Liber ab Clementia (Book of Humanity)^279
Ahriman—Male—Middle East/Mediterranean
(Also known as Angra Mainyu (‘fiendish spirit’),
Ako Mainyu)
Father: Zervan Akarana
Animal associations: Cat, Jackal, Wolf, Frog,
Iguana, Lizard, Salamander, Snake (serpent),
Toad
Note: Listed with masculine association due
to modern convention. The original early Per-
sian use of the word was feminine.
Perhaps the origin of the contemporary
Christian concept of Satan. Although the name
Satan most certainly comes from the earlier
word for antagonist, the concept of an all evil
antagonist to the Christian God did not come
into play until the Persians were invaded by
the Indo-Europeans. It is likely that the inva-
sion resulted in mingling of the lore behind the
antagonist and this entity, which was seen by
the early Persians as being the leader of evil
who is in opposition with Ormazd (good). It
was Ahriman who led Mashia and Mashiane
away from Ormazd, which is probably at least
a contributor to the better known story of
Adam and Eve.Ahsonnutli—Male/Female—North America
(Also known as the Turquoise Hermaphrodite)
Ahsonnutli is the Navajo creator of both
Heaven and Earth. One can easily see the con-
nection that can be made to the Nameless One
in the creation story given here. But there is
another important message given by
Ahsonnutli. Seen variously as hermaphrodite
and as bisexual, Ahsonnutli demonstrates yet
again that any modern Pagan religion should
welcome folk of all sexual preferences, as the
ancient Pagans certainly did.Ahti—See AhtoAhto—Male—Central Europe/North Europe
(Also known as Ahti)
Wife: Vellamo
Finnish god of the sea, the shore, and all
creatures which reside therein. He is also god
of physical strength who is prayed to for assis-
tance in overcoming attack, threat, or for ac-complishing a task which tests the limits of both
strength or endurance.Ahura Mazda—Male—Middle East
(Also known as Ormazd, Ohrmazd, Ormuzd)
Father: Zervan Akarana
Son: Atar
Animal association: Hawk
‘Lord Wisdom’—Persian personification of
good. He created the first man, Gayomart, who
died and from whose body came the first
Couple. Ahura Mazda was then God of the
first human couple; Mashia and Mashiane. In
opposition to Ahriman (evil).Aine—Female—Central Europe
(Also known as Aine of Knockaine)
Father: Eogabail
Animal association: Cattle, Horse
Irish moon goddess who watched over
crops and cattle as their caregivers slept. She
is often cited as a goddess of love and fertility,
sometimes as a fairy queen. Patron of farmers
and domesticated animals, especially cattle.Airmid—Female—Central Europe
(Also known as Airmeith)
Father: Dianchecht
Irish goddess of healing and health. Patron
of herbalists.Aizen Myoo—Male—Far East
(Also known as Aizen Myo’o)
Japanese Buddhist lion-headed god of love
who watches over humanity, offering help
when needed. Patron of all of humanity, but
particularly of prostitutes and musicians.Aji-Suki-Takahikone—Male—Far East
Father: O-Kuni-Nushi
Japanese god of storms, particularly thunder.Aker—Male—Africa
Animal association: Lion
An Egyptian personification of the Earth
and thus, god of the dead. Aker opens the gates
to the Underworld.z WB Chap 17.p65 279 7/11/2003, 6:04 PM