PART 1 Moon Goddess Women CHARMS AND SYMBOLS Tarot card: The Moon, which represents the emotions Moon phase: Waxing Celestial bodies: Neptune, the moon Herbs and plants: Aloe, camellia Colors: Whites, creams, greens Crystals and gemstones: Moonstone, clear quartz Incense: Lemon balm, sandalwood, gardenia Lucky day: Monday Lucky numbers: 2, 7, 11, 20 Ritual colors: Whites, blues, silver Ritual robes: Cotton, chiffon, light fabrics Magickal symbols: Mermaids, shells, fish, keys Goddesses: The moon, the maiden, the virginal, the feminine Theme song: "(What a) Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong ASSOCIATED GODDESSES FOR THE GOAT WOMAN Flora: Roman goddess of vegetation and fertility who was also the original nymph. She is usually portrayed surrounded by fresh flowers. Sedna: North American goddess of water and the sea. Once a beautiful maiden, she became the ruler of the oceans. She guards the waters and is honored by fishermen. Oxun: African goddess of the water in all forms. She is usually depicted beautifully adorned as a stunning young woman sitting at the foot of a waterfall. She was regarded as a patron deity and goddess of beauty and femininity. She also held court over mediumship and hidden knowledge. Freya: Scandinavian goddess of beauty. She often took the form of a shegoat to cavort on earth. POSITIVE TRAITS unsophisticated passive feminine diplomatic unaffected caring sensitive idealistic ethereal nurturing thoughtful spiritual passionate perceptive refined intelligent discerning loving NEGATIVE TRAITS insecure touchy ungrounded manipulative vacillating naive acquiring calculating unrealistic fussy impractical critical finicky overanalytical detached cold weak indifferent FAMOUS GOAT WOMEN Julia Roberts • Nicole Kidman • Barbara Stanwyck • Jane Austen Evita Perón • Whoopi Goldberg • Catherine Deneuve • Kate Hudson Katharine Hepburn • Jennifer Love Hewitt • Pamela Anderson • Laura Dern Mira Sorvino • Judy Davis • Veronica Lake • Simone de Beauvoir Christina Ricci • Heather Mills GOAT WOMAN'S NUMBER 1 Sprightly and vivacious, you like to take the lead and be noticed. Try acting! 2 Docile and refined, you love to empathize with others. A marvelous counselor. 3 You can make a wonderful creative writer or thinker. You need to teach others. 4 You may need to build a castle, but not in the sky! There is a determined streak in you that inspires others. 5 Personality and natural style are yours. You work best in a busy but free environment. 6 You have the Earth Mother strongly represented in you. You need the security of family. 7 You are a highly sensitive, insightful Goat. Use your discernment and travel overseas. 8 Natural resilience and toughness balance your other Goat qualities. You can help to reform life for others. 9 Visionary Goat! You like to look at the big picture. THE NYMPH! The Goat woman is an exquisitely feminine creature in the classic romantic mode. No matter what her age, her goddess energy is forever linked to the fragile, emerging maiden full of wonder and promise. In this sense, she emulates both the moon goddesses and the nymphs of legend. Yet the goat in myth and legend has been associated with the god Pan and is one of the major symbolic animals of the earth's energy in its positive and negative aspects. The Goat woman carries herself with refinement and dignity and creates an almost otherworldly aura about her. Although she is distinctively gentle to the point of fragility in appearance, she shows strength and valor in her undertakings. Her sensitivity makes her a fabulous creative artist or entertainer. The current twenty-first-century confusion over male and female roles and what part each should play has assisted the rise of ultrafeminine Goat women artists like Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman. These Goat leading ladies stir up memories of feisty maidens of old and create a romantic link to the past while demonstrating the Moon Goddess's evocative emotions. Nicole Kidman's portrayal of a fragile yet determined woman in Moulin Rouge artfully illustrates the Goat woman's powerful yet elusive femininity, while Julia Roberts dazzles us with her on-screen versatility and womanly charm. Literate, clever, refined, and perceptive, the Goat woman sees deeply into the heart of the matter and comes up with some incredible insights. Take a look at the feminine wisdom shown in almost every Jane Austen novel and you will appreciate the understanding the Goat woman has of the feminine psyche. (You will also appreciate her romantic concept of heroes!) The Goat woman often seeks a life of peace, surrounding herself with loved ones in an idyllic country setting like Austen's novels. The reality for her, however, is probably a hectic and busy lifestyle that leaves her longing for serenity. A Goat woman can be hypersensitive and is one of the touchiest, most delicate of the animal signs. Her tendency to become dependent on her loved ones and those close to her should be tempered with a development of her creativity. The Goat woman, despite her talents, often suffers painful periods of low selfesteem. Those close to her should help her balance these times carefully before they overwhelm her. The younger Goat woman tends to operate on a very emotional level. This tendency may cause her to become very dependent in an unproductive relationship or obsessed with a failed passion. There is, deep inside her, a desire to believe passionately in the romantic hero concept, and to fantasize that any man she is interested in will fulfill and complete her life. This can lead to sharp disappointments when reality is revealed, and it may be difficult for her to accept human nature. Although her appearance is ultrafeminine and her manner gentle and reflective, the Goat woman is capable of quite a good deal of manipulation and planning. She is formidably ambitious. She has very powerful desires and passions firing just below her feminine surfaces and she can be determined to achieve her desires regardless of the consequences. She can be physically driven and often possesses a strong sexual drive. She generally prefers classically handsome and dashing mates, and usually has a number of dalliances in her life. If she does settle down, it will happen more by accident than purposeful design. The Goat woman's nurturing energy causes her to collect strays and attracts mates with a desire to be looked after. These mates, seeking motherly comfort, will often carry emotional baggage into the relationship. The Goat woman often takes on a healing role in such relationships, only to discover the issues are too deep for someone as close as a mate to solve. It is important for a Goat woman to avoid situations where she is manipulated or controlled by an overly possessive partner. Her strong link with the powerful emotional element of water makes her susceptible to codependency. She also needs to develop emotional detachment and remove her rose-colored glasses long enough to allow her intuition to come to the fore. Like her other Moon Goddess sisters, she must learn to be herself and not mirror only the desires of her partner. An important part of a Goat woman's development is the realization of who she really is. If she begins to appreciate the goddess energy within her, she will realize that we are here to fulfill ourselves. Partnership is a wonderful thing, but it is not all life has to offer. We are mainly here to learn, and the best study environment is often where we are not distracted. In many cases, the Goat woman's karma or fate is to experience a series of difficult relationships before she finds her real soul mate. Yet her romantic nature refuses to accept defeat. Goat woman Katharine Hepburn loved her partner Spencer Tracy passionately through many difficulties but retained her own life and artistry. It is vital for the Goat woman to ground herself in life by developing her potential and her practical sides. She must avoid escaping into fantasy too often. In this way she will find true fulfillment and become a wonderful force! GOAT WOMAN AND LOVE The powerful depths of the Goat woman's emotions link her symbolically with the element of water. Water has long been seen as an expression of the emotions in dreams and visions. In ancient Greek legend, the water nymph was a feminine creature who could not survive without the water around her. Likewise, the Goat woman needs to be emotionally sustained if she is to be fulfilled. The water nymph was said to have the power to heal, prophesy, and inspire. The Goat woman, too, may find this power within herself. She can, therefore, learn of the potential of her innermost feelings and their effect on others by associating them with the power of water. She essentially represents a nurturing and delicate energy to a mate, and unless she really understands her deeper self, she will never find what she needs. When a mate becomes attracted to a Goat woman, there is always an attraction to the healing and nurturing she possesses. However, unless the Goat woman learns to detach from her partner at the appropriate times, she may frighten her spouse with the power of the sea she contains within her. The partner may experience psychological "drowning" in the Goat woman's depths. The darkness of the sea is hypnotic, but it can also be overwhelming if there is too much of it surrounding us. Many Goat women clients complain of their lovers' request for space and cannot understand why a relationship that has been very close suddenly becomes distant. Goat women need to find the balance between their nurturing side and their creativity. Often a career in a human growth area will help a Goat woman truly find herself. In this type of work she will be able to spread out the power of her energies and not just focus on personal bonds, which may otherwise suffer from too much intensity. Goat Woman and Compatibility Goat & Rat Difficult. Rat is a bit frenetic for Goat's quieter pace. Goat will fret and Rat will get bored with the pace. Goat & Ox Stability is an important issue for both, so it could be a powerful match. The Ox does not mind providing the companionship Goat requires. Goat & Tiger This one will only succeed where Tiger can overlook the touchiness of the Goat. Both seem to have lots of feeling, but there is also danger of arguments and misunderstandings. Goat & Cat Good mix of energies. These two have the capacity to create peace together. Cat has a sense of taste and art that is close to the Goat's. Goat & Dragon Can work, but the Dragon's large personality may overpower Goat. Goat & Snake This union can have the right touch, as both love gentle moments and their privacy. But Goat will sometimes be hurt by the secretiveness of the Snake mate. Goat & Horse These two are kindred spirits and the empathy will be powerful. They appreciate each other's sense of freedom. Goat & Goat Very good team. Both of them value the benefits of peaceful living and family values. They need to watch excessive escapism though. Goat & Monkey The Goat will be fascinated with Monkey, but the union will have major problems. They both suffer from overenthusiasm and will hesitate on who will take the lead at times. Goat & Rooster Can work if the Goat takes second place. The Rooster loves to be cock of the walk, and will give the Goat a few challenges. Goat & Dog Good. Goat is content and happy with this most loyal sign. Goat helps Dog to deal with dark moods, but they must be very careful to be moderate in their lives. Goat & Pig A solid, no-nonsense team. The Pig is jovial and kind, which Goat adores. The Goat woman may fall victim to depression and withdrawal in times of personal disappointment, and should foster a close network of loving friends to help her get over any temporary downturns in life. She will also be placed in situations where she will be faced with challenging circumstances that will teach her to develop independence and courage. The correct partner for a Goat woman is someone with a mature personality who appreciates her feminine freshness and dynamism without feeling personally threatened by it. The paradox for the Goat woman is that the right partner for her is often a person who is not interested in being nurtured so much as being the one to nurture her! The classic fairy tale "The Little Mermaid" has relevance for the Goat woman in its portrayal of a lovely mermaid yearning for the affections of the unattainable prince. The mermaid tragically loses herself in her emotions. Changing her true self does not lead to the person of her dreams. For the Goat woman, the maturing process of her emotions may be painful, but she has the power to become wise and contribute much to the world if she looks within and finds her own power. She will always retain her unaffected natural self. As a wife and mother, she is a natural and is very interested in her children. Normally they will appreciate her gentle and nurturing energy. She must beware of being too indulgent with them however! GOAT WOMAN AND HEALTH A Goat woman can suffer from reversals in health during her life, as she is not always the most robust of the signs. She needs to practice common sense in this area of life and remember to look after her body. Sensitive points are her bones, skeletal system, stomach, and gynecological system. Her emotions can affect her health badly, and she needs to be aware of mental depression and mood swings. A healthy diet is very beneficial for her, as is yoga and regular relaxation. She would benefit from regular breaks taking in nature at the beach or in a forest. GOAT WOMAN AND FINANCES The Goat woman may have a rather casual attitude toward finances and sometimes lose money through carelessness. A sensible financial plan is very important and she needs to think of her future security. She loves little extravagances and spends quite freely. However, she often has rather good luck in this area and can usually manage quite well. Real estate is a good investment for the Goat woman, as is solid stocks or bonds. GOAT WOMAN AS A CHILD As a child, the Goat woman is ethereal and classically fairylike. She will be drawn to romantic, creative pursuits and enjoy theatre and dance lessons, acting, and mime. She will have a very active fantasy life and enjoy any aspect of life that helps her dream. She will be an incredibly sensitive youth easily affected by her parents' own energy and relationship. She will react to the family unit acutely, and any variations in personal security will affect her deeply. The Goat child requires plenty of careful and unobtrusive nurturing, and will benefit from a family environment that instills commonsense routines to help ground her fertile imagination. In adolescence, some dramas can be expected in the realm of the emotions. A firm grounding in other areas will assist her to cope better through this intense roller-coaster period. GOAT WOMAN AND CAREER Her nurturing and perceptive abilities make the Goat woman a superb healer, counselor, or therapist. She would also make an excellent caregiver as she loves to have a career that brings out this side of her personality. Suitable choices for her include childcare worker, teacher, or psychologist. She could also excel as a creative artist if disciplined enough, as her powerful and deep emotions provide her with excellent focus and ability to capture the imagination. Unsuitable careers are anything involving cutthroat competition or the need to undermine others to gain promotion. The Goat woman's gentle nature would not fare well in the type of professions that require such tactics. GOAT WOMAN IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY The Goat woman's feminine character and her capacity to exude security to others are valued traits of the twenty-first century. Goat women will find themselves valued members in this society, especially in either the arts or as community volunteers. The Goat woman may also find her talents needed in local politics. She has the type of honest, approachable, personal charisma that would do well in public office. GOAT WOMAN AND SPIRITUALITY The Goat woman naturally relates to the power of the otherworld. I have named her "the nymph" because once she taps into her true goddess, she possesses the ability to bring the otherworld's energy closer to this one. For ritual work invoking the Goddess, the Goat woman should have a place as close as possible to nature. If she lives in an apartment, then she should create a natural sanctuary in her living area by surrounding herself with indoor plants and pictures of calming rivers or forests. If given permission, she may even like to paint her own mural on the wall on which to meditate. RITUAL WORK FOR THE GOAT WOMAN INVOKING SEDNA FOR SPECIAL REQUESTS Ritual Tools • White and gold candles • Water in a clear bowl • Lemon balm incense • Citrine quartz crystal • Small pieces of parchment • A piece of silk material or garment • A shell or a picture of a mermaid Ritual Time Just after the new moon period. Create an altar with the above tools. Light the candles and incense. Concentrate on the power of the feminine in its pure, virginal state. Write on the parchment any requests and use a new piece for each request. Take a little time to meditate on each one separately. Invoke the goddess Sedna as follows: "Great goddess Sedna, I call upon your power and purity to assist me in my everyday life. I realize the divine power of your femininity within me and ask you to enable me to bring it forth. As you are both virtuous and wise, I invoke your power to enhance my natural sensitivities and to strengthen my resolve. I petition you for the realization of my desires as follows: [ state your petitions ]." Fold the pieces of parchment into the silk cloth and sprinkle the water over them. Snuff out the candles and devote your request to the power of Sedna. Leave the parchment on your altar space for seven days and as your desires are fulfilled, thank the goddess. INVOKING FLORA FOR LOVE Ritual Tools • Fresh-cut flowers of any kind • Rose quartz • One cup uncooked rice • One red candle Ritual Time Waxing moon and, if possible, when in Taurus or Libra. Spend some time out in the moonlight gathering flowers for the ceremony. Create your altar, light the candles, and invoke the goddess as follows: "Flora, goddess of the flowers, I honor your origin as a nymph. In the same way I seek to blossom and flower in my favorite energy and to nurture those around me in a gentle way. I petition you for love to enter my life." Throw the petals of the flowers over the altar space and think of the beauty and power of Flora. Then cover the altar with the rice, considering the blessings of the goddess and the rice's fertility association. Conclude the ritual by dedicating your rose quartz to the goddess and snuffing out the candle. Leave the quartz in the moonlight to absorb its energy for as long as you wish, then keep it somewhere close to where you sleep. MEDITATION FOR CALM AND DE-STRESSING Relax somewhere comfortable and visualize yourself walking on a winding footpath through a forest. You come to a clearing and there in front of you is a magnificent waterfall. It flows from a high hill down along a steep gully to a deep, secluded water hole. You watch the water run down this fall with a gentle focus to meet the pool's water below. You can hear birds singing and the sound of the waterfall running over the rocks and splashing to the pool below. Imagine yourself removing all your clothes, from your jacket and top to your shoes. Remove everything, even your jewelry. You are now standing naked in front of this pool and there is no one but you and nature. You are perfectly safe. You have no fear. Your higher self is in this place with you and you have no anxiety or worry. You are now diving into the water hole. As you do, release all your stress to the water. Swim over to the fall until you are under it and feel the gentle drops of mist against your face. Now think of whatever is causing you pain or worry and let the fresh, clean waterfall wash all your anxieties away. Stay in your pool for however long it takes to wash away your anxiety. Visit it each time you need to replenish your soul. It will always be there for you, and the best part is, no one else knows how to reach it but you! Excerpted from Goddess Signs: Which One Are You? by Angelica Danton All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
