The Goddess Demeter was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians in the form of Isis; to the Romans she was known as Ceres, and people in both ancient and modern times speak of Gaea, the earth. She is Demeter.

Demeter chooses to appear older than most other Goddesses: somewhere in her mid 50s. She has a full figure and rich golden hair the colour of ripened corn, and she wears it plaited like a coronet, though sometimes this is covered by a veil. Demeter radiates dignity. Her eyes are most unusual: a mixture of blue and green and grey. She wears a long, loose-flowing pale blue gown. 

Demeter features in one of the most dramatic of mythical tales: the abduction by Hades of Persephone Demeter's daughter.

"I am the mighty Goddess Demeter. As the weeks pass my name will become more familiar. Mortals need instructing on farming and I am the one to do it. I have spoken and explained much and many are changing their methods.
   Although it takes longer, the old way of ploughing a field was much better for the earth than the way it is now done. Oil seeps into the soil from machines; chemicals poison the earth. The use of weed killers and pesticides must stop. That is why there are so many strange illnesses that were not known in the past. 

Those that destroy nature's balance whether it be on land or sea will not be allowed the freedom that they hope will be theirs. Those responsible will be punished, and in some cases severely. There will be retribution. Those who experiment and develop deadly chemicals for agricultural use will pay in full until they abandon this."

Although Demeter may be the original 'earth mother', and people might assume her to be the kind and gentle Goddess of our planet, make no mistake she is fierce. For nearly two years our team members were dragged through fields, withered with chemicals and burned along with stubble; the objective, explained Demeter, was for a mortal to literally experience what the chemicals and other modern agricultural practices felt like. 
    For those moments the team-members experienced what the earth experienced and it was both frightening and painful. When Demeter makes threats, take them seriously.

"When mortals worshipped us centuries ago they grew flowers and crops without all this. The crops grew in abundance. Now with all this the crops are not as healthy and mortals endanger their own health yet think they are overriding nature. That can never happen. This is why I am trying to influence mortals as much as I can. I am the great Demeter and I will succeed.

There were many ceremonies for me in the old days and fertility rites performed. That was not necessary. In days long gone there was celebration, much feasting and wine drunk at festivals. Entire villages were very merry, full of good food and wine. It grieves me that this practice was not continued. Through the mists of time I have been forgotten, but mortals will again become aware of my presence."

Temple Diaries Demeter and Rhea

Demeter's and Selene's Joint Festival: 
March 27th