Tara (1)

Tara (1)

ORIGIN:

India

Tara is the preeminent Tibetan Buddhist female spirit, but before she was a Buddhist deity, Tara was an Indian goddess. In India, Tara is a Tantric goddess, possibly originally a tribal goddess. She is fierce, not serene like Tibet’s Tara. Tara roams forests and battlefields, often in the company of Shiva.

India’s Tara is Lady Wisdom. She bestows sacred and mundane knowledge. She instills literary talent and teaches palmistry and astrology among other skills. Tara protects against danger, disasters, violence, and illness. She performs feats of healing and fulfills all desires.

MANIFESTATION:

Tara is young, small, and although not pregnant has a big belly (considered a sign of power). She wears her locked, matted long hair in a bun, ornamented with Rudraksha beads and skulls. Eight snakes entwine her body.

Spirit ally: Shiva

Number: Eight

Tree:

Rudraksha

Offering: Menstrual blood; incense

SEE ALSO:

Shiva; Tara (2)

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.