We are the Weavers of the Web
by Dr Tricia Szirom
This ancient land is one of many spirits, which add meaning and depth to our understanding of the web of life and the Great Mother. Over the past two hundred years many peoples have arrived in Australia bringing with them traditions of the Goddess from many lands. What are the ways in which we have adapted our rituals and beliefs to this land, and in what ways have we been influenced by the land? This workshop will look at the weaving of two traditions to enrich our understanding and practice in ritual and celebration.
Introduction: Goddess as Weaver of Creation
Many of the world's people believe that the world is woven and that a weaving Creator wove its designs into being; for example the Navajo legend of the Spider Woman; she who sits at the great galactic centre. She is the female force of all creation who joins all nations, all tribes, all families, and all realities together, in her web. The Weaver is the Female Principle of creation.
Myths of weaving exist around the world as metaphors for creation. However, there is, in all the world, no god of weaving -- only goddesses. Often the weaving goddesses are also teachers of wisdom and midwifery. While there are one or two examples of Weaver Goddesses who are connected with the Sun mostly they are of the Moon.
