Happy Valentine’s Day! Recently, in The Raven’s Nest, we looked at the weirdness of V-Day coinciding with Ash Wednesday in 2024. In that post, I we look at how to venerate Mary Magdalene and Yeshua on this day. In today’s V-Day post here on Angelorum, we honour seven Goddesses of Love, including Mary Magdalene. You can approach the information in this post in a couple of different ways. Some of you only came here for the Goddesses of Love Tarot Spread... That’s great, CLICK HERE to jump straight to the spread!
You may also wish to check out the Top 14 Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads for Valentine’s Day
Others may have arrived here to learn more about various Goddesses of Love from different cultures around the world. In that case, I suggest making yourself a cup of tea or pouring yourself a glass of wine first. This is a long-ish post to get through since we get to know Freya, Hathor, Aphrodite, Oshun, Parvati, Mary Magdalene and Inanna.
Finally, some of you may find yourselves here because you wish to connect and work with one or more of these deities. Awesome! Before you start invoking any of the goddesses mentioned below, you may wish to check out my post titled ‘Deity Work for Beginners.’
Freya
Freya is a goddess of love, beauty, and fertility in Norse mythology. Some consider her multifaceted personality the quintessential embodiment of eternal femininity. She belongs to the Vanir deities but became an honoured member of the Aesir after the Aesir-Vanir War. Known for her unmatched beauty and magical abilities, Freya rides a chariot drawn by two cats and possesses a cloak of falcon feathers. Her cloak allows her to fly between worlds. Patron of love, fertility, and battle, Freya imbues the lives of those who seek her with passion and vigour.
Freya is not only revered for her connections to romance and desire. Many worship her for her associations with magic and divination, specifically the practice of seidr. She is the archetype of the Völva, a practitioner of Norse shamanic sorcery. Modern-day worship of her involves group ceremonies or private rituals and offerings to invoke her favour. Honouring Freya can enhance our charisma as well as empower our love life and fertility. Freya’s capacity to encompass love’s complexity appeals to many who also seek strength and insight in their relationships.
Hathor
Hathor, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love, beauty, music, and joy, was revered throughout Egypt for her nurturing and motherly nature. She is typically depicted as a cow-goddess with horns encircling a sun disk or as a beautiful woman with cow’s ears. Hathor is a protector of women and an embodiment of femininity, fertility, and motherhood. Pharaohs and commoners alike sought her blessings for both physical and emotional well-being. She was considered the benevolent force that filled their lives with joy, music, and dance.
Hathor also had a fierce aspect as a protector in childbirth and a guide in the afterlife. Ancient Egyptians turned to her for comfort in both life and death. She is a goddess of love whose dominion transcends the earthly realm. Her temples were centres of music and beauty, reflecting her harmonious nature. Even today, Hathor’s stories continue to influence culture as an archetype of the loving and nurturing divine feminine.
Aphrodite
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, rose from the foam of the sea, enchanting anyone who laid eyes on her. As one of the twelve Olympians, her power was immense, overseeing all matters of romance and attraction. Her mythology is replete with tales of lovers and desire, showcasing the irresistible and sometimes chaotic nature of love. Devotees sought Aphrodite’s favour for both passionate love and enduring companionship.
Yet Aphrodite was more than a figure of sensuality and allure. She also embodied the union of harmonious relationships, healing through love, and the creative spark that rises from attraction. Her many affairs with gods and mortals alike tell of passions ranging from the tender to the tempestuous. She embodied the multifaceted experience of love. Temples dedicated to her worship were spread throughout the ancient Greek world. Her devotees hosted rituals that celebrated beauty in all its forms. During these celebrations, worshippers were reminded of the joy and the pain that can come from love’s various entanglements.
Oshun
Oshun is a powerful deity in the Yoruba pantheon and one of the Orishas in the Afro-Caribbean traditions. Those who practise of Santería, Candomblé, or Ifá all worship her. Oshun is the goddess of love, beauty, prosperity, and fertility. She is also the custodian of fresh waters, embodying the rivers that sustain life. Imagery of her depicts her as a symbol of femininity and grace. Her colours are gold, yellow and orange. Followers call upon Oshun for assistance in matters of the heart, fertility, and financial abundance.
Oshun’s love is seen as encompassing all forms of human affection, from passionate romance to the tenderness of maternal care. Her myths often speak of her generosity and kindness. However, she is also known for her wrath when provoked. She reminds us that love’s sweetness must be balanced by strength and self-respect. Festivals in Oshun’s honor are vibrant, filled with music, dance, and offerings of sweet things, capturing her spirit’s essential joy and beauty that she brings into the world.
Parvati
Parvati is an esteemed goddess in Hindu mythology and the consort of Lord Shiva. Shiva is the destroyer and regenerator of the universe. Parvati is the goddess of love, devotion, fertility, and marital felicity. She embodies the ideal qualities of a wife and mother. Her legends tell of her unwavering devotion and determination to win Shiva’s affection. They show forth the power of love and the perseverance it sometimes requires. She is often depicted with her husband Shiva and their children, Ganesh and Kartikeya. The imagery highlights her central role in the divine family.
As a deity of love, Parvati offers a perspective of love that is not just romantic but also deeply spiritual. Her presence in the pantheon illustrates the sanctity of the marital union and the respect and commitment it entails. Married couples seek her blessings for a harmonious and loving relationship. Her teachings and stories serve as a guide for steadfast love. She teaches us the transformative potential of devotion.
Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The Christian narrative depicts here as a reformed sinner and a devout follower of Jesus. However, alternative interpretations and Gnostic texts paint her in a markedly different light. In the Gnostic texts, Mary Magdalene transcends the patriarchal narrative to embody traits of the sacred feminine. This is also how modern mystics who channel her tend to portray her. Proponents of this view argue that her closeness to Yeshua and her own teachings in the Gospel of Mary Magdalene make her an avatar of compassion, wisdom, and divine love. As an avatar of Holy Sophia, she embodies the eternal and love and wisdom that underpin the universe. This is the feminine parallel to how Yeshua’s embodiment of the Divine Logos.
Modern mystics and Gnostics alike equate Mary Magdalene with the divine consort. She is an embodiment of the goddess energy that brings balance to the masculine. Her story offers an empowering reflection of the feminine divine—a force that nurtures, heals, and harmonises. Some venerate her as a Gnostic avatar of love and female sexual power. Her devotees propose that her legacy lies in the deeper mystery of her character. Mary Magdalene is an exemplary model of a spiritual partner and confidant. She inspires us to seek partnerships that honour inner wholeness and the merging of the human with the divine.
Inanna
Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love, beauty, sex, desire, fertility, war, justice, and political power, is perhaps one of the earliest deities for which we have written records. Also known as Ishtar in Akkadian and Babylonian cultures, Inanna holds a place of great prominence in Mesopotamian mythology. Inanna is a complex figure whose attributes encompass the dualities of existence.
As a goddess of love, Inanna is associated with the intensity and dynamism of romantic and erotic energy. The ancient Sumerian myth “Descent of Inanna,” explore themes of love, loss, and resurrection, reflecting the cycles of nature. She was both adored and feared for her passionate nature which, like love itself, could be both life-giving and destructive.
Inanna’s worship involved sacred rituals performed by her priestesses, known as hierodules. These priestesses engaged in sacred marriage ceremonies and rites to ensure fertility and prosperity. Like Freya, she was also a warrior goddess, positioning her as an embodiment of sovereign and sexual power. Celebrations in her name often emphasised both the joy of creation and the sorrows of death.
Her iconography, which includes the lion and the eight-pointed star, signifies her commanding presence and radiant beauty. In her temples devotees could seek her blessing in matters of the heart, as well as success in other endeavours. In modern times, Inanna’s devotees continue to revere here as a force that speaks to the enduring power of love.
Seven Goddesses of Love Tarot Spread
In the Seven Goddesses of Love Tarot Spread, we draw inspiration from aspects of seven goddesses of love to guide us towards nurturing self-love and fostering devoted and connected love relationships. Visualise each goddess as you shuffle the cards, and lay them out in a circle, like a sacred seven-petaled flower.
- Freya’s Passion
How can I bring more passion and vigour into my life? Reflect on Freya’s fiery spirit to help ignite your inner desires and creativity. - Hathor’s Nurturance
What can I do to foster joy and nurture myself and others? Channel Hathor’s loving embrace to cultivate a nurturing attitude towards yourself and those you love. - Aphrodite’s Spark
In what ways can I enhance attraction and romance in my life? Envision Aphrodite’s enchanting energy to magnetise and cherish romantic love. - Oshun’s Harmony
How can I balance my emotional well-being with my personal strength? Look to Oshun for guidance to achieve harmony and self-respect in relationships. - Parvati’s Devotion
What lessons perseverance must I embrace in my love relationships? Draw on Parvati’s unwavering commitment and spiritual love to strengthen your relationships. - Mary Magdalene’s Union
How can I create a partnership that honours both the divine and the human? Seek wisdom from Mary Magdalene to find a sacred balance and the power of spiritual companionship. - Inanna’s Transformation
What aspects of love and relationship are transforming in my life? Let Inanna’s journey of change guide you through the evolving landscapes of your heart.
As you interpret the cards, let the archetypes and mythos of these goddesses shed light on your path to love. Let them guide you in cultivating a loving relationship with yourself and weaving deep connections with others.
Seven Goddess of Love Sample Reading
For this sample reading, we are working with the Goddess of Love Tarot.
1. Freya’s Passion
How can I bring more passion and vigour into my life?
The Queen of Pentacles embodies the nurturing abundance of Freya. This card suggests you bring passion into your life by embracing the sensual pleasures of the world around you. Ground yourself in nature, and allow it to replenish your spirit. By nurturing yourself and others, you combine Freya’s fiery spirit with the Queen’s earthly generosity, resulting in a warm, vivacious presence in your personal and professional life.
2. Hathor’s Nurturance
What can I do to foster joy and nurture myself and others?
The 2 of Pentacles indicates balance and adaptability. To increase joy in your life and in the lives of others, it’s important to maintain a playful attitude towards your responsibilities. Hathor’s nurturing presence advises that you take time to dance amid the chaos, ensuring that self-care and the care for others remains a priority while you juggle life’s demands.
3. Aphrodite’s Spark
In what ways can I enhance attraction and romance in my life?
The Lovers card in this position resonates profoundly with Aphrodite’s energy. Enhance attraction and romance by focusing on meaningful connections and heartfelt choices. This card emphasises the importance of partnership choices rooted in true compatibility and understanding. Own your desires and communicate openly with your partner to deepen your romantic bond.
4. Oshun’s Harmony
How can I balance my emotional well-being with my personal strength?
The Ace of Swords signifies clarity of mind and breakthroughs. To balance your emotional well-being with your strength, we have yet another card that speaks of the importance of practising clear and honest communication. Oshun’s harmonious energy is about embracing truth and justice in your relationships. Stand up with confidence for what you believe is right and true.
5. Parvati’s Devotion
What lessons perseverance must I embrace in my love relationships?
The 10 of Cups speaks to the joy of emotional contentment and domestic bliss. To harness the power of Parvati’s devotion in your relationships, this card advises you to persevere through any challenges without losing sight of the happiness and fulfilment that awaits. Know that you belong to each other. Uphold mutual love and respect as the cornerstone of your relationships to ensure lasting harmony.
6. Mary Magdalene’s Union
How can I create a partnership that honours both the divine and the human?
The 5 of Wands suggests that conflict and/or competition will arise in any close relationship (true!). Mary Magdalene’s energy here implies that through challenges, you can forge a deep, understanding partnership. Respect each person’s individuality and learn from the conflicts. Seek a unifying goal that transcends the ego, allowing both partners to grow together, honouring the divine and human aspects equally.
7. Inanna’s Transformation
What aspects of love and relationship are transforming in my life?
The Page of Wands is a card of exploration, adventure, and a fresh perspective. Inanna’s rites of passage signal a transformation in your approach to love and relationships. Be open to new experiences and willing to step into the unknown. Let go of outdated patterns and embrace the exciting potentials that await in your relationship dynamics. This is a time for personal growth and embracing change with optimism.
Don’t forget to journal your findings and I would love to hear how you get on with this spread so drop a comment below!
Check out the Angelorum Love and Relationship Tarot Spreads!
