The Earth Goddess by shutterbugs
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Description
Located in the Vatican museums, this is a version of the famous many-breasted statue of Artemis from Ephesus. The goddess came to be called the Ephesian Artemis. Later, the Romans associated their mother goddess Diana with the goddess Artemis. Her original temple at Ephesus in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) was so large and well-renowned that it was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
In her central role as mother goddess, Artemis (a.k.a. Diana) addressed concerns of women such as protection against one's enemies, the healing of grave illnesses, guarding the dead, granting boons and bestowing the gift of prophecy. Given these areas of influence, it is easy to see why she signified the unknown, the unconscious and mysterious, the magical and intuitive qualities that women in particular are considered to have, a quality she shares with other goddesses such as Astarte, Luna, Hecate, Kali and particularly today's Black Madonnas.
Historians agree that the Ephesian Artemis also includes aspects of Ishtar, Isis, Cybele and Inanna. For this reason, she is considered a comprehensive figure of the divine feminine who was variously called "Queen of Heaven", "Magna Mater" (Great Mother), Mother of the Animals, and Lady of the Wild Beasts. Her many pomegranate-like breasts stand for Mother Nature herself, fruitful and providing for all living things.
The early Christians particularly detested the Pagan worship of this Goddess, and considered her cult a rival. Paul even tried to lead an uprising against the Temple of Ephesus, converting as many of the worshippers as he could. In typical co-optive Christian fashion, the Virgin Mary assumed many of Diana's traits, including the idea of Diana being a Virgin Goddess and her pose with outstretched palms which is so typical of many Mary statues. Eventually, the stones of Diana's Temple were torn down by Christians and used for churches and other buildings.
Comments (8)
SapUS59
fantastic capture of this beauty !!
flora-crassella
...die Kirche hatte es immer schon mit der "Fruchtbarkeit" ! Wunderbare Aufnahme dieser Statue!!!
debz
Fantastic capture! Super work!
Optiramma
fantastic photo of this amazing sculpture...the hands are as amazing as the breasts. History is such a twisted, tangled, constant reworking of both truths and lies
durleybeachbum
Marvellous Pic of a magical object!
babuci
Fantastic capture.
RobyHermida
fantastic ............. ROBY
cmolsen2002
Wonderful capture and a fascinating narrative. Many thanks!