Mokosh

Moist

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Mokosha; Mokosz

ORIGIN:

Slavic

Mokosh is the spirit of moisture. She is an ancient spirit but was also the preeminent female deity of the later Slavic official pantheon. She is manifest in dampness and liquids. Mokosh protects mother’s milk and semen. Rain is considered to be her milk. Czechs invoked her aid during times of draught.

As late as the sixteenth century, Christian authorities were complaining that Slavic women “went to Mokosh.” Pilgrimages to Mokosh stones in the Ukraine reportedly continued through the nineteenth century as women petitioned her for good health and fertility.

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Those who work with sheep in a manner that is not harmful to the sheep.

Manifestations:

Mokosh manifests as a woman and as stones, especially those that are breast-shaped.

ICONOGRAPHY:

Mokosh is portrayed spinning beside a well.

ATTRIBUTES:

Mokosh carries a spindle and/or a child.

Creature: Sheep

OFFERINGS:

Grains

SEE ALSO:

Zemyna

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.