everything. Periodically, allow your body and your mind the rest it so rightly deserves; only you know what and when is right for you.

Affirmation:

I stand firmly in my beliefs and radiate my inner truth.

Meditation:

Stand against a wall and plant your feet firmly. Allow the wall to hold and support you. Visualize your feet sprouting roots that rapidly grow deep and strong holding you firmly in place. The roots are supporting you, providing you nutrients, and building strength. Feel your body growing stronger and stronger. Feel your breath growing deeper and deeper as it calms you. Allow your spine to grow tall; growing taller with each breath. When you are ready, visualize a bright, white light coming from the depths of the earth, shooting up your legs through your torso and penetrating out the crown of your head. Your whole head is beaming a bright, clear, white light and you feel rooted to your own truth and convictions.. The light is glowing out of your eyes, your ears, your nose and mouth and up through the crown of your head. The light feels clean, bright, and brings a great sense of peace, calm and clarity. Bask in the glow of your light owning your truth. Stay there as long as you desire and when you are ready to return, bring with you peace and clarity.

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