Tellus Mater

Tellus Mater

Earth Mother

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Terra Mater

ORIGIN:

Italy

Tellus Mater, the Earth Mother, is the great mother without whom nothing grows and nothing could exist. She is the energy that sparks life. Tellus Mater has dominion over fertility and guards and assists laboring mothers of all species. She was invoked during ancient marriage ceremonies. Tellus Mater has dominion over earthquakes. Oaths were sworn upon her, as Earth sees and knows all.

Tellus Mater is the source of the words tellurian and telluric.

FAVOURED PEOPLE:

Pregnant women, pregnant animals

MANIFESTATION:

Tellus Mater is Earth, but she also appears in the guise of a lush, beautiful woman.

ICONOGRAPHY:

A Roman bas-relief depicts Tellus Mater holding two children on her lap while an ox and sheep sleep beneath her feet. She is flanked by two women, one holding a swan, the other a sea monster.

Spirit allies:

Ceres, Vesta

Date: 15 April, her annual feast

Animal: Cow

SEE ALSO:

Ceres; Gaia; Proserpina; Vesta

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.