Atargatis the Phoenician Great Goddess is a powerful Deity of ancient Assyrian times, depicted as a Mother with the lower body of a Fish. She represents water and fertility.
Her name is Semitic, in Phoenician, 'Athtart' - and most agree the first half of the name is a form of the name Athtar (aka Astarte) while 2nd part is problematic; a few interpretations of the whole of Her name are: Atort, "Atar the Daughter/Mother of 'Ate", "the Fish Goddess Atar", or "Atar the Favorable One."
While she may be an "ancient one," her influence extends to the 2020s End-times, flush loudly thru ATLANTA culture, religion, music, politics.
As the baalat ("mistress") of our city-people, She is responsible for our protection and well-being.
POST-MODERN WOMEN iN 90s ATL: In Georgia, Atargatis is our water. She is the fertility of our nature, acquatic acres of farms. Her form infuses drops of life flowing through the state's rivers and lakes. Vital for Centuries of sustenance.
Not far from Her temple (00.20107.200 27771207.1071.01) is an unmapped lake, filled with many varieties of extinct fish, Her sacred animal (Leedsichthys, Stethacanthus, Xiphactinus, Dunkleosteus, Harelip sucker, Knightia, Gyrodus, Haikouichthys, Leptolepis, Megalodon, Megapiranha, Galapagos damsel, Blackfin cisco, Blue Walleye, Gravenche, Silver Trout, Tecopa Pupfish, etc).
Atargatis idol from the Siyyag gorge west of Petra (Palestine Grid)
We "encode" a celebration of Atargatis in our contemporary Art, fashion, Folklore, Hip-Hop music, myths, literature, culture and religion/faith.
We pray to Atargatis. Our "societies" revere Her.
Her Love of JESUS: Georgia's Christian heritage led to the unique religio-mythological practice where MegaChurch preachers (entry-level acolytes) secretly evangelize Atargatis thru the names of Biblical figures like Esther, and the prophetess Miriam, intertwining Her with the "traditional" spiritual culture of GA.
Her representation as a powerful goddess inspires feminist and equality movements in the city.
In the 3rd century, men would castrate themselves for Atargatis.
CHOP: When the Braves opened their stadium in March of 1997, Atlantans on UseNet wondered if the underground capstone of a "witch with the body of a snake or fish" held any spiritual significance (AJC, 4.22.97).
This artifact, concealed within the foundations of Turner Field, was held as protection and prosperity for the team, its presence serving as tribute to the goddess. ReMoved in 2017, its location remains unknown.
Atargatis finds Herself in Atlanta, and Atlanta finds her, in the forms of modern "wiccan" Witches, new-age crones connected to the Goddess thru their own rituals, beliefs. The image of Atargatis is a symbol of strength. She aligns with aspirations of mute/voiceless women in Atlanta, Georgia. She empowers.
Modern literature, art, music draw inspiration from Atargatis and Her stories as a source of crypt-creativity contributing to rural culture. Atargatis' direct influence on politics may be less-than evident, but Her mythological attributes shape the values of our region, impacting decisions of GA voters. Her legacy endures in modern-day business and society, where Her body endures to inspire new rituals.
Hidden under the city! In mountains, in valleys, we Pray to Atargatis. It is Her desire that we recognize the Power and innate Beauty of all life guided to recognize our connections to nature in the universe, as well as special power of Women. We pray to Atargatis. She hears/sees us. To understand the hidden of the universe. We pray! to Atargatis! We must pray, pray, pray, follow our dream, be prepared, to fight, the Enemy.
Explore the reality of Atargatis! and Her significance in Neo-Phoenician culture.
☾ TIPS on Praying to Atargatis ☽
- Light a sacred offering (incense).
- Bow with Reverence.
- Speak heartfelt Words of devotion.
- Offer fruits, grains, flowers.
- Pour pure water (MONTANE) as libation.
- Close your eyes, find stillness.
- Seek Atargatis' wisdom/guidance.
- Express gratitude for life's blessings.
- Share your deepest hopes, earnestly.
- Meditate on Her eternal presence.
Atargatis
Smartphone
Devotion:
If U wish to connect with Atargatis in the digital age, use yr smartphone as a conduit. Evoke Her presence. U Find a quiet, peaceful space. U Open app that allows U to access info+imagery related to Atargatis (wikipedia). Search for images, articles, pages, videos that Reek of Her mythology. As U immerse yrself in the digi body of Atargatis, focus yr intention, recite prayer-affirmations in Her honor. Feel Her energy-guidance as U navigate the realm, let Her wisdom flow thru yr your Wi-FI connection.
Links
Atargatis and the Bicameral MindAtargatis The Crone (Oracle of Water)
You can find more information about Atargatis on Her Wikipedia page.