The Origin of the Mother of All Goddesses: A Journey Through Myths and Culture

Throughout human history, we have always divided the world into pairs such as good-evil, black-white, male-female, and earth-sky. This phenomenon, known as dualism, has been a cornerstone in many mythologies. However, we often overlook the fact that the earliest and most revered gods were often female. Let's delve into the origins of these ancient goddesses and their significance.

Goddesses and Shamanism

In the Paganism and Shamanism belief systems of the animistic period, the gods were predominantly female. For instance, in Turkic Shamanism and Norse Paganism, the best healers, druids, and shamans were women. In some cases, shamans would even dress and act like women, mimicking their voices to elevate their healing powers.

Examples of such mother goddesses include Umai in Turkic, Ninhursag in Sumer, Cybele in the East, and Gaia Rhea in Greek and Roman mythology. The Amazon women of Central Asia were also associated with the Saka people—a culture known for its matriarchal structure, under the influence of the Afanasevo culture.

The Symbolism of Mother Goddesses

These mother goddesses were primarily symbols of fertility and womanhood. They represented the nurturing and protective aspects of nature and the earth. Words like “mother earth” and “mother nature” still hold the same meaning today.

During the matriarchal period, people were gatherers, relying on the natural world for their sustenance. Plants and trees provided food, shelter, protection, and medicine. They were seen as a mother figure, a source of nourishment and nurturing.

Mythical Origins and Natural Phenomena

To understand the world, our ancestors sought explanations for natural events. Thunder, rain, birth, and death—all were personified in myths. The earth, which depicted the cycle of life and death, became a mother figure. As time passed, and societies changed, so did the portrayal of these goddesses.

For example, as matriarchal cultures declined, the earth became associated with darkness and evil, embodying monsters and curses. The Lilith became the mother of evil, and the Tartarus represented the underworld of the devil.

The Evolution of Mythology

As patriarchy rose, the gods became more masculine, symbolizing the sky and its light. This shift can be seen in popular narratives, such as the myth of Medusa, where she is ultimately killed by heroes. Despite this, certain goddesses like Cybele and Gaia still held a place in mythological narratives, symbolizing fertility and the source of life.

Anthropologists and folklorists suggest there were three phases in the evolution of human culture: a genderless period, a matriarchal period, and finally a patriarchal one. These shifts in culture and society have significantly influenced the portrayal of goddesses in myths and folklore.

The Cultural Shift

As societies changed, so did the portrayal of these goddesses. In many modern religions, the sky is often associated with maleness, while the earth remains a mother figure. This can be observed in many cultural symbols, such as the Christian halo or the Muslim Nur.

Ultimately, the origin of the mother of all goddesses can be traced back to Mother Nature or Mother Earth. These deities were symbols of fertility, protection, and nurturing, representing the natural world and its cycles.

Through the lens of myths, we can understand the cultural and societal shifts that have shaped the portrayal of these goddesses. As we continue to evolve, so too will our understanding and representation of these ancient goddesses.

In conclusion, the origins of the mother of all goddesses lie in the deep connection between humans and the natural world. As we navigate the changing landscape of culture and society, it is important to recognize and honor these ancient traditions and their significance in our collective history.