365 Goddess: A Daily Guide to the Magic and Inspiration of the Goddess

"So when you find the apathy bug biting at your heels, when you feel like your daily routine has become drab, when you yearn for a spiritual anchor to hold you firm in life's hectic storm, or when you want some real soul food, look to the Goddess and her scintillating magic for help and sustenance." - From the bookLike a crystal, there are many facets to the Goddess and which distinct face you see depends largely on culture and spiritual tradition. In 365 Goddess, author Patricia Telesco has amassed historical, thematic, and symbolic information in the form of a daily devotional. Spanning worldwide cultures and holidays, each day of the year is devoted to a particular goddess. Holidays, festivals, and feasts are also noted and the author correlates these with attributes of particular goddesses.The author shares the themes, symbols, and historical/cultural influence of each goddess, as well as a section "To Do Today". These exercises or meditations are designed to highlight and reinforce the energy of a particular goddess. The author also provides an overview of each month, including metaphysical insights. For example, Telesco explains where the name "December" comes from, the lengthening of the nights and the connection to rituals of light (like Yule), and the magical focus of purification, healing, and banishment.365 Goddess draws from many traditions, including Zoroastrian, Swedish, Lakota, Spanish, Haitian, Slavic, Afghanistani, Roman, Hopi, Polish, Cabalistic, Scandinavian, Chilean, Essene, African, Catholic, and many more.The devotional for December 12 is dedicated to Bamya. The Persian festival of Sada falls on this day. The themes for this goddess are victory, banishing, protection, and overcoming. Light and fire are her symbols. About Bamya, Telesco writes:"In Zoroastrian tradition, this goddess guides the sun god Mithra's vehicle through the sky. More important, as the goddess of twilight, her presence signals the beginning of today's festival."The "To Do Today" section includes several paragraphs explaining the festival of Sada, thoughts on Bamya's counsel for the day, a candle ritual, and a prayer offered to this goddess.Although 365 Goddess is organized according to date, it doesn't have to be used this way. Instead, you could turn to a random page for spiritual insight. Alternatively, you could consult the Topical Index in the back of the book. For example, if you're looking for a devotional or ritual dealing with the theme of change, several dates are provided. Other topics include the element of Air, Charity, Karma, Maturity, Protection, Rest, Sexuality, Wealth, and many more.I enjoy using this book as a daily reminder of the many faces and energies of the Goddess. It's also interesting to read about goddesses I've never heard of, as well as learn about various cultures, holidays, and celebrations from around the world. 365 Goddess is a great devotional for those wanting to integrate the Divine Feminine into their lives, as well as those interested in Goddess mythology.

I was tempted to read about one goddess per day, as recommended, but I didn’t have the patience. I also found some of the daily activities to be cumbersome, as they would require advance planning. The author does suggest to “peek” at each activity in advance and plan, but I wasn’t up for it—it didn’t seem practical. I ended up reading about a month worth of goddesses per day. The description about each goddess was basic yet informative, although there were misspellings.

I don't like to see books receive negative reviews based on limited knowledge. For example, Dag IS a Scandinavian goddess:Dag (Scandinavian) Goddess of the day; daughter of Nat, goddess of the night. Dag rides across the heavens on her horse, Skenfaxi, whose mane shines so brightly that it lights heaven and earth.There are also several sources that claim Idun was born of flowers. Even if this is not an agreed aspect of Idun, such a minor account doesn't detract from the excerpt about her.Regarding Voluspa, she is a goddess and it is possible that her name is another for Freyja. Her name means "gold intoxication."The myths that surround the gods and goddesses were not intended to reflect modern feminist attitudes. It is unwise to change aspects of ancient gods because they assail the modern thinking of some.Don't let misinformation sway you from getting this delightful book. It is not a book of ancient history or an encyclopedia of goddesses; it is book to help the reader begin each day with wonderful inspirations that will set the tone for one's day.

I am a novice in my spiritual walk; just taking it seriously about two years ago. I was looking for something I could use similar to devotionals I used to do when the Christian Bible was the only reference I used. This is a wonderful starting place. It is exactly what I was hoping it to be. Each Day has a holiday or festive from somewhere around the globe coupled with a female deity that relates to that day and a "To Do" to help the reader be a part of the focus for that day. I usually read in the evening so I can prepare for the coming day. For example I read the 10th's the evening of the 9th. I have not researched further into any material within this text.

I am quite pleased with this book, having a daily Goddess to focus on helps bring a fullness to my Goddess devotions. I have wanted to delve deeper into my relationship with different goddesses not only for my personal spiritual development but for my artistic Goddess project I am doing in hand embroidery.

This is one of those books that when you finally buy it you are not disappointed in the least. Each page speaks to you about a Goddess in an interesting way and, what's best of all, it shows you how to introduce that Goddess's lore into your daily life. For instance, today it's May 25th. This is a day about the Holy Spirit, according to this book. It says that "Holy Spirit is a female force in both Gnostic and Hebrew writings". I didn't know that, I find it interesting. I keep reading about Moses, and God's promises about "milk and honey". So there it is the tip of the day; just enjoy honey and milk, and ask Holy Spirit during meditation about promises for your life. A nice and simple experience; and thanks to this book, each day becomes unique and you live fully your spirituality. No kidding; try it.

Each day I read a devotion from this most awesome book. The information given is so very important to every element of my spiritual walk. For me living as a spiritual being means to embrace spirit in every way possible, and include it in everything I do. Reading the beautifully written verses, and stories within these most ancient words is a gift like no other. I completely recommend this book, and encourage anyone especially women add this to their daily worship. If you want to get to know the Goddess in all ways, this is the way to get it done. Blessid Be to all who read.

Full of very beatiful stories of goddess from all over the world. What I didn’t like is the matching whit the day of the year, which sometimes is very accurate and other time seems a bit random or out of tune

Each day it gives you a run down of a goddess, theme and symbol. It also gives you an act to do that day. I have found out about new goddesses thanks to this book.

A page a day dedicated to a Goddess with the Goddess' magickal theme, history, country and culture of origin and little charms and rituals to do to align yourself with, get to know and honour each Goddess.Wonderful enjoyable book!

I have this book on my Kindle but like it so much I purchased a hard copy.

Great book!