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.