Bau
ORIGIN:
Sumer (Mesopotamia)
Bau, Goddess of Healing and Life, was once among the most significant deities of the Sumerian pantheon. She is intensely associated with dogs and may appear as a dog-headed woman. It is very tempting to associate her name with “bow-wow.” Dog and puppy burials have been found amidst her temple ruins.
Bau, Lady of Life, is invoked for any sort of healing as well as prosperity, abundance, and emotional and psychic relief. Her popularity faded as that of Inanna rose. (Inanna is also associated with canine imagery; whether or not this is borrowed from Bau is subject to debate.)
Bau has seven daughters known as the Lukur Girls:
• Zazaru
• Nipae
• Urnuntaea
• Hegirnuna
• Heshaga
• Zargu
• Zurgu
The Lukur Girls served as Bau’s priestesses. (The eldest three, Nipae, Urnuntaea, and especially Zazaru were also venerated alone and possessed their own chapels.) With the ascendance of Inanna, the Lukur Priestesses were eventually transferred to her.
Star:
Bau is the daughter of Sirius, the Dog Star.
Animal:
Dog
OFFERINGS:
Build her an altar featuring dog imagery; appropriate gifts would include contributions to dog shelters and hospitals or acts on behalf of dogs in need.
In her later Babylonian incarnation, Gula Bau, spirit of healing, walks Earth accompanied by her pack of hounds.
SEE ALSO:
Inanna-Ishtar
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.