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Cybele is a powerful earth goddess that governs love, health, humor, ecstatic experiences, victory, strength, and relationships. She was the first of the gods, the mother of the gods, the first of the divine beings who came into being; she was the first of the immortal gods who had power over life and death.
In the ancient world, the Phrygian goddess Cybele brought fertility and abundance, and she was associated with the earth and nature. Her worshipers included both men and women who danced in ecstasy for the mother goddess.
She is called the “Great Mother” because she provides support for her children and allows us to experience love. She also brings out our creativity and joyfulness.
Worshippers of Cybele believe that she brings joy and happiness into their lives. They believe she helps them overcome problems such as illness, poverty, loneliness, and depression. She is known for bringing good fortune.
Worshipping the mother of the gods requires patience and humility. It takes time to learn about this goddess. You cannot force your way into her presence; you must woo her through prayer, ritual sacrifices, and acts of charity.
Cybele also has the ability to grant wishes and heal diseases. Her festivals were wild and emotional.
Because of the strong association between the Trojan descent of their legendary founder and Mount Ida, and of this location with the Mother Goddess, Bowden (2010) further posits that “for the Romans the Great Mother of the Gods, Magna Mater in Latin, was their own mother” and linked inextricably to Rome via this connection with Romulus (p. 83).
Source: womeninantiquity.wordpress.com
Cybele is the goddess of cemeteries, caves, and darkness. She is also known as Magna Mater, Mother Earth, and Gaia. Her symbols include black stones, and she is often depicted holding a snake.
Offerings For Cybele
The mother of the gods is the goddess who rules over the harvest season. Her symbols include the cornucopia, the sickle, and the wheel. She is associated with grain and agricultural growth.
The Mother of the Gods was usually depicted as a matronly woman seated on a throne, with a turret crown and pair of lions crouching at her feet.
Source: theoi.com
In addition to offering foods to the gods, we can also give them gifts of art objects. These include statues, paintings, mosaics, and sculptures. They represent the beauty of the world around us, and they help us to appreciate nature and express ourselves artistically.
- Clay statues made for her
- Mountain imagery
- Cave imagery
- Divination
- Leopards
- Knives and athames
- Random rocks found on walks
- Meteorites
- Keys
- Cymbals
- Drums
- Flutes
- Bee imagery
- Dead bees
- Bull imagery
- Chariots
- Fertility symbols
- Vines
- Vulture imagery
- Chicken imagery
- Pine needles
- Pomegranates
- Roses
- Feta cheese
- Garlic
- Oil
- Vinegar
- Fresh herbs
- Salt
- Beeswax
Devotional Acts For Cybele
Cybele is a very subversive goddess, and so her preferred devotional acts will always come in the form of ACTIVISM. You can’t worship Cybele without fighting for trans rights! She has always been associated with trans people, homosexuals, the poor, and other “undesirable” classes to the status quo.
The Galli were eunuchs who served the goddess Cybele. The Galli would castrate themselves before becoming priests.
“Transgender” and “non-binary” identities have existed since the beginning of recorded human history. Cybele worship is strong evidence for that fact. The idea that transgender people are somehow unnatural, or an aberration, is a relatively new phenomenon. Transgender people have always existed, and they may not have always had to fight against discrimination.
Other devotional acts include partying hard, getting intoxicated, dancing, and singing. These activities bring Cybele’s energies into our bodies and minds.
- Healing
- Pray for Cybele’s protection from prejudice or discrimination
- Witchcraft
- Fertility rites
- Ask for healing from mental illnesses
- Acts that benefit women
- Acts that benefit children
- Ecstatic dancing
- Dancing around fires
- Singing songs
- Playing instruments
- Partying
- Sex magic
- Love spells
- Gift giving
- Blessing rituals
- Activism against the elite
- Activism against sexism
- Activism against racism
- Activism against homophobia
- Acts that benefit the poor
- Fighting for trans rights
- Sexual reassignment surgeries
- Learn herbalism
- Become a midwife
- Work with or donate to sanctuaries for big cats
- Visit a mountain or cave
- Meals shared with Cybele (she wants you to enjoy it too)
- Never try to bribe Cybele
Fragrances And Incense For Cybele
You can use any incense or perfume you like for Cybele. She is an accepting and loving goddess that just wants you to try your best with her. Here are some good options:
- Almond
- Patchouli
- Honey
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Vanilla
- Ylang-ylang
Crystals For Cybele
Cybele was represented by a meteorite. Crystals are one of the most popular ways to honor Cybele because they have such a strong connection to her energy.
Here are some great crystals to choose from:
- Meteorites
- Obsidian
- Amber
- False gold
- Black obsidian
- White quartz
- Red garnet
Prayers To Cybele
Say one of these prayers to Cybele, or write your own! She loves poetry written for her. Women prayed to her to give them children.
Prayer To Honor Cybele
Hail Mother! Queen of wild beasts,
Mother of all things, Mistress of heaven and of the underworld,
May the Lord of the heavens, the Ruler of the stars, the Lord of the seasons,
Give you strength, Lady of the Mountains!
From the mountains may you make your home,
In the valley may you dwell!
Prayer For Cybele’s Protection
Mother of all things, mistress of nature’s ways,
Queen of the deep caves, mighty Mother of the mountains,
Whose name is holy, whose praises are eternal.
May she protect us, may she guide us, may she bless our prayers.
Let her hear us, let her grant us favor. May she send us help and protection.
Attendants Of Cybele
1. Curetes – Warriors who fought alongside the goddess Cybele.
2. Corybantes – Dancing priests who accompanied the goddess Kybele.
3. Attis – A male deity who had an affair with the goddess Cybele and castrated himself.
4. Pan – A goat-legged god who lived in Arcadia.
5. Sabazios-Dionysos – God of wine and vegetation. He was mentored by the mother of the gods in the frenzied rites of the Orgia.