(^122) A Wiccan Bible
Demeter—Female—Mediterranean
Not only is she one of the major goddesses of Greece, she is patron of mar-
riages and married women. As Demeter Thesmophoros, her role as goddess
of marriage is celebrated at the Thesmophoria. In times of old, folk traveled
from great distances to be initiated to and participate in her mysteries.
Freyr—Male—North Europe
Norse god of rain and crop fertility who is called upon to bless marriages.
Frigg—Female—Northern Europe
Norse goddess of matrimony and pregnancy, she is wife to Odin and the
highest of goddesses in her pantheon. This speaks volumes for how the Norse
folk felt and feel about marriage.
Gekka-o—Male—Far East
Japanese god of marriage who binds the feet of lovers to one another with
red silk, so they are forever attached.
Hera—Female—Mediterranean
Greek queen of the Olympians who was worshiped mainly as a goddess of
matrimony who brought good fortune and favor to marriages and childbirth.
Hulda—Female—Central Europe/Northern Europe
Elder German goddess who presides over and blesses marriages.
Hymen (Also known as Hymenaeus)—Male—Mediterranean
Greek god of marriages and the celebration of marriage.
Janus (Also known as Bifrons)—Male—Mediterranean
Roman god who is primarily cited as god of doorways and gates. As he is also
a god of matrimony, one sees a reference to the ancients recognizing mar-
riage as a rite of passage.
Juno—Male/Female—Mediterranean
Sometimes cited as aspects of the goddess Juno, other times as unique dei-
ties, the Juno are a variety of ancestral spirits which protect and guide a
woman through her life. On the issue of marriage these were Juno Pronuba
(brides and brides-to-be), and Juno Iugalis (married women, mothers, and
the Juno of marriage itself).
Mangar-kunjer-kunja—Male—Australia
Creator god of the Aranda who presides over the institution of marriage.
Musubi-no-Kami—Male—Far East
Japanese god of marriage and the courtship that leads to marriage, he is also
a god of love, but such references rarely appear except when in courtship or
the promise of courtship for marriage.
o WB Chap 07.p65 122 7/11/2003, 5:52 PM
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